Single & first time cruiser - what to expect

[sea777guy]

Doing my first cruise alone on the Ryndam the end of November. Just wondering what to expect as a single guy alone on his first cruise.

 

Also, does HAL still offer the drink cards? If so, how much?

[Cruzman]

Would help to know your age and what your interests might be.

[flag fan]

You might want to check out the "single" and "solo" threads in the Special Interest section. (Singles are unmarried people (available?) and solos are persons traveling alone (not necessarily single).)

 

I travel solo and was somewhat put off when checking in because everyone else seemed to be in couples or groups; that's not really the case, although solos are a small percentage of cruisers. Once on board you get to just do what you want, when you want. I think HAL does have a singles/solos get-together early in the cruise, but I'm not sure what they are like (my first cruise on HAL is later this year and I haven't been to such events on other lines). If you are concerned about not having someone to talk to, sign up for traditional dining--which means that you will have a set table for dinner every night at the same time and with the same tablemates; it's a good way to get to know some fellow travelers. On the other hand, if you are out-going and don't have trouble meeting people, you might want open dining, in which case you can meet new people every night or can dine alone.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Wine, Soda, Coffee cards

Soda card -- $20.70 for 20 glasses of soda -- this is about 1/2 can of soda. (A can of soda alone is $2 plus 15% gratuity.)

 

Cocktail card - $64.69 for 10 cocktails -- made with house alcohol. Premium brands -- there will be an extra charge.

 

House wine card -- 10 glasses for $41.40

 

House wine card -- 20 glasses for $77.63

 

Coffee card -- 10 speciality coffees at the Exploration's Café for $29.90.

 

All prices above include the 15% gratuity.