First Transatlantic Cruise Solo

Hi all. I'm considering my very first transatlantic cruise and going solo as my partner is not thrilled with the idea of all those sea days (I'm thrilled however). We normally sail on Oceania but I want to try something different.

I'm in my mid-40s and considering Crystal, Azamara, Celebrity or HAL. I'm leaning towards Azamara b/c they have fantastic single supplements, yet I've always wanted to try Crystal as I hear their sea days are pretty amazing. Celebrity and HAL also have great price points.

I've never been on any of these lines and would welcome your thoughts and experiences.

Appreciate your help and insight.

Joe

My husband and I have done a bunch of transatlantic crossings: Cunard, Azamara, and Holland-Am. We've crossed the Indian Ocean on Crystal, and we have crossed the Pacific on Seabourn. We love sea days and the alternative to flying to get to a destination. The single-supplement pricing on AZ is very attractive, and as a result, there are lots of singles on board who mix well with the others. Some are gay. Crystal has the best enrichment program available, so lots to do while at sea. Their single travelers tend to be older women who enjoy dancing with the escorts. Our favorite crossings have been on the Queen Mary II, which is a magnificent ship, a true ocean liner that can navigate high seas with few problems. My understanding is that in a future retrofit, the QMII will redo about 15 cabins to accommodate singles, but until then I think their pricing policy is somewhat discouraging. However the QMII has a very active Friends of Dorothy gathering each evening, a great way to make new friends.

Joe: Since you are from New York, the QMII might be a great option for you. You can take a cab or limo to the Red Hook terminal (or from it if you are crossing to the West). The link-ups in Southampton for travel throughout Europe are OK. We took a bus to St. Pancras station to board the Eurostar to Paris, not much stress. There are a lot of singles on board the QMII, but I'm afraid their single-supplement pricing does not compete well with AZ,

Joe: Since you are from New York, the QMII might be a great option for you. You can take a cab or limo to the Red Hook terminal (or from it if you are crossing to the West). The link-ups in Southampton for travel throughout Europe are OK. We took a bus to St. Pancras station to board the Eurostar to Paris, not much stress. There are a lot of singles on board the QMII, but I'm afraid their single-supplement pricing does not compete well with AZ,

Thanks....great suggestion. I didn't consider Cunard b/c I always thought they were too formal. I know Crystal is....or should I say was....they've become much more relaxed with attire it seems. I like the country club casual atmosphere of Azamara and Oceania so that's why I'm leaning toward them. BUT, the QM2 looks really nice. I do like the idea of a larger ship and worry that I may be bored on Azamara (the TA is 16 days). Crystal seems like a perfect size. Much to consider. You have all great suggestions....thank you!

Joe: Don't be too put off by the formal attire on Cunard. It's an item of controversy here on CC, some rave on in favor, others not so much. I found a way around it on trips to & from Europe where my suitcase was already full of casual clothes needed on land. I wear a black blazer, black slacks, white shirt & tie on the formal nights. No one looks down their nose at me on Cunard, and I can use all the clothes traveling on land. You can dress casually, but technically you will not be allowed in most of the public areas of the ship on formal nights. I too prefer resort casual, but am willing to find a way to make it work to be on the Queen Mary. Oh, and we are booked on two transatlantics on AZ, one in Nov. from Barcelona, and one in April to Nice. Looking forward to both. I'm fairly confident that we will be on the QMII Hamburg to Brooklyn in June, 2016; haven't booked that one yet.