Taking the solo plunge into cruising

[ladysail2]

Yes, I'm all for solo cruising for all the reasons mentioned above...problem is....if I chat about a cruise I'm going on.....my friends want to come along and share the cabin. It's a nice compliment for sure....soooo...now I am going on two cruises with a friend...she's not pushy....and am looking forward to a solo cruise in January. From there....I can plan the next one.

[BarbaraS]

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. I'm really excited about my cruise, only 31 days away. I'll definitely come back and post how it went.

 

Hey Starshine -- I noticed you on the roll call for the Sapphire Princess in May -- I am on that cruise too! I am kind of, sort of, traveling solo. My brother and his wife are on the cruise too but I will have a cabin to myself. This is my first cruise since my husband died last year. He and I cruised together often. Anyways -- I am ready to venture out and meet some people. Glad to have family aboard but I don't plan on being a third wheel with them the whole time. We had some very different ideas on excursions -- so we haven't booked many of the same ones. I can't wait for the cruise and hope to see you and all the other CC folks there!

Barbara

[NJcruisemom]

Do you all find people on these CC "roll calls" pretty nice when you actually meet them in person? I am signed up for my first ever "roll call" and I enjoy talking to these folks on line - but then on-line is easy....

 

Kathy:

I get what you're saying. Last cruise I met people online but lost my nerve when it came time to meet up on the ship :o

 

 

 

Would you mind sharing some of your experiences when you actually met these folks face to face. I have to say, I am a little nervous about it. Silly me, I suppose!:o

 

:( sorry, can't help with this one yet. I promise I won't chicken out if you don't :D

 

 

 

12 more days to think about it. And by the way - none of the people in my roll call is solo - looks like I am the only one. In fact there will be two wedding vow renewals in our group...:p

 

Hey....I'm solo. When I say WE I mean myself and 2 DS. I also don't like to give out too much personal info online.

 

I almost didn't stay on the roll call (remember I wondered over to that other site) because everyone was celebrating an anniversary.

 

 

Looking forward to meeting you and everyone else.

 

NJcmom

[kathy32259]

You and me - the chickens. I won't chicken out - at least on the first meeting at 2:00 on Lido - I promise - I will bring DD and her DBF with me. Then if I need to - I can run...:o Maybe we should work out a hand signal or something - thumbs up or thumbs down (discretely of course)

 

But Tim and Chrissy sound real nice. So how bad can it be??

 

At least I am not the only solo. If we click - great! If we don't - well we just go do our own thing. I know the casino hostess from my last cruise on the Triumph - so chances are, if I can't find something else to do I will be in there. ;) I am not a big drinker - one or two sometimes, but that is about it.

 

The BEST thing is: WE LEAVE IN 10 DAYS!! :D

 

See you on board at 2:00.

[Margi]

Starshine,

 

Thanks for starting this thread and to all you others who have contributed.

 

I am a widow, 3 1/2 years now and in my 50's. My husband and I cruised 4 times on Royal Viking and Crystal. Last October I cruised solo as a trial on Crystal. I booked a cabin for sole occupancy. I enjoyed the cruise very much.

 

I booked with a TA who was part of one of the consortiums because I thought being part of a loose "group" would be an advantage. My experience was that it was not an advantage for me. The consortium hosted a 45 minute cocktail party, a full day shore excursion in one of the ports as well as supplying onboard hosts, 2 couples, for our "group" of 84 passengers. While the 2 couples were genial, I had almost no contact with them. To be fair, I could have initiated contact, however, I am not that outgoing plus it was my first experience traveling as a solo.

 

I think many cruise lines, Crystal and HAL included, do host a solo/singles cocktail party early in each cruise. I found that within a few days, I had met a number of nice fellow passengers. Crystal offered dance lessons which were well attended and were a good way to meet others. I think that most people on cruises are open to meeting others and are generally friendly.

 

I am booked on HAL's Prinsendam for the fall of 2006 and the fall of 2007. I have booked cabins for sole occupancy. I booked with a TA who offers a shipboard credit instead of booking with a consortium TA. Cruising gives me access to a life style I don't have at home and in a safe environment.

 

Margi

[cliffdweller]

Hi Again,

 

I wanted to jump in here about the experience of actually meeting people you have "talked" to on these boards. I have had a great experience.

 

I am a widow - love to travel, but hesitant about going alone. I just happened upon these boards and decided to post -had never done that either!!

 

I went on my first solo cruise last year - 21 days - Amazon - through the Med. It was fabulous. First, a lady from the boards posted that she lived not far from me so she suggested we meet for dinner before so I would have a familiar face. Not only did we have a great dinner, but took several excursions together, have done a "girls only" weekend with her daughter, met in Boston for a concert, etc., and have booked three more cruises together - one with her daughter as well.

 

I also met wonderful people who invited me to join them at their table and we are all still in touch. We "talk" on the boards and share info on different cruises we are all planning. There have been a few family emergencies and there is always great support through them.

 

I found myself lost in Barcelona on an excursion and a couple from these boards were about to hold the bus for me - I arrived just in time. All were wonderfully supportive. I never felt alone - was invited to join in for pre-dinner cocktails, etc. They just seemed to keep an eye on me and that felt great.

 

I am not at all concerned about travelling solo now, but they all gave me the courage to move ahead by myself. I've made great and long lasting friendships.

 

I think it is all in what you make of it - go with an open mind and spirit and you should have a great experience.

 

Pat

[starshine]

Hey Starshine -- I noticed you on the roll call for the Sapphire Princess in May -- I am on that cruise too! I am kind of, sort of, traveling solo. My brother and his wife are on the cruise too but I will have a cabin to myself. This is my first cruise since my husband died last year. He and I cruised together often. Anyways -- I am ready to venture out and meet some people. Glad to have family aboard but I don't plan on being a third wheel with them the whole time. We had some very different ideas on excursions -- so we haven't booked many of the same ones. I can't wait for the cruise and hope to see you and all the other CC folks there!

Barbara

 

Hi Barbara,

 

Somehow I missed your post earlier. I'm looking forward to meeting you and all the other Sapphire cruisers. Can't believe our cruise is only 2 weeks away. Since this is only my 2nd cruise (and first solo cruise), I'm trying to run around now and get ready for it so I can relax the night before we leave. I've found out so much by reading these boards; it's really helped.

Starshine

[Cruise-Crazy]

I am going on my fourth solo cruise in two weeks. I love it! I have never had a problem with anythng on the ships. So far I have been seated with other singles at dinner.

 

I have met several people that cruise this way all the time.

[cruzqueen]

I can't believe I just did it. Cruised 10 times before but always with hubby. I'm a little nervous about it, but I guess this will decide whether I do it again in the future or not.

[VernaF7449]

The first couple of cruises where I participated in the roll call - I just never managed to meet anybody on board, mailnly because I was traveling with friends. My last cruise (as a solo) there were about 20 or do "active" people on the roll call and we met on ship and had a great time! Soem of us met for a "pre-cruise" dinner the night before, plus some of us took a shore excursion together, and it was fun to see people throughout the ship, still emailing some of them, too.

 

I just booked a Cruise Critics group cruise to the Med for September 2007 (!!!) and there is already a very active roll call - and the cruise is not for many months! This is great because there are more logistics for Europe than the Caribbean so we have plenty of time to coordinate things like car service to/from the pier and private tours.

 

Like others have said -it is so easy to meet people on a cruise - just smile and say hello!

[Logoladytcs]

Thank you everyone for your input - I think solo cruising is something I would try.

 

I just got back from the Panama Canal transit on the Volendam - and I noticed that they had special luncheons for solo travelers.

 

This was an 18 day cruise and I did travel with a friend from high school - I am a grandmother - so you can just imagine how many years ago that was - around 50!! I do think next time tho her husband will accompany her.

 

We had a wonderful time, but after meeting solo cruisers I wouldn't hesitate - they were really enjoying themselves.

[Island Annie]

Starshine,

 

I went on my first "solo" cruise in 1988. (won it in a sales contest), and had so much fun, I've made cruising my winter vacation every year since.

 

As of today I've been on 18 cruises:-) (16 of them as a "solo cruiser")

 

I truely believe that the key to a fun cruise is "Participation". Participate in as many onboard activities as you can. (ie: poolside games, volenteer to be a part of a lounge act, etc). Not only will you have more fun, and meet more people, you'll create some memories that will last a lifetime!

 

And when it's time for dinner, don't just get ready & go right to dinner. Try to be ready a half hour-one hour before your scheduled dinner time, and stop by one of the many bars or lounges for a pre-dinner cocktail. This is a very popular activity on most ships, and a great way to meet new people. as mentioned above, sitting at the bar rather than at a table makes meeting new people MUCH easier.

 

And as far as your assigned dinner table . . . . if you don't particularly care for the other people assigned to your table (for whatever reason), don't hesitate for a minute to ask the maitradi if you could be switched to another table. (I've only had to do this once, but it made a world of difference!!) And don't feel embarrassed about making this request. The maitadis are very used to getting a LOT of these requests on the first night of the cruise, and are usually very willing to accomodate if other tables are available. Simply tell him or her that you're traveling alone, and ask if there might be any other single passengers you might be able to dine with. Odds will be in your favor if you make this request on the 1st night.

 

Another piece of advice I can offer is: Do some research before you depart. If you'll be visiting a place you've never been before, hop on the internet and do a google search. You're likely to find some very interesting places to visit that you might not otherwise have known about. I usually to at least have an idea of what I want to do in each port before I leave, and also try to print any pertinent information to take along with me so as not to have to worry about these things once I'm there (ie: ferry schedules, etc.).

 

My BEST piece of advice : Go with an open mind, and a positive attitude. As with any vacation . . . Everything won't always go "as planned", but try to make the most of the situation, and enjoy your cruise!

 

Please post a review when you get back to let us know how your cruise was.

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Annie

[Fancy_Goods]

Well my friend has decided to not go with me so......HOOORRRRAAAAYYYY!!!!! :D I get to go solo on this cruise! :D Yippee!!!!! :D Now I can go full out with my research and planning! :D

[wrp96]

I've done 2 solo cruises (a 7-night and a 10-night) and am currently looking for more. I've found that I've enjoyed my solo cruises even more than almost all my other cruises. I like being able to decide what to do and when to do it without having to consider somebody else's preferences.

 

That being said, I definitely agree with Island Annie's recommendations. I can usually be found in a bar before and after dinner talking to the bartenders, who usually will introduce me to other people, if I don't introduce myself first. You don't have to drink alcohol to go into a bar either.

 

I go on excursions. I get out about around the ship. I talk to people while waiting in line. And I go on the cruise with the attitude that if I don't make one friend at all during the cruise (which never happens even when I'm not sailing solo), I'm still going to enjoy being by myself.

[starshine]

I just wanted to say thank you to all the great responses, words of wisdom, words of encouragement that the "Solos" have shared on this board, not just for me, but all the other cruisers thinking about taking that first solo cruise.

 

It's really heartening to read all the kind words; the cruisers on this board just seem like such a nice group of people. Maybe someday, we'll have to have a "Solo" cruise (each with our own cabins, of course :) ).

 

Starshine

[Lois R]

I just wanted to say thank you to all the great responses, words of wisdom, words of encouragement that the "Solos" have shared on this board, not just for me, but all the other cruisers thinking about taking that first solo cruise.

 

It's really heartening to read all the kind words; the cruisers on this board just seem like such a nice group of people. Maybe someday, we'll have to have a "Solo" cruise (each with our own cabins, of course :) ).

 

Starshine

 

Starshine, an excellent suggestion:D I would be on there with you.

 

Oh, I leave 2 weeks from TODAY for my next cruise...solo of course;)

Going to ALASKA for the first time!!!! Sailing on Mercury out

of Seattle. Have a small but nice roll call (quality over quantity

is ok with me).

And Anne, I totally agree with your comments and I also hit

the bars or lounges pre-dinner...every night. I get to know

the bartenders and wait staff. Makes it really nice. They call me

by name and I do the same for them.

I can't wait to cruise again and I have been wanting to see

Alaska for about 3 years now!!!!

[kathy32259]

Starshine - I would be there - if the timing is right.

 

Gee Lois - didn't you just get BACK? :eek: You are really lucky to be able to cruise so often. It is my dream - not yet reality!! Enjoy Alaska and let us know how much you loved it!

 

However - 3 days - 3 days - 3 days:D

[Lois R]

Hi Kathy:) yes, I got back on April 19th. I have quite a bit of

vacation time at work. I don't usually use it all up by June though.

In this case it will be all gone (except for about 2 days) after this

cruise!

So from June till December I will not be cruising.

[Fancy_Goods]

Count me in for a solo cruise! Let's go someplace warm and exotic!

[starshine]

Starshine, an excellent suggestion:D I would be on there with you.

 

Oh, I leave 2 weeks from TODAY for my next cruise...solo of course;)

Going to ALASKA for the first time!!!! Sailing on Mercury out

of Seattle. Have a small but nice roll call (quality over quantity

is ok with me).

And Anne, I totally agree with your comments and I also hit

the bars or lounges pre-dinner...every night. I get to know

the bartenders and wait staff. Makes it really nice. They call me

by name and I do the same for them.

I can't wait to cruise again and I have been wanting to see

Alaska for about 3 years now!!!!

 

Lois,

Have a wonderful time on your cruise to Alaska; it's high on my list of places to cruise to next. I leave in ten days on my Pacific Coastal cruise and it's very hard to go to work each day as it takes away from my cruise preparation time. :)

 

Starshine

[BARBARA J.W.]

HELLO SOLO CRUISERS,,,,,,,,,

I AM Also a SOLO CRUISER..........

I love to cruise...........

I work so I can cruise.........LOL......

My next cruise is Sept-4th--14th.....

I am doing a back to back on the CELEBRATION.....

And this cruise will be my Birthday gift to me from me....

Cruising is the best vacation..........

To bad we can't get together a BIG SOLOS CRUISE.........

Just finding the same time that everyone wants to go...

I like to go durning CHRISTMAS.

This year I am going New YEAR's with my niece.........

[RocketCityLady]

I am a single female, 57, and cruise at least three times a year. I don't have a travelling companion, so I cruise solo. The first couple of times I was a little insecure, but now I am very comfortable with travelling alone. For some reason, it seems to really bother some passengers that I am travelling alone. They tell me I am so brave. (What? It's a cruise - not a trip to the moon!) I have a great time and always meet lots of people - from various parts of the US and other countries. Sometimes, I get to chatting with so many folks that I don't have a chance to finish my novel. I have learned that the easiest way to meet other passengers is a smile and a friendly greeting. My next scheduled cruise is Sep 2006, Splendor of the Seas - Greek Isles and Croatia.

In my opinion, the worst thing about cruising solo is the single supplement.

 

Carolyn

Alabama

[Lois R]

I am a single female, 57, and cruise at least three times a year. I don't have a travelling companion, so I cruise solo. The first couple of times I was a little insecure, but now I am very comfortable with travelling alone. For some reason, it seems to really bother some passengers that I am travelling alone. They tell me I am so brave. (What? It's a cruise - not a trip to the moon!) I have a great time and always meet lots of people - from various parts of the US and other countries. Sometimes, I get to chatting with so many folks that I don't have a chance to finish my novel. I have learned that the easiest way to meet other passengers is a smile and a friendly greeting. My next scheduled cruise is Sep 2006, Splendor of the Seas - Greek Isles and Croatia.

In my opinion, the worst thing about cruising solo is the single supplement.

 

Carolyn

Alabama

 

Hi Carolyn, Your upcoming cruise sounds wonderful.:)

Oh, I get the EXACT SAME replies~being brave and all.

I am 48 years old......I try to explain it is not bravery one

needs to have. Sailing solo is a piece of cake:D and boy

some of those cakes they serve are just delicious too;)

[MeOhMy]

I have sailed solo for many years, then sailed with friends, and am back to sailing solo. I love cruising, but I love solo cruising best. I have never had trouble meeting people.

 

 

If you watch Crystal and a couple of other high end cruise lines, every once in a while they have no single room supplements. Crystal has that now, I think for their Serenity November repostioning. At least that is what I understand, but I did that last year.

[Faith77]

I've enjoyed reading everyone's experiences cruising solo.

 

Starshine, I live in the SF bay area and will keep my eyes out for the pacific coast itineraries in the future. I like the idea of cruising LA or SD to Vancouver in early May but I would want to do at least a 5-7 day cruise.

 

For me one of the best reasons for cruising solo is that I can plan/do the trip/cruise that I want. Many times I'll do a cruise as part of a longer trip--cruising out of NY to Canada as part of a family visit gives me the feeling that I'm really on vacation. Anyway, happy cruising to all.

 

Faith