Single Cruise Passengers on HAL

[DesertDiva]

I know that there is a specific area for singles, but I want to know your experience on HAL. I know there is a different viewpoint from men and women - but I want to hear them all!

 

I should say that I'm not going on a cruise to meet someone, but sometimes it feels a little awkward to be on my own. When I traveled over New Year's it was very "coupled." I understand that because it was the holiday season.

 

Do you all go to the dining room, or forgo the expeience and have a quick meal in the Lido and/or order room service. Do folks book tours and go on their own, or try to meet like minded individuals to share the experience?

 

I'm quite independent, but feel a little like a "fish out of water" on a cruise ship on my own. I attended a little "singles" get together onboard which I considered a disaster. There were a couple of women who talked about getting an opportunity to dance with the "dance host," and a man who I questioned his mental stability. (The "token" male seemed disoriented, couldn't decide what to order for his complimentary drink, and muttered to himself. I later saw him in the casino feeding nickels into a slot machine and "talking" to the machine.

 

I did meet a group from Cruise Critics that I had dinner with each evening. In one of the ports, I stopped in a little bar for a beer and met two couples that I chatted with. They later asked me to meet them for wine and cheese one evening on the ship. That was nice.

 

Most of the time, it feels fine. However, sometimes it feels a "little lonely" to see couples together, etc...

 

Am I alone in this feeling?

[grannynurse]

First of all, I applaud you for your courage. I often wonder if I would travel alone. Many of my friends do and I'd like to know what they have that I don't.

 

I'm like being alone and enjoy the solitude, but traveling is an adventure and I'd like to share it with someone.

 

I'm sure it does get lonely at times but I think the drive to go and do has to win out over the apprehension. Apparently it does for you and that's so great.

 

I can't answer your question but I wanted to share my thoughts on the subject.

 

I'm sure that many of our solo traveler friends will add their experiences.

GN

[Roz]

Desert Diva,

 

Have done 3 HAL cruise on my own. I always eat in the dining room, the main reason being I like to be waited on and that's part of what I'm paying for. I also enjoy dressing up. From a social standpoint, that's one of the ways I meet people, whether singles or couples.

 

I book the ship's excursions for safey reasons; also I can't count on meeting someone(s) to share an excursion with.

 

I try to meet people with compatible interests, rather than focusing on whether they're single, solo, or married.

 

If I ever do a New Year's cruise, it would probably only be with a single's group, because holidays tend to be geared to couples and families and I wouldn't want to feel out of place. I don't want to end up with someone like the man you described kissing me under the mistletoe!

 

Roz

[JJPacer]

Couples should go out of their way to make singles feel welcome and part of the group. On our upcoming cruise, there is one single lady, that I know of, and we already have a CC group together. She is going on some excurisions with the CC group. I find people you meet on a cruise fascintating. You will have a great time.

[VernaF7449]

HI Cheryl - I am the "single lady" mentioned in the above post going on the Volendam in March. This will be my first cruise going totally "solo" with no group or friends. Since I have been on the CC roll call I have already met a lot of great people.

 

I have taken plenty of "land" vacations solo and I know I can be alone when I want and meet people when I want. I am not looking to "hook up" with anyone (though that would be nice) and am open to meeting and spending time with couples and other singles.

 

On my last cruise over new Years's with a large group, I spend time with couples and singles, incuding people not with my group. These were people I met at the bar, on excursions, the hot tub, at meals, all over! Yes, New Year's eve was a little lonely without a date, but I still had fun.

 

I'm curious about my tablemates for dinner - if it is totally horrible I will change tables. I do like the dress-up. I also plan on going to the Pinnacle at least once -by myself or see who I can invite.

 

I'll have more to share in early April when I get back.

[LoveLifeAtSea]

Hi Cheryl!

 

I feel your apprehension! I have been single for the past 5 years, but cruised for many years when I was married. The difference is, I fell in love with cruising when I was a single, young 20 year old. I actually had to convince my husband to give cruising a chance, which he eventually did and loved as much as I did!

 

Over the past 6+ years I have traveled almost exclusively with Holland America Line. So, obviously, as a single, that has been my cruiseline of choice. I have enjoyed this line tremendously! Both, as half of a couple and also as a single lady.

 

Don't penalize yourself for being single!! I have cruised solo about 4-5 times and always dine in the dining room. Only once was it a completely boring time for me! I should have requested a change, but didnt' bother! All other experiences were so much fun! Great friends can be found around the table!

 

Regarding the awkwardness, my biggest problem that I try to overcome, is sitting in a lounge, having a drink by myself because I hate the appearance that I'm 'looking for someone'!. Other than that, I have absolutely no problems. I enjoy laying out by the pool and being alone is not a problem for me. Many times I will find myself having fun and interesting conversations with other people. Also, I don't normally book organized excursions, but the few that I have, have always led me to meet other people of interest!

 

Since my divorce, I have traveled with other family, with other friends, and solo. Solo can be very invigorating because people are not afraid to talk to you. I find traveling alone ALLOWS people to approach you. When traveling with companions of any kind, sometimes other cruisers tend to respect 'territory'. However, when traveling alone, the concept itself strikes up a conversation all it's own.

 

If you are outgoing enough and like meeting people, you should be fine, especially on a HAL ship!

 

If you care to contact me directly, please feel free to e-mail me at the address below.

[Deb C.]

I agree with many of the comments already made in this thread.

 

Many of my last 20 or so cruises have been as a solo. I really love to have a cabin to myself;do what I want to do,when I want to do it; do excursions only IF I want to do them, etc.

 

My last cruise on HAL, I had a table with ALL singles (7 of us). How that happened, I don't know. Our dining experience was great! I love trivia and went to almost all of the trivia contests. A guy at our table also enjoyed trivia and we were on the same team lots of the time.

 

So get involved with activities you like, you'll meet a few there you might like to hang around with. I don't need someone to hang around with....I'd prefer just to run into them and not feel obligated to plan activities together.

 

Being retired now, I enjoy the company of "older" pax. They sure have a lot of experiences to share. After all we have cruising in common!!:D

 

I think cruising is an easy way for us singles to travel--everything is taken care of for us. No clumsy solo dining (unless you want it)etc.

 

There have been a couple locations (ports) where it didn't appear to be safe walking around by myself (warnings from cruiseline,etc.). So I either went with a ship's planned excursion or stayed onboard.

 

Conversing with the Roll Call Forum prior to the cruise sailing is also another way to run into familiar pax onboard. The CC parties can also gain some familiar faces for you to run into onboard also. But also as a solo pax. if I run into someone that I don't particularly get along with (complainers, etc.), I don't feel obligated to sit with them ,etc.

 

I guess you just have to know yourself and decide if you can handle the fantastic times you can have traveling solo!!:D

 

Happy cruising!!:cool: Deb C.

[kryos]

With the exception of my very first cruise where I was part of a group attending a writer's conference onboard, I have done all of my cruises as a single. While the first time I was a bit apprehensive, quickly I realized that cruise vacations are perfect for the single traveler.

 

I always eat in the dining room ... unless maybe it is formal night and I don't care to play dress up. Then I'll run up to the Lido for a bite. I like eating with others, and that's why I enjoy the dining room. If I eat in the Lido ... breakfast or dinner ... I won't hesitate to ask someone if they'd mind if I joined their table. Unless I am in a hurry ... having a quick breakfast before a shore excursion ... I hate to eat alone. I find that on a cruise, most people are more than happy to have you join their table ... and great conversations get struck up as a result.

 

I am a smoker, and I even use this "nasty" habit as a way to meet new people. As I wander onto the back deck looking for a table with one of those nice blue ashtrays, I'll invariably settle in on a table that already has a couple of smokers sitting at it. "Mind if I share your ashtray?" is all it takes to meet even more people.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have a circle of friends here at home who likes to cruise. Several of my friends are married and usually vacation at the various homes of their children scattered about the country. Another of my friends is of very limited means ... and if she gets down to the Jersey shore once a year, that's a lot. She also will not fly and does not like to travel too far from home due to health reasons. My family has no interest in cruising, nor do most of them have the means to do so as they are raising kids and whatnot. Therefore, I learned way back when I started cruising that if I wanted to take these trips, I'd have to do it alone. If I waited for someone to join me, then I'd probably be waiting until I dropped dead. So, I bit the bullet and took that first solo cruise. Now, I can't get enough of it.

 

So, don't feel out of place. Go and have fun. Believe me, if you are friendly and just a bit outgoing ... not hesitant to strike up a conversation with people ... you will meet loads of people on the boat and will have the time of your life.

 

Bank on it.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[GTVCRUISER]

I sailed on the Oosterdam Jan. 21 , 2006 , this was my first solo cruise, I had a great time, and I will do it again.

[FlorenceItaly]

My very first solo cruise was in 2004. It was also my very first cruise with HAL. I went knowing no one. It sailed on the Maasdam, r/t Boston, Canada/NE route. I enjoyed it so much, I came home and booked ANOTHER SOLO on HAL to Alaska for just a few months later. Again, I knew no one.

On both cruises I was seated with other solo cruisers in the dining room. I think HAL does make an attempt to do this. I also attended some of the solo functions. I am very outgoing and never hesitate to strike up a conversation with others. This helps a great deal. Also, before dinner each evening I would go to one of the lounges and sit at the bar and have appetizers and converse with the bartenders and other patrons :). On the Maasdam I took all HAL excursions. On the Alaska cruise(Veendam) I arranged them all independently. That same year, I also took a Celebrity cruise, sailing solo, but the Roll Call was very active with other solo cruisers, and also someone I knew from town here.

 

I have cruised with my husband, friends/family, and with the exception of my husband PREFER to sail solo. It's so much easier in alot of respects. Although I will say, my dh and I cruised with very dear friends in December, and had an awesome time. When my dh can not accompany me, I DO pefer solo cruising. It's nice not to have to worry about someone else being happy, you know?

 

What was your experience over NY's. I would love to hear more. I look forward to meeting you on the Oosterdam :).

 

Marie

[FlorenceItaly]

I know I am not single, but I hope you do not mind me posting to the thread since I have done some solo cruising, and will continue :).

 

Marie

[longtimecruiser]

I plan on doing a lot of solo cruising in the future. I would not hesitate at all. It is the best way for the single woman to travel.

[SueSea]

I've traveled solo, too. I've always been seated at a table with other single travelers, except once. On one cruise, I went to the dining room the first night to find myself seated at a table for eight. There were 3 couples and one empty chair. Of the three couples, 2 were early twenties and newlyweds and the other was in their late twenties. (I was in my early forties.) My first thought was this would be A-W-K-W-A-R-D! But as we talked as the night went on, we found we all got along well. I enjoyed hearing about the newlyweds' weddings. And none of the others at my table had cruised before, so they enjoyed hearing about my past cruises. The men LOVED me when I informed them that they could order two entrees if they wanted to! On the second night, the empty-seater showed up, a single, young man who kept to himself for the most part.

 

I really looked forward to meeting up with the couples at dinner. I was even included in a post-dinner cocktail party on the balcony of one of the couple's cabins. It was terrific to find that a situation I thought would be less than ideal actually turned out great!

[DesertDiva]

Hi Marie,

 

I know exactly what you mean about not having to worry about someone else being happy - it's somewhat ironic that my very first cruise (on the Diamond Princess) was with someone I was in a LTR. It was a disaster. (I basically found out his "true colors," and that was that!) I was determined to have a "good cruise" and am happy to say that I've "caught the bug!":)

 

I actually had fun over New Year's, but as you know holidays are somewhat geared toward couples - especially New Year's. I did connect with a nice group from Cruise Critics and met some nice folks. It's funny, but one of the most relaxing afternoons I spent on the cruise was playing Skip-Bo with some of them by the pool.

 

Cruising over Spring Break and not over the holidays will probably be better and I think I'll feel more at ease as a single.

 

I feel I'm somewhat outgoing, but at the same time don't want to infringe upon anyone's space. I found the easiest place to "strike up a conversation was at the "Olive Pit" bar! ;)

 

It's really funny, because during the summer I travel in my little Toyota Sunrader (1988 - 18 feet) all over the United States. Last summer I took two months and drove up the California and Oregon coast with my terrier-mix Cali. I never feel "lonely" and have had wonderful conversations in coffee shops while going online with my laptop. (I especially remember a theology conversation I had in Coos Bay with a minister in a Christian coffee shop.)

 

Exploring the world as a single is always a little unnerving for me. However, the potenial reward always makes the experience worthwhile. I realize that I'm "somewhat of a loner," but I just don't want to stick out in a crowd.

 

I'm looking forward to meeting you (and your sister) along with other Cruise Critics on the Oosterdam in less than a month!

 

I DO pefer solo cruising. It's nice not to have to worry about someone else being happy, you know?

 

What was your experience over NY's. I would love to hear more. I look forward to meeting you on the Oosterdam :).

 

Marie

[DesertDiva]

Gee, I guess it IS true that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach! :D

 

The men LOVED me when I informed them that they could order two entrees if they wanted to!

[DesertDiva]

No, of course not! I appreciate your insight!

 

I know I am not single, but I hope you do not mind me posting to the thread since I have done some solo cruising, and will continue :).

 

Marie

[DesertDiva]

You "hit the nail on the head!" That is EXACTLY my situation. Some people are amazed that I travel alone - and on a cruise nonetheless. Since I feel that we only have one chance for our "earthly life," I have to make my own happiness. Thank you for affirming that fact!

 

Unfortunately, I don't have a circle of friends here at home who likes to cruise. Several of my friends are married and usually vacation at the various homes of their children scattered about the country. Another of my friends is of very limited means ... and if she gets down to the Jersey shore once a year, that's a lot.

 

Therefore, I learned way back when I started cruising that if I wanted to take these trips, I'd have to do it alone. So, I bit the bullet and took that first solo cruise. Now, I can't get enough of it.--rita

[DesertDiva]

Bingo! I just want to be social, enjoy my drink, and would welcome some nice light conversation. I'm not looking for my "knight in shining armor," and have no expectations. I just want to enjoy the moment.

 

Regarding the awkwardness, my biggest problem that I try to overcome, is sitting in a lounge, having a drink by myself because I hate the appearance that I'm 'looking for someone'!

[DesertDiva]

Thank you, but I don't know if it's courage. It's more like the lure of the pied piper calling me out to the sea!:o

 

First of all, I applaud you for your courage. I often wonder if I would travel alone.

[kryos]

You "hit the nail on the head!" That is EXACTLY my situation. Some people are amazed that I travel alone - and on a cruise nonetheless. Since I feel that we only have one chance for our "earthly life," I have to make my own happiness. Thank you for affirming that fact!

I remember when I was younger. I never was a social butterfly, but I always had a good career ... and thus the money to do things. I could never find anyone to take trips with me either because they were married and just starting out ... with money being tight ... or if they did have the money to do things, then their idea of fun was a lot different than mine. Either way, I had a hard time finding traveling companions and thus didn't travel very often. My mother (God rest her soul) always told me ... "go by yourself ... you'll meet others in exactly your situation." ... But I never did. Call it fear or shyness ... whatever. As a result, I missed out on a lot ... and that's one of the few regrets in my life.

 

Sadly, I didn't discover cruising until a year or so after mom's death. Now my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner ... didn't take her advice and just go alone. She was right. I've yet to have a bad cruise and I've always met tons of people onboard ... some of whom I still email and talk on the phone with today. In fact, I'm planning additional cruises with some of them.

 

I only wish I could do more of the "extended voyages" ... like the one I did on the Amsterdam last month. Those are absolutely the best because they are loaded with single and solo travelers. Because the voyage is longer, people are more relaxed and more prone to want to meet others and get to know them.

 

Hopefully, I'll have many, many more years of cruising in my future ... and many more friendships to be formed. Maybe one day we'll find ourselves meeting up at sea as well. I'd enjoy that.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[Karen112999]

Don't give a second thought to traveling solo. Out of 9 cruises total, 5 have been solo, knowing absolutely no one. HAL is great because they did sit you at a table of "singles". However, I have had nothing but pleasant experience even sitting with all couples. In fact, my last solo cruise, had to be the best experience ever, and I was with 4 couples.

 

As for excursions, I do the same. Use the ships excursions with the exception of a few ports I feel comfortable enough to take a solo taxi.

 

I have found all my fellow cruisers to be warm and inviting whether they are singles or couples.

 

It took me a few cruises to feel really comfortable - (the first I ate at the buffet every night (NCL) and I actually found that more difficult than dining with the same people every night.

 

And nothing beats being able to do whatever you want, when you want to without a concern for anyones else's opinion.

 

You will do great... enjoy ... you may become addicted like me. Every day of my vacation time from work - I am cruising - next one 3/15/06 on the Noordam.

 

Karen