Wondering if my cruising days are over

[tim5811]

Do you have any friends??? go with one of them. Not a big group on a cruise. It creates a sausage party. groups of 2 work better for meeting people.

As for the break-up.. there is always 2 sides of the story. What did you do wrong? The truth!

[avendav]

D. Just got back from my first solo/ Hooked completely. Here are my suggestions..

Join cruise critic to get some connections and try to join or organise your own private tours onshore. This way you will meet more adventurous and perhaps younger folk. I did. Go to the Meet and Greets for single/solos for sure- even if just for free hors doeuvres and drinks.

Get the Maitre D to find you a sitting with a specified seating. Very important to know 8+ people who will enjoy your tales of shore excursuions nightly and you dont scramble for dinner partners-- unless you have your eye on someone.

After dinner - hook up with your new mates or go off to a bar and there is always the casino.

Find a ship with a great gym and go daily- the morning is best to meet the fit folk and the under 80 crowd.

I loved my dinner family, excursion friends, gym mates and casino goers. i even attended my religious services onboard and found like minded friends for life.

Never worry about awkward moments for you will have so many more exquisite memories to take home. Best of luck

[CandyRN]

Just found myself in same situation as of Feb. of this year. I just booked a cruise for Feb. 2009. A girl friend of many years is going with me on her first cruise. I know we'll have a great time. :)

[Coastaljen]

I like cruising solo. You really meet a ton of people. I am envious that you are 27 and able to travel. I had to wait until my 40s before I felt like I could afford it. Of course everyone else 40 is married and saving for college tuitions.... Oh well. I feel like I am making up for lost time now (just hit 44) taking all the cruises I can before I get too old.

 

I took my mother a couple of times in the past, and it made me not mind paying the single supplement now.

 

So far I have booked based on itinerary. I really am not looking to go to the Caribbean. It seems most of the single cruises are short (7 days), and depart from U.S. ports. I may try one eventually, but for now I am still trying to see places I want to visit.

[Roz]

Coastaljen,

 

Your post reminded me of something. I constantly hear people I work with talk about the things they're going to do when they retire, including travel. I've also seen a number of people retire and die shortly thereafter, or become seriously ill or injured.

 

I made up my mind a long time ago that I wasn't going to stash all my money away in a retirement fund, under the vague pretense that I would be alive or physically able to travel at some unknown future retirement date.

 

Maybe I won't retire a millionaire, but I'm fulfulling some of my travel dreams NOW.

 

Roz

[wantsavacanow]

Coastaljen,

 

Your post reminded me of something. I constantly hear people I work with talk about the things they're going to do when they retire, including travel. I've also seen a number of people retire and die shortly thereafter, or become seriously ill or injured.

 

I made up my mind a long time ago that I wasn't going to stash all my money away in a retirement fund, under the vague pretense that I would be alive or physically able to travel at some unknown future retirement date.

 

Maybe I won't retire a millionaire, but I'm fulfulling some of my travel dreams NOW.

 

 

 

I just turned 42, on this past Monday, and I am a firm believer that we cannot take it with us ($$$ that is), so I travel as much as I can now that I am fit and able to do so. My dad died at age 58, and my parents only went on 2 trips without us kids; I will not wait to enjoy myself, and since I don't have children it is easier for me to travel.

Being divorced, I tend to take singles organized group cruises, solo land trips (go to Ireland every year by myself), or the occasional cruise with a friend or family member.

For cruising, I prefer the organized singles groups, saves me money, and I can choose to hang out with others, or not, depending on what I want to do. Being single has an advantage, we can meet as many people as we want, without hurting a significant others' feelings (there are some jealous folks in this world).

[dnice1979]

I'm actually experiencing a problem similar to the origional poster - but for different reasons. I'm 27 and every year a big group of my friends would always go on a cruise twice a year. The good news is that all of the guys are now married....the bad news is that they no longer want to go on cruises. :(

 

For someone under 30, if it really worth going solo? I see the posts from "singles," but most seem much older than my age. I just wonder if it would really work for someone under 30.

 

I'm thinking about doing something in December...but I haven't "pulled the trigger" yet...

 

Ray

I am 29 and I went on my first solo cruise last yeat I had the best time. All my friends are not married but they all have kids. On my first solo cruise I was scared but low and behold thanks to this site I got thru.

 

My friends still can't believe that I took the plunge. But I did it I will be doing it agian this December. I can't wait.

[Coastaljen]

Your parents took two more trips than mine did. We went to an amusement park on a good year. I always wanted to travel, and as soon as I graduated college, I started moving..about every two years for awhile. I have lived all over the country. I have set a record living in the same house for five years this past June. After next June, I will have set a record for staying in the same state for six years (since college). Amazing. I think I finally realized I can see new places without up and moving..... I just have to travel. :)

 

My family members meanwhile all lives walking distance of each other and are very happy. I think I was adopted, but my mom swore she has pictures of herself pregnant with me...........................;)

[wantsavacanow]

Jen:

I am the same way, I have lived in NYC, NJ, FL, TN & now NM. I love to pack up, and move on to newer & hopefully better things, but moving to 'Roswell' NM may have not been a great idea! LOL

I have not seen any aliens, but I sure feel like one here, LOL

[wantsavacanow]

p.s., forgot to add this in my previous post, I am Irish by birth, and 'gypsy' is in my soul, that's why I love to move & travel. Every day and every new place is another adventure, and you never know what life may bring.

 

There is an old irish proverb..."may the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind be always at your back."...that is why I cruise, I let the wind sail me along to new & exciting adventures.

[cjcruiser27]

Hi, just wondering how you would rate your NCL cruise to Hawaii? Thanks!

Your parents took two more trips than mine did. We went to an amusement park on a good year. I always wanted to travel, and as soon as I graduated college, I started moving..about every two years for awhile. I have lived all over the country. I have set a record living in the same house for five years this past June. After next June, I will have set a record for staying in the same state for six years (since college). Amazing. I think I finally realized I can see new places without up and moving..... I just have to travel. :)

 

My family members meanwhile all lives walking distance of each other and are very happy. I think I was adopted, but my mom swore she has pictures of herself pregnant with me...........................;)

[Coastaljen]

Oops. I just saw this post.

 

I thought the NCL cruise was the way to go for Hawaii. I wasn't crazy about NCL's food (and they had just implemented the upgrade that week), but the ship was very nice, and it was a great way to get around the islands. Disembarkation was super organized too. No complaints (except the food).

 

I was booked on Pride of Aloha, and they removed the ship the week prior to my trip. It worked out great (despite the hassle). NCL gave me an allowance to change the airline ticket and gave me an obc. I did take one of the ship tours, and it was a HUGE waste. I even filed a form, but of course never heard a thing.

 

If I went again, I would use Roger's tours for all of my tours.

 

I do book based on itinerary though, so I am not a good one to ask about shows, etc. Taking their cruise is such a great way to see the islands.

[cjcruiser27]

Thanks for the info.!

[DMKahlan]

I feel the poster's pain. I sailed back in June with what I knew would be my last cruise with my wife. I tried to make it work but to no avail. My divorce will be final by the end of August.

 

I've been toying with the idea of cruising solo, but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger. While I understand paying 150 - 200% may be a bit high up front, but on the back end - I'm only paying for my drinks and my spending money, so I will actually be spending less.

 

Perhaps when the pain of the divorce has worn off, I'll be back on a cruise ship hanging out ith all you fine folks!!! :)

[dnice1979]

I feel the poster's pain. I sailed back in June with what I knew would be my last cruise with my wife. I tried to make it work but to no avail. My divorce will be final by the end of August.

 

I've been toying with the idea of cruising solo, but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger. While I understand paying 150 - 200% may be a bit high up front, but on the back end - I'm only paying for my drinks and my spending money, so I will actually be spending less.

 

Perhaps when the pain of the divorce has worn off, I'll be back on a cruise ship hanging out ith all you fine folks!!! :)

 

I wish that when I got my divorce three years ago I would not have had the courage to take a trip let alone a cruise by myself. That idea was not even in thinking range. Now that all I think about is my next cruise and destination. I know someday I will find love again but today I aint looking.:D

[Coastaljen]

DMKahlan,

 

Interesting. I met a guy about my age on the Majesty a few years ago. He had booked with his wife ..hoping to keep the marriage together I assume. She refused to go, so he ended up taking his sister. We all hung out and had a great time.

[DMKahlan]

DMKahlan,

 

Interesting. I met a guy about my age on the Majesty a few years ago. He had booked with his wife ..hoping to keep the marriage together I assume. She refused to go, so he ended up taking his sister. We all hung out and had a great time.

 

I booked the cruise when life was happy. I found out 4 days before the cruise she wasn't happy anymore. Of course it wasn't until we got back from the cruise that I found out she was cheating on me. :( She wanted to go on the cruise as much as I did.

 

Life goes on and when I'm ready again, I'm sure I'll find that special someone. Until then, let's party like it's 1999!!! :D

[cdngrl]

so many of your 'stories' could have been written by me! i luckily have had the luxury of time to heal my wounds (i hate that that's true!). my youngest just graduated and i stopped and thought...what do I want to do? travel! so, ...i am taking my first solo cruise this fall. like coastaljen i chose it based on itinerary. i'm excited to have time to myself, to do what i want when i want. i only have to worry about ME, my passport, my money...

 

the timing wasn't right years ago, i was too busy with little ones. i don't regret not going sooner, but as someone posted early on this thread, i'm going to go now while i am able to. retirement is a long way off--even longer if i have cruises to pay for!

 

to the op--i'm sorry you have to feel so bad now. it WILL get better, you WILL feel strong again.

[cjcruiser27]

I wouldn't let going "solo" hold you back! Go and have fun, you end up meeting so many people. I have done 20+ cruises and the majority of them single! Always looking forward to the next..Cheers!

I feel the poster's pain. I sailed back in June with what I knew would be my last cruise with my wife. I tried to make it work but to no avail. My divorce will be final by the end of August.

 

I've been toying with the idea of cruising solo, but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger. While I understand paying 150 - 200% may be a bit high up front, but on the back end - I'm only paying for my drinks and my spending money, so I will actually be spending less.

 

Perhaps when the pain of the divorce has worn off, I'll be back on a cruise ship hanging out ith all you fine folks!!! :)

[vicdreyer]

My first time cruising single wasn't easy but I'm glad I went. The first few nights felt odd, not having a 'partner' at the dining table, being alone in my room, sitting in the lounge by myself, etc but I had a great time over all (having wonderful tablemates helps a lot). Keep yourself busy during the day by going on shore excursions and participating in shipboard activities. You'll soon meet other single individuals who are just as happy to meet you for the first time :)

 

Happy sailing!

 

Vic

[NCTribeFan]

Well, I haven't sailed solo. Yet. But I probably will before too much longer.

 

I've been a single mom since DD was 3. She's now 22 and a senior in college. So, once she graduates (hopefully in May!), she won't be available to cruise with me any longer.

 

I can't convince my handful of married friends that they need to get away for a "girlfriends" cruise. Their hubbies don't like the idea. :(

 

I have to kind of shake my head at the people who want to know if they can possibly cruise without their SO and enjoy themselves. It's been so long since I was attached at the hip to another human that I find it rather sad that people seem to be afraid to just go out and do things!

 

If I thought I had to have a man pay my way and take me places, I would've just become a recluse years ago!

 

Anyway, I keep thinking, "but I don't want to pay 150% to cruise" and then I realize that I'm paying every dime for the 2 of us to cruise now! It will actually cost me less. That sounds pretty good.

 

I'm mid-50s and when DD isn't around, I do whatever I want and go wherever I want. I never set out to be an "independent woman" but the thought of getting involved with someone just to have someone makes me feel rather sick to my stomach and I refuse to do it!

 

Anyway, I hope you get out there and do whatever you want to do. People need to realize that they do NOT have to be in a relationship every day of their lives. There is NOT something wrong with you if you aren't.

 

It's a very liberating feeling!

[DMKahlan]

Well I've gone ahead and done it. I booked my next cruise. Yes I'm going single but no I'm not going solo. My stepdad offered to go on a cruise with me for my birthday. Should be a blast.

[Oregon D&B]

 

I know it will always feel different without my significant other with me, but I feel like I'm cruising for other reasons too. I enjoy the ports, meeting nice people, and who knows, with any luck someday I may find someone special who will join me on my search for the most beautiful sunset (although I hope i never find it).

 

Good luck everyone and enjoy your cruises!:)

 

 

God I feel for you. I haven't responded back here in the last month or so as I was trying to sort things out in my life. Luckily I have been able to move on, and met someone incredibly special along the way.

 

You are right though, there are moments that I reflect back on and think what might have been. But then I just tuck them away, and say that was a past life, and I am moving on to another one.

 

Good luck to you and everyone else who must face this damn problem- especially as you approach middle age...

[Oregon D&B]

And to all those that posted, thank you. Your words of advice have really helped me get though these rough and confusing times!