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vldreamer

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Posts posted by vldreamer

  1. I've been on my own for about 12 years also. I raised my kids alone and when they became adults I figured its time for me to do what I want to do. I choose to travel. I love it on my own. I read when I want, eat or not, have the bed to myself. I go on excursions alone and meet others there. its very freeing only having to look after one suitcase and one passport. I always share a table at dinner so I can meet folks. I always join my roll call so there are people to wave at in the halls.

     

    I get lonely sometimes when the world looks like its all coupled up. but that passes. I have never been to a singles meet. its too intimidating for me. you were grieving and everything seemed too difficult. if you had gotten out of your cabin, you might have met someone. I find there are lots of single women on cruises. you said "I'll go, and maybe find my next true love". my advice is to take care of yourself first. get strong and healthy and over the hurt. a new true love won't make things better. you need to be better first, happy with your own company. that way if true love comes, you're ready. if it doesn't, that's okay too.

    Well said....so true are your words..:o

  2. Yeah, I thought the cab thing wouldn't be smart when I'm alone. :-(

    I AM interested in a water proof thingy to keep money and ID in. I hadn't even thought about that.

     

    So I went to Amazon and bought:

    DRY PAK DP-44 Alligator Waterproof Wallet

     

    It'll be perfect. My camera is waterproof, so I can just take it in with me and not worry. Thanks for mentioning this. Anything else I haven't thought of???

     

     

    My husband passed away little over 2 years ago & I took my first cruise this past April. I did go with 2 couples but I was solo in my own cabin...loved every minute(wish hubby was there but). I am 60 & plan to do as much cruising as work will allow & money will allow:D I thought of other means of vacationing solo but I think cruising would be the safest. I never felt alone...seemed someone was always there to chat with:) When I am not working I am constantly cruising the web for solo deals...can't afford full price....

  3. I'm not saying this is true in all cases, but what I had to do when this happened was to select show all rates, then when I picked a rate where you actually selected your room I could select a category and found the much lower rate (for me it was upper/lower).

     

    Good Luck. Carnival has some awesome solo rates going on right now - I'm heading out tomorrow on a 5 night (over the holiday weekend) that was only $189 plus tax for a total of $259.

     

    Ok disregard my last post..I did see where you got your low rate on the Carnival website..I wanted something in August & the price was over $800 for 4 days...traveling from Iowa I really want something longer than 4 days...not worth paying the airfare for 4 days...dang it.....maybe I should wait until end of July & check the prices again....Anyway enjoy your wonderful weekend...have a drink for me....I have to work this holiday weekend....

  4. I'm not saying this is true in all cases, but what I had to do when this happened was to select show all rates, then when I picked a rate where you actually selected your room I could select a category and found the much lower rate (for me it was upper/lower).

     

    Good Luck. Carnival has some awesome solo rates going on right now - I'm heading out tomorrow on a 5 night (over the holiday weekend) that was only $189 plus tax for a total of $259.

     

    Have a great weekend...I tool my first cruise in April & really don't know how I got a good rate:p However now that I am hooked on cruising I can't seem to snag a good solo rate...did you wait til the last minute to book? I can't seem to find deals like that even on Carnival website.:confused: Have fun

  5. I am booked for my third Solo cruise on Carnival Splendor, 25 June 2014. I have enjoyed every single cruise and met some amazing people. Come join us on the Splendor for 8 days of fun. Bon Voyage!!!:cool:

     

    Would love too but looking for "no single supplement fee" cruises. I can not afford paying full prices for cruises....I had a great great on my first Carnival cruise.....:D

  6. I need/want/yearn for a vacation and have an amazing offer from Carnival that has an expiration date.

     

    Since I am single with a bunch of busy friends (work and/or motherhood), I am considering going alone. Actually, I have decided to go alone.:D

     

    Although I am friendly, I was wondering, how easy would it be to meet up with people on Carnival cruises? How did you other solo cruisers do it?

     

    Are there itineraries or ships that make it easier? Am I just asking the wrong questions?

     

    (In case it matters, I like the itineraries for the Caribbean cruises in late June/ early July. A piece of me is also considering Alaska.)

     

    I just went on my first cruise this past April. I went with 2 couples but I was solo in my own balcony cabin. I had a wonderful time. I spent a lot of time by myself because the couples were off by themselves. I never, ever felt alone or scared. I went to the casino every night & meet some great people. The Carnival Breeze was a wonderful ship. Lots of dancing...just a fun crowd. I am not afraid to book another cruise by myself. Good Luck...Have fun...Life is short....

  7. I booked a solo balcony on Brilliance 1/17/15 for $617 total. Oceanview was $525. You're right, none of the cruises during that timeframe had single supplements when I booked.

     

    Good afternoon..I don't know how you are getting these prices..I have tried for the last couple of days to book RCL solo balcony w/o single supplements fee & they keep showing double occupany rates? Is there a trick I am missing? I would love to travel around Sept this year or beginning of next year but can't get the rates you are posting:confused: Any help would be appreciated...:D

  8. Hi everyone, my first post on Cruise Critic!

     

    I was widowed young (53) towards the end of last year and have just been on a mini cruise with two lovely girlfriends just to see if it's the sort of thing I could see myself doing in the future.

     

    I'm now considering my next cruise and want some recommendations? I really fancy a transatlantic cruise to New York, possibly Canada as well and I have a definite preference to a round trip from and back to Southampton so that I am not restricted to a luggage allowance.

     

    I'm fairly outgoing but obviously am more used to dining out with my husband so on that basis I would like to do fixed dining on a table of other solo/single passengers. I'd also rather have my own cabin, even if that means paying a supplement just so I can have my own space if I need if.

     

    Would like to find a cruise where there are plenty of activities....maybe crafts etc? And also a chance to meet up with other solo passengers. I've also seen something on here called a roll call which I assume is a shout out for anyone else travelling on a particular cruise but I guess it's more a case of booking the cruise of choice and just hoping there are fellow Cruise critic passengers on your particular cruise??

     

    So, can anyone recommend a suitable cruise for 2015?? Obviously feeling a little nervous at doing such a big trip solo.....would hate to think for example that I'd be away for 14/24 nights and feel totally lonely. Help!! :)

     

    Good Day, I was widowed 2 years ago at age 58 and my husband never wanted to cruise. I took my very first cruise this past April with 2 couples. I was solo in my own balcony cabin...great,,and even though I had travel companions I spent most of the time by myself...I truly enjoyed every moment & will be planning future cruise even if I have to sail alone...Some evenings I got a feeling of loneliness without my hubby not sharing the beautiful view with me on the balcony but somehow I knew he was there watching over me....I thought about a transatlantic cruise by myself but don't think I can handle that many days ..besides work gets in the way:eek: I too would like examples of wonderful solo cruise for a 60yr female....

  9. You may want to cruise the Caribbean on various cruise lines & ships..Europe is a lot more $$ because of airfare AND the cruises themselves are more...same with Alaska ( air & cruise more $$)...I would suggest Eastern Caribb ( St. Thomas, St. Maarten) for beaches & great bargains ( shopping -cheap liquor, jewelry), Western Caribb for diving/ snorkel ( Cozumel, Belize Grand Cayman), Mayan ruins ( Cozumel, Belize) , Southern Caribb is good, BUT you usually must fly to San Juan to do those islands UNLESS you take an 8 or 9 day cruise from Florida...RCI has a great deal now with buy the first passenger and get 50% off 2nd passenger..now thru May 31- great chance to try the Freedom Of The Seas, Oasis or Allure of The Seas ( now thru April 30,2015)...Navigator Of The Seas will be doing 6 & 8 nighters from Port Everglades starting in Nov..good ship...any more info needed, give a shout...BTW, Europe is wonderful, BUT you must be able to swing the airfare or not go in high season ( June- Sept) to get better deals..there are a few 5-7 nighters from Barcelona, which are worth checking on RCI & NCL...

     

    Big Al

    Thank you once again for the words of wisdom:) I was talking yesterday at work to me friend and explained that I think the cruise to Europe might be a tad to expensive for me this year. I also said I would rather take a cruise to Eastern Carib first..Perhaps I was just overly excited about my first vacation in 9yrs let alone my first cruise:D and jumped on the bandwagon for Europe..I will most certainly check out cruises to Southern Carib I checked the airfare to San Juan and it was around $400..weeee. I am sure Europe is nice but for now I need to hang on to my money & travel smarter..Europe will always be there..right? :confused: Thank you so much for replying to my post I truly enjoy your thoughts & wisdom......Have a Great Monday

  10. VL dreamer- Yes, I remember you! I should put your post as an example to all those who are "CICP"'s ( Chronic inside cabin people)...I have met quite a few on cruises, while discussing cruises casually or just trying to convince people to just TRY a balcony- your story and your friend's story are sooooo perfect!

     

    Regarding RCI, their 2 new ships , Quantum Of The Seas ( Nov 2014) and Anthem of The Seas ( NY May 2015) will both have solo cabins...nothing against Carnival, as I mentioned, have done 6 cruises with them, but I feel RCI, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, Disney & MSC have better to offer...Carnival has great deals & very good itinerary choices, but the SHIPS themselves are behind the ones I mentioned, IMO...try the new NCL Getaway out of Miami that does Eastern Caribb..I just did a tour of her, and she is PERFECT for solo cruisers..they have separate cabins, separate LOUNGES for solo cruisers..cabins are only 100 sf, but they are new, comfy, have a shower, TV,etc..there are 22 dining options, amazing shows & entertainment, and an area called the "Waterfront" which is an outside promenade area on deck 8 where you can eat & sit OUTSIDE & drink and see the sea!! There are also Japanese Steakhouses ( Teppanyaki), Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro ( French, fantastic!!), Moderno's ( Brazilian, yummy..) La Cucina ( Italian) , and over a dozen more choices, some free, some $$..the Oasis & Allure of the Seas are also AMAZING ships...yes, they are a bit more $$, but IMO, you get a lot more for your money...yes, $1400 is alot of money for air, but Europe is $$..the Epic is loaded with goodies, although I prefer the newer Breakaway ( NY) and the Getaway as I just mentioned..Epic also has most of the dining venues I mentioned, so try to eat in AT LEAST Teppanyaki's & Le Bistro -you will love them both...make sure you put an "alert" on your flights to Rome..that is, for example, on KAYAK, I set up an "alert" for flights to wherever I want and you can ask for daily ( recommended) or weekly alerts on the price of airfare from Des Moines to Rome..then you'll always have an alert on fares..any more info needed, let me know- I'm sooo glad you listened and now you can say, Thanks, cruise ship balcony!

     

    Big Al

     

    Good Morning, Thank You again for all the great info. Going to grab another cup of coffee & start exploring the ships you mentioned:p. I am also going to take your advise on posting an alert on Kayak for airfare to Rome..I have never been out of the states and I guess never expected such high cost for airfare ...but live & learn. Is it really worth the cost ?:confused: Thanks again..Enjoy your Sunday..

  11. Thanks for the tip on Painters Tape...you were like me, starting in an oceanview on Carnival...your DH does the same as me- binocs on the balcony as we pull into a port..I also love when I see another ship in the distance and I can't make out what cruise line/ ship it is...then I take the binocs out and see it may be NCL or CCL...

     

    A suggestion: you should try RCI- their ships BLOW AWAY any Carnival ship ( and we've done 6 CCL)..no neon, no glitz , no practically having to shield your eyes when you're inside...I especially recommend the Oasis & Allure, Freedom Class ( Freedom, Liberty & Independence Of The Seas) or the Radiance class if you prefer smaller, more intimate ships ( I don't, but they are classy..)...Central Park ( Oasis ships), the Aqua Park diving show( Oasis), ice-skating shows with Russian, Canadian & US skaters ( all but Radiance), The infamous Royal Promenade ( all but Radiance), the Zip line ( Oasis), the AMAZING canti-levered hot tubs in the Adult Solarium pool area that stick out over the sides for breathtaking views ( all but Radiance), and REAL music by the pool- no DJ like CCL has recently started doing, much to most people's dislike..I've been reading that entertainment & shows have also gone down in quality...we love the new NCL ships like the Getaway & Breakaway- so much to do..BTW, average balcony on the RCI Freedom class is 65 SF , on Oasis class, 54 SF..compared to Carnival's 40 SF, big difference...I know RCI is more $$, but a Grand Hyatt costs more than a Best Western and Ruth Chris costs more than the Outback...if you want anymore info on the RCI ships , let me know..we also like Princess & Disney, of course, is outta this world and has THEE best service, shows, cabins, and private island ( Castaway Cay), IMO of all..also the best buffet ( shrimp cocktail, coconut fried shrimp, crab claws at lunch & eggs benedict for breakfast!!)...thanks for your comments!

     

    Big Al

     

    Big Al, Don't know if your remember me but you talked me into a balcony for my very first cruise this past April. I traveled with 2 couples & was solo..at the time Carnival waived their solo fees & I got a great price....I loved..loved..loved the balcony...thank you...the one couple that always books inside upgraded to a balcony & now the husband wants to only cruise that way...they are veteran cruisers.....Well I am now hooked on cruising...If I didn't have to work for a living..wow I'd be cruising every other week. I am constantly surfing the web for solo supplement fees for cruises. Do you know if RCL does solo at any time. I enjoy Carnival but from your posting I think I would love to check out RCL & NCL......I am booked with a friend for NCL Epic in October to Europe (hopefully if the airfare comes down) balcony...she wanted inside to save money & I told her I can't travel that way..hehehehhe...so we shall see if we make this trip...it all depends on airfare because for the cost of airfare out of Des Moines to Rome is $1400..heck for that price I can take another cruise out of the states somewhere...Well just want to thank you for selling me on the balcony because I think this will be my only way of vacationing from now on...hopefully...:D

  12. Just got an email about a paranormal cruise out of NOLA in October 2014. Looks like 2 nights in New Orleans with tours there and. 5 night Carnival Cruise. Experts on the cruise are experts in ghost hunting, demonology, mediumship, and haunted history. Kind of close to Halloween but it's pretty cheap with hotel included. Love ghost and supernatural stuff. Maybe I can convince hubby to go.

     

    hum I just wnet to Carnival website and could not find that cruise...Maybe I am looking at the wrong dates:cool:

  13. You'll be fine, the biggest worry is what's underneath you. That section of the Lido isn't a problem.

     

    For Jimmy's C-Side BBQ we went to the lido buffet and got trays, lined up for the BBQ at 11:30-ish and were about 5th in line. The line got very long and we were glad to have the trays to balance our plates and drinks on. We actually brought extra trays from the Lido and passed them back through the line for others to have/use.

     

    The Goldfish slots paid out nicely on our cruise.

     

    Have a great time on the Breeze!

     

    Thank You ... looking forward to the casino also:D

  14. thanks everyone but I think I will just keep 6356 because I see its near the elevators & pretty close to mid ship I don't think from what I can see there is no hot tub under my cabin although it looks like I'm over the entrance to the casino oh well not in cabin much except to sleep. Hope I can

     

    Keeping my Cabin on Level 6 also....wearing myself out fretting over this.:p Good luck...

  15. The noise factor applies to every cruise ship, not just Breeze and not just Carnival. Any cabin that is directly above an entertainment area on the ship can expect to be entertained as well. We were on Conquest once and directly above singer just outside Casino. It sounded like he was actually in our cabin!

     

    It's best to allow a 'deck of insulation' for quiet.

     

    eckkkk ......think I shall bring my disc player with headphones just in case....:p

  16. I LOVED the cove balcony. Try to go forward vs. aft on location so you don't end up under the galley. We were up under the guest services desk so very quiet. We never had a problem catching an elevator up to Lido or the promenade area (the glass ones aren't used very much) and shore days we could just pop up the stairs to our room.

     

    Being so close to the water was amazing. It also made for fun people watching at the gangway in port. The balcony is also slightly larger than a standard. The only drawback I saw was that in wind and choppy seas the salt spray would crust on the rails and furniture out there. After the first couple days I learned to wipe everything down and just wear an old pair of shorts and t-shirt out there instead of nicer clothes or dinner outfits. My Dh also didn't like that it was fairly bright out there at night due to the lighting from the lifeboats above but it didn't bother me as much.

     

    If I ever sail the Breeze or a sister ship again, the only balconies I'd book would be cove or something either far forward/aft and HIGH up (like deck 9, 10, 11 -spa rooms area so as to not be right on top of the lanai.

     

    Thank you..my first cruise and hoping it wont be my last....It was on my bucket list...:p Right now the wind is howling outside here in Iowa...think wind chill -10 degree..at this point I would sleep in the lifeboats to get away from the weather.....Thank you again for your reply

  17. We were in an aft balcony on deck 8 and had soot all over our furniture and balcony floor. My in-laws were on deck 6 and enjoyed people watching on their balcony.

     

    You don't have a noisy venue under your room, no nightclubs. You'll be fine. Relax and have a great cruise. Take notes and write a review when you get back. ;)

     

    Yes I really need to relax...getting to worked up about finally having a vacation after sooo many years....I think I forgot how to relax......

  18. You're going to have some traffic below you, people walking around the deck during the day. You will also have Jimmy's C-Side BBQ at lunch on sea days, but will you be in your room/balcony at lunch on sea days? I doubt it. :)

     

    At night you'll have your views of the ocean and little traffic on the deck below.

     

    Enjoy your first cruise, the Breeze is one of Carnival's best ships. We had a great time on her and would go again in a heart beat. :D

     

    I hope I will not be in the cabin during the day....Just need less noise at night when trying to sleep...which I might not do much of..Hope I am having too much fun:p Thank you again....I really do appreciate your input.

  19. I don't think I'd ever book a deck 6 room on that class of ship. the balconies have NO privacy. I'd even feel weird sitting out there in a robe and you'd have to keep your shades shut all the time. The people on the lanai that wraps the ship on deck five could almost reach up and shake your hand if you leaned over.

     

    Other issue would be noise whether balcony or not. Forward you have the theatre under you, then music at night in the atrium, Ocean Plaza, Red Frog, Piano Bar, & Disco. Plus the comedy club. Deck five is where most of the "noise" happens so i'd want to be far away. Once I saw the ship layout I was very glad we had booked a Cove balcony on 2.

     

    Have you already sailed with a the Breeze? I think I can still get a Cove balcony on 2 but will have to check...Did you enjoy your room? The 2 couples I am traveling with both have inside cabins but I need to see the ocean....:p

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