moonbeam3

Thanks you guys for your responses!  I'm making notes so next time I'm on with CAS I'll have my questions ready.  And maybe I'll use all my certificates!  I'm retired after all!

Has anyone used the cruise discount for Diamond members?  What was the cost basis for the discount?  I've been on hold for hours a couple of times recently with the CAS line but forgot to ask them this question and thought maybe one of you all had used the discount.  Right now I have 3 cruise certificates but none of them give me the summer dates I want.  Thanks!!

how much to rent chairs at cable beach

I'm doing a b2b on Epic next week and wonder if buying a GSC shore excursion will get you a tender as early as you want. I'm considering an afternoon excursion time but might want to leave for Stirrup Cay in early morning. Does anyone know how this works? Thanks so much!!:)

We haven't experienced this but I've read in several threads that day visitors to Secret Harbor are relegated to one non-shaded section of the beach for their lounges, and it isn'tI uncommon for aa divers to run out of lounges and umbrellas on busier days. Is that accurate for those who are familiar with the operations there?

I was there a few years ago, and the loungers are only allowed in a small area. It was overcast that day so sun wasn't a problem but maybe would be on sunny days.

I thought I had posted this here before but I didn't see it when I came back last week. Then I forgot about it.

 

This will be my 1st solo cruise. I've always wanted to cruise over Halloween and decided to take the leap this year.

 

Last year I cruised with a friend from work and her niece. The niece seems a bit perturbed that I was included and so I tried to do a lot on my own. I found stuff to do in ports on my own and spent nights in the casino and days reading. I "kinda" feel like that was my practice solo cruise.

 

I was doing fine and excited. Now that the day I'll leave home for my trip is just one month away I'm getting worried. I think meal time is scaring me the most and I really don't want to spend as much time as last fall in the casino.

LittleJean,,

I feel a lot like you! I went on a cruise with my sister and great-niece (12 y/o) last winter. I was alone a lot so I read, did the casino. We did most meals and the ports as a threesome. I booked my 1st solo cruise but now I'm worried mostly about meals and the ports. I've been telling myself that I could always do the buffets (singles blend in more there I think) or more room service than normal; and if I get cold feet I don't have to leave the ship at the ports. But that wouldn't be as much fun!

Let's try to stop worrying - it will be fine. All these people on this board have done it and had a good time. So will we!

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonbeam3

um, not to be difficult but you know that even if you were not traveling solo, the staff would've cleared the table anyway? It much less of an issue if you use the buffet when it's not so busy.

Quote:

did he say WHY?

I never saw the buffet when it wasn't a complete zoo! Guess they were full up...

The ala carte guy may have said 'no single tables'. That place was also a zoo since the crowd for each seating stands around until their name is called. He didn't seem to speak English (right!).

This resort was on sale for $60/nite for a beachfront room (inc food & drink), with a nice snorkeling reef right off the beach. I might do it again for that price! :)

Sharon

Hi Sharon, those experiences (in my opinion) sound terrible:eek:

Another guest "handed you" a child?:mad:..omg...he sounds like an idiot!

Who did he think you were? A babysitter?:confused:....I hope you told him

NO.......

 

As for the Maitr'd who would not seat you? He is another idiot!!!!:mad:

 

Not just on a cruise but I would think those (hoping anyway) those

would be the exception to the rule..........And should a Maitr'd ever

not allow you to dine on a ship? Go above him and see the Restaurant

Manager.....this kind of thing makes me so mad!!!

Lois, thank you for your indignation on my behalf! Seriously these were some bad experiences. I am a little shy/timid so would rather just sort of melt away than demand decent service.

As for the man handing me that child, he just seemed to want me to feel as if I belonged. Obviously that didn't help! I would rather have been a fly on the wall so to speak. Actually I was missing my adorable grandkids anyway so I was OK with the toddler except she was not!!!

Seems like the buffet thing is a universal problem for solos. I have left lots of stuff on the table and people still take your table!:(

Sharon

This upcoming cruise will be my first as a solo. A couple years ago I found a great offer for a part of Mexico I love, at an all-inclusive so I thought I'd give it a shot. Here are some of the awkward moments:

- Eating at the buffet, even if I left stuff on the table, about half the time they would clear the table and someone else would be there when I got back.

- Signed up early in the day for a table at an ala carte. The maitre'd wouldn't seat me when I showed up. I was trying to keep my composure but I felt humiliated. A kind Canadian family added me to their party.

- At another ala carte, I was at a table by myself and a man with a large party (celebrating an engagement I think) asked if I was alone and then sort of handed me a small child. I totally love little kids but the child was obviously afraid.

This experience isn't stopping me from trying it again but not to that all-inclusive!

Sharon:)

I'm a 63 yo grandma, love to travel with my husband/kids/grandkids/sisters but I'm retired and they're not - so I decided to go by myself instead of miss out on the adventure! Everybody in the family thinks I'm nuts so I'm so glad I found this thread. I've been on the roll call for the cruise but haven't 'met' any other solos. I'm somewhat terrified of going on outings by myself. Mostly I just like beaches so plan to head to the taxis at the ports. Hope I can find people to 'beach' with me!

Sharon

I'll be on NCL Sun, in Roseau Dec 5 '13. After looking at all options for seeing Dominica and considering my physical limitations, I'd like to book a water snorkel tour to see Champagne reef and Scotts Head by boat. The places I contacted either didn't respond (Anchorage Hotel tours) or needed a minimum of 6 (ALDive). I'm a solo traveler. Anyone know of standard tours? or any ideas? Thx, Sharon