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

[cathyoo]

Allen, I'm sailing with some of those sinners (cause I haven't met any of the saints) yet in March of 07.

 

We had planned to cruise with my BIL and SIL. They have been our vacation buddies for 38 years . Every cruise, every holiday, every sorrow, every joy we've shared with them. We were blessed that our best friends were also family. We booked this cruise with them and my as always my BIL was the most excited. In May he was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and passed away in July.

 

We thought about canceling the trip because we can't imagine cruising without him. But this cruise was a birthday present to my sister so we decided to forge ahead knowing there will be moments of memories that will break our hearts. I know our situations are not the same but when I read your post I thought you were going to need overcome some of the same heartaches we are going to face.

 

I'm so happy for the CC group. I'm counting on the new faces and new experiences to help us get through our sorrow.

 

Life is just a bunch of chapters, each one with its own ups and downs. I hope your new chapter is exciting and that you build new memories.

 

It is right around the corner, I hope it is the best cruise ever.

[WeBeCruisin']

Everyone was expecting a large Jamacian because of the "Jessemon" It was funny to see the looks on their faces.:eek:

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.

 

Jeff, I've been in a similar situation. My e-mail screen name is "JahMonDu" and I'm a big fan of reggae, particularly "old school" reggae (Black Uhuru, Toots and the Maytals, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Yellowman, Eek a Mouse, etc.)

As for a new ring, my first wife (who is now deceased) gave me as an engagement present way back in the day, a nice white-gold blue star sapphire men's ring with six diamond chips. That will be perfect, as both a white-stripe cover-up and a tribute to the woman I should have stayed with.:)

 

Allen

[daaling]

Thanks Judi,

Hope the next 4 are grand.:cool:

Jeff

MEE TOO dude..u will not want for folk to chat with..Hubby will be w/me in Jan to Pcanal..his 1st..diff approach tho. but hope we meet some contemporiaries..like ourselves..Have 2 mire in Mar, hvnt decided what venue..Jax n Port C are close too..but Mobile, just 1 1/2 hr drive. makes it real attractive,,home by noon etc. don't really care about the ports, can always find a place to shop! Fairwinds and following seas, Jeff...judi

[daaling]

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. :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 [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

 

how was the ship..is a big girl!..hubby ismin for a surprise!..gimme some tips on her..pls..judi

[jessemon]

Cool Allen,

Let us all know how your first solo/"SINGLE" cruise went.:eek:

By the way. Thanks for letting me know that I started a thread that is useful for folks.

Anymore stories or suggestions?

Thanks for all the help in getting me to make up my mind about solo cruising.

Jeff

[trevette1981]

I have not cruised solo, I have my best friend a.k.a. my sister:) who will go with me. Although I am 25, live on my own with my own job, my mom would freak out:mad: if I went alone. Will I EVER, EVER, EVER grow up in her eyes?:confused: :confused: I guess there are safety precautions, but it just seems so cool to be somewhere else in the world, totally alone....:rolleyes:

[WeBeCruisin']

Since my last post, I've been rummaging around trying to find the old ring I had mentioned. I found it and it still looks brand new and is very nice. It took quite a bit of help from liquid soap, but I got the wedding band off and it's now replaced by the more "meaningful" ring. :)

 

I should have done this long ago!

 

Allen

[WeBeCruisin']

We thought about canceling the trip because we can't imagine cruising without him. But this cruise was a birthday present to my sister so we decided to forge ahead knowing there will be moments of memories that will break our hearts. I know our situations are not the same but when I read your post I thought you were going to need overcome some of the same heartaches we are going to face.

 

 

Cathyoo, thanks for your great post! Our situations do have quite a few similarities, though, in that each is a situation in which you and I will be required to examine our emotional priorities and/or baggage and make some conscious and subconscious decisions as to what's important in life and in our hearts, and move forward from that point forward with fond memories of the past and not regrets and sorrow at the unfairness of everything.

 

Thanks for your support and you, of course, have my thoughts and best wishes heading in your direction for your upcoming cruise.

 

Allen

[cathyoo]

trevette1981... I think the solo cruising sounds really neat and I admire those who can do it. That said... if one of my kids (all young adults) wanted to solo cruise.. I'd probably be freaking out just like your mom. Must be a mom thing.

[WeBeCruisin']

I think dads are like that, too. The oldest of my three sons is 42 and is a partner in his law firm, but he'll always be my little boy, and I'll probably always be concerned about his having enough sense to come in out of the rain.

 

Allen

[sheilb4]

Cathyoo...Thanks for your well wishes, heres hoping that I am lucky enough to make some new friends on my upcoming trips...!

 

Cruzin' Suzin.... Thanks for the tips....I don't wear a thong, but definately wear the cover up! Ha ha!

Good advise, regarding "couples" tho I have tried the wait and see thing too, true enough what you say...you are right, but whatever happens, whether I am lucky enough to meet and engage in conversation with friendly folks or not, it won't spoil my cruise. LOL

 

Time alone to do what you want, no demanding staff, no work, no phones, no pc, no pagers........

Oh Yes!!! Can't wait!!!

[jessemon]

I think dads are like that' date=' too. The oldest of my three sons is 42 and is a partner in his law firm, but he'll always be my little boy, and I'll probably always be concerned about his having enough sense to come in out of the rain.

 

Allen[/quote']

I wish I had known about cruising when I was 25 growing up in up state NY. I would have gone in a heart beat. At that point you are an adult and Mom and Dad have to let up on the worry.

Just imagine if you wanted to do it then. No matter what they said...once you made up your mind.....:eek: .....it would have been I'm going.

I am glad these exchanges are working out so well.

From the # of hits I still think there are alot of "lurkers" out there who want to chime in.:D

Come on...ask a question if you are thinking of cruising solo....

Or if you have cruised solo help us (solo cruised challenged) to get off the fence and go.

ALLEN...WAY TO GO ON THE RING......;)

Jeff

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

You are the type that considers an evening of getting "falling on your face" drunk a good time. Travelling solo is not for the foolish. You have to be wise and use common sense. There are always stories about women (a few men but mostly women) who got out for an evening of unlimited alcohol consummation and that is the last we see of them living.

 

Some people like to get as drunk as possible. That is fine. However, you can't do that when you are travelling alone. If we ever find Natalie Holloway, you can ask her about the wisdom of not doing this.:(

 

Do not travel solo if you are the type that are looking for instant romance and brief encounters. Again, it is foolish when travelling alone to get involved in some instant physical attraction. People disappear like that. Again, see Natalie Holloway for further information on this.

 

IMHO, those are the two rules to traveling solo. Keep your wits about you and do not go off with the new cutie that is winking at you.

[kathy32259]

trevette1981... I think the solo cruising sounds really neat and I admire those who can do it. That said... if one of my kids (all young adults) wanted to solo cruise.. I'd probably be freaking out just like your mom. Must be a mom thing.

 

Hey Cathy - it's not just a mom thing - both of my DD's are a little freaked out about my upcoming solo cruise! It's kinda funny to have the shoe on the other foot. :D

 

But I am going and will have a great time - in the piano bar, playing bingo, watching all the goofy games, eating well, and relaxing. Oh yes, then there is the casino when I get bored.... ;)

[jessemon]

Hey Cathy - it's not just a mom thing - both of my DD's are a little freaked out about my upcoming solo cruise! It's kinda funny to have the shoe on the other foot. :D

 

But I am going and will have a great time - in the piano bar, playing bingo, watching all the goofy games, eating well, and relaxing. Oh yes, then there is the casino when I get bored.... ;)

That is kind of funny.

Have fun in the casino.:D

[WeBeCruisin']

This is weird. Every time I pull up this thread and click on "last post" I get Trevette's first post with no option to respond. I have to go back to page 4 and read the "recent posts" part after respond to see what is new. Maybe tomorrow, when I sign on, it will be straightened out.

 

Allen

[kathy32259]

This is weird. Every time I pull up this thread and click on "last post" I get Trevette's first post with no option to respond. I have to go back to page 4 and read the "recent posts" part after respond to see what is new. Maybe tomorrow' date=' when I sign on, it will be straightened out.

 

Allen[/quote']

 

I had the same problem. I went to my User CP (up at the top of the page, left hand corner) and clicked on Edit Options - then I turned off the signatures and viola - now it works.

 

I think someone has something in their sig that is preventing the page from showing. Not sure but others have suggested turning off signatures when you are having a problem with a thread. Give it a try.

 

It is a pain to have to keep turning them on and off though:p

[wavecruiser]

Trevette - my mom is exactly like yours, I can't even walk down the street by myself so solo cruising is not an option:p

 

WeBeCrusing and Cathyoo - I was in tears after I read your posts. I wish you the best on your upcoming cruises.

 

Now for the solo cruisers - ok, I haven't done solo before but always like to meet new people. IMHO, the best way is excursions, excursions, excursions. I met some great CC'ers on my roll call thread - we were all doing the ziplining tour at the same time so it was a great topic of conversation. And if I had to pick any excursion to meet people (and if your port of call offers it) - do ziplining!! Believe me, there is no greater bonding experience than getting sweaty with a big group of people:D And flying 550 feet up in the air to boot. All of us are still talking about it.

 

Another suggestion - hang out on deck during the sunsets and ask random people to describe it one word - good conversation starter...

[jessemon]

Great idea of the ziplining. Don't know if the 550ft. in the air though is something I could handle. I know one thing they would be talking about though after it...is me wetting myself...:o

The sunset question is kind of interesting too.

I always like asking on a rough sea day a question of people who are a little green in color from the motion of the ocean. "What did you have for lunch?" I just can't help myself.

Thanks for the ressponse.

[Faith77]

I've really enjoyed reading this thread...

 

IMHO cruising solo is just so easy--all one has to do is show up. I do more travel 'prep work' when I go back home to visit family and friends in NY. I'm now a single woman in my 50s--usually people have been friendly and I've had interesting conversations throughout the ships.

 

Best solo dining table was on the Carnival Miracle--visited with my tablemates in the casino bar each night before dinner. Walked past the piano bar on the Miracle each night but it was pretty dead--that was probably my only disappointment on this cruise. One great thing about Carnival is that this cruiseline has lots of choices for evening entertainment.

 

The only cruiseline I probably wouldn't cruise again solo is NCL. I cruised their oldest ship and solo dining was a challenge. I was really glad that this was a port intensive cruise.

 

I'd encourage almost anyone to cruise solo--I think that cruising is a great first solo travel experience.

 

Faith

[saintniko]

Jeff - Ziplining is an awesome experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. We weren't on a cruise when I had my ziplining experience, but if it is offered in a port we visit, you can bet I'll be going for it.

 

My poor DH doesn't like heights - he went with me and bravely ziplined the entire course (we were in costa rica - they have some looooooong ziplining excursions). I quite distinctly remember coming out of the trees over an open valley very high up in the air, and through my adrenaline rush thought "ooo...my DH isn't going to like this very much". He didn't, but bravely soldiered on (and certainly didn't wet himself!!).

 

To this day I don't think he regrets having tried it. He won't go with me again (which will make me a solo excursionist), but at least he's tried it and tells the story. It is a great topic of conversation....

 

That being said...another maybe solo cruiser sitting on the fence and lurking on this thread here......

 

Niko

[MrPete]

I think Trevette has struck again.

[trevette1981]

Sorry....

 

I was about to freak out. I saw Trevette stuck again, I was like "What the..?" I thought I was getting bashed.LOL

[Chrislynn55]

Of the sixteen cruises that I've taken so far, two of them were solo. I had a fantastic vacation each time. The large table is essential, and you can request to be seated with other singles on board through your travel agent before you go. Another thing that works well is to take part in activities...whatever interests you. While you're doing them you have a natural basis for conversation with others and later when you see them out and about on the ship you have people to chat with. I'll be taking my own advice on the Jan 1 sailing on the Elation.....although my teenage son will be on this cruise with me, I know he'll be spending a lot of time with the new friends he'll meet on board and I'll be on my own much of the time.

[kathy32259]

I think Trevette has struck again.

 

Mr. Pete - Help - is there anyway to fix this? I have to keep turning off my signatures to see this thread. :eek: