Okay, deep breath, here goes! I am recently widowed, very unexpectedly, and I am still in my fifties. My husband had just recently retired (young), and we were all set to spend the next 20-30 years traveling. We were fortunate to have done a lot of traveling in the 30 years we were married (we were up to 53 countries), but the best was yet to come. Alas, the best laid plans ....
So I am trying to move forward from losing the love of my life, and needless to say, finding it very hard. I have decided that I want to travel over the holiday season in December this year, both as a way to do something different from the usual (which it won't be), and to push myself to travel alone. I have decided that a cruise might be the best option as it requires relatively little planning on my part (I don't need to think very much about what to eat or what to do), and it will permit me solitude if I need it (as compared to a organized tour). I've done a little research and I've thought a little bit about what I'm leaning towards, but I don't know what I don't know. So please help me in any way that you think I might need it.
Here's what I've observed and thought about so far;
Where should I look for good solo fares? Most of the cruise line websites seem to price for double occupancy and only tell you the single price when you get deeper in. I've tried lines that are supposed to have solo cabins, but I can't seem to access them ... I think they must sell out fast.
I'd like to depart from somewhere in North America as I don't want to go too far on this first foray. I think that means pretty much the Caribbean or Mexico.
Thinking 6-9 days, leaving December 18 or later.
While money is not the only or first criteria, I am not independently wealthy, so I can't go crazy expensive.
Any things I should consider that I haven't yet thought about?
Any tips for once I am on board? How should I do this so as not to have a complete meltdown? I don't want to regret this decision, so I want to set myself up for success.
If you've been through this or a similar experience, please give me your advice. Quite honestly, I'm terrified. I've travel for business alone all the time, but leisure travel was always with my spouse, so I know this will be difficult for me. But I also know that I need to push myself to step outside my comfort zone, so here I am!!