"Braving", "Pathetic", "Lonely" solo trips

[surfsidemary]

"When you travel with others, it's often hard to strike up conversations with strangers or to seek out new adventures because you are busy being preoccupied with your travel companion. Yuck!"

 

I find this to be so true, even in everyday life, as I am accustomed to living alone. I am not particularly outgoing, nor do I "need" to be with people all the time. But there's something about a lot of couples or groups of couples that they often don't mix outside the unit. It's somehow easier for me to strike up a conversation on the ship or on a shore excursion when I wish to.

 

However, I do not go to foreign places for the purpose of having long chats with other Americans while missing the local atmosphere. One blessing I have experienced as a solo traveler is that I often have the tour bus seat to myself because others boarding assume I am waiting for my "other half." On the other hand, I have socialized with some lovely couples who chose to temporarily adopt me, perhaps thinking I was "lonely, pathetic, or brave" until they realized how much I was enjoying my solo travels.

[dublell]

I'm going on my first cruise next summer with my daughter as a birthday present to me and graduation present for her. But looks like after that I'll probabaly become a solo cruiser for the most part. The daughter will start college and get a job and my husband told me yesterday that he has no desire to go on a cruise. He doesn't really like doing anything!

 

For me to cruise solo I really will have to "be brave". I'm not very outgoing and rarely strike up a conversation with someone I don't know. I don't mind being alone but don't want to be lonely either (I'm shy until I get to know you, does that make any sense?). But I want to cruise and I'm hoping that after a couple of solo cruises that I won't have to "be brave" anymore and that it will help me become more outgoing!!

 

If you find you like the NCL freestyle approach, I'd suggest you try one of the studios on the Epic for your first solo cruise. There are 108 of them (I think) and all of them are solo. There's a living room for solos to get together or just sit and relax during the day. In the early evening, there's a happy hour where people meet and often decide to go to dinner or shows together. And, believe me, you'll have no problem finding people to talk to. I'm shy also, but I had the opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted with others and as much as I wanted alone. I loved it and have scheduled my second Epic cruise for next month. I also have a couple of other solo cruises set for next year and one with family.

Enjoy your cruise with your daughter. Sounds like a great graduation/birthday gift.

[perkydebrajean]

If you find you like the NCL freestyle approach, I'd suggest you try one of the studios on the Epic for your first solo cruise. There are 108 of them (I think) and all of them are solo. There's a living room for solos to get together or just sit and relax during the day. In the early evening, there's a happy hour where people meet and often decide to go to dinner or shows together. And, believe me, you'll have no problem finding people to talk to. I'm shy also, but I had the opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted with others and as much as I wanted alone. I loved it and have scheduled my second Epic cruise for next month. I also have a couple of other solo cruises set for next year and one with family.

Enjoy your cruise with your daughter. Sounds like a great graduation/birthday gift.

 

I've been looking at the Studios on the Epic. That's what I was leaning towards. I'm glad that they have something in a solo cruisers price range. Hoping more cruise lines will do this. Though maybe someday I'll save up and get myself a balcony. We are on the Gem in June and looking forward to it.

[dublell]

I've been looking at the Studios on the Epic. That's what I was leaning towards. I'm glad that they have something in a solo cruisers price range. Hoping more cruise lines will do this. Though maybe someday I'll save up and get myself a balcony. We are on the Gem in June and looking forward to it.

 

I'll be on the Gem with my daughters and granddaughters in July. First time on the ship, but I really expect to love it because I've been on the Pearl and the Jade, which are supposed to be quite similar. I've done balconies with family members, but inside really meets my needs when I'm going solo, especially since I usually have to pay the single supplement.

[k9x8]

What a great thread. All my adult life, girlfriends - even my sister - have failed to understand the pleasure, the bliss, I derive from solitude. Others think I'm foolish to venture out without a man to protect me. :rolleyes:

 

DH and I work together seven days a week, fifty weeks a year, so we need the flexibility to spend time apart. We discovered on our very first cruise this year, the cool thing, as opposed to a land based trip, is it's the best of both worlds. We could each do our own thing, photography for him, sweet nothing for me. (OK- espresso or wine on the Lawn Deck.) Simply being on the sea, hearing the swish-swish of the water, cruising into or out of ports - I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

 

So, we have found the perfect balance with cruising. Remember, y'all are envied by many of us. A few days with my own cabin, a few days to indulge in abject laziness or exploration ... ahhhh. And, as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

 

One day I hope to join you. (A solo, not "singles" cruise would be great fun.) For now, it's one vacation a year, and, our 2012 cruise will be a nice combination of solitude and sharing our passion for all things ancient. If he wants to revisit Taormina while I kick around the waterfront in Messina and ponder the voyage of Ulysses, we'll both have great day.

[mariana31]

Hi all :)

 

This is such a great thread!!! In this last year, I have taken the opportunity to travel alone twice. Once was just a quick 2 night trip to downtown Chicago to test myself and see if I could do it, and later on, a bigger trip to Las Vegas. Before these trips, I had several coworkers give me crazy looks when I told them I was going solo. Many thought it was quite "pathetic" because I was no longer dating anyone, and figured I had no one to travel with. The truth is, it gave me a lot of confidence and helped me get over the broken heart. And the people I met on both trips always complimented me because it was "brave". To me it is a huge compliment, because, being the shy person I am, it took me out of my comfort zone. I have so many wonderful memories! And then I realized, heck, I have lived alone for several years, why not travel alone :)

 

So, I recently booked a Studio on the Epic. In February, I will be escaping the crazy cold weather and enjoying a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise! I am a bit nervous - for 2 reasons. First, I have never been on a cruise in my life. And second - this is the longest trip I have taken in about 14 years! But I am more excited than nervous ;)

[travelgip]

Hello - I just wanted to say that I'm glad you are all enjoying this thread. Seemed to me when I started it it was a bit of a vent/tongue-in-cheek comment about some people's reactions when they hear you are vacationing solo.

I love the whole "group solo cruise" idea - I would certainly go on that!

Well, enjoy this thread and keep it going!

:D

[CShelly]

Hello - I just wanted to say that I'm glad you are all enjoying this thread. Seemed to me when I started it it was a bit of a vent/tongue-in-cheek comment about some people's reactions when they hear you are vacationing solo.

I love the whole "group solo cruise" idea - I would certainly go on that!

Well, enjoy this thread and keep it going!

:D

 

And thanks for starting it! I, and I'm sure others, have gotten some good advice and encouragement here from travelnap and others and helped push me into my first solo last month. It was one of the best vacations I've ever had and the first since my husband passed. Now I have my second solo booked and so looking forward to it! Solo cruising is addictive!

[neonbear]

I picked the 6pm seating for a couple of reasons...mainly because on the Victory all but one of the big shows start at 9 with only one show per night and those eating at the 8:15 seating either had to rush through the meal or get there late and get a seat way in the back. Our table had such fun at dinner we never got out of there before 7:30 or 8:00! It may be different on the Liberty, I think maybe two shows per night or something? I'll check some Fun Times and see what the schedules look like.

)

 

On the Conquest they had two shows. The first one was for the late seating dinner, you'd go to the show then eat, and the second for the early seating. I actually hadn't seen that before. But it seemed like an interesting idea. Truth be told though, I have yet to go to a show on a cruise ship!

 

Christine

[CShelly]

. Truth be told though, I have yet to go to a show on a cruise ship!

 

Christine

 

My mindset was since I was paying double for the cabin I was going to get my full money's worth so I let them entertain me to the hilt. I went to everything! lol

 

Seriously I loved the shows and the parties and got a boatload (pun intended) of fun out of them.:)

[CRUZER2012]

Someone posted that they look at the total price for the stateroom they want and see if they want to pay it. The idea is to ignore the 'double occupancy' idea. Just look at the total price, There are financial and marketing reasons why 'double occupancy' will remain for sometime to come. So, just check the price and double it. If you are lucky, there may sometimes be a slight discount from 200% to only 160%-190%. Cruising is still a great vacation and a bargain at that. Just think how great it is to have your own stateroom, a real treat!

 

 

Now, on double tipping because of traveling solo. I never thought of that. As a solo traveler, my invisible traveling companion asks for nothing, eats nothing, and orders nothing from any of the lounges. This companion has no shipboard account and no cash, so he gives nothing, I keep the full auto tipping on my shipboard account and give additional for exceptional and/or extra special care. So, I do not understand why I would be concerned about double tipping.

 

 

 

 

Bon Voyage!

[judyzoo]

It never occurred to me to double tip. As I now think about it, the only person I can think of who might be entitled to more would be the cabin steward -- but quite frankly, he had a lot less work to do than if sloppy DH had been traveling with me.

[HowardK]

If you find you like the NCL freestyle approach, I'd suggest you try one of the studios on the Epic for your first solo cruise. There are 108 of them (I think) and all of them are solo. There's a living room for solos to get together or just sit and relax during the day. In the early evening, there's a happy hour where people meet and often decide to go to dinner or shows together. And, believe me, you'll have no problem finding people to talk to. I'm shy also, but I had the opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted with others and as much as I wanted alone. I loved it and have scheduled my second Epic cruise for next month. I also have a couple of other solo cruises set for next year and one with family.

Enjoy your cruise with your daughter. Sounds like a great graduation/birthday gift.

 

I can vouch for this- just did it 12/17-12/24 and it worked. It was very stress free in terms of finding people to talk to, plus the entertainment was wonderful. If I do another solo cruise, although I am considering the Breakaway I might go back to the Epic

[Scrapnana]

perkydebrajean wrote "I'm not very outgoing and rarely strike up a conversation with someone I don't know. I don't mind being alone but don't want to be lonely either (I'm shy until I get to know you, does that make any sense?)."

 

That makes perfect sense to me because I am exactly the same way. When I say I'm shy to someone who has known me for ages they don't believe me -- they have forgotten how shy I really am. I too have difficulty starting a conversation with someone I don't know but somehow this is easier when you are traveling. There always seems to be something you can talk about - where you are visiting, the food you are served, the entertainment, etc, etc, etc.

 

Not having someone who wants to go where I want, when I want is certainly not going to keep me at home!

[annabel2275]

hi howard,

 

i've just made a reservation on epic for january 21st sailing. i've booked a balcony but am travelling alone. can i visit the studio lounge? or is a special key card required as with suite lounges? with free style dining is it still possible to ask to be seated in dinging room at large table with other solo travellers?

 

annabel

[crusinpsychRN]

Some people are so shy they never go out in public alone let alone on a vacation by themselves.

 

Not Me!

[FEMH]

I told several family members about my upcoming solo cruise in a few weeks. The overwhelming comment was how "brave" I was. I told them I'd have to be brave to cruise with them, but going solo was a breeze. That shut them up good!

[Cruising-Solo]

As promised a couple of weeks ago on this thread, I would come back and post my solo cruise review here(it has not been ok'd yet by the Cruisecritic.com staff - so this is the first showing of it on this site)

Single and Solo Review of my 12-25-11 to 1/1/12 Carnival Pride Cruise out of Baltimore to ‘Florida and the Bahamas’:

 

I would like to set the tone from the outset of this review that I was very happy with my cruise on the 12-25-11 to 1/1/12 Carnival Pride out of Baltimore to ‘Florida and the Bahamas’. It was the most relaxing and fun vacation I have had in years. Carnival spoiled me, and I would cruise with them again. However, just so you know, this was my very first cruise and I have nothing to compare it with. I cruised solo, so my perspective may be quite different from most who have cruised before. This review may help those who have never been on the Carnival Pride, or those who have never cruised, or for someone thinking about cruising solo for the first time. And another FYI: my review is a long read, with in a ship log style, so if you do not have time to read all of it, that would be completely understandable. Caveats out of the way, here we go………………

 

It was one of my all-time favorite vacations. Easy drive there, easy embankment, nice state-room, balcony, great service by most of the staff, wonderful entertainment, relaxing serenity deck, plenty of food, and most of all a grand comfortable ship. It is a great product in a great location for me. I have shared my photos and videos with friends, coworkers and family, and have recommended the Carnival Pride for their next vacation. I cannot wait until I am aboard again!

 

Here are just three questions from the online ‘Carnival Exit Survey’ I was emailed to take after I got home, along with my answers to them:

 

Did anything happen during your cruise that surprised you in a negative way?

I did not like the poorly organized Nassau Excursions on the pier. I did not like the David's Steak House service on New Year's Eve - the waitress could not speak English very well, and it was very difficult to communicate with her. I Did not like the Pizza Cafe, as there was no one there to take my order, and when he finally showed up, there were too many kids butting in line. The TV in room was old and hard to see. My bed was too hard and made my back stiff in the mornings. The ‘Singles Meet and Greets’ were poorly organized and poorly attended.

 

Did anything happen during your cruise that surprised you in a positive way?

Housekeeping staff was excellent, especially Angel on Deck 8. I really liked the Adult Only Serenity Deck, just need to try preventing ‘all’ kids off of it at ‘all’ times. I really enjoyed my balcony, but did not like the one side that had spaces big enough for those on the balcony next to mine to see into my room. The Taj Mahal Shows were very entertaining, as well as most of the comedians. The Normandie Restaurant staff was excellent, especially Edwardo(sp?) who told me he had been with Carnival for nearly 15 years, and was very professional and friendly.

 

Would you like to recognize members of the Carnival team who went out of their way to make your experience special?

Angel – My Room Steward on 8th deck – he was always around and ready to please. Eduardo(sp?) my usual server in Normandie - he was a true professional who was very friendly and always made me feel comfortable dinning alone. Eric - Assistant Entertainment Director - funny and organized. The Waitress in Ivory Lounge - competent and very friendly. Jennifer the Karaoke Lady - who was very friendly and organized. Casino Helper guy who assisted me with cashing out my winnings. All of the Library Internet Helpers.

 

With all of that said, below is my personal daily ship log (with likes and dislikes) in chronological order.

 

Port of Baltimore Carnival Pride Cruise Line Terminal:

1ST Day Sunday Christmas 12-25-11:

I left my house around 10:45 am and drove down I-95 from Wilmington, DE, arriving at the Baltimore, MD Port around Noon (about 1 hour-15 minutes). There was some holiday traffic, but it moved well, as many just passed me while I drove most of the way in the far right slow lane. The exit (#55) to the port off I-95 was the first right after the Baltimore Tunnel. I took the first left at the first light, but I must warn you that there is no sign at the light for the Port. Once in the Port Parking Lot I moved swiftly to the double car lanes to drop off checked luggage, but had to wait about twenty minutes behind 10-15 cars in front of me. Once past luggage drop off, I chose the cash parking line as there was no one in front me there. However, the credit card choice to park had about 15 cars and a long wait from what I could tell. I found a good parking spot near the middle and made my way into the terminal, through the security line(snuck in booze with no problem), and then waited in a long line that moved quickly for check in. Once I was parked, it took about 30 minutes to make it onto the ship. It was quite fast considering all the people in front of me. Once on the ship (after a long up hill gangway) about 1:00pm, I followed the line of people in front of me into the Normandie Dinning room on the same level (Deck 3). It was almost like they shoed us into it. I ate a nice lunch (Pasta) with several others at a long table near a big window. I went to the Library after lunch to purchase my Internet Time (4 hours – of which I only used about 2.5 hours the entire cruise). About 3:00pm I went to my state room (8168) to see if it was ready. They were in the room finishing it up. My big luggage bag was outside my room, and was carried in by my Steward (Angel). He spoke great English and was very friendly and helpful throughout the entire cruise. I saw him almost everyday, sometimes two or three times a day on my floor. My safe did not work, so he called for help and a maintenance guy had it fixed in about an hour. That was the only problem I had with the room the entire time. The shower was plenty big and the water plenty hot. Everything worked well, but the TV was old and hard to see with my middle aged eyes. The extended balcony was everything I thought it would be and I got plenty of use out of it, just relaxing on it and taking great pictures coming into and out of port of calls. The room was plenty big for just one person, and should also be for two people. I would not want to be in it with any kids though. The bed was a bit hard for me, but the pillows were big and puffy. I took a short nap, unpacked and went to a nice dinner in the main dinning Normandie Restaurant, seated by alone at one of those small tables for two along the upper level center rail. After Dinner I went to the 6:00pm show in the Taj Mahal Theatre. Cannot remember which one it was, but they were all good. Afterward, I went to the Ivory Piano Bar and sang along with Roger the Piano Man, who was very good, but had to laugh a few times at his Asian accent singing Elton John songs, and other such soft rock artists’ pop tunes. Most people sitting at the bar and in the lounge sang along with him as well. So, it was fun. After that I attended the late Adult comedy show, and sat and drank with two single ladies. We laughed a lot at Eric the Assistant Cruise Director, but I must warn you, he is by far the raunchiest of all the comedians (5 in total I believe). I finished up in the casino with a nightcap and won some money on the slots (came out ahead for the entire cruise on both slots and poker). I met some young fellows at the casino from Canada, and another one in the U.S. Army on leave. I bedded down around 2:30am exhausted from a long, but unique, Christmas Day.

 

Carnival Pride State Room 8168

2nd Day Monday 12-26-11:

Woke up around 10:30am, ate a continental breakfast (I ordered it from a menu card that I hang on my door knob each night) received from room service earlier in the morning (bagels are small and danish is dry, but the rest is great, especially the fresh fruit). I showered, and then checked my sign and sail account on the TV. Put away the rest of my packed items. Sat on my extended balcony for awhile, then went to lunch (Spaghetti with meatballs – very good) around 12:30pm in the Normandie restaurant, and sat with 3 couples (we all talked about our first night on board, none of which did what I did). I then explored every level of the ship and took photos of each deck. I laid out on the Lido Deck Serenity Pool area (about 68 degrees outside and a little windy). About 4:00pm I went down to my room and took a one hour power nap. I woke up and showered again before dressing up in my suit for the first ‘Formal’ night in the Normandie restaurant. I was seated alone again around 6:45pm, and eat a wonderful meal of crab-cake and prime rib (asked for a second crab cake and received it). Ordered the famous Chocolate Melting Cake for desert and it is everything it is billed to be, and then some. I went back to my room after dinner and changed out of my suit and tie and into a collared pull-over, and slacks. I attended the late Vroom Show in the Taj Mahal, and it was the best of all the shows, imho. I went to the Singles Meet and Greet at the Atrium Bar – what a waste of time. There were about eight people there, and it broke up about a half hour later. I was asked by one woman to go dancing in the Beauties Dance Club, but responded to her that I do not dance much, and off she went without a chance for me to offer an alternative option. Maybe I should have followed her – oh well, there were other opportunities to come that were much better ;-) I then went to the Starry Nights Lounge for Karaoke, and was pleasantly surprised by all the talented guest on the ship who could actually hold a tune. Finished up the night in the casino where I lost at Poker, but won at the slots to finish ahead for the night. I was in bed by 1:30am or so. My state-room (8168) was right under the Lido Deck Stage, so I had to use ear plugs some nights due to the loud thumping and chair dragging right above my bed. Not a big problem though, as long as you have ear plugs.

 

 

Carnival Pride Atrium Lobby:

 

3rd Day Tuesday 12-27-11:

I got out of bed around 9:30am. I checked my sail and sign card account, then sat on the balcony and ate the continental breakfast I received earlier that morning via room service. The outside temperature was already 72 degrees. I starting writing this log on the balcony, but did not finish it until a few days after the cruise ended. I went down to Guest Services to clear up a discrepancy I found on my S&S card account(they fixed it quickly), and then went to the library to check email. I ate lunch on the Lido deck Deli around 12:30pm (Had the Grilled Ham & Cheese – it had not been not heated up long enough, but was edible). I laid out on the Serenity Deck by the pool until around 2pm, then went over to the Apollo Pool to watch the hairy chest contest( It was kind of funny, but tacky as expected, and of course the wrong guy won, imho). I went down to the Taj Mahal around 4:00pm and watched the Wedding Game (very entertaining and funny). I went to the Photo Gallery and purchased three of the photos taken of me by Carnival; the main portrait they take during embankment, and from the first two dinners, including the formal ($11.50 each). I took a quick nap on my balcony, then down to the 7:00pm Juggler show in the Taj Mahal. It was one of the America’s Got Talent Contestants last season, and he was very good, not to mention hilarious). I went to the Internet Café for a short check on email (was expecting something important in my inbox). Had a quick dinner in Normandie around 8:45pm (Fried Chicken and Mash Potatoes – not very good). I went to the Butterfly Lounge to see the 9:45pm Adult Comedian Show (a middle aged comedian who looked, and sounded, like Dice Clay (he was very funny). Ended the night at the Perfect Game Sports Bar watching an NBA game, and won $40 on the bar top virtual poker game. I was in bed and asleep by midnight.

 

 

4th Day Wednesday 12-28-12:

I woke up at 6:00am to the ‘room service guy’ knocking at my door, and eat the continental breakfast before going down to the deck 3 gangway for the 8:30am Port Canaveral Excursion to the Kennedy Space Center (very organized and interesting tour, but a lot of walking). I especially liked seeing the Hubble 3D IMAX movie). Had lunch at one of the park’s cafeterias and was back on ship around 4:00pm). I went to my room and sat on my balcony as it was such a nice day out, and took photos of the port and was able to zoom in on the Kennedy Space Center with my camera. My balcony was a nice way to rest my weary feet after a lot of walking that day. I took another shower and went to my 6:00pm reservation at David’s Steak House. I ordered the spinach salad, which was really good, and then had the surf and turf (4oz of tender filet, and two succulent lobster tails). I had two glasses of fine Cabernet Sauvignon to wash it all down with. The only alcohol I had that night. And I finished with the biggest slice of cheese cake I have ever been served that I could only eat about half of. David’s Steak House is a must on the Pride. It is at the top of the ship with large windows overlooking the ocean. The service that night was impeccable, but no so on the last night, as I will explain later. I went to the Taj Mahal for the 7:30pm Trivia Competition Show (guessing songs on a few notes). It was very entertaining. I met a nice woman there and we teamed up to come in nearly last place, but it was a blast. We stuck around for the Liars Club Show (really just a knock off of the old truth or consequences TV game show). That was not as entertaining, but we stuck it out through the end. I went back to my room early, watched a pay per view movie and was asleep by 11:30pm, only to be awakened just after midnight to loud thumping coming from above me. Apparently there was a midnight rock it out party on the lido deck stage that lasted until 3am. I put in a pair of ear plugs that allowed me to drown out the late night revelers. In addition to the thumping there was some chair dragging above my room on the lido deck at all hours during the entire cruise, but it didn’t bother me too much. If you are on the 8th deck (Panoramic), make sure you bring ear plugs to sleep.

Carnival Pride Taj Mahal Show Theater:

 

5th Day Thursday 12-29-12:

I got up around 7:30am to the knock on the door by room service bringing my daily continental breakfast. I showered and packed a small backpack for the ‘Nassau Bus Tour and Beach’ Excursion. I left the ship earlier than I needed to, as I set my clock to Atlantic Time thinking Nassau was on it, but I was informed later they were still on Eastern Time. So, I was the first one off the ship, as I walked up the long dock, then up the long pier to the terminal. Once I realized my ship excursion tour guide was no where to be found, I walked all the way back to the ship to find several tour guides now just outside of the gangway with signs directing a thousand or so shipmates to each respective excursion. It was chaos, but eventually they put it all together and walked us in different lines to the terminal and to our respective busses. After that bad experience, my tour and beach day were great. My Nassau Tour was informative, and the beach was nice. However, be warned that the guide will ask for tips when you depart the bus at the beach, and then again later at the terminal at final drop off. The Poop Deck Restaurant next to the beach had good ‘Conch Chowder’ and sandwiches for lunch. They dropped us off at the terminal around 3:30pm, and I walked over to the Green Turtle Sports Bar about a block away to watch the Notre Dame Bowl Game. I drank there with some Locals until about 9pm when they reminded me I had to be back to the ship before 9:30pm. I walked very quickly back to the ship in beachwear and flip flops, making it back just in time before the ship set sail again. I changed out of my beachwear and into my nightly garb and went to the Ivory Bar for another sing-along with Roger the Asian Piano Man. I left there after another great sing-along with a packed lounge, and went to the Butterfly Lounge for the team competition. I teamed up with a woman a little older than me, and a married couple in the 30s sitting near me. At one point the women had to take their bras off under their shirts and the men had to take off our shirts and wear their bras onto the stage. There were several bare chested men with bras all lined up on the stage competing for the grand prize. Some middle aged Asian fellow won the competition (a bottle of Champaign) by doing some pretty crazy acts on stage. It was a lot of wild drunken fun that night. Stayed at Butterflies for the Karaoke All-Stars singing with the Ship Band at Midnight, but only stayed a little while due to the sudden realization I had not had any dinner yet, so I stumbled back to my state-room for a very late supper via room service. I fell asleep around 1:30am after a very long day and night.

 

Me in Nassau Port:

6th Day Friday 12/30/12:

I woke up early again for some reason. The bright sunrise blasted into my room around 7:00am and my balcony was calling me to watch it with a cup of tea. Room service arrived about an hour later, which I ate on the balcony while we pulled into Freeport. I showered and was off the ship around 10:00am. I did not have an excursion purchased for Freeport, so I just walked around the dockside straw market and took some photos. I went back to the Library to check email around noon. The Mermaid Grille Buffet lines were too long again, so I ate a late lunch on the lido deck Deli again (Reuben and slaw), then a quick swim in the Poseidon Pool. I laid out on the Serenity Adult Deck until about 2pm., before heading back to my balcony, as we left port around 3pm. It was so sunny and warm that day that the photos and videos of leaving port came out phenomenal. It was the most relaxing afternoon of the cruise; while sitting on my balcony watching us leave port and making our way back out to sea again for the long trip back to Baltimore. I went to an early dinner at Normandie(Tilapia – overcooked), and that deliciously famous chocolate melting cake with two ice creams this time, and a cappuccino as I was not drinking after last night’s Nassau Drunkfest! Went to the Taj Mahal Theatre at 8:30pm to see the Jazzin Show, and although not as good as the Vroom Show, it was very entertaining, with some very good dancing. I went to the 9:45pm Adult Comedy show and met a couple of single ladies, as we watched what I thought were two only moderately funny comedians, with an hour break in between them. The last comedian was announced as being on the Oprah Winfrey Show. I was back in my room late and fell asleep around 3am.

 

7th Day Saturday 12/31/11:

I was out of bed around 9:30am. I ate some leftovers in my fridge from a previous room service(s) for breakfast, as I forgot to fill out the breakfast card last night. I reviewed the debarkation handout and watched the TV version as well, then showered and went down to the Library to check email again. I went up to the Lido Deck Apollo Pool as there were very few kids up there for some reason, and laid out there until about 1:30pm. I tried getting a late lunch in Mermaids Grille, but only the Pizza Café was open. I stood in line for a few minutes before a bunch of kids came running up to the counter and butted in line again, so I went back to my room and ordered room service (Cornbeef on Rye and Chips, with some assorted chocolate chip cookies – yummy). I sat on my balcony for an hour or so. I went down to the casino to cash out my winnings around 3:30pm, and then I purchased the Voyage DVD at the Photo Shop. I went to the FAIRWELL Party (free drinks – and they were ‘not’ watered down) in the Taj Mahal and sat with the two single ladies I met the night before. The three of us then went to the Starry Night lounge for Karaoke until about 8:00pm. I went back to my room to pack and leave my checked luggage outside my room, and to change into more formal wear to rejoin the two ladies at David’s Steak House for dinner for a 9:15pm reservation (the service was very bad this time there as the waitress could not speak English well – but the food was superb – had the excellent spinach salad again, and a 14oz New York Strip I could not finish, even with no desert). After Dinner I went up to the Lido Deck Stage for the New Years Celebration, and back to my room not too long after to get a good night’s rest before debarkation the next morning.

Carnival Pride at Port:

 

8th Day Sunday New Years Day 01/01/12:

The alarm went off early at 6:30am. I got up with another well deserved hangover, took a long hot shower, got into whatever clothes I had left over, and went down to the Normandie Restaurant for my first hot breakfast of the cruise. I came back up to the room and packed my carry-on bag, and was out of the room by 8:45am and down to one of the debarkation waiting areas(I chose the Taj Mahal as it had a big movie screen with ESPN providing highlights of the bowl games). My Zone 7 was called earlier than scheduled (around 11am), and I walked to the gangway, down it in a long but quick line, through customs very quickly, and found my checked bag quickly, and rolled it out to my vehicle in the parking lot; all in less than an hour. I was on the road before noon, but I would be remiss if I did not warn you about the poor signage for I-95 northbound drivers. The left hand turn you need to make does not have a sign posted to instruct you to do so at the traffic light. Just know when you come upon the first traffic light to turn left to make your way to the I-95 North entrance ramp. It’s almost like a u-turn headed back the terminal. The drive home was as easy as the drive down, making it from Terminal to Home in about and hour and fifteen minutes. If you live within driving distance of the Baltimore Port, it is a no-brainer to book a cruise out of it on the Carnival Pride. I may try Royal Caribbean (RCL) out of Baltimore next, to compare the two. I don’t know though, as it will be hard to beat the PRIDE!

 

 

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[crusinpsychRN]

There's a review on Canrival, not sure which ship. A poster said something about her being brave. I posted solos don't like being called brave and to check out this thread.

 

Only for about 2 minutes was I unsure if I would like cruising solo. I've had a blast every time since I started going solo!

[SeveNx7]

I've travelled alone to lots of places, Internationally even.

People slow me down and in a way i love meeting new people and sometimes traveling with someone inhibits that. A lot of people have given me the "Brave" and "ins't that depressing?" line.

No way, People have trouble keeping up with me ;)

[gebo]

My last solo I took your reccommended book about Gertrude Bell. A facinating read that gave me a lot of new info! Thanks, GB

[april47]

The only thing pathetic about cruising alone is paying double. I don't eat twice as much.:mad:

[devans00]

As a first time cruiser & lifetime solo, this thread is very enlightening & empowering. I've always been an introvert and loner so it was never a question of whether I'd cruise alone or not. I didn't realize others went through such hand wringing about it.

 

This thread encourages me to get out my comfort zone and interact with other passengers. I could be perfectly content to take all my meals in my cabin or hang-out in the library. Now, I know to ask for the single/solo dining area and look for others who are traveling alone.

 

I still have anxiety about tipping and eating in the dining area by myself but I'll make it work somehow.

 

By the way, why does the cruise industry make a distinction between single & solo? What's the difference?

[LandlockedCruiser01]

I just went on a cruise solo, and had ZERO problems associated with it. Not one person ever gave me those "how brave of you" comments. A few people complimented me on my choice, although most said something in the line of "cool, man, hope you enjoy it". (Then again, I'm male, late 20's; the reaction could have been different if my demographic were different.) I ended up meeting new people, hanging out with them, and having a great time.

 

The dining area in the buffet wasn't a problem; I'd sit down at a smallest free table I could find, make it look occupied (chair hog-style), and just not worry about it. I'm not less of a person because I'm traveling solo, and hey, I still need to eat. Quite the opposite, it's very humanizing not to have to cross-check your schedule against someone else's. MDR dining was easier even in this case; I had an assigned table with the same tablemates each day.

 

The difference between single and solo is this. "Single" has romantic connotations; it means you're open to a romantic encounter with someone you meet on the ship. You may or may not have come with a friend. "Solo" simply means it's just you traveling. You may have a spouse or a serious boyfriend/girlfriend at home, but you came to that ship by youself. Oftentimes, they're used interchangeably, but this is the distinction Cruise Critic seems to make.

[OldTurtle]

when I was 23 (a thousand years ago) I got invited on a "hippy bus" with 40 people going overland from Istanbul to India. I got invited because I could speak enough Turkish to say "We want the eggs and grapes". So I got to travel all that way (and BACK; I was the only one who went round trip other than the crew) for $50. Had an indescribably amazing time and never felt "sorry for myself". I am one of my own best friends. Now I have one dear old buddy with whom I like to cruise (going on 58 night Volendam in September), but generally couldn't find another person I would rather share with than my buddy or alone. You can't be lonely if you are busy looking at other faces! Enjoy your cruises with whomever you find yourself with.