Cabin Selection MS Amsterdam/Traveling Single

[SantaAna,CA]

I'm planning on a week cruise to Alaska in August of 2005 on the Stand to Reason cruise with Biola College, on the MS Amsterdam. I want my own cabin (am a single woman, 53, traveling alone), and have my eye on that Verandah Suite, but my goodness...the single supplement! Can anyone give me any tips on cruising by oneself (dining choices, whatever advice you might have) and also, has anyone stayed in a suite vs. the outside stateroom, what is your opinion? Thanks so much!

[doone]

I sail with a group, but I do like my own space and get a cabin to myself. With that single supplement, I get an inside cabin, I like cabin category K on main deck. I don't spend alot of time in my cabin, so inside is perfect and the price is right for me. The Amsterdam is my favorite ship, you certainly will enjoy her.

Perhaps you should think about an inside cabin vs. the verandah, although the verandah's are so nice, just a thought.

[FlorenceItaly]

One time an inside, another time, an outside. My location of choice is on the lower promenade deck as the deck is so convenient. That is where I stayed while cruising to Alaska last year. It's like having your own giant balcony, but at a reasonable rate :).

You are going to love Alaska? Is this your first time to Alaska? If so, no words, pictures, tv programs, etc, can do it justice, it must be EXPERIENCED.
Have fun!

Let us know what you decide.

Marie

[Tinknock50]

Personally, I would compromise and go for an outside cabin. Thats what I am doing on my solo cruise on the Zaandam in September.

[RuthC]

K-2619 is the perfect inside cabin. It's on Main deck, absolutely mid-ship. There are no cabins on any side, and it's configured differently than other cabins (it's larger).

If you're traveling solo you will need to get out there and meet people! Can't do that on a veranda. You can best see all the sights from an outside deck where you can see both sides, and either forward or back. Yes! You can even get out on the bow!

As far as tips for traveling solo goes you're talking to an expert.
When you go to lounges belly up to the bar; it's easier to start chatting with others there than at a cocktail table.
When you go to the show head right up to the front and find a single seat; ask those nearby if it's taken (no? good!), sit down, and start a conversation. Same thing at the games like Team Trivia or in the Lido or by the pool or in the hot tub.

Have your TA request a large (6-8) round table; it's the best way to get to know several others. It's also nice to have a usual group to share dinner---and the details of the day---with.

Go to the singles get-togethers.

And most of all---enjoy Alaska. It's one of my favorite destinations.

[SantaAna,CA]

Thank you all so much for your speedy and informative replies...this is only my second cruise and will be my first time to Alaska (my only other cruise was a ship that only held about 400 people; I joined some people from my church, we sailed from Venice to Athens, Philippi, Ephesus and Corinth in 2001). I certainly will note all your good advice. Thanks especially for the comment about the deck vs. the astronomical price I would pay as a single in a Verandah Suite *yikes*. :)

[garydm]

We also would recommend an inside K cabin. We have had one on Amsterdam (601, as I recall) and it was mid ship, very quiet, and little motion. I think these the not so hidden gems of the ship. I actually longed for the quiet of my old K cabin when we were later in an S suite below the ping pong table "tournament" at midnight on the Lido Deck!

Gary

[FlorenceItaly]

Hi Sean :). Are you on the LP deck??

Ruth - Have you ever stayed on the LP deck? I love it. I stayed main when I had my inside. I enjoyed my location there too, but once I discovered the LP, it is my preference.

Oh, and about the dining...on both cruises I requested a large table, and was sat with other solo cruisers. It was a wonderful experience. I am still in touch with friends from both cruises. Also, I attended a singles luncheon one day, and that was fun. I am very happily married, but still went to meet other solos.

I agree with Ruth, do NOT hesitate to engage in conversation with others. I do that ALL the time, and people are very friendly. It will greatly enhance your cruise.

Have a wonderful cruise.

Marie

[RuthC]

Marie, on the S-class ships I usually book J-345 on Lower Promenade. Love that location!
I booked K-2619 on the Amsterdam for the trans-Atlantic back in '01, but was upgraded directly across the passageway at the last minute. I booked K2619 on the Rotterdam in '02. Like the realtors advise: Location! Location! Location! It's got it.

The fact that it's larger than the usual cabin, has a different configuration, has no next door neighbors, and has an additional electrical outlet make it very desirable. And it's just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Lower Prom deck. ;)

So why am I telling the rest of the world about it? :confused:

[FlorenceItaly]

The fact that it's larger than the usual cabin, has a different configuration, has no next door neighbors, and has an additional electrical outlet make it very desirable. And it's just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Lower Prom deck. ;)

So why am I telling the rest of the world about it? :confused: [/QUOTE]

Because you are a very sweet lady :).

Marie

[Esme]

Twice when I have cruised alone, I have had a C cat. cabin on Lower Prom and a D cat. on Main Deck. I still like a window! :D

[Tinknock50]

Marie,
I have A Cat E guarantee......so atleast I will get a window and can be upgraded from there.