#1 Benefit of Solo Cruising

[sammynobrains]

I took my first solo cruise last month, and loved it. Other than being able to do exactly what *I* wanted, all the time, I discovered the #1 benefit of solo cruising:

 

Prime Deck Chairs!

 

Do you know how hard it is to find two deck chairs together on a day at sea in the Caribbean? And one near the band or the pool? Forget about it. But, when you're seeking only one chair, there are tons of choices.

 

What's your favorite benefit of cruising solo?

[jp2001]

A tiny stateroom suddenly becomes very roomy when you don't have to share the space.

[kruz]

Not having to wait for someone else to "get ready"!!

[ellen9974]

I will let you know December 15 when I return from my first solo

[claud925]

Not having to listen to anyone complaining about your snoring.:cool:

 

In addition, I enjoy not having to wait for someone to get ready; or waiting for your turn in the bathroom; or worrying about how you look dancing in your birthday suit with a glass of champagne in your hand; or feeling guilty about closing the casino every night; or - help! - someone stop me. :eek:

[jpg1747]

The freedom to do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Just the way I live my life.

[kitty9]

Having the bathroom all to myself. If I want to take a long shower or sit in a bubble bath for an hour, no worries.

[yellowbird23]

You all gave me my chuckle for the day! Isn't it wonderful? You all summed it up for me. You forgot the naps though, many of them (if you're my age, that is:D )...Wish I had one lined up, but for now, I'm poor and can't see myself doing one any time soon even in that tiny room, which I have never done. Hmmm!???:eek:

[wdw1972]

I agree with jpg1747 - it's the freedom to do whatever I please, whenever I please....with no consideration for another person. As much as I love my signifcant other and enjoy trips with him, I also love my solo trips....sometimes time apart is a good thing ;-)

 

I love to walk - he hates to walk. He loves sports - I could care less. So, on my solo trips I'll do all the stuff he doesn't like, and I won't have anyone whining, lol!

 

Sue/WDW1972

Veendam 4/06/08

[dnice1979]

Having long conversations with individuals without the worry of someone looking at their watch for you to hurry up:D

[dot73]

Not having to hear "Do we have to do this; I don't want to". Adios hubby, hello freedom!

[BamaCruiser20]

I just got back from my first solo cruise. I think I have started something here....can't wait for my next. I did meet a couple other ladies in the embarkation line and we ended up spending most of the time together at the pool and dinner....so, I don't know if I can still classify it as a "solo" cruise.

 

However, I did have a revelation the first night.....I can use ALL the towels if I want!!!

[crusinpsychRN]

Where there any "uncomfortable" or lonely situations?

[jpg1747]

Where there any "uncomfortable" or lonely situations?

 

People sometimes try to "adopt" me because they feel sorry for me - I must be lonely if I'm alone. That is so not true. I treasure my aloneness. I can be as selfish as I want. When I want company, I know where to find it.

 

The one thing I dont understand is why people insist on having a conversation with you when you are obviously not interested. I take a chair and turn it away from the inside (towards the ocean) to read a book. Is there any more clear signal that I want to be left alone?

[jpg1747]

To take the solo thing even farther....

 

When I told my sister about the cruise I'm taking this November, she said she wanted to go too. I told her fine, we could have adjoining cabins and meet at dinner every night. Good thing she has the same mindset as me. We're both very independent and often like to do different things. Even though it obviously costs us both more to do it this way, we're both happy with the arrangement. Has anyone else done this?

[nseagirl]

Everything y'all (yes, I'm from the SOUTH) are saying sounds like Heaven to me!! I have never minded traveling by myself but I've never done a solo cruise. My husband has no interest in cruising so I have to wait until I have a friend who is up for a trip. SO, I've only taken one cruise with another scheduled the end of April with another friend.

 

I really want to do this solo thing for all of the reasons that y'all have mentioned! Can anyone tell me if there's one specific cruise line that has lower supplements than others?

[claud925]

Even though it obviously costs us both more to do it this way, we're both happy with the arrangement. Has anyone else done this?

 

Yup - me. I've sailed with my best friend where we were in separate cabins. At some point during the day one or the other would leave a post-it note on the door to let the other know where we could be found . . . worked great!:D

 

In fact, we'll be doing it again on the Galaxy this May ... :)

[cruisinryan]

To take the solo thing even farther....

 

When I told my sister about the cruise I'm taking this November, she said she wanted to go too. I told her fine, we could have adjoining cabins and meet at dinner every night. Good thing she has the same mindset as me. We're both very independent and often like to do different things. Even though it obviously costs us both more to do it this way, we're both happy with the arrangement. Has anyone else done this?

 

I suggested this to my sister and she was offended, said I was acting like I did not want to be with her. I just need to explain it better, I think.

 

Till then, I would love to find someone like you to cruise with ... just friends, each with our own bedroom, we do what we want (share excursions / or not) and meet at dinner to share our day -- but at a big table so we have others to share with and get to know too.

 

I guess that's the essence of group or singles cruises, but they always seem to have higher prices :( and/or are scheduled at bad times of the year (like the Caribbean in the middle of the rainy season :confused: ).

[TessM]

Well, I'm not married and I live alone. So, not having to share a room/bathroom etc is just the way I expect things to be. So, this isn't necessarily something special for me when I cruise (always solo).

 

But, yes, having a much better selection on deck chairs - or a seat in the lounge, even if you get there a bit late, is great.

 

For me, having a bunch of people (cruise staff) take care of me for a week or so, having someone cook wonderful meals for me is a treat. Also, I love being able to walk into a bar (only on a cruise ship) by myself and not feel out of place - or, feel like a floozy. Rarely do I ever go to a bar by myself on dry land - and, on those rare occasions, I'm in a upscale hotel, and even then, it's just a drink in the lobby bar.

 

I've only cruised solo but I can tell from the people I've spoken with on cruises, that I tend to end up talking with and meeting more people than those cruise passengers that travel with a spouse/so or with their children.

[anaslile]

Everything y'all (yes, I'm from the SOUTH) are saying sounds like Heaven to me!! I have never minded traveling by myself but I've never done a solo cruise. My husband has no interest in cruising so I have to wait until I have a friend who is up for a trip. SO, I've only taken one cruise with another scheduled the end of April with another friend.

 

I really want to do this solo thing for all of the reasons that y'all have mentioned! Can anyone tell me if there's one specific cruise line that has lower supplements than others?

 

Carnival's 1A cabins are only 150%. If you book a gty you have a chance of getting an upgrade. All other cabins are 200%, but are overall lower priced than other cruiselines. Costa also has single cabins. HAL is pretty good for single supplements as are the luxury lines. There's a really good articles on cruise critic about the best lines for solo travel.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=21

[cruisetmc]

Extra room in the cabin. Being able to sleep as late as you want. Not having to worry about waking someone up if you get up in the night.

 

Doing what you want when you want.

[KarenLA]

OK this is my very first post...I don't know if I am a single cruiser or a solo cruiser...but I am taking my very first cruise...alone in October on the Crystal Serenity. It leaves from Barcelona and has a golf theme which I think will help me meet people.

 

I am a 52 year old recent widow. I have always wanted to take a cruise and I thought if I waited until I found someone who wanted to go where I did when I did...well I would still be waiting..

 

I haven't quite figured out how you all get all those cute little boxes and countdowns..but I I thrilled to be here and picking up info from all of you.

 

Karen

 

single and solo

first cruise

Crystal Serenity 8326

[hi2you]

OK this is my very first post...I don't know if I am a single cruiser or a solo cruiser...but I am taking my very first cruise...alone in October on the Crystal Serenity. It leaves from Barcelona and has a golf theme which I think will help me meet people.

 

I am a 52 year old recent widow. I have always wanted to take a cruise and I thought if I waited until I found someone who wanted to go where I did when I did...well I would still be waiting..

 

I haven't quite figured out how you all get all those cute little boxes and countdowns..but I I thrilled to be here and picking up info from all of you.

 

Karen

 

single and solo

first cruise

Crystal Serenity 8326

 

Hi, just click on countdown clocks and you will be able to set up your counter, and if you want to add other things, click on USER PC, and edit signature.

[Frandick]

Karen go to the Crystal board and read the second sticky. It might be to your advantage.

You will just love the Serenity. I am taking my 4th one on the Serenity in May.

Be prepared to be completely spoiled.

If you have any questions e-mail me at

Frandick at webtv.net

Just put Serenity in the title block.

 

Fran

[KarenLA]

Hi, just click on countdown clocks and you will be able to set up your counter, and if you want to add other things, click on USER PC, and edit signature.

Thanks

Karen