SINGLEs Over 55

Thank you, singles, your tips are wonderful. I was widowed on June 1 - very suddenly. I had to cancel a B2B last summer because I was ill and booked it again for next summer, 2015. I am trying to find a cabin mate, but if I can't I'll bite the bullet and go on my own.

I've already met many people on the roll call and I think that would be a big help.

I am taking a river cruise in November on my own as they are more intimate and I know from experience, that singles are readily included as we included them when we did river cruises.

I am friendly and outgoing and have traveled for business on my own. I do private tours exclusively, so that's not a problem. I figure the piano bar is always a good place to hang out and I'm an avid trivia player so that's another outlet for companionship. I'm almost 68, but I look younger and I love to dance.

My biggest problem in finding a cabin mate is to find one who will not snore. I don't care if it's male or female, I cannot share a cabin with a snorer. 27 nights of no sleep is not something I'd look forward to.:) Unfortunately, people who snore don't know that they are snoring.

I really wish there was some place one could go and find cabin mates.

Thanks, again.

You sound like someone that would be nice to meet on a cruise. I also enjoy the trivia games and dancing. There is a site called CruiseM-t-s. Just add the required vowels and google it. There is a thread for those looking. I prefer a cabin of my own because I know that I snore and would not be comfortable subjecting a fellow human being to such torture on their vacation.

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You sound like someone that would be nice to meet on a cruise. I also enjoy the trivia games and dancing. There is a site called CruiseM-t-s. Just add the required vowels and google it. There is a thread for those looking. I prefer a cabin of my own because I know that I snore and would not be comfortable subjecting a fellow human being to such torture on their vacation.

 

 

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Thanks for the link

I agree with you, Rich 60. If you ladies cruising solo want the solo gentleman to pay attention to you then be available. I'm not single but I often cruise as a solo and like meeting ladies who simply want dinner conversation and maybe a dance or two Not all encounters need be romantic. We are all on the ship to have fun so let's have fun. Say yes when asked to dance.

 

 

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Ask me to dance, and I will! I love to dance.

I am newly widowed and most certainly not looking for any romantic encounters. That item sailed with the Love Boat, but I would love a dance with a nice fellow who won't step on my toes. :)

I have never turned down an offer to dance. Age is just a number and I'll dance with anybody. Once danced with a guy and his cane. Had a great time. I do have Kindle during the day.;)

Too all you single ladies (and I mean Single) there are plenty of single men on every cruise you just have to give us half a chance to meet you. Put down your I-Pads, Kindles, Androids and your books and just observe. While walking around try to make eye contact, say hello, at the bar start some small talk and in the dance venues ask someone to dance (yes, women are allowed to do that these days). I know when I follow my own advice some women will say no or just turn away and I get the feeling they think I want something more than conversation or a dance.

 

Remember, you might enjoy his company! Have dinner together! Do an excursion! Have a dance! Talk! Or even just company on the pool deck.

I don't do I- pads, Androids or any of those, but I still get nothing. I am pretty comfortable dinning and hanging out on my own, I want company mostly for dancing, its absolutely not fun dancing on your own. I have seen just a few females who do that, but its so not me. Especially when they play Latin music, that's when you really want to have a partner to dance with. Maybe I am just going on the wrong cruise line, I go with Carnival all the time.

I don't do I- pads, Androids or any of those, but I still get nothing. I am pretty comfortable dinning and hanging out on my own, I want company mostly for dancing, its absolutely not fun dancing on your own. I have seen just a few females who do that, but its so not me. Especially when they play Latin music, that's when you really want to have a partner to dance with. Maybe I am just going on the wrong cruise line, I go with Carnival all the time.

Cruiseelady;

I my previous post I had stated "give us half a chance to meet you". Well, sometimes that half might have to be three-quarters! I've noticed you are from Brooklyn so I assume you have the "moxie" to be a little bit more forward. Now I realize, it's easier for me to spot a single lady than it is for you to spot a single man. Married women tend to always wear their rings (third finger left hand) whereas many married men do not.

Let's take the breakfast buffet. You're walking around with a plate of food. You see someone alone who might be suitable. You say "Good morning, may I join you? I dislike eating alone." At this point the answer will be yes or no. If it is yes, and he is single, you have met someone. If it is no ,and he is single, at least he knows of your interest. Don't be afraid to approach single ladies either. They might be on the same mission as you, and there is nothing wrong with networking.

Force yourself to go to any singles meet. Sometimes they are good and sometimes not. But you will never know unless you go.

Go to the dance lessons. Tell the instructor you would to take part but you need a partner. This works for me because I find there are usually single women by themselves or with other singles wanting to learn.

Pool bars, casino bar and piano bar: This is where you can spot singles most easily. If someone is married or attached most of the time they will have their partner with them. Sometimes all it takes is: "Hello, are you enjoying the cruise?" or "What is there to do in the next port?" If there is any interest mention that you are going to the nightclub later at a certain time. One caveat - Buy your own drinks (at least for now) you do not want to feel obligated!

Pool: Again you will be able to spot singles for the reason mentioned above. A perfect place for a casual conversation. Again "Hello, how are you today etc, etc, etc"

I always opt for second seating in the main dining room. Most of the time you will be seated with age appropriate singles. Keep the conversation casual. Remember you can always network with the other single women at the table. You might even go to one of the bars or nightclub with the other single ladies. That will make it easier for single men to notice single ladies. If you happen to meet a suitable single; remember it's alright to ask him for a dance. Make sure it is something slow just in case he is not a dancer he can fake it or you can teach him. Just tell him "If you can count to five - you can dance"

Try to go to those venues where couples tend to go as couples: Nightclub, Piano bar and Karaoke that way you can see who is realy unattached.

Always keep the conversation casual and relative to the cruise. If you meet someone and there are open seats at your table or his have dinner together. Discuss what each of you are doing in the ports. You might decide to go ashore together. That way you will have someone to watch your bag while you get a massage on the beach (nothing more relaxing).

Formal Night: Go as formal as you can - if you want to be noticed and you will be. I always wear my Formal Mess Dress Uniform, insignia and medals included. I can assure you I get noticed.

Last, I always cruise B2B. By the middle of the first cruise the bartenders and wait staff know my situationand are sometimes willing to help with introductions.

I trust you don't think me too forward or brash. Even having been widowed twice I still enjoy female company

Best wishes,

Richard

Cruiseelady;

 

I my previous post I had stated "give us half a chance to meet you". Well, sometimes that half might have to be three-quarters! I've noticed you are from Brooklyn so I assume you have the "moxie" to be a little bit more forward. Now I realize, it's easier for me to spot a single lady than it is for you to spot a single man. Married women tend to always wear their rings (third finger left hand) whereas many married men do not.

 

Let's take the breakfast buffet. You're walking around with a plate of food. You see someone alone who might be suitable. You say "Good morning, may I join you? I dislike eating alone." At this point the answer will be yes or no. If it is yes, and he is single, you have met someone. If it is no ,and he is single, at least he knows of your interest. Don't be afraid to approach single ladies either. They might be on the same mission as you, and there is nothing wrong with networking.

 

Force yourself to go to any singles meet. Sometimes they are good and sometimes not. But you will never know unless you go.

 

Go to the dance lessons. Tell the instructor you would to take part but you need a partner. This works for me because I find there are usually single women by themselves or with other singles wanting to learn.

 

Pool bars, casino bar and piano bar: This is where you can spot singles most easily. If someone is married or attached most of the time they will have their partner with them. Sometimes all it takes is: "Hello, are you enjoying the cruise?" or "What is there to do in the next port?" If there is any interest mention that you are going to the nightclub later at a certain time. One caveat - Buy your own drinks (at least for now) you do not want to feel obligated!

 

Pool: Again you will be able to spot singles for the reason mentioned above. A perfect place for a casual conversation. Again "Hello, how are you today etc, etc, etc"

 

I always opt for second seating in the main dining room. Most of the time you will be seated with age appropriate singles. Keep the conversation casual. Remember you can always network with the other single women at the table. You might even go to one of the bars or nightclub with the other single ladies. That will make it easier for single men to notice single ladies. If you happen to meet a suitable single; remember it's alright to ask him for a dance. Make sure it is something slow just in case he is not a dancer he can fake it or you can teach him. Just tell him "If you can count to five - you can dance"

 

Try to go to those venues where couples tend to go as couples: Nightclub, Piano bar and Karaoke that way you can see who is realy unattached.

 

Always keep the conversation casual and relative to the cruise. If you meet someone and there are open seats at your table or his have dinner together. Discuss what each of you are doing in the ports. You might decide to go ashore together. That way you will have someone to watch your bag while you get a massage on the beach (nothing more relaxing).

 

Formal Night: Go as formal as you can - if you want to be noticed and you will be. I always wear my Formal Mess Dress Uniform, insignia and medals included. I can assure you I get noticed.

 

Last, I always cruise B2B. By the middle of the first cruise the bartenders and wait staff know my situationand are sometimes willing to help with introductions.

 

I trust you don't think me too forward or brash. Even having been widowed twice I still enjoy female company

 

Best wishes,

 

Richard

Thanks for the tips Richard :)

:D

Ask me to dance, and I will! I love to dance.

 

I am newly widowed and most certainly not looking for any romantic encounters. That item sailed with the Love Boat, but I would love a dance with a nice fellow who won't step on my toes. :)

What is the difference between single and widowed and Divorced? Aren't we all in the same category as Single, really? And I am not quite sure that shipboard romances sailed with the love boat. I have met so many people in the last three years that have met on ships and are now married all in their 60's.

:D

 

 

What is the difference between single and widowed and Divorced? Aren't we all in the same category as Single, really? And I am not quite sure that shipboard romances sailed with the love boat. I have met so many people in the last three years that have met on ships and are now married all in their 60's.

That's is really nice to hear.

Cruiseelady;

 

I my previous post I had stated "give us half a chance to meet you". Well, sometimes that half might have to be three-quarters! I've noticed you are from Brooklyn so I assume you have the "moxie" to be a little bit more forward. Now I realize, it's easier for me to spot a single lady than it is for you to spot a single man. Married women tend to always wear their rings (third finger left hand) whereas many married men do not.

 

Let's take the breakfast buffet. You're walking around with a plate of food. You see someone alone who might be suitable. You say "Good morning, may I join you? I dislike eating alone." At this point the answer will be yes or no. If it is yes, and he is single, you have met someone. If it is no ,and he is single, at least he knows of your interest. Don't be afraid to approach single ladies either. They might be on the same mission as you, and there is nothing wrong with networking.

 

Force yourself to go to any singles meet. Sometimes they are good and sometimes not. But you will never know unless you go.

 

Go to the dance lessons. Tell the instructor you would to take part but you need a partner. This works for me because I find there are usually single women by themselves or with other singles wanting to learn.

 

Pool bars, casino bar and piano bar: This is where you can spot singles most easily. If someone is married or attached most of the time they will have their partner with them. Sometimes all it takes is: "Hello, are you enjoying the cruise?" or "What is there to do in the next port?" If there is any interest mention that you are going to the nightclub later at a certain time. One caveat - Buy your own drinks (at least for now) you do not want to feel obligated!

 

Pool: Again you will be able to spot singles for the reason mentioned above. A perfect place for a casual conversation. Again "Hello, how are you today etc, etc, etc"

 

I always opt for second seating in the main dining room. Most of the time you will be seated with age appropriate singles. Keep the conversation casual. Remember you can always network with the other single women at the table. You might even go to one of the bars or nightclub with the other single ladies. That will make it easier for single men to notice single ladies. If you happen to meet a suitable single; remember it's alright to ask him for a dance. Make sure it is something slow just in case he is not a dancer he can fake it or you can teach him. Just tell him "If you can count to five - you can dance"

 

Try to go to those venues where couples tend to go as couples: Nightclub, Piano bar and Karaoke that way you can see who is realy unattached.

 

Always keep the conversation casual and relative to the cruise. If you meet someone and there are open seats at your table or his have dinner together. Discuss what each of you are doing in the ports. You might decide to go ashore together. That way you will have someone to watch your bag while you get a massage on the beach (nothing more relaxing).

 

Formal Night: Go as formal as you can - if you want to be noticed and you will be. I always wear my Formal Mess Dress Uniform, insignia and medals included. I can assure you I get noticed.

 

Last, I always cruise B2B. By the middle of the first cruise the bartenders and wait staff know my situationand are sometimes willing to help with introductions.

 

I trust you don't think me too forward or brash. Even having been widowed twice I still enjoy female company

 

Best wishes,

 

Richard

Hi Richard!

I think what you write is valid and helpful.

Thanks for taking the time to write it!

:D

 

 

What is the difference between single and widowed and Divorced? Aren't we all in the same category as Single, really? And I am not quite sure that shipboard romances sailed with the love boat. I have met so many people in the last three years that have met on ships and are now married all in their 60's.

Very well put - and quite true. Remember when you least expect it---expect it.

Very well put - and quite true. Remember when you least expect it---expect it.

 

Richard

Richard, I've sailed single many times, and found all your advice spot-on. Especially the part about dressing well.

IMO, looking a bit better than just presentable also gets women more attentive service from the crew when you're alone, and I'm not saying "hit on." I feel like they just sort of look out for me and make a point of being cordial.

While many ships are foregoing formal, it's easier than ever to stand out just by wearing a nice dress and jewelry when everyone else seems to be schlepping around in capris. Then I look for guys with naked ring fingers wearing nice shirts and slacks, or even a sports jacket, because they're also hoping to make a good impression.

I thought (at age 59) my days of finding male companionship on ships were long over, but last year I met a nice man on a transatlantic who stood in front of me at the lifeboat drill who seemed alone. I tapped his shoulder and said, "You realize, in a real emergency, you'd have to get behind me because it's women and children first, right?"

He just smirked and didn't offer to switch places.

At the end of the drill, I tapped his shoulder again and asked, "What's your name?" and told him mine.

We shook hands and he invited me to meet him for a drink, and later told me he found my taps endearing and was almost hoping for the second one.

Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there.

Richard, I've sailed single many times, and found all your advice spot-on. Especially the part about dressing well.

I thought (at age 59) my days of finding male companionship on ships were long over, but last year I met a nice man on a transatlantic who stood in front of me at the lifeboat drill who seemed alone. I tapped his shoulder and said, "You realize, in a real emergency, you'd have to get behind me because it's women and children first, right?"

 

He just smirked and didn't offer to switch places.

 

At the end of the drill, I tapped his shoulder again and asked, "What's your name?" and told him mine.

 

We shook hands and he invited me to meet him for a drink, and later told me he found my taps endearing and was almost hoping for the second one.

 

Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there.

That is such a nice story.

That is such a nice story.

There's nothing wrong with a little shipboard romance! :D

Even if you do initiate it. Sometimes they just need encouragement.

Richard:

I cruise a lot, and very seldom find single straight guys. Although I am a Celebrity girl, I am thinking of switching lines. There must be men out there somewhere who love cruising as much as I do.

A lot of people were dancing on the Celebrity Century, but they were all couples, and it just seemed a bit awkward for me.

Although the staff was nice enough to my mom and I, the singles bar was hidden away on the ship, and not an event for singles until 11:00 at night, after everyone had gone to bed. There were some men there avoiding going back to their rooms, but they were married. So there must be some other solution the ships can come up with for singles on board to meet in the 60's.

Maybe we can brainstorm a few on this site!;)

Why turn away from the married man. Sometimes married people cruise solo. They still like to meet people, socialize and even dance. Usually it is women cruising solo but occasionally a married man will be on the ship without his wife. Unless you are really focused on finding someone for a relationship you should consider the married man for a dance, a drink or some conversation if he seems nice. You might find him more gentlemanly than the single guy because if he isn't you might tell his wife. LOL

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Although I am a Celebrity girl, I am thinking of switching lines. There must be men out there somewhere who love cruising as much as I do.

 

A lot of people were dancing on the Celebrity Century, but they were all couples, and it just seemed a bit awkward for me.

 

Although the staff was nice enough to my mom and I, the singles bar was hidden away on the ship, and not an event for singles until 11:00 at night, after everyone had gone to bed. There were some men there avoiding going back to their rooms, but they were married. So there must be some other solution the ships can come up with for singles on board to meet in the 60's.

 

Maybe we can brainstorm a few on this site!;)

Amen to that, sister!!

After many cruises, I've met my fair share of men married and single on ships, and learned that the married ones traveling solo who frequent singles gatherings usually aren't looking for an innocent drink and a dance.

There's nothing wrong with a single female traveler holding out for the company of a man who isn't going to go toodling right back to his loving wife after he's spent the week flirting (or more) with her.

tikigirl, I have a male friend who's Pinnacle with RCCL (recently widowed, but married and solo when I met him on the SS Norway many years ago), who tells me Celebrity's food and atmosphere is a cut above, but it's too staid for him, so he prefers Royal.

I suggest Royal because I think your Celebrity loyalty points transfer. Try one of the smaller ships in the Radiance or Vision class, not the newer behemoths. They're more like small cities and people tend to keep to themselves.

For me, smaller ships have a friendlier vibe and draw some single straight men in their 50s and 60s. Whether they turn out to be jerks or not is entirely your call! :D

I'm trying Norwegian Getaway next month just to see if NCL really is attracting a lot of singles and doing good things to help us meet each other. I've read on other boards that there are quite a few 50+ singles, too.

Amen to that, sister!!

 

 

 

After many cruises, I've met my fair share of men married and single on ships, and learned that the married ones traveling solo who frequent singles gatherings usually aren't looking for an innocent drink and a dance.

 

 

 

There's nothing wrong with a single female traveler holding out for the company of a man who isn't going to go toodling right back to his loving wife after he's spent the week flirting (or more) with her.

 

QUOTE]

 

 

I agree. LoveB NatC. Holding out for the eligible man is fine. Nothing wrong with that. I cannot speak for other married men but only for myself. When I ask a lady for a dance or to join me for a drink or a meal it is completely innocent. Like the singles on the ship, I am on vacation to have an enjoyable time. I am up front about being married and it hurts a little when the woman snubs me because of it. Why are the married women cruising solo OK and the married man without his wife "a wolf"???

 

 

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Amen to that, sister!!

 

 

 

After many cruises, I've met my fair share of men married and single on ships, and learned that the married ones traveling solo who frequent singles gatherings usually aren't looking for an innocent drink and a dance.

 

 

 

There's nothing wrong with a single female traveler holding out for the company of a man who isn't going to go toodling right back to his loving wife after he's spent the week flirting (or more) with her.

 

QUOTE]

 

 

I agree. LoveB NatC. Holding out for the eligible man is fine. Nothing wrong with that. I cannot speak for other married men but only for myself. When I ask a lady for a dance or to join me for a drink or a meal it is completely innocent. Like the singles on the ship, I am on vacation to have an enjoyable time. I am up front about being married and it hurts a little when the woman snubs me because of it. Why are the married women cruising solo OK and the married man without his wife "a wolf"???

 

 

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I think the reasons a woman might "snub" you if you told her you were married but asking to join you for a drink, is because she might think your intentions are not exactly innocent. In a way I can understand that woman, since I would probably think the same thing. Unless you stated right away that you are happily married man traveling solo and just want some friendly company, maybe even say platonic company. Just to make sure she understands. I think a woman might be more relaxed to take you up on that offer for drinks, dancing or dinning.

 

 

 

I think the reasons a woman might "snub" you if you told her you were married but asking to join you for a drink, is because she might think your intentions are not exactly innocent. In a way I can understand that woman, since I would probably think the same thing. Unless you stated right away that you are happily married man traveling solo and just want some friendly company, maybe even say platonic company. Just to make sure she understands. I think a woman might be more relaxed to take you up on that offer for drinks, dancing or dinning.

 

 

Thank you. That's good advice. I do try to mention that in order to make us both feel at ease.

 

 

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I think the reasons a woman might "snub" you if you told her you were married but asking to join you for a drink, is because she might think your intentions are not exactly innocent. In a way I can understand that woman, since I would probably think the same thing. Unless you stated right away that you are happily married man traveling solo and just want some friendly company, maybe even say platonic company. Just to make sure she understands. I think a woman might be more relaxed to take you up on that offer for drinks, dancing or dinning.

 

Exactly. If I meet a married man who's upfront about wanting just pleasant company, I'd go along with that and be glad for it.

 

Unfortunately, too many of them claim to be happily married and just looking for platonic company, and the next thing you know, you're wrestling an octopus! :D

 

Let's face it. Being in mid-ocean does things to people. "What happens at sea stays at sea."

I am up front about being married and it hurts a little when the woman snubs me because of it. Why are the married women cruising solo OK and the married man without his wife "a wolf"

I can't speak for the married women because I don't know how they behave.

But as a single, I will confess I once met a man on a ship who was totally upfront about being married (wedding ring and all) and our ensuing affair was passionate and lasted for 7 years.

I think any man with the most benign intentions can turn into a wolf if the chances of getting caught seem nil.

Probably the same for married women.

So, if you happen to encounter a woman like me who has "been there, done that" and has nothing to show for it, yes, you might get snubbed. We do learn from our mistakes. :)

I can't speak for the married women because I don't know how they behave.

 

 

 

But as a single, I will confess I once met a man on a ship who was totally upfront about being married (wedding ring and all) and our ensuing affair was passionate and lasted for 7 years.

 

 

 

I think any man with the most benign intentions can turn into a wolf if the chances of getting caught seem nil.

 

 

 

Probably the same for married women.

 

 

 

So, if you happen to encounter a woman like me who has "been there, done that" and has nothing to show for it, yes, you might get snubbed. We do learn from our mistakes. :)

I now understand where you're coming from. I cannot say that I disagree with you. It takes a strong will to avoid temptation at sea. It requires both to honour the limits and enjoy the platonic friendship.

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I've read these latest posts with interest. I'm recently widowed and intend to sail solo when my friends can't join me. I would have not been interested at all in spending time with a married man, then 42 CruiseCrazy changed my mind ... then LuvBNatC changed it back! LOL.

I guess if I felt an interest in that married man, I'd back off. If I didn't, then I'd feel safe spending some time with him - after being very clear about it being platonic. I think I'd have to have a "no touching rule", so slow dancing would be out. And always be in public places, no strolls outside at night, no walking me to my cabin, that kind of thing.

Any other situations that I'd need to be aware of?

I don't want to be taken advantage of, but I don't want to exclude any possible friendships, either. This is a tough call!