Thank You

[Pemcorgimum]

Hello and thanks too for starting this forum.

 

Off on my first solo cruise next week- Transatlantic on the Legend of the Seas. Have cruised three times before and have a back to back scheduled for the Summer but those have been with family and/ or with my American niece. As she has started a new job in Brooklyn she cannot get more vacation this year than the two weeks she needs for our backtoback.

 

Looking forward to reading, relaxing, going to the casino and generally chilling. As Roz said we have a roll call going and feel I 'know' a lot of people already.

 

Laura

[wildgirljen68]

I have traveled solo and with a singles group.I just got off one on sunday.When I traveled solo it was alot harder to meet other singles then going on a cruise with a singles group.when i cruised solo I didn't find that many singles at all so I was a little bit lonely being by myself all the time.going with a singles group You'll know there will be alot of singles. When I cruised solo i didn't find many cruiers in my age range most were alot older then me but going with a singles group it's all ages.Noone cares what what your wearing and what you look like on a singles cruise but cruising solo they do.Not everyone goes on a singles cruise to hook up and most people don't worry about it, also very small group party's to they drop.I have had a much better time cruising with a group then solo.Dont rule out going with a singles group if you've never been on one they are alot of fun.

Jen/ct

[starshine]

thanks Jen,

 

That's good to know. I guess from the tone of the posts in singles forum on this website and other cruise sites, I got the idea single cruise = party cruise. When you go on a singles group cruise, do you feel compelled to hang out with the group the whole time? Or do you go off by yourself some of the time?

 

starshine

[libracon]

Hi all.

I know that I am not alone in traveling alone, but this will be my first BIG trip anywhere without someone with me or family at the other end. I have traveled all over the U.S. And I am very thankful to my Mom for it. But I want to broaden my horizons. I always get the "i'd love to go,but" lines and have given up on waiting. All my friends think I'm crazy to go solo. I am sure I'm going to have a blast. Yeah there is still that little doupt. I have nine months to wait and everyday I get closer. I am so excited I am SURE this will not be the only cruise I ever do. And maybe I'll decide solo is the only way. Hold your breath and jump in, life is to short.:)

[wildgirljen68]

You can do what you want if want to hang out with the group or if you want to do your own thing.

Jen/ct

[c_dog]

when i first started cruising in the '70s, i was young and adventerous and did alot of traveling solo---even worked in saudi arabia for 2+ years. now i am an old biddy and after a 20 yr hiatus (long story) wish to cruise again. have just about "tapped" out my girls (4) with crusing so now i have been debating about soloing---or just staying home. after reading this thread i have decided to again travel solo. it's all about the cruise for me now so aside for those few alone hours (dancing,etc---I can still remember the fun discos) it should be good--especially with the ubiquous book along. thanks again.:)

by the way, i'm new to this forum so how do i enter my past cruise hx.?:confused:

[1jazzylady]

:o I am a frequent solo cruiser and traveler to NYC, Vegas, NO and other places by myself. I always want my own room. Flew to Rome last year for a transatlantic coming back on The Galaxy on X. Went 4 days early and saw the sights in Rome and with some cc's we rented a bus to get to the ship. Met some nice people onboard.

My first arkward dinner was at a large table on The Horizon repositional in 2004 I had requested a large table with other solos. Ended up with large table with one couple and a man who was cruising solo. He didn't talk much. It was pretty arkward. Especially the day the couple didn't show up. I was then able to transfer to a large table on cruise critic folks. Another time I was at a table with 4 couples. Everyone was polite and conversation didn't lag. We all talked about what we did that day.:)

I know other solos who eat all their meals at the buffet or get room service in the evening. I haven't resorted to this. They say they don't want to dress or have forced chats. I like dressing up for dinner.

There are options such as seeing if other solos are on cc and linking your bookings to sit at the same table. I wouldn't let arkwardness stop me from cruising solo. I am cruising 9/15/06 on GOS on RCl. Looking forward to that trip and hopefully another prior to the end of year. Looking to see abouta cruise departing Barcelona and going to end in Florida.In October or November if the rates come down. My goal one year is to be a sea for both Christmas and New Years. But seems like the rates go up instead of coming down.

[CaWino]

I'm a 50 year old guy who is stepping out and trying to see and do all those things that you just seem to busy to do. I got to the point where it is time to smell the roses. I think the Solo's message board is great because we all seem to have the same apprehensions....mostly about dinner time. I have been on a 4 day cruise with my Ex....decades ago...lol...and within the last 2 years a over 40's singles cruise and a Mexican Riviera cruise with a group of friends. I went solo on the singles cruise and shared a cabin on the group cruise and have to say, while I had no issues with my cabinmate, I prefer a solo cabin. As has been stated in this thread, you can just do what you want...go to bed or get up whenever, watch TV whenever you want...etc.

I am going solo on a Bermuda cruise this October and hoping I can find some compatible dining companions but want to be on my own the rest of the time.

Thanks for all of your shared experiences and advise.

[kitty9]

Like everyone here, I love solo cruising. As a woman, I find cruises to be the safest way to travel. While I have done a couple of land vacations as a solo, one being a long 30 day trip in Asia, for me, cruising is the only way to go, now that I've reached that lovely age of 50. Do what you want, at the time you want and have no worries. On my last cruise on Crystal, I learned to play piano and took Spanish lessons. I'm not sure you can do things like that when you're traveling with others. I also like having my own cabin. Yes, I'm one of those who's set in her ways, and my "ways" might not jive with a cabinmate. Even though those single supplements are a pain, it's worth the cost. I just wish all cruise lines would wake up and realize that the solo market is a huge demographic, that those of us solos who are a little older have nice discretionary income, and we really want to cruise. How about marketing to us, once in a while?

[LunaTEKKE]

I know I can always change tables or just abandon the dining room for meals, but I figure I may still have to put up with one uncomfortable meal. I know this is an irrational fear and am trying to put it in perspective. (Act like Queen Latifah's character in "Last Holiday")

 

 

After reading this post, I went out and rented the movie. Even though it's not about cruising, this is a very empowering and inspirational film for anyone travelling solo!

 

Note to self: check latest retirement fund statement and possibly upgrade cabin for upcoming Hawaii cruise. :D

[Rosie94506]

I just wish all cruise lines would wake up and realize that the solo market is a huge demographic, that those of us solos who are a little older have nice discretionary income, and we really want to cruise. How about marketing to us, once in a while?

 

 

I could not agree with you more Darcie! Us working stiffs with decent salaries who travel solo should not have to scour the ends of the earth to find deals that don't gouge us so much it hurts! I'm happy to vacation in the off season for families as well.

 

Cindy

[gxchan]

I wanted to add my thanks for this board. I've traveled on my own my entire adult life, with a few exceptions, but took my first cruise last summer. It was great and I'm totally sold on cruising; my reasons for loving solo cruising are the same as many of you. One of the things I love the most about this board is there are particular issues that arise when solo cruising and I have found the answers (how to handle your luggage, avoiding the dreaded single supplement, among others, for example) on this board. What I also appreciate is that for the most part we all seem to be at a point in our lives where relaxation, privacy and interesting ports of call appear more important than party to you drop. I had always thought cruising was an either (relaxation, etc.) or (party to you drop) situation.

 

Thanks to all who take the time to share their experiences, information and good will.

[KAW]

It is nice to have a forum for solo cruisers as opposed to "single cruisers". Lots of solo cruisers are happily married but both parties cannot travel at the same time so one of them gets some R&R while the other takes care of other commitments.

 

This will be a nice new forum.

 

This is so true, I have become addicted to cruising as I can do as I please and not have my family to worry about.

I love coming back refreshed and ready to take on work, family and other committments with renewed vigor.

 

I often have friends say they want to cruise with me but I find myself making it difficult for them to schedule it . I guess I just enjoy the time alone. My bad.

 

In regard to the dinner companions and other activities:

 

Dinner was only once an uncomfortable issue, I chickened out and did not transfer tables when I was not enjoying myself. ( shame on me, I will not suffer again)

 

I also balance the relax and party animal sides of myself.

I party late, drink as I may not normally, but not all the time. If I feel like dancing,I dance! heck these kids dance alone now adays anyhow ( oh my gosh, did I just say now adays???) I am so getting old.

Seriously,

A good book, a smile and eye contact will have you chatting with old, young, married, single, crew and ...everyone. People are so friendly, relaxed and outgoing on their vacations that you may never have to be alone if you don't want to.

I love planning my spa time, pool time, casino time and taking a nap in the middle of the day time with out a care in the world....no phone, laptop or work to be done....ah..I hear the ship calling me again...it has been almost 6 months....time to book a new cruise!

 

See you all soon....look for a book and a smile...stop to chat..I'll be there with the umbrella drink in my hand looking quite happy and relaxed.

 

Thanks for keeping this forum open so that we can know we are not ALONE (except on the cruises where we want to be solo).

[DBRADS]

Hello everyone!

 

I'm new to the boards (as you can tell, lol!) and loving this forum! This topic was my first on my mind when I registered. I am loving everyone's feedback regarding solo cruising.

 

I have been on 6 cruises and have one planned for August 2007 on the Liberty of the Seas. I have travelled with groups as big as 20 to travelling with one other person. While I enjoyed my time with everyone I've cruised with I always seem to find myself sometimes doing my own thing. It got me thinking about considering trying a cruise solo but I haven't been able to get myself to it. All this feedback is definitely persuading me to try it out!

 

I love all aspects of cruising from the dinners, dancing, relaxing on the sun deck,shows, and most importantly meeting fellow passengers so I don't think I would feel lonely at all.

 

I might hold this forum responsible if I decide to try a solo cruise!:p

 

Thanks KAW for mentioning 6 months has gone by time to book a cruise! VERY VERY TRUE!! lol!

 

 

Sundream: March 7, 1998

S/S Norway: February 6, 2000

Inspiration: July 14, 2002

Voyager of the Seas: February 2, 2003

Mariner of the Seas:January 16, 2005

Carnival Conquest: February 19, 2006

Liberty of the Seas: August 18, 2007

[gxchan]

I might hold this forum responsible if I decide to try a solo cruise!:p

 

DBRADS

 

I'd be happy to take a small bit of the responsibility for your joining the ranks of solo cruisers. We are a happy, friendly and enjoy life at it best lot. I hope your take the plunge and love it as we do.

[moonpie906]

I took my first solo cruise last October. My DH passed away in 2002 and one of my brothers talked me into going on a cruise with him, his family my sister and her hubby and one other brother of mine.

We would get together for lunch and/or dinner, but the majority time I was on my own and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I am going on another cruise Oct 8 and will be solo again....

I too want to give a big thanks to the administrator for featuring a Solo

section!!!

[luvcruzing]

I'm glad you had a nice time on your cruise, Moonpie, but that doesn't sound like a solo cruise to me. Seems like a solo cruise would be one where you don't know any other people on the ship until you meet them after you board. Just my opinion.

[gxchan]

I'm glad you had a nice time on your cruise, Moonpie, but that doesn't sound like a solo cruise to me. Seems like a solo cruise would be one where you don't know any other people on the ship until you meet them after you board. Just my opinion.

 

Luvcruzing, while it is technically correct that Moonpie wasn't "solo"on her cruise, others on this board have taken their first "solo" cruise with others, not sharing a cabin or being joined at the hip. I suspect many people took their first "solo" in the company of others. It usually is the first step in going completely solo. In any case, having traveled truly solo my entire adult life, I still appreciate the the strength and desire of those taking the first steps and wish them great travel/cruising in the future. That includes you, Moonpie. Glad you had such a great cruise.

[Lois R]

Luvcruzing, while it is technically correct that Moonpie wasn't "solo"on her cruise, others on this board have taken their first "solo" cruise with others, not sharing a cabin or being joined at the hip. I suspect many people took their first "solo" in the company of others. It usually is the first step in going completely solo. In any case, having traveled truly solo my entire adult life, I still appreciate the the strength and desire of those taking the first steps and wish them great travel/cruising in the future. That includes you, Moonpie. Glad you had such a great cruise.

 

Hi Ginnie, I totally agree with you. That was a very caring

reply.

 

Moonpie...I also hope you have a wonderful time:)

 

I will be going solo again in December...it can't get here

soon enough!:D Actually....90 days from TODAY!

[dmk446]

How about a Solo Logo of some kind so we can identify each other as solo cruisers? Maybe and "S" pin that can be worn on a hat or shirt? Any other ideas/comments?

[gxchan]

I've mentioned this somewhere else on the solo boards but I checked out the boarding photos for other singles and plan to again when I cruise in a bit more than a week! It isn't a sure fire way to know who is single but it helps. As it turned out on my cruise I was the only solo woman and there was one solo guy but others were traveling with family/friends but weren't joined at the hip, hence them being in the boarding photo on their own.

 

But following your idea, how about t-shirts that says: SOLO AND PROUD!:D

[wrp96]

Ginnie, checking out the boarding photos is a good idea, but I know a lot of people skip the photos. I always do even when I'm traveling with someone else.

[dmk446]

I've mentioned this somewhere else on the solo boards but I checked out the boarding photos for other singles and plan to again when I cruise in a bit more than a week! It isn't a sure fire way to know who is single but it helps. As it turned out on my cruise I was the only solo woman and there was one solo guy but others were traveling with family/friends but weren't joined at the hip, hence them being in the boarding photo on their own.

 

But following your idea, how about t-shirts that says: SOLO AND PROUD!:D

 

You're right Ginnie, a T would be better.

[Lonedaddy]

I took my first solo cruise last October. My DH passed away in 2002 and one of my brothers talked me into going on a cruise with him, his family my sister and her hubby and one other brother of mine.

We would get together for lunch and/or dinner, but the majority time I was on my own and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I am going on another cruise Oct 8 and will be solo again....

I too want to give a big thanks to the administrator for featuring a Solo

section!!!

 

Yes this board has been helpful. My wife passed away a few months ago and I am taking the kids 14,12,5 over thanksgiving on our first cruise so I am in the dark on many things. While I am technically not solo - I am certainly adult solo and I am sure the kids will go off and do their own thing much of the time. I am curious what to do on board - I am not looking for anyone but just find some adult conversation.

[kathy32259]

Yes this board has been helpful. My wife passed away a few months ago and I am taking the kids 14,12,5 over thanksgiving on our first cruise so I am in the dark on many things. While I am technically not solo - I am certainly adult solo and I am sure the kids will go off and do their own thing much of the time. I am curious what to do on board - I am not looking for anyone but just find some adult conversation.

 

Lonedaddy -

 

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

You did not mention which cruise line you are considering, but I can tell you a little about Carnival. The first night of the cruise they have a solo meet and mingle and the meetings are broken down by age group. The time and place will be advertised in your daily "Capers" which you will receive upon embarkation.

 

Also, the dinner seating is often determined by the status of the adults/children in a party. You may be seated with other solo parents and their children. If not, you can always request the maitr'd take a look see if there are any other solo parents to sit with.

 

The other place to enjoy adult conversation is at the aft pool bar. To have fun just head to the piano bar at night and join the crowd.

 

Good luck - I know it seems difficult, but after the first time you will be all set for the next cruise! Then you can give others on this board advice. Please be sure and let us know how it goes!

 

Bon Voyage!:)