Single Female Travellers

Hi,

long-time lurker, first time poster ..... please be gentle!

Simple question really, I have tried neither Seabourn or Silversea, but as a 'slightly older' solo female cruiser, choosing a first cruise with either, is there one that is better than the other for solo female travellers?

Also, for those that have travelled both, is the food better on one than the other?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Denise

Hi,

 

long-time lurker, first time poster ..... please be gentle!

 

Simple question really, I have tried neither Seabourn or Silversea, but as a 'slightly older' solo female cruiser, choosing a first cruise with either, is there one that is better than the other for solo female travellers?

 

Also, for those that have travelled both, is the food better on one than the other?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Denise

Denise

I am not - at least at present - a single female traveller, but have cruised both these lines quite often.

My advice would be that the food is perhaps marginally better on Seabourn, but not much to choose. The main difference is that on Seabourn you would be invited to join a hosted table (by an Officer, Cruise Director, an entertainer or similar) most evenings, where you you would meet not only other singles, but couples as well. I have seen this lead to singles getting together to enjoy events together (sometimes two ladies, sometimes one of each). I don't think this happens on Silversea, but others will now chime in and let you know.

Hi,

 

long-time lurker, first time poster ..... please be gentle!

 

Simple question really, I have tried neither Seabourn or Silversea, but as a 'slightly older' solo female cruiser, choosing a first cruise with either, is there one that is better than the other for solo female travellers?

 

Also, for those that have travelled both, is the food better on one than the other?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Denise

Hi Denise,

I am also a solo female traveller but have only to date sailed with Silversea, albeit that I'm thinking about Seabourn, hence my lurking status on this forum!

On the two cruises I've been on with SS l can only report have been excellent.

I was invited to dinner most evenings by various officers, the CD and also the entertainers, all of whom were wonderful company.

As an ex Cunard addict l found the new experience of the all inclusive ships much better and also much more refined.

I loved the open dining and found the food very good with the option of ordering off menu if so required which l often did.

I'm off again with SS in October and really looking forward to it.

Sophia :)

Thanks all,

That s helpful "food for thought"

Denise

Magic Wand: I have cruised both Silversea and Seabourn as a single woman. I find the ambiance on Seabourn MUCH preferable; the hosted dinners are easy to join and I find the passengers and crew much friendlier. I find the crew on Silversea professional but unfriendly (especially the officers who act like they are doing you a favor to host a dinner, say hello in the hallways, etc.) while I always find a welcoming group on Seabourn. Food, cabin quality, etc. are almost identical on both lines, IMO.

Magic Wand: I have cruised both Silversea and Seabourn as a single woman. I find the ambiance on Seabourn MUCH preferable; the hosted dinners are easy to join and I find the passengers and crew much friendlier. I find the crew on Silversea professional but unfriendly (especially the officers who act like they are doing you a favor to host a dinner, say hello in the hallways, etc.) while I always find a welcoming group on Seabourn. Food, cabin quality, etc. are almost identical on both lines, IMO.

Thanks so much for this. It's so important not to fill completely isolated when traveling alone and it seems from the comments here like Seabourn are ahead on that front.

Denise

Denise

I have sailed Seabourn as a solo lady for 12 years. I've never felt alone, especially on the 'lit Sisters (Legend & Spirit) usually we don't have more than 175 or so passengers aboard. Daytime we gather up at the Sky Bar where everybody visits ~evenings, solo Sailors are invited to hosted dinners in the dining room. But by the 2nd or 3rd day you'll have made friends and will probably dine with your new Sail Mates some nights. (also lunches)

I've made life long friends with at least a dozen or so wonderful, sweet folks. Wouldn't take the world for our friendships.

As a solo lady you'll "meet & greet" great Seabournites ~~and you'll feel very welcomed! :p

Martita B.

My husband and I met a lovely lady from Switzerland on board a few years ago and became great friends. The following summer we went and stayed with her for a few days in Switzerland and this past year she spent Christmas and New Years with us in Arizona.i don't think you will be alone for long unless you want to.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Thanks Martita B. and Chairsin,

I'm learning fast!

Denise

Hi,

 

long-time lurker, first time poster ..... please be gentle!

 

Simple question really, I have tried neither Seabourn or Silversea, but as a 'slightly older' solo female cruiser, choosing a first cruise with either, is there one that is better than the other for solo female travellers?

 

Also, for those that have travelled both, is the food better on one than the other?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Denise

I've found the food better on Seabourn. As a solo traveler I preferred Seabourns solution. On Silversea you sat with a group of solos every night and they seemed to expect you to interact with them throughout the day. On Seabourn every night I was at a different hosted table (or not - depending upon my mood). Further due to the size of the Pride it was easy to meet people throughout the day and find new people to dine with.

.... On Silversea you sat with a group of solos every night and they seemed to expect you to interact with them throughout the day...

I tend to agree with Emperor Norton. On my last SS cruise (Caribbean, April 2013) three was a sizable group of solo travelers, who were hosted together every night. One very personable and lively lady veered off, and introduced herself to other passengers. I have to say that she was one of the most appreciated new friends to my DH and I. I guess some less extrovert personalities will feel more comfortable with the SS solution.

I'm in the single female traveler category. I have not cruised solo on Seabourn yet though as I've been lucky to have other single female friends who wanted to sail with me.

I find that the staff has always done a great job of facilitating introductions of interesting people to dine with at hosted tables or by selecting interesting dining companions when we've requested to be seated with others. (I've found it easy enough to meet and talk to others, that I've actually become pretty picky about accepting hosted table invitations just due to the timing aspects as there are plenty of other ways to meet others!)

But I also find that if you are at all outgoing, it's easy to meet and have conversations with other passengers. Lively spots I've found have included the Patio Grill/Pool Bar, the bar area in The Club and the Observation Lounge, the Casino, and Seabourn Square.