Sasksilver

Booked another solo cruise while on the Anthem in January. This one is on the Brilliance of the Seas, out of Amsterdam on June 12, 2020. A long way off but at least I have another cruise booked in the meantime. I'll be on the Crown Princess out of Fort Lauderdale in just under 6 weeks.

I've sailed three times in an NCL studio cabin and used the studio lounge regularly. I will say the lounge on the Breakaway was incredibly tiny, but the area on both Epic and Escape were much larger. It's hard to say how old the group would be, it depends on the cruise, but in my experience we had mid 20's up to 70's+. I don't need to be "herded to dinner" but enjoyed the opportunity to have my meals with other solo cruisers. It is a great way to meet others. On the first cruise I met a great group and sailed with two of them again a couple of years later. As for the size of the cabin, I think they are plenty adequate for one person. There is lots of storage, two small closets, shelves, and cupboards. What I like best is these are not like inside cabins with no light. The porthole window with its blinds allows for diffused light to come in from the hallway. I don't feel like I'm locked in a cave at night. Also, I don't spend a huge amount of time in the cabin, sleeping, showering, changing clothes, etc. Don't need much more than that, and while I love a balcony, the cost is generally prohibitive for this solo.

I've heard great things about the Brilliance - I'm definitely looking forward to a smaller ship experience with RCI. The Anthem was terrific so if it is half as good, I'll be thrilled.

Thanks for the great review! I'm just off the Anthem (Jan 18) and booked the Brilliance for June 2020 (British Isles) so the info on the ship you've provided is very helpful.

Following, this is on my bucket list. Enjoy your cruise!!

Wow! A world cruise sounds marvelous, and as another poster has said, by the 180 days I'm sure you'll have found many friends.

I also travel solo most of the time, NCL is great for that if you don't mind the studio cabins. I don't because I love the diffused light from the hallway (never as dark as an inside), I enjoy meeting other solos in the lounge, and I really don't spend much time in my cabin. I can grab a seat outdoors somewhere when I feel the need to watch the ocean. There are some cruises though, Alaska comes to mind, where I would only book a balcony so it will remain on my bucket list for time being. My suggestion is to watch the websites - I booked my RCCL cruise about 18 months out because the price was right and I got the cabin I wanted (a studio with a balcony). Also keep an eye on this site, an unannounced sale of inside cabins on Princess (no single supplement) for a Canada/New England cruise was found by another CC member who shared the info - I scooped that one up in a hurry! Good luck! And share any great deals you find....after you book of course. 🙂

42 days until the Anthem!

The last week is upcoming, just 4 working days to go!

Oh my, I love this thread! My cruise isn't until March but I'm looking forward to several of the items already mentioned. The goat cheese souffle is my absolute favorite - on the last cruise I had one for an appetizer and a second one for dessert! I also the burgers at the grill when I need a quick lunch. I'm not sure if they still have them but there was a breakfast sandwich at the I.C. Yummy!

Following, I'll be on the Breakaway in just 19 days! First time in NOLA and so looking forward to it.

January 27th - duly noted! I'll be off the Anthem on the 18th so I'm sure by the time you sail I'll be going through major cruise withdrawal. :)

Wow, what an incredible review...just found it this evening and have read all of the posts. I'm on the Anthem in early January and all of the info is welcome. I'm actually thinking I may do a BOGO (and this from a cheapo who rarely does specialty dining). I'm a little disappointed at the beer menu, pretty short but they have my fave, Blue Moon so I'll be good. The one thing that surprised me was that the Solarium Bistro was not a la carte. Definitely going to check it out. Hope you had safe travels home!

To official retirement date - January 31, 2019 - 102 days To last day in office - November 29, 2018 - 39 days # of working days including today - 21!

Following! Even if I am too late to get in on a share of the lottery winnings. 😛 St. Kitts was one of my favorite ports - I'm looking forward to getting back there in January on the Anthem. On my first visit we did a little train ride around the island. It was ....okay. But the island itself is beautiful. For St. Thomas, you could take the ferry over to St. John.