riktorscale

My cruise research had led me to believe that in the bigger ships, like the one I was on (Norwegian epic, about 4000 sailing) there would be more gays, more social events, and fun to be had. the ship had lots of activities for sure, heaps of dining options, and the solo suite I thought was very good. I however found the other guests to be standoffish, at times plain rude,and generally older women. This cruise was a 7 day Mediterranean trip, Barcelona to Barcelona, ending just as gay pride started in Barcelona. Considering pride was so soon I had thought others would have thought a pre-pride cruise would rock. This is why I am thinking a gay group of some sort will at least encourage social contact.

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I remember turtle cove being a well regarded resort, but wasn't sure how a single guy would go there.

I was thinking maybe a gay only cruise but must say all the pics I've seen (candid and promotional) have been Calvin Klein models. I'm AV, 5'7" 45, hopefully cub like.

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Hi I'm 45 solo gay guy looking to try a group experience. Tried a Barcelona trip with a 7 day cruise Norwegian epic. Sadly was a disaster, chemical burns from sunscreen, minimal gays on cruise and mainly older single ladies ( was like cruising with mum), dishonest gay share host, disaster. I'm in west Australia , local to nothing, I know of pied piper tours but seem very pricey, but maybe that's what you have to pay. Any other ideas?

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Great only I didn't post

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Fod or LGBT meeting was poorly attended and done in such a way that you couldn't tell who was there for the meeting and who just wanted a drink

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Back from the cruise all. Here's my experience..

Ship was big and glam I guess. Looked nice bit dated I thought. The freestyle dining was great I thought. The range of ship board activities was ok I guess but pretty limited if you were solo.

As for the whole. Lots of gay people on board all I can say is nit on my ship. I met 6 gay guys in a week. 2 couples, nice friendly but have their own plans and we're happy to say hi and a drink then do there own thing. Which is cool but.... 1 guy who I had a meal with, nice guy but had his own plans. Final guy was part of a group who basically we're not inclusive of any new people. Little private clique.

The main thing I noticed was the solo lounge co coordinator met and set up dinners etc at 5 daily. The solo lounge was mostly women in their 50+'s, very nice but not really what I was after. So I could opt for the plans made with the solo group, or wait until 7.30 when the LGBT gathering in a bar happens, hoping that a friend could be made there. Most of the time these gatherings were so vague you needed to put up a sign and say I'm gay. The chosen bar was part of a thoroughfare so all sorts dropped by for a martini. No staff supervised the gathering so no help co-ordinating.

I attended most of the parties onboard and found them very much the same ever time. Same music, same venues, same people, same staff trying to upswell you.

The other thing I would mention is Australian booking are getting a raw deal compared to those offered in USA or Europe. Most people had been offered either the unlimited drinks package or ultimate dining package for free when they booked. I got $23 aus onboard credit. The drinks package was just under $400 usd.

Things I learnt.

1.Putting your room card on a lanyard while convenient was viewed as geek move by the staff who all found it amusing. Sort of a pocket protector type move.

2.To be sure of a fun gay ole time I will only go on a gay cruise or with a group of gays on a cruise. From what I saw and experienced most people were too busy with their own friends /partners to make new ones.

3. Sadly after a lot of questions and research I found most of the time I was alone , making my own fun as best I could. Evening parties most people ignored you. Maybe if I wasn't 45 average build and 5'7 that would be different but ....

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Hi riktoscale, I have just joined Cruise critic after returning from a cruise on Quantum of the seas (RCCL) and decided to do another from Singapore in December this year (8th Dec on HAL Volendam from Singapore again.

 

I noticed in your thread about tipping, I too coming from Perth WAust find it odd that on HAL ships the tipping is added in. I for one don't like this practice,as I feel you should only tip if you get Good service. I have found other folk on Cruise critic that say the Tipping or Hotel service charge can be turned off while onboard..I will be looking into this. Also I feel you pain when it comes to cruising as I have just paid over $3250 for the 14 day cruise because i couldn't get a friend to travel with me. So ended up paying the Big dollars for One guy in a room. I hope you cruise worked out well for you and I am also looking forward to to going away as well.:)

Hi I have just returned from my trip. I had gratuities included on my cruise price. So any additional tips were at my discretion, and after much thought I didn't find I needed to add any additional tips.

The service on NCL epic was fine but not amazing. Most of the crew that bothered to make personal contact were more sales person than service personnel.

I did overhear the other cruisers discussing tipping our coach driver and guide in Rome and Florence. After paying over 150 aud for a walking tour and coach ride I saw NO reason to top it off tipping 10 euro to the driver and 15 euro to the guide. Which was what the other passengers (USA people) decided was fair.

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So no LGBT on the cruise? Just before Barcelona pride

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I am a solo traveler having my first experience on a cruise line this June. I am going on a 7 day cruise in the Mediterranean , 6 days are port days btw. I have had it suggested that I should get the ultimate dining package around $140us for my cruise. The rationale being a solo diner in a smaller venue will feel more welcomed and cared for? Also I'm hearing a variety of reviews of the complimentary meals not being amazing. Any opinions?

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Here are a couple Epic-specific tips: you might want to consider the Ultimate Dining Package. This lets you eat in specialty restaurants every night of the cruise at a discounted rate. The advantage is better food and service in restaurants that seat around 100 people at 2-top and 4-top tables. As a single it's nice not to be the guy sitting alone in a dining room full of 600 people. Also, hang out at Spice H2O on your sea days. That's an adults-only "Ibiza-inspired beach club" Deck 15 aft. It has a small pool, two hot tubs, a bar and grill, and terraced seating. A great place to people watch with a more adult vibe. Oh, and pack an all-white outfit for the White Hot Party.

Some great points, thank you. Which lead me to a few more questions.

1. I had kinda thought at the LGBT gatherings maybe people would gather for dinner after possible, sounds like only a few did or were the numbers in attendance small?

2. Saw white party and got a white top already, have black grey and white patterned board shorts I had planned on using also. Or do they need to be all white? No clear guidelines are on Norwegians site about the white party.

3. Spice h2o sounds perfect , only have 1 day at sea but apart from maybe a water slide it sounds like the next sunny destination for a day onboard.

4. I have heard much talk about power boards to chard a variety of devices. I even emailed Norwegian to ask what I would need, a specific type or are there some on board I can borrow. Not going to have hundreds of things . Camera iPhone iPad .

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Now I'm getting flashbacks from carry on cruising lol

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Oh another thing lol. My ticket on the cruise includes gratuities. So I don't tip? Or really I do? I'm from Australia where tipping is uncommon . How often should I tip, how much, who am I tipping?

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Well it's all happening. Fly into Barcelona on the 11/06/2015. Norwegian epic cruise 14-21 June. Back to Barcelona until the 30th of June. Still a little stunned that I have done it but also very excited. Put up a roll call already, better start resting now going to be awake for all of June I think

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Taking my first cruise Norwegian epic, on 14-21 June , solo studio , Barcelona depart/arrival

45, av bearish I guess west Australian looking for friends to make this a great event

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Exactly my point, hence the question . How sociable are the single gays in the Norwegian epic in the Mediterranean in June? Look like the 7 day cruise for me

Do I prepare to be left to amuse myself or drop all my plans to follow my hundreds of new friends plans?

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I am looking at going on my first cruise in June/July . I am a bit shy with strangers, hail from west australia, 45yo gay guy. Planning to spend time in Barcelona around the cruise time.

Was looking at gay groups but as I'm unable to book until my passport arrives in 2 weeks, it looks like the single rooms are all gone. Unless I pay a fortune.

Was looking at Norwegian line or celebrity, as they seem the most gay friendly. My concern is to spend the money only to be socially isolated and alone. Just how easy is it to make friends onboard? Internet chat is great on land but on a ship?

Am looking at a 7 day Mediterranean cruise at this point. Any hints or advice?

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