Tips for a Middle aged Female Traveling Solo on HAL?

[duck tune]

DH and I had booked our Western Carribean cruise on the Veendam 10/21 some time ago but due to circumstances beyond our control it appears that I will be going alone. Since I have never cruised without DH, I would appreciate it if anyone had any tips or suggestions for me.

[kakalina]

There will be a solo meet and greet announced in the daily program. You might attend in order to make some friends.
Joining in daily trivia or bingo can also increase your chances of meeting a nice companion of course I mean as a companion I realize you are married.

[middle-aged mom]

DH and I had booked our Western Carribean cruise on the Veendam 10/21 some time ago but due to circumstances beyond our control it appears that I will be going alone. Since I have never cruised without DH, I would appreciate it if anyone had any tips or suggestions for me.

Duck Tune, I see that you've already joined the roll call for your Veendam cruise which is what I was going to suggest you do:) That's a good way to meet folks ahead of time. Perhaps some of your fellow CC'ers may be open to sharing a dinner table with you. Be involved on the ship, join in the activities. HAL has events and socials for the folks cruising solo onboard. I would also recommend participating in HAL shore excursions, as another way to meet folks cruising with you. I have found that my fellow passengers travelling on HAL are, for the most part, very pleasant and sociable folks who are open to meeting new people.:) I cruised solo on the Noordam to Alaska in June, and had a grand time.

Bon Voyage to you!

Karin

[duck tune]

Middle-aged Mom and Kakalina: Thanks for the quick feedback - I do appreciate the suggestions and promise to do as you both suggest. Although I've gone on business trips alone it is different when vacation plans change and trying to wrap my mind around this issue has been a challenge!

[NoNoNanette]

The above answers are wonderful, kiddo....BUT....

After Katrina, my Dominic refused to join me on our booked cruise. (Lost 30 acres of trees, needed a new roof, blah, blah, blah, boy-stuff). ;)

Much to my delight, a gal pal of mine (who I'd met on a past cruise) took his place.

It wasn't as close to sailing as yours, but I'd call the travel agent, they switched names, and she paid us Dom's fare.

Just a thought, kiddo.... in any event, have a delightful vacation! :)

[sail7seas]

You might wish to request a large table at dinner in order to meet new folks there.

Sorry your DH can't travel with you but hope you have a great time anyway.
Hope you'll let us know how it goes and your thoughts about it when you return. Could be very helpful for others who may find themselves in the same situation.

[RuthC]

K and k have given you excellent advice. I'll add if you haven't already asked for a large dinner table, do so.
Also, when heading to a lounge, go right up and sit at the bar, instead of taking a table by yourself. Don't be afraid to sit next to someone, and to start a conversation. Folks at the bar tend to get friendly with each other.
You'll be on a ship with a real Piano Bar. If that type of entertainment interests you it's also a good place to get friendly and have a good time.

Be outgoing and wear a great big smile. It's infectious! :D And have a good time.

[FlorenceItaly]

I'm very happily married, and have cruised solo on HAL three times. Two times, I went, knowing absolutely no one, and on the third one my sister met me there but, we had our own cabin. I don't really consider that a solo trip.
On my first HAL solo cruise I had so much fun that I came home and booked the second one for just a few months later. HAL is very solo friendly, imo. On both cruises I was seated at dinner with other solo cruisers or mother/daughters. I am still in touch with friends that I met while solo cruising.

You've been given some very good advice with getting involved in your Roll Call, attending the solo luncheon, etc. Also, taking the ships excursions is a good way to meet people.

Also, before dinner I tend to go to my favorite bar and sit at the bar and chat with the bartender while having a cocktail.

Marie

[Solo Cruiser]

While I haven't sailed on HAL yet (give me 8 days and that won't be true :D ) I can vouch for the advice you've been given. Never have I felt like a fifth wheel or lacked for conversation when I felt so inclined. I have met great people who are still friends. Cruising is the best vacation for people traveling alone. Have a super cruise!

[FinelyRetired]

This summer was my first cruise without DH.

I followed all the advice you've received here, which I was also given, and had a wonderful time. Will do a solo, out of necessity, again next summer!

Met some fun CC'ers via Roll Call and at dinner was seated at a large table with 7 fascinating & fun solo ladies from all over the world I thoroughly enjoyed.

I always carried a good book, or postcards to write, or my journal to occupy me in case I ended up solo at breakfast or lunch. Never read the book & donated it to the ship's library to lighten the return load and never finished my journal.....always seemed to be someone to chat with.

DH & I called each other everday.......but, I must admit I loved sleeping in when I wanted, taking a nap when I wanted, not sharing a one sink bathroom before dinner., etc. :)

I agree with RuthC who suggested sitting right at the bar if you're in the mood for a before or after dinner drink. Not only will there be someone to chat with........but, I never got immediately waited on when I sat at a table by myself. Had to wait a bit as they passed me by.....and eventually had to wave them down. Two times of that and I figured out to go straight to the bar.

You'll have a fine cruise, a different kind of cruise than you've usually had, but you'll most likely find it was surprisingly fun & unique, affirming, and very relaxing.

Martha

[Susie51]

When cruising with my sister to Hawaii a solo women joined us for breakfast each morning and some times after dinner. She told us she enjoys cruising alone.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise. The suggestions here are very good.

[CrystalWater]

My tip: Enjoy the entire cabin, bathroom, and bed to yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!

[duck tune]

The above answers are wonderful, kiddo....BUT....

After Katrina, my Dominic refused to join me on our booked cruise. (Lost 30 acres of trees, needed a new roof, blah, blah, blah, boy-stuff). ;)

Much to my delight, a gal pal of mine (who I'd met on a past cruise) took his place.

It wasn't as close to sailing as yours, but I'd call the travel agent, they switched names, and she paid us Dom's fare.

Just a thought, kiddo.... in any event, have a delightful vacation! :)

Hmmm....something to consider as well. If one of my friends can take the week off work on short notice, that may be fun!

Thanks so much.

[duck tune]

You might wish to request a large table at dinner in order to meet new folks there.

Sorry your DH can't travel with you but hope you have a great time anyway.
Hope you'll let us know how it goes and your thoughts about it when you return. Could be very helpful for others who may find themselves in the same situation.


Sail7Seas - I will see about switching tables for sure and I promise I will do my best to enjoy myself! I will also be sure to provide feedback as well. Thank you for your help.

[airlink diva]

I hate that your DH can't go, but trust me, you will have fun solo on HAL!!
Like others had stated, join your roll call!! You will get a chance to chat with others on your sailing prior. Go to your roll call meeting and meet them face to face.
Go to the solo lunch that HAL offers on the first sea day. We had over three tables of people. Great way to meet others and see who's doing what on shore.
Go to the various happenings on board. I enjoyed going to the triva, lectures, afternoon tea, movies,etc.
Go to the Crow's nest for drinks before dinner!
Find a deck chair to rest,read, and watch the sea.
Enjoy that cabin!!
I could go on and on, but I really enjoy myself from the time I get on board until I leave. There's so much to do!!
Happy sailing!!

[duck tune]

K and k have given you excellent advice. I'll add if you haven't already asked for a large dinner table, do so.
Also, when heading to a lounge, go right up and sit at the bar, instead of taking a table by yourself. Don't be afraid to sit next to someone, and to start a conversation. Folks at the bar tend to get friendly with each other.
You'll be on a ship with a real Piano Bar. If that type of entertainment interests you it's also a good place to get friendly and have a good time.

Be outgoing and wear a great big smile. It's infectious! :D And have a good time.
Thank you RuthC for your good suggestions. I do have a habit of smiling a lot (it keeps folks wondering....) and I always enjoy the lounges before and after dinner. No matter what I will have a good time (I always figured one would have to try hard to have a bad time on a cruise:) ).

[duck tune]

Thanks so much to everyone for the excellent advice, especially about the solo luncheon. - I'll keep my eye out for that for sure! I always enjoy the afternoon tea and think I'll make a point to go to as many of the activities as possible.

I am in serious need of R and R so the bed and bath to myself and being able to do what I want when I want for a week does sound good.

I truly appreciate the consideration and feedback from all of you. The HAL board has kind people who can always be counted on to help others.

[kryos]

Middle-aged Mom and Kakalina: Thanks for the quick feedback - I do appreciate the suggestions and promise to do as you both suggest. Although I've gone on business trips alone it is different when vacation plans change and trying to wrap my mind around this issue has been a challenge!
Trust me, you're gonna love sailing solo on HAL. It's a lot different than sailing solo on other lines. Especially since you've joined your roll call, you should have no trouble meeting people once onboard. People who sail HAL seem to be a more friendly bunch anyway.

I've sailed HAL solo several times and I've always had a great time. I'm sure you will too. Just get out and about around the ship, participate in various activities onboard, and trust me ... you'll meet lots of other folks ... some of them traveling solo as yourself.

Also, you might want to consider doing HAL excursions. They will also provide lots of opportunities to meet others.

Blue skies and have fun!

--rita

[kryos]

Sail7Seas - I will see about switching tables for sure and I promise I will do my best to enjoy myself! I will also be sure to provide feedback as well. Thank you for your help.
Another suggestion re dining. You might want to put the word out on your roll call that you are looking for a table to join. Someone there may invite you to join theirs. Then all you have to do is either give them your booking number, or take theirs, and have one of your travel agents "link" the bookings. This way you will be assigned the same table in traditional dining.

I've done that several times with people on my roll calls and have always had wonderful dining experiences while sailing solo on HAL.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Roz]

I would also suggest you check out the Cruise Critic "Solo Cruisers" forum. Some of us on the HAL board also post there. You'll find lots of tips, ideas, and discussion on solo cruising.

Roz

[duck tune]

Thanks again for more great ideas!

[middle-aged mom]

Thanks again for more great ideas!

Thank you, Duck Tune, for bringing up a topic of great interest to a lot of people. There are quite a few of us who, for one reason or another, may find ourselves traveling solo. Thanks for starting a good thread, and I wish you a wonderful solo cruise:)

Karin

[RevNeal]

Duck Tune,

You depart in just 2 days! So ... HAVE FUN! I'm a people-person and love cruising with others, but I also love cruising solo and have always had a good time. I pray you do, too!

[duck tune]

Duck Tune,

You depart in just 2 days! So ... HAVE FUN! I'm a people-person and love cruising with others, but I also love cruising solo and have always had a good time. I pray you do, too!
Thanks Revneal I do appreciate it very much. I fly out to Tampa tomorrow morning so am getting ready to call it a night. I am grateful to have such a special husband who is caring for my terminally ill brother so that I can take this trip. DH and I enjoyed meeting you and Christopher on the shortened Ryndam Cruise in March, when we did the 3 p.m. wave. I look forward to this new adventure!