Loved My First Solo Cruise!

[justkiya]

I'm just back from my first solo cruise - and I'm already plotting on when I can book my next one!! I had SOOOO much fun - spending time alone when I wanted to, and through the roll call, having people to hang out with if I wanted to - plus just meeting people through the excursions and events on the Spirit.

It was the BEST vacation I've ever been on, and I can't WAIT til my next one. *wrygrin* Even if I do have a partner by next year, I'll STILL want to go alone!

[missruby2011]

I'm going on my 1st cruise in 21 days and I'm going SOLO as well! I did feel a bit guilty at first, leaving my 8yo son behind, but I reminded him that we're a "Disney Team" and we had just returned from our last trip in December, so this was mom's time alone :)

 

SO EXCITED I COULD PUKE! Probably not appropriate for a 35yo to say out loud, but oh well!

 

 

I booked my first solo cruise in October - sailing on 29th April. My partner isn't interested in crusing and I've never been on holiday on my own before. Every now and again I remind myself what I've done and can't believe I've done it but I can't wait!! So excited I've checked in online already!

[GaNavy]

Love love LOVE solo cruising! I've been on 4, each of them different but all of them wonderful.

 

Now, I know some of you just aren't comfortable traveling without a companion, and that's cool with me - I enjoy traveling with others, too.

 

But if you're open to new experiences, enjoy doing things independently, just like to indulge yourself for its own sake, and understand the difference between "alone" and "lonely," I predict that you'll love solo cruising as much as I do. I have NEVER been lonely on a solo cruise - there are always things to do that will put you in the company of other travelers, who are almost always friendly and open to making friends (you can avoid the few who aren't with no difficulty). You never have to agree on anything with another person, never have to explain that you don't want to see that show or that no you're not spending too much time in the casino ;), and you'll have no competition for when you want to take that afternoon nap (which you will want to take, just because).

 

I always give two pieces of advice to those who might want to meet people but aren't sure how to go about it - they have always worked for me:

1. Go for fixed-time dining and ask for a big table - at least an 8-top. Maitre d's have gotten very good at seating singles together, often with a 'non-couple' couple (like two friends traveling together). I've had an absolute blast at these tables, have met people that I wound up hanging out with the whole cruise.

2. Take shore tours. Book through the cruise line, and you'll always have shipmates to go with. Maybe a little more expensive, but I've never really worried about that - part of the point is being on a tour where you can meet other passengers.

Just being on the same ship gives you something in common with everyone else. You may make a new friend for life, but even if you just meet some people who are fun to be around for the week of your cruise, that's fine, too.

 

I like to think of cruising as summer camp on the high seas - everyone relaxes, and there's a program, but mostly in meeting new people in a different environment, we all learn something about ourselves.

 

Happy cruising to all!

[watson61]

I went on my first solo cruise and first EVER cruise last November and had a blast! I chose the Norwegian Epic because of the single studios. The cabin was small but fine and the studio lounge was great, especially for meeting other solo travelers. As much as I loved the Epic, for my next cruise I want to try another line, for comparison if nothing else, and I also want a cabin with an ocean view or balcony. But I am now hooked on cruising! And I really can't imagine not going solo - I want to do what I want when I want.

 

Another reason I'd like to try another line is I want to try the assigned dining thing. I can definitely see how that could be really good for solo travelers, though I have heard stories about dud tables. Thanks to all the advice I've gotten on these boards, I know now to ask to be seated at a large table!

[sandisue]

GaNavy--you have the right idea! I love the advice and the reminder of no competition for "nap time"--funny, but that is one thing I never thought about. Kind of a luxury to think of being on your own to even have your own nap hour with no interruptions from a roomie! It's the little things! As a first time solo cruiser, what kind of daily expense can one usually expect to encounter? My sweet late DH and I usually spent about $100 a day (sometimes more, as he was big on buying the group a round!). I am a drink of the day kind of gal but usually do enjoy more than one drink of the day. I am really thinking I can make this work though on $50 to $75 per day as far as onboard refreshments are concerned--any feedback, anyone? Oh, and my plan is Carnival Elation out of NOLA--convenient drive for me and I really have enjoyed the line in the past.

[kmd]

My DH died far too early (age 57), and for a couple of years I didn't travel. Then I discovered that friends we'd made at a Caribbean resort years earlier were going on a Caribbean cruise, and since I can't seem to hang up my fins, I asked if they would mind if I joined them. They didn't, but I also made it clear that I knew it would be quite different from a previous cruise when all four of us dined together every night -- on this trip we dined together four times out of nine nights, and attended a few lectures together, and she and I snorkeled together on one shore excursion. We also kept in touch via the phone.

 

HAL's Noordam was, for the three of us, too big (even though it's only "mid-size"), and to be honest some things worked, and some didn't. I spent more time than I would have wished crying in my cabin. The solo "meet and greets" in the bar never seemed to involve anyone solo but me. On the other hand, I joined a trivia team, and found friends that way. I also met people on the shore excursions who were very nice.

 

Last year I opted for a Silversea cruise, and I'd recommend that cruise line to anyone like me. The other guests were very friendly, the mix is a more international one, with perhaps about 40% American, another 40% English and the rest a mix of Canadians and Europeans. My trivia team formed early and remained -- excepting for a few days when one couple or a solo had a shore excursion that precluded it. I'd recommend Silversea highly to solo travelers -- I'm departing on another Caribbean adventure with them next week and I know l'll have a good time! As another CC'er said, you really have to put yourself out there, and initiate conversations, if others don't. Most people are only too glad to be friendly and helpful.

 

Also, in the case of Silversea, if you're a solo woman look for cruises that feature gentemen hosts. If you're a widow, like me, you may find yourself dancing more than you ever did with your husband, and these men are true gentlemen. Just bear in mind that they are not "up for grabs!"

 

Thanks for this info!!! I am a widow also and am getting ready to take my first solo cruise on Silversea. I am very nervous about it but that has made me feel a whole lot better. Leaving on Monday - Barcelona to Istanbul!

[bobmal99]

Carnival lines actually will sit solo

travelers together, if you request it.

 

If you don't like the people the first night

you can always request a change.

 

Cruising solo is a great way to travel.

 

 

 

 

I went on my first solo cruise and first EVER cruise last November and had a blast! I chose the Norwegian Epic because of the single studios. The cabin was small but fine and the studio lounge was great, especially for meeting other solo travelers. As much as I loved the Epic, for my next cruise I want to try another line, for comparison if nothing else, and I also want a cabin with an ocean view or balcony. But I am now hooked on cruising! And I really can't imagine not going solo - I want to do what I want when I want.

 

Another reason I'd like to try another line is I want to try the assigned dining thing. I can definitely see how that could be really good for solo travelers, though I have heard stories about dud tables. Thanks to all the advice I've gotten on these boards, I know now to ask to be seated at a large table!

[Quilting_Cruiser]

It's so good to read all the positive comments about cruising solo. Just today I booked my first solo cruise for October of next year. DD will be off to college late September and I'm treating myself as a diversion from empty-nesting. :D We used to cruise as a family and then my ex and I split (divorce was final one year ago tomorrow) and he didn't really care for cruising anyway. :rolleyes: DD has been a great traveling companion, but I'm ready to go it alone. I travel for work and when it's international, I generally add on a few days and have had wonderful experiences doing that on my own. I'm not at all worried about traveling alone or being lonely or bored. My biggest concern is that I booked a studio on the NCL Epic and I've always had balcony cabins. I think I'll be fine though if I can find a peaceful place on deck.

 

I suspect this will be the first of many solo cruises! :D

[Scarletjazz]

Wow! You encourage others to do the same. It is great that you enjoyed yourself. Where exactly did you go? I've been contemplating doing the same. I'm single and normally would travel with my kids, well I want to start doing some grown folks trips, tee hee. I have traveled alone before, been to New Orleans twice solo and had a ball. Woo hoo. More power to you!