Awkward Solo Moments

[travelnap]

I think you will be fine, as I have met quite a few Europeans sailing on NCL. I would join the roll call for your cruise if you haven't already, and that will give you a base of people that you will know on the ship. If you are sailing in one of the studios they have a dedicated lounge for the solos so you will be able to meet some new friends there as well. I have found the passenger mix on NCL to be very friendly so I think you will be fine. I usually keep running into people that I met at the roll call on excursions and around the ship, so that does help you feel more at home. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your trip.

[ChiGal1962]

One of the pleasures of traveling is meeting people from all different parts of the world. And cruisers overall seem to be very open and friendly, in general. I'm sure you will find plenty of folks who would love the opportunity to chat with you!

[Thoie]

I just booked my first solo cruise. I will be on the Norwegian Epic, so they are used to solo travelers.

 

I'm Swiss, so my native language is Swiss-German. I do speak some English and I was fine on my last cruise. We made a private tour with a group of Americans and it was nice to talk to them. But I do have a funny accent and limited vocabulary.

 

Last time, I was on the cruise with my bf. So I never were alone. This time I'm depending on my own. So I'm a little worried that other guests are not interested in meeting me. Besides I'm only 29 years old.

 

What are your experiences with guest from non-anglophone countries?

Congratulations on booking your cruise! I've been on ships as an English speaker where I'm in the minority. First thing is not to worry about your accent or not being able to find a word - just get out there and enjoy yourself, people understand.

 

The other tip is to carry something with you that identifies your language - a newspaper/magazine/book is perfect for this. Even if you have a Kindle, bring a (light!) book in German with you that you can leave on your table - it will help identify you to other German speakers, if that's who you want to meet.

 

I've found that asking for a large table at dinner, and taking part in various events is the best way to get to meet people.

[GUEST080219]

I have done a few solo cruises on NCL but in contrast to many others on this board I enjoy my own company and have no problems eating dinner by myself. The studio lounge is a good place to meet people as are the casino or other activities depending on your interest. The age distribution in the studios is a hit and miss. On my Mediterranean cruise I felt after the meeting on the first night that this is no group for me and never returned. What I always notice is that a lot of US travelers have no hesitation to have very open conversations including quite a few personal details of their life that I am not used to from home. Never had a problem being a non native speaker. What helps me is to keep in mind that many of the senior officers and staff do not speak perfect english as well.

[.manu.]

The other tip is to carry something with you that identifies your language - a newspaper/magazine/book is perfect for this. Even if you have a Kindle, bring a (light!) book in German with you that you can leave on your table - it will help identify you to other German speakers, if that's who you want to meet.

 

That's a great idea!!

Thank you!

[GUEST080219]

The other tip is to carry something with you that identifies your language - a newspaper/magazine/book is perfect for this. Even if you have a Kindle, bring a (light!) book in German with you that you can leave on your table - it will help identify you to other German speakers, if that's who you want to meet.

If that is the concern the german speaking guest representative holds a welcome aboard talk the day of embarkation or the following morning. A good time to meet part of the german speaking staff and guests.

 

 

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[AmoMondo]

I'm like Thoie, I cruise a lot on Italian lines were English speakers are in a very small minority! although they do seat us together at dinner. The rest of the time you can be sat with anyone. I speak reasonable French and Spanish and can do a few pleasantries/ basics in Italian, German and Portuguese. Sometimes people are willing to talk, other times they aren't. I always have either my iPhone (so I can play sudoku) or my kindle with me, in case I end up at a table on my own at breakfast or lunch in MDR or people who don't want to or simply can't talk to me. Then again one of the best lunches I've ever had was with an elderly Italian couple and 3 Brazilian ladies. We used sign language a mixture of other languages and at one point even started using Latin. All 6 of us were all committed to getting on, communicating and having a laugh. Kept bumping into the 3 Brazilians later in the cruise and we always stopped for a chat.

 

I also find that if you sit at a bar rather than at a table in a lounge, people sitting beside you on the stools or even the bar staff themselves will talk to you.

 

Certainly don't worry about your accent. We've all got different accents regardless of nationality.

[travelnap]

That's a great idea!!

Thank you!

 

.manu. when I travel I usually take books along to read and then leave them in the library where they have a leave a book/take a book section. I would say that almost half of the books in that section are in German, so you can find one there if you forget to bring one. With as many German language books that I have seen on NCL I think you will have no problem finding people to communicate with. Enjoy your trip.

[topguy]

My most awkward time was when Carnival assigned me for a table for 2 and I was seated across from an older lady from England who was looking for love. I had no love interest in her at all. I coudl have gone back to the matre'd and had a reassignment, but kept thinking about how she would feel if I did that, so I stuck it out for the whole cruise. I just shrugged off her forward comments.

[Thoth]

My most awkward time was when Carnival assigned me for a table for 2 and I was seated across from an older lady from England who was looking for love. I had no love interest in her at all. I coudl have gone back to the matre'd and had a reassignment, but kept thinking about how she would feel if I did that, so I stuck it out for the whole cruise. I just shrugged off her forward comments.

You were a gentleman to consider her feelings :)

[topguy]

You were a gentleman to consider her feelings :)

 

Thanks. I just wouldn't have enjoyed my cruise if I had ditched her. It really would have bothered me.

[judyzoo]

My most awkward time was when Carnival assigned me for a table for 2 and I was seated across from an older lady from England who was looking for love. I had no love interest in her at all. I coudl have gone back to the matre'd and had a reassignment, but kept thinking about how she would feel if I did that, so I stuck it out for the whole cruise. I just shrugged off her forward comments.

 

How odd that Carnival would assign two solos to a table for two. You certainly handled it admirably.

[Galaxy02_99]

My most awkward time was when Carnival assigned me for a table for 2 and I was seated across from an older lady from England who was looking for love. I had no love interest in her at all. I could have gone back to the maitre'd and had a reassignment, but kept thinking about how she would feel if I did that, so I stuck it out for the whole cruise. I just shrugged off her forward comments.

 

Bravo! I too was assigned to a table for 2 with a woman who was a nightmare in attire and manners, but I stuck it out. I made no plans with her for any other time of day, but I knew I could handle dinnertime, being a big girl and all.

[42CruiseCrazy]

How odd that Carnival would assign two solos to a table for two. You certainly handled it admirably.

 

Yes. That is very odd. I would have suggested to the lady that the two of us request being moved to a larger table so that we could meet new people. That would have been kinder than ditching her and may have benefited both you and Ms LookingForLove.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[artist47]

I just booked my first solo cruise. I will be on the Norwegian Epic, so they are used to solo travelers.

I'm Swiss, so my native language is Swiss-German. I do speak some English and I was fine on my last cruise. We made a private tour with a group of Americans and it was nice to talk to them. But I do have a funny accent and limited vocabulary.

Last time, I was on the cruise with my bf. So I never were alone. This time I'm depending on my own. So I'm a little worried that other guests are not interested in meeting me. Besides I'm only 29 years old.

What are your experiences with guest from non-anglophone countries?

 

My experiences with people from Europe and especially Switzerland are wonderful. I speak German also, and that helps. :) Not all Americans are uni-lingual. Don't worry --- you will have a great time! ;) And you will probably meet some of the officers and be invited to special events because of your nationality. You will have great luck on your cruise and I'm certain you will really enjoy yourself.

Edited January 18, 2014 by artist47

[artist47]

My best "Awkward Solo Moment" story....this happened to me, on Celebrity Millenium several years ago....

 

I was cruising solo at the time because my husband and I were separated. (We divorced a few years later.) Anyway, I too, ran into a few people who "refused" to dine with a solo cruiser. (I was dumbfounded by their rudeness, but because I was raised in an international/diplomatic environment, I quickly and quietly had a word with the waiter, to just find another table and not to make any comment. The waiter was clearly a gentleman - he escorted me back to the maitre'd's podium and he had a quiet word with the maitre 'd.

 

The maitre'd was a phenomenal actor...he immediately took my arm, and escorted me very close to the aforementioned Table of Ultimate Rudeness. As we were passing by, he slowed wayyyyyyy down, and paused in front of them...then he said loud enough for them to hear, "I am so very sorry Madamoiselle.....I did not recognize you...and of course, Reza (the waiter) is not familiar with all your films....you look so much more beautiful than you are in your films...the Captain has requested that you dine with him this evening, and I regret that Franco (the Maitre'd Hotel) did not get your invitation to your cabin on time. It will not happen again...I shall send a waiter for your champagne immediately."

 

Reza played along and made a small show of asking for my autograph. it was all I could do, not to burst out giggling. I am a total NOBODY.

 

ROFL!!!!! I still laugh about this whenever I think of it...God bless that man...not only did he "save" me from the situation, and "shame" the idiots, but he truly was so gracious....and yes, I really did get to sit with the Captain that evening, and for the rest of the cruise, those people were pretty embarrassed every time I walked by. :D

 

(Reza, and the Maitre'd got HUGE tips from me!)

Edited January 18, 2014 by artist47

[Thoie]

That is absolutely fantastic!

 

Sent from a mobile device.

[TessM]

My best "Awkward Solo Moment" story....this happened to me, on Celebrity Millenium several years ago....

 

Reza played along and made a small show of asking for my autograph. it was all I could do, not to burst out giggling. I am a total NOBODY.

 

ROFL!!!!! I still laugh about this whenever I think of it...God bless that man...not only did he "save" me from the situation, and "shame" the idiots, but he truly was so gracious....and yes, I really did get to sit with the Captain that evening, and for the rest of the cruise, those people were pretty embarrassed every time I walked by. :D

 

(Reza, and the Maitre'd got HUGE tips from me!)

 

Oh my gosh!!! That is great! Love it!!!!!

[JoePatNYCT]

VERY funny story!

 

I travel solo quite often. In my earlier cruises, I would "hang in there" with questionable table-mates. Not anymore. Life is too short. If I have assigned seating, I'll immediately go to the maitre'd and find a new table.

 

Lately though, I've been using Select dining (aka, anytime, My Time, etc.). I've met other solos and we agree to meet at a certain time and set up a solos table. As the cruise progresses, more solos hear about it and join in. It's worked pretty well.

 

Joe

[artist47]

I have to admit, I was never so insulted or mortified in my life....truly...I would never treat an ENEMY that way....it was awful for about 3 minutes...but those men really knew how to treat a lady! :)

[JoePatNYCT]

I have to say I've never had anyone say they "refused to dine with a solo". It was just a lack of commonality that motivated me to change tables. Like the time I was seated with 2 elderly couples who ONLY spoke spanish. I can speak enough to get by, but they it would not have been enjoyable.

 

I can only imagine that the rudeness you were shown was probably the result of you being attractive and the jealousy of "catty wives".

 

Joe

Edited January 18, 2014 by JoePatNYCT

[Thoth]

Thanks. I just wouldn't have enjoyed my cruise if I had ditched her. It really would have bothered me.

I'm the same way I guess. I always attempt to be cordial to everyone, even those I might not care for otherwise. That way, no regrets...no bad memories :)

[artist47]

I have to say I've never had anyone say they "refused to dine with a solo". It was just a lack of commonality that motivated me to change tables. Like the time I was seated with 2 elderly couples who ONLY spoke spanish. I can speak enough to get by, but they it would not have been enjoyable.

 

I can only imagine that the rudeness you were shown was probably the result of you being attractive and the jealousy of "catty wives".

 

Joe

 

I can understand your motivation there...I would have asked to switch also.

 

and thank you for your compliment. It is gratefully received and I appreciate it.

[COMBOY]

OK...I have a good one. I went into the dining room solo and was seated at the table of 6. Two couples, myself and another single gentlemen. I decided to introduce myself to the table and ask how everyone was doing tonight when one gentlemen (part of a couple) abruptly and nastily tells me...quote, "I'M HERE TO EAT; NOT SOCIALIZE." followed by dead silence at the table. I looked around and you could tell everyone, but him was mortified. I was deeply insulted. Luckily the other single gentlemen next to me quietly engaged me in conversation once the food arrived. No one else said a word at the table and just eat their food. Luckily this rude guy ate his food and the couple quickly departed. Once they left everyone at the table opened up and was shocked at his comments. If they didn't want to socialize then they should have requested a table by themselves. There were open tables. Sure, I get that sometimes we don't always feel like socializing and would prefer just to eat and leave; but you don't chastise someone who does. It's one of those situations you never forget. You are really never prepared for such rudeness.

Edited January 18, 2014 by COMBOY

[Pushka]

I have a slightly different story about table mates. I was travelling with my mother who is a widow. We were placed on a table of 8, and a family of three adult daughters (all my age) arrived with their widowed father. He was really sweet but after the first night they didn't show again. I can't help but think the girls didn't want the two to develop a friendship.

 

I love the film star treatment. Just wonderful. Would love to have been a fly on the wall with them trying to work out who you were.

 

I'll be going solo for a few days on my next cruise. Apparently the buffet staff are renowned for clearing tables as soon as you stand. Will work that one out as the buffet is usually crowded.

Edited January 18, 2014 by Pushka