Eating single. What would you do?

[Jadeone]

I've never cruised by myself before. Don't get me wrong, I'm great at entertaining myself, and I'm excited about the trip. I'll probably eat in my room some of the time, or the Lido, but I do want to eat in the MDR some of the time. I don't know how they handle it if a single person walks in for dinner. I have open seating. Will they put me with others (who may not want an interloper) or give me a little table by myself?

 

What would you do to be comfortable and still enjoy everything the cruise offers?

 

Thanks.

 

Jadeone

[CowPrincess]

In Anytime, larger tables are often made up of a few smaller groups. I'd request to be seated at a large-ish table in the MDR when you dine there.

[crystalspin]

If you tell the host/hostess that you are willing to sit with others, they will not put you with anyone who doesn't want the same! Lots of people enjoy talking with other travellers.

 

If for any reason you want to be alone, just tell them that. You may have to wait longer for an individual table (just like "table-for-two" requests might)... on the other hand you might wait longer for service at a table for eight that hasn't filled up yet... I have heard that the waiters will wait until the table is full to start taking orders. I don't remember experiencing that on NCL last year, but the table always filled pretty fast because ALL they have is Anytime.

 

The only time we asked for table-for-two was when I thought I was getting the sniffles and (1) didn't want to expose anyone but my husband who was pretty well exposed already! and (2) only wanted soup for supper and hoped to speed through the other courses.

Edited November 17, 2014 by crystalspin

[cruisemom42]

I travel solo often, usually choose open seating, and like to dine with larger groups.

 

Most people make it clear when they are seated whether they want to share with others or not. If you express a preference for sharing, they will escort you to a larger table with several others. Sometimes you may be the first -- which can feel a little awkward -- but usually it isn't long before others join you.

 

I assume you can also choose to dine by yourself in the MDR if you wish -- I've never done it though, so can't speak from experience.

[PathfinderEss]

I would choose a large table and meet some fellow cruisers.:)

[freestyling]

When we cruise we look forward to eating with others during dinner. Always use open seating and prefer table of 6 or 8

[RuthC]

I travel solo as often as not. Usually I have fixed dining, but I have had open seating, and that worked fine.

 

Generally I arrived when others were coming in steadily. I was escorted to a table---sometimes I was first, other times last. Most of the time there were a few, and the table still had a couple more seats. In other words, one table was filled before another table was started.

 

I have a friend who always dined solo at a table for two. Since he arrived early, there was never a problem with him waiting for a table. Should you wish to dine alone, keep the time in mind. Very early, or very late would be best for that.

[IndyDenise]

We love meeting new people! I'll take ALL of the singles at my MDR table March 7, 2015 on the Westerdam! If anyone has late seating and needs some tablemates my group of 3 would love the company. If you know anything about football even better! We will discuss the Combine a lot since I will be there watching it. My travel mates ( sis and mom ) could care less about this enthralling, wonderful, mega super most excellent sport. :mad:

[rkacruiser]

More often than not, I also travel as a solo and while I usually have fixed seating dinng, I have had open seating dinner dining once and, of course, breakfast and lunch in the MDR are always open. If you wish to be seated by yourself, the request will be accommodated. Otherwise, I will be seated at a table with others and most of the time the experience is more than satisfactory.

 

By all means, do NOT dine alone in your stateroom unless that is what you really want to do. You will miss an important component of the cruise experience by doing so, in my opinion.

[take us away]

Have sailed alone and have to admit, the 1st night walking into the MDR was a bit daunting. Took a deep breath and went for it. Asked to be seated with others and met some wonderful people from all areas of the country and world. Hopefully you will also meet up with interesting people if you do decide to share a table with others.

[rkacruiser]

As an additional side note, I recently returned from 3 long distance Amtrak trips. Seating in the Dining Car is "community seating", as they call it. One is seated in whatever space is available when one arrives in the Car. On these 3 trips, all with whom I dined at whatever time of the day, were pleasant folks and many very interesting people, some quite well traveled. That had been the same experience that I had during my last Amtrak trip in 2002.

 

If one enjoys meeting new people, learning of their experiences, and sharing one's own: dining as a single is not an issue.

[jenp123]

I have travelled solo a lot and when dining in the MDR I usually ask for a table for myself and bring a good book or to be seated at an 8/10 top table. I found with a table for 6, I was ending up with 2 couples who already knew each other( I was #5 at the table) and that could be a tad uncomfortable

[rkacruiser]

I have travelled solo a lot and when dining in the MDR I usually ask for a table for myself and bring a good book or to be seated at an 8/10 top table. I found with a table for 6, I was ending up with 2 couples who already knew each other( I was #5 at the table) and that could be a tad uncomfortable

 

This is correct; it could be an issue. That happened to me once on a Princess cruise with fixed dining where I was the solo seated at a table with a family group of various ages. But: it worked. The young'uns ate quickly and left; the parents remained with me and we "hit it off".

 

Please, don't take a book to "occupy you" when you are in a lounge or dining room as a solo. I have seen this done by others and it is a major turn-off signal to others, as far as I am concerned, that any personal interaction is not wanted. As a single, this is particularly true for me. I recall an attractive woman with whom I would have liked to try to start a conversation who came often around the same time I was there, in the Volendam's Piano Bar. She always had a book to read, while I was there to listen to the music and engage in conversation with whomever I could. I enjoyed talking with others; never did meet her.

[BeagleOne]

I always bring a book with me when I think I might be eating or sitting at a bar alone. If no one else shows up or is interested in talking with me, I at least have something to do other than stare into space or at the musicians.

[cb at sea]

I have no desire to vacation alone...

[cruisemom42]

I have no desire to vacation alone...

 

You've made that abundantly clear in many previous posts. What I don't understand is why you seek out posts about solos traveling simply to make disparaging comments. :rolleyes:

[rkacruiser]

I always bring a book with me when I think I might be eating or sitting at a bar alone. If no one else shows up or is interested in talking with me, I at least have something to do other than stare into space or at the musicians.

 

Thank you for your comment. I respect your considerable cruising history. It is good to have another solo's perspective.

[dot73]

I have no desire to vacation alone...

 

Some of us have no choice; it's either travel alone or stay home. I'm a veteran solo cruiser and have never had a bad time by myself. I have found that I can be as alone as I want to be, or be with as many people as I want to be with. I have also met a few married women who cruise solo as their husbands do not like cruising. It's all up to the individual. As for dinner, I usually ask for late seating at a large table as I like to have the same waiters for my entire cruise. So far, it has worked very well for me. I have met many wonderful and interesting people. I know that it is hard for some solo cruisers to take that first step in travelling alone, but it becomes easier after that.

[iflyrc5]

We love meeting new people! I'll take ALL of the singles at my MDR table March 7, 2015 on the Westerdam! If anyone has late seating and needs some tablemates my group of 3 would love the company. If you know anything about football even better! We will discuss the Combine a lot since I will be there watching it. My travel mates ( sis and mom ) could care less about this enthralling, wonderful, mega super most excellent sport. :mad:

 

How do you get access to the Combine? I thought it was not open to the public - just the NFL and media. GO COLTS!

[TiogaCruiser]

We will discuss the Combine a lot since I will be there watching it. My travel mates ( sis and mom ) could care less about this enthralling, wonderful, mega super most excellent sport. :mad:

 

Nordic Combine???:confused:

[TiogaCruiser]

I have done one solo cruise and went to the MDR twice on formal nights for dinner. The first time was about 2 weeks in to the cruise and I arrived around 6:30. The desk attendant (maitre'd??) looked my profile up and quickly and warmly said something to the extent of "Ms xxxx, this is your first evening dining with us. Welcome. Would you prefer a table of your own or with others?"

 

I thought that was pretty classy. I chose a table by myself. (I'm shy ) and I have to say I got excellent service and enjoyed it.

 

So I'd say it depends on the individual. For us, we like the Lido and the wonderful windows. I found the staff there quite friendly too.

[liketraveling]

I was on the Veendam last week.

 

Two out of the 7 nights there were solo traveler's seated at our table.

 

On other past HAL cruises, I have sat with solo traveler's.

[MekesMom]

I enjoy travelling by myself whether it is Las Vegas or cruising and when I show up at the dining room for open seating at whatever time I'm ready for dinner, I always say I want to sit with others and sometimes add...as long as they are nice people who enjoy wine with dinner. I don't mind the looks I get when I walk in with a bottle of wine I've brought from home but it can be a little awkward when I'm the only one drinking at the table. Easy conversation is asking what everyone did during the day and what they have planned for the next day. I take reading material to breakfast and lunch but I've always been more social at dinner.

[BearInStPete]

I wouldn't hesitate to inquire of the Maitre'd to see if other solo travelers might be looking for table mates. Also, if there are many solo travelers and/or singles the CD may arrange a gathering as an ice breaker that I would make a point to attend.

[Lis2065]

I've not cruised alone, but have done a lot of solo land based travel. I met a great Kiwi couple and their teenage son at my hotel in Bangkok at breakfast on my first morning and ended up having so much fun with this family.

 

We went shopping and exploring together that day - it was their first time in Thailand and I'd been there a number of times before. At the end of the day I thanked them for such a great day and all the laughter we'd shared and went to say goodnight when they asked me what time we were meeting for breakfast the next morning... I really enjoyed their company and had a wonderful time in Bangkok with them!

 

So try not to be shy, if you can, as there are some lovely people out there who you might miss out on meeting otherwise!