Mollyolly

I sailed solo to Alaska back in May on Celebrity and had an awesome

cruise:D

Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed your Celebrity Alaska cruise. Hope your river cruise next is just as great.

You may want to give HAL a look, they have quite a few things to offer that you are looking for, the ships are on the smaller side, they go to Glacier Bay and they have a great library if that is important to you. They are more of a main stream line price wise, and not a premium line like Crystal. Good luck.

Thanks. I am now pretty close to booking a celebrity one, although Hal is second choice.

I haven't seen a single supplement more than 100%, but what I HAVE seen is a situation where during a mock booking I was unable to book a "guarantee" as a solo, but it was available for two people. That resulted in cabins which where more than double the rate for double occupancy.

 

My work-around was to have my TA set up the booking for two people and at a later time have one name dropped.

 

Silly rabbits. :D

I don't get it, you booked for two people, then changed it by dropping one and they didn't charge you a solo rate supplement?

Don't assume you need to get a solo cabin to get a good price.

 

In December I sailed an inside cabin for 6 days for $429 CDN on Carnival Breeze and since it was a single bed with the other bed pushed up into the ceiling I had lots of room in my cabin.

 

In May I sailed for 7 days for $549 CDN on Norwegian Epic, again in an inside cabin (not a solo). While not as much room as the Carnival ship there were no space problems since there was only myself in the cabin.

 

In October I will sail for 21 days B2B for $2100 CDN on Carnival Dream, and that is my fault for paying so much. If I had made up my mind earlier I could have gotten that same cruise for $1800 instead.

 

I just posted this because I want people to realize that they need to search a lot and search hard for the bargains, but the bargains are still are out there.

 

I am also betting that when the first mega-ships start to sail to Cuba that there will be some bargains available then too. So keep an eye out.

 

PS. I must tell the truth - I am boasting too. :)

Hey Earl,

Any tips for solo cruising in getting a great deal for a balcony cabin, mid-ship going to Alaska? Lynsey

I've cruised in the RCL studio featured in the video. I had the exact same cabin on the starboard, but one deck lower. I thought it was a great cabin, but IMO it would be tight for two adults and the beds don't separate. I can't believe the price would be so terrific for two people either.

 

The balcony is really huge in the cabins ending in '48'. It is smaller in the '50' cabins and regular size in the '52' cabins.

 

One thing that happened on my cruise was that a super studio balcony guarantee was offered (no supplement) and the folks I met who booked it all got regular balconies. This guarantee offering was kind of a secret code for solo balcony rate with no supplement.

Thanks tons!!!

Here in the UK we have a company called SAGA which caters for the solo traveller but am not sure if non-UK residents can book with this company. Also it caters only for those over 55. Might be worth checking out though.

 

Suzanne (Bristol, UK)

Thanks for letting us know.

I don't remember which thread it was, but was there not a post about the single supplement being higher that 100% on some cruise?

 

Imagine a cruise line wanting you to pay more for just yourself than if you travel with someone who would just cost them more money to process and feed. I can only assume they make big bucks off passengers in the casino and thus want to discourage solo cruisers.

They do charge almost double for solo cruisers, which is just absurd and really hard on us solo travelers. Not fair, not at all. If anyone knows of any great solo rates/tips for a trip to Alaska for next summer let me know asap!!!!!

I've cruised in the RCL studio featured in the video. I had the exact same cabin on the starboard, but one deck lower. I thought it was a great cabin, but IMO it would be tight for two adults and the beds don't separate. I can't believe the price would be so terrific for two people either.

 

The balcony is really huge in the cabins ending in '48'. It is smaller in the '50' cabins and regular size in the '52' cabins.

 

One thing that happened on my cruise was that a super studio balcony guarantee was offered (no supplement) and the folks I met who booked it all got regular balconies. This guarantee offering was kind of a secret code for solo balcony rate with no supplement.

I am sorry but can you explain this better for me. I don't understand what you mean. Should I be requesting a particular type of cabin as a solo?

I haven't been to Alaska, but I am going in July. I spent a lot of time researching itineraries. Only NCL, Princess, HAL, Carnival and Crystal have permits to sail in Glacier Bay. If Glacier Bay is a "must see" for you - as it is for me - that would eliminate RC ships.

That's me too, looking for a solo cruise to Alaska for next summer, 2016! I am trying to find a bit smaller of a ship. I also would like to find a ship that offers some on-board classes to learn things like pc stuff, history, cooking, geographic (Alaska info). Anyone have any suggestions for me?

I could not believe on my cruise last week for the first time in 5 cruises that the cabin did not have a working refrigerator...my steward said it was just a storage box--this to mie is unaccepatable. Explorer of the Seas had a refrigerator 1o years ago. My husband is type 2 diabetic and needs to put his meds in a cold place. I went to the guest services desk and they said they would replace it with a working refigerator the next day....I went down again when they didn't come to replace it--they said sorry, we have none left--that the cabin steward would bring an ice chest and fill it each day. I then asked--do only the junior suites and suites have working refirigerators? he hesitaited at first--and then said yes. This is absurd to me.

I was just on LoS in early August and I had a frig that worked fine. They stated to me that they did have frigs. Sorry you went thru this.

My question is what type of medical Insurance to people get? I just read mine and even if you have seen a doctor in the past 6 months prior to travelling for something if something similar pops up ie pain in side etc you will not be covered. Now of course being 60 I have had my share of medical concerns also had kidney out 2 years just prior to a trip. How do people protect themselves with the right coverage.

 

PS Many years ago on a cruise in Alaska I had to see the doctor for an eye problem and he told me so many seniors travel without coverage and he had seen some people whose medical bills would be in the thousands.

Just want to protect myself and make sure people know their insurance.

You can get an upgraded type of insurance for a little more money that covers pre-existing conditions.

Nancy,

I just looked over all of your lovely pictures in Alaska. I am thinking of going to Alaska next summer. Not sure which cruise line to go with. Looking at Crystal Cruise Lines to start with. I welcome any suggestions. I am a content solo traveler...

Dena,

 

It passable, but barely. If you are really really hungry and are too tired to go anywhere else, then get the pizza. It will fill you up, that's all I am going to say.

 

Looking forward to meeting you on our cruise in 12 days.

 

Barb

I agree about Serrentos, barely passable.

We generally avoid the Windjammer upon embarkation. We go to Cafe Promenade for some eats then hit the pub or sports bar or champagne bar for a drink or 3. Then we lounge until rooms become available. We usually have a carry on each and going to the Windjammer with everyone else is just a hassle. Great people watching too.

Found Windjammer's to be busy, but plenty of tables open to relax and eat at, not a hassle at all.

I was hoping for some feedback from cruisers who have been on Liberty or any Freedom class ship recently. I will be taking my girlfriend (we are both 25) on the 9 night Canada & New England cruise later this month, We are both from Scotland so are looking forward to some warmer weather! I have loved all my past cruises before and expect this one to be no different.

 

I just thought I'd ask what everyone's favorites are on board these ships, i.e. drink, bar, venue, food etc?

 

We have both ordered the premium drinks package so would be nice to enjoy this along with some later events at night etc.

 

Cheers

After you get on board go straight to deck 11 to Windjammer's/Jade buffet for lunch. At embarkation go to deck 14 to "Oliver and Twist" bar to have a drink and watch the ship embark away from the dock, or go out on deck and watch it go under the bridge once you are past the great view of NYC...

Go to the art auctions for art prints, great quality prints of works. Talk to the heavier set women (tell her the woman who bought the Thomas Kinkade Lighthouse print sent you). She is extremely art knowledgeable, she is a former art teacher. You will get champagne at the auction and they have raffles for fun. I won one.

Ask for"Bronka" via, Lynsey the art teacher (that's me), and book a massage for a late night on one of the lower costing massage night deals. You have to look for these or ask. She is the best ever and so kind. A real treat to relax and get the stress out.

You have a balcony room. It is so worth the extra. It really is, and so romantic. Nothing like seeing the sun come up from your deck or go out in the middle of the night and see the stars, dark sky and sea all around you. If your room is on the port side you will see NYC right out there in front of you with the World Trade Center towering above all.

Hope you book an extra add-on into NYC for a few days, it will be awesome for you. Before or after the cruise is fine. Go to a Shake Shack in park for dinner one night to people watch and grab a great American burger or hotdog. The fries are really good. Use the buses to get around, a fun way to people watch and easy transportation. Check out the MOMA (Museum Of Modern Art) museum to see Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night". There is a sweet cafe there to get a drink or a bite to eat too. There is an amazing Monet waterlilies, giant painting there too. The Whitney Museum is brand new, just opened, and a cool design. If you go to Boston stop and get some food at "The Cheesecake Factory", lots of food and so good. Welcome to New England!!!

Yes, all were open. But you should go get your lunch first and relax on deck 11 at Windjammer/s/Jade buffet. A great way to start your cruise...

Thank you all for being so frank and for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am booked on my first solo cruise on Anthem's Maiden TA in October. It will certainly be a new experience, one way or the other. Will try to make the best of it.

 

Yes, I'm very excited too.

 

Ute

 

 

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Hi there,

I am a new solo-er too, soon to head out to sea in a few weeks. I am no longer nervous, just excited and looking forwards to relaxing and seeing new things. Less than two weeks away...

I'm also booked on my first solo. Indeed, it's my first time on a ship, I'm doing the qm2 TA on 15th December.

 

Thank you all for taking the time to post your good experiences, though not generally a nervous person, I can be a bit shy around strangers, so it's good to read all your comments

 

I'm actually VERY excited

 

Scarlet

Hi Scarlet,

I am going on my first sea-solo venture too on the Liberty of the Seas in a few weeks. Can't wait. I know what you mean about being somewhat shy too but yet so excited about the trip and adventures. I have a feeling that I am going to love cruising a lot.

Those items are mentioned as exceptions to the list of prohibited items:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=333&faqSubjectName=Onboard+Policies&faqId=2608

Thank you Clarrea.

Curling irons and hair straighteners are allowed.

Thank you Bob! I couldn't find anything about it anywhere.

Hi everyone, better late than never but here's my experience of my first solo cruise on the QM2.

 

My daughter dropped me off at the coach pick up point, she was in tears but i kept a stiff upper lip even though I was angst ridden!! As i got on the coach I could see people looking to see if I was alone, I got off at the service stop and got chatting to a couple of people who were very nice, then two ladies back on the coach who had travelled solo. I congratulated myself on doing so far so good.

 

Embarkation was a doddle, again got chatting to people and a guy who was also solo. With head held high, I ventured to my cabin - first time in an inside - which was in a great position on the ship and very comfortable. After unpacking I went out on deck and to look around, Yes I'd done it and took a very cheesy selfie to celebrate the fact.

 

I was late sitting in the MDR, had a sherry to steady the old nerves then went to my table. I was joined by a lady who had been widowed at the same age as me (51), a lady in a difficult marriage travelling solo and a lady journalist who was covering the cruise. We all hit it off from the first night, went for a drink and to the show together, and continued to enjoy our dinners and meeting up occasionally at night time.

 

At lunch time in the MDR I always asked to join a large table. Through this I met other solo travellers and some lovely couples. There was a solo travellers meet and greet on the first day which was great, and from there a few of us went to a line dancing class.

 

After about three days, I'd got to know and recognise a lot of people on the ship. I was never short of company if I wanted it, shared taxis with folk off the ship, met a solo guy on a hoho bus then we did a further two bus trips together at different ports.

 

I went with a very open mind on what to expect, what can I say except it was a fantastic and liberating experience and a huge confidence boost which i so needed. Would I do it again?, I'd been home a week and got an offer through from Cunard, I'm now booked on QE in December in one of their new single cabins.

 

Any solos reading this and debating, don't think about it - do it. If I did it you can too.:)

Glammy Grammy,

Thank you for your great note!!! I am traveling solo on Liberty of the Seas in a few weeks. I was going to pass on the solo meet up but I may now go ahead and check it out.

I have not cruised LotS, I am just re-sending a scanned-in Cruise Compass that another recent cruiser did. But I've heard of Ship Security confiscating hair curlers. You might want to do a search of the forums.

Relly, a curling iron? Okay, will surely check this out. Thanks.

If you look up the roll call for the Liberty of the Sea 5 nights to Bermuda on 03 October, somebody who recently cruised will gladly e-mail you the Compass she scanned in.

 

I still have it. If you want me to e-mail you a copy, just let me know your e-mail address.

I would like a copy too please; oct21@cox.net

Also, I have another question since you have just recently cruised LOS: I want to bring my electric hair curler and an electric alarm clock would I be able to use the ship's regular outlets or would I need to bring an adapter of some sort?

Thank you for your time

Thanks you, thank you. And there is still more to come. I still have not covered the upper decks nor the ports. :D

 

But there has been such a request for these Cruise Compasses that I had to get them loaded ....

This is great! I had no idea there was so much to do on board. How do you choose?!!! Thanks for posting these daily itineraries.

I really appreciate everyones feedback. It does help reviews in keeping the momentum when posting long reviews. We have many wonderful reviews that explain things with words and give great commentary and feedback, but I am just trying to change the format again and make people feel like they are on the ship with me. :D

Thank you for all of this hard work. I can tell you are having a great time posting it all. This is making me enjoy my upcoming first cruise even more.