heatherthompson

Hello everyone!

I cruise solo and so far have only cruised on NCL. Has anyone solo cruised on MSC, what was your experience, how do you compare the food, experience, and overall cost to NCL? Does MSC have flexible dining? Do they have a thermal spa (much like the weekly thermal spa pass on NCL), overall is MSC solo friendly?

Thank you in advance for all the help!

I will answer this way: I would not cruise on the Getaway at all if there were no thermal spa

.

Thank you!!

We love the thermal suite and have had spa passes for the last several cruises and will have it again this October. One cruise, it rained nearly the entire week and the spa was heaven. I think it helps after a night of over indulging too.

Thank you so much!!

As others have mentioned it depends what you are looking for. For me, the Dawn and Star have the best thermal suites because I believe they are the only ones that have a real swimming pool besides the hydrotherapy pool and hot tub. When we were on Dawn last year, my husband and I were often the only ones in the pool in the thermal suite. Up on deck you could barely get in the pool never mind trying to swim laps.

 

We have also used the thermal suite on Gem. It was very relaxing and had awesome separate men and women saunas with views out of the front and side of the ship. It was relaxing to have some space away from my husband since we are not used to spending so much time together ;). We would go to the thermal suite together then split up to go to the saunas and showers. We would meet back up in our cabin.

 

If you want an uncrowded place to relax it is worth it.

Thank you very much!!

There is a discount for booking online in advance. We had a spa mini-suite, so I didn't pay attention to the pre-cruise and on-board prices.

 

Many of the beach resorts have spa people on the beach giving massages. In Roatan, we went to Tabyana Beach Party and there were spa people [constantly] asking if people wanted a massage on the beach.

Thank you again!!

We think so. We buy a Thermal Suite pass on every cruise. It's a place to escape, relax, and unwind after busy days touristing. The following links have some Getaway Thermal Suite photos from a couple of weeks ago.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=56772579&postcount=51

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=56772609&postcount=52

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=56772616&postcount=53

Pictures are lovely!! I thought one of the excursions on the getaway western Caribbean route had a spa/massage option, but, for some reason I cannot seem to find that. However, these pictures make me want to splurge! Is it best to get it before hand or on the ship? I understand there maybe a $20 discount for purchasing it in advance?

Thank you- I will look at the pictures, they always help!

In my opinion, no. I sailed May2018 Pearl to Alaska and found too much to do. We went first sea day and waters were choppy and mix with one drink, Queasy! Thermal pool made it worse. Went one other day but did not get money’s worth. Would spend dollars Elsewhere. Always found spa empty, for right person this is perfect.

 

 

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Thank you very much. I am cruising for the first time and I am wondering if I may have time to use it given all the different things I may get to experience, thus asked.

No ice plunge pool, That doesn’t sound enjoyable at all though!

 

To answer the OP, the thermal pass is always worth it to us.

Thank you!

Definitely worth it, if you want to get out of the sun, have a lounge chair, enjoy the hydrotherapy and quiet time.

Thank you!!

Thank you:)

Thank you!

Is it worth spending the additional $200 for the thermal spa access on the NCL getaway? I would appreciate the feedback. Thank you!

Thank you!

Hello,

Is it worth spending the additional $200 for the thermal spa access on the NCL getaway? I would appreciate the feedback. Thank you!

Thank you everyone!

Thank you!

Hello,

I have never been on a cruise before. I am planning to travel solo on my first cruise and essentially my very first vacation in many years. I have been exploring cruise blogs and sites for the last 6 months and have understood that traveling alone on a cruise can be a costly experience and I suppose there is not much one can do about that unless cruise lines become more accommodating of solo travelers.

I have decided to embark on the Norwegian Getaway in September (have not paid yet, but would like to do so in a few days). I am very confused about certain options and was wondering if someone can please guide me.

1. I am thinking of choosing the cheapest balcony room, it comes without any promotions and I am not able to choose the room number or deck, is that a bad idea given this is my first time, I am concerned about being given an obstructed balcony or if I experience motion/sea sickness and I am not sure if certain areas of the boat may add to it should I be given a room in such a location. Therefore, is it better to pay up and get more flexibility (I am working on a budget).
   
2. If I upgrade to the next level, I still do not get to choose the room but I become qualified to get two or 5 offers. However, adding the offers increased the total cost by $400 to $500 depending on the offers I choose, is it worth doing so? If I were to choose offers, it would be a wifi package and shore excursions. Is it beneficial to do so, or rather get the base price and pay as I go (if I did not upgrade, I would not pay for wifi but will participate in a few excursions)
   
3. should one get the travel insurance from the cruise line or some other entity or avoid it completely?
   
4. is there a website that may let me see what each port includes for free incase I did not want to venture out alone or participate in excursions.
   
5. do they clean rooms everyday and provide toiletries?
   
6. are tea, coffee, and juices charged? I am not a soda drinker and may or may not drink alcoholic beverages, I am an occasional drinker.
   
7. should one bring cash, credit cards, or is there a different structure of payments on the ships?
   
8. when shopping on ports, do I have to carry local currency?
   
9. I hear stories about cell phone charges, is it better to completely turn it off or switch to airplane mode on the boat and what are the rules on land during port visits?
   
10. Has anyone used airport transfers between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale? If so, how much are they?
    
11. Norwegian blog has something about bringing a handbag for the last night to keep personal belongings, what is that about?
    
12. I am very scared and anxious to be traveling solo on a cruise, any feedback would be appreciated.
    

Thank you and I look forward to the comments and advice.

Hello, I am thinking of booking my very first cruise. I think I would like to start with Alaska. I have two questions, firstly, can someone with a US Green Card board an Alaskan Cruise from Seattle? Do I need any additional visa's aside from my passport, GC, and drivers ID?

Secondly, what cruise lines cater to solo travelers? Is it safe to travel on a cruise by myself?

lastly, what does onboard credit and other such lingo mean, I am looking at expedia travel site, I was also exploring Norwegian website....any suggestions on how I should go about this process?