Single Cruiser...Can You Have A good Time ?

[TNtraveler]

Careful TNtraveler - I sailed solo on Celebration in 1997 and came home with the best souvenir....the man of my dreams. We were married 8 months later. He too was cruising solo and neither of us were looking for shipboard romance. In fact, both of us were self professed non marrying types! Funny what love can do to you.

 

9 yr anniv in Nov and 9th annual honeymoon cruise on CCL Conquest 11/5!

 

You'll have a great time!!!

 

Well, as Hemingway (I may stop by his house during the Key West stop) wrote: "Pretty to think so."

But, since no one has deemed me "the man of my dreams" so far in my almost 50 years:cool: , I suspect I'll arrive back home unattached. Nonetheless, I look forward to mingling with others aboard, and enjoying 'making it up as I go along'.

[sgtp]

I just got back from my first solo cruise on Insperation. I believe I was extremely lucky with the dining table I was assigned to. It was a big table and had two other solo cruisers and three groups of 2 (no couples :p ). Conversations included everyone at the table. I ran into one of the other solo cruisers one day and ended up having lunch and having frozen drinks from the bar all afternoon, watching the hairy chest competition, etc... We then scheduled a snorkel excursion together for the following day, and shopped and had drinks together before coming back to the ship. That night at dinner, I came to the table with my map of cozumel and my proposal that we all rent a van and tour the island together. I got 5 of my table mates to come along. That day was the highlight of the trip for me, and my table mates agreed, as some admitted they probably would not have left the ship that day. The other solo cruser at my table was a big fan of the sushi bar so I met her there the final day and had drinks and loaded up on sushi. Before the end of the cruise, everyone traded email addresses so we could share pictures online that we took.

 

I really belive my great table made the trip for me, and hope future solo cruises I am as lucky with my dining table assignment.

[jessemon]

Thank you "sgpt".

The Inspiration is the ship I am thinking of going for the first time alone. I live here in Tampa and I think I will try the 4 night to Cozumel first. That was a great story you shared.

I never thought I would get this many responses this fast. You all are really helping me make up my mind.:cool:

Any more thoughts.

Jeff

[sheilb4]

I have done the Inspiration 4 nt cruise from Tampa, for New Years Eve, the past 2 years, and I am going again on the 12/28/06 sailing!

Now that I can definately recommend as an "easier" way to mingle and really have a great time.

I have found it to be a younger group of people, average 40'ish, that really wnat to have fun, and a great atmosphere, starting with all you can drink free champagne on boarding!!! And again on New Years Eve...

To me that really is the best way to spend New Years as a single person without a doubt! Such fun! Go for it! ;)

[Litewait]

I had scheduled my April cruise (06) alone and then dd decided to go. I was actually looking forwart to doing a solo... I looked at it as an adventure:D

 

I am a single mom and for the most part spend most my time alone. I see the kids at dinner. I have always had a great time. You have to step outside the comfort zone sometimes and just DO IT! I did survivor and came in 2nd WOO HOO!! I truly enjoy cruising and wouldn't hesitate to do it alone:D

 

Your welcome to join us on the Miracle for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jessemon]

I have done the Inspiration 4 nt cruise from Tampa, for New Years Eve, the past 2 years, and I am going again on the 12/28/06 sailing!

Now that I can definately recommend as an "easier" way to mingle and really have a great time.

I have found it to be a younger group of people, average 40'ish, that really wnat to have fun, and a great atmosphere, starting with all you can drink free champagne on boarding!!! And again on New Years Eve...

To me that really is the best way to spend New Years as a single person without a doubt! Such fun! Go for it! ;)

Free champagne...after 2 of them I turn into a (no offense to anyone...) giggling high school girl. That's not good...bad for my male image.:eek: But it can be funny.

Really thinking of doing the Inspiration on 11/2 or 11/16 solo. One of the two will probably work.

Also have friends here who are thinking of doing 12/14. Super price.

Will make a decision on the solo tomarrow or Wednesday.

Stay tuned. And again...thanks for the responses from all.

Jeff

[southbayer]

I like traveling solo.:D

[egorka]

I am planning my first solo too. Probably will go with CC on Victory for New Year. I have booked a ticket already but not a cruise.

I have been traveling solo only once to London for 2 weeks and I hate London now. Hope will love Carnival.

[boundingmaynard]

I had to respond as this is funny....I did both of the things u suggested....being outgoing but a little shy as a single female in a bar environment...

I went to the Piano Bar on several ships but found they are the smokiest areas onboard, so had to avoid that as I hate smoke! It is a good place to mingle tho, if you don't mind choking! LOL

Also did the Lido/pool/bistro dining areas, I asked a person sitting alone, if I could join them...they said no! I tried one more time and found that the person was waiting for others to join them...

Now I need to tell you I am actually pretty fine to look at, take good care of myself and have an outgoing, happy personality, very friendly..(I thought)

I do not have 2 heads, or smell bad...LOL so what gives???!!

Still I will continue to "break the ice" my next trip in December! so any more tips would be appreciated by myself also as well as Jessemon!! Ha! Ha!

 

Maybe you are too good looking, and therefore intimidating to many. It may be your destiny to be alone because of this.

During the December trip try to ugly down and see if that helps:D

[MrPete]

try to ugly down and see if that helps:D

 

I’ve been doing that naturally all my life. Doesn’t work!

The real babe magnet is having a child in tow, with no visible mother around. Everyone becomes so friendly and helpful. Of course, I don’t share this with DW.

[sheilb4]

That is tooo funny! I doubt it is that, but who knows??? my destiny huh! Gosh I hope not! LOL Ok, so ugly down it is!!!!! :p

[jessemon]

OK,

You all have talked me into it...:p

Seeing the TA tomarrow to book. Looks like the Inspiration on 11/16.

Four days of away from Tampa. Much needed.

Looked at other dates also and might have friends to do the 12/14 one also. We will see.

ShielB4...thanks for the help. Next time you cruise...which is soon....don't ever ugly down for anyone. Be yourself and if they don't like it...they'll get over it. Always a good attitude.:D

I plan to meet lots of people and have a good time.

Can't wait to get in Carlos and Charlies again. Sounds funny but...it is one of the best people watching in the world..."BAR" none.

 

So lets try to tell me what else I should do on board as a single/solo cruiser. That is besides find a quiet corner...read a book...be alone by myself...lay in the sun and fry...napkin folding classes....learn to line dance...and so on.

 

I have been on 18 cruises but not alone. Just want to know (since you who have answered are mostly solo/single cruisers) what to do. I do the bars...the pool...late night. What do "you" do to get to meet and have fun with other people? We will leave "SheilB4 out of this since she seems for some reason to drive the men wild and their wives don't like it.

Sorry SheilB4, had to do that...:D

Let me know and thanks for the help.

Jeff

[ladycaveat]

OK,

You all have talked me into it...:p

Seeing the TA tomarrow to book. Looks like the Inspiration on 11/16.

Four days of away from Tampa. Much needed.

Looked at other dates also and might have friends to do the 12/14 one also. We will see.

ShielB4...thanks for the help. Next time you cruise...which is soon....don't ever ugly down for anyone. Be yourself and if they don't like it...they'll get over it. Always a good attitude.:D

I plan to meet lots of people and have a good time.

Can't wait to get in Carlos and Charlies again. Sounds funny but...it is one of the best people watching in the world..."BAR" none.

 

So lets try to tell me what else I should do on board as a single/solo cruiser. That is besides find a quiet corner...read a book...be alone by myself...lay in the sun and fry...napkin folding classes....learn to line dance...and so on.

 

I have been on 18 cruises but not alone. Just want to know (since you who have answered are mostly solo/single cruisers) what to do. I do the bars...the pool...late night. What do "you" do to get to meet and have fun with other people? We will leave "SheilB4 out of this since she seems for some reason to drive the men wild and their wives don't like it.

Sorry SheilB4, had to do that...:D

Let me know and thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

Don't know about anyone else but I closed the piano bar every night with those I met on the Cruise Critic and a few others we picked up along the way. As a single fifty-nine-year-old who is old enough be the mother of each of them . . . they sure didn't make me feel that way. It was my third solo cruise and I had a ball!!!!!!

 

During the day . . . I really wasn't that much of "party animal" . . . I was pretty much alone (my choice). Loved laying by the pool (in the shade reading), visiting the shops, having a massage (or two) and pedicure in the Spa, watch a couple shows such as "Newlywed Game and "Trivial Pursuit" . . . lunch and one or two "foo foo" drinks on the Lido deck and taking my time getting ready for dinner. I'm not really into being on the internet on a cruise . . . nor do I visit the casino (did all that for years as a flight attendant on layovers in Vegas) and absolutely hate the "hairy chest" contest.

 

I think the only thing I miss crusing single (as in without my former husband) are those wonderful moonlight strolls on the deck on formal evenings. I used to feel like a princess . . . it's just not the same alone.

[jessemon]

Don't know about anyone else but I closed the piano bar every night with those I met on the Cruise Critic and a few others we picked up along the way. As a single fifty-nine-year-old who is old enough be the mother of each of them . . . they sure didn't make me feel that way. It was my third solo cruise and I had a ball!!!!!!

 

During the day . . . I really wasn't that much of "party animal" . . . I was pretty much alone (my choice). Loved laying by the pool (in the shade reading), visiting the shops, having a massage (or two) and pedicure in the Spa, watch a couple shows such as "Newlywed Game and "Trivial Pursuit" . . . lunch and one or two "foo foo" drinks on the Lido deck and taking my time getting ready for dinner. I'm not really into being on the internet on a cruise . . . nor do I visit the casino (did all that for years as a flight attendant on layovers in Vegas) and absolutely hate the "hairy chest" contest.

 

I think the only thing I miss crusing single (as in without my former husband) are those wonderful moonlight strolls on the deck on formal evenings. I used to feel like a princess . . . it's just not the same alone.

I, being male am not much into the hairy chest compitition either. I can't believe have the people in that are female...:eek: ..just kidding.

Love the Newlywed Game always.

No to spas.

Beers at the pool bar always work in the afternoon...or sometimes earlier.:D

Thanks for the comments.

I have one for you.

Next time you are on a cruise...find a nice young gentleman and ask if he would take you on a stroll...just a stroll. Met a couple years ago cruising and she was shall we say a few years older than me. Her hubby was a hoot. She like me smoked. After the entree at dinner her and I would leave the dinningroom arm in arm for a quick one (cigarette). It always made her evvening.

[RD64]

I think if you select one of the larger Destiny class ships you can't go wrong. I do most of my cruises solo - and cruise occasionally with others as well. This past summer I was on the Valor - initially travelling solo - two friends booked at the last minute.

 

We had a great time, and I could not believe the number of single and solo travellers. At our table for nine their were six solos plus us. We met quite a few other solos on the ship, so there was always someone to have lunch with, grab a coffee, ice cream or drink, or head off on shore. There was one guy - arly 30's who goes on three carnival cruises by himself eevry year, for a total of 19 so far. Someone else was on his 10th solo cruise. Not to worry you will find lots of other individuals in the same boat - no pun intended....

 

I was so pleased with this vacation that I have already booked the Triumph for this coming March - six months away but i am looking forward to it.

[ladycaveat]

I, being male am not much into the hairy chest compitition either. I can't believe have the people in that are female...:eek: ..just kidding.

Love the Newlywed Game always.

No to spas.

Beers at the pool bar always work in the afternoon...or sometimes earlier.:D

Thanks for the comments.

I have one for you.

Next time you are on a cruise...find a nice young gentleman and ask if he would take you on a stroll...just a stroll. Met a couple years ago cruising and she was shall we say a few years older than me. Her hubby was a hoot. She like me smoked. After the entree at dinner her and I would leave the dinningroom arm in arm for a quick one (cigarette). It always made her evvening.

 

Actually, I met several nice "younger" men on my last cruise who joined me after dinner for a smoke (yes, I too have that nasty habit). I just don't know what I'm going to do on my cruise in January. My twenty-nine-year-old son is taking me on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera for my birthday. Though we'll be in one of the larger cabins with a balcony . . . he can't stand the smell of smoke and not being able to smoke in my cabin while getting ready for dinner is going to be hard.

[jessemon]

Thanks very much...RD64...:cool:

Jeff

[jessemon]

Actually, I met several nice "younger" men on my last cruise who joined me after dinner for a smoke (yes, I too have that nasty habit). I just don't know what I'm going to do on my cruise in January. My twenty-nine-year-old son is taking me on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera for my birthday. Though we'll be in one of the larger cabins with a balcony . . . he can't stand the smell of smoke and not being able to smoke in my cabin while getting ready for dinner is going to be hard.

Well...only smoke on the balcony. That is what I do.

(Please again to anyone who wants to turn this into a smoking issue...stay on point with the origanal point...Single cruiser/solo cruiser...Thank you;) )

Back to the point of why I posted this. I have never cruised alone before although being on 18 cruises.

WILL I HAVE FUN?

WILL I LOVE IT?

WHAT TO DO?

Folks...this not only helps me to decide but many other people who are looking at this thread who might not want to chime in.

Lend a hand and help us (solo cruise challenged) out.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Brneyznfl]

I've always cruised solo..sometimes with a group, sometimes just myself. I love cruising solo because I can do what I want when I want. No worries about sharing the bathroom either! :D I wasnt with a group when I went on the Celebration this past July and had a great time! Pampered myself and booked 2 nights precruise in a nice hotel too. I find that it's easier to meet people on the smaller ships believe it or not. I think it's because you tend to run into the same people. My favorite area was the aft pool bar. There was a bunch of us who would always happen to be at the spot. The first day I went up there, met alot of nice people and when one person found out I was traveling alone, she invited me to her wedding! LOL I always ask for a large table in the dining room with other solo cruisers when I book. It's always workd out. We had a great table on the Celebration...lots of fun. All of us single and one married couple who were interesting to talk to. The easiest way to strike up a conversation with strangers is ask if it's their first cruise and go from there! :)

[jessemon]

. The easiest way to strike up a conversation with strangers is ask if it's their first cruise and go from there! :)

That is a great ice breaker....:D

I will use it...thanks for the help....

[daaling]

Have cruised before but not alone.

Can you have a good time cruising alone ?

Thinking of starting with a 4 or 5 night cruise.

Any thoughts or hints from anyone who has done this in the past ?

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

Just got off Thur/Holiday..have 4 more booked..I have old parts, but young heart. Look fab, w/ gift of gab. love chatting w/strangers, that make new friends. I walk, talk dance, bingo, tv, dine..all by myself or with new pals..female not looking for a single male "thing", but love the company of same. try it you'll learn to appreciate it..judi:D

[jessemon]

Just got off Thur/Holiday..have 4 more booked..I have old parts, but young heart. Look fab, w/ gift of gab. love chatting w/strangers, that make new friends. I walk, talk dance, bingo, tv, dine..all by myself or with new pals..female not looking for a single male "thing", but love the company of same. try it you'll learn to appreciate it..judi:D

Thanks Judi,

Hope the next 4 are grand.:cool:

Jeff

[cathyoo]

I think it may be a"female" thing. The women don't really want to talk to anotehr attractive female, and the DH may want to but not comfortable....who knows.....

Now I need to tell you I am actually pretty fine to look at, take good care of myself and have an outgoing, happy personality, very friendly..(I thought)

I do not have 2 heads, or smell bad...LOL so what gives???!!

Still I will continue to "break the ice" my next trip in December! so any more tips would be appreciated by myself also as well as Jessemon!! Ha! Ha!

I'm not trying to be rude but maybe it is some type of air you give off. I've been married for 38 years and have never thought twice about the attractiveness of a female talking to my DH and I am not "actually pretty fine to look at". Fat and Fiftish but I know my DH doesn't want anyone else. I can't imagine most women are that insecure in their marriages.

 

I don't think you should ugly down, I just think you may want to pat yourself on your back a little less and not think that every woman thinks her man wants you. Again, I'm not trying to be rude just trying to give some requested tips.

[sheilb4]

Wow, I did not expect such comments and I find them to be unkind, but everyone has their own opinion, thats ok. Yo are correct about the security issue tho, that may be true.

I am myself and am outgoing, pleasant and friendly, uglying down was a joke, I was just commenting honestly on how it is in my own personal experiences, and its not just on cruises, (tho that is most recent)

I have pretty much travelled the world solo too, so have some experience in this arena....!!!

I certainly do not think about being "wanted" by the DH or whatever, thats ridiculous and the last thing on my mind. Please! I find that to be rude and very disrespectful.

 

It is very difficult and awkward sometimes travelling as a single female, I amsure there are others out there that may agree, and truly sometimes I would love to travel with a friend/boyfriend whatever, it just doesn't always work out that way, so I make the best of it and still plan a vacation and enjoy my time off from work.

 

I hope that in future cruises I meet people like you that want to chat with me without any "issues" too, I would love that!

[kathy32259]

Hi Everyone - :)

 

I have been following this thread - as I am taking my first solo in two weeks on the Celebration. I am in the same "boat" as Jeff - I have often cruised with friends and family but never solo. My DD's are a little nervous about me doing this - but I am ready.

 

I live in Jax so the Celebration was my first choice for this new adventure, and I couldn't pass up the awesome price I got several weeks ago - so I jumped on it. I am able to cruise more often than my friends for several reasons, I have more vacation time and I live close to the ports being 2 of those reasons.

 

Once concern I have is formal night - do you all get really decked out - or just somewhat? It will feel kinda wierd to be all dressed up so I plan to take something classy but not too formal.

 

The other concern is going ashore. There are only 2 other groups on my roll call - one couple and a group of friends/cousins. I am hoping that I do get a table of other solo's like me at dinner.

 

I promise to come back and let you all know how it goes. Also, I monitor the solo thread here at CC. Unfortunately not too many Carnival cruisers are on that thread. I think it would be fun if we could all get together on a Carnival cruise sometime in the future. I stick with Carnival because it is all I know and the pricing allows me to cruise more often.

 

Like Jeff said - all suggestions on making this a great vacation are welcome! :D