Starlight29

That should be a lot of fun. Royal Caribbean is a great cruise line to go on. The crews are really friendly & want everyone to enjoy themselves. Be sure to go to the main dining room for dinner because they always have something special... Gerry

Thanks Gerry. I heard that the buffets on cruise ships usually always have whatever they serve in the main dining rooms; that was the case on Princess (that cruise was some time ago). The specialty restaurants are a different story, however.:)

I'm going solo on the 10-night Palm Trees and Pink Sand Cruise on RCI Vision of the Seas, June 9-19, 2014, leaving from Fort Lauderdale. I am actually looking forward to treating myself to a much-needed break.:)

Well, it's official, I've decided on the 10-night Palm Trees and Pink Sand Cruise on Vision of the Seas. I hope I made the right decision. Thanks everyone for all your input. :)

Keep us posted on what you decide :)

Well, it's officual, I've decided on the 10-night Palm Trees And Pink Sand cruise on Vision of the Seas. I hope I made the right decision. Thanks for all your input everyone!:)

Thanks everyone; you guys have given me a lot to think about! Now, decision time.:)

Thanks Bottomfeeder! I suppose I would stand out less on a ship that has more solo travellers (a definite plus for the Epic transatlantic cruise). The other cruise, with Royal Caribbean, is not a transatlantic; ports include Bermuda, Bahamas, etc. However, the jogging track is longer, & it does have an indoor pool. I just hope I won't feel freaky & singled out as a "lonely solo traveller" (that's the only thing that would prevent me from enjoying the experience); otherwise, I can see myself having a wonderful time.

Thanks Artatwerk! I can see how formal dining situations can be conducive to getting to know people on a more personal level. However, I really feel that, at this time, I need more freedom & more "me time". I want to be able to zoom in & out, & eat & go whenever, wherever, & however I want. I don't want to feel constricted or restricted, although I AM open to meeting people & spending time with them.

Hi there!

I'm considering going on a solo cruise (first time solo) this year on either:

(1) NCL Epic, 11-day Transatlantic, April 27-May 8, staying in a studio cabin,

or

(2) Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas, 10-night Palm Trees and Pink Sands, June 9-19, staying in an ocean-view stateroom (only available on decks 2 & 3 a this point).

I would be booking directly from the cruise line websites (Is there a more cost-effective method?). The total cost, including return airfare (flying out of Calgary, Alberta), service charges, transfers to & from the pier, cabs, laundry, etc. is approximately $3000 for each one. I consider $3000 a lot of money for 1 person, so I want to make sure that I choose wisely. Is $3000 an average price for this type of cruise for a solo traveller?

Which of the above 2 cruise ships & iteneraries would be the most comfortable (least awkward) for a solo traveller. For example, which one has the best options for buffet & casual style meals (as opposed to traditional seating that would work better if you are travelling with other people)? Which one would give me more options to just grab something at any time of the day & either sit down & eat it there or just take it out to the deck & eat there?

I don't care much for casinos & bars. I want to spend my days on the jogging track, in the fitness centre, in the solarium, pools & whirlpools, walking along the decks (smoke-free areas) in the daytime & at night, sitting on the deck & reading and, of course, EATING.

Any thoughts to help me decide between these 2 cruises & get the best deal?