Solo or single?

[Cruisesquatch]

Is there much difference between the two? I'm a single guy and have been considering booking one for 2009? I know there are "organized" singles cruises, but dont know if I would be into all of the silliness and activities. Any suggestions which cruiseline one would recommend for a first-time solo/single cruiser?

[SomeBeach]

Hi Cruisequatch and welcome to CC.

Difference between the two:

Solo, traveling alone.

Single, unattached.

One paints a clearer picture of your availabity. ;)

Hard to say what cruiseline would work for you. If you provide a bit more info about yourself, age, likes, dislikes, that could help folks here to steer you in the right direction. As an example......

Holland America is known for it's more *mature* cruisers.

Carnival has had a reputation as a party boat tho lately I understand that is seen more on just the 3/4 day cruises.

Princess and RCI are more family style.

Then you can get into the upscale lines, Celebrity, Cunard, etc.

One thing is for sure, there is a cruiseline to meet your needs.

Side note.... having seen on the news what your weather has been like, I'll bet you wish you were on a cruise right now. ;) :D

[DiveMaster]

Carnival, try an organized singles cruise (*** *** ******), or a cruise that hits the watering holes in Mexico.

 

Is there much difference between the two? I'm a single guy and have been considering booking one for 2009? I know there are "organized" singles cruises, but dont know if I would be into all of the silliness and activities. Any suggestions which cruiseline one would recommend for a first-time solo/single cruiser?

[Cruisesquatch]

Are you kidding me? You just aint whistlin Dixie! I'm sitting here looking at the pictures posted on here and listening to "Kokomo" and "Montego Bay" and some zydeco music. Anything to keep warm.

 

I guess knowing my age would help, huh? I'm at that awkward "tweener" age of 41- not old enough to go to bed at 9pm and not young enough to drink until I puke. Thanks in advance.:cool:

[SomeBeach]

Are you kidding me? You just aint whistlin Dixie! I'm sitting here looking at the pictures posted on here and listening to "Kokomo" and "Montego Bay" and some zydeco music. Anything to keep warm.

 

I guess knowing my age would help, huh? I'm at that awkward "tweener" age of 41- not old enough to go to bed at 9pm and not young enough to drink until I puke. Thanks in advance.:cool:

 

Coming from the lake effect snow belt in IN, I know what you mean.

Love your description! Definately rule out Holland Amer.

As was suggested, Mexico would be a good first cruise but that would have you flying a pretty long distance. Ft Laud, Miami, or Tampa would be a good place to cruise out of.

Back to the line, cost wise, Carnival, Princess, or RCI are the mass market ones that will get you the best price.

On all the lines, March into April are known as *Spring Break* season and you can be sure that lots of kids, from youngins to college age will be on any ship.

You do sound like you want to have fun, so I'll narrow down a bit more. RCI or Carnival would probably be a good place to start looking. If you go to each of their websites, you can type in a destination and date frame, then either Caribbean or Mexico and that will bring up an assortment of cruises to look at.

A good travel agent could also help you to determine what line would be a good fit for you.

[RoofingPrincess]

I think he needs to go to Mexico on Carnival Ecstasy in September! :)

It's my first "solo" cruise - and I'm doing it with "training wheels" - going with a group organized by a friend I met here on Cruise Critic (but not yet face-to-face).

Not quite brave enough yet to do a totally solo cruise (where I would know no one else on the ship)

[Cruisesquatch]

Thanks for the tip RP, but I'm booked on the MARINER in September. But I've havent been to Mexico so its definitely on my list.

[fireofficer5]

If you are sailing by your self, an organized cruise is good in that you will have others to hang with. Most cruises are couples. And offseason cruises are for the retired, mostly but not all.

[Voxy]

"Solo, traveling alone.

Single, unattached.

One paints a clearer picture of your availabity."

 

Does this mean that the solo cruises feel less like a meat-market or floating bar, and have fewer of those cheesy activities?

[cruisinryan]

Is there much difference between the two? I'm a single guy and have been considering booking one for 2009? I know there are "organized" singles cruises, but dont know if I would be into all of the silliness and activities. Any suggestions which cruiseline one would recommend for a first-time solo/single cruiser?

 

I just got back from an RCI 7 night cruise on Voyager of the Seas, out of Galveston, Texas. I went solo, and it was a great cruise. In 2009 it will have 4 ports of call (3 in Mexico; 1 in Honduras), with opportunities for beach days and/or Mayan ruins days.

 

The ship is excellent, with lots of good deck space, an all-around promenade deck, access to the very front of the ship at the bow (awesome), lots of pools and hot tubs ... and even an ice skating rink where you can skate, plus a fantastic ice show to watch.

 

I highly recommend it.

 

Solo cruising is fun, but if you are not into entertaining yourself I suggest you find a cruise with a singles group or a group cruise.

 

Finally, welcome to the time-consuming, and addictive, game of "Find the Reasonable Solo Fare".

[Coastaljen]

I am 43 (and originally from Canton, OH) ha ha... Let us know how your September cruise goes. My family lives in the area, but I don't know how they stand the weather up there!

 

Honestly, I have never had the nerve to do a singles cruise because it would remind me of my bar days. I would feel like I had a sign saying "available" ..just my paranoia though. However, I have been on a variety of cruiselines solo, and I liked them all. I have also done land tours solo of Europe.

 

Yes, Holland America caters to an older crowd, but I loved it, and I would go again. However, it is VERY sedate. NCL was just o.k. Also, Celebrity is great, and after July, I will be able to let you know about Princess. I pick based on itinerary not ship, so I have two Princess cruises booked, and I haven't done one on them. I have yet to meet a ship I didn't like.

 

I haven't tried Carnival.

[Cruisesquatch]

Thanks for the info everyone.

coastaljen I dont think I would go on Holland America. It would be bad enough going on a cruise by myself, but then if I go with Holland...I cant sit there and discuss medications for 7 days with the old people, sorry.

On the other hand, I'd probably be the hottest guy on the ship.:D

[SomeBeach]

"Does this mean that the solo cruises feel less like a meat-market or floating bar, and have fewer of those cheesy activities?"

 

 

 

 

 

That about sums it up!!

When my husband and I were separated, I was a solo cruiser although I wasn't single. I still prefer to think of myself as a solo cruiser tho I am now single. Your reasons above explain why.

[Coastaljen]

I think the age you find also depends on where you sail. Even a colleague made a crack about the cruiseline known for senior citizens. Yes, I was probably one of the youngest on the Panama Canal cruise.

 

The Panama Canal tended to be an older crowd, but I met some wonderful people. One couple I still write to. They are from Germany and travel the world. They sent me a gorgeous book about their hometown, Celle. It is amazing.

 

The Alaska cruise was VERY young. We set a record for the number of children on a cruise with Holland that season. ..not sure it was a record I wanted to set, but it was o.k. I am not a child hater..but there were some teens that were out of control.

 

We shall see how Princess goes. Some of the cruises are actually not 200% when you book. The one I am doing this summer was about l30% going solo. Also, Princess has one of South America that is not double for a solo at Christmas. However, I don't want to start or stop in Brazil, so I am paying for Celebrity.

 

I will say I met a single guy on the NCL out of Charleston. We remain in touch "as friends". However, he really swore off ever going on NCL again because he thought there were not enough singles. He wanted to do Carnival next time. I think it was the case that the ship leaves South Carolina (so you have a lot of retired Carolinians), and it is a smaller ship.

 

Somebeach, I have never heard of solo cruises. I just hear of singles cruises. Some websites list solo specials on cruiselines. I don't necessarily book through them, but it lets me see which ones aren't charging double for solo travelers.

[celtgrrl]

Is there much difference between the two? I'm a single guy and have been considering booking one for 2009? I know there are "organized" singles cruises, but dont know if I would be into all of the silliness and activities. Any suggestions which cruiseline one would recommend for a first-time solo/single cruiser?

 

sorry for the corny header...i just couldn't help myself....

 

i'm sailing on the RCI Liberty 1.10.09 and i'm calling myself a SOLO because single does sound so "yum, jello shots - hey baby, what's your sign?...merge now?" kinda smarmy (though an apple jello shot can be rather tasty!) and single silliness and cheezy activities sometimes can be so forced, cringeworthy, and awkward... but how about a wine-tasting?

 

see, here's the deal...i'm traveling with my beloved exended family where i am the only single/divorced w/no kids chick in the big bunch... so, i'm gonna pay double to have my own balcony room:) (a splurge!)..i'm just over 40 and so i'm not gonna have the cubby hole room in a family suite (sorry again mom!) ....i'm an librarian & tech educator...not a millionaire and i haven't cruised in 8 years... (my long term now ex BF i met right after that voyage wasn't a cruiser...he was a camper!...)...so i don't want to wait for my bliss i want it now! LOL or at least i want my own cabin and my own view onto the world!

 

so, i may go to my Roll Call when it comes up...and see if any fun singles wanna get together & hang out after my "rents, rants and runcles" go to sleep...and i may go to the Mix & Mingle...cause that would be just so cool! but i do NOT want a roomate.....however, i might just flirt at the bar with a fellow cute Solo/Singleton or smile warmly and show the cover of whatever book i'm reading in that quiet corner of the Pub or the Club sipping a chard or a shiraz.... at 1am...idly watching the water darkly wave by .....now, do i really have to wait 299 days for my bliss???

HINT to fellow Solo/Singles: ...if you want people to make friends with you before the cruise have some contact info avail on your profile..at least sign up for and post a chat service with your CC handle & check it now and again...or sign up for an email account just for your Cruise Critic related correspondence and add it to your sig. that way others like you can get in touch with you in a safe way! or start and post the URL of a cruise blog or wiki!....but please, remember to be internet aware and don't give out your IRL name or location....maybe at least until the Mix & Mingle!!

See you there! i'll be the piratical redhead sipping a cool chard! ;)

[fireofficer5]

celt girl, your not solo, your with your family. Just in your room.

[celtgrrl]

celt girl, your not solo, your with your family. Just in your room.

 

like that... i guess you're right!:eek: ...but they go to bed early!.....Hmm sorry! but i have traveled solo a LOT! ... sans fam or anyone...i've been all over the United Kingdom...getting a Euro Rail flexi pass...stopping at one or another small village on a whim...ok, now i'm just trying to recover some semblance of credibility! LOL....

[KarenLA]

I am just jumping in here for the first time...I have just joined the board (haven't figured out all the fancy logos) but after some probably not enough research I just booked my first cruise. I am a recent widow....under 55 but over 50...I booked a Crystal golf theme cruise that leaves out of Barcelona #8326. I figured I would meet people playing golf and at dinner. I am single then and but feeling very solo.

 

My husband just died 9 months ago and all our couple friends are really still that...so it is off to new adventures for me.

 

Karen

 

[celtgrrl]

I am just jumping in here for the first time...I have just joined the board (haven't figured out all the fancy logos) but after some probably not enough research I just booked my first cruise. I am a recent widow....under 55 but over 50...I booked a Crystal golf theme cruise that leaves out of Barcelona #8326. I figured I would meet people playing golf and at dinner. I am single then and but feeling very solo.

 

My husband just died 9 months ago and all our couple friends are really still that...so it is off to new adventures for me.

 

Karen

 

 

good for you Karen! :)and i'm sorry for your loss:(..but i'm proud of you for getting out there and celebrating life!:D your plan sounds great....golfing and dinner and any parties...see if your ship is having a Meet & Mingle and you can sign up and talk to the people who are going to be on your cruise BEFORE you board..through Cruise Critic! enjoy CC and the cruise!

~Celty

[capecodrn]

as far as single/ solo..... i am single and travel with a friend/female roommate and its great for cost deferral but i can say we do our own thing a lot.. i am the more outgoing active one... i have no problem excursioning alone....y;ou always meet people on the tours...and i go to what shows i like. do my own casino thing and dont get in till late....i also am up early for a walk or coffee.. she isnt... but i am never alone on the ship .... you will always find people to chat with....meet people on cc roll call first. youll never be alone.

i myself am 51 , only cruise rccl... dont drink so the carnival style isnt for me. .i love cruising . i have not gone to any of the singles mixers onboard so i cant tell you what the ratio of men/ women there is... to me we are all the same age....

if you dont want to pay solo price.... find a roommate. its only a place to lay your head for the night. you can shower at the spa if your self concious.

i am on mariner 10/26 and jewel in march for a panama canal trip and am always looking for new friends to cruise with

[BARBARA J.W.]

HELLO EVERYONE.

MY name is BARBARA.

I am a SINGLE/SOLO CRUISER.

Cruising is the best vacation........

I have never been married,,,,,so I am single.....

I travel///cruise solo........

So that makes me a SINGLE//SOLO CRUISER....

I have been on Carnival for most of my

cruises,,,,,Most solo..............

I have met alot of people on the ships....

Carnival is good seating solo//single cruisers

at the same table in the dining room........

I wish they would have get togethers for

single //solo cruisers........

I am not a party person........

I enjoy being on the ship,,maybe going

to the shows,,people watching........

Sitting out on the deck watching the sea

as we are just floating//sailing along.....

The staff has always been very nice to me...

A cruise is great........

HAPPY CRUISING...........

[cherokeesmom]

I'm in much the same situation - recent widow. I went on a transatlantic cruise last Dec. on NCL Gem - there were lots of singles since they had NO single supplement for a short time. There was a very active roll call on Cruise Critic, and I felt I knew people before I got on board. Crystal would probably not have a very large roll call, but being a smaller ship will probably have a very attentive staff who will help you meet others.

 

I was a bit scared of going my myself, but ended up having a great time and met lots of new people.

[SoloCruiser62]

So, it has been over 10 years since I cruised because of my wife's medical situation. Now, I am ready to smell the sea again. However, I see things have changed. So, just what is Roll Call and Mix & Mingle as referred to here? Also, RoofingPrincess, I am thinking of going on the Elation from San Diego Sept 29-is that when you and your friends are going?

Steve

[Host Kat]

Howdy SoloCruiser62!

 

Welcome to the Singles Cruises Forum on Cruise Critic!

 

Click here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=44773 for the Sticky thread titled What is a ROLL CALL and how do I find mine?

 

If you cruise on a 7-day or longer Celebrity or Royal Caribbean cruise, they host a party for you and your fellow Roll Call members during your cruise. This is a time and place for all of you to meet face to face during your cruise after you have been getting to know one another on your Roll Call before your cruise. The Celebrity parties are called Connections and the Royal Caribbean parties are called Meet & Mingle.

 

For more info, click the underlined links below:

 

Celebrity Cruises

- Connections Info and Celebrity Connections FAQ

- Register to attend a Connections Party

- Search for a Connections Party

 

Royal Caribbean International

- Meet & Mingle Info and RCCL Meet & Mingle FAQ

- Register to attend a Meet & Mingle Party

- Confirmed Meet & Mingle Party List

 

 

If you cruise on some other line, you and your fellow Roll Call members can plan your own get-together on your Roll Call to be held during your cruise.

 

I hope this information will be helpful and welcome to Cruise Critic!

Kat

[wantsavacanow]

I am a solo traveller, but prefer to book singles cruises for the simple fact it gives me folks to hang out with. I am an educated 41 year old, divorced, with no kids, and there is nothing more I hate than being stuck at a dinner table with 70 year olds and when they find out what I do for a living want to tell me all of their health problems.

Last year I went on a Princess cruise (ship was awesome, crew even better!!!), and this was not a singls organized booking, so I got stuck at a table with the over 65 crowd who wanted to tell me all of their medical conditions so I could 'diagnose' them......me mum is 65, I love her to death, but I would not want to travel with her on vacation!

Singles cruises do have their perks......single folks, in a similar age bracket.