Awkward Solo Moments

[lareefun]

I travel solo most of the time. I just booked my 19 and 20th cruises and cannot wait to sail away again. People ask me if I am scared to travel alone or why can't I get someone to travel with me. I tell them I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want and do not have to "get permission" to do something fun. If I did not travel alone I would stay at home and do nothing, except probably collect cats... I have 2 already...:)

[Thoth]

Only male at the table :eek: how did that go ?

It was ~different~ for sure. :rolleyes: Our discussions were candid and to the point, at times TOO much candidness and to the point. One of the "gentlemen" was a genuine misanthrope who explained why he disliked me just about every night and tried to embarrass me.

Of course that just made me enjoy getting under his skin that much more. :D

There was also a medical doctor the table who reassured me that this misanthropic guy was in bad health and would be dead soon enough. :eek:

We had another gent who left after night one (perhaps offended by a taboo topic) , and then another who told us frankly that he had no desire to keep in touch.

Beyond that it went real well :)

[Thoth]

I travel solo most of the time. I just booked my 19 and 20th cruises and cannot wait to sail away again. People ask me if I am scared to travel alone or why can't I get someone to travel with me. I tell them I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want and do not have to "get permission" to do something fun. If I did not travel alone I would stay at home and do nothing, except probably collect cats... I have 2 already...:)

People are willing to go with me, paying their own way is a different story.

[Thoth]

It can be fun. Last Nov. I was on the Elation out of New Orleans and on the second evening before dinner (at the Casino Bar) I met a couple of women my age who were cruising together. When she found out I was cruising solo she invited me to join them at their table which had an empty seat. I was not happy with my first night seating (two elderly widows) so I gladly accepted. When we arrived at the table she announced with her Southern accent "I found us a man!" It turned out to be a table with 7 women (5 50ish friends and two 30ish daughters- I am 60) I was intimidated at first but within minutes was having a great time. I joined them for dinner for the remainder of the cruise.

 

 

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Way to stand up for the male gender. ;)

I've been at tables with all women and I too survived and learned a pointer or two about shopping.

[wildweston]

It was ~different~ for sure. :rolleyes: Our discussions were candid and to the point, at times TOO much candidness and to the point. One of the "gentlemen" was a genuine misanthrope who explained why he disliked me just about every night and tried to embarrass me.

Of course that just made me enjoy getting under his skin that much more. :D

There was also a medical doctor the table who reassured me that this misanthropic guy was in bad health and would be dead soon enough. :eek:

We had another gent who left after night one (perhaps offended by a taboo topic) , and then another who told us frankly that he had no desire to keep in touch.

Beyond that it went real well :)

 

Wow I bet you needed a drink after you left that table each night !

[Thoth]

Wow I bet you needed a drink after you left that table each night !

No I just attempted to laugh it off :D

I do however still suffer lingering guilt over accidentally touching the guy's fries though :eek:

Edited March 2, 2014 by Thoth

[GUEST080219]

no help needed for ~THAT :o nope ! I can do this all by myself :eek:

Once I did get to that point and I was all alone which was frightening, being the day before I was to fly home. This was not seasickness but a migraine headache which cleared up and I felt fine the next day flying home.

 

I have had a very hurtful feet injury while being on a solo vacation in singapore and that was no fun as I could not walk one step without sharp pain. Those are situations when travelling alone where it makes a difference if you have family members or friends with you. Same when you need to visit an ambulance abroad. All those concerns regarding health and safety when travelling alone are very valid IMHO.

[Thoth]

I have had a very hurtful feet injury while being on a solo vacation in singapore and that was no fun as I could not walk one step without sharp pain. Those are situations when travelling alone where it makes a difference if you have family members or friends with you. Same when you need to visit an ambulance abroad. All those concerns regarding health and safety when travelling alone are very valid IMHO.

That is always a concern for sure. My parents will travel with me on land trips, next month is to London. They don't do cruise ships though ! :(

This is likely for the best anyway since I get a little too silly for their taste. ( singing & dancing )

[qe2mourner]

I have to agree that the health thing is the biggest worry. I've only ever cruised solo, and generally love it. But a couple of years back, whilst on a crusie I developed sciatica. I'd figured out what was wrong, and had paracetamol/ibuprofen, but they weren't really cutting it. But I didn't really want to go see the ship's doctor in case he decided to play it safe and put me ashore for scans etc somewhere I would be stranded on my own not speaking the language. So I struggled (limped!) on through the holiday, taking it as easy as possible, skipping trips etc. On the final morning, in quite literally took me 30 minutes to lever myself into an upright position. Of course, I was then in S'ham, with all my luggage, my car, and a long drive back home. And I didn't entirely fancy leaving all my posh frocks/jewelry/camera in a S'ham hospital carpark, so I decided to try to make it home. Well...I made it home, but ended up an inpatient in my local hospital for a week, offsick for months, and still not right.

 

The moral of the story? Don't let travelling solo stop you getting medical help!

[Thoth]

I have to agree that the health thing is the biggest worry. I've only ever cruised solo, and generally love it. But a couple of years back, whilst on a crusie I developed sciatica. I'd figured out what was wrong, and had paracetamol/ibuprofen, but they weren't really cutting it. But I didn't really want to go see the ship's doctor in case he decided to play it safe and put me ashore for scans etc somewhere I would be stranded on my own not speaking the language. So I struggled (limped!) on through the holiday, taking it as easy as possible, skipping trips etc. On the final morning, in quite literally took me 30 minutes to lever myself into an upright position. Of course, I was then in S'ham, with all my luggage, my car, and a long drive back home. And I didn't entirely fancy leaving all my posh frocks/jewelry/camera in a S'ham hospital carpark, so I decided to try to make it home. Well...I made it home, but ended up an inpatient in my local hospital for a week, offsick for months, and still not right.

 

The moral of the story? Don't let travelling solo stop you getting medical help!

pain on a cruise-ship is not good :o

[Bazzi]

Took me many years to work that one out

 

Add to that - living in a way according to my own morals, standing and behavioral mannerisms then I am happy

 

Ie. I try not to be offensive, but I don't run my life around an impossibility of life

 

Smile when all else around is dim and everyone will wonder what you are up to:)

Greg

 

 

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I've really enjoyed your posts on this thread and noticed that you are sailing on Rhapsody of the Seas on 8 April - looking forward to meeting you onboard.

[ceejaykay]

I can't wait to take my first solo cruise (9 days from now) and come back with a funny story or two.

 

I have solo traveled on numerous land trips but never bothered by other travelers. A few bartenders or bellmen have been a little nosey, but nothing that rose to the level of these stories.

 

At least now I'll have some good comebacks.

[Thoth]

I can't wait to take my first solo cruise (9 days from now) and come back with a funny story or two.

 

I have solo traveled on numerous land trips but never bothered by other travelers. A few bartenders or bellmen have been a little nosey, but nothing that rose to the level of these stories.

 

At least now I'll have some good comebacks.

enjoy that first solo cruise. ;)

 

Who knows ...you might actually MAKE your own funny story.

[GotThatCruisingFeeling]

Just found this thread. So nice to hear good and bad situations and responses. I've cruised over 30 times, first with husband, now sometimes with sister, and sometimes solo. Since I'm retired and mobility challenged (use a big red rollator), I guess I don't fit the profile for "rum runner", as I have not experienced any odd customs officials. However, my passport picture shows me with glasses (before cataract surgery) and with brown hair (now white since I no longer color it)!

 

Since my husband left me 10 years ago for a younger woman, I'm going to use the "If only" response, if anyone asks where he is. (Although at my age, people probably assume I'm a widow.)

 

My first solo was in 2006. I booked a week before sailing. (Had been working very hard for several months, and realized I could take a week off.) First night in the MDR, I was at an 8-top with adult children and teen-aged grandchildren, while grandparents were at a nieghboring 4-top. My reaction was "I have to move". However, it was June and the ship was full of family groups, so I stuck it out. It was great. They sort of adopted me as an aunt. I taught the teenage boys that they could order more than one entree!

 

Also on that cruise, at the show one evening the comedian asked if anyone lived alone. (I usually sit on the front row, so I can 'park' my walker in front of me.) He asked how the singles liked that. I said "beats being with my husband and his girlfriend". He did a nice double take, and later said he would incorporate that into his routine.

 

My second solo was in 2007 (group of 40+ from local AAA, none of whom I knew). Like other posters, was seated at an 8-top with 3 couples and a solo guy (who had some speaking difficulties) all of whom were part of the AAA group. I felt like those posters who have been seated with non-English speakers. Also, I was not happy that people might think he and I were together.

 

Third and fourth solo cruises were in 2012, since my sister was taking her younger grandson on an Alaska cruise. Did 7-day Bermuda cruise in the spring and found friendly, welcoming fellow cruisers. Was on two trivia teams (one for regular, one for progressive), and both teams managed to win lots of ship's logo stuff. Dining was fixed seating in MDR with two couples and a solo woman (who cruised without her husband, since one of them had to stay home with the dogs).

 

Did 14-day Canada-NE cruise in the fall, and also found friendly cruisers. Dining was 'anytime' since that was all that was available when I booked. I do NOT want to eat alone on a cruise, since I do that all the time at home. (To paraphrase, I cruise to eat AND to socialize.) First night was fine (a rectangular 10-top). Second night, was taken to the 9th seat of an already seated 8-top (and I'm full-figured). :mad: Ended up at solo at a 2-top. However, I like a waiter who knows my preferences. So, I made friends with the hostess, arrived early (about 5:30), and got the same table (same rectangular 10-top as 1st night) for the rest of the cruise. Thus, I had the same waiter, but a variety of dining companions (almost all couples, and the same couples several times).

 

Now, I'm booked solo on another 14-day Canada-NE in Sep 2014, with my local AAA (group of 50-60 so far, none of whom I know). My main worry is that I'll be seated with other group members and may not like that! (and won't be able to change). Sometimes it is better NOT to be part of a group! (However, I picked the group sailing because it includes bus service to the pier.)

 

Keep up all the good posts!

[SandraDJ]

I love travelling solo. On a big ship, you can be alone if you want to, or not if you don't want to!

 

I like to join in with activities, so that helps. I'm also happy to find a quiet place on deck to read by myself.

 

The only thing that I wasn't happy about was being on NCL Jade. Most of the time I met up with others to go to the dining room. On the occasions that I went alone, I had to sit on my own in the dining room. I always took my kindle with me, so I didn't have to sit staring into space! I found Cunard and RCI better in that respect.

[42CruiseCrazy]

I love travelling solo. On a big ship, you can be alone if you want to, or not if you don't want to!

 

 

 

I like to join in with activities, so that helps. I'm also happy to find a quiet place on deck to read by myself.

 

 

 

The only thing that I wasn't happy about was being on NCL Jade. Most of the time I met up with others to go to the dining room. On the occasions that I went alone, I had to sit on my own in the dining room. I always took my kindle with me, so I didn't have to sit staring into space! I found Cunard and RCI better in that respect.

 

 

Why did you have to be alone in the MDR? I have not been on NCL but on Carnival, Costa, Princess and Celebrity the Anytime Dining host would seat me at a larger table if I asked unless there wasn't one available (but that rarely happened)

 

 

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[SandraDJ]

Why did you have to be alone in the MDR? I have not been on NCL but on Carnival, Costa, Princess and Celebrity the Anytime Dining host would seat me at a larger table if I asked unless there wasn't one available (but that rarely happened)

 

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I said that I was happy to share a table, but was told that was not the system on NCL. It has put me off of cruising with NCL again.

[GaryT-UK]

I travelled on Norwegian Star in 2011 and was seated at mixed tables several times, although I also chose to eat on my own a couple of times too. I just took the best option at the time, but it was never an issue. Maybe they have changed their policy, but I've not seen that on other ships either.

 

 

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[westcoasttech]

I travelled on Norwegian Star in 2011 and was seated at mixed tables several times, although I also chose to eat on my own a couple of times too. I just took the best option at the time, but it was never an issue. Maybe they have changed their policy, but I've not seen that on other ships either.

 

 

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In my experience, it depends a lot on the hostess doing the seating arrangements at the front of the restaurant, and whether they want to have to ask the people coming in behind you if they want to share. I've actually heard some cruisers (not just on NCL) give a very rude reply to the hostess when asked if they are willing to share, so I guess sometimes they just don't want to ask the question. On one voyage I learnt to recognize which hostess would simply tell me there was no sharing available, and which hostess would go out of her way to ensure that a solo was not left "stranded".

[katke]

I was on the NCL Sun last year, and when I would go into the MDR, they would ask if I wanted to sit allow or with others. I always sit alone, with my Nook, and love it. I always join a M & G so that I'm at least familiar with someone on the ship. Things get so busy at home and work, it's wonderful not to have anyone to worry about but yourself!

[42CruiseCrazy]

Since NCL (I believe) doesn't have Traditional dining in the MDR they should reserve a large table for solo cruisers and offer to seat the solo there if he/she does not wish to eat alone. I choose traditional dining usually but I sometimes need to switch tables if I get seated with people I don't click with.

 

 

 

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[jamessemaj]

My experience with NCL is that shared tables have very very low priority and get lost in the shuffle. It wouldn't be difficult to arrange shared tables, and they do make a weak effort to do so, but they just don't care about it.

[GUEST080219]

NCL would do shared tables if there is a demand. From my experience especially for dinner there are just not enough people coming to the same MDR in the same time frame to make it work. I got asked a few times but now I already ask them after greeting for a table by myself and never got asked again to share. Love it.

 

If you want to avoid it go to the solo travellers meeting, that should be every afternoon, to form a group before going to the MDR.

[SandraDJ]

If you want to avoid it go to the solo travellers meeting, that should be every afternoon, to form a group before going to the MDR.

 

I went to the first solo travellers meeting, and a few of us went in to dinner together. After that a small number of us agreed to meet in the bar at 6.30 to go into the dining room together.

 

I sometimes went to lunch on my own, depending on activities, and had one evening meal alone as I had got back from sightseeing in Istanbul late.

 

I am still put off of travelling with NCL again. My experience with RCI is that they fill tables as people go into the dining room.

[shepherdqueen]

I am sailing solo for the very first time on NCL. On our roll call, some of us solos are meeting for dinner the first night. I am sailing in a studio, so we also have a solo gathering to meet others.

 

BTW I am happily married but my DH can't get off from work and I need a break from this tough winter. I am mobility challenged (cane) and fluffy, so I hope I can make some friends and not be ostracized. My main goal is to relax. Years ago I have traveled solo on business, but this will be my first solo vacation.

Edited March 26, 2014 by shepherdqueen