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Celebrity Did a Bad Job With Solo Travelers!


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Thank you for all your comments. I think a little history is needed here. I have only taken 1 other solo cruise. It was a 10 day Holy Land on RCCL. They listed solo events everyday in their newsletter. I only attended 1 lunch in the dining room where a cruise staffer hosted and there were mostly women & 1 or 2 men. I am not looking for romance, or someone to cruise with. I made some acquaintances that I said hi to when we ran into each other, but no one I hung out with. I met some nice people at the CC meet & greet. I took some tours with the ship and had some private tours for only me. The difference was my dinner table. It was 5 couples & me. They "adopted" me because the table I was assigned was a family of 6 where English was the 2nd language and 3 elderly British women travelling together. I had a great time with the couples. We were the most diverse group and I loved learning new things every night. Everyone on the cruise just seemed looser and more open to going "with the flow". The cruisers (I met) on Celebrity were a bit more buttoned up. Country Club types looking for either like minders or the exotic. At my 1st table, I had 4 Germans travelling together and 2 country club types. I was a boring Midwesterner and was pretty much ignored, by the others quizzing the Germans about everything. They treated the Germans like they were from Mars instead of Germany! When I changed tables, There were 3 nice couples about my age, but they had formed a group already and I felt a little intrusive. I

I was travelling solo so it's not that I wanted company but it would have been nice to feel like someone on the cruise line was looking out for my good time since I was paying for 2 and the cruise line has plenty of couple stuff, and even kid stuff. I don't feel second class and disliked that thats how I felt on this cruise!

Now my other experience travelling solo was odd because I wasn't. My DH was with me, but doing his own thing, which was lying pool side or reading in the room! I was on a NCL ship but before they catered to singles with solo cabins. When I went to lunch the maitre'd would suggest seating with a group of women or a single guy (Ha Ha)! I thought it was very thoughtful and really appreciated that sort of concern.

So I don't think I expect special treatment, just equal to what couples expect or people with kids. I'm not looking for a hook up or a bff. Just to have fun and feel comfortable travelling alone and unfortunately for me that didn't happen this time and I really feel the cruise line didn't even attempt to do anything for us solo travellers. Only my experience. I'm happy yours have been better or you like being totally ignored!

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Thank you for all your comments. I think a little history is needed here. I have only taken 1 other solo cruise. It was a 10 day Holy Land on RCCL. They listed solo events everyday in their newsletter. I only attended 1 lunch in the dining room where a cruise staffer hosted and there were mostly women & 1 or 2 men. I am not looking for romance, or someone to cruise with. I made some acquaintances that I said hi to when we ran into each other, but no one I hung out with. I met some nice people at the CC meet & greet. I took some tours with the ship and had some private tours for only me. The difference was my dinner table. It was 5 couples & me. They "adopted" me because the table I was assigned was a family of 6 where English was the 2nd language and 3 elderly British women travelling together. I had a great time with the couples. We were the most diverse group and I loved learning new things every night. Everyone on the cruise just seemed looser and more open to going "with the flow". The cruisers (I met) on Celebrity were a bit more buttoned up. Country Club types looking for either like minders or the exotic. At my 1st table, I had 4 Germans travelling together and 2 country club types. I was a boring Midwesterner and was pretty much ignored, by the others quizzing the Germans about everything. They treated the Germans like they were from Mars instead of Germany! When I changed tables, There were 3 nice couples about my age, but they had formed a group already and I felt a little intrusive. I

I was travelling solo so it's not that I wanted company but it would have been nice to feel like someone on the cruise line was looking out for my good time since I was paying for 2 and the cruise line has plenty of couple stuff, and even kid stuff. I don't feel second class and disliked that thats how I felt on this cruise!

Now my other experience travelling solo was odd because I wasn't. My DH was with me, but doing his own thing, which was lying pool side or reading in the room! I was on a NCL ship but before they catered to singles with solo cabins. When I went to lunch the maitre'd would suggest seating with a group of women or a single guy (Ha Ha)! I thought it was very thoughtful and really appreciated that sort of concern.

So I don't think I expect special treatment, just equal to what couples expect or people with kids. I'm not looking for a hook up or a bff. Just to have fun and feel comfortable travelling alone and unfortunately for me that didn't happen this time and I really feel the cruise line didn't even attempt to do anything for us solo travellers. Only my experience. I'm happy yours have been better or you like being totally ignored!

 

Thanks for coming back.....did you participate in your roll call before the cruise? I have met some very nice folks that way and we have

linked our bookings together for dinner. I am doing that exact thing for my upcoming cruise in February. It is a really fun way to

get to know folks too:)

 

Again, sorry you felt ignored.......that has never happened to me before. I always feel extremely welcomed

the minute I get on board:)....oh, I don't expect the cruiseline to do anything for us solo travelers though.

Never have thought that way.

 

Hopefully you will have a better experience on your next cruise..whichever line you choose.

Edited by Lois R
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I'm sorry you felt ignored, but I see that as a fault of the other people on board more than the cruise line.......

 

So I don't think I expect special treatment, just equal to what couples expect or people with kids.

 

What do you think they do for couples and families that they didn't do for you? Were you not allowed to take part in activities on board as a solo? Did they treat you rudely or ignore your requests, or give you bad service? I feel like I'm still missing something. I certainly have been treated rudely as a solo person, but I'm just not seeing here where the cruise line messed up.

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I'm sorry you felt ignored, but I see that as a fault of the other people on board more than the cruise line.......

 

 

 

What do you think they do for couples and families that they didn't do for you? Were you not allowed to take part in activities on board as a solo? Did they treat you rudely or ignore your requests, or give you bad service? I feel like I'm still missing something. I certainly have been treated rudely as a solo person, but I'm just not seeing here where the cruise line messed up.

 

I feel like I'm nitpicking now, but it just added to the bad experience. At dinner, the waiter always left me for last, no matter when I got to the table. It's like he was counting his tip money, and I was only tipping for one! Again, I didn't feel that way the other time I sailed alone. I went to the cruise critic meet and I made arrangements for 2 tours with CC people and that worked out well. Nice couples but no one I wanted to hang out with and I assume vice versa. The CC couples I had private tours with didn't want to shop for any souveniers. Both couples were my age, but neither had kids (or I guess family) to bring stuff to. Not even themselves. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with that, but that's not me, and we had little in common except our age. One thing I love about travel is the opportunity bring back little treasures for my loved ones. I also found very nice people to talk to during lunches and even in ports where I was on my own. I think the lonelyist I felt was when I was shopping in Mykonos & Istanbul. It would have been nice to have a friend with me to oo & ahh over all the great buys. I didn't expect to find a shopping buddy either, but because I really found no one I felt comfortable with onboard, being by myself in these amazing ports felt even worse. No, I don't fault the cruiseline for that, but I still think they could have done more. A trivia team for the solo or single, for example Going there asking can I join you is never easy. They could have advertised a singles designated table in the dining room for lunch each day on board. This cruise line does have special activities and areas designated for children. Their specialty restaurants have 2 for 1 specials, and they have the Couples or Not So Newlywed Game. Sorry, but I still think they could have done more with hardly any effort. Solo's aren't important to them, but we should be.

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I feel like I'm nitpicking now, but it just added to the bad experience. At dinner, the waiter always left me for last, no matter when I got to the table. It's like he was counting his tip money, and I was only tipping for one! Again, I didn't feel that way the other time I sailed alone. I went to the cruise critic meet and I made arrangements for 2 tours with CC people and that worked out well. Nice couples but no one I wanted to hang out with and I assume vice versa. The CC couples I had private tours with didn't want to shop for any souveniers. Both couples were my age, but neither had kids (or I guess family) to bring stuff to. Not even themselves. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with that, but that's not me, and we had little in common except our age. One thing I love about travel is the opportunity bring back little treasures for my loved ones. I also found very nice people to talk to during lunches and even in ports where I was on my own. I think the lonelyist I felt was when I was shopping in Mykonos & Istanbul. It would have been nice to have a friend with me to oo & ahh over all the great buys. I didn't expect to find a shopping buddy either, but because I really found no one I felt comfortable with onboard, being by myself in these amazing ports felt even worse. No, I don't fault the cruiseline for that, but I still think they could have done more. A trivia team for the solo or single, for example Going there asking can I join you is never easy. They could have advertised a singles designated table in the dining room for lunch each day on board. This cruise line does have special activities and areas designated for children. Their specialty restaurants have 2 for 1 specials, and they have the Couples or Not So Newlywed Game. Sorry, but I still think they could have done more with hardly any effort. Solo's aren't important to them, but we should be.

 

Again, sorry you felt like they did not do enough for you. I don't

care about that stuff and I always sail solo. Having lunch with other

single folks? Never enters my mind.

 

I will pose this question again......did you post on your roll call before

your cruise to see if you could meet folks that way?

 

I go on my own because I love it and being "with other solos cruisers"

never enters my thought process.

 

Your original question in your first post? You had posed the question

to the board.....did we think Celebrity did a poor job or are you

being sensative?

In my 10 years of cruising with them? No, I don't think they do

a poor job.

Edited by Lois R
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I'm sorry you felt ignored, but I see that as a fault of the other people on board more than the cruise line.......

 

 

 

What do you think they do for couples and families that they didn't do for you? Were you not allowed to take part in activities on board as a solo? Did they treat you rudely or ignore your requests, or give you bad service? I feel like I'm still missing something. I certainly have been treated rudely as a solo person, but I'm just not seeing here where the cruise line messed up.

 

Have to agree with calliopecruiser here. Other than not having in your opinion (which your are totally entitled to) enough solo targeted offerings what did Celebrity do to treat you poorly?

On a solo Princess I was told by the Maiitre 'D that "the only table that is available to a solo is next to the slop bucket service station" for most of an entire week and that if I wanted to participate in the Chef's Table event I would need to pay for two places. That to me is being mistreated and discriminated against as a solo. Versus being disappointed in the lack of solo oriented offerings.

I personally don't ever look for any solo offerings on the cruise but I don't travel to meet others either. I have always been lucky and met great people but I would be just as happy if I did not meet others on the cruise. To each their own in every way.

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I can't help how I feel. I have gone on 1 other solo cruise and had a lot more fun. I'm not a solitary person. I guess solo cruising isn't really for me, because although I wasn't looking for friends I was looking for fun and the cruise line did nothing to encourage people to get together. I understand their job is not to entertain (according to all of you). I don't completely agree. My next cruise is with 3 friends. I originally cruised alone because my DH had passed away and we had this cruise booked. After reading posts on this forum, I went ahead and took it alone. I think maybe I had a good time because I thought it would be horrible and it wasn't. But the difference was I found people I clicked with. This cruise I wasn't so lucky. And as I said before the cruiseline did nothing to encourage people to mingle, couples, singles or solos.

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Hi again.:)....I don't think anyone is telling you how to feel:eek:.....feelings

are just that....feelings. Sorry you felt they did not do enough for you.

 

I just think we are disagreeing with what we think the cruiseline

should offer. I don't think the cruiseline needs to encourage solos

to mingle together. (that is my my opinion).

 

Maybe you are correct and cruising solo is not a vacation you enjoy

or maybe you might enjoy other cruiselines. There are tons of them

out there:)

 

Different strokes for different folks.

Edited by Lois R
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Lois .... When I saw the title, I had so hoped you would reply because you have had many very good experiences cruising as a solo on Celebrity ... but had a bad experience on another cruise line so you know it can happen.

 

Question: Do you feel that it is not only the cruise line but also the ship & sailing that can make a difference?

 

Not a solo cruiser but we normally meet many while cruising since Solos are normally friendly and outgoing folks.

 

LuLu

~~~~

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I can't help how I feel. I have gone on 1 other solo cruise and had a lot more fun. I'm not a solitary person. I guess solo cruising isn't really for me, because although I wasn't looking for friends I was looking for fun and the cruise line did nothing to encourage people to get together. I understand their job is not to entertain (according to all of you). I don't completely agree. My next cruise is with 3 friends. I originally cruised alone because my DH had passed away and we had this cruise booked. After reading posts on this forum, I went ahead and took it alone. I think maybe I had a good time because I thought it would be horrible and it wasn't. But the difference was I found people I clicked with. This cruise I wasn't so lucky. And as I said before the cruiseline did nothing to encourage people to mingle, couples, singles or solos.

 

I am also a loyal fan of solo cruising on Celebrity. You seem to feel that they should plan activities, make sure you have fun, etc. I'm not sure that is the job of a cruise line such as Celebrity.

 

That being said, maybe you should consider not cruising solo, it's not for everyone - you might need a different fit since it seems you like to have others to plan and socialize with. I'm not being critical here, I think a lot of people aren't comfortable with solo cruising. If you really want to cruise solo, you would probably be better off on a RCCL or Carnival cruise which (as I understand, I've never sailed them) place more emphasis on group activities. You also might want to check into land based tours with a group or cruising with several friends.

 

Again, I'm not being judgmental it's different for each individual. Only you know what makes you happy. I am one who loves solo cruising, dislikes trivia and group activities and, for me, Celebrity is the perfect fit. Only you know what is the perfect fit for you.

 

Sue

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Lois .... When I saw the title, I had so hoped you would reply because you have had many very good experiences cruising as a solo on Celebrity ... but had a bad experience on another cruise line so you know it can happen.

 

Question: Do you feel that it is not only the cruise line but also the ship & sailing that can make a difference?

 

Not a solo cruiser but we normally meet many while cruising since Solos are normally friendly and outgoing folks.

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

Hi Lulu, hope you are doing well:)

 

I have been on all of Celebrity's ships and have some cruises been

better than others? Yes, but I always end up having a good time;)

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I'll be cruising Celebrity for the first time, although I have cruised solo many times on other lines. In my opinion, NCL was the best experience so far solo. Everyone in the solo cabins had a meeting place where one could meet others and arrange dinners or excursions. If one didn't feel like doing that, NCL provided a hostess for dinners and all I had to do was show up and follow the crowd and her lead. CCL usually seats me with other solo cruisers in the MDR.

I usually don't have great expectations as a solo; I look forward to cruising the sea, enjoying my excursions, and maybe hitting a jackpot in the casino; anything above that is gravy.

Edited by evandbob
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I can't help how I feel. I have gone on 1 other solo cruise and had a lot more fun. I'm not a solitary person. I guess solo cruising isn't really for me, because although I wasn't looking for friends I was looking for fun and the cruise line did nothing to encourage people to get together. I understand their job is not to entertain (according to all of you). I don't completely agree. My next cruise is with 3 friends. I originally cruised alone because my DH had passed away and we had this cruise booked. After reading posts on this forum, I went ahead and took it alone. I think maybe I had a good time because I thought it would be horrible and it wasn't. But the difference was I found people I clicked with. This cruise I wasn't so lucky. And as I said before the cruiseline did nothing to encourage people to mingle, couples, singles or solos.
(emphasis added)

 

Hmm, maybe Celebrity just isn't the cruiseline for you (solo or otherwise). I loved my solo cruise on Celebrity (and I'm trying to figure out how I can squeeze out a few more pennies to book another one soon) but I really enjoy exploring on my own and the downtime that I had away from other people. If you're looking for a cruiseline that is more geared toward encouraging solo cruisers to mingle with each other, then the NCL Epic/Getaway solo experience would probably be the best fit for you.

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I used to know someone like that too. Only she used to tell me: "It's not normal to go on a cruise alone! It's very selfish! You have to go with someone!" Only when I actually invited get her to come on a cruise with me, she rejected every single ship or itinerary I suggested to her. ("I shouldn't have to pay the port charges!", "The weather will be too cold!", "Takes too long to fly there!", etc.) Needless to say, a few months later, I was waving to people onshore during the sailaway, she was at home watching TV, and we're no longer friends.

 

ROTFLOL!!!

 

oMG that sounds like something I would have done! HOLLA!!!

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Z, just keep at it. Its hard being a single/solo. So few of us. People complain of no activities buy no one attends the ones they do hold. I went on my one and only HAL cruise.14N, Not one passenger spoke to me, anywhere. I enjoyed the" Hosted Singles Cru.ises" held by two agencies.Like minded cruisers.

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Lois .... When I saw the title, I had so hoped you would reply because you have had many very good experiences cruising as a solo on Celebrity ... but had a bad experience on another cruise line so you know it can happen.

 

Question: Do you feel that it is not only the cruise line but also the ship & sailing that can make a difference?

 

Not a solo cruiser but we normally meet many while cruising since Solos are normally friendly and outgoing folks.

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

Yes, I do feel that every cruise has it's own sort of "personality" and the ship, it's crew, the itinerary, the and the time of year all affect the experience everyone has and these factors will definitely make a difference for the solo cruiser. I was traveling with a group to Alaska but I could see it being a lonely trip for a solo. My best solo experiences have been early December. The low season draws a crowd more seasoned and experienced which is generally more open to socializing with strangers.

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I'm late to the fray here, but I'll jump in anyway. :) In a way I understand the OP's concerns, but I think the OP has too high expectations. I've sailed solo on Carnival, Princess, and Celebrity and will be on Westerdam in a few days (8 :)) and expect the same there. I don't expect any extra consideration from the CD's staff - maybe because it doesn't happen, and it doesn't. Should it happen - I don't know and don't really care. I've not been on a cruise that I haven't met lots of people and had numerous cruise friends. I talk to people, sit on bar stools, share taxis or excursions, sit at the biggest tables available, and look out for myself. I'd probably be annoyed if the staff tried to arrange things for me.

 

I'm happy cruising but do feel sad for people who have troubles. I hope the OP can find a good fit.

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Z, just keep at it. Its hard being a single/solo. So few of us. People complain of no activities buy no one attends the ones they do hold. I went on my one and only HAL cruise.14N, Not one passenger spoke to me, anywhere. I enjoyed the" Hosted Singles Cru.ises" held by two agencies.Like minded cruisers.

 

Did you like both agencies equally (I assume they're the two "biggies")?

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E, Was only on one. An over 40 hosted group in Jan. by the V guys. Really enjoyed it, nice conservative group. Seems they do Celebrity in January. 2014 is Jan 12 on Solstice. Inside share is $1061, out of FLL. Says last call. Great opportunity to try Celebrity.

Edited by zoncom
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E, Was only on one. An over 40 hosted group in Jan. by the V guys. Really enjoyed it, nice conservative group. Seems they do Celebrity in January. 2014 is Jan 12 on Solstice. Inside share is $1061, out of FLL. Says last call. Great opportunity to try Celebrity.

 

Thanks -- That's good to know. Maybe I'll try them one day if I ever feel like having guaranteed company!

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Hi All, I will chip in again, as I am on my last day of a 10 day solo on HAL and unfortunately have to go back to the real world tomorrow. I have sailed on most of the lines as I stated earlier and I have enjoyed all of them. I used the ship's excursions or go off on my own if I am familiar with the port. I was treated very well on this trip and was not singled out or anything like that since I was a solo. In fact the staff bent over backwards to make me feel more welcome if anything. I was a little disappointed in a couple of the stops on this trip but I really enjoyed the others. I may have just picked the wrong excursions.

 

I met a lot of friendly people on this cruise, and have pretty much found that when you are friendly to others they return the favor. It still is much better than working, as I am on vacation so I am going to enjoy myself. To the OP, On your next solo, go with an open mind and just plan on enjoying the trip, and I think you will. Happy Sailing.

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Hi All, I will chip in again, as I am on my last day of a 10 day solo on HAL and unfortunately have to go back to the real world tomorrow. I have sailed on most of the lines as I stated earlier and I have enjoyed all of them. I used the ship's excursions or go off on my own if I am familiar with the port. I was treated very well on this trip and was not singled out or anything like that since I was a solo. In fact the staff bent over backwards to make me feel more welcome if anything. I was a little disappointed in a couple of the stops on this trip but I really enjoyed the others. I may have just picked the wrong excursions.

 

I met a lot of friendly people on this cruise, and have pretty much found that when you are friendly to others they return the favor. It still is much better than working, as I am on vacation so I am going to enjoy myself. To the OP, On your next solo, go with an open mind and just plan on enjoying the trip, and I think you will. Happy Sailing.

 

Were you on the Noordam by any chance? Your comment about being disappointed in a couple of the stops made me think that this might be the case because there's been some negative feedback about Samana.

 

Anyway, if it was the Noordam, did you happen to notice the name of the performer at the piano bar? I'm going to be on the 11-day itinerary at the end of January, so I'm assuming it will be the same person.

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Were you on the Noordam by any chance? Your comment about being disappointed in a couple of the stops made me think that this might be the case because there's been some negative feedback about Samana.

 

Anyway, if it was the Noordam, did you happen to notice the name of the performer at the piano bar? I'm going to be on the 11-day itinerary at the end of January, so I'm assuming it will be the same person.

 

Yes, I was on the Noordam and Samana was one of the ports that I was a little disappointed in. As I said, I may have just picked the wrong excursion, as I spoke with some other passengers who were on different ones and they enjoyed their excursion. Our excursion was late getting back so they had to hold the ship for us. I was on one of the longer tours but I don't remember the name of it, but the people I spoke with that enjoyed their excursion were on the one that had a meal included, although I don't know the name of that one either. The A, B, C islands were very nice and while I did enjoy my excursion on Grand Turk there is not much there unless you are a beach person, and then you will love it, as it is right next to the dock.

 

As far as the performer at the piano bar, I can't help you out with his name so hopefully someone else will pipe in with that information. Overall it was still an enjoyable cruise though.

Edited by travelnap
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I'm a very frequent solo cruiser and have done so on many lines, including all the luxury lines and most of the mass markets. Celebrity is by far my favorite as a solo person because I feel they provide a lot of activities for every cruiser, not just the solo ones. OP, what you may not realize is, the solo cruise demographic is not huge by any means, so it's difficult to arrange solo-centric activities. Believe me, I've been to some of these so-called solo get togethers and they were ALL lame, with either no one showing up or one or two others, if you're lucky. I guess I just don't understand what you wanted Celebrity to do? Seriously, most solos don't want those contrived get togethers and just participate in the activities that are offered to all. I keep busy with trivia, cooking demonstrations, guest lecturers, reading, people watching, napping, wine tastings and all the other activities that are open to all. And, I've not seen many solo-centric activities on any line, to be honest. Not even RCI has offered much other than some silly party at a time that's totally inconvenient for almost everyone.

 

With all due respect, I think you were expecting too much and it's really not Celebrity's fault. There were most likely many activities that you could have gotten involved with that weren't exclusively for solos and those activities are a lot of fun. I've met some really great people playing trivia and at the wine tastings, and we've stayed friends after the cruise was over.

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I just returned from a transatlantic on RCL. They organized a solo lunch in the MDR a couple of times during the cruise. It was a great way for us to make that initial introduction. We took it from there by scheduling a set dinner time for those with My Time dining-- anyone who wanted to show up could sit at the solos table (room permitting).

 

It worked out great-- some nights I'd dine with couples I had met, other nights I'd dine at the solos table.

 

I think the key is for the cruise line is to organize some way for solos to meet alone early on a cruise for them to connect (if they so choose). Having the meeting at a random bar where it's impossible to identify the solos from the others is just a waste of time.

 

Joe

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