First time Solo...Carnival Imagination 11/15-19 Solo experience review

First time Solo Cruise Experience review...

Ship: Carnival Imagination

Dates: November 15-19, 2010

Dining: My Time Dining

Ship Condition: 2nd time on this ship. Carnival Imagination is an amazing ship, perfect size and easy to meet new people. Can notice the upgrades from dry dock not long ago. Awesome ship!

Cruise Experience: This was my 10th cruise. 8th cruise on Carnival. Two prior cruises with Royal Caribbean. First cruise was in 2000 on Carnival Estacy out of Miami to Nassau on a 3day cruise. Most recent cruise prior to solo cruise was 10/8/10 on Carnival Freedom 8day.

Embarkation:

Left Tampa at 7:15am arriving in Miami just before Noon.

Checked in with the Carnival kiosk, on the ship by Noon.

Di-embarkation:

Went smoothly, I left my room at 830am and jumped into the line for those with early flights as the time I got there they were still leaving the ship. I was at my car by 9am and back in Tampa by 1:15pm.

First few hours on ship:

After getting onto the ship I walked around ending up in the back of the ship at the lido deck buffet. Grabbed some food, at first it seemed kind of weird sitting at a table eating alone. Feeling weird sitting alone quickly went away as I was enjoying being back on a ship and looking forward to a few days away.

Sat on the Lido deck for awhile people watching as seeing who my neighbors would be for the next few days as families, couples and groups of people boarded the ship and kick started their vacation sitting in the sun and enjoying their first drink of the day.

Got to my room around 1:15, walking down the hallways I couldn't help notice it looked so clean and new. Room was U138, very nice clean and plenty of space.

Walked around the ship more, ending at the Serenity Deck where I met a nice couple from I believe it was Kansas or Missouri. Was fun talking with them for a bit and talking about past cruises, etc. Met up with the Kansas couple one other time during the cruise. Muster drill began close to 4pm and then seemed to be delayed as people just were not paying attention that it was starting so the delay continued. My room was on level U making my muster station F which was on the Lido Deck which was good.

First Night after Sailing:

We set sail promptly at 4pm even though our muster drill lingered on to close to 430. We had a meet & greet planned for on the Lido Deck area for 4-430 however it ended up not happening. Those joining were wearing beads, although I didn't have any. Problem being as the dancing group in the center of the stage area were handing people beads. When I saw that, I wasn't about to ask these random people if they were from the CC roll call.

I enjoyed the Lido deck for a bit and walked around the ship for awhile. As the afternoon progressed I contemplated if I was going to eat dinner in the main dining room or eat in the buffet. From the beginning traveling solo that was the only thing I was unsure if I would do. Well around 6pm or so I said to myself the heck with it, I'm going to the main dining room as I have always enjoyed dinner and has been a main part of my cruise experience. After I got to the host station a nice young lady said to me, I know you...Were you just on the Freedom? I said yeah, I was just on it a month ago with some family and friends. She had remembered me and my group and I had remembered her after which was really nice. Imagination was the start of her contract after training on the Freedom. Walking to my table was a breeze, once seated to Carnivals table for two which are 4-6" from each other with my time dining, it’s still like sitting with others which was nice. My first night to the left of me was an older retired man named Bill that was traveling solo to my right was a nice couple on their 2nd cruise enjoying their 35th wedding anniversary and to the right of them was a nice young lady also traveling solo.

Dinner conversation was great allowing for some good conversation with all those around me. This took all fears away and awkwardness of sitting in the main dining room as a solo. After this, I knew it was no big deal.

After dinner I walked around the ship more, peaked into one of the shows but not staying as I'm not a huge show person. Checked out a few of the bars, skipped over the casino as I knew I'd my donation to that later during the cruise and more of a donation than I should. The traveling had caught up to me so decided to go back to the room before going out later that night and maybe try for a quick nap. Well I never woke back up again that night.

Day 2- Key West:

Carnival Imagination arrived in Key West on schedule at 7am, I woke up around 845am or so. I was signed up for the Key West Pub Crawl through the ship. This day was my birthday and decided that would be a fun way to meet others on the ship and have a good time. Arrived at the pier at 945am and we were soon off at 10am. We got to our first bar and had drinks in hand by 1030am. On the crawl another member from our roll call was there and his group. The crawl was a blast, we all had a great time. We had to be back on the ship by 130 as the ship was sailing at 2. I had a pretty good buzz on by this point and was hungry. Got some food, drank some water and took a couple of advil.

Walked around the ship more, enjoyed the sail away party having a few more drinks and good conversations here and there.

Dinner during the 2nd night was much like the first night, I sat in same general area as first night meeting some nice folks and having an outstanding meal. Made it out to the bars and dance clubs having a late night enjoying the night with new people I met. A nice duo of girls from Orlando that I had met with the group on the pub crawl had found me and at one of the bars and we hung out for a bit. Later that evening I met up with another bunch of girls that were on the ship from Kansas and Justin and his crew from NJ that were part of pub crawl. All three groups were a blast and I spent many fun times with all of them during this cruise.

Day 3- Cozumel:

During day three I slept in a bit as we were not docking until 1pm, this turned out to be a good thing as I had a late night out the night before and I had a few drinks bought for me as it was my birthday so I was having a blast. After arriving at port I got off the ship to go to my excursion which was the "Twister" boat ride to "Isla Pasion". We docked at a pier in Cozumel that I have not docked at before. Pier area was nice, but not quite as nice as the one where Three Amigo's is.

Walking up to my excursion wait area and then waiting there seemed weird and odd for awhile standing there solo, but that eventually went away. We boarded the twister boat which we were all told we would be soaked by the time we got to the island. I was hopeful that this would not be the case as I only had my shorts with me, no other change of clothes and had only brought one pair of shorts with me for the trip too. Twister ride was amazing and as advised we all were soaked. Once we got to Isla Pasion (I was here 5yrs ago) it started to rain. Island looked good as it did five years ago, however there was very little sun. I got some food and a few beers and fell asleep in one of the hammocks. Spoke to a nice lady and her husband that I later found out was also on our roll call and was there from my recommendation. We had may nice conversations speaking about past cruises and destinations. We had traveled some of the same ships and ports too, which was cool. By the time we were set to head back to the port on twister I was a little dryer but not much since we rarely saw the sun.

We got back to the port, I walked around some. Ran into the group from NJ , visited with them for a bit. I then decided it was time to go back onto the ship as I was cold and decided I didn't want to drink at Senor Frogs. Once back onto the ship I got warmed up and changed for dinner. Dinner this 3rd night was one of the most awkward ones, the dining room wasn't all that busy to begin with, and I was seated at a table kind of in the center with no one else around me until dessert time. Neither the less I still enjoyed my dinner. After dinner I had met up with some of the other people I had met on the cruise and had a great evening.

Day 4- Sea Day:

Enjoyed another lazy day sleeping in, walked around the ship, hit the casino and met up from time to time with some of my new ship friends. Later in the day I ran into the girls from Kansas enjoying some good conversations and sushi. I joined them all for dinner that evening at 9pm and then hung out with them and others I had met the rest of the evening until about 1230 and decided I had enough and had to pack to debark the ship the next morning.

General Answers to questions I got from others on ship and some of you may want to know:

Do you always travel solo?

No, this was my first solo cruise.

Would you travel solo again?

Absolutely! Not on every cruise, but wouldn't not go because others couldn't go when I was able to or because I wanted to cruise.

Was Dining uncomfortable?

Dining was really never uncomfortable, only was one night. That one awkward night would not stop me from eating in the dining room or traveling solo.

Why are you traveling solo?

I've always wanted to travel solo, cruised with 1 other person to 7 other people during my past 9 cruises. At times traveling with others can be a pain with others wanting to do so many things. Many times one ends up doing solo things even traveling with others. What’s the difference in traveling solo all together and being able to do what one wants the whole time?

While walking around the ship and speaking with fellow passengers unless one really says they are traveling solo others will not really know. Only way people will know you’re solo is if you tell them or they are stalking who you sit with at dinner etc. So go out there enjoy a solo cruise and have a great time. Am sure I forgot some questions, ask if you have any.

Traveling solo will only be as much fun as you make it and allow it to happen!

Great review MrFunInTheSun!

Glad that despite a few minor items, your cruise was a good one.

I love cruising solo mainly because it's me time and on my pace. I sailed with someone earlier this year and felt restraint at times.

I got about two weeks before my cruise and can't wait!!

Good review, thanks Mr. FunInTheSun ! I'll be leaving in 31 days and a tad nervous about being solo on a traditionally family time (Christmas), especially as I'm on Any Time Dining. But, it's -10 here in Vancouver today (unusually cold for this time of year), and I cant wait to go cruising if only to feel the warmth of the sun for 8 days ! :)

Well MrFunin the Sun, glad you had a great solo cruise..but Happy Birthday. We must be twins separated at birth cause thats my birthday too! I was on the same cruise Oct.4th. I was solo but a friend was also on the ship in her own cabin so I wasn't truly solo. I found this a great way to go and much preferred over sharing a cabin. I was in U181. Loved the size of the cabin. I have a solo-truly solo-booked for next May on the Epic for the TransAtlantic trip. 11nights should be a good test of the solo cruise! Did a 7 night last yr for my birthday on Princess and will never do that line solo again. Would be great with friends though.

Keep cruising and having fun!:D

Thanks for the great review! It sounds like you had a good time. I was on the Imagination in September and had an AWESOME voyage. Are you thinking of taking another solo cruise in the near future?

Thank you Airlink.

Don't blame you Wimsie......can't go wrong with warm weather.

Happy birthday to you too Rav4lady. What happened on your Princess cruise? Although I can't see myself on Princess for a few more years.

Gapgirl- Yeah, I'm planning a solo cruise just not sure which one of the three I sort of have planned for 2011. Although I like the idea of doing the three cruises I have planned with friends and throw a last minute 4th cruise in there thats solo. Living here in Florida has its benies port wise.

At work today I was asked who I went on a cruise with. I said no on, went by myself. You should have seen the look I got. I said I have always wanted to go on one and finally made it happen and I'll do it again too. Think they were rather shocked but could see the plus side of it. Then said they think they'd get to bored. I advised you'll only get as bored as you allow yourself to, you meet so many people.

Thanks for that amazing review. I too will be taking my first solo cruise in 12 days in celebration of my 25th birthday. I'll be sailing with NCL. I sailed the Carnival Imagination 10 yrs ago and from what I can remember it was cool. Think I'm more of a Freestyler now though. :)

At work today I was asked who I went on a cruise with. I said no on, went by myself. You should have seen the look I got. I said I have always wanted to go on one and finally made it happen and I'll do it again too. Think they were rather shocked but could see the plus side of it. Then said they think they'd get to bored. I advised you'll only get as bored as you allow yourself to, you meet so many people.

When people ask me who I went with, I always say my 3 favorite people- me, myself, & I! I've had people tell me I'm crazy for taking trips solo. I tell them noooooo, I think YOU'RE the crazy one for sitting around, putting your life on hold and waiting for someone to travel with you! That always shuts them up real fast! lol :cool:

Thanks for that amazing review. I too will be taking my first solo cruise in 12 days in celebration of my 25th birthday. I'll be sailing with NCL. I sailed the Carnival Imagination 10 yrs ago and from what I can remember it was cool. Think I'm more of a Freestyler now though. :)

Happy birthday and have a great cruise! Be sure to tell us all about it when you return.

Thanks for that amazing review. I too will be taking my first solo cruise in 12 days in celebration of my 25th birthday. I'll be sailing with NCL. I sailed the Carnival Imagination 10 yrs ago and from what I can remember it was cool. Think I'm more of a Freestyler now though. :)

How was your first solo cruise hotchibonnie?

Thanks for the great review! It sounds like you had a good time. I was on the Imagination in September and had an AWESOME voyage. Are you thinking of taking another solo cruise in the near future?

At the moment am looking at going solo on my cruise in August. Although I'm planning on going solo am also looking to meet up with folks I met on that same cruise last August...so the date is still flexible. Can I still count that as solo? :-) Guess it really is as its just meeting up with folks I've met on a past cruise for round 2? :-)

Nice write up. The 4 day Imagination run was my first solo cruise as well. I really enjoyed it. Carnival seems to link other solos at dinner together as I pretty much had the same breakdown at my table. I found it all very easy to socialize if I anted to or just grab a book and relax by myself. I will be doing my third solo next month.

Thank you for the in-depth review. My upcoming cruise is my first, and it will be a solo. Seems to be something special about being able to enjoy your own cruise in your own terms. I can't wait to experience this feeling myself.

I'm wondering why you didn't go on the Inspiration right out of Tampa?

Nice job with the review! I've done solo trips on Carnival twice and had a good time each trip. Trying the NCL Epic (with a studio cabin) in April to celebrate my birthday.

I'm wondering why you didn't go on the Inspiration right out of Tampa?

At the time of booking I got the better pricing with ES out of Miami even with the drive and parking. Wanted to go back on that ship and hit key west again too.

Was a great trip and adventure.

Thank you for the in-depth review. My upcoming cruise is my first, and it will be a solo. Seems to be something special about being able to enjoy your own cruise in your own terms. I can't wait to experience this feeling myself.

Looks like your solo cruise is coming up. Please be sure to post your review and experience. Have a great time!!:)

Nice write up. The 4 day Imagination run was my first solo cruise as well. I really enjoyed it. Carnival seems to link other solos at dinner together as I pretty much had the same breakdown at my table. I found it all very easy to socialize if I anted to or just grab a book and relax by myself. I will be doing my third solo next month.

You got that right Tiggerman. How was your solo cruise that you went on in March or April?

I have not been on that Ship yet. If you have been on it twice, it must be pretty good. To be honest I can't remember the name of the ships that I have been on but I will start keeping up this year.

I realize it's been a while, but good choice! My first cruise, as a solo, was on the Imagination too. It was an awesome ship. I really liked the cruise, and any lonely moments I had were few and far between. Met some fun, interesting people that I hung out with on the ship and in ports.

Imagination is one of my favorite ships. If it didn't sail out Miami I'd most likely sail it more. :-)

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Wow, old thread. I actually just booked the Imagination again for a solo cruise in September. I found a great deal and figured I would take a few days to myself. This will be my second time on her solo. It has been a little over a year since my last solo cruise so I figured I would go for it.

Wow, old thread. I actually just booked the Imagination again for a solo cruise in September. I found a great deal and figured I would take a few days to myself. This will be my second time on her solo. It has been a little over a year since my last solo cruise so I figured I would go for it.

Excellent, you'll have a blast! Last minute and a few days away on a cruise solo is the best and your going back on the Imagination. Think the Imagination is one of my favorite Fantasy class ships.

Have a great trip!

Looks like your solo cruise is coming up. Please be sure to post your review and experience. Have a great time!!:)

Sorry, I didn't catch this post until now. My upcoming Disney Wonder cruise in October will also be a solo trip. I can post a quick review after this cruise if interested. Perhaps some on the solo boards may be curious, especially since DCL seems to cater strongly to families. I will tell you that my experience as a solo traveler on my first cruise was so enjoyable that all subsequent cruises, including those that are pending, were done (or being done) solo.

Sorry, I didn't catch this post until now. My upcoming Disney Wonder cruise in October will also be a solo trip. I can post a quick review after this cruise if interested. Perhaps some on the solo boards may be curious, especially since DCL seems to cater strongly to families. I will tell you that my experience as a solo traveler on my first cruise was so enjoyable that all subsequent cruises, including those that are pending, were done (or being done) solo.

That would be awesome if you would. Being a Disney cruise would make more interesting and how it went as a solo cruiser!

Thanks in advance.

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