Solo Cruise vs. Solo Resort

Has anyone done both? For some reason, I feel like I'd go crazy if I went to a beach resort by myself but I LOVE solo cruising. Does that make sense? At least, there are tons of people around on the cruise ship and I never feel truly alone even though I am by myself. Also with the beautiful spaces on the ship and entertainment, I can mix things up very easily without being bored. I think I'd get very bored after about 3 days on a beach resort. . .or maybe not. I keep telling myself I want to try to compare but I chicken out. (Keep in mind I have travelled solo to Europe by myself several times, so it's not the solo traveling that is the issue.)

Has anyone done both? For some reason, I feel like I'd go crazy if I went to a beach resort by myself but I LOVE solo cruising.

You can say that again! And yes, I've done both, although the resort was quasi-solo: came with someone, but spent most of the time alone. Here's what I experienced.

The cruise:

Ship workers of all ranks treated me with the friendliness and professionalism they treat couples, groups, and families. Pre-existing groups of friends adopted me. I've never even once gotten those shocked "oh my god, you're by yourself" looks, or pseudo-compliments like "how brave of you". My decision to cruise solo was treated with the same nonchalance as my choices of food and entertainment onboard.

The resort:

The treatment I got was just plain bad, both from other guest and hotel workers. Restaurant waiters would ask "just one?" over and over again. Casino bouncers spent a lot of time on walkie-talkies when I was in their line of sight. People in the dance club gave me dirty looks. I didn't even feel safe walking around the property at night. I felt like I was in a bad neighborhood, rather than a tropical resort.

I think a lot depends on the resort. For example, I have gone solo to Playa Viva, a small eco-resort near Zihautanejo in Mexico, and had a great time, but they cater to a small guest list (maximum 20 at a time) so it is not like one of the singles or couples-only big commercial resorts. I am going back to Playa Viva solo in December...can't wait!

Has anyone done both? For some reason, I feel like I'd go crazy if I went to a beach resort by myself but I LOVE solo cruising. Does that make sense? At least, there are tons of people around on the cruise ship and I never feel truly alone even though I am by myself. Also with the beautiful spaces on the ship and entertainment, I can mix things up very easily without being bored. I think I'd get very bored after about 3 days on a beach resort. . .or maybe not. I keep telling myself I want to try to compare but I chicken out. (Keep in mind I have travelled solo to Europe by myself several times, so it's not the solo traveling that is the issue.)

I also think cruises are ideal for solos, mainly for the fact that they entertain you so well that you always have something to do. It helps that you travel with the same bunch of people, so even on a big ship you often bump into friendly faces.

In contrast I have been to beach resorts (various islands in the Med). I do plenty of research and only pick places where I think I will feel safe (most places in fairness) and which hopefully have something to do and for me must also have some sights I want to see, but really a beach holiday is more about relaxing than a cruise in my opinion (I'm out in the ports all day). The problem for me is that you then have to entertain yourself at night. On holiday in Tenerife a couple of years ago every evening I had dinner, watched the hotel's evening show (they don't even compare with the shows on a ship) and spent the rest of the night in the same Irish bar, listening to the same guy play the same songs - but it passed the time. It was still a good holiday, but I wouldn't rush back.

When I'm not cruising now I tend to go for city breaks with lots to see and do. I've been to Las Vegas, Berlin, New York, Dubai...if you can mix that with somewhere sunny that means you can lie on a beach/by a pool so much the better. I also limit these sort of trips to a week, whereas I would happily cruise for 2 weeks.

If its something you fancy doing pick somewhere you've already been with friends so you know you like the place and try it - that's how I did my first solo holiday and I've never looked back :D

Has anyone done both? For some reason, I feel like I'd go crazy if I went to a beach resort by myself but I LOVE solo cruising. Does that make sense? At least, there are tons of people around on the cruise ship and I never feel truly alone even though I am by myself. Also with the beautiful spaces on the ship and entertainment, I can mix things up very easily without being bored. I think I'd get very bored after about 3 days on a beach resort. . .or maybe not. I keep telling myself I want to try to compare but I chicken out. (Keep in mind I have travelled solo to Europe by myself several times, so it's not the solo traveling that is the issue.)

I alternate between solo cruise and solo resort vacations. Have stayed in Punta Cana, Playa Del Carmen, Maroma, and Aruba solo, never had a problem. Went on excursions snorkeling, gone to ruins, and fishing as a solo from a resort, again, no problems.

I don't look for trouble, I smile a lot when I'm away, and I've never been taken for a target of any kind. I chat easy with people, and as soon as I open my mouth, others recognize my Noo Yawk axcent, which gives them the opportunity to ask questions about the Big Apple.

To me, a big part of travel is taking in other cultures, languages, and foods, so I look to be a part of, rather than a stick out.

Restaurant waiters would ask "just one?" over and over again.

I really dislike hearing that "just one?" At home I have certain restaurants that I feel comfortable eating at on my own and others that make me feel like a second class citizen because I am alone. I would never even consider going to a resort by myself. Cruising solo is perfect for me!

I haven't been to a resort, but like on the cruise that it seems there are thousands of people and on the NCL's other solos as well.

Now, although not a resort, i am consdering going to Vegas where I can get some comp nights, but do not think I will enjoy it as much as a cruise

Now, although not a resort, i am consdering going to Vegas where I can get some comp nights, but do not think I will enjoy it as much as a cruise

I think Vegas is amazing - plan all the things you want to see, but remember to relax too, I was exhausted by the end.

Much as I love cruises there's a whole World to see and ships can't go everywhere. I think it would also become just as boring if the only travel you ever did was on a ship, as you miss out on all the experiences other holidays bring.

Back in the mid 90s (yes, a long time ago:eek:) I went to an AI resort

on my own.....It was in an area of Mexico call Playa Del Carmen which

is south of Cancun. Back then, the area was not as touristy....I can

imagine it is just as busy as Cancun now though. Anyway, I went 2

years in a row. I remember having a pretty good time but not a WOW.

Even when I was younger I wasn't ever into the "Club Med" scene and

this place...It was a "Diamond Resort" was more laid back. Anyway,

they had an outdoor show in the evening, along with a nightclub.

A pool of course and it was right on the water. You could take excursions

or not. Meals were the odd part.....maybe they were not used to

solo travelers. But if memory serves? It was not the most pleasant

experience.

I think I went back the 2nd year to see if it would still be fun. Ehhh....

I am in my mid 50s and started cruising on a regular basis in my mid

40s......I always go solo. Looking back on the resort, I can say

cruising wins for me, hands down. I feel way more comfortable on a

ship....maybe that is just me. But I feel like the staff and crew are

way more friendly than the folks were at the resort. Nobody cares

if you are on your own and if you want to dine solo? In my experiences,

it is much easier on board too. I meet people very easily and it is

just more comfortable on the ship.

Anyway, cruising is for me.:D..........oh, I have thought about going

to Vegas for a 4 day trip or so but going there solo? Not sure I

am wanting to do it.......not a big gambler;) but I would love to see

the BEATLES Cirque show!

Lois I have gone to Vegas several times solo. I saw the Beatle show and it was fantastic. You must see it if you are a Beatle fan. But cruising solo can't be beat

Back in the mid 90s (yes, a long time ago:eek:) I went to an AI resort

on my own.....It was in an area of Mexico call Playa Del Carmen which

is south of Cancun. Back then, the area was not as touristy....I can

imagine it is just as busy as Cancun now though. Anyway, I went 2

years in a row. I remember having a pretty good time but not a WOW.

Even when I was younger I wasn't ever into the "Club Med" scene and

this place...It was a "Diamond Resort" was more laid back. Anyway,

they had an outdoor show in the evening, along with a nightclub.

A pool of course and it was right on the water. You could take excursions

or not. Meals were the odd part.....maybe they were not used to

solo travelers. But if memory serves? It was not the most pleasant

experience.

I think I went back the 2nd year to see if it would still be fun. Ehhh....

 

 

I am in my mid 50s and started cruising on a regular basis in my mid

40s......I always go solo. Looking back on the resort, I can say

cruising wins for me, hands down. I feel way more comfortable on a

ship....maybe that is just me. But I feel like the staff and crew are

way more friendly than the folks were at the resort. Nobody cares

if you are on your own and if you want to dine solo? In my experiences,

it is much easier on board too. I meet people very easily and it is

just more comfortable on the ship.

 

Anyway, cruising is for me.:D..........oh, I have thought about going

to Vegas for a 4 day trip or so but going there solo? Not sure I

am wanting to do it.......not a big gambler;) but I would love to see

the BEATLES Cirque show!

Lois, I've stayed in Playa more times than I can count (Sandos, Occidental, Riu plus boutique hotels right in town).....the Playacar beach is one of my favorites! I think it's a gender thing......no one looks at me funny in a resort, yet a woman has to be concerned about her safety.

Lois I have gone to Vegas several times solo. I saw the Beatle show and it was fantastic. You must see it if you are a Beatle fan. But cruising solo can't be beat

Where do you normally stay in Vegas?

Lois I have gone to Vegas several times solo. I saw the Beatle show and it was fantastic. You must see it if you are a Beatle fan. But cruising solo can't be beat

Do you have any recommendations for doing Vegas solo (I have the Breakaway again in October, did the Epic as well 3 years ago).

Part of me enjoys vegas- last time I went 10 years ago I was by myself the first day and 3 quarters (saw Elton twice) and then solo just the last day.

I have done it solo, but not 5 nights. Right now I have Harrah's booked 5 nights comped in December- I don't drink or go to bars; I would be doing perhaps $50 in gambling a day, some shows, a few buffets, and things like the titantic and crime museum.

However, I found crusing healtheir because I had a group of people the whole week. From my experience in Vegas, I am really not going to go anywhere (except piano bars because I play out in public and on ships as well).

Lois, I've stayed in Playa more times than I can count (Sandos, Occidental, Riu plus boutique hotels right in town).....the Playacar beach is one of my favorites! I think it's a gender thing......no one looks at me funny in a resort, yet a woman has to be concerned about her safety.

I beg to differ! I'm a guy, and when I was solo at an AI resort (well, quasi-solo, long story, but it's all semantics), I was genuinely fearing for my safety. Heck, at one point, a security guard had to escort me to my room, because he said there were people following me, and they were other guests. I wasn't aware; he pulled me aside and told me. Perhaps we went to different kinds of resorts. The one I was at was your run-of-the-mill 3-star AI.

If anything, I'd say it might be an age thing. I was 19 at the time of my resort fiasco. It's extremely rare for a guy that age to vacation alone, or at least be seen on vacation alone. So that's probably why I attracted negative attention. By contrast, I was 29 during my solo cruise, which made me "just another dude wanting to get away", so no one cared. May I ask how old you were when you had your good experience?

I have done solo cruising which I usually enjoy. The solo resort not good experiences. I went to Club Med solo in Martinique and also Jamaica resort each was a week. The Canadians who went to club med were rude and the staff were also. They have communal dining but they made it unpleasant. Jamaica was also all inclusive and I had a good time and the staff was friendly. The couples were into themselves and the naked beach. I read and did a couple of tours and enjoyed the night club and music at night. Dining was solo.

Do you have any recommendations for doing Vegas solo (I have the Breakaway again in October, did the Epic as well 3 years ago).

 

Part of me enjoys vegas- last time I went 10 years ago I was by myself the first day and 3 quarters (saw Elton twice) and then solo just the last day.

 

I have done it solo, but not 5 nights. Right now I have Harrah's booked 5 nights comped in December- I don't drink or go to bars; I would be doing perhaps $50 in gambling a day, some shows, a few buffets, and things like the titantic and crime museum.

 

However, I found crusing healtheir because I had a group of people the whole week. From my experience in Vegas, I am really not going to go anywhere (except piano bars because I play out in public and on ships as well).

I like Harrah's and if you get a great deal great! For some reason I also have a comfort factor at Paris. Vegas is such a great people watching place ... I enjoy finding a bar in the middle of the resort, having a tonic w/lime (no alcohol) and just watching :eek: I enjoy eating at Mon Ami Gabi on the patio or back room and watch the Bellagio fountains. There are really great inexpensive shows(go to Tix4tonight) and Legends in concert was fun. Dueling pianos, wherever they're at is a must. Hope you have a great time!!!

Ship workers of all ranks treated me with the friendliness and professionalism they treat couples, groups, and families.

Good for you, but that certainly doesn't mean that they treat all solo cruisers as well as they treat couples, groups, and families.

The resort:

 

The treatment I got was just plain bad, both from other guest and hotel workers. Restaurant waiters would ask "just one?" over and over again.

When I cruised solo on the Norwegian Dawn, I was regularly asked by the host/hostess, "Just one?" and in the dining room, the waiter/waitress asked me, "Where is the rest of your party?" So this bad treatment you've gotten at resorts is repeated on cruises.

I shared a few meals on the Dawn with other people, and I noticed that when I was sitting with other people, the waiter would tell us the kinds of bread there were in the bread bowl. When I sat alone, the waiter would just slam the bowl down on the table and walk away. I asked another solo cruiser if he had gotten the same bread bowl treatment, and he said yes. So I guess the waitstaff was told it was okay to slam the bread bowl down and walk away silently when there was a solo person at a table.

When I cruised solo on the Norwegian Dawn, I was regularly asked by the host/hostess, "Just one?" and in the dining room, the waiter/waitress asked me, "Where is the rest of your party?" So this bad treatment you've gotten at resorts is repeated on cruises.

 

I shared a few meals on the Dawn with other people, and I noticed that when I was sitting with other people, the waiter would tell us the kinds of bread there were in the bread bowl. When I sat alone, the waiter would just slam the bowl down on the table and walk away. I asked another solo cruiser if he had gotten the same bread bowl treatment, and he said yes. So I guess the waitstaff was told it was okay to slam the bread bowl down and walk away silently when there was a solo person at a table.

I take it you were responding to my rant earlier.

Sorry to hear you got bad service. All my solo cruising was on Carnival, and I have to say they're good with how they treat solos. I'm actually hesitant to cruise solo on Norwegian, because they don't have assigned seating, and eating dinner alone is just awkward (breakfast and lunch, I don't care). And your comments aren't exactly convincing me to sail with NCL. Was this an isolated incident, or did you get that kind of service repeatedly?

I'm sure Freestyle Dining was developed for families and groups, not solos. Perhaps you'll have better luck on ships like Epic, that have studio cabins, and waiters probably had training on how to interact with solos. Still, when a security guard has to pull you aside to protect you, because some shady dudes decided to follow you and jump you, you know it's not a solo-friendly environment.

Was this an isolated incident, or did you get that kind of service repeatedly?

It happened all the time on the Norwegian Dawn. Since that time, I've cruised on NCL a few times, but always with a friend, so I don't know if they treat solo cruisers better now.

I booked that cruise 13 days ahead of time. The previous times I had sailed on NCL were before they instituted freestyle. When I booked (directly with the cruiseline), I asked about first and second sittings, and I was told about freestyle. I asked about sitting with other people at mealtime, and I was assured that all I had to do was tell the hostess that I wanted to be seated with other people, and it would happen. It was not true, because the hostesses were not prepared for such a situation, and they certainly weren't going to ask couples and families if they wanted to sit with a stranger. Several times I ate with people that I met on the ship, and that's when I found out that it wasn't customary for the waiter/waitress to slam down the bread bowl and walk away silently.

I'm sure Freestyle Dining was developed for families and groups, not solos. Perhaps you'll have better luck on ships like Epic, that have studio cabins, and waiters probably had training on how to interact with solos.

I don't know if the waiters have had training on how to interact with solos, since it seems that the big advantage to booking a studio cabin is that it's very easy to meet other solos and meet up with them for meals. So I'm not sure how many solo people go into the MDR all by themselves and ask to be seated.

Still, when a security guard has to pull you aside to protect you, because some shady dudes decided to follow you and jump you, you know it's not a solo-friendly environment.

That's for sure, but my occasional traveling companion is a female senior citizen (I am, too), and I bet the security guard would have protected us, too, so we probably would have thought that the environment wasn't friendly for females and/or senior citizens. And if it wasn't safe for the two of us, then it certainly wouldn't have been safe for just one of us.

Many years ago, in my early 30s, I did a solo vacation at a Club Med, and I had a great time. No concerns or awkwardness being solo. My first solo cruise, a few years before that, was just OK, and I felt much more awkward being solo on the ship than I did at the resort. However, my next solo cruise, 2 years ago, was great and there was again no awkwardness or problems being solo (however, I was 50 years old then).

I don't expect I'd ever do a resort vacation solo again, as it really isn't my thing - not the way I like to vacation. That trip was a gift from my family and it was great because it was different, but I never would have chosen it. However, I do land trips as a solo frequently, and have done road trips and city vacations in Europe and across the US without concern. This fall I'm spending 10 days in New Zealand solo after my cruise ends in Auckland.