Solo cruising

[LBroxon]

I'm considering taking a solo cruise in a couple of weeks. I've never done this before, but the price is right and it sound relaxing. My husband thinks that solo cruising is weird and thinks no one does it. Honestly, I would be content sitting on deck with a book. Plus, the cruise goes to HMC, which is a huge perk, IMO. Has anyone here done solo cruising with Carnival? Any advice about solo cruising?

[Out of Iowa]

If you have found a good value on your cabin, then - by all means - cruise solo!

 

You can choose to interact with other people in the show lounge, at sit-down breakfast, on the deck....where you want, on your own terms.

 

Sunshine, a nice book to read, relaxation and bliss...I'm envious.

[TrqoisWtrs]

Two words: Do it!

 

Honestly, I would be content sitting on deck with a book

 

Exactly. Can do what you want, when you want. Was very hesitant to do it myself, but after a year of chemo treatments in 2011 I was ready for a break. It was the end of the year and friends didn't have vacation time left, or no money. So went for it. Best part was having a cabin all to myself! Amazing. :D I actually ended up doing a B2B solo, so I could reach Platinum. :) DH was fine with it and he stayed home and babysit our two four-legged kids. :)

 

Carnival will try to seat you with other single/solo peeps if you pick a dining time.

 

I'm ok traveling along - don't have a problem bringing a book and copping a squat at the bar with a drink. :)

 

Go for it - there is also a solo forum:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=373

Edited January 17, 2014 by cruisin*tigger

[Cinedan]

I'm considering taking a solo cruise in a couple of weeks. I've never done this before, but the price is right and it sound relaxing. My husband thinks that solo cruising is weird and thinks no one does it. Honestly, I would be content sitting on deck with a book. Plus, the cruise goes to HMC, which is a huge perk, IMO. Has anyone here done solo cruising with Carnival? Any advice about solo cruising?

 

I have cruised solo 2 times so far and will again in 8 days! Aside from paying more, I actually love cruising solo! This time, I will have my first balcony all to myself! I was sat with other solo cruisers at dinner, which is great! I have noticed several people who appear to be cruising solo. I think there are more solo passengers than most people realize!

[tattoos]

Not everyone in the world that cruises is married or has a significant other and that includes me. Even if my husband were still alive, I honestly don't think he would like cruising and would be a thorn in my side if I made him go. My family doesn't like to cruise as much as I do so it was either try solo cruising or not go as often as I would like. I went on my first solo cruise in October on the Legend and LOVED IT.

 

I didn't have to please anyone but myself...I ate what, where and when I wanted, I enjoyed all the shows, the casino, Taste Bar, etc., I met some wonderful people, I plopped myself at the Serenity deck and read, drank, and worked on my tan, no one was nagging at me to go here or there, it was absolutely blissful having the stateroom to myself, I debarked at the ports when I felt like it, I slept in most days (pure luxury), if I wanted company, I parked my butt at one of the bars and very quickly made friends.

 

It's always nice to cruise with friends and family but I must confess, I liked cruising solo better and have booked a solo cruise in November...can't wait.

 

On the Legend, I booked an Interior room with french doors and didn't have to pick up anyone's dirty clothes but my own.

 

In November, I also booked an Interior room with walkway view (way in front outside the "secret" deck).

 

The positives far outweigh the negatives of sailing solo. At first I was concerned about handling my luggage on my own...I had visions of me making two trips to my car or trying to balance my small suitcase on my head. I used the Channelside Parking garage and when I pulled all my suitcases out of my car, there was a Porter standing right there waiting for me and I used a Porter upon my return who escorted me to my car, easy breezy. In November, I will be sailing from Port Canaveral and always use an off-site parking company who are extremely accommodating and take my suitcases out of my car and load them into their van for the short ride to the Port.

 

My next concern was tablemates in the MDR (I haven't had good luck in this area) so I asked the Maitre d' to seat me by myself. As it turned out, I only had two meals in the MDR. On my cruise in November, I'm letting the chips fall where they may and will probably be seated at a large table. If I'm not comfortable with my tablemates, I will either request a small table or eat my meals at the buffet, no big deal.

 

As far as the port stops are concerned, I always meandered into town at my leisure and went back to the ship when I wanted to go back.

 

Overall, I had a great cruise experience and will continue to sail solo whenever I can.

[LBroxon]

Two words: Do it!

 

 

 

Exactly. Can do what you want, when you want. Was very hesitant to do it myself, but after a year of chemo treatments in 2011 I was ready for a break. It was the end of the year and friends didn't have vacation time left, or no money. So went for it. Best part was having a cabin all to myself! Amazing. :D I actually ended up doing a B2B solo, so I could reach Platinum. :) DH was fine with it and he stayed home and babysit our two four-legged kids. :)

 

Carnival will try to seat you with other single/solo peeps if you pick a dining time.

 

I'm ok traveling along - don't have a problem bringing a book and copping a squat at the bar with a drink. :)

 

Go for it - there is also a solo forum:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=373

 

My husband actually seems okay with it now. He was hesitant because I don't think he realized how many people actually solo cruise. I think he thought that I meant that I would prefer to cruise without him, which is not the case. Also, I think he has trouble seeing how it would be fun because he is more introverted. He talks to people on cruises, but usually because I started the conversation.

[cynt]

YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

 

I tried it in July. Loved it. Booked another in Sept. Loved it! Now I'm looking for another in the next month or so.

 

But warning: Once you have your own cabin it is extremely hard to share one. LOL! :D

[SMSACE6]

I have done several solo cruises on Carnival and enjoyed them all. I never felt lonely or weird. As others say, you can interact with other people if you wish or you can hang out with a good book, and if you wish, you can also join your roll call so you will already have some folks to meet when you board and plan shore excursions with. Or you can enjoy some me time. It is all good.:)

 

Some of my family and friends think I am weird for doing these solo trips, but frankly at this stage of my life I dont really care what they think I am.:p

 

Last time I took a vacation (land) with a friend she whined about the air conditioner, hated air conditioning (it was 100+degrees outside). I had to "sweat it out" for the duration; there was no compromising. I then made up my mind. From now on...solo, or with my Mom. Or they can get their own room.

 

I would try it at least once, and see how you like it.:)

[LandlockedCruiser01]

I'm considering taking a solo cruise in a couple of weeks. I've never done this before, but the price is right and it sound relaxing. My husband thinks that solo cruising is weird and thinks no one does it. Honestly, I would be content sitting on deck with a book. Plus, the cruise goes to HMC, which is a huge perk, IMO. Has anyone here done solo cruising with Carnival? Any advice about solo cruising?

I've cruised solo on Carnival, twice. (Not to Half Moon Cay, though.) While their pricing gives solos the prison shower treatment (excluding last year's solo specials), their onboard social atmosphere is very solo-friendly, probably influenced by their "Fun Ships" ad campaign. No one gave me any hostility or thought worse of me just because I came on the cruise by myself.

 

I had a blast both times. Met lots of fun, interesting people of all ages; danced with everybody; and had complete freedom of doing whatever I want, whenever I want. Didn't have to answer to anyone. The ship was my oyster. Granted, I had to keep reminding myself to put myself out there, since I didn't have the safety net of the people I came with, but assigned dining and the friendly atmosphere made it fairly easy. I'd have to say I never opened any of the books I brought. I spent so much time doing the activities on the ship, exploring the ports, and talking to my new friends, that the only time I read any of the books is on the plane ride back.

 

Your husband reminds me of someone I used to be friends with. She also thought that solo cruising was "not normal" (her words), and she used to shame me for it too. I later found out that it was her way of getting me to invite her on my next cruise. Needless to say, all it did is destroy the friendship.

Edited January 17, 2014 by LandlockedCruiser01

[LBroxon]

Your husband reminds me of someone I used to be friends with. She also thought that solo cruising was "not normal" (her words), and she used to shame me for it too. I later found out that it was her way of getting me to invite her on my next cruise. Needless to say, all it did is destroy the friendship.

 

I wouldn't say that my husband was "shaming" me. He isn't on these boards, so he didn't realize how many people solo cruise because he has mostly noticed the couples and families on past cruises.

I'm glad to hear all the positive feedback about solo cruising, because I think I will be taking the plunge and doing it the second week of February. There are two cruises on sale for solo's that are great options. Now, I have just have to decide which one!

[luckycruzer]

of my 57 Carnivals have been solo....one Mon, and pal joining 2nd half....I have gotten 8 upgrades out of the last 9 since August this year..YOWZAAH

[GottaLuvCruising]

I did a 14 night Panama Canal sailing by myself (husband couldn't take that much time off work). I was a bit lonely at first, but met a lot of folks on board and booked all cruise line shore excursions so I was with others. I read and relaxed more than usual, went to the gym every day and ended up having a really good time.

 

I'm also taking advantage of Carnival's "no single supplement" offer and sailing the Breeze 2/1 solo. There are quite a few other solos just in our roll call.

 

Do it! You'll have a good time.

[winddawn]

I'm considering taking a solo cruise in a couple of weeks. I've never done this before, but the price is right and it sound relaxing. My husband thinks that solo cruising is weird and thinks no one does it. Honestly, I would be content sitting on deck with a book. Plus, the cruise goes to HMC, which is a huge perk, IMO. Has anyone here done solo cruising with Carnival? Any advice about solo cruising?

I thoroughly enjoy solo cruising. I control my activities and I get caught up on my rest. Very relaxing! Nice to have someone cook for me and wait on me. :-)

 

I hope you enjoy your solo cruise! If you like your own company, you will love it.

Edited January 17, 2014 by winddawn

[roohound]

Do a search for CC member gapearl - she writes some incredible reviews. More importantly for you, she has done a few solo cruises and did reviews on them.

 

Here's a link to one of her reviews -the rest are in her signature: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1957128

[gapearl]

I've taken 6 solo cruises and have another booked. It's become my preferred way to travel. Tell your husband solo cruising is not weird and lots of people do it! :)

[roohound]

^^^^Wow, it's like I summoned her up lol

[soccersharon]

I always travel with my family or hubby, but have thought about going solo. As others have said, sometimes our significant others can't get the time off, or don't want to cruise as often.

 

I appreciate all the replies here - maybe I will book one soon ;) The Splendor repo cruise is calling me!

 

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Forums mobile app

[SkyMaster]

My wife and I sometimes choose to cruise solo, and it's worked out GREAT! She likes to do the LONG Med Cruises, with the Trans Atlantic, back to back, but I don't like to leave the house, and the critters that long. I prefer to cruise 7 to 10 days, right here in the Caribbean. I love to sing Karaoke, listen to the various bands, and see the shows. She prefers to go to the casino, so even when we cruise together, we don't often go to the same activities. Solo cruising works out GREAT for us, and when they offer the "No SOLO Supplement" pricing, it's REALLY GREAT.

Try it, you'll like it!

 

"SKY"

[gapearl]

^^^^Wow, it's like I summoned her up lol

 

Yep looks like you did. Thanks! :D

 

I always travel with my family or hubby, but have thought about going solo. As others have said, sometimes our significant others can't get the time off, or don't want to cruise as often.

 

I appreciate all the replies here - maybe I will book one soon ;) The Splendor repo cruise is calling me!

 

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Forums mobile app

 

Sharon there are a lot of solo cruisers on the Splendor repo. I'm even planning a solo excursion for us in St. Croix. Go ahead and book it girl! :D

[soccersharon]

Yep looks like you did. Thanks! :D

 

 

 

Sharon there are a lot of solo cruisers on the Splendor repo. I'm even planning a solo excursion for us in St. Croix. Go ahead and book it girl! :D

 

Ahhhhh!!! So tempting! I may be going away in October, and will only know in May....decisions, decisions...thanks for encouraging me, though :)

 

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[hoopsielv]

I would absolutely love to cruise alone... definitely plan to in the next couple of years!

[doctordi]

I live about an hour away from you, and with all the cold and snow that we have been having, I've been dreaming of a cruise. I've done somewhere between 8 and 10 solo cruises and I love it! The freedom to do what you want when you want is so relaxing and my husband can't cruise because of intractable motion sickness, so if I want to go, I have to go by myself, and I do.

[Leo's Rule]

I did my first solo in July 2013 and it was fun. My next solo is in 30 days!!!

[sjn911]

Solo Cruises are great if..if you can chat with strangers, and or can go to movies and eat alone with enjoyment and/or relish solitude in a setting with others and safety in numbers situations .

 

For me they are just the ticket for rest and relaxation and solo travel with little work..they are for being only concerned with your own daily choices..like chilling, beaching, playing the slots or Kareokee, touring, spa going, sunning, ocean watching, dining alone or with, bingo/gambling, show going, group game activities, going to a more gourmet steak house or organized Chef's Table, Movie or concert on the ship screens or TV, cocktail and tunes, MJ group dancing in disco at 53..LOL..napping in your own quiet room..even interior room..free room service...cocktail and music..deckchair ocean gazing...well they are perfect.

[kanadakid]

I met a lot of folks on board and booked all cruise line shore excursions so I was with others. I read and relaxed more than usual, went to the gym every day and ended up having a really good time.

 

I'm also taking advantage of Carnival's "no single supplement" offer and sailing the Breeze 2/1 solo. There are quite a few other solos just in our roll call.

 

Do it! You'll have a good time.

 

I too just booked a few weeks ago and am heading out on next Sat for my first ever cruise - and solo to boot. Got the free single supplement so a very good rate (I think) on "Freedom" - aptly named for solo cruising! :) I have ATD and will make a point to join a table with between 6 and 8 people so that there is enough convo, but not too many voices to make it difficult to follow various conversations all at once. I look fwd to meeting different folks along the way and to pick their brains so I can start to plan my NEXT cruise! As another poster said - You have to try it once and see how you Love it!