solo cruising HAL

[jdechter]

anybody done the solo cruising match program with HAL? How was it? Did you get a good match? thinking of doing Zaandam solo in April.

[RuthC]

I've done it the last two years and have signed up for it for this year, too.

It takes communication and a committment to work together when you are sharing with a stranger---especially for a long cruise; my cruises were over 30 days each. On a shorter cruise it should be easier.

If my choice were to book a share or not cruise then the choice is easy! I choose to cruise. :)

[kryos]

I've done it the last two years and have signed up for it for this year, too.

It takes communication and a committment to work together when you are sharing with a stranger---especially for a long cruise; my cruises were over 30 days each. On a shorter cruise it should be easier.

If my choice were to book a share or not cruise then the choice is easy! I choose to cruise. :)
Any chance you'd be thinking of that 30-day Hawaii/South Pacific itinerary for January 6, 2006?

I'd be really interesting in doing that, but couldn't afford a cruise of that length as a solo.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[RuthC]

Any chance you'd be thinking of that 30-day Hawaii/South Pacific itinerary for January 6, 2006?

I'd be really interesting in doing that, but couldn't afford a cruise of that length as a solo.

Blue skies ...

--rita
I am toying with the idea, but am still a ways from the seriously thinking about it stage. I am doing a one-week Alaska cruise in '06 (finally got the ok to take a grandgirl to Alaska! yea!), so vacation time could get limited.

I will encourage you to go the guaranteed share route if you really want to take that cruise and sharing is the only way.
I have found that my fellow passengers are usually a very nice group of people and in a good mood. The usual stresses of living with someone are removed so it's easier to get along. And isn't it true (unfortunately) that we so often are more considerate of a stranger than we are of someone we know all too well?

People who book a guaranteed share go into the whole thing knowing that they have to compromise, so it doesn't come as a surprise. I'm sure that if "Felix Unger" were paired with "Oscar Madison" it could be difficult, but that's highly unlikely. That's simply not the typical HAL demographic on a longer cruise.

[cactuslady]

I did the single share once and lucked into a very lovely roommate, who was busy a lot of the time babysitting the grandkids in their suite. This was a lucky break, as I am not the type for having roommates.

However, I knew others on the same cruise who were not as happy with their assigned roommates. One of the factors is that this was a 7-day Caribbean cruise, we were part of a large group with a specific music theme (country), and several of the singles were there more to see the featured guest star and to hang out in the casino than for love of cruising.

On a 30-day cruise, I would think these factors would not be present. Fortunately also, on a HAL ship there are many quiet corners to retreat to and relax in besides one's cabin. If you're feeling flexible and a bit adventurous, go for the single share. If you really "vant to be alone," save up until you can have your own little cabin. Another good thing about HAL is that the single supplement is not outrageous.

[kryos]

People who book a guaranteed share go into the whole thing knowing that they have to compromise, so it doesn't come as a surprise. I'm sure that if "Felix Unger" were paired with "Oscar Madison" it could be difficult, but that's highly unlikely. That's simply not the typical HAL demographic on a longer cruise.
That's what I figure. I think that the guaranteed share could work out well on a longer cruise, as opposed to a shorter one, because you know you're only gonna get a roommate who loves to cruise. You're not gonna draw the type of person who is only sharing because she came up short in her group for someone to share a cabin with.

While I would never even consider using the guaranteed share program for a seven to ten-day cruise ... for fear of getting someone who would be totally incompatible ... I would definitely consider it for a cruise of this length. You're almost guaranteed to get an older person who has sufficient time to take such a long cruise.

I really think it could work and will definitely consider it should it work out that I can take this cruise. I still have to see if I could get the requisite time off from work, though. That one would involve about 22 vacation days at a clip!

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

I will encourage you to go the guaranteed share route if you really want to take that cruise and sharing is the only way.
Well, I just about went and did it. I talked to the boss today ... juggled some vacation time for 2005 to 2006 and now have my TA checking on prices. But it looks like I will be going the guaranteed share route. There is simply no other way.

My TA seems to think, though, that there is little chance HAL will be able to match me on a cruise such as this and that I may wind up with the cabin to myself anyway. He thinks I should go the guaranteed share route and hope for this outcome.

Anyone have experience with this? What is the chance of the cruiseline actually being able to match you for a 30-day cruise?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[RevNeal]

When I've cruised solo, I've always booked the single supplement. Hence, I can't say about what it's like to share with a stranger.

I DO have a question for those of you who have also cruised solo. In the past, even when I've cruised solo I've done so with other friends and have had my picture taken with them while in line to be greeted by the captain at the first formal night reception. This time (Oosterdam in just a few days) I'm on the ship entirely by myself -- on, sure, I'll be seeing another CCer, but that's not the same as traveling with family. What do other single travelers do ... have their photo take with the captain by themselves, or do they team up with other solos?

[RuthC]

Rev, I have the picture taken as a couple---me and the Captain! No law says I have to buy it.
Last cruise I was seeing two old friends from '03. We sat at the same dining table, were together at cocktail time and many other times on the ship. We attended the Captain's Welcome Aboard party together and had our picture done that way. That one I did buy.

Rita, both cruises that I went the guaranteed share route were over 30 days. Both times I had a roomie. Both times my roomie was a lovely lady and it worked out beautifully. I would be happy to write a letter of recommendation for either one!
I hope you get the cabin to yourself, but don't plan on it. That way you may be surprised instead of disappointed. I always consider it lucky if my roomie has early dinner and I have late.

Decide in advance if a particular side of the room matters to you; do you have a preference about which side of the sink (lefty vs. right-handed) or shelf in the medicine cabinet matters (tall vs. short)? Trouble bending? Then maybe the lower drawers aren't for you.
There are practical things like these to think about. Then work the details out together.

Remember, you're both out to have a good cruise. Your roommate wants this to work as much as you do.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

When I've cruised solo, I've always booked the single supplement. Hence, I can't say about what it's like to share with a stranger.

I DO have a question for those of you who have also cruised solo. In the past, even when I've cruised solo I've done so with other friends and have had my picture taken with them while in line to be greeted by the captain at the first formal night reception. This time (Oosterdam in just a few days) I'm on the ship entirely by myself -- on, sure, I'll be seeing another CCer, but that's not the same as traveling with family. What do other single travelers do ... have their photo take with the captain by themselves, or do they team up with other solos?

Greg, In review pictures taken with the Captain I have seen many singles with just the Captain. There would be nothing wrong with it. It might even look like he is shaking your hand for "A Job Well Done" :)

[kryos]

I DO have a question for those of you who have also cruised solo. In the past, even when I've cruised solo I've done so with other friends and have had my picture taken with them while in line to be greeted by the captain at the first formal night reception. This time (Oosterdam in just a few days) I'm on the ship entirely by myself -- on, sure, I'll be seeing another CCer, but that's not the same as traveling with family. What do other single travelers do ... have their photo take with the captain by themselves, or do they team up with other solos?
No, I've been in the pictures solo too. Even when I've cruised with another couple ... still with my own cabin, though ... I always got the photos (embarkation, captain, formal night photo, etc.) by myself.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Rita, both cruises that I went the guaranteed share route were over 30 days. Both times I had a roomie. Both times my roomie was a lovely lady and it worked out beautifully. I would be happy to write a letter of recommendation for either one.
I decided to take your advice, Ruth ... and this is exactly the way I booked. In the case of a 30-day cruise, it was either guaranteed share or no cruise. Like you, I prefer to cruise.

My TA also talked with HAL and they said the odds are that I would have a roomie on this particular cruise because it is always a sell-out. They only do this itinerary once a year. Understand that my desire not to have a roommate has nothing to do with being anti-social ... it's just that I am a smoker, and a roommate means no smoking in the cabin (unless, of course, I am lucky enough to draw a roommate that smokes ... not likely). But, I will go into the arrangement with the knowledge that compromises must be made ... and hopefully we will be a good match. And, hey ... you never know ... I could wind up with a new lifelong friend out of the deal. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[RuthC]

Good luck, Rita. I'll keep my fingers crossed that somewhere a woman is saying to herself: "Well, I want to take that cruise so badly. Maybe, just maybe I'll get lucky and be placed with a smoker".

If you booked the K-category there's a very good chance that you'll be on Lower Promenade. In that case it will be but a few steps to the ship's largest veranda. Now with those nice HAL-provided bathrobes....;)

[kryos]

Good luck, Rita. I'll keep my fingers crossed that somewhere a woman is saying to herself: "Well, I want to take that cruise so badly. Maybe, just maybe I'll get lucky and be placed with a smoker".

If you booked the K-category there's a very good chance that you'll be on Lower Promenade. In that case it will be but a few steps to the ship's largest veranda. Now with those nice HAL-provided bathrobes....;)
K category is the lowest category for guaranteed share from what I understand and that's what I have. Ummmmm ... I can just feel that breeze on my face now. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Roz]

I've done 2 cruises solo on HAL, and once you've had the entire cabin to yourself, you'll never want a roommate again. I just booked another solo cruise for this coming December. HAL has been good about giving me a single supplement below 150% when I book a guarantee, so it's made cruising as a single affordable for me. Of course I cruise during non-peak times so I'm sure that has something to do with it.

Greg, I get my picture taken by myself. On my most recent cruise (Zaandam, December 11), I was so mad that I had my eyes were closed in the formal night picture. Master Olav van der Waard is a feast for the eyes and I was looking forward to showing him off to my girlfriends when I got home. I just couldn't bear paying those prices for a picture of myself that I didn't like.

Roz

[Faith77]

Each time I travel (a tour or a cruise) solo I ask myself the same ?--do I share or pay the ss and have the room/space to myself. So far I'm decided this ? this way--on cheaper one week cruises I book solo and pay the ss. On longer trips I share.

This June I'm going on a Russia river cruise with land travel/tours in Moscow and St Petersberg. There is no way that I could afford to do this trip as a solo. I figure attitude is everything. I know that I'll have a good time.

Ruth, it was great reading about your cruise last year. Where will you be going this year?

Faith

[kryos]

Each time I travel (a tour or a cruise) solo I ask myself the same ?--do I share or pay the ss and have the room/space to myself. So far I'm decided this ? this way--on cheaper one week cruises I book solo and pay the ss. On longer trips I share.

I'm the same as you ... I always pay the ss and with HAL it is generally very reasonable. The convenience of having the cabin to myself is worth it. However, on this particular trip, the single supplement is almost 100%. It's a trip HAL only does once a year and according to my TA's contacts at HAL, it's always a sell-out ... and early too. The trip is already about 65% booked and it's a good year off! So, in order to be able to afford to make the trip, I'll do the share. The lure of seeing the South Pacific islands ... having an overnight stay in Honolulu and Bora Bora ... well, for me it was a no-brainer.

And, who knows ... maybe I'll make a new life-long traveling companion out of the deal!

Blue skies and enjoy that Russia river cruise!

--rita

[Sprocket]

I booked the ss on the Zuiderdam in Sept/03, and had the best roommate!
While we did not share a lot of the same interests we had enough in
common to become friends, and still stay in touch. Our dining times were
different (she was travelling with another couple) but we all went to the
Pinnacle for dinner together and had a great time. In fact everyone I met on
this cruise was wonderful and I was included as much as I wanted to be.


We were also very close in age (50's) with grown children so always had
something to talk about- grandkids!

I'm sure you'll have a great time, and I hope you will be as lucky as I was
if they give you a roomie....

Bev

[RuthC]

Ruth, it was great reading about your cruise last year. Where will you be going this year?
Thank you for the compliment, Faith. This year I'll be doing another trans-Atlantic round trip, out of Boston. Several others from the board are also coming.

This year's cruise will be (mostly) a combination of the ports from the '01, '03 and '04 trans-Atlantics. We'll be back in Greenland, have a new port or two, and one repeat from '94.
Hey, some people go to the Caribbean every year; I cross "The Pond" on the northern route! This will be the last time for a while, though.

Rita, I took a good look at your itinerary today---it's a very nice one. I went to most of those ports on a 34-day South Pacific back in '95. We weren't able to tender to Christmas Island because of rough seas, and that was a big disappointment. We sailed around it for several hours hoping the seas would calm; I truly enjoyed the scenery.

I can't believe the amount of port time on Nuka Hiva! When I was there we had to wait a very long time for a tender at about 10:00 AM. That was because people ashore were filling the tenders to come back. They were done for the day! I enjoyed my time there. I took a wrong turn looking for something and stumbled into a really interesting cemetery. (Also found what I was looking for.)

[Classynfun1]

Anyone doing a ss on the Rotterdam May 29-June 8 and June 8-June 20th?

I'm only a bit nervous because of my age (25) and I'm hoping to get someone my mother's age or below!

[cruzingqueen]

When I've cruised solo, I've always booked the single supplement. Hence, I can't say about what it's like to share with a stranger.

I DO have a question for those of you who have also cruised solo. In the past, even when I've cruised solo I've done so with other friends and have had my picture taken with them while in line to be greeted by the captain at the first formal night reception. This time (Oosterdam in just a few days) I'm on the ship entirely by myself -- on, sure, I'll be seeing another CCer, but that's not the same as traveling with family. What do other single travelers do ... have their photo take with the captain by themselves, or do they team up with other solos?

I have cruised on HAL probably 4-5 times solo and thoroughly enjoyed everytime! I have met so many wonderful people that I may not have met had I been traveling with someone. And I always did the pictures with just the captain and myself. IMO, people are more likely to approach you and start a conversation when you are alone rather than if I was with a significant other. On my first cruise alone, I requested a large table at dinner. I was seated with a family of seven (three generations) and we are still in contact to this day. They "adopted" me and I could not have been more fortunate! What a wonderful experience.

I don't know how a 30 day cruise might work on the share program, but I did meet a lady on my last Zuiderdam cruise who said she has traveled on 4-5 cruises where she was signed up to "share" her cabin and this last time was the first time she actually had a cabin mate. The first 4 times or so, she got the cabin to herself even though she paid a "share" rate. I don't recall her saying anything about the length of the first cruises. The last one when she got the roommate was a 7 day cruise.

[VernaF7449]

Hi - another 2 questions about HAL share program. If you do request the share program I guess is it guarantee, so when will you get cabin assignment? Is the # of singles (as supplement or Singles match) controlled - so the earlier the request the better? What if after I request a match I find someone to travel with? Can we request each other as cabin mates or do we cancel and start reservation all over? I also gather there are certain cabin levels for Singles Match as well.

I am thinking about a summer 2006 Northern European cruise (10 day on Amsterdam or 12 day on Rotterdam). I don't want a mega-ship like Jewel of the Seas or Princess. Crystal, Radisson, Oceania Seabourn and other luxury ships are out of my price range. Costa has interesting Northern Europe itineraries, and so does MV Discovery, but those ships don't appeal to me (I'm a 47 year old woman, like that matters). Besides if I can cut down the cost of the cruise I can spend more in port, and stay a day or two in Copenhagen or Amsterdam.

Checking out the singles cruise web sites, I only found one 2005 singles cruise with a similar itinerary - Jewel of the Seas Scandinavia/Russia, and I'd rather book now instead of waiting to see what 2006 trips are planned. My local AAA is having a travel fair in a few weeks, and I'll see what kind of booking incentives thay have that night.

Verna

[Roz]

Verna,

I know that the reduced single supplement is capacity controlled (which is why I book early), don't know about the single match program. Yes, the match is a guarantee, I think category K or L.

Roz

[kryos]

Hi - another 2 questions about HAL share program. If you do request the share program I guess is it guarantee, so when will you get cabin assignment? Is the # of singles (as supplement or Singles match) controlled - so the earlier the request the better? What if after I request a match I find someone to travel with? Can we request each other as cabin mates or do we cancel and start reservation all over? I also gather there are certain cabin levels for Singles Match as well.

The way my TA explained it to me ... they only have a certain number of single share cabins per sailing. However, they don't match the singles until the end. He also told me that if there are not enough shares to go around, the people who booked first will be the ones who will not be assigned roommates.

Now, I would imagine in actuality, the way this would work is that the odd person out would go unassigned. I doubt it would be more than one. If they had two, those two would be sharing.

Also, by being a single share, say in an inside cabin, you could conceivably get upgraded if there was a solo single share in an outside cabin. It would make more sense for them to upgrade you and pair the two single shares.

If you find a match on your own, I am sure you could just cancel the single share and book a cabin together. You will possibly save money that way anyway, because the single share cabins are the larger ones in each category. When you do your own share, you can select the cabin you would prefer, even if that is smaller and less expensive.

My TA told me to go into the arrangement expecting to be matched. If you don't get matched, all the better. The only thing I will have a problem with is if they match me with a teenager. Then I'll go screaming to the purser's office.

I heard a story about that while on another HAL ship. An older woman had a single share cabin to herself, and a couple of days into the cruise, a teenager from another cabin was moved over there. The kid wasn't rowdy or anything like that, but she tended to congregate in the cabin with her friends. This woman felt a bit uncomfortable with the thought that a bunch of teenagers could be back in the cabin going through her stuff when she was not there. So, she said ... never again for a share.

But, I've heard a lot of good things about the program too. Often you can meet a traveling companion who you can enjoy various parts of the cruise with. It's all a matter of luck of the draw. You can also draw a cabinmate who has her own crowd and is interested only in a cabin mate, nothing more.

I'm going into the experience with an open mind and I'll see if it works out. Who knows, maybe I'll start traveling this way all the time and save enough money for an extra cruise every year. :)

Blue skies and good luck in whatever you choose!

--rita

[VernaF7449]

Thanks for the information! I'm going to look into it further and decide the next few weeks about if I will go for a share. I am willing to go in with an open mind and set of adventure, too. It would be nice to find someone to tour around with who shares my cabin, and if I save some money that would be great. The Baltic cruises I am thinking about are early June - to coincide with my birthday!


Verna