Solo but not single and disabled...

Hi. I was referred to this board by someone at Norweigan cruise line.

I am married and my husband does not like to travel much because of work. I live in Boston and honestly, after this past winter my soul is snow-weary. I need to feel some warmth on my face and some warmer air...

I am thinking of taking my first solo cruise but I am a bit nervous. I have been on 3 cruises before -- with my parents when I was a teenager and two times with husband. All were fabulous!

I use a cane for walking and I have been on a cruise with my husband since I started using the cane. It took some adjusting but I was fine once I got my sea legs -- literally!:)

I am having a really hard time finding a solo balcony that is 1) I can afford and 2) is close to elevators so I can limit a few steps. I was very very lucky the last time on the cruise and we were near the elevator and only one floor above all the action in the smaller lounge and main lounge. We ate in the dining room with no problem.

I know that some cruises now have solo cabins but honestly, those look too small for me. I would love the balcony to really just relax in private...

Right now, I am looking at going to the Bermuda from Boston or Baltimore in May....

Would love some suggestions or insights. I am not sure I would enjoy dining alone every night but I also don't want to be in big table of other solos...I am kinda shy until I get to know folks.

Thanks!

-- Jackie

The Dawn out of Boston is a nice ship, and not gigantic like some. The dining rooms are aft, as is the spa, and the Spinnaker lounge, where they do shows like Newlywed Game, one of the Second City shows, etc. I believe there's also dancing there late at night.

The atrium, specialty restaurants and several lounges where there's live music are near the center, so if you got a room between the atrium and the back, you wouldn't need to explore the front of the ship except to go to the main showroom and the casino. And presumably if you went to either you'd be there long enough to rest a bit before returning (and there are plenty of places to stop and sit for a bit along the way.)

Hi

May I suggest that you consider renting a scooter for the cruise

I now cruise solo cause my husband cannot travel well due to ms so I do know exactly what you mean by being close to elevators

I did a solo in a studio on epic and had a really great time

I am doing a solo again this summer on epic but got a balcony cause I missed the outdoor space

Given your use of a cane and having worried about my husband's safety I would try the scooter

Let me know if you need more info

Have fun

You may want to consider sailing with Holland America from Boston. The Veendam docks directly in Hamilton. You will have less transportation issues.

If you do sail on a ship that has traditional dining (Norwegian is open dining), ask for a table of 6-8. Not everyone will be at the table every night as some may dine off the ship or eat in the specialty restaurants. Even though you sign up for traditional dining, you can always eat elsewhere at the buffet, specialty dining, room service, off the ship, etc.

I second the idea of a rented scooter if you feel it would assist your mobility around the ship.

If you have some specific questions, there are a lot of people on this forum who will be able to answer them.

I would like to offer another suggestion, rather than the scooter. Consider getting a rollater. That is one of those walkers with a seat. You really need a handicap accessible cabin to handle a scooter, while a walker can usually fit through the standard doorway. I travel solo a lot and have balance and mobility issues. Getting my rollater was incredibly liberating. I have something to hold onto and a place to sit if needed.

Lesa

The only problem going with NCL is that they don't have assigned seating in the MDR. In all likelihood, you would be dining alone. Dining alone doesn't bother me in the buffet or casual eateries, but I don't want to sit alone in a dining room. I avoid NCL solo.

HI all!

I've gone solo on 17 out of my 32 cruises & also dreaded sitting alone on NCL ships. In Nov. on Dawn I was asked at the podium in the MDR if I'd like to share & chose that option each night. It's a great way to meet new people. It can be a little awkward if they put you at a big table then you have to wait for the others though.:o

I love sailing solo as you can do what you want when you want. After sharing twice with friends & once with my DSIL I've decided I'll only sail with DH or solo.

~ Jo ~:)

NCL is known for extra small cabins. I think you will find most lines wish to have 2 or more cruisers in Balconies. Why? Because they spend more on board. A solo cruiser spends less. Find a big discount cruise agency that can point you to any solo balconies available on other lines. (Good one in New Hampshire). We cannot do names here. Google it. Celebrity treats special needs cruisers beautifully. Had a 200 sq ft, disabled cabin on Celebrity recently. If you are over 75 look at HAL (Holland America).