Solo cruising vs. Solo Vegas

[mariana31]

Isn't it funny how things just work out sometimes? Sadly, I do not have a review for this past trip to Vegas. To be honest, I didn't do a whole heck of a lot - and it was exactly what I needed with the summer I had!

I do, however, have a guest blog on the vegassolo.com site from my first trip to Vegas last year. I took a night tour of Vegas and was asked to review it! Check it out!

http://www.vegassolo.com/a-solo-trav...urs-las-vegas/

This site also has a ton of useful information as well. Not to mention, the owner is an amazing woman. So thankful I have met her.
Keep me posted on your trip!

[HowardK]

Hello, with Vegas just 22 days away for me (assuming I still do it)
Please provide some advice/opinioins.

The most positive thing about the Epic was having a group of people, and things I would see everyday.

How does one get this sense of continuity in Vegas?
One of the things I am considering is trying my hand at various deuling pianos since I tend to play anywhere in general.

I don't drink much, so I am really not going to be sitting at bars.

[calliopecruiser]

Originally Posted by HowardK

The most positive thing about the Epic was having a group of people, and things I would see everyday.

How does one get this sense of continuity in Vegas?

It's really hard to have any continuity of people that you see when in Vegas, except for employees......Vegas is a vacation spot for a lot of people making quick trips - a weekend away, a stop on the way to or from somewhere, etc. Add to that the vast array of options not available on the closed confines of the ship and you end up with almost no continuity in the people that you'll see. The exception might be if you go to your hotel gym or pool at the same time every day, but even then it's less likely than on the ship.

As for things that you see every day, the only way to create that sense of continuity in Vegas is to choose to go to the same places every day. For me, I used to start my day with a soak and a steam bath almost every day, but that was as much continuity as I wanted - I wanted different things, so I chose not to go to the same places every day.

[SemperPup]

howardk,

dude ... when are you gonna be in vegas? i'm gonna be there 12/20 & 12/21, quick overnight--only one meeting, but thought i'd stay the night long as i was there. made the air reservation yesterday--still kinda looking for good value for overnight lodging (looking for a place that includes chow & has an airport shuttle) ... maybe walking distance to see a show or sumthin.

from all the stuff i've seen--there's no shortage of stuff to do 'in town' not to mention the stuff on the perimeter. seems like you still couldn't do it all in five days. if i were you, i wouldn't be worried about being bored. assuming you're okay with checkin' places out solo.

from the little i know about the 'paris' it's a really nice place!
anyhow--hope you have a good time.

s/f

vr/chandler

over...

[mariana31]

It is tough to run into the same people in Vegas like you would normally run into on a ship. It is also difficult to meet others as well. I often ate meals at the bar in the restaurant and was able to chat with others or the bartender. I ended up spending two hours one night just chatting with an amazing bartender. I have found that people are generally friendly and happy in Vegas.
I did meet two different people from a travel website. Both of my experiences with that site have been amazing. I am so thankful to have met both of them, and I can honestly say, one has turned into an great friend. If you google "tavel buddy" you should find it
Go and have fun though! You will definitely enjoy it!

[Silverman]

Ive done Vegas solo a lot. Been out there solo about 10 trips. Each trip for 5 nights. Its just the right amount of time. I see your going to few Cirque shows. I havent read the entire thread but I recommend Ka and Mystere. Seen both many times. you say you wont be hanging out in the bars that much. But for dueling pianos I suggest the Bar at Times Square at NYNY. Your in a great location with Paris. Also go catch a few afternoon shows. Go downtown to see the Freemont Experience. Old Vegas with a twist! I love going solo out there. You never have to worry about what your going to do. Just do it. My favorite thing to do is walk the Strip at night and people watching. Oh yea go see the Bellegio Fountain shows.

[HowardK]

As concerts and music are my #1 passion (besides the Philadelphia PHillies) after all this, I think my Vegas trip is on hold. Will instead be headed to NYC for 4 nights/5 days to see the 12-12-12 concert (as Billy Joel is my idol and I play the piano because of him), 2 Rolling Stones concerts, and perhaps the broadway show Once. Dealbreaker was getting a decent hotel for half-off on a black friday sale.


This is semi-solo since I will be getting together with many stones fans from boards like this I have gotten to know over the years.

As time went on, I kind of decided to perhaps wait until the summer when at least 2 or 3 friends could go to Vegas. I went on the Epic by myself and did well, however failed miserably on the Jewel, and wasn't sure as time went on if I wanted to do 5-6 days by myself vs. the concerts.

The free room was nice, but to be honest it was a low demand week and for $200 a room could be had for 5-6 nights as well. Also, logitscally it was a little hard envisioing getting home 2am from the Stones and flying out in the morning

Looking back on all my travel experiences, I find I can do really well in NYC for 4 nights as it is only under 2 hours from where I am. I would say the Epic ranked up there. I did do Vegas a few days by myself- not bad, but I would say of all the experiences I would never do a non-Epic or non-Breakaway by myself again (i.e. Jewel)

I doubt I would start a thread solo NYC vs. solo cruise, just because I think NYC is a great place for a solo.

I had thought about how upset I was being alone on the Jewel, and didn't want to risk it in Vegas, although I think not being confined in Vegas would have added to my comfort level.

[calliopecruiser]

Originally Posted by HowardK

I would say the Epic ranked up there. I did do Vegas a few days by myself- not bad, but I would say of all the experiences I would never do a non-Epic or non-Breakaway by myself again (i.e. Jewel)

Would you (could you?) elaborate more on what made your Jewel experiences so bad vs. your experiences on the Epic? I'm curious more for planning future solo travel.

[HowardK]

Originally Posted by calliopecruiser

Would you (could you?) elaborate more on what made your Jewel experiences so bad vs. your experiences on the Epic? I'm curious more for planning future solo travel.

Sure, I'll be happy to share so that perhaps someone similar to me does not make the same choice the first time around.

I strictly went on the Jewel to prevent the hassle of flying- Epic was totally worth going to Miami from NJ.
As soon as I got on the Jewel, I was like fed to the wolves. To be honest, hardly spoke to anyone the whole week, I just didn't find it conducive to meeting people.
Now on the Epic, met some non-solos from the roll call, studio gathering, played the piano every nigth

There were others like me- you have a set agenda so to speak but you have much flexibility

[JeffKoz]

Sorry you had a poor experience on the Jewel. I took a solo 5 night on her this past Thanksgiving and had a great time. I do not cruise for the social aspect though, I cruise because I love the sea

I did meet people in the hot tub and chatted up and then would see them throughout others area. At dinner I had my own table that was amongst other table for two and had pleasant conversations with the people at the table on either side of me.

I guess we each hvae our own expectation of cruising alone...some want a "singles" cruise and other a "solo" cruise...difference being the former is looking for interactions and meetings and the latter does not have it as a high priority.

Glad you have found the solo cruise expereince that fits your tastes on with the epic/breakaway

[SMSACE6]

Hi HowardK! Just found this post.

I have been to Las Vegas several times solo and twice with friends/family. When it comes to Las Vegas, as much as I love my family and my friends too, I prefer to go to Las Vegas solo, or with an equally independant travel buddy!

I absolutely hate to be dragged away from a "good" machine because everyone is hungry Also, I have seen all the sights, and no longer want to go here there and everywhere that others want to go, when I have seen it all before. Las Vegas is for me, a place for a great solo retreat and I admit to being a bit selfish when it comes to my gambling time.

That being said; 5 days in that city and I am about to go NUTS! I much prefer three days ideally, and even two days would work for me nowadays. Havent been there in a few years, as it is a long trip by air for me, and costly, and my vacation of choice is now a cruise. The casino onboard is not Las Vegas, but at least, I have so much else to do and see, that the casino is not actually the highlight of my vacation.

Love the sight of ocean! Like the open decks, and the covered ones at times. I like having all those food choices, and the entertainment, and the casino is there for when I want to spin a slot machine! also get to a few different destinations and can explore new places or old favorites.

This just me, but for the time being, I can only get away once a year for a week or 10days max, for several reasons, and if I have to choose, it will be a cruise for me!

[SMSACE6]

Originally Posted by JeffKoz

Sorry you had a poor experience on the Jewel. I took a solo 5 night on her this past Thanksgiving and had a great time. I do not cruise for the social aspect though, I cruise because I love the sea

I did meet people in the hot tub and chatted up and then would see them throughout others area. At dinner I had my own table that was amongst other table for two and had pleasant conversations with the people at the table on either side of me.

I guess we each hvae our own expectation of cruising alone...some want a "singles" cruise and other a "solo" cruise...difference being the former is looking for interactions and meetings and the latter does not have it as a high priority.

Glad you have found the solo cruise expereince that fits your tastes on with the epic/breakaway

You just summed up how I feel about solo cruising!

I have previously had traditional dining early or late seating as a solo, and on my last cruise ( Carnival ) tried Your time dining, and found the same thing that most nights the folks at neighboring tables spoke to me, and some of them I even saw again on other nights, and around the ship.

I dont mind dining alone, have done so for many years of solo travel, both on business and vacation, so I dont recall ever feeling bad about that or being embarrassed about dining alone.

I cruise solo, and travel solo, but it is not because Im looking to meet someone (as in hooking up ). I am in my 50's, and lost my soul mate early in life, and had a rather unfortuneate relationship later in life, and now, I am just happy with being solo!

That just me. But definitely solo travel doesnt mean we are looking to find a "partner", at least not for me.

[JeffKoz]

Originally Posted by SMSACE6

You just summed up how I feel about solo cruising!

I have previously had traditional dining early or late seating as a solo, and on my last cruise ( Carnival ) tried Your time dining, and found the same thing that most nights the folks at neighboring tables spoke to me, and some of them I even saw again on other nights, and around the ship.

I dont mind dining alone, have done so for many years of solo travel, both on business and vacation, so I dont recall ever feeling bad about that or being embarrassed about dining alone.

I cruise solo, and travel solo, but it is not because Im looking to meet someone (as in hooking up ). I am in my 50's, and lost my soul mate early in life, and had a rather unfortuneate relationship later in life, and now, I am just happy with being solo!

That just me. But definitely solo travel doesnt mean we are looking to find a "partner", at least not for me.

Sorry you experienced that loss in life. My wife and I separated over a year ago after hse turned 40 - some mid life crisis I suppose she had. But being in my 50s I am not really interested in the "partner" or relationship anymore...but I love traveling and will not deny myself a good cruise. And when I need company the casino dealers all know my name

[HowardK]

hi Koz, I saw you did some of the RCCL ships; were any of these from Orlando? I have a few friends interested in maybe going from Orlando on even a 4-5 nighter (or 7) and sometimes we get good discounts being NJ residents.

My next cruise as of now is the Breakaway 9/15 which I am very excited and enthused about.

[JeffKoz]

Originally Posted by HowardK

hi Koz, I saw you did some of the RCCL ships; were any of these from Orlando? I have a few friends interested in maybe going from Orlando on even a 4-5 nighter (or 7) and sometimes we get good discounts being NJ residents.

My next cruise as of now is the Breakaway 9/15 which I am very excited and enthused about.

The Port Canaveral sailings are usually the 3 or 4 night Bahamas and another ship with 7 night Carib (not sure which is running that one right now). I have taken the Bahamas cruise several times...it's a nice port close to orlando