Your Best Things and Biggest Challenges of Solo Cruising?

[JFB2]

Glad I found this thread. I just booked a Thanksgiving cruise from NYC on the NCL Jewel to the Bahamas. Solo. My friends and co-workers are raining on my parade by giving me weird looks when I answer their obvious question: "Who are you going with?" No one! And I couldn't be happier!

 

This will be my first cruise solo, but I have taken other (and shorter) vacations alone. It's good to see that there are other people out there who do this and who don't think it's weird.

 

I'm sure that there will be "lonely times" as some of you have said, but I figure I'll hit a bar/lounge for a drink (which is what I do when I'm not on a cruise) and find people to chat with.

 

What's good about cruising alone? Actually cruising. I have been trying to get friends to do something fun (a cruise or resort or something) for years and this is completely out of the realm of reality for them. So, continuing to wait for them to commit is time spent not cruising!

 

Cons to cruising alone? Nothing that could possibly outweigh the Pros.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Glad I found this thread. I just booked a Thanksgiving cruise from NYC on the NCL Jewel to the Bahamas. Solo. My friends and co-workers are raining on my parade by giving me weird looks when I answer their obvious question: "Who are you going with?" No one! And I couldn't be happier!

 

This will be my first cruise solo, but I have taken other (and shorter) vacations alone. It's good to see that there are other people out there who do this and who don't think it's weird.

 

I'm sure that there will be "lonely times" as some of you have said, but I figure I'll hit a bar/lounge for a drink (which is what I do when I'm not on a cruise) and find people to chat with.

 

What's good about cruising alone? Actually cruising. I have been trying to get friends to do something fun (a cruise or resort or something) for years and this is completely out of the realm of reality for them. So, continuing to wait for them to commit is time spent not cruising!

 

Cons to cruising alone? Nothing that could possibly outweigh the Pros.

 

Congratulations!! You're going to have a blast, my first solo was so much fun, when I got back I knew I'd go on another, when I went on that 2nd solo this past July it completely confirmed I liked solo cruising better than group cruising.

 

I'll begin my third solo cruise in 6 days for 9 nights and can't wait! I'll be doing a live cruise report during this solo cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

[hktrav]

Just back from my first Solo cruise had a fabulous time - I agree with JFB2 the most difficult part was the weird looks from others when the ask "Who are you going with?"

[dancinman66]

for me travelling solo has very few negatives due to my being able to still have company when I want and be alone when I want

[JeffKoz]

This has been a great thread and I thank everyone who has contributed. I am going on my first solo cruise the 19th...I am both extremely nervous and excited at the same time. My wife and I cruised together a lot so I am somewhat apprehensive on some things...

 

I, like some others here, am an introvert and somewhat shy. But I love cruising and cannot live without out...I have already booked a specialty restaurant because I love the food, but will feel a bit self conscious when I am sitting there without something to eat in front of me :D

 

Overcoming my shyness will be next to impossible at 53 years old...but I will fend off some of the awkwardness in my comfort zone - the casino. I have also book the royal dolphin swim/manatee interaction for myself. I figure if I pay for it in advance, I will get myself out there :)

 

Only those that are a bit shy can related to how it feels...I sometimes envy you extroverts - but am happy with who I am...

 

I can find no better vacation than a cruise...so my first solo comes next week and I will follow up here. The xmas cruise my wife has decided to go with me (we have been separated about a year), but the xmas 2013 I booked is a solo as well...and if all goes well I imagine booking one for my birthday in March :D

[Duck Creek]

Just did my 6th solo last week (and lots of solo land travel)

The pros are: it is all about me:D

The cons: losing my table at the buffet:(

 

One night I ate at the specialty restaurant and it was great. Lovely meal in nice calm surroundings.

I always think look at all the people missing out on great holidays and experiences because they are too afraid to travel solo. They are the ones missing out!

[JeffKoz]

Got home yesterday from my first solo cruise. I always judge how something went by my desire to repeat it - well, I opted for the NextCruise program while on board to get an OBC on my next trip :)

 

I had a great time, with only a couple of times feeling a bit awkward - nothing to cause any stress though. I opted for Chops on the first night and had a great meal with great service. My Time dining thye sat me at a two-seat table that looked at over the water. They had several couple tables next to each other and I felt no awkwardness. In fact I had good conversations with the table next to me.

 

No problems in the buffet as I made sure to let the wait staff know I would be returning after getting more food. They made sure I was not cleared - by staff or people. I usually went to the buffet close to opening, so there was not massive crowds and I avoided it during peak times on sea days (which I did when I was not a solo cruiser as well).

 

I did not make it into Cayman as the tendering process was painfully slow due to water being rough. I finally gave up waiting in line and opted to spend the day on the pool deck. My only real problem came with the excursion in Cozumel...I got stressed about it so I did not go and spent a nice day shopping in Cozumel and then enjoying some beers at Senor Frogs.

 

All in all, it was a great time. The casino is my usual haunt and all the dealers knew me by name - maybe next time I will win too.

 

Back to the same ship in about 3 weeks for xmas cruise, with my ex joining me. And back to searching itineraries and deals for my next solo - probably around my birthday in March (sucks having your birthday when the spring break rates kick in)....

 

For those who are a bit shy, like me, and are on the fence about a solo cruise -- Just Do It...I am glad I did

[bottomfeeder]

 

For those who are a bit shy, like me, and are on the fence about a solo cruise -- Just Do It...I am glad I did

 

Thanks for the encouragement! I have my first solo cruise coming up later this week and I'm a tad stressed about it...but very hopeful that I'll enjoy it. I tend to be a bit shy and I'm WAY on the introverted end of the scale--which I guess means that if I don't have much company during the cruise I will still likely have fun!

 

I will for sure report back on how it went.

 

Glad you enjoyed your solo cruise! :)

[MrFunInTheSun]

Thanks for the encouragement! I have my first solo cruise coming up later this week and I'm a tad stressed about it...but very hopeful that I'll enjoy it. I tend to be a bit shy and I'm WAY on the introverted end of the scale--which I guess means that if I don't have much company during the cruise I will still likely have fun!

 

I will for sure report back on how it went.

 

Glad you enjoyed your solo cruise! :)

 

You'll have a blast!! My last solo that lasted 9 days and just got back from a week ago was by far the best solo trip I've been.

 

For the most part your around like minded people who are cruising to relax, enjoy cruising and travel, and just nice people in general. So it's very easy to say hi or have some type of conversation because for the most part everyone is in a good mood because they are on vacation. Please be sure to come back and tell us about your great cruise adventures!

 

Happy cruising!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Got home yesterday from my first solo cruise. I always judge how something went by my desire to repeat it - well, I opted for the NextCruise program while on board to get an OBC on my next trip :)

 

I had a great time, with only a couple of times feeling a bit awkward - nothing to cause any stress though. I opted for Chops on the first night and had a great meal with great service. My Time dining thye sat me at a two-seat table that looked at over the water. They had several couple tables next to each other and I felt no awkwardness. In fact I had good conversations with the table next to me.

 

No problems in the buffet as I made sure to let the wait staff know I would be returning after getting more food. They made sure I was not cleared - by staff or people. I usually went to the buffet close to opening, so there was not massive crowds and I avoided it during peak times on sea days (which I did when I was not a solo cruiser as well).

 

I did not make it into Cayman as the tendering process was painfully slow due to water being rough. I finally gave up waiting in line and opted to spend the day on the pool deck. My only real problem came with the excursion in Cozumel...I got stressed about it so I did not go and spent a nice day shopping in Cozumel and then enjoying some beers at Senor Frogs.

 

All in all, it was a great time. The casino is my usual haunt and all the dealers knew me by name - maybe next time I will win too.

 

Back to the same ship in about 3 weeks for xmas cruise, with my ex joining me. And back to searching itineraries and deals for my next solo - probably around my birthday in March (sucks having your birthday when the spring break rates kick in)....

 

For those who are a bit shy, like me, and are on the fence about a solo cruise -- Just Do It...I am glad I did

 

Welcome back! That's awesome that your cruise met your expectations and then some!!! Welcome to your new addiction and many more cruise adventures!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

[JeffKoz]

Thanks for the encouragement! I have my first solo cruise coming up later this week and I'm a tad stressed about it...but very hopeful that I'll enjoy it. I tend to be a bit shy and I'm WAY on the introverted end of the scale--which I guess means that if I don't have much company during the cruise I will still likely have fun!

 

I will for sure report back on how it went.

 

Glad you enjoyed your solo cruise! :)

 

You sound like me on the introvert scale...I had some major anxiety but pushed forward and after boarding all was great. I enjoy cruising so much and my comfort level with cruise vacations over took all the anxiety pretty quick.

 

You will have a great time...get out there :D

[thescot123]

Have been on several solo cruises before and get always get nervous right up to the day of the cruise. This soon disappears as soon as I board the ship and get unpacked in the room. For me, I usually will attend the CC Meet and Greets as this is an excellent place to meet people, share shore excursions ideas and even find people to share taxis.

 

I am also introvert but will chat to people. My biggest fear is eating in the MDR so I tend to opt for the buffets which provides me with plenty of food to eat. Did do the adult game show called Quest and my last cruise. It was a blast and got me out of my comfort zone.

 

The great thing about going solo is you can do what you want and at your own time schedule. I love to wander around the ship throughout the day taking in the sights and sounds.

[JeffKoz]

The MDR can be rather intimidating for people like us...I was fortunate to have a nice table and a great waiter. I would probably not handle a table with others for the week, even though I can be a good chatter. I did chat with some people in the hot tub, the dining room and such - and I seemed to find myself in positions to share all my cruise knowledge with the newbies. It was kind of fun actually to share tips and ideas with them.

 

I am a "people watcher" and can sit and just watch the goings on and find amusement in a lot of it. One good thing about solo cruising is the ability to do that whenever I wanted...and not be prodded to go somewhere or do something if I did not want to :)

[squirrel65]

I would like to thank everyone for sharing their experiences- I am taking my first solo in Feb ( have only sailed as a single mom with kids and now I am an empty nester) I was aprehensive at first when I booked about dining but after reading this thread I really appreciate the insight.

 

Thanks to everyone!

 

Shirley

[crusinpsychRN]

I was apprehensive for my first solo--who will I be seated with, talk to etc. Had a great time and have been on several since.

 

Have to admit I've never been shy at all about anything. I love to talk to people. Met a great bunch on my last roll call and one of the ladies planned an outing for us in Roatan. When we got to talking I found out she had lived on the street behind me until a few years ago! Once a lady grew up on my street in Miami. This happens to me all the time.

 

I like doing what I want when I want. Changed plans last trip from cave tubing to a city tour as the water was too cold. Didn't have to convince anyone else.

[atonal1]

Taking my second solo cruise in two months and what bothers me most is specialty dining. After reading this thread, I'm OK going at it alone.

 

But, has anyone made reservations for one and then had the opportunity to eat with someone you met on the cruise? Is it possible to change the reservation?

[calliopecruiser]

But, has anyone made reservations for one and then had the opportunity to eat with someone you met on the cruise? Is it possible to change the reservation?

 

As was pointed out to me, seating for 2 doesn't take a larger table than seating for 1, so I suspect it wouldn't be difficult to change the reservation and have someone join you at the table. It's not as if you're changing to a larger table (that they might not have available). I haven't been through that, but I did make specialty reservations for 1 on my upcoming cruise and had the same question.

[arhillbilly]

Best things:

* I can do whatever I want, and only whatever I want. No need to resign myself to not getting to do something just because my travel companion is dead-set against it.

* Psychological factor of completely breaking away from my "land persona". You start with a 100% clean slate, rather than feeling compelled to act the way your travel companion might expect you to act.

* A sense of pride that you're going against a social norm of having a travel compantion, at least a norm outside the cruise community.

* Getting to choose how much social interaction you get at any given moment.

* Feeling more motivated to go out and meet new people, due to knowing that there is no "safety net" of the person you came with.

 

Challenges:

* Awkwardness of eating alone in the Lido buffet, in the MDR when using non-assigned dining, and in specialty restaurants.

* Not having a readily available dance partner when going to dance lessons, nightclubs, bars, etc. (excluding Latin dances, where dancing with anyone you feel comfortable with is somewhat customary)

* Needing to constantly ask fellow passengers or crew members to take a picture of you.

* Difficulty of putting on sunblock on your upper back, unless you use a spray.

* Just having those lonely moments once in a while.

 

But in the end, the good outweighs the bad. I cruised solo once before, and I will be cruising solo again.

 

 

I had to laugh about the breaking away from my "land persona" I am the same way. You are expected to act a certain way "in real life" however, on a cruise I sometimes don't act the same way. It's hard to explain but I feel "free" on a cruise and while I would never do anything dangerous, I prob would (and have) done things "out of character" for me

 

I also agree that not having someone to dance with is a big drawback...and I LOVE to dance.

 

As far as eating in the MDR, I ALWAYS ask for a "sharing table". I also will go to the MDR at lunch on embarkation day and hopefully will have a good waiter...if so, I will ask for that waiter's section at dinner every night. Have made several new friends with the waiters that way. Even had one that remembered me from Aug one year to April the following year...after 63,000 passengers had passed thu the ship....not only did he remember me...he remembered the cruise I had been on....

 

I ALWAYS book excursions thu the cruise line going solo...unless I have already "gotten in" with a group of people from Cruise Critic.

 

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the roll call on here for each sailing. I will even look at it before booking a cruise to see how active it is. Have made LIFELONG friends having first met on the roll call before cruising.

 

Getting ready to go on my 8 solo cruise (my 5th just since April) and have 3 more booked this year. All on my favorite cruise line...Norwegian

[crusinpsychRN]

The luggage thing is tough doing self disembark. Think I need fatter suitcase so I don't have 2 cases and a rolling carrying on and beach bag. I just can't seem to go with less. Only 2 or 3 pairs of shoes including the ones I'm wearing, mix and match evening clothes, shorts, tshirts. Maybe I can reduce the stuff in the over the door thingie.

 

Lois, the people who invited me to go with them and then didn't show up are well known on the Carnival boards. I couldn't believe it!

[ThursdaysChild]

lol, I hadn't thought about that. I live alone, so have mostly dresses that slip over the head. But every once in a while, there's the once that makes you do the convoluted "trying to be an octopus" dance, and ending up hooking an unfolded wire hanger into the zipper hook and yanking!

 

If I know that's going to be a problem, unless I've made friends with a woman from the RollCall who can zip me up,I ask my stateroom attendant if he can ask a female attendant to stop by and give me a hand. And I give her a nice tip for her help.:)

[ThursdaysChild]

Not a solo cruiser (have traveled on business solo many times ... but that's different).

 

We do meet and make friends with quite a few solo cruisers at bars/lounges on every cruise which makes me interested in this thread.

 

Almost all seem happy and content to cruising alone at this point in their lives.

The one thing that bothers them most is going to Speciality restaurants which they'll sometimes do BUT always have to eat alone. They can eat alone at restaurants anytime they wish at home but enjoy the company of others for dinner on cruise ships.

 

Just wondering if any of you Solos have this Speciality restaurant problem and how you solve is? :confused:

 

LuLu

 

I did two cruises on Celebrity that were not AQ, and rather than dining in the Main Dining Room (which I don't care for due to noise, banquet quality food, and overcrowding), chose specialty dining each night. Half the time I ran into new cruise friends that either asked to join me or asked me to join them, and the rest of the time I dined solo which was fine with me. Three times over the 13 nights of the 2 cruises I had organized group (RollCall) dinner, and my last night on my last Summit cruise I organized a group of 6 new friends to join me at Normandie for dinner. We had a wonderful time over the three hours. :)

[ThursdaysChild]

Taking my second solo cruise in two months and what bothers me most is specialty dining. After reading this thread, I'm OK going at it alone.

 

But, has anyone made reservations for one and then had the opportunity to eat with someone you met on the cruise? Is it possible to change the reservation?

 

Yes, I do this all the time. Particularly at Normandie on Summit, which I recommend you try. Think about it: just as easy to seat 2-4 at the table for 4 as it is to seat 1 at the same table.

[ThursdaysChild]

The luggage thing is tough doing self disembark. Think I need fatter suitcase so I don't have 2 cases and a rolling carrying on and beach bag. I just can't seem to go with less. Only 2 or 3 pairs of shoes including the ones I'm wearing, mix and match evening clothes, shorts, tshirts. Maybe I can reduce the stuff in the over the door thingie.

 

Lois, the people who invited me to go with them and then didn't show up are well known on the Carnival boards. I couldn't believe it!

 

PsychRN, I had a similar situation as yours on the Silhouette 2 night pre-inaugural out of Cape Liberty last November. I met a group of 3 couples, one of which I'd been chatting with on the RollCall, at the first evening's sailaway party, and we ended up having dinner together night one in the MDR. (Even though we were in AQ, for this "special" sailing we were all put in MDR night 1, and then Blu for a special celebrity chefs dinner night 2. We all got on like gangbusters, and I didn't feel like a 5th wheel.

 

After dinner night one we went to the show together, and after talked about how fun it would be, but also how difficult, to get a table for the 7 of us in Blu the next night. Because the wonderful Jovel was the maitre d' in Blu, and I knew him from earlier cruises, I volunteered to organize it. I went to Jovel early the next afternoon, set it up, said thank you with a small but appropriate token of my appreciation for his efforts, and let the one couple that I knew from the RollCall know (in person) we were set for the late seating (they had two seatings at Blu for this special event).

 

I met many other lovely people that day, several of whom invited me to dine with them, but I demurred, saying I had aleady made plans. As I hurried into Blu to meet the group for dinner, I see them walking out!!!:eek:

I asked where they were headed and they said they had decided to have dinner at the earlier seating, and were sure I wouldn't have any problem finding someone else to have dinner with. I was appalled at the rudeness, but thought that if they were that ignorant they really weren't the type I wanted to associate with. However, I did hurry in and apologize profusely to Jovel, who was holding a large table for me. And ironically enough, the two top at which Jovel seated me was right next to a couple with whom I was having drinks at the Martini Bar minutes before.

 

Still, that floored me. More than a year later, I still think of it and shake my head, especially when I see the one couple..the wife really...who posts frequently on the Celebrity Board.

[Lois R]

PsychRN, I had a similar situation as yours on the Silhouette 2 night pre-inaugural out of Cape Liberty last November. I met a group of 3 couples, one of which I'd been chatting with on the RollCall, at the first evening's sailaway party, and we ended up having dinner together night one in the MDR. (Even though we were in AQ, for this "special" sailing we were all put in MDR night 1, and then Blu for a special celebrity chefs dinner night 2. We all got on like gangbusters, and I didn't feel like a 5th wheel.

 

After dinner night one we went to the show together, and after talked about how fun it would be, but also how difficult, to get a table for the 7 of us in Blu the next night. Because the wonderful Jovel was the maitre d' in Blu, and I knew him from earlier cruises, I volunteered to organize it. I went to Jovel early the next afternoon, set it up, said thank you with a small but appropriate token of my appreciation for his efforts, and let the one couple that I knew from the RollCall know (in person) we were set for the late seating (they had two seatings at Blu for this special event).

 

I met many other lovely people that day, several of whom invited me to dine with them, but I demurred, saying I had aleady made plans. As I hurried into Blu to meet the group for dinner, I see them walking out!!!:eek:

I asked where they were headed and they said they had decided to have dinner at the earlier seating, and were sure I wouldn't have any problem finding someone else to have dinner with. I was appalled at the rudeness, but thought that if they were that ignorant they really weren't the type I wanted to associate with. However, I did hurry in and apologize profusely to Jovel, who was holding a large table for me. And ironically enough, the two top at which Jovel seated me was right next to a couple with whom I was having drinks at the Martini Bar minutes before.

 

Still, that floored me. More than a year later, I still think of it and shake my head, especially when I see the one couple..the wife really...who posts frequently on the Celebrity Board.

 

Sorry you had that experience:(....makes you wonder about people

sometimes. Some have no manners at all and they don't seem to

care either:eek:

 

I sail solo on Celebrity all the time and will be going on Silhouette

in April:). I booked AQ this trip and hoping my dinners work out

nicely:D. I am going to the Lawn Club Grille with some folks on the

roll call and that should be fun. The other nights? Many of my

cruisemates are also in Aqua Class and so far, a few of us will be

dining in Blu together. Looking forward to it:)

[ThursdaysChild]

Sorry you had that experience:(....makes you wonder about people

sometimes. Some have no manners at all and they don't seem to

care either:eek:

 

I sail solo on Celebrity all the time and will be going on Silhouette

in April:). I booked AQ this trip and hoping my dinners work out

nicely:D. I am going to the Lawn Club Grille with some folks on the

roll call and that should be fun. The other nights? Many of my

cruisemates are also in Aqua Class and so far, a few of us will be

dining in Blu together. Looking forward to it:)

 

Lois, I'm on the Silhouette on May 11 so take good care of her for me. Are you on the TA? Also, enjoy Blu...I wonder who is/will be Maitre d' there for our cruises?