Female solo travelers??

[Virtopia]

I'll be going on my 3rd solo cruise in September and I can't wait.

It's not that I don't enjoy traveling with friends or family but I really enjoying traveling alone. I've been on quite a few land trips alone but cruising has now become somewhat of an addiction.

My first solo was for my birthday; I picked a short one just to see if I could handle it and I definitely could. I had a big bed to myself, a spacious cabin and the ability to make my own decisions without worrying about ruining someone else's plans. My second solo cruise was last year. It was a longer cruise and it had a lot of seniors but I didn't mind and I still enjoyed myself.

This upcoming solo cruise is something I'm really looking forward to. I booked it after I got back from my Allure cruise and have been diligently planning it ever since. I recommend every woman to travel solo at least once in her life - it's an experience that no one can take from you.

[Tropicalgurl]

My fam will be cruising on Carnival Breeze for Thanksgiving but I will be booking a solo cruise soon for NCL Breakaway for Thanksgiving. I have traveled solo on NCL Epic twice (Thanksgiving 2010, and week after Thanksgiving 2012). As you can see I don't have a problems traveling without my fam on holidays... I luv traveling with them but.... I have fell in luv with NCL new ships (Epic & Breakaway) that cater to solos. The Breakaway will also have solo cabins.. NCL have an hour gathering set up everyday for the solos to get together to plan dinners, shows, ice bar, excursions and etc.... if you do not want do things by yourself.. It is really awesome..
Went on Carnival years ago as a solo, and was seated at a table with other solos. Had a great time, but it was not due to any activities or plans that was initiated by Carnival.. Have not been back on Carnival as solo so cannot comment on how and what is set up for solos now if anything.

[SantaAna,CA]

I've been on several cruises by myself. I was very fortunate to have sailed with Seabourn cruise lines four times, on their small ships, which have recently been sold and will be heading over to Windstar. On Seabourn, if you are a single traveler, you receive a printed invitation on your door every day to a hosted dinner table at night. It was a wonderful way to travel.

I was on Silversea once. Nice, but no invitations to dinner, I had to fend for myself and find dinner partners, as they had no assigned seating. I really liked Seabourn's approach!

Jane

[cpcanuck]

Originally Posted by bottomfeeder

I took my first solo cruise recently--a 15-day transatlantic cruise, after a number of cruises with former husband (back before he was a "former") and/or our kids. I had a wonderful, relaxing time.

I was a bit worried beforehand that I would be bored out of my skull being alone and having all those sea days, but I really only had a couple of moments of wishing I had someone to share things with. I did my airport transfer and several shore excursions through my Cruise Critic roll call, and met people that way...and I did anytime dining and asked to share a table most nights, although a few nights I did the buffet solo.

Did you do a review of your solo 15 day transatlantic? I would like to hear more about that experience as a solo cruiser. Thanks!

[gizmo911]

I have cruised all but one of my nine crusies solo. I really enjoy being able to come and go as I please. The only thing I don't like to eating alone and so far have been really lucky to meet some very nice folks to dine with most of the time. When I am not so lucky, I will ask to be seated at a table for 10. Sometimes it good sometime not so much.

[bottomfeeder]

Originally Posted by cpcanuck

Did you do a review of your solo 15 day transatlantic? I would like to hear more about that experience as a solo cruiser. Thanks!

I didn't do a review. Intended to but got busy when I got back and then was afraid I didn't remember enough detail to make a useful review! I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my experience, though.

[justkiya]

I've done two solo trips - and I LOVE traveling solo. I tend to be a solitary person, anyway, so I usually eat dinner alone, unless I'm invited to dinner at a time & place I planned on going to anyhow.

Even if I don't 'go' on excursions with people, I always meet people on excursions, and have folks to talk to/socialize with.

Neither ship that I've been on has been exceptionally huge, so those people that I meet out and about - and the folks from my roll call - are people I tend to run into on a regular basis on board.

I find traveling solo to be PERFECT for me. I'm going on my first non-solo cruise in November - taking my mom, who I really like vacationing with - but I have a niggling suspicion that I'll prefer the solo cruise in the end.

[kitty9]

I've done more than 30 solo cruises, and it's the perfect way to travel to places that you probably wouldn't travel to alone on a land vacation. I've been to Vietnam, Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Dubai, and many other places that might not be the easiest, or safest to travel to, alone, via a land trip.

[cvgurl125]

I just booked my first solo cruise on RCI Grandeur of the Seas October 11, 2013. Been thinking about solo cruising or a long time and I finally will do it. No more staying at home thinking about cruising.

[meishka14]

Originally Posted by cvgurl125

I just booked my first solo cruise on RCI Grandeur of the Seas October 11, 2013. Been thinking about solo cruising or a long time and I finally will do it. No more staying at home thinking about cruising.

Good for you! I did the same thing. This will be my second cruise and my first solo cruise.

[cateyes2u]

I have been on 6 solo cruises and absolutely love my solo cabin.

I started a few years ago and got spoiled for the same reasons others have mentioned.

Yes, I have been stuck with a roommate from hell in the past so I decided unless I'm with my significant other, no sharing. .

I'm sailing on the Breakaway at the end of the month in a studio cabin. They have nightly happy hour for solo's so it's a good opportunity to met other solo travelers.

This week, I got an e-mail from one of the consolidators with a very cheap rate of the Liberty, so I called Carnival and their rate was the same. I like to book directly through Carnival so I won't loose control of my reservation. The rate was $798 cruise only rates. I got a Cat 1A (cheap is ok with me). Yesterday, I checked their website and the rates had gone down $50, for my sail date (9/28/13), and I love the ports.

Now to start planning for next year. I plan on sailing on the Getaway.

[blondecruiser1967]

Hello Ladies

I just booked my first solo cruise on the NCL Getaway in Feb. 2014 and enjoyed reading about all your experiences with solo cruising. Can't wait to try the solo cruise thing for myself!!!

[Bonzy49]

I am going n Epic. Four weeks time .Although I am travelling with family members they are my son n law's family ...I am the odd one out! I will be in one of NCL Solo cabins...so looking forward to having my own cabin??

I jntend going to the solo's lounge ...

[georgia girl16]

Congratulations on booking your first Solo cruise. You will have a great time. I leave next week for my second solo cruise and I am ready to go. This is a great place to meet others that will be cruising with you, so take advantage of this site. Enjoy yourself and you will become addicted like the rest of us.

[blondecruiser1967]

I am envois that you are leaving in a week :). Have a great time and maybe when you get back you can share your experience. I am signed up on my cruises Roll Call but not much is happening there which kind of surprises me considering it is the inaugural Miami Getaway cruise but we are still over 8 months out.