First Solo Cruise

This is my third cruise, but my first going solo. I've actually never travelled solo before. I know I really need to get away, but I'm a bit apprehensive. I do like my solitude at times, but I also like socialization. I'll be on the Carnival Triumph for spring break, March 12. I'm a middle school teacher so I have few options for travel dates. I also have my sister and her pre-teen and teenager living with me, so getting away alone is pretty much a necessity right now.

I know how to go about having my alone time, but how I an find friendly people to socialize with when I feel I need it? I do often feel I need adult time.

You'd be surprised how easy it is to spark up a conversation with anyone while on a cruise. Best places Ive found are the casino bar, hot tubs, randomly joining a trivia group, just sitting and people watching with others, excursions... pretty much anywhere. Ive found youll mostly meet people that are traveling with families and very cool older couples that have the best stories.

Hardest places to find people to socialize with... dance club, any show, loud lido events, ship movies, anytime dining

You are going to love to cruise solo. Am going on my 3rd solo in a few weeks. As already stated, you will meet people everywhere. There are many people that are traveling with relatives that they really don't want to be around all the time. Lots of 20-30 plus groups on these cruises. I have done shore excursions with people my age that were there with their grandparents and they were too old to go zip lining, ect. The last cruise I was on, one of the band members from the Jazz band was walking off the ship at the same time and got to talking and we went and had lunch in the port. Great times. The best part is that you don't have to do anything, no one telling you have to meet here or there! Your going to have a blast.

Nearly all of my cruises are solo and what surprises me is how many people stop to talk to me. I may be sitting by myself just looking out at the ocean and someone walking by will stop and strike up a conversation (normally when that happens that person is also walking alone).

I am a very outgoing person so I also don't hesitate to engage perfect strangers in conversations. It is funny as I never really knew this about myself until I paid attention and discovered I talk to people EVERYWHERE. In line at the store, at the airport - everywhere. Yet I am an introvert who loves my solitude. Cruising solo seems to fit me exceptionally well.

Also, maybe it's not a big deal, but be prepared to be asked if you are sailing alone. Tell your story, or not, but don't be taken aback. Usually people don't mean anything bad about it. Especially the crew. They're just trying to get to know you too.

I don't know why some people are offended when the hostess says, "Just one?"

Unlike Lisa, I am not very outgoing but still have no trouble meeting and talking with people on a cruise. Most people are happy they are on vacation and are, perhaps, more inclined to talk to strangers than they would be at home.

Have you signed up for your roll call? This is a great way to get to know people in advance and have some familiar faces on the cruise. I have been on roll calls where we have set up dinner the night before the cruise starts, special wine parties, and other activities.

I have cruised over 150 days by myself and loved it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to meet people.

Also, maybe it's not a big deal, but be prepared to be asked if you are sailing alone. Tell your story, or not, but don't be taken aback. Usually people don't mean anything bad about it. Especially the crew. They're just trying to get to know you too.

I don't know why some people are offended when the hostess says, "Just one?"

I think it is the word "Just" that triggers folks. I don't get offended but I would prefer the word not be added to the question. You never hear a hostess say "Just two?". So why not say "One" in the same way they would say "two".

But that really doesn't bother me. The only thing that does get to me when traveling solo is at dinner when someone will start asking me all kinds of personal questions about my current relationship status as well as my entire relationship history. Something about traveling alone makes folks think it is okay to ask such personal questions.

I don't know why some people are offended when the hostess says, "Just one?"

Because the word "just" makes it sound like being one is not enough. They'll never say "just two for dinner?" or "do you want a table for just the three of you?". It would be much less judgmental in language to just say "how many?".

Actually, what bothers me more is the assumption that I (standing alone) must be a part of the couple or family standing behind me in line - whether it's for a table at a restaurant or a seat in a theatre. Worse if the person behind me is also solo - then they assume we're a couple (but apparently not talking to each other or standing next to each other, LOL).

I go out to eat alone very often, so that doesn't bother me. The "just one" used to, but I'm so used to it I don't even notice anymore. I DO, however, get linked with others standing anywhere near me.

I have joined my roll call, but it seems pretty dead. Is it too soon to expect action on there? My sail date is March 12 (Spring Break) and I'm sailing on Carnival Triumph.

The days at work getting more stressful as we get closer to state testing and because I'm looking forward to spring break, the days are dragging. I try to come here or to Carnival site to get excited about the upcoming cruise.

Also, maybe it's not a big deal, but be prepared to be asked if you are sailing alone. Tell your story, or not, but don't be taken aback. Usually people don't mean anything bad about it. Especially the crew. They're just trying to get to know you too.

I don't know why some people are offended when the hostess says, "Just one?"

THIS is what I'm scared of! Going on my first solo in a few months and I am terrified that I'll tell the wrong person I'm solo and be carted away somewhere... I've been grappling with the idea of just lying and telling people my spouse is stuck in the room sick or something. At least to quell my own anxiety.

I go out to eat alone very often, so that doesn't bother me. The "just one" used to, but I'm so used to it I don't even notice anymore. I DO, however, get linked with others standing anywhere near me.

 

I have joined my roll call, but it seems pretty dead. Is it too soon to expect action on there? My sail date is March 12 (Spring Break) and I'm sailing on Carnival Triumph.

 

The days at work getting more stressful as we get closer to state testing and because I'm looking forward to spring break, the days are dragging. I try to come here or to Carnival site to get excited about the upcoming cruise.

Hi,:) I have been sailing solo for 13 years....(it is the only way I cruise)....

it really is quite easy to meet people on a ship...at least it is for me.

If I am having drinks, I sit at the bar and most folks are quite friendly.

If there is a type of activity I enjoy, I participate.....if not, I am happy

in a lounger.....doing nothing;)

As for your roll call.....for March 2017? Since it is 13 months out.....

I am pretty sure it will pick up as the year goes by:)

Hope you have a great cruise:)

THIS is what I'm scared of! Going on my first solo in a few months and I am terrified that I'll tell the wrong person I'm solo and be carted away somewhere... I've been grappling with the idea of just lying and telling people my spouse is stuck in the room sick or something. At least to quell my own anxiety.

Hi:)....I hope you don't mind if I chime in......

I cannot tell you how to feel or not feel but I can try and ease your mind.

I have been cruising solo since May 2003......this year is 13 years.

I would like to say (this is my honest opinion) that truely, most folks

are so busy with themselves and what they are doing on the cruise that

they really don't care if someone else is going on their own. Sure, you

may get the person who thinks you "are brave"....I am 57 and sometimes

I still get that line.....I tell them, I love to travel and staying home is

not an option for me anymore....just because I go on my own? It makes

it all the better.....I do what I want, when I want......:D....not having

a travel partner? That is not necessary for me to have a great time.

I have never felt the need to lie about my cruising solo.....and look at

it this way...if someone has an issue with it....it is their problem, not

yours........(unless you make it yours). But truely......cruising solo

is my choice and I love it:D

I am taking my first River Cruise out of Amsterdam in April and cannot

wait!......going solo of course:D (this is after 40+ Ocean Cruises)

I hope this helps you a little bit at least.......:)

Hi,:) I have been sailing solo for 13 years....(it is the only way I cruise)....

it really is quite easy to meet people on a ship...at least it is for me.

If I am having drinks, I sit at the bar and most folks are quite friendly.

If there is a type of activity I enjoy, I participate.....if not, I am happy

in a lounger.....doing nothing;)

 

As for your roll call.....for March 2017? Since it is 13 months out.....

I am pretty sure it will pick up as the year goes by:)

 

Hope you have a great cruise:)

March 12 of THIS year. As in two weeks!

THIS is what I'm scared of! Going on my first solo in a few months and I am terrified that I'll tell the wrong person I'm solo and be carted away somewhere... I've been grappling with the idea of just lying and telling people my spouse is stuck in the room sick or something. At least to quell my own anxiety.

Carted away somewhere as in kidnapped? Or as in you're crazy?! I don't even consider the crazy part. I did consider bad things happening. I figure I just need to make sure that in port I do not go off alone. I scheduled a Carnival excursion for a little extra peace of mind. On ship, I still need to keep my wits about me and be aware of my surroundings. That's pretty easy for me to do.

I absolutely love cruising solo, especially after my last sailing. I went with two friends, and although I had my own cabin, I still had many moments where I wished I had just gone on my own.

I've never had problem having conversations with different passengers. I'm very social when I'm on vacation (moreso than when I'm at home) so I will make eye contact and smile, which invites conversations and invitations to join family reunions! LOL I am very active in my roll calls which has helped with meeting people and going on tours. You will have an amazing time and be open to the experience of solo travel!

I sailed last year on spring break, just as I am this year. Pi Day happens to usually fall during spring break. I saw several people on the ship last year on the lido deck wearing tshirts commemorating Pi Day. I just loudly said, "Math Nerds unite!" and struck up a few conversations. (I'm a secondary math teacher)

March 12 of THIS year. As in two weeks!

Good morning....you cruise is in 2 weeks and the roll call is dead?....

I have to say I am surprised about that......I don't sail on Carnival but

always thought they had very active roll calls.......especially over

spring break.

I think you can meet people on the ship though:)

Hi:)....I hope you don't mind if I chime in......

I cannot tell you how to feel or not feel but I can try and ease your mind.

I have been cruising solo since May 2003......this year is 13 years.

I would like to say (this is my honest opinion) that truely, most folks

are so busy with themselves and what they are doing on the cruise that

they really don't care if someone else is going on their own. Sure, you

may get the person who thinks you "are brave"....I am 57 and sometimes

I still get that line.....I tell them, I love to travel and staying home is

not an option for me anymore....just because I go on my own? It makes

it all the better.....I do what I want, when I want......:D....not having

a travel partner? That is not necessary for me to have a great time.

 

I have never felt the need to lie about my cruising solo.....and look at

it this way...if someone has an issue with it....it is their problem, not

yours........(unless you make it yours). But truely......cruising solo

is my choice and I love it:D

I am taking my first River Cruise out of Amsterdam in April and cannot

wait!......going solo of course:D (this is after 40+ Ocean Cruises)

 

I hope this helps you a little bit at least.......:)

Thank Lois, I am looking forward to the alone time. I will most likely play it by ear on what I do share based on the vibe.

Carted away somewhere as in kidnapped? Or as in you're crazy?! I don't even consider the crazy part. I did consider bad things happening. I figure I just need to make sure that in port I do not go off alone. I scheduled a Carnival excursion for a little extra peace of mind. On ship, I still need to keep my wits about me and be aware of my surroundings. That's pretty easy for me to do.

Yeah as in kidnapped. I get harassed in public on a regular basis even when with friends so being on my own brings all sorts of fears out. I will be scheduling a Carnival excursion for at least one port day.

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Thank Lois, I am looking forward to the alone time. I will most likely play it by ear on what I do share based on the vibe.

 

 

 

 

Yeah as in kidnapped. I get harassed in public on a regular basis even when with friends so being on my own brings all sorts of fears out. I will be scheduling a Carnival excursion for at least one port day.

 

 

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You get harassed on a regular basis??:eek: I am not sure I understand....

People you know give you hard time about your life? Or strangers

come up and harass you? If it is people you know? I would say

they are not your friends......if they are strangers? Have you called

the Police about this?

You get harassed on a regular basis??:eek: I am not sure I understand....

People you know give you hard time about your life? Or strangers

come up and harass you? If it is people you know? I would say

they are not your friends......if they are strangers? Have you called

the Police about this?

LMAO! I meant by men coming on to me... lol.

LMAO! I meant by men coming on to me... lol.

Oh....that is not how I read the post........sorry.

I have never had any guys harrass me on a cruise....I don't get harassed

by them here at home either.

You can email maitre d' and ask to be seated w/other solos in the MDR.

Because the word "just" makes it sound like being one is not enough. They'll never say "just two for dinner?" or "do you want a table for just the three of you?". It would be much less judgmental in language to just say "how many?".

I'm not justifying the rudeness of asking "just one?", but it could be a language thing. In some crew members' native language or even in their dialect of English, the word "just" may not carry the negative connotation it does in US English. Still, it'd be better to ask something like: "one?", with no modifiers.

LMAO! I meant by men coming on to me... lol.

Interesting choice of word-- "harassed". Would you still feel harassed if it were George Clooney or Brad Pitt approaching you? :rolleyes:

One week until I board NCL Escape for my first solo cruise as well... I have some of the same apprehensions others seem to have but am determined to enjoy my time away whatever it may turn out like...

I usually have booked port excursions in advance when travelling with others and am unsure what to do (if anything) in this case. Can anyone give me their two cents? Should I book something and just hope I'm not the only solo or wait until I am on board and hopefully meet other like minded travelers possibly looking to book something with another person travelling on their own?