1st time sharing a room, what's it like?

[vicdreyer]

Hi,

 

I just saw this forum (I asked the same question on 'Singles' forum...this one sounds more appropriate.

 

Last April I booked a balcony room all to myself (yes, payed double), and have the urge to go cruising again soon. I don't want to pay double and am apprehensive of sharing a room. Are there any tips, precautions, etc anyone can give me when booking a cruise as a solo cruiser sharing rooms with strangers?

 

Vic

[Lois R]

Hi Vic:)

 

I sail solo 99% of the time. There have been on 2 cruises in the past

3 years in which I did share a cabin. I met both gals through these

boards and we chatted via email and phone for quite a long time

before the particular sailings.

So when you say sharing with a stranger....I supposed it sort of

applies to my circumstances but not really. We did end up knowing

each other. Both times were ok...no major arguments;) we got

along both times.

But I must admit, I have lived on my own for more than 20 years

and on a cruiseship I just prefer my own space with my own

cabin. I know it always costs me more $ but it is a price

I am willing to pay (if it is within my budget).

 

As for sharing with a total stranger..someone I have never even

chatted with via any medium at all?...I would not do it.

[kathy32259]

Hi Vic! Welcome to the solo board.

 

I am in agreement with Lois - I would rather pay the additional $$ than take a chance sharing a room with someone I don't know very well. I even usually get a cabin to myself when cruising with friends. I just like my space!! :o

 

I also love my balcony and shop around for "deals". I have found Sept and October (even early Nov) are good months to get a great price. Not sure where you live, but if you are close to the ports and your travel time is flexible you can find many cruises that would have attractive pricing for a "solo".

 

I often said I would not cruise without a balcony - but in July I was on the Fantasy with an OV and it was great. Of course it was a 4 night - so I dealt with it ok. Next week I am on the Celebration for 5 nights in a porthole cabin. I'll try to check back here and let you know how that goes.

 

Now my btb in Dec - that is costing some $$ but I have a balcony for two weeks - so it is worth it!!:)

 

The thing is - I couldn't pass up the pricing. Carnival has the best rates for "solo" cruisers that I can find. So shop around and good luck!

[vicdreyer]

Thank you Kathy & Lois..

 

Sounds like it's best to pay the extra $$ and get a cabin to myself. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy cruising as much on my first solo (10 night Mexican Riviera), but I quickly made friends with my tablemates and the rest of the cruise was very enjoyable. It helped to schedule an excursion (horseback riding in Mazatlan) as that had me something to look forward to!

 

I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me tot ake off on short notice, as there are many good 'last minute' deals out there.

 

Here I come!

 

Vic

[Lois R]

Hi Vic:) sounds like you are outgoing and cruising is really a piece

of cake for solos.

You can get to know the crew and staff and they enjoy meeting

the pax too.

 

As for cabins, I normally just go with an inside. I have had windows

before and twice I have had a balcony.

For me, to be totally honest with you I look for the cheapest

prices and usually that is an inside.

 

Enjoy your cruise:)

[w&gfan]

Hi Vic, I've had a few roommates that started as strangers (thru a different site). All worked out very well -- 3 girls and 1 guy. However, I sort of "interviewed" each one before going forward by asking a lot of questions about various things. In all cases, I made it clear that I wasn't necessarily seeking companionship but wanted simply a roommate to make the cruise more economical. Quite often our interests overlapped and that allowed us opportunities to spend time together enjoying excursions or ship activities, so that worked out real well. Here are some of the issues that were important to me.

 

1) Cabin preference (make sure they are willing to book a cabin in the category you want)

2) Cabin temperature (are they OK with air conditioning?)

3) Sleep with lights on or off? TV or radio on? (make sure their needs don't bother you and vice versa)

4) Are they night owls or early birds? (if you're opposite, would they be willing to keep the noise down?)

5) Reinforce you're not wanting 24/7 companionship if that's the case

6) Snoring -- do they? do you? Would it affect each other?

7) Discuss up front your "dating" expectations and privacy issues -- if roommate were to want to be alone in the cabin, are you OK with that? Personally, I'd stay away from anyone that might expect to have an occasional date.

8) Discuss dining preferences (early traditional / late traditional / personal choice, etc.)

9) Is this person a smoker? (would it be a problem?)

10) Is this person a social drinker or heavy drinker? (I wouldn't want to be expected to escort home each night someone that's doesn't have the capacity to take care of himself/herself.)

11) Agree that each person would deal directly with a certified travel agent. I would never give my credit card number to a stranger to relay to a travel agent, nor would I want to be given someone's credit card info to relay to an agent.

12) If after talking to this person (in person or online), would you be comfortable in sharing the safe? You might want to inquire as to whether there is a way for one person to use the safe and the other to use the services of the front desk.

 

Those are a few of the things that I ask upfront. In talking with this person, other things might come up, but this will get the dialog going. I've had 4 successful roommates that started as strangers, so it's worked for me!

 

Good luck! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other specific questions.

[Lois R]

Hi Angela:) your inteview process sounds very good and I am glad

it has worked for you!

 

I am just too set in my ways and prefer

to not have to concern myself with any of those things.

 

Different strokes for different folks:D

[Faith77]

I've shared rooms on tours and cabins on cruises with strangers. I've been very lucky--I've gotten along pretty well with all my roommates. My last roommate/cabin share was on a kind of gal pal group cruise.

 

That said I've seen some terrible roommate situations on my tours and cruises. I've been concerned enough so that, if I can't afford to have my own space, I choose a trip that I can afford.

 

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

Faith

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

Hi Vic, I've had a few roommates that started as strangers (thru a different site). All worked out very well -- 3 girls and 1 guy. However, I sort of "interviewed" each one before going forward by asking a lot of questions about various things. In all cases, I made it clear that I wasn't necessarily seeking companionship but wanted simply a roommate to make the cruise more economical. Quite often our interests overlapped and that allowed us opportunities to spend time together enjoying excursions or ship activities, so that worked out real well. Here are some of the issues that were important to me.

 

1) Cabin preference (make sure they are willing to book a cabin in the category you want)

2) Cabin temperature (are they OK with air conditioning?)

3) Sleep with lights on or off? TV or radio on? (make sure their needs don't bother you and vice versa)

4) Are they night owls or early birds? (if you're opposite, would they be willing to keep the noise down?)

5) Reinforce you're not wanting 24/7 companionship if that's the case

6) Snoring -- do they? do you? Would it affect each other?

7) Discuss up front your "dating" expectations and privacy issues -- if roommate were to want to be alone in the cabin, are you OK with that? Personally, I'd stay away from anyone that might expect to have an occasional date.

8) Discuss dining preferences (early traditional / late traditional / personal choice, etc.)

9) Is this person a smoker? (would it be a problem?)

10) Is this person a social drinker or heavy drinker? (I wouldn't want to be expected to escort home each night someone that's doesn't have the capacity to take care of himself/herself.)

11) Agree that each person would deal directly with a certified travel agent. I would never give my credit card number to a stranger to relay to a travel agent, nor would I want to be given someone's credit card info to relay to an agent.

12) If after talking to this person (in person or online), would you be comfortable in sharing the safe? You might want to inquire as to whether there is a way for one person to use the safe and the other to use the services of the front desk.

 

Those are a few of the things that I ask upfront. In talking with this person, other things might come up, but this will get the dialog going. I've had 4 successful roommates that started as strangers, so it's worked for me!

 

Good luck! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other specific questions.

 

That seems like way too much work. I would think it is easier just to bite the bullet and pay the single supplement. Your list is excellent but for me, it is a list of all the reasons why I like to have my own cabin. I give up a window, balcony, etc. for my own cabin.

[w&gfan]

I totally agree that if at all possible, the ideal cruise is having a cabin to yourself -- no doubt about that! I was in the fortunate position of getting tons of vacation time each year, and I would much rather spend it cruising, so having a roommate allowed for several cruises a year. Also, I ended up with a nice little network of possible roommates for future cruising. So whenever there's a cruise that jumps out at me, I start checking with my little network of friends and past roommates to see who might want to go.

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

I totally agree that if at all possible, the ideal cruise is having a cabin to yourself -- no doubt about that! I was in the fortunate position of getting tons of vacation time each year, and I would much rather spend it cruising, so having a roommate allowed for several cruises a year. Also, I ended up with a nice little network of possible roommates for future cruising. So whenever there's a cruise that jumps out at me, I start checking with my little network of friends and past roommates to see who might want to go.

 

Excellent point

[Lois R]

Good morning:)

 

Angela, point taken on that part as well.

 

I am lucky with vacation time too. December I will be working

for the same company 16 years..lots of vacation time:D

All but 2 of my cruises have been solo. Guess I have been

lucky that everytime I wanted to book one I could afford

it without sharing a cabin;) (I try to go at least twice

a year too)...this year I have been eternally greatful....

When I sail in December it will be #4 in 2006!

[Lois R]

That seems like way too much work. I would think it is easier just to bite the bullet and pay the single supplement. Your list is excellent but for me' date=' it is a list of all the reasons why I like to have my own cabin. I give up a window, balcony, etc. for my own cabin.[/quote']

 

Hi I agree as well:) long list;)

 

I shared a cabin twice and that is with 2 different gals I had met from these

boards and we emailed and phoned for a while before sailing.

We did get along, no major discrepencies but after the 2nd

time sharing I just knew I really preferred my own space.

Balconies and windows are not a necessity for me either. Get me

on the ship, in the most reasonably priced cabin and I am happy.

[Island Annie]

Vic,

 

I've been on 18 solo cruises (so far). 2 of them I did the "single-share" program, and had no problems what-so-ever. And actually ended up making good long term friendships:-)

 

My first experience was on the Carnival Victory. When I arrived at my cabin just after boarding, the cabin was empty so I chose my bed by putting some of my belongings on it, then went up to the pool.

Curious as to if I was going to be assigned a roomate, I went back to my room a couple hours later and found about a half dozen pieces of luggage inside so decided to at least look at the name tags to see what her name is & where she's from.

 

The first one I looked at was George from___ Second one was John from ___ Third was Steve from ___.

 

Obviously there had been a mistake so I called the pursers desk to explain my situation. He told me to place the bags in the hall & he would send someone by to pick them up & deliver to their appropriate cabins.

 

While I was in the proccess of putting these bags out in the hallway, my roomate approached our door & introduced herself. I explained to her what had just took place & we both had a good laugh:-)

 

Then we decided to sit down & chat to see what we each had in mind as far as "guidelines" for the week. We talked about things like how long it takes each of us to get ready for dinner(sharing bathroom time), sharing of closet & dresser drawer space, compared our S&S cards to make sure we were both on late dinner, and both agreed for the comfort of the other person "no overnight guests".

 

So far we were off to a great start:-)

 

I think sharing a cabin with a total stranger is "ok" provided you either (like Lois R suggested) somehow find out who your roomate will be before you depart for your cruise and do some sort of a chat with them (email, or phone), or as I did, to have a short conversation upon meeting onboard to discuss your opinions and intentions. I would not just start cruising without that conversation & go day by day & see what happens. (theres bound to be a conflict of some sort that way)

 

Have that conversation very early in the cruise (preferrably the first day or upon meeting)and IMO you should be ok.

 

Enjoy!

 

Annie

[vicdreyer]

Thanks Annie, sounds like you have had good experiences sharing a cabin. While I am an easy person to get along with and would probably have no problems with sharing a cabin with someone else, I'd be afraid that there would be that 'one' person who could make my cruise a bit unpleasant. I'm going to just cough up the extra $$ and get a cabin to myself if at all possible.

(But I'm not totally against sharing a cabin, especially if I get to know that person fairly well before the cruise as others have suggested above)

 

Vic

[Island Annie]

Vic,

 

Have you considered starting a new thread here on the solo board asking if anyone would like to share a cabin on your ship? and your ssailing date?

 

At least that way you could look at that persons past posts & have a good idea of their personality and if you think you'll be compatable.

 

Just a thought.

You may also want to check the roll call board to see if anyone else is looking for someone to share a cabin on your ship & date.

 

 

IMO these are better options for sharing rather than ending up with whomever the cruiseline decides to assign to you.

 

Whichever you decide . . . BON VOYAGE!

 

 

Island Annie

[MikenAZ]

I've only been on one cruise before and that was last year with my father. I had a blast and I figure if I can share a cabin with my dad, I can share one with almost anyone. I'm not against paying a premium to have cabin to myself, but I can't see paying double for one. That money could be used for an excursion, the casino or something else. That said, I wouldn't want to share a cabin with a complete stranger either. So I'd want to correspond via email to get to know one another a little better before committing. Regardless of whether it a same gender or opposite gender arrangement, I would expect to exchange photos. Maybe I am just weird that way.

 

I'd really like to go on a cruise over Thanksgiving week out of either the LA area or SD (since I live in Phoenix). I'd prefer to go on the 8-day Mexican Riveria cruise offered by NCL, but I open to other suggestions. Any singles out there thinking about this particular sailing or one similar?

 

What about last minute cruises? Any chance I could get booked on a last-minute basis for a great deal? If so, where would I find such a deal? Should I call the cruise line?

[Expat_Canuck]

Hmm...very interesting thread!

 

As for me, I'm on the same side of the fence as Lois R and vicdreyer - I prefer having my own space and I'm willing to pay the extra $$ to have it. Of the five cruises I've been on since June of last year, I went solo on three of them and took along a friend on the other two. I'm planning four more cruises before the end of 2007 and I'll go solo on all of them.

 

I simply like being able to do what I want, when I want. On the solo cruises I've always ended up with great table mates. I found out the hard way on my last cruise (12-day Med) what happens when you travel as a couple - a table for two in the dining room. :( Nothing wrong with eating alone, but in a huge dining room it sometimes feels like being under a microscope!

 

Because of my job I get sufficient vacation time in a year to take three cruises, but because of my location and nature of my job I have to plan far ahead, so last-minute is not really possible. (I've got my bookings made up to Dec2007!)

 

And it's a balcony or nothing! Sitting out all day reading a book, watching the world go by. No e-mail, no cell phone, no visitors! It just doesn't get any better than that! I'm even hooked on aft cabins - love the sound of the wake at night.

 

Jeff

[yellowbird23]

yes, don't!:confused:

[Host Kat]

Vic, Have you considered starting a new thread here on the solo board asking if anyone would like to share a cabin on your ship? and your ssailing date? At least that way you could look at that persons past posts & have a good idea of their personality and if you think you'll be compatable. Just a thought. You may also want to check the roll call board to see if anyone else is looking for someone to share a cabin on your ship & date. IMO these are better options for sharing rather than ending up with whomever the cruiseline decides to assign to you. Whichever you decide . . . BON VOYAGE! Island Annie

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but per Guidelines, Cruise Critic does not allow ads of any kind in posts or signatures. This would include personal ads looking for cabin or tour shares. Posts of this nature are removed from all forums, with one exception, your Roll Call. Please remember, do not start a new Roll Call thread for a cabin or tour share. Just make your post concerning the share on your established Roll Call.

 

Otherwise, try going to www.google.com and typing in "cabin shares" or something like that. You may find sites your fellow Cruise Critic members would recommend if they could. Again, per Guidelines, the names, web sites, etc. of travel agents/agencies or other cruise-related sites or message boards --- even if "masked" --- are not allowed in Cruise Critic message board posts or signatures. Posts asking for the name, site or further information via e-mail, or posts offering same, will be removed as well as any replies to the deleted posts.

 

This topic has been covered extensively in the Sticky on the Singles Forum titled No " Personal Ads" For Cabinmates Allowed or http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=179420.

 

I sincerely hope this information will be satisfactory to all.

Kat

[kryos]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news' date=' but per [b']Guidelines[/b], Cruise Critic does not allow ads of any kind in posts or signatures. This would include personal ads looking for cabin or tour shares.

May I respectfully ask the reason for this policy?

 

I can certainly understand regular ads being banned from Cruise Critic ... and I thank you for that ... but why not allow people looking for a tour or a cabin share to find one another via these boards?

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[navybankerteacher]

May I respectfully ask the reason for this policy?

 

I can certainly understand regular ads being banned from Cruise Critic ... and I thank you for that ... but why not allow people looking for a tour or a cabin share to find one another via these boards?

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

There is the potential for liability -- it should not be a problem in a rational, civilized society, but given the litigious nature of many -- and the passions that arise when someone's cruise anticipations are not fulfilled, I believe Cruise Critic is wise not to sponsor - or even facilitate - something which can expose them to any risk. All you would need is for someone who feels that his/her enjoyment on a cruise was impaired by an inconsiderate (or worse) roommate, and the sponsor of the pairing would be viewed as a possible dep pocket for reparations. Who needs the risk or the simple aggravation?

[Host Kat]

Thank you for your post.

 

However, if any member has any questions, comments or concerns regarding any aspect of our Community Guidelines and/or application of those guidelines, they should contact management directly via e-mail to community@cruisecritic.com.

 

'Tis the season to be jolly...

Kat

[piercetc4]

i personally would enjoy having a roommate for a cruise- but one that we both had conversed and emailed and knew our cruise would be great- i am really layed back and a roll with the flow kind of girl so i figure it would be easy for me to find a roomy- and us both have a great time- doing our own thing or something together or what ever............. will see- dh cannot always go with me- he is not the cruise fanatic i am..........lol

hope you all have wonderful cruises- together or solo- get out there!

[lvdave]

So why doesn't CC allow members to search for cabin mates, or even have a separate section to find cabinmates, as on other cruise message boards? I looked at the community guidelines and am posting the section on advertising here.

 

Advertising Guidelines Cruise Critic has strict guidelines prohibiting blatant advertising, commercial sales and solicitation posts on all of our message boards.

 

Our Cruise Boards are meant to be a cruiser's exchange of advice and tips where cruisers can talk about their travels -- not a marketplace for advertising and selling services. There are thousands of cruise professionals online and if we didn't insist on a non-solicitation policy the cruise boards would be very quickly overrun with nothing but ads.

 

Cruise Critic defines advertising as an individual or company's attempt to generate business or other commercial enterprise, either directly or indirectly, by using our Cruise Board. Solicitation includes, but is not limited to, requests to be E-mailed, the posting of phone numbers for your business, and the referring to or posting of one's own Web site address.

 

There shall be no third-party recommendation of travel agencies on any forums within Cruise Critic. General discussions regarding the TYPE of AGENCY to be used to purchase a cruise will be allowed, as long as no recommendations for any source of purchase are posted.

 

 

 

Touting of your personal cruise agent is not allowed on our message boards. Postings that contain "tell them John sent you" will be removed without notice.

 

Cruise Critic will remove violations of the "third-party recommendation" guideline without warning. Additional posts will result in permanent suspension of your posting privileges.

 

Cruise Critic reserves the right to approve or deny links which lead directly to or link to cruise-related material or message boards that is not located within Cruise Critic. This does not mean all links will be removed, but rather that they will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Miscellaneous

 

Bascially, an ad is an ad. So, please no posting of "looking for roommate" type posts, tour shares (except in ROLL CALL threads), giveaways, etc. etc.

 

The definition (in bold and italicized) relates ads to commercial enterprises or generating busines. Obviously, a search for a cabinmate does not qualify on either count. So, how did the underlined statement evolve from the stated policy.

As far as liability goes, I'm not a lawyer, but I can't see where there would be any more liability than there would be if someone based a cruise purchase based on a CC member's recommendation.

 

I think it would be a great benefit to us solo travellers to be able to meet cabin mates on this site IMHO.