Never cruised, want to cruise solo. Advise, please?

[Cibrian]

Hi, new here.

 

I was playing around at the Norwegian Cruise Line website because I wanted to see how much more a 13-day Caribbean cruise would be if I travelled solo. I knew the total cost would be high but, oh my God... nearly double??? Add to that the cost of airfare to and from the my home to the ports and the cost would be beyond prohibitive.

 

I just got back from a 16-day ****** Greek Islands escorted vacation that consisted of stays in five terrific hotels and a 4-day cruise on a Greek ship (I got a huge mini-suite) and, with airfare to & from my home was about $600 less than this carribean cruise would be.

 

Someone please tell me I can get a better deal as a solo traveller because, if not, I'll stick with ***** and forget about cruising.

[SantaAna,CA]

Am I allowed to post this? Check with ********** online. They have a special section for single supplements where you can find bargains.

 

I travel Seabourn; a luxury line that has small ships (only 208 passengers, max), and if you book far enough in advance, you can find 125% single supplements (instead of paying double).

 

On other lines, it just depends on the itinerary, if they've got cabins they need to sell, etc. A good travel agent can always help you, too.

 

Jane

[Tenngal]

Cibrian,

Also, the same online vacation company mentioned by SantaAna has a "90-day ticker" feature. If you can travel within 3 months' notice, you can find some great bargains on cruises. Quite often, the discounted rate is more than 50%, so doubling that rate as a single is not as painful.

[Cibrian]

First, thank you both for responding. I knew there had to be a way to get a better deal but had no idea where to start. One problem. The company to which you ladies are referring got *******'d out before I got to read your replies. Can one (or both) of you ladies please e-mail me *************** the name of this company/web address so I can check them out? I would be so very grateful:) .

[grneyedmustang]

On my first cruise, I cruised solo. At first, it was a little lonely, but as I met people, I felt right at home!!!

 

My words of advice:

* Get out and about. Hang out in the "common areas" (casino, etc).

* Participate in as many activities as you can.

* I'm not sure how Norwegian operates in regard to dinner, but if you have assigned seating at dinner, sit with your tablemates. This is where I made some really good friends!

* Go on a shore excursion with a group.

 

Benefits to solo cruising:

* no snoring roommate

* you control the temperature of the room

* no TV sharing

* you can have "company" ;)

* you don't have to share space

* you eat when and where you get ready

* you set the itinerary for the day, without needing input from others

 

Happy cruising!

[Host Kat]

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I'm sorry, but I have had to edit and/or remove too many posts in this thread due to Guideline violations.

 

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