Might do my first solo in about 2 weeks. Questions.

[spleenstomper]

Do you ever get bored? Or depressed wishing loved ones would be there with you? 

The Alaska prices are so good that I might take advantage of the prices and do my first solo cruise. I have done solo trips before, with my longest a 14 day road trip from Louisiana to cape cod and back. I had an absolute blast by myself but I did get a bit bummed about not having anyone to oooh and aah with me for spectacular scenery.

 

Did you ever feel unsafe? I’m female and in my 50s and looking at HAL. 

[neeuqdrazil]

I'm in my mid-40s, and did a solo Alaska cruise on HAL earlier this year (April/May - the first HAL Alaska cruise of the season.) 

 

I never felt unsafe - the port stops are all VERY busy and well populated. 

 

I'm an introvert, so spending the sea days sitting and reading my book was fine for me, but I did find myself getting a bit bored, just because of the lack of interesting activities on board on the sea days (mostly shop and port talks, and casino events.) I've done two solo QM2 transatlantics, which are 6 full days at sea, and never found myself getting bored on those, in part because there was always something to do.

 

Check out the roll call for your trip - I met a few folks during the CC meetup on the first morning, and while we didn't spend the week together (see above re: introvert), we did see each other around the ship and say hi a number of times.  

[rkacruiser]

2 hours ago, spleenstomper said:

looking at HAL. 

 

I'm a long time solo HAL cruiser and I think you will be pleased if you choose to cruise with them.  The suggestion of signing up for your cruises Roll Call and attending the meeting aboard may help you identify others on the ship during your cruise to help make you feel a "connection:  Have I felt bored?  No!  Plus, on an Alaskan cruise, there is so much to "see" along with attending the onboard Alaska related programs that HAL provides.  

[spleenstomper]

Thanks to you both. My 25 year old son is thinking about if he wants to come but I did warn him there likely won’t be many people his age there. He is also wondering about if he wants to miss a saints game (season tickets). 
 

One friend told me she can’t and one more is considering it, so I’m waiting to see how this shakes out. Plus, I want the ok from my cardiologist (he was fine with me going to Seattle last week— I just got back! Lol. I had such FOMO with everyone talking about their Alaska cruise)

[Honolulu Blue]

17 hours ago, spleenstomper said:

Do you ever get bored? Or depressed wishing loved ones would be there with you? 

The Alaska prices are so good that I might take advantage of the prices and do my first solo cruise. I have done solo trips before, with my longest a 14 day road trip from Louisiana to cape cod and back. I had an absolute blast by myself but I did get a bit bummed about not having anyone to oooh and aah with me for spectacular scenery.

 

Did you ever feel unsafe? I’m female and in my 50s and looking at HAL. 

I've done nearly two dozen cruises, all solo, over the past 8 years.

 

To answer your questions:

 

• No, I never get bored on a cruise ship.  I hardly ever get bored IRL.  I find there's always something else to do or think about.
• No, I don't get depressed.  Having someone with me would be nice, but a) it's not likely to happen at this point in my life, and b) I'd have to deal with certain issues being with them for a week.  I sometimes send the people I care about back home lovely pictures, but mostly they're subtle needles ("I'm here and you're not!" 😁).
• No, I never feel unsafe on a cruise ship.  I'm a guy and I'm told that makes a lot of difference.  The times I've felt a little squeamish is when I've been traveling on a road somewhere in the Caribbean... up a hill... in the rain... in a vehicle that's seen better days... on a one-lane road... going at an impressive rate of speed... and there's another car coming... Needless to say, I've survived all those experiences, but sometimes I wonder how. Maybe someone is looking out for me. 😛

 

I'm sure you'll be fine.  Enjoy your trip.

[spleenstomper]

Thank you! To update, cardiologist said great, do it. My friend can’t go. My son doesn’t think he can go because he is working on a time sensitive training class, but he is going to try and let me know for sure this evening. 
 

 

[billslowsky]

On 8/31/2022 at 12:49 PM, spleenstomper said:

Do you ever get bored? Or depressed wishing loved ones would be there with you? 

Of course I have, it's a different environment and you're by yourself, like if you wake up during the night.  But I remind myself I want to be on the trip.

 

Never felt unsafe.

[rkacruiser]

5 hours ago, spleenstomper said:

but he is going to try and let me know for sure this evening. 

 

Particularly on an Alaskan cruise, there is likely to be some in his age range/generation.  The demographics and ages on HAL are much broader than what some believe.  

 

Since your Son has season tickets for the Saints, there is very probably going to be both college and NFL games being shown at the ship's sports bar.  Whether it would be a Saints game?  If so, it would be a coincidence.  

Edited September 1, 2022 by rkacruiser

[spleenstomper]

11 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Particularly on an Alaskan cruise, there is likely to be some in his age range/generation.  The demographics and ages on HAL are much broader than what some believe.  

 

Since your Son has season tickets for the Saints, there is very probably going to be both college and NFL games being shown at the ship's sports bar.  Whether it would be a Saints game?  If so, it would be a coincidence.  

Thanks, he took a pass on the cruise.  The saints game on the 18th is against Tampa Bay; he has never seen Tom Brady play so he wants to go heckle the team etc. 

 

It’s fine. I love my son and would have enjoyed him but he is a tad neurotic so it will be more relaxing for me to only have to deal with my own neuroses lol.

 

It’s official! I’m solo! I’m working on my airfare now. 

Edited September 1, 2022 by spleenstomper

[chefchick]

It’s official! I’m solo! I’m working on my airfare now. 

 

I have been cruising solo for about 6 years now and I love it!  Alaska is lovely and HAL has been cruising there longer than any other line so I think you picked a good one.  
 

if you are concerned about boredom or loneliness, plan ahead.  Join the roll call or a FB group.  Bring along that book or project you’ve been meaning to finish or just be open to trying new things.  I have never felt unsafe on a cruise ship but I also use common sense.  Get to know the crew and they will look out for you…don’t over drink or leave your drinks unattended and if for any reason you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to talk to the staff…they take security very seriously.  In my opinion, a cruise is one of the safer vacations a solo woman can take.  Have a wonderful time!

[spleenstomper]

13 hours ago, chefchick said:

It’s official! I’m solo! I’m working on my airfare now. 

 

I have been cruising solo for about 6 years now and I love it!  Alaska is lovely and HAL has been cruising there longer than any other line so I think you picked a good one.  
 

if you are concerned about boredom or loneliness, plan ahead.  Join the roll call or a FB group.  Bring along that book or project you’ve been meaning to finish or just be open to trying new things.  I have never felt unsafe on a cruise ship but I also use common sense.  Get to know the crew and they will look out for you…don’t over drink or leave your drinks unattended and if for any reason you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to talk to the staff…they take security very seriously.  In my opinion, a cruise is one of the safer vacations a solo woman can take.  Have a wonderful time!

I guess it’s lucky that I really don’t drink (I’m not opposed to it— it provokes a restless arms and legs cluster), so I don’t have to worry about assorted issues with that. Yes, I agree— situational awareness is key! 

[cruiseelady]

No, I don't ever get bored or depressed, might be becuase I enjoy my own company and enjoy my me time.  

[calliopecruiser]

No, and no.  One of the things I love about cruising is that I become very calm as well as relaxed, so I'm not always looking for something to do or someone to talk with.  I don't suffer from FOMO generally, and that's especially true while cruising.   My days of wishing a loved one was there to share something with passed over 25 years ago, when I finally accepted that I wasn't going to have a loved one to share my adventures through life, so I better just go and enjoy my adventures. 

[amyemilia]

My first solo cruise (after my husband passed away in 2020) was in 2021 with Royal Caribbean, to Alaska. I had a great time, although I did feel just a bit lost and teary at the first dinner in the MDR.  That empty plate across from me was a heartbreaker. So I cried a little, and then the server brought my Prosecco, and I toasted my dear departed. This is life and I'm lucky to be here to enjoy it.  I found it was a good idea to bring a book, even if you don't end up reading it.  That will serve as a placeholder when you need to step away from your chair/table for some reason.  I signed up for a photo package since I had no one that I could reliably give my camera to.  Ship photographers were everywhere on the Alaska cruise and I'm glad I spent that money.  I did not feel bored, but then I almost never do anyway.  Good luck and enjoy! Alaska is so much more beautiful than I expected - definitely worth a second trip!

[LandlockedCruiser01]

I cruised solo 3 times already.  I never felt unsafe, and felt lonely only briefly during specific times.

 

People after mid 20's age usually nonjudgemental, and simply won't care that you're cruising alone.  Every time I cruised, I got adopted by friendly non-solos, and had the time of my life with them.

[caryn]

I'm almost 50 and did my first solo cruise this past June. I loved it and am doing another in a few weeks. I never felt unsafe. I don't get bored easily in just a week and made friends on the cruise who I could join for trivia or a drink. I'm ok with approaching people to see if i can join their team. If you feel comfortable with that, i think you can definitely find enough to do. Some invited me to join them for dinner but I chose to eat by myself for the wind down after touring all day. Also didn't want to be on someone else's schedule.

I do Instagram stories so the feedback helps me feel like I'm sharing the views with others. I don't do it for this but realized that my friends commenting on gorgeous views probably helps me feel like I'm still sharing the experience. 

I would to try it. If you hate it, just don't do it again. If you like time on your own and are considering it, give it a chance. 

[spleenstomper]

I will talk to the wall even if it doesn’t talk back, lol, so yes, I am assuming I will be adopted by some people. So far on the roll call ( cruise leaves a week from tomorrow! I’m flying out on Friday!) there are a few other solos, so I think it’s going to be great and I’m really looking forward to this! 
 

I also want to do the Bermuda cruise, and DH wants no part of that one either. 

[Lois R]

I am a long time solo cruiser, going on 20 years of it. I am in my mid 60s and it is the way I choose to sail and besides that fact, I really don't have anyone to go with and staying home is not an option for me. I am a cruiser😃.......As to your questions, do I get bored? Nope, Do I feel unsafe? Nope. Do I get depressed and miss loved ones? Nope. I am probably more content on a cruise ship than I am at home.

Not sure about anyone else but some of us (me) have never had loved ones to sail with anyway. My family is VERY small.......I have no kids and no "partner".  My immediate family? That would be 2 sisters and both live in other countries.

 

We all have different lives and lifestyles........I LOVE TO CRUISE😀just returned from my 5th time to Alaska and leaving again next month for a New England itinerary!😃

[spleenstomper]

4 hours ago, Lois R said:

I am a long time solo cruiser, going on 20 years of it. I am in my mid 60s and it is the way I choose to sail and besides that fact, I really don't have anyone to go with and staying home is not an option for me. I am a cruiser😃.......As to your questions, do I get bored? Nope, Do I feel unsafe? Nope. Do I get depressed and miss loved ones? Nope. I am probably more content on a cruise ship than I am at home.

Not sure about anyone else but some of us (me) have never had loved ones to sail with anyway. My family is VERY small.......I have no kids and no "partner".  My immediate family? That would be 2 sisters and both live in other countries.

 

We all have different lives and lifestyles........I LOVE TO CRUISE😀just returned from my 5th time to Alaska and leaving again next month for a New England itinerary!😃

Oooh, the New England itinerary is the next one on my list I think. 
 

I’m an empty nester now and my husband is a work a holic who is never comfortable with taking even 7 day vacations, though he begrudgingly took a few when the kids were younger.  Naturally all of their fun memories are from those vacations. 
 

It kills him to do a 5 day, whereas I like to go 9-14 days. He hates the beach, and I must be near sand and water. I had an absolute blast with myself last year on my driving journey. I guess we are in this phase of life— he can work during what he considers to be his most productive years at the pinnacle of his career and I’ll travel.

 

 

Thanks, everyone, I have enjoyed the conversation. 

[Cruise Kay]

I cruise solo as well (age 54) and I love it. Do I get bored? Never. In fact when I first begin cruising solo I had to go through a learning curve for myself. I love to be active and do all the activities on a ship and on my first solo cruise with no one to hold me back, I found myself running here and there trying to do it all. I ended up exhausted and not enjoying the things I was doing. I had to take a step back and reimagine my vacation. I get to just take it day by day and really embrace the freedom of being able to do what I want moment to moment. If I want to sleep in or order room service or skip lunch or see a show two times or leave a show early, all of those things are just fine. I can lay in my room all afternoon reading a book or fall asleep by the pool without disappointing anyone or asking anyone what they want to do. Once I got my head around that, my vacations became extremely pleasant. The same goes for sightseeing. I don’t have to hope that my travel partner has the same energy level as me or minds leaving port early if I’m tired. Yes, it’s nice to share the beautiful scenery with someone like-minded, but you could also end up sharing the scenery with someone who really isn’t impressed and wants to complain about things the whole cruise. Enjoy the freedom of not having to deal with any of THAT. 

There is much to see and do in Alaska just walking around off the ship, and Alaska is also good about offering large group tours on buses or whale watching boats. I would feel safe on any of those. As far as safety in general, plain old common sense applies. Don’t be wandering the ship deck by yourself at 2 AM. Maybe don’t go to the bars and drink too much until the wee hours of the morning and then stumble back to your room. That sort of thing. I feel safer traveling alone on a cruise ship than I do anywhere else, particularly hotels. Enjoy! 

Edited September 4, 2022 by Cruise Kay

[spleenstomper]

Thanks again! I’m back and I had a great time, highly recommend and will do again! There were many solos on the cruise and I would see them everywhere (benefits of a smaller ship). We ate together at the solo lunch and then hung around for other meals etc. I also did plenty by myself. I can wait for the next one. 

Edited September 24, 2022 by spleenstomper

[shadow 123]

On 8/31/2022 at 3:05 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

I'm a long time solo HAL cruiser and I think you will be pleased if you choose to cruise with them.  The suggestion of signing up for your cruises Roll Call and attending the meeting aboard may help you identify others on the ship during your cruise to help make you feel a "connection:  Have I felt bored?  No!  Plus, on an Alaskan cruise, there is so much to "see" along with attending the onboard Alaska related programs that HAL provides.  

I love traveling holland America and have done it several times solo. I've taken other cruise lines and I have not enjoyed them as much. They really is a difference.

[cruisemom42]

On 8/31/2022 at 12:49 PM, spleenstomper said:

Do you ever get bored? Or depressed wishing loved ones would be there with you? 

The Alaska prices are so good that I might take advantage of the prices and do my first solo cruise. I have done solo trips before, with my longest a 14 day road trip from Louisiana to cape cod and back. I had an absolute blast by myself but I did get a bit bummed about not having anyone to oooh and aah with me for spectacular scenery.

 

Did you ever feel unsafe? I’m female and in my 50s and looking at HAL. 

 

HAL in general does a fine job with solo cruisers, but I've also felt comfortable on other lines. 

 

I've traveled solo for a long time, for work and for pleasure and generally do not feel either bored or depressed.  In fact, I'll let you in on a secret. I actually enjoy traveling solo more than with others. I have very specific interests and while I've traveled with others willing to indulge me, there is always a trade-off between what I might want to do in a place versus what other family or friends are interested in.  Of course, there are other nice things about traveling with others, but overall, I am quite happy traveling alone!

 

I've never felt unsafe being solo on a cruise. Or when traveling on land, for that matter. I try to avoid taking any stupid risks but am not afraid to venture out on my own.

[shadow 123]

On 9/3/2022 at 10:05 PM, Cruise Kay said:

I cruise solo as well (age 54) and I love it. Do I get bored? Never. In fact when I first begin cruising solo I had to go through a learning curve for myself. I love to be active and do all the activities on a ship and on my first solo cruise with no one to hold me back, I found myself running here and there trying to do it all. I ended up exhausted and not enjoying the things I was doing. I had to take a step back and reimagine my vacation. I get to just take it day by day and really embrace the freedom of being able to do what I want moment to moment. If I want to sleep in or order room service or skip lunch or see a show two times or leave a show early, all of those things are just fine. I can lay in my room all afternoon reading a book or fall asleep by the pool without disappointing anyone or asking anyone what they want to do. Once I got my head around that, my vacations became extremely pleasant. The same goes for sightseeing. I don’t have to hope that my travel partner has the same energy level as me or minds leaving port early if I’m tired. Yes, it’s nice to share the beautiful scenery with someone like-minded, but you could also end up sharing the scenery with someone who really isn’t impressed and wants to complain about things the whole cruise. Enjoy the freedom of not having to deal with any of THAT. 

There is much to see and do in Alaska just walking around off the ship, and Alaska is also good about offering large group tours on buses or whale watching boats. I would feel safe on any of those. As far as safety in general, plain old common sense applies. Don’t be wandering the ship deck by yourself at 2 AM. Maybe don’t go to the bars and drink too much until the wee hours of the morning and then stumble back to your room. That sort of thing. I feel safer traveling alone on a cruise ship than I do anywhere else, particularly hotels. Enjoy! 

Well said. I agree wholeheartedly And I'm 74.

[KKB]

On 8/31/2022 at 11:49 AM, spleenstomper said:

Do you ever get bored? Or depressed wishing loved ones would be there with you? 

The Alaska prices are so good that I might take advantage of the prices and do my first solo cruise. I have done solo trips before, with my longest a 14 day road trip from Louisiana to cape cod and back. I had an absolute blast by myself but I did get a bit bummed about not having anyone to oooh and aah with me for spectacular scenery.

 

Did you ever feel unsafe? I’m female and in my 50s and looking at HAL. 

I also am a female in my 50s--solo but not single.

I had done Vegas several times over the years solo & had a blast.

I did my first solo cruise in July...then 2 more weeks in August...now I have 2 weeks booked in Feb & 3 weeks in May! (DH does a guys golf trip in Feb & I have to minimize our travel during regular golf season...so if I can't find a friend to go along, solo it is! I am newly retired & none of my friends are not)

 

I had a blast every time! I did notice that after a week I need a "quiet" day to remove myself from noise & crowds--read or watch movies in room, balcony or quiet corner of the ship. 

The 2 week cruise I took was the same itinerary 2 weeks in a row & I think that isn't ideal; I would prefer more variation of ports.