Going Solo On HAL

[AV8OR]

Looking for feedback on going solo on HAL. I've had a great time going solo on RCCL and Princess and was wondering if I'd find the same on HAL. Any info would be appreciated.

Chuck

[tomc]

I've done six solos on HAL, have three more lined up; all have been excellent, even the three that haven't happened yet. :)

My mother took eleven solo and loved them all.

[FlorenceItaly]

Chuck - I just returned from my first solo cruise, and my first cruise on HAL a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it so much, I am cruising again solo next month to Alaska(HAL again). They offer Single Meet N Greet opportunities and I recommend you attend a few, if you can. I attended a luncheon, and really enjoyed myself. I met other solo travelers, and it was fun to recognize them as the week went on, and speak with them, etc. Also, my tablemates were wonderful...another solo traveler, and some mother/daughters traveling together, and a grandmother/granddaughter traveling together. I requested a large table.

I believe there were several gentleman sailing solo on my sailing.

Also, I have found HAL's solo rate much more reasonable than the other cruiselines.

Marie

[AV8OR]

Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like HAL is pretty much like the other lines as far as going solo...it's all in what the individual makes of it. I have to admit, the low single person supplement for HAL is was caught my attention in the first place. I have a friend that is a Chief Officer for HAL...I caught up with him in Alaska last year while he was on board the Zaandam. He suggested that I give HAL a try for my next cruise so this seems like a good opportunity to do so. Looks like I need to contact my travel agent tomorrow!

Chuck

[FlorenceItaly]

Chuck - please let us know what ship you decide on :).

Marie

[AV8OR]

Marie - I'm looking at a W. Caribbean cruise on the Zuiderdam. I've already done the W. Caribbean on RCCL's Voyager but the prices are too good to pass up...that plus the fact that I just plain need a vacation!

[iluvcruzin]

I appreciate everyone posting their experiences sailing solo. Some day I may do this. So far I've been able to go with friends and family but I know someday I will not find someone to join me. It's good to know sailing solo is enjoyable.

[FlorenceItaly]

iluvcruzin - I am married, and I also travel with friends and family. My first solo cruise was very positive so if there is a trip I want to take I will not hesitate. Actually, there are alot of advantages to solo cruising.

AV8OR - The Zuiderdam is showing some awesome rates. I would love to sail on her someday. Keep us posted.

Marie

[paljoeysmom]

Chuck,

The Zuiderdam is a lovely ship, although not the nicest ship I have been on during my 16 cruises. What really made a huge difference is that we were upgraded to an S suite "gratis" thanks to my dynamite TA. We were on her in May to the Western Carib. I did see quite a number of solo's so like one of the folks mentioned above you will have a wonderful time.

[AV8OR]

Will do Marie.

I've found that solo cruising can be a lot of fun so long as one stays busy. I've also found that the solo cruiser gets just a little more attention from the crew and other passengers...especially in the dining room. Folks always seem to be really friendly to the poor guy that arrives at the dinner table alone...which in turn is much appreciated. Then there are the obvious advantages, you can do all the excursions you want to do, you can stay out as late as you want and the biggest plus...you don't have to share the bathroom with someone else!

Chuck

[tomc]

and the biggest plus...you don't have to share the bathroom with someone else! Well, that's something I have to do as a solo, 'cuz I go on a single share. It's not for everybody, but it's the cheapest way to cruise solo.

[kryos]

Looking for feedback on going solo on HAL. I've had a great time going solo on RCCL and Princess and was wondering if I'd find the same on HAL. Any info would be appreciated.

I'm traveling alone on the 9-4 Zuiderdam W. Carrib sailing. I am also traveling on the 8-28 E. Carrib sailing, though I will have friends onboard that week.

I have no hesitation sailing HAL alone. I was part of a writer's conference cruise last March on the Rotterdam, and though I was with the group and even had a cabinmate from the group, I basically did pretty much my own thing all week.

Someone else put it very well. It's great to be on your own, yet with a shipful of friendly people. You can be as social as you want, yet still have the solitude of your own cabin when you want it. Sounds like the best of both worlds to me.

Only suggestion I would make is to ask to be seated at a large table in the dining room. This way you'll make acquaintances with people that will spill over into events beyond dinner, such as going to the shows.

I wouldn't hesitate to travel solo on HAL. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Lois R]

Hi:) I sail solo all the time and will be going on the Zuiderdam on 9-11!

Marie, I am booking today:) will be speaking to my TA again this morning...called her last night.

Hi Rita...nice to have that positive feedback...and this will be my first HAL Cruise...ship looks lovely!

I will post a new thread once I have actually booked...later today:D. And going solo is awesome...doing what I want, when I want. I am very outgoing so its easy for me to meet people and its really easy on a cruiseship!

[kryos]

I will post a new thread once I have actually booked...later today:D. And going solo is awesome...doing what I want, when I want. I am very outgoing so its easy for me to meet people and its really easy on a cruiseship!
Also, check out the thread on the roll call board. I think there are already some people traveling on the 9-11 sailing.

And ... don't worry ... I'll leave the ship in good shape for you ... after my b2b of 8-28 and 9-4. Maybe we'll even see each other in port ... I'll be the sorry looking one getting off when you are getting on. :)

Blue skies!

--rita

[FlorenceItaly]

Lois - I WILL be looking for that post :).

Tomc - Last month, I was able to find a fare for my OWN ROOM that was hundreds of dollars cheaper than HAL's share....look around, they are out there :). I also feel I am getting a wonderful deal for my Alaska cruise, again, with my own room.

Marie

[Lois R]

Rita...I found that roll call:)

[cactuslady]

Folks always seem to be really friendly to the poor guy that arrives at the dinner table alone...

Chuck

Amen to that! That "poor guy" is now my DH and wonderful cruising companion.

[Thoth]

Cruising is perhaps the best way to travel solo. Most everybody wants to my friend so I am never lonely. The trick to going solo cruising for me is to find my gregarious side becouse people seem to respond in a positive manner towards me when I open up towards them. That doen't happen very often on a drive away vacation for me at least, therefore I get lonely .
Enchanted Capri 2000 solo
Carnival Inspiration 2001 solo
Maasdam 2002 solo
Statendam 2003 solo
Oosterdam 2004 solo

[kryos]

Rita...I found that roll call:)
Kewl! And I see you have already garnered a new bunch of sailing friends! Way to go! :)

Blue skies and have a great cruise ...

--rita

[Lois R]

:) Hi Rita...If I had known you were on 9-4...I might have picked that date...
Oh well.....I am sure we will both have a good time:D .

I wonder if there will be any other solo cruisers on either of our sailings...I have been told HAL has "get togethers" for singles.......that is a nice touch.

And I still think it would benefit HAL to have "gatherings", the same way X and Royal do...if you have 25 minimum on the Roll Call.

Have a good evening:)

[kryos]

:) Hi Rita...If I had known you were on 9-4...I might have picked that date...
Oh well.....I am sure we will both have a good time:D .

Lois, I didn't know myself until late last week. I'm on the 8-28 ... a law school graduation present from my family. I've had that booked for some time. Then I got a good deal on a B2B on the 9-4, so I grabbed it.

But you're right ... we're both sure to have a good time and meet many interesting people!

Blue skies!

--rita

[Lois R]

:) Rita...a BIG CONGRATULATIONS from me as well!! WOW...Law School Graduation....fantastic:D