joobie1959

Hello, everybody. I've enjoyed reading all of your posts. Thank you to the OP.

 

About a month ago, I went on my first truly solo cruise, the November 22, 2013, Norwegian Spirit "Canary Island" sailing out of Barcelona, and had a blast. All previous cruises were planned well in advance and ended up being with at least one family member, even if they were not originally booked as such.

 

I booked this last one less than two weeks before sailing date, because it cost only $640 for an IX guaranteed inside, including fees, taxes, and prepaid gratuities (NCL assigned me a IA room!). I live in the Middle East, so I needed to get slightly expensive short-notice flights to/from Barcelona, but overall still a great vacation value...

 

I'm 43, and I live my life single and solo for the most part, so cruising solo is a no-brainer. I do understand and sympathize with others who have misgivings about cruising solo. It's easy for me to write "Just go for it!", but I know it might not be easy to do.

 

One post mentioned being shy in life, but becoming more outgoing when on a cruise, and I think that is also true for me. It might be easier to simply say hello, good morning, or otherwise engage with strangers when I know they're also on vacation - or that their job is to help make sure I'm enjoying my vacation.

 

I look forward to reading this thread, and I'll post again when I decide to book my next solo cruise.

 

BTW I sometimes use the Cruise Critics Forums Android app, and post titles do not appear in it.

 

I hope it's not too much to ask to include sailing information in the body of posts, as well.

 

Thanks in advance, happy cruising, and Happy New Year.

Hi anyone from the UK on Carnival Liberty 1st Feb from Miami?