Single Ladies Question

[Alexat2]

Ok - I love the ships, sailed on the Star Flyer in the Med about 12 years ago - BUT, have avoided sailing on them since then because a couple of the crew just wouldn't leave me alone. Yes, as in hitting on me. Don't get me wrong, I like socializing with people - but the two guys involved would NOT get the hint I wasn't interested. One was a cabin steward (not mine) and the other one of the mates. I did everything short of reporting them.

I was 30 and travelling with my parents at the time.

My question is - has anyone else had this problem? And if so, recently?

I really want to sail on the Star Clipper in Tahiti before they relocate her, but I'd be travelling by myself, and well... I'm a little wary.

Thanks,
Lydia

[lam7609]

Lydia, Just sailed in Tahiti by myself last fall (30yo). It was great. I met so many nice people who made me feel included in everything. I did have some of what you mentioned. A lot of attention from one crew member. I think he mainly just wanted to talk to someone his own age. He was also the best looking guy on the boat, so I felt a little bit flattered. Hope this doesn't turn you off from going. I really did have a great trip.

Karyn

[Alexat2]

Karyn,

Thanks for the input. The "attention" I'm talking about was over the top. Everytime I tried to just sit on the deck by myself and read or watch the scenery go by the cabin steward would "pop up" and not take "I want to be alone" for an answer. He'd go on and on about "No pretty woman should ever be alone"... etc... , I couldn't even enjoy being on deck. I even made up a fiance - that didn't work. The mate in question made a point of insisting on walking me back to my cabin one night even though I told him very firmly I didn't want an escort. They were both WAY to pushy.

I've been cruising with my parents, and by myself on various ships since I was 19 - I'm used to crew flirting with me, that's not the problem (I even ended up dating an Officer from one of the ships for about a year), the problem is - am I going to be so annoyed I can't enjoy my cruise... like the first time I sailed with Star Clippers...

Thanks,
Lydia

[KathyA]

You should have contacted the hotel manager on the ship. I think they are actually encouraged to be extra friendly to passengers travelling alone but what you're describing is, as you say, over the top. Next time do not hesitate to contact the hotel manager. I can assure you it will be taken care of immediately--my experience with the managers is that they are VERY responsive.

[SilverPal]

We sailed on the Royal Clipper several years ago and yes, there was a really handsome crew member who seemed to make a career about of sizing up the single ladies on board. Just as I expected, but day two, he was all set up. I thought the mix of cruisers was so great. We met such interesting people. I wouldn't choose not to go. I can't think of a more comfortable setting for a single woman. Good luck!

[youpickone]

Ha,ha...just have to laugh. The crew sees who's coming onboard ahead of time, and even knows the room numbers of the single women. (Crew members knew my room number, without me ever telling them) Last year on the Royal, I actually found myself actually trying to hide, in order to avoid some of the crew. ...it did get quite annoying at times. I have been on all three of the ships, and this is common behavior on all, so either go on the Windstar, where there's 4 people up past 10pm, or take a seat at the bar on the Clippers, and enjoy the ride, along with the attention!

[Alexat2]

Well, I'll let everyone know what happens. I'm sailing on the Star Flyer in Tahiti on Aug. 16.

From the pics I've seen (tahiti anyway) the crew seems to be mostly filipino and Indonesian - that would be a big improvement from the Caribbean crew that I had issues with. The Filipinos and Indonesians are flirts (I'm used to that both from Orient Lines and HAL) but they're no where near as pushy and obnoxious about it as the Caribbean bunch (I had problems on Princess with some of their Caribbean crew too), and the filipinos and Indonesians are respectful. The last thing they want to have to tell their families is they got fired from a ship for mistreating a passenger. Not only would they be banned for life from ever working on another ship (even cargo ships), but they would embarrass their family and that's just not done.

Oh - sidenote - ALL ships the crew sizes up who's coming onboard. There was a 2nd engineer with Orient Lines that really liked me. We had had coffee a couple of times, and we went for lunch in one port... that was it. I hadn't been on his ship for 18 months and hadn't talked to him since then. When I was back on his ship (18 months later), I was in the cabin less than 5 minutes and my phone rang...

Lydia

[reic0002]

Oh dear, just booked to go on Royal Clipper on 03/04/10 on the Grenadines leg on my own so now feeling bit apprehensive. Used to fobbing off staff in hotels when on holiday on own but this seems a bit over top. Still I'm sure I'll manage it somehow. Leaving hubby at home as he gets seasick so maybe can flash wedding ring at every opportunity. As you say if gets too bad then I will complain to hotel manager. I'm not having an expensive holiday ruined by some idiot male!
Talking of being on own - has any lady taken excursions on own or wandered around islands when docked? shame if I can't get to see some of the islands and I won't be able to afford all the planned excursions.

[pralientje]

Reic0002 I have done the Transatlantic in 2005 on my own, never had any problem. Come to think of it, perhaps it was my age! (then 53), but if you have any problems go to the hotel manager and if that does not help, talk to the captain. It will be either captain Sergey or Vlad, both very easy to talk to.
I am booked on the repositioning cruise of the Flyer Tahiti to Lisbon for 66 days in 2010, and if I did not feel safe and secure I definitely would not have booked this cruise.
I have done seven cruises with Star Clippers so far, some of them with my ex partner, but have never noticed that the crew was paying too much attention to single ladies.
Pralientje

[reic0002]

thank you. I did wonder whether things were being taken too far but you can never tell. I think I will go with my normal friendly but reserved attitude and see what happens. thanks for comments. Cx