Just back from my first solo! Here's why I'm hooked

[perditax]

1 hour ago, lakemurraykid said:

Reading this thread has helped my self assurance somewhat.  My husband passed away 08/19 and we always took two or three cruises each year.  Watching the sea go by is where I get my peace and tranquility.  I've been thinking about a solo cruise, but the idea of being by myself scares the daylights out of me.  I made all of the travel arrangements and Jack took care of everything else.  I didn't realize until he was gone how much I depended on him.  

Let me ask a question.  How do find special pricing, if there is any, for solo cruisers?

Thanks to all of you for helping to boost my self confidence.

 

Try some searches like 'cruise singles rates' and 'cruise solo rates'. You will eventually find some travel agency sites that list sailings without 'single supplement' charges. These can happen with normal rooms/bookings; the supplement charge may be lowered or waived entirely. 

NCL, RC and the upcoming Virgin Voyages have solo cabins with solo pricing, although typically quite small. 

[NSnJW]

Also check the inside cabin rate.  Sometimes an inside with a solo rate is cheaper than the studio.  If you are solo on a NCL ship with a studio lounge but you aren't in a studio cabin, you can still go to the solo meet up and dinner in the evening.

Last year I got a solo balcony on the Breakaway for just a few bucks more than a studio.

[Tropical Fish Biz]

I too lost my husband in early 2019 but don’t want to give up cruising. I’m going on my first solo cruise next month. I had to pay double, but got such a great deal, it was worth it to me. The price also went down after booking and they adjusted my fare accordingly. What I’ve seen of the solo cabins are they are tiny and usually interior. I’m a balcony kind of gal, so I’d rather pay the extra to get what makes me happy. I’m excited to go it alone...we’ll see how it goes. 

[ILgirl]

Tropical Fish Biz, I hope you post after your cruise.  I lost my husband in August of 2017 and we enjoyed several cruises together.  Have been on two cruises since then, but have gone with a girlfriend.  I moved from Chicago to Florida in July of 2019 so I am also in a good location to snap up some last minute deals since airfares are no longer a factor.  Have thought about taking the "solo" plunge but just haven't gotten there yet.

[QMG]

On 11/30/2019 at 2:39 PM, Tropical Fish Biz said:

This is so encouraging as I'm taking my first solo cruise in February on Princess.  I became a widow early this year and cruised often with my husband.  After months of grieving, I realized I don't want to give up nice vacations and the ocean is my happy place.  I was a little hesitant to book, but now I'm looking forward to it.  In fact, someone was trying to arrange to come with me, but it fell through and I'm a little relieved!  The down side is having to pay for 2 but I got a pretty good deal.  It wasn't until after I booked that I realized I'll be on the ship over Valentine's Day...not the best timing on my part, but it will be fine.  Thanks for the tips on this thread.

 

Just do it.  2/14 is my birthday.  Every year I get cards, if not enough I display cards from past years.  I'm certain you have plenty of memories from past years.  Happy sailing. Quincy

[Spellykins]

On 1/16/2020 at 8:33 PM, Tropical Fish Biz said:

I too lost my husband in early 2019 but don’t want to give up cruising. I’m going on my first solo cruise next month. I had to pay double, but got such a great deal, it was worth it to me. The price also went down after booking and they adjusted my fare accordingly. What I’ve seen of the solo cabins are they are tiny and usually interior. I’m a balcony kind of gal, so I’d rather pay the extra to get what makes me happy. I’m excited to go it alone...we’ll see how it goes. 

 

How did your first solo cruise go? I hope that being on the water brought you some peace and comfort.

 

Your post was inspiring and gives me the courage to seek out new travel experiences again. I lost my husband six months ago and we talked about going on our first cruise but fate had other plans. I'm booked for the transatlantic cruise in May 2021 that we had talked about taking, and as timing would have it, I'll be partway across the ocean on what would have been the 10th anniversary of our first date.

 

Like you, I booked a veranda cabin and was able to get it price-adjusted recently and have an extra perk added. I'm excited about the trip next year, hoping that we're all able to travel again, but a bit nervous at the same time. 

[bege759]

On 1/16/2020 at 2:05 PM, bhsolo said:

Special pricing for solo cruisers is tricky. Some lines have studio cabins for 1 person where you can get a pretty decent deal, but they don't have a lot of cabins and go quickly. Other times there is solo discount pricing or a buy 1 get 60% off second which would apply to you as well. It's a lot of searching to see what you like but if you already have a cruise line you have earned loyalty/points that will still count for you as a solo (obviously depending on the fine print with the line).

 

On 1/16/2020 at 2:05 PM, bhsolo said:

Special pricing for solo cruisers is tricky. Some lines have studio cabins for 1 person where you can get a pretty decent deal, but they don't have a lot of cabins and go quickly. Other times there is solo discount pricing or a buy 1 get 60% off second which would apply to you as well. It's a lot of searching to see what you like but if you already have a cruise line you have earned loyalty/points that will still count for you as a solo (obviously depending on the fine print with the line).

 

[bege759]

Just now, bege759 said:

 

 

I am looking forward to my first solo cruise in September.  It's an Alaska cruise out of Seward and I can hardly wait!  Thanks to all of you for the shared experiences.  I was debating on whether to take "formal wear" myself, but now I'm all in!  Regarding pricing for solo passengers, I found that Vacations to Go has a "Cheapest Price For Singles" on their website.  Once you figure out when and where you want to go, you can click that option.  If you see something you're interested in, you can also visit the cruise line's site to compare pricing.  Since this is an Alaska cruise, I knew I wanted a balcony cabin, and I am paying a single supplement of around 40%.  I'm sure Covid 19 played a big part in that, but I feel like it's quite a bargain!   I originally found it on VTG but got an even better deal on the Celebrity site, considering the perks.  I also found by doing a LOT of research that the "solo cabins" on the ships that have them aren't necessarily a bargain when you compare the type or category of cabins.  

Another tidbit that my brother and I discovered a couple of years ago is that Carnival Cruise Line has a class of ships that have "interior" cabins that actually have portholes.  It wouldn't surprise me if other cruise lines have these as well, and may be a viable option for a cheap(er) solo cruise.  You still get a bit of a view at an interior price.

Safe travels!!

[hallux]

2 hours ago, bege759 said:

I am looking forward to my first solo cruise in September.

Don't get TOO excited, indications from many are that Alaska 2020 may not happen at all.  The biggest issue is Canada allowing Vancouver and/or Victoria to be open for cruise ships, with the actual ship locations and ability to crew them coming in a close second.

Edited May 26, 2020 by hallux

[bege759]

It is a Celebrity cruise, and I have been watching daily for new cancellations.  I have contacted several of the Alaska vendors, and right now they are planning to open up July 1.  But you are right: the cruise ends in Vancouver so I'm sure it will ultimately hinge on how they open up!  Thanks for the input!

[hallux]

@bege759 Looks like Canada has shut down cruising in Canadian waters through October...

 

[cormike1]

On 11/30/2019 at 5:39 PM, Tropical Fish Biz said:

This is so encouraging as I'm taking my first solo cruise in February on Princess.  I became a widow early this year and cruised often with my husband.  After months of grieving, I realized I don't want to give up nice vacations and the ocean is my happy place.  I was a little hesitant to book, but now I'm looking forward to it.  In fact, someone was trying to arrange to come with me, but it fell through and I'm a little relieved!  The down side is having to pay for 2 but I got a pretty good deal.  It wasn't until after I booked that I realized I'll be on the ship over Valentine's Day...not the best timing on my part, but it will be fine.  Thanks for the tips on this thread.

Hi there,

So sorry for the loss of your husband.  I to became a widow in December and my husband and I had been traveling for most of our 37 years, all modes of travel and just started to cruise about 10 years ago and loved it!  I went on a Caribbean cruise with another couple this past Feb. as we had that cruise booked before my husband passed away.  While I was grateful to have my friends there and they did give me space, I did wish I was on my own many times.  I love to play Trivia and it seemed that the times were when we met for drinks before dinner so I passed on it.  My husband and I would play Trivia and then go to dinner.  I didn't want to hurt their feelings by saying no I will not be eating dinner with you tonight or meeting for drinks.  Some nights I just wanted to grab some food from the buffet and wander around on my own but most times that was not possible.  They were "early to bed" people so I did go out to the casino or listen to the band after the theatre show a lot of times.  I had a Pacific Coastal cruise booked in Oct. but it just got cancelled.  I am looking at a bus trip of  South Africa in Feb. instead of doing the Caribbean again.  It all depends on this virus.  I am a very outgoing person and talk to everyone so I am not nervous about meeting anyone if I want to.  I booked an inside cabin as the "single supplement" was just about nil on Princess.  I really hated it being alone....very boring and I tried not to be in it for too long.  If I travel to a warm place I will try at least for a window cabin if not a balcony as I do love sitting outside napping and reading lol.  Anyhow I am really looking forward to traveling really, really solo very soon.  I am sure I will enjoy myself.  Take care and good luck with your new adventures!

 

[bege759]

September cruise update:  My Alaska cruise with Celebrity was indeed canceled.  Disappointing of course, but not a surprise.  However, I was able to "lift and shift" my cruise to the same one next year at the same price, same perks, and same cabin.  I'm thrilled as it will be my official "retirement cruise" and frankly it will be an even better time.  I don't know if all the cruise lines are offering this option, but if you had a really good price, itinerary, etc, it would be worth checking out.

Can hardly wait to get back out there!

[rkacruiser]

20 hours ago, bege759 said:

I'm thrilled as it will be my official "retirement cruise" and frankly it will be an even better time.  

 

I remember my official retirement cruise and it was an excellent cruise; one of my fondest cruise memories.  

[bege759]

I can't think of a better way to celebrate such a milestone than with a cruise!!

[Lois R]

This year was supposed to be be my big retirement cruise as well............maybe next year it will come to fruition........

(for all of us).  I was supposed to sail on April 5th and should have been gone for nearly 5 weeks...............

[bege759]

Have you been able to reschedule yet?

[Lois R]

20 minutes ago, bege759 said:

Have you been able to reschedule yet?

Nope, I have had several health issues in the past 2 months so my attention has been on recovery and wellness.

I did have a deposit down on something for the fall but cancelled that one.............I have nothing booked

now but I do have a nice size FCC to use up.

[rkacruiser]

6 hours ago, Lois R said:

Nope, I have had several health issues in the past 2 months so my attention has been on recovery and wellness.

I did have a deposit down on something for the fall but cancelled that one.............I have nothing booked

now but I do have a nice size FCC to use up.

 

Best wishes for a return to good health and for a much anticipated retirement cruise!

[Lois R]

12 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Best wishes for a return to good health and for a much anticipated retirement cruise!

 

Thank you so much🙂

[justokintx]

I always ravel alone and I have been sailing on NCL.  I enjoy the Solo cabins on the larger ships mostly for the private lounge, which on the longer cruises I prefer, allows the opportunity to meet a lot of other interesting solo travelers,  I'm currently  making my third attempt at a Panama Canal sailing on the Bliss on Feb. 21, 2021.  I'm also attempting two back-to-back sailings on Virgin's Scarlet Lady in an Insider Single on Dec. 6 & 11, 2020.

[farmersfight]

4 hours ago, justokintx said:

I always ravel alone and I have been sailing on NCL.  I enjoy the Solo cabins on the larger ships mostly for the private lounge, which on the longer cruises I prefer, allows the opportunity to meet a lot of other interesting solo travelers,  I'm currently  making my third attempt at a Panama Canal sailing on the Bliss on Feb. 21, 2021.  I'm also attempting two back-to-back sailings on Virgin's Scarlet Lady in an Insider Single on Dec. 6 & 11, 2020.

 

Thanks @justokintx for the feedback. I'm recently retired and was just about to start solo cruising when the corona virus hit and shut cruising down. I give NCL a lot of credit for being "solo friendly" and putting those studio cabins and exclusive studio lounges on their newer, larger ships. I agree, the studio lounge would be a great way to meet & mingle with fellow solo cruisers (especially if the lounge had a full bar, lol).

 

Just my personal preference but I'm thinking those NCL studio cabins will be too small (99 sq ft) for me, plus I prefer a balcony instead of an interior (or even an OV). I would still cruise with NCL but would probably look for a regular balcony cabin with a discounted solo supplement or an overall discounted fare on a regular balcony cabin that is a good deal even with the full (100%) solo supplement.

 

You'll love the Panama Canal - definitely a "bucket list item". My dad used to work down there when there was a Panama Canal Zone (U.S. territory) and I was able to make numerous transits of the canal. I'm not too confident in your Feb 21, 2021 date though - cruising may not yet be happening then. I'm really not confident on your 2 B2B cruises on the Scarlet Lady since they are both in 2020. Imo, cruising's not happening the rest of 2020 because of this darn virus.

 

But, jmho and I wish you good luck on all your attempted cruises!