Saltydog1

Hi Rebec31,

I've cruised solo and did anytime dining. I was seated at a table for two and initially I was unconfortable for the first few minutes thinking I must be standing out to everyone else. If I noticed someone looking at me I simply smiled and said hello to them. I think it is just as uncomfortable for others because they're trying to figure out why someone is going it alone and they bring in their own sensitivities or preconceived notions. Once you break the ice with the people at the surrounding tables everyone feels more relaxed and it's all downhill from there. If you find talking to strangers easy then you'll be fine. Do whatever works for you!

Your post made me laugh because my girlfriend lives in Glasgow and I'm always teasing her about her accent and telling her to speak English.

Whenever I sail solo I usually go for a table for two. With a bit of luck I'll find a great waiter then try to stick with him/her. I've met a lot of nice couples this way which make eating solo more enjoyable. Most cruisers stick to a routine so it's easy to talk to people one runs into regularly at the buffet etc.

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. The Windjammer is also a great place for breakfast & lunch. Many times the main dining room will have some specials for breakfast, as well, so check the Cruise Compass or ask your waiter at dinner. I usually do the my time dining & once I find a good waiter & asst. waiter I ask to always be seated in their section. Meeting other people is pretty easy as a solo & I've made a lot of friends that way & we keep in touch through e-mail. Okay, so I've rambled on, but I get excited when I hear about someone going on a cruise; solo or not. Have a great time! Gerry

I just signed up for another b2b solo for later this year. Royal Caribbean Nov 1st transatlantic from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale & then a Holland America 7 day Western Caribbean. I started a website on cruising, but don't think I can post it on here? Gerry

Hi Laura, I went solo last December on a b2b & it was great. I've been divorced for about 12 years now & my son just turned 21. The split was difficult at first, but things work out in the end. Hopefully your divorce is amicable? As tough as it may be remember to let your kids know that you both still love them & that will never change. Gerry

Hi Solo Cruiser, I'm sailing solo on RCI in Dec. & have signed up for the Meet & Mingle. I'll let you know what my experience is as well. I'm okay with being by myself too, but open to meeting new people. My only concern is that the M & M might be groups of people that are already friends & that I will be an outsider. Hopefully, it will be fun & that's how I'm approaching it.

Hi Guys & Gals, I'm doing a solo back to back on the Jewel of the Seas out of San Juan Dec. 7-21, 2013. I've signed up for the meet & mingle for both cruises & looking forward to a little R & R. Most of the time I enjoy exploring the islands on my own using local transportation. It's usually cheaper & I don't have to stick to a fixed schedule. Last year I took the RCI tour of the Kabuli Brewery in Dominica & it was a lot of fun. I'm a homebrewer so I'm always on the lookout for brewery tours. lol On St. Maarten I went to Maho beach right next to the runway at Princess Juliana Airport. Local bus was only one or two dollars each way. There's a great bar next to the beach & it's a blast (literally & figuratively) watching the airplanes take off & land. See you all in December! Gerry:D