Solo traveller gathering

[kirsty_r]

Having just come back from NCL's EPIC I found my trip very pleasing, partly due to the daily solo traveller gathering.

 

Does this exist on other cruiselines, or even on other NCL ships?

 

I'm looking at future cruises, and wondering if its worth trying another ship, at the moment Breakaway has broken over my budget...

[Firemanbuff]

I was on NCL's Jade last year, and they had solo mixers every day, which were hit and miss. On our first sea day though they had a solo lunch, and that was lovely. I met some really nice companions.

I'm heading off on the NCL Sun in July and hope to find the same kind of thing.

 

April

[kirsty_r]

oooh, that does sound good. Maybe, I'll opt for a cheaper cruise and spend the savings on a trip upstate NY while i'm there. Our EPIC gathering was hit/miss too, but i was sailing on a half-capacity ship.

[ILoveScotland]

Does NCL sponsor these events? Do other cruise lines? If not, would it be appropriate to call the cruise line or maybe wait until on the cruise and ask the cruise director or perhaps someone in customer service if it could be done?

 

I am on a TA next fall, and we have a great roll call. I think there may be another solo cruiser on the roll call, but I'm the only one who posts often. The roll call group has some things planned for the sea days, but it might be nice to have a solos gathering of some kind, too.

[kirsty_r]

The EPIC one is in the freestyle daily as a daily event. Very well organised, they help organise activities and dinner and show reservations as a group. I really valued that meeting on my cruise and was just wondering if it was a fleet wide event, or just limited to the EPIC.

 

I'm just trying to find a quick answer, rather than asking NCL every little point.

 

I was also wondering if other cruiselines offered this, and didn't fancy phoning every cruiseline I'm considering sailing with.

[kitty9]

If you're talking about the solo lounge that's on Epic, that's the only ship that has such a thing. Other lines have solo get togethers, but I've never found one that was well attended. I've tried these things on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity and those get togethers are mostly duds.

[ILoveScotland]

If you're talking about the solo lounge that's on Epic, that's the only ship that has such a thing. Other lines have solo get togethers, but I've never found one that was well attended. I've tried these things on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity and those get togethers are mostly duds.

 

Are they duds because people are wanting to meet up shall we say, so they're prowling? Or, because not many people show up? Or, because the people who show up are overbearing, obnoxious, needy, uninteresting...take your pick or add something else?

 

I'm just curious, because a year ago I met a family just before I boarded the ship for a short cruise. One of the people was a man who was probably in his sixites. He could not believe that I was going on the cruise alone for the R&R only. I was surely looking for a man! Now, I'm an older woman so perhaps should have been flattered he thought I might find one, but I just wondered if that's still an image some people have of solo cruisers - and perhaps solo cruisers also have?

[lara_lox]

Are they duds because people are wanting to meet up shall we say, so they're prowling? Or, because not many people show up? Or, because the people who show up are overbearing, obnoxious, needy, uninteresting...take your pick or add something else?

 

I'm just curious, because a year ago I met a family just before I boarded the ship for a short cruise. One of the people was a man who was probably in his sixites. He could not believe that I was going on the cruise alone for the R&R only. I was surely looking for a man! Now, I'm an older woman so perhaps should have been flattered he thought I might find one, but I just wondered if that's still an image some people have of solo cruisers - and perhaps solo cruisers also have?

 

Well I went to the first solo gathering on NCL Jade on my last cruise, and it was the member of the crew who was hosting that seemed to be under that impression! I got a bit irritated actually, because I also was there just to relax and had not gone on a cruise to 'find myself a man' - which I tried to explain to no avail. He kept making comments like 'you don't need to come to these gatherings, your young, I'm sure you'll find yourself someone anyway' etc. It put me off going a bit and I skipped the rest of them. And all I'd hoped was to make some other solo traveler friends!

[Firemanbuff]

The solo mixers on the Jade were different from the Solo Lunch gathering. The lunch was arranged on the first sea day at the beginning of the cruise. A crew member meets the group and then escorts them for lunch, but leaves once everyone's settled.

 

The solo mixers were every evening and were more like a cocktail hour.

 

It's all open to interpretation. I am more comfortable meeting people for lunch than over drinks. People might perceive this as just wanting to get to know others, while an intimate cocktail setting may present another scenario to others.

[kitty9]

Are they duds because people are wanting to meet up shall we say, so they're prowling? Or, because not many people show up? Or, because the people who show up are overbearing, obnoxious, needy, uninteresting...take your pick or add something else?

 

I'm just curious, because a year ago I met a family just before I boarded the ship for a short cruise. One of the people was a man who was probably in his sixites. He could not believe that I was going on the cruise alone for the R&R only. I was surely looking for a man! Now, I'm an older woman so perhaps should have been flattered he thought I might find one, but I just wondered if that's still an image some people have of solo cruisers - and perhaps solo cruisers also have?

 

They were duds because no one shows up, and if there is someone there, it's usually only one or two. They're just not well attended. Even the one's on Celebrity, a line that welcomes solos, didn't have anyone show up.

[kirsty_r]

At least they happen - which answers my question. I might try a cheaper cruise ship.. probably an older NCL one, to see...

[xenagurl]

At least they happen - which answers my question. I might try a cheaper cruise ship.. probably an older NCL one, to see...

 

I'll be on the Star in a few days. It'll be with DH, but I'll let you know what I see in the Freestyle Daily regarding solo meets.

 

He could not believe that I was going on the cruise alone for the R&R only. I was surely looking for a man! ....but I just wondered if that's still an image some people have of solo cruisers - and perhaps solo cruisers also have?

 

I've encountered that as well, in fact it seemed that quite a few men thought that when I said I was married it was a lie just to get away from them.

It made me want to say very loudly:

I really am married, I really am traveling solo not single and I will not be sleeping with you or anyone else on this ship! ROFL

[kc320]

RCL list's solo event's in the cruise compass...but the few times I have tried going there was no one there...no staff members or cruisers...now I don't even bother...

[Quilting_Cruiser]

Well I went to the first solo gathering on NCL Jade on my last cruise, and it was the member of the crew who was hosting that seemed to be under that impression! I got a bit irritated actually, because I also was there just to relax and had not gone on a cruise to 'find myself a man' - which I tried to explain to no avail. He kept making comments like 'you don't need to come to these gatherings, your young, I'm sure you'll find yourself someone anyway' etc. It put me off going a bit and I skipped the rest of them. And all I'd hoped was to make some other solo traveler friends!

 

 

I have my first solo cruise booked for next fall and this is one of my concerns--really, it's my only concern. I'm not cruising solo because I'm looking for a partner, but I would enjoy meeting other solo cruisers and making new friends.

 

I believe Carnival lists them as "singles" get togethers which would likely make me not want to go. To me, the connotation is different between "single" and "solo."

 

I've been divorced for a year (was married for almost 18) and am looking forward to cruising more, and that means solo cruises since DD starts college next year. I keep reading about people being questioned about cruising solo and the crew "feeling sorry" for them. :rolleyes: I guess some people still think a woman who is alone is also lonely. Sigh.

[yellowbird23]

At least they happen - which answers my question. I might try a cheaper cruise ship.. probably an older NCL one, to see...

Look at the Spirit. That is probably my favorite ship. I met so many nice people on it, some married, some solo. What a wonderful cruise, that is, if you enjoy Mexico.

[thebooler]

Im cruising solo (and single!) On the Epic in July. Its my 1st cruise and I decided to give it a go due to the Freestyle concept, and the studio cabins. Ill hopefully meet other solo cruisers on the trip, and couldn't care less whether they're male or female, gay or lesbian, young or old, married or single, or anything else! Im hoping to find good friendly company and nothing more.

 

 

Mind you, if the opportunity for some hanky panky arises, I have to say I'd give it some consideration................:cool:

[kirsty_r]

Im cruising solo (and single!) On the Epic in July. Its my 1st cruise and I decided to give it a go due to the Freestyle concept, and the studio cabins. Ill hopefully meet other solo cruisers on the trip, and couldn't care less whether they're male or female, gay or lesbian, young or old, married or single, or anything else! Im hoping to find good friendly company and nothing more.

 

 

Mind you, if the opportunity for some hanky panky arises, I have to say I'd give it some consideration................:cool:

You won't have problems meeting on the EPIC... the solo travellers gatherings were usually well attended, and i tended to stick around with similar people i met on the first night... next time though I might try to hang out with the younger crowd at night (which were also at the gatherings!)... but i had a brilliant time chilling on the ship. Definately must try dancing the night away next time though!

[madcat444]

Well I went to the first solo gathering on NCL Jade on my last cruise, and it was the member of the crew who was hosting that seemed to be under that impression! I got a bit irritated actually, because I also was there just to relax and had not gone on a cruise to 'find myself a man' - which I tried to explain to no avail. He kept making comments like 'you don't need to come to these gatherings, your young, I'm sure you'll find yourself someone anyway' etc. It put me off going a bit and I skipped the rest of them. And all I'd hoped was to make some other solo traveler friends!

 

 

hehehe....do you remember which crew member it was? Like you, I was on the Jade and happened to end up at the first solo mixer and attendance was pitiful as only one person turned up, I say one as I and the person I was talking to at the time just happened to be there at that particular time :D. Didn't go any other nights but we met up with a guy there on his own too and had a great laugh with him. Going on Adventure of the Seas in two weeks and will give the solo thing a go if only just to meet up with similar younger aged people (might be difficult :eek:) to hang out with and maybe have dinner.

 

Enjoy Epic....hoping to try it at some point :)

[madcat444]

Im cruising solo (and single!) On the Epic in July. Its my 1st cruise and I decided to give it a go due to the Freestyle concept, and the studio cabins. Ill hopefully meet other solo cruisers on the trip, and couldn't care less whether they're male or female, gay or lesbian, young or old, married or single, or anything else! Im hoping to find good friendly company and nothing more.

 

 

Mind you, if the opportunity for some hanky panky arises, I have to say I'd give it some consideration................:cool:

 

 

*LOL*

That made me laugh.....if only for the fact it rings true for the most part with me!! hehehehe :D

 

Oh....i was a booling orphan!!! :p

[mavis2222]

Im going solo in Nov on the Glory. My problem is im not very outgoing and not a dancer type. I do like to sit and people watch. Im not the one to start conversations either. But if somebody came over and started one with me to get the ball rolling, then everything else is cool. Im also not a smoker, so sitting in those single meets/greets gatherings when everybody else starts smoking around me, then its time for me to walk out..

[kirsty_r]

Im going solo in Nov on the Glory. My problem is im not very outgoing and not a dancer type. I do like to sit and people watch. Im not the one to start conversations either. But if somebody came over and started one with me to get the ball rolling, then everything else is cool. Im also not a smoker, so sitting in those single meets/greets gatherings when everybody else starts smoking around me, then its time for me to walk out..

There wasn't smoking in the EPIC gathering... the gathering was in a non-smoking part of the ship. Majority of the people I seemed to meet didn't smoke either. I'm not very outgoing either, but still met people to eat and go to shows with.

[xenagurl]

Follow up: They did have regular solo meet ups on the Star I was going to stop by one just to get a feel of how well attended it was but forgot to do so. The crowd was a bit younger than on our Transatlantic voyage but mostly seemed to be traveling in groups and pairs. There did seem to be some "solos within groups" so I wouldn't be surprised if it was easy to find someone to do things with if one wanted to.

[tavmum]

I'm traveling solo on Epic on the 27th. Are the solo meeting groups in the studio area? I choose to get a balcony and not stay in the studio will I still be able to go to solo gatherings. I'm married with two kids, this was my mothers day gift. I'd love to meet new people but I'm not a single person :).

[xenagurl]

I'm traveling solo on Epic on the 27th. Are the solo meeting groups in the studio area? I choose to get a balcony and not stay in the studio will I still be able to go to solo gatherings. I'm married with two kids, this was my mothers day gift. I'd love to meet new people but I'm not a single person :).

 

Solo meetups are in The Studio everyday usually at 5:30. You can attend but your room key will not have access to the Studio Lounge area. You'll have to knock and have someone let you in. You'll definitely meet other solos and not just singles. I'm married and I took the TA a few weeks ago in a Studio cabin and went to some of the Solo meets. Different people sailing for different reasons but you'll definitely meet other interesting people from various walks of life to hang out (but not hookup) with.

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

tavmum ~ yes the solo meeting is in the Studio Lounge where they leave the door open for other solos at the posted time. I've been on Epic 3 times now & would suggest being there the 1st night when introductions are made. I'm a married senior woman who found some nice people to hang with during the week, some were in their 30's & were lots of fun. Epic is such a great ship & so solo friendly!:D

 

~ Jo ~ :)