I'm New To This

[jiminoregon]

I'm a single 67 year old male that is trying to plan for extensive cruise ship living to travel the world. I'd like to set sail within 5 years (maybe sooner).

Most trips are based on double booking, but I plan to go it alone. Is there any trick to getting around this (or making the best of it)? If I'm alone, will I always feel like the odd man out?

I plan on doing a trip of about one-year in duration. Is it best to book something like this with a group of like minded seniors? For example with a tour guided trip itinerary.

I could really benefit from the experiences of seasoned cruisers. Thanks in advance for any tips or tricks.

Jim

[Essiesmom]

There aren’t t ships that do a continual world cruise.  Many cruise lines have one ship that does an annual world cruise (although Cunard usually has all three ships on different routes).  Those cruises usually start just after New Years and last 100+ days.  Some people lengthen their cruising with back to back (B2B) sailings, sometimes several in a row.  Or they get off in the end port and get on another ship, sometimes from a different line.  
  There are items that you have to consider when taking a long cruise:  medications, doc/dental appts, mail, laundry, filing taxes…. Unfortunately not everything can be done online yet.

   There is a board here for World Cruising located back on the main boards page (scroll down) under Spacial Interest Cruising.  
Happy researching and planning.  
Unfortunately cruise lines sell cabins on a double occupancy basis.  Finding a reasonable solo fare is not easy these days.  Some lines don’t even want solos.  EM

Edited July 4, 2023 by Essiesmom

[jiminoregon]

Thanks for that info.  I suppose I can bring one of my kids with me to solve the double-booking issue, or just pay for two people, even though I'd be alone.  The only thing is that any of my kids would make me pay for both of us anyway. 🙂  It would be nice to find a likeminded person that could work out cabin sharing.  I sleep at night, maybe someone else is a day sleeper.  That way each person could get undisturbed sleep.  If both people were out of the cabin for 12 hours at different times of day, that might work.  Of course, you'd need to find someone that doesn't drive you nuts (if they exist) :) I don't have a problem with doing certain things together with someone, I just don't want to do everything together with a cabin mate.

[shipgeeks]

Jim, Have you done some cruises? Are you familiar with certain cruiselines? For a commitment as big as yours, choosing the right cruiseline could make a big difference.

There are people who cruise as singles.  I believe there is a sub-forum for that here on CC.  It might be worth your while to post your question there, too.

Also, how would you feel about travelling on a cargo ship? That might get you to a lot of interesting destinations.....but would not have the entertainment and such that a cruise ship would.

Good luck!

[jiminoregon]

No cruise experience, unless you count a three-hour tour on a Columbia River Sternwheeler.  Three-hour tour?  That reminds me of something. 🙂

 

I'll look for that sub forum.  What a cool and unique idea to travel on cargo ships.  Dang, that sounds like a ton of fun.  I'm definitely checking into that.  Unconventional way to travel, for an unconventional guy.  I wouldn't miss the entertainment or luxury of a cruise ship.  Just let me eat, sleep, and do some sightseeing and I'm one happy camper.  First day on this forum and you've given me a fantastic idea!  When I think of traveling on a cargo ship, I always equated that with getting shanghaied in San Francisco. 🙂

 

Thank you very much!  Great idea!!!!

 

Jim

[chengkp75]

Unfortunately, no lines have restarted passenger service on cargo ships since the pandemic.  They may do so in the future, but it is a decided side line for the companies, so they may not feel it is worth it anymore.

[shipgeeks]

Cheng, thank you for your reply.  My freighter voyage was back in 1969; I know things have changed since then, and that is a helpful note.

Jim, I see there are sub-forums here for solo cruisers, freighter and other non-traditional cruising, and world cruises.  All of those might be useful for you.

In the meantime, I would recommend doing a "regular" cruise or two in the five years of your planning time, to see what you like and dislike about being at sea.

[jiminoregon]

Good advice.  I plan on doing a quick Seattle thru the San Juan islands first.  I can see what I like and dislike about cruising, without commiting to a long open ocean voyage.

[Essiesmom]

Depending on how adventurous you are, you could hop your way around Europe on cruise ferries.  They are as large as some of the smaller cruise ships, have small basic cabins, sail at night, dock in the morning.  They have several restaurants, shops,  it sure about casinos…. You could sail from one city to another…for instance, Oslo to Kiel.  Explore the city, maybe ray a day or two, hop another ferry or a train to another city.  You can do this in Northern Europe, and all over the Med.  Not luxury,  it it would be adventure.  EM

[crystalspin]

You are getting good advice! I would also suggest lurking and reading a few pages on any and all topics on the various lines. I find that a good way to appraise the cruiselines' cultures without committing to numerous cruises!

 

Here are some direct links:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/189-55-cruisers/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/279-solo-cruisers/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2474-transatlantic-transpacific-repositioning-trans-ocean-cruises/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/378-freighter-and-other-non-traditional-cruise-travel/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/674-world-cruising/

[jiminoregon]

You are all so helpful.  It's time for a little honesty on my part.  The reason these out of the box ideas are so great is because I want to see the world, but I don't fly.  Is it because I think airplanes are dangerous?  Absolutely not.  If I thought they were, I never would have put my kids on flights all across the U.S.  This is a phobia that goes back to my childhood.  There.  Now you know my motive in using unconventional means to see the world.  This is embarrassing to me, although I'm pretty sure most people have an irrational fear of something.

 

So, cruises, are a means of getting to see the world and not necessarily my main focal point.  I can take or leave luxury amenities, but getting to the places I want to go is the main reason I'm focusing on cruises.  There you have it.  My true reason for joining a forum for cruise ships.  Feel free to make fun of me.  I'm a big boy and I can take it. 😉

 

 

Edited July 5, 2023 by jiminoregon

[Essiesmom]

You aren’t the first to fear flying, and there are others who cannot fly for medical reasons.  It just takes a lot more planning.  Getting from one continent to another is the first hurdle, but once there don’t limit yourself to cruising.  Seeing another country/continent by rail/bus/car can be very fulfilling.  And there are members on these boards who do it.  As long as you can afford it, the world is your oyster, as they say.  EM

[Dancer Bob]

Over on the Solo board, there's a thread about a ship planned for a three-year cruise. There's discussion about the huge number of practical issues involved.

I'd suggest starting with a trip to Europe. Ships move there in the spring, back in the fall. Getting around Europe as a single is easy, you can do a combination of cruise and land.

Edited July 7, 2023 by Dancer Bob

[jiminoregon]

On 7/5/2023 at 10:51 AM, Essiesmom said:

Thanks Bob.  Great suggestion!

 

[Hezu]

On 7/4/2023 at 11:01 PM, chengkp75 said:

Unfortunately, no lines have restarted passenger service on cargo ships since the pandemic.  They may do so in the future, but it is a decided side line for the companies, so they may not feel it is worth it anymore.

Although I think there are some ferry routes that are more of cargo ships than fancy cruise ferries. For example, Finnlines ro-ro-ships on Helsinki - Travemünde route do take also other passengers than truck drivers, although the operation is first and foremost geared to get goods on wheels across the Baltic Sea from Germany to Finland or vice versa.

 

And if one plans to make extended stays abroad, it is good idea to check what sort of visa policies there are, and this also includes visa-waiver programs, which may still dictate that you can only stay eg. up to 90 days within 180 days in certain country or area (like EU/Schengen area).

[Dancer Bob]

For Americans, medical insurance is also a huge issue. And making sure you don't run out of cash if the bank turns off your credit card. And on and on. I expect the OP wil need at leaast a year to plan properly.

[zauberflote]

@jiminoregon There is no shame in choosing one method of transport over another! You want to cruise because it seems to you the best way to get what you want. I would tend to agree with you on that, and don't think your plan is at all weird. I am neither a frequent flyer nor frequent cruiser, but either method can beat rowing your own boat across the ocean, right? 😁 I don't think you owe it to a single soul to give away any of your secrets. If some stranger asks why you cruise, say you enjoy it over other ways to get there! All the best planning what sounds like a fabulous retirement project!

[SPacificbound]

Jim, traveling without flying is doable, as long as you have the time and the money to do it. Do your research, and I would start a list with your priorities. Don't be concerned about being a single passenger, you won't be the only one. 

https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports

[donaldsc]

Yours is sort of a complicated request especially as you are a single.  .  I would suggest that you find a good TSS and work with them.  Unfortunately your request is unusual that it might be hard to find  one who  has dealt  w your issues,..  Because of CC rules we can not recommend T followed by As.

 

I had not read your comment about the flying problem.  Would combining cruises to get to a broad location followed by an extended land trip and then cruising to the next location work.

 

DON

Edited July 10, 2023 by donaldsc

[John Bull]

On 7/5/2023 at 12:31 PM, jiminoregon said:

You are all so helpful.  It's time for a little honesty on my part.  The reason these out of the box ideas are so great is because I want to see the world, but I don't fly.  Is it because I think airplanes are dangerous?  Absolutely not.  If I thought they were, I never would have put my kids on flights all across the U.S.  This is a phobia that goes back to my childhood.  There.  Now you know my motive in using unconventional means to see the world.  This is embarrassing to me, although I'm pretty sure most people have an irrational fear of something.

 

So, cruises, are a means of getting to see the world and not necessarily my main focal point.  I can take or leave luxury amenities, but getting to the places I want to go is the main reason I'm focusing on cruises.  There you have it.  My true reason for joining a forum for cruise ships.  Feel free to make fun of me.  I'm a big boy and I can take it. 😉

 

 

 

As per Dancer Bob's post, a "re-positioning cruise" (when a ship switches from a winter season base in the American continent to a summer season base in  Europe) - and back to the States on a Cunard one-way trans-Atlantic cruise to New York (altho' that's a long walk from Oregon 😏) . Or vice-versa. Or both ways on re-positioning ships if you want a long vacation and plan your seasons (re-positioning cruises are the least expensive).

 

Whilst in Europe you can take cruises. Norway & the Baltic are best done by cruise ship. A number of ships of Norwegian Cruise Line (very America despite the name) have singletons' cabins plus dedicated lounge,  and some other cruise lines have a few singleton's cabins.

Mix that with travel by train & occasionally ferry.

Or take an escorted tour or two. I used to drive British & European coach tours, and they're ideal for senior singletons because it's like travelling with a family of 40 friends and you're bound to hook-up with like-minded folk.- but you'd have to choose carefully because you'd need fellow-passengers who mainly speak English.

 

I'd caution you against any sharing of rooms / cabins with strangers - that could very easily ruin your adventure.

And even if available, I think the novelty of travel on a freighter would wear off after a few days. Most of your days will be at sea, and many ports are pretty un-glamourous 

 

In the meantime, how about an inexpensive 5 to 7-day summer cruise taster to Alaska or winter cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico?

Avoid very short cruises if you're not the party type, the atmosphere is very different to longer cruises.

 

Good huntin'

 

JB 🙂

 

Edited July 10, 2023 by John Bull

[jiminoregon]

2 minutes ago, John Bull said:

 

As per Dancer Bob's post, a "re-positioning cruise" (when a ship switches from a winter season base in the American continent to a summer season base in  Europe) - and back to the States on a Cunard one-way trans-Atlantic cruise to New York (altho' that's a long walk from Oregon 😏) . Or vice-versa. Or both ways on re-positioning ships if you want a long vacation and plan your seasons (re-positioning cruises are the least expensive).

 

Whilst in Europe you can take cruises. Norway & the Baltic are best done by cruise ship. A number of ships of Norwegian Cruise Line (very America despite the name) have singletons' cabins plus dedicated lounge,  and some other cruise lines have a few singleton's cabins.

Mix that with travel by train & occasionally ferry.

Or take an escorted tour or two. I used to drive British & European coach tours, and they're ideal for senior singletons because it's like travelling with a family of 40 friends and you're bound to hook-up with like-minded folk.- but you'd have to choose carefully because you'd need fellow-passengers who mainly speak English.

 

I'd caution you against any sharing of rooms / cabins with strangers - that could very easily ruin your adventure.

And even if available, I think the novelty of travel on a freighter would wear off after a few days. Most of your days will be at sea, and many ports are pretty un-glamourous 

 

In the meantime, how about an inexpensive 5 to 7-day summer cruise taster to Alaska or winter cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico?

Avoid very short cruises if you're not the party type, the atmosphere is very different to longer cruises.

 

Good huntin'

 

JB 🙂

 

JB... It's my understanding if you decide to walk from Oregon to Europe the chances of you getting wet are pretty high. 🙂 

Thanks everyone for the information.  I have so much to research.  There is one other question based on scuttlebutt I've heard about world travel.  Is an American better off to travel on a Canadian passport and is it better to tell most strangers that you are Canadian?  If so, I'm a bit confused.  I understand there is a perception of the "Ugly American."  While I am American and probably ugly to most, I think I'm very kind to people.  If the question offends anyone, it was not meant to.  I apologize in advance (see, I'm a nice person). 🙂

[SPacificbound]

2 hours ago, jiminoregon said:

JB... It's my understanding if you decide to walk from Oregon to Europe the chances of you getting wet are pretty high. 🙂 

Thanks everyone for the information.  I have so much to research.  There is one other question based on scuttlebutt I've heard about world travel.  Is an American better off to travel on a Canadian passport and is it better to tell most strangers that you are Canadian?  If so, I'm a bit confused.  I understand there is a perception of the "Ugly American."  While I am American and probably ugly to most, I think I'm very kind to people.  If the question offends anyone, it was not meant to.  I apologize in advance (see, I'm a nice person). 🙂

I've traveled all over the world and it has never occurred to me to not us my US passport, or to undeclare my citizenship. People everywhere will generally respond to you based upon how you speak and act around them. Be kind, patient and show some grace no matter where you are.

[SoloAlaska]

This sounds like you could be lining up one incredible adventure. Once across to Europe you’ll find traveling around without a flight very possible. The train system is incredible. A repositioning cruise to Europe and then back after the season is over is a great way to give yourself several months to travel wether by cruise or land through Europe. There are some solo cabins on different lines. With celebrity the cruises I’ve looked at were pretty much the same price for a dual occupancy interior or a solo balcony. 
 

One piece of advice is when you go to book make sure you’re able to be assigned to a communal table in the main dining room. I found the only part I didn’t like about my solo cruise was sitting alone for dinner. 

[John Bull]

4 hours ago, SoloAlaska said:

 

One piece of advice is when you go to book make sure you’re able to be assigned to a communal table in the main dining room. I found the only part I didn’t like about my solo cruise was sitting alone for dinner. 

 

Agreed. 👍

Most cruise lines put solos together on large (8 to 12) tables on "traditional" dining (first or second sitting), same table, same time, same waiters, same table-mates each evening.

I get quite envious of them cos they tend to be lively tables, head off together to other venues, and go ashore mob-handed.

Ships also put on get-togethers for solos - a breakfast, a drinks get-together etc early in the cruise.

 

JB 🙂

[SoloAlaska]

5 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

Agreed. 👍

Most cruise lines put solos together on large (8 to 12) tables on "traditional" dining (first or second sitting), same table, same time, same waiters, same table-mates each evening.

I get quite envious of them cos they tend to be lively tables, head off together to other venues, and go ashore mob-handed.

Ships also put on get-togethers for solos - a breakfast, a drinks get-together etc early in the cruise.

 

JB 🙂

Celebrity didn’t last year when I cruised. It was a table for two against a wall for me. So I made friends and joined another table with a spare seat.