FO for 30ish solo?

[Princess422]

Hello, I've posted on the solo cruising section, but as I haven't gotten any responses there, thought I'd try here:

 

I'm shopping around for my next cruise, and I just got my first brochure from FO today. I assumed this line would be out of my price range, but the prices for single cabins actually make it more economical than sticking with Princess (where I pay for two people) or a similar line.

 

My question was, how is Fred Olsen for solo cruisers? The very fact that they have single cabins seems to indicate that it's a good line for solos, but you never know.

 

My only other concern is the cost of "extras" (drinks, excursions) - is it significantly higher than other ships? I have spent most of the past five years living in NYC, so I am used to paying a bit above average for these things, but I'd like to know what to expect in terms of budgeting.

 

The main things I have picked up from these message boards are that the average age is usually pretty high and that it's not a "party ship" - I'm only 30, but that sounds great to me. The friendliest and most interesting people I have met cruising have been seniors, and I'd much rather sit in a cozy lounge with a good book and a glass of wine than go to a casino.

 

Which reminds me - one last question - do they have lectures onboard? I didn't see anything about lectures on the website. (I did see info on afternoon tea, though, which sounds wonderful!)

[simonpjd]

You will definitely be one of the youngest on board. And, depending on your destination, you could be youngest by a lot. And you just might be tooooo young.

But everything else you ask about would all be good news.

Drinks are very reasonable.

Food is excellent (formal seating not free)

Yes afternoon tea.

Lots of lectures - plus specific port lectures. We had a Titanic specialist and his talk was very good.

Would be interested to hear your decision.

[Dartmoordan]

You will be in the minority for age but we did have a few 30 somethings on our cruise to the caribean. Drinks prices were good abot £12-15 for a bottle of wine £2.50 small beer and fruit punch ,orange juice. Tea and coffee free unless you want speciality. They do have gentlemen hosts for dancing, we're in our 50's and loved it but we are a couple. How long are you thinking of doing? maybe try a week first rather than 2 weeks

[zoncom]

I looked up the line, saw photos that look like old retired CCL ships.I was on an older Brit ship many years ago with my parents. Dont do it.Our experience was awful. Spend some time learning the newer mass market ships that would be more suitable to your age group and interests. Pricing, itins and supply the best ever. Any Single Suplement comes on top of these newer low prices. Google Hosted Singles Cruises to find one of the many offered on many different lines.

[CRUISIN LINDA]

We have only been on the Braemar, but we loved it. Drinks very reasonable (as others have said) food wonderful, very friendly staff and passengers (smaller ship)

 

The trips are reasonably priced, we had a very interesting lecture on Concorde and there were all ages on board from babies, through teenagers to oldies.

 

Mostly Brits on board, but also a few Americans and other Europeans.

The ships may be older, but the Braemar is beautifully decorated. There is a social host and hostess. Also a member of the crew comes on trips in case there are any problems.

 

Go on give it a go! We loved it so much we have booked for the Caribbean next year:)

[Dartmoordan]

We have only been on the Braemar, but we loved it. Drinks very reasonable (as others have said) food wonderful, very friendly staff and passengers (smaller ship)

 

The trips are reasonably priced, we had a very interesting lecture on Concorde and there were all ages on board from babies, through teenagers to oldies.

 

Mostly Brits on board, but also a few Americans and other Europeans.

The ships may be older, but the Braemar is beautifully decorated. There is a social host and hostess. Also a member of the crew comes on trips in case there are any problems.

 

Go on give it a go! We loved it so much we have booked for the Caribbean next year:)

 

 

Totally agree we booked again on the ship, first time ever we wanted to go on the same shp:)