What's your bio, solo cruisers?

[Rambo1985]

Lois sorry you miss understood my post, probably because I didn't write it that clear.

I go to the mdr I always sit on a large table, it doesn't bother me either if they are other solos or couples just as long as I get on with them.

When I said I'm in my own most of the time, I meant during the day, either sitting by the pool or in cafes etc.

[Lois R]

Originally Posted by Rambo1985

Lois sorry you miss understood my post, probably because I didn't write it that clear.

I go to the mdr I always sit on a large table, it doesn't bother me either if they are other solos or couples just as long as I get on with them.

When I said I'm in my own most of the time, I meant during the day, either sitting by the pool or in cafes etc.

Ahhhhh.....thanks for the clarification I see you have a lot of
Celebrity cruises coming up..I am a Celebrity gal
My next one is Summit in November....solo of course!

[Notdunroamin]

Hi everyone! I'm Stephen

Just started reading through this thread after booking my 4th solo cruise last minute, going on NCL Sky 7/30/12 - 4 day to the Bahamas and a few days on land after.
Funny thought, we should rename this the post divorce solo cruise thread..LOL !

My first was to unwind after my split 4 years ago and I haven't looked back. I still like company on cruises but I'm a remodeling contractor and make my own hours so I can pick up and go anytime.

One of my favorite stories comes from my solo on the Carnival Freedom where I hit it off in the casino with a large family from CA who adopted me the rest of the week and we hung out at dinner and on self planned excursions etc.

I like the idea of time alone without having to explain myself and sometimes its fun meeting and hanging out with all the great people you can meet on a cruise!

It's great to see so many great stories, just wish the cruise lines would realize the good press we give them and pass along some savings!

Thx

[jjfromsd]

Originally Posted by Notdunroamin

Hi everyone! I'm Stephen

<snip>

One of my favorite stories comes from my solo on the Carnival Freedom where I hit it off in the casino with a large family from CA who adopted me the rest of the week and we hung out at dinner and on self planned excursions etc.

</snip>

Hey Stephen, funny you should mention this. When I sailed HAL, I was one of the younger passengers on board. An older couple at my table would adopt me as their "son," and we'd go on excursions together. I think it would be neat if a large family could adopt me too. I could be the "weird uncle."

[maxandmolly]

Originally Posted by Notdunroamin

Funny thought, we should rename this the post divorce solo cruise thread..LOL !

Some of us around here have never had the 'pleasure' of a divorce and are just eternally single, so, no!
Welcome, BTW.

[buggystuff]

Originally Posted by Daddysbaby

Hello Fellow Solo Travelers. Here is my story. I am 52 and single. I took my first solo cruise at 19 and have loved cruising ever since. I have taken a few cruises with friends over the years but the majority of my cruises are solo. For several years I have traveled solo at Christmas time. While there are a lot of families on board over the holidays, I have met other solo travelers like myself. I do not like to dine alone, so for several years now I have done the Anytime Dining which allows me the flexibility to eat with whom ever I want, whenever I want. On the nights when I walk into the dining room alone I always ask to sit at a large table - this can be a table of either 6, 8 or 10. One of my favourite things to do is to sit on my balcony drinking wine and reading a good book while soaking up the Vitamin D. I have spent many happy hours playing cards in the Casino enjoying the camaraderie of my fellow players and of course the Staff!!

Do I wish that I had a significant other to share those sunsets with? You bet! But at least I get to enjoy those tropical sunsets!

I hope to meet some of you on a future cruise - I’ll be the girl with the glass of red wine that’s never empty!!!!!

Happy Cruising!

How I would adore a Christmas cruise, but with my business, alas, it probably won't happen!

[fallcruiser]

Originally Posted by mpoole3

I am 27 years old recently divorced. I love to cruise so I told myself why should I stop just because my relationship ended. So I booked my first solo cruise on The Freedom and I'm really excited about doing anything I want! However, I am kinda wondering what dinner is going to be like... Any suggestions for first time Solo?

I have been on four cruises, all of them solo. The culture of cruising is to be friendly to your fellow cruise guests. It doesn't matter where you are seated in the MDR. Chances are you will be seated near people of all statuses, relationships, races, colors, etc. The most typical guests are the 60ish husband and wife, but really, you're going to meet all combinations, and all are interesting to get to know.

I like to book sea kayak excursions just to see who I end up paired with. Once it was a woman who's DH was golfing in port that day, another time I was paired with a young flight attendent who was cruising with her parents. We had a great time until the end of the kayak trip when she asked me how old I was :-) (I was about ten years older than her.)

[GTVCRUISER]

My very first cruise........ back in the day

[GTVCRUISER]

My first Carnival Cruise

[kimber0504]

Originally Posted by NCMtnGal

Hello everyone. I've never cruised before and have just signed up for one. I didn't want to go completely solo so I opted for one of the "single hosted" cruises. I am single and don't go out to eat or to shows, etc. for the simple fact that I don't like going alone. Also having never cruised before I wasn't sure what would be offered for singles onboard. I love the water and travel so we will see how this works out for me. I might get up the nerve to go completely solo.

Which company did you choose and when are you going? I did the same thing as I was scared to try to go by myself...I like my own company and don't mind wandering around by myself. I talk to anyone and everyone I meet!

If your cruise is before mine (February), please let me know how it goes!

[Luckeebe]

I have just returned from my last cruise. Like the previous cruises, I travelled with my daughter (now 17). However for this one, she had made contact with other teens from the roll call forum and was keen to meet up with them as soon as she was on board. Their friendship continued for the whole 14 days. So from early on I felt like a solo traveller with a room-mate

We opted for late sitting dining, and was allocated a table for 2! I did think about asking for a change to a larger table to meet more people - but given that this was a good opportunity for mum and daughter time (as well as shore time), I kept it as is.

I met plenty of wonderful people on the cruise, by having to make the initiative in talking to people. If you sit on your own in a show lounge/bar people tend to give you a wide berth, but if you approach a group and ask if a seat is taken more often than not you'll receive a warm welcome.

Next year, my daughter is planning on holidaying with her college friends before they go their separate ways to university so I will be booking my first official solo cruise and using this forum for hints and tips.

Jane

[pkt1976]

I really enjoyed my first solo cruise in May and look forward to my next two to Europe. I enjoy reading about other solos. Everyone has a story

[GTVCRUISER]

My solo Alaska Cruise

[GTVCRUISER]

Solo Hawaii Cruise photo

[jpapa96]

I've really enjoyed reading all of your postings- I'm 37, single, no kids, and have spent the past 10 years living all over the world. My first cruise was in 1995, just before my senior year of college, with my parents. Since then, I have cruised a few more times with either both parents, or just mom, but definitely prefer to go it alone. Two years ago, I discovered Azamara, and will never go on another line again. It is a bit pricier than the mainstream lines, but the itineraries are wonderful, and the small ship size makes it easy to meet others, the crew is fabulous, and most importantly, there are rarely any children on board. I'll be moving to Greece in a couple of weeks (a major improvement over Afghanistan), and am booked on my next Azamara cruise for October 16!

Jami

[Rambo1985]

Hi jami

What is azamara like? Ive had a look at them but not sure about the small ships. I've cruised with celebrity a couple of times and I love them, just not sure I could make the transition to doing solo on a small ship?

Thanks

Ray

[jpapa96]

Ray-

IMHO, the smaller ships are so much easier for solos than the larger ships. With a max of ~650 passengers, you are guaranteed to meet many more of your fellow passengers as you simply see them much more frequently around the ship. There is no set seating in the MDR, and I found the staff was always eager to seat me with others with whom I'd get along well. Additionally, the free wine seems to lubricate everyone a bit and result in a bit more free flowing conversation. I've found that nearly all of the passengers on board were well-educated, well-traveled, and from all corners of the globe. Much more interesting than the typical American on the larger ships. The only downside is that if you cruise for the night life, you would be disappointed on Azamara. The casino and night club have tumbleweeds blowing through them after 11, and the shows tend to be a bit more niche and often include the cruise director performing. I typically turn in early and take advantage of the wide array of free gym classes, so it doesn't bother me. But, it is definitely not a meat market or a Carnival ship.

Jami

[Ajkcruiser]

Early 40`s......widow with a 9 year old girl.

I booked my first semi-solo after my DH died last April with my DD...... a TA.....after the first day at sea...she was pretty much at the kids club....just made a point to have her for dinner and shows.....

I met lots of fun people......lovely couples and other singles.....two spots were always saved for us at one of the many CC tables....

Played trivia. attended art shows...happy hour and after shows drinks... mingle and dancing.....I didnt have enough time alone....

Love NCL FRreestyle they even offer babysitting until 1:30am for a ridiculous fee.....she never wanted to leave the kids club.......... Soooo looking forward to another NCL cruise..thinkin about the Epic......hooked on TAs

Had another cruise after NCL and hated with passion the strick dinning policy.....specially with port intense days...which leaves you eating in the buffet.

AJ

[Rambo1985]

Jami,

They sound fantastic, I've been having a look at the itineraries, they look really interesting and go to some places other cruise ships don't go to.

I think they are definitely on my list to do and once I've got my cruises out of the way I will definitely look at booking with them.

Thanks for the info on them.

Ray

[mapgirl34]

Wow! Where have I been? Sitting around listening to excuses from my friends for years... that's where.

I am so excited to have found this board. I do have a cruise booked for Sept with a friend due to extreme begging on my part but I still have 6 PTO days to use by year end.

I'm 31, single, never married, no kids or pets, from the beaches of South Jersey (but I promise I'm not your typical Jersey girl, I can pump my own gas). I love cruising and this thread just made my day!

If anyone knows of any great rates for the rest of this year for solos, please post them.