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

[cathyoo]

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 was so afraid that I was going to come off as rude. Honestly, that was not my attention. I also never said you thought the DHs wanted you but you did imply they couldn't talk with you because their wives would be upset.

 

I just have heard this complaint before.. "woman don't want to be my friend because they are threated by my looks and they don't want their husbands talking to me" . "I don't get invited anywhere cause my friends are afraid I will steal their husbands". etc.

 

However, I have some gorgeous single female friends who have never felt this way and have no problem making friends with married couples.

 

I guess I'm just surprised that looks (since I don't have any) come into the picture when making new friends. I would have thought all of your other great qualities would be the deciding factor in your cruise experience.

 

I'm sorry if I appeared rude or unkind. That truly is not my nature. I didn't want some other solo female cruiser to think that it is the norm for females to be so catty. Nor did I want some solo cruiser thinking people may not want to talk to them if they are "fine or fit".

 

I'm sorry this is a problem in your life. Again, please accept my apology.

[sheilb4]

Gosh this is getting a bit too much. Guess I came across in a way that bothered you. I apologise.

Of course its not about looks, how shallow! we all have qualities that make us who we are, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?

I just made a comment of my own experiences, we are all attractive in our own way regardless...I don't care about that, just wondered what it was, when I am so friendly and pleasant, that I wasn't always responded to...I was even joking about it, didn't expect this to migrate....

I really don't have a "problem", as each to their own, and I am sure there are many others out there to chat to, I was only trying to give another persons experience/opinion as a solo cruiser to give input to Jessemon who started this thread....

I think you may have misjudged me. Maybe if you travelled solo sometime you may understand more where I am coming from?

Cathyoo, at times, being alone on a cruise truly can feel awkward as a single female.....Nevertheless, I always make the most of a wonderful vacation.

[jessemon]

OK children...:p

I started this thread to find out how much fun I might have on a cruise as a solo single cruiser.....

I did not start this thread to be a hall monitor.....:D

I want the two of you to shake hands and play nice. (I am not going to mention any names but...you know who you are.)

 

Let's get back on point about helping people who are thinking of cruising solo for the first time...PLEASE.

Jeff

[jessemon]

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

Hey Kathy,

I have not booked yet so I am not sure which cruise you are talking about. I have pretty much though made up my mind to book either the Inspiration for 11/2 or 11/16 tomarrow.

Jeff

[kathy32259]

Hey Kathy,

I have not booked yet so I am not sure which cruise you are talking about. I have pretty much though made up my mind to book either the Inspiration for 11/2 or 11/16 tomarrow.

Jeff

 

What I meant was that I am taking the Celebration because it is out of my home port - Jacksonvile. You are thinking about booking the Inspiration out of your home port - Tampa. So we are kind of in the same "boat" so to speak with our first solo cruise. Close to home is somewhat comforting - at least we can find our way to the port! LOL

 

Go get that thing booked before the prices go up! And then be sure to let us know how you liked it - as some day I may want to give the Port of Tampa a try! My parents and grandparents lived in Clearwater for years. Now that my grands are gone, my parents live up here in north FL - but they are seriously looking at the Inspiration for their anniversary cruise next April.

 

Go for it! I am sure you will have a blast. I intend to spend time at the piano bar and the casino. I know I won't get bored either place!

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

I ALWAYS cruise solo. The only way to go.

 

I had a blast and I was on the Destiny:eek: That says a lot.

[kathy32259]

I ALWAYS cruise solo. The only way to go.

 

I had a blast and I was on the Destiny:eek: That says a lot.

 

Welcome home Suzin! I was on the Destiny (not solo though) and I loved that ship - loved PR - loved all of it! Glad you had a blast. I would like to go again someday. Did you stay in SJ or just fly in and out? Hope you post a review - we could stand some good news about that ship these days! :p

[kathy32259]

:o Sorry Suzin - I just saw your thread. I am sorry you did not enjoy the Destiny. When you rest up - be sure and let us know what you did as a solo cruiser to have fun. We could all use some tips from someone who has just returned. :)

[sheilb4]

Sorry, you are right, it got out of hand, and I was totally surprised and upset by the OP comments so I did need to give my 2c, or maybe $1.00!! LOL amazing how things can be taken out of context! Oh well, no harm done.

In a nutshell, as a frequent solo cruiser, it really is a great experinece, whether or not you find folks to mingle and chat with, I still enjoy myself always! Nothing better than doing what YOU want, its just YOU and about spoiling yourself, and having a wonderful time. I always count the days and just love the whole experience. Yes there are a few negatives, but the positives far outweigh!

U go for it and have a wonderful time, you will for sure! (even if you have 2 heads and have to "ugly down etc...ha ha!)

joking joking!!!! :D ;)

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

Welcome home Suzin! I was on the Destiny (not solo though) and I loved that ship - loved PR - loved all of it! Glad you had a blast. I would like to go again someday. Did you stay in SJ or just fly in and out? Hope you post a review - we could stand some good news about that ship these days! :p

\

 

 

There is no good news about Destiny. Itinerary was fabulous. The atmosphere on the ship sucked.

[Island Annie]

jessemon,

 

Most of my 18 cruises have been "solo". I LOVE it!!!

 

Check the "solo cruisers" board under the "special interests" category to read the many different opinions (likes/dislikes) of this subject. I think you'll find that most of us who have cruised solo REALLY enjoy it:-) Read some of those threads to find out why.

 

Annie

[jessemon]

I ALWAYS cruise solo. The only way to go.

 

I had a blast and I was on the Destiny:eek: That says a lot.

Thanks for the response CRUZIN SUZIN for the response.

What did you do to have such a good time while cruising solo ?:D

Jeff

[Brneyznfl]

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

 

Dining and Shore excursions...yes that is usually a concern with us solo cruisers. Ask your TA to note in your reservation that you would like a large table with other solo cruisers.

 

About shore excursions, I will book through the cruiseline when I'm not traveling with a group. It's always worked out well and a great way to meet new people.

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

Thanks for the response CRUZIN SUZIN for the response.

What did you do to have such a good time while cruising solo ?:D

Jeff

 

I am a very friendly, funny, socialable person. In short, I am a lot of fun to be around. I also enjoy my own company and do not need help in getting revved up. Dinner and the ship's excursions are the best way to make onboard friends. The dance club and karaoke are other hot spots.

 

I like the freedom of movement that is only available when vacationing solo. I usually never eat at the same table more than once or twice and just mingle and mix.

[jessemon]

I am just amazed...:eek:

Since last night this thread has had 300 + hits. It seems that I am not the only one interested in getting help about cruising solo/single.

For those of you looking at this thread who are solo and wanting to know more...ask and I am sure that the people who have cruised solo who are obviously looking at this thread will help us all...:)

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

[ladycaveat]

I am a very friendly' date=' funny, socialable person. In short, I am a lot of fun to be around. I also enjoy my own company and do not need help in getting revved up. Dinner and the ship's excursions are the best way to make onboard friends. The dance club and karaoke are other hot spots.

 

I like the freedom of movement that is only available when vacationing solo. I usually never eat at the same table more than once or twice and just mingle and mix.[/quote']

 

Don't forget the piano bar . . . had so much fun there last month and met some really nice people (aside from those I met on Cruise Critics . . . we were there just about every night). It was such a hoot and Mark, our piano player, was fantastic!

[ladycaveat]

I am just amazed...:eek:

Since last night this thread has had 300 + hits. It seems that I am not the only one interested in getting help about cruising solo/single.

For those of you looking at this thread who are solo and wanting to know more...ask and I am sure that the people who have cruised solo who are obviously looking at this thread will help us all...:)

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

Jeff, did you know that there is an entire board here on Cruise Critics dedicated to those traveling solo? Lots of helpful advice and shared experiences for those going it alone for the first time . . . .

[jessemon]

Jeff, did you know that there is an entire board here on Cruise Critics dedicated to those traveling solo? Lots of helpful advice and shared experiences for those going it alone for the first time . . . .

Yes I did due to a comment earlier by another poster.

I looked at the singles board at first not thinking there was a solo.

Have been looking at it.

Thanks

PS: This one is fun though because it is geared towards one cruiseline...Carnival...which I am planning that short get away on and people can give myself and others advice on what to do on that line.

[cathyoo]

I'm truly sorry if my post upset anyone. I just didn't want single female cruisers to think that the majority of females would not be friendly or want them talking to their mates.

 

I only travel solo for business but I have a good friend who travels the world solo. Her husband is a homebody. She never has trouble making friends along the way. Including other single females, couples and single man. She is very attractive and when I have admired her ability to vacation solo she told me that it is such a wonderful opportunity to make new friends. She has taken 3 solo cruises and has made very good friends with some of her fellow cruisers. I don't know, maybe the fact that she is married puts people at ease.

 

Maybe I am wrong and more women are like the women Sheilb4 encounters and less like the women I know. I hope not. But hopefully on future cruises Sheilb4 will run into a friendly group.

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

steer clear of the couples until they have engaged you in conversation. I always cruise solo and I generally zero in on the grown children travelling with elderly parents or the single parents travelling with young children. Those of the people that will most welcome having someone new to talk to. Couples are iffy. If they are socialable, they will talk to you b/c you are only one person. If you look/dress/carry yourself like you are open to a shipboard romance, you can forget about any of the wives inviting you to join their group. That is a no-brainer. Perhaps Sheilb4 has to bring it down a notch and target people that may want to be bothered with a new person -- but just not the couples until they initiate contact.

 

A cruise is the easiest way to travel solo b/c on a cruise no one knows but your steward that you are alone until you tell them. Just b/c a man or woman is sitting alone in the buffet or at the pool does not mean anything on the ship. Their travel mate(s) may be sleeping, gambling, eating.

 

Just go, wear a cover-up over the thong bikini and enjoy yourself.

[jessemon]

 

Just go' date=' wear a cover-up over the thong bikini and enjoy yourself.[/quote']

That's funny...:D

But, I don't think anyone would want to see my hairy butt...:eek:

LOL

Jeff

[cathyoo]

That's funny...:D

But, I don't think anyone would want to see my hairy butt...:eek:

LOL

Jeff

 

Hey Jeff, that's why you need the cover-up.

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

That's funny...:D

But, I don't think anyone would want to see my hairy butt...:eek:

LOL

Jeff

 

That comment was directed to the Sheilb4 person. Not you, silly!!!

[WeBeCruisin']

Thanks for such an interesting thread! I, too, had no idea that CC had a solo site, and I've been a member of CC for almost 6 years.

 

After having taken 10 previous cruises with my wife, I am "celebrating" the end of the year of separation (last week, on Oct. 2) by taking my first singles cruise ever. I will be on Carnival's 7-day Conquest trip leaving Galveston this coming Sunday!

 

I have been, of course, a little nervous about it, and wondering if I will be plagued with memories of my previous cruises, etc. I guess that's normal and to be expected and a necessary thing to work through:( .

 

I'm going as part of the Saints and Sinners II group and through contacts here on CC and a couple of other cruise boards, I will be sailing with about 25 people I feel I already "know", having even met several of them at a cruiseboard "gathering" here in Charlotte this summer. I will be at a table with other solo travellers whom I know online, and the S and S group and rollcall board are offering all kinds of group activities and opportunities to help me feel a part of a larger group.

 

I'm arriving in Galveston a day early, and the S & S group even has activities planned for that afternoon and night, and has arranged shuttles and most are staying at the Hilton.

 

I'm seeing this trip as a wonderful opportunity for me to have the best of both worlds. To feel a part of a group of compatible friends, yet have the option to be alone and contemplate what's happened in the past year in my personal life, and I see this trip as a huge step forward to getting on with the rest of my life. I love cruising and I'm determined not to let "her" take that away from me. :rolleyes:

 

I've never been on Carnival before, but several things have me really excited about it. The people on the S & S group are great! They are friendly, fun-loving, and intelligent. Also, Carnival has been widely reported to have made a lot of improvements to alter their image as the "party hearty" line, particularly on the 7-day and longer cruises. And another big plus for Carnival is that they have rooms configured for singles and some of (if not the) lowest supplement prices. I've booked a 1-A Singles room for only 24% above the per person rate. I've previously had all the categories, from inside to balconies, and have no problem with an inside room. The darkness is great for deep sleeping, and I don't plan to be in the room that much, anyway.:)

 

Since my separation is officially over and the divorce is just a matter of time, I guess I need to stop wearing my wedding ring, huh? I was much thinner 20 years ago, when I put it on. I may need a chain saw or a welder's torch to get it off. :eek:

 

Wish me luck, and I'll give a detailed report when I get back!

 

Allen

[jessemon]

Thanks for such an interesting thread! I' date=' too, had no idea that CC had a solo site, and I've been a member of CC for almost 6 years.

 

After having taken 10 previous cruises with my wife, I am "celebrating" the end of the year of separation (last week, on Oct. 2) by taking my first singles cruise ever. I will be on Carnival's 7-day Conquest trip leaving Galveston this coming Sunday!

 

I have been, of course, a little nervous about it, and wondering if I will be plagued with memories of my previous cruises, etc. I guess that's normal and to be expected and a necessary thing to work through .

 

I'm going as part of the Saints and Sinners II group and through contacts here on CC and a couple of other cruise boards, I will be sailing with about 25 people I feel I already "know", having even met several of them at a cruiseboard "gathering" here in Charlotte this summer. I will be at a table with other solo travellers whom I know online, and the S and S group and rollcall board are offering all kinds of group activities and opportunities to help me feel a part of a larger group.

 

I'm arriving in Galveston a day early, and the S & S group even has activities planned for that afternoon and night, and has arranged shuttles and most are staying at the Hilton.

 

I'm seeing this trip as a wonderful opportunity for me to have the best of both worlds. To feel a part of a group of compatible friends, yet have the option to be alone and contemplate what's happened in the past year in my personal life, and I see this trip as a huge step forward to getting on with the rest of my life. I love cruising and I'm determined not to let "her" take that away from me.

 

I've never been on Carnival before, but several things have me really excited about it. The people on the S & S group are great! They are friendly, fun-loving, and intelligent. Also, Carnival has been widely reported to have made a lot of improvements to alter their image as the "party hearty" line, particularly on the 7-day and longer cruises. And another big plus for Carnival is that they have rooms configured for singles and some of (if not [i']the[/i]) lowest supplement prices. I've booked a 1-A Singles room for only 24% above the per person rate. I've previously had all the categories, from inside to balconies, and have no problem with an inside room. The darkness is great for deep sleeping, and I don't plan to be in the room that much, anyway.

 

Since my separation is officially over and the divorce is just a matter of time, I guess I need to stop wearing my wedding ring, huh? I was much thinner 20 years ago, when I put it on. I may need a chain saw or a welder's torch to get it off. :eek:

 

Wish me luck, and I'll give a detailed report when I get back!

 

Allen

Allen,

Great post...I don't think you are the only one in this same situation.;)

Sounds like you are going to have a great time...new found friends are always fun. You never know what to expect.

A few years ago on a thread I got involved in they was to be a CC party on a Celebrity ship we were sailing on.

When I walked in everyone noticed my Tampa Bay Lightning beads (yes we do the bead thing in Tampa also just like N.O.) Everyone was expecting a large Jamacian because of the "Jessemon" It was funny to see the looks on their faces.:eek:

I'm sure you will have fun trying to figure out who is who.

On the wedding band thing...ditch it and if you don't like to have that fingure bare...go to a jewelry store with great prices while on your cruise and buy another ring to wear. One that does not signify that you are spoken for.:D

Again Allen...thanks for the great post.

Jeff