TessM

Hi Kruisey

 

Just trying to understand what you mean by a Special on a reduced fare where a single passenger can not use ?

I have been cruising on that particular line for many years and don't think I have ever run into that before. Normally every offering by the line has a price for each passenger as long as there is 2 in a room and if you change the 2 to a 1 you get your rate as a single which can be anywhere from 40 to an additional 100 % of the rate with 2 people in the room. This is quite normal but it almost sounds like you are saying that they wont let you pay say even the 100 % rate.

I just experienced a large fare reduction from the original price and when I indicated as a single I only paid an additional 40% of the reduced price but this may not be what you are indicating.

 

Kruisey, I'm not following what you mean either. I looked at your profile and think I know what cruise line you're talking about -- unless you've changed your profile recently. I cruise that line almost exclusively and I've never paid more than what two people in a cabin would be charged. In fact, last month I booked a suite for a cruise in Feb 17 and got an incredible deal. In fact, it's a good thing I booked when I saw it because it was the last available cabin in that suite category.

 

Is booking a cruise different for Canadians? Why don't you drive down to Bellingham and book a cruise? I'm suggesting that because I don't know if it makes a difference. --Plus, we can meet and I'll buy you a coffee.

No, this has never happened to me. I almost always cruise solo and I also take international (land-only) trips solo. I don't go with organized tour groups, I always plan my own trips. I've never once had any problem at the border.

 

My car was a "suspect" once at the US border (coming in from Canada). Several agents had come out - not with their guns out, but you could tell they would have them out in a split second if they needed to as several had their hand on their holsters. I actually thought I was their focus - and, I was - or rather my car was. I acted very cool and calm because I knew there was no reason for me not to - plus I was very relaxed after an 8 day salmon fishing trip in Northern British Columbia. Anyway when I got to the agent, he looked at my passport and asked me if I had noticed all the agents. I said that I had, and he said, you know they were for you right? But once I had gotten close enough they had realized I wasn't who they were looking for. It was really kind of amusing.

 

About three years ago I signed up for the US "Trusted Traveler Program." I have both Global Entry and NEXUS so that helps me glide thru customs and immigration. Plus, I'm probably tagged in some systems as someone who travels solo pretty exclusively.

 

You didn't mention your age or where you were traveling to/from and that might have made a difference.

 

But, I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope it didn't turn you off to traveling solo - it is a very freeing way to travel.

If you're not comfortable asking others to take a photo of you, a selfie is your only option -- either with your phone or (if you have a separate camera) with a delay timer. I recommend you choose to ask others to take a photo of you -- it's very common, and most people are glad to help. I've done all three options on my solo travels, depending on where I was and whether there were other folk around.

 

I agree. But I have to ask the OP, do you ever offer to take a stranger's picture? I travel solo most of the time and, admittedly, I don't have a desire to take many pictures. But, I do offer to take pictures for strangers.

 

Keep in mind that this isn't just a problem for solo travelers. I often see a couple taking turns taking a picture of each other. So, I'll offer to take a picture of the two of them together. It's a an easy simple thing to do and they always enjoy the offer. I always take several pictures so they can choose one they like. Often, the stranger will then ask if I'd like them to take my picture. I usually turn then down but in your case, this should work well.

 

I just got home from Paris yesterday where I took pictures of strangers a few times. One morning as I was finishing my coffee a man was taking a picture of his wife and I offered to take one of them together. Once they understood what I was offering, (language barrier) they posed and after taking several shots, he kissed her but I knew the photo would be blurry so I had him kiss her again. I got a beautiful picture for them and I have a nice sweet memory. I had finished my coffee but we chatted for a few minutes - they were Italian but she knew a little English.

 

Phew...sorry for such a long post. Bottom line: offer to take pictures of others and you'll receive offers from them to take pictures of you. -- You'll also meet some nice people along the way.

I haven't cruised Crystal -yet. I've been looking at Crystal for the past few months and I like what I see. The prices for a solo aren't much more than I spend now. It won't be this year, but maybe 2017.

Hello Everyone! I just booked my first Mediterranean Cruise and am super excited! Going on NCL Spirit in November 2016. Lots of time to plan!!

 

Wow. That looks like an amazing cruise!

I spent this past Thanksgiving in Venice/Rome/Florence (total days in each: 2/4/4) and had a wonderful time. I'd been to Rome and Florence before as port stops on a cruise. My original plan was to spend a week in Florence but my nephew wanted to join me and he'd never been to Europe before so I expanded the days and We flew into Venice* and took the train to Rome and then to Florence and flew out of Florence. It was an amazing trip. We each got single rooms and each hotel put us in rooms right next to each other - or at least on the same floor.

 

You should be able to find great prices on hotel rooms given you'll be there in November. Here's a list of where we stayed.

Venice - Ca' del Campo. The hotel is in San Marco and an easy walk to St. Mark's Square. It's a great hotel, especially for the price. My nephew had a room with a view of a canal. Lol. The room faced the shops on the other side of the "street" but if you stuck your head out the window and looked to your right, you could see the canal. :p

Rome - Hotel Pantheon. Rooms were amazing! They had just redone the rooms and the bathroom especially was roomy and gorgeous. I didn't know "Versace" made tiles, but apparently so. The location was, of course, incredible.

Florence. - Hotel Casci. Nice, basic rooms - family owned and run --- they give out the BEST recommendations for dinner!

 

*We met up in Venice - he arrived 1 1/2 days before his luggage. But, he took it in like a seasoned traveler.

 

...any suggestions, etc. regarding traveling solo in Europe. I am been on several solo cruises, but not overseas. I want to be sure that I think of everything. For instance, in Barcelona I would like suggestions on what to see and do.

 

Right now I am think 2 days pre-cruise. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM EVERYONE ARE WELCOME!!!

 

Would also like recommendations for a pre-cruise hotel.

 

Merry Christmas!!

 

Barcelona is my favorite city in the world. Ok, I've only been there four times but I usually stay at least a 8-10 nights.

 

I've even rented an apartment a couple of times and really loved it but even then, I always spend my last couple of nights (if not my entire stay) at Hotel Colon. It's sort of become my home away from home. They usually have great rates for their solo rooms. Most of their solo rooms have courtyard views --it's not really much of a courtyard-- but every solo room I've been in has been quiet. Also, they usually have my room ready when I get there - even as early as 9am. If not, they'll store your luggage (something all the hotels will do for you) so you can hit the streets and see the sights.

 

It's close to a couple of metro stops, HoHo stops for both lines are across from the hotel, as well as a taxi stand (or the hotel will call a taxi for you). Plus it's a quick and easy walk to Placa Cataluyna or Las Ramblas. Well, it's quick if you don't end up going into every cute shop you see along the way. -- bring extra money for shoe shopping (made in Spain).

 

I don't bother with their breakfast but I always prefer to find the local breakfast culture. I just walk up to Calle Santa Anna. There's several little spots for breakfast. For lunch, I like to go to the restaurant Santa Anna for their "menu del dia" - I've tried several things and I've never been disappointed. Plus, it's inexpensive - especially for what you get.

 

My first trip to Barcelona was my second solo trip to Europe. My first was about a decade earlier to Ireland and I was more worried about driving a car on the opposite side of the road than anything else. In Barcelona, I was worried about (besides the language - which isn't really much of a problem) what to do at night as a solo female traveler. I'm glad I was so worried because it led me to find two incredible night-time tours.

First, find a walking/tapas/wine tour. Check out TripAdvisor. These tours are fine with taking a solo traveler. You'll learn about the area and what/where to eat as well as just having a great evening with strangers that quickly become friends.

Second, and this is my favorite, - Ride Brightside - it's tour on a motorcycle sidecar. They have day tours as well but their evening tour is a great/easy way to see Barcelona at night. I've taken their night tour twice and one tour during the day. As you might guess, it's not inexpensive but it is an incredible value. It's a tour that I think is more fun to take as a solo because there's no argument over who gets to ride in the sidecar. (brightsidetours.com)

 

Oh, and I have cruised in/out of Barcelona. I don't think I'd ever be able to take a cruise where Barcelona was just a port stop because I'd have to stay before or after the cruise. The cruise terminal is very easy to get to by cab. And either they've got an easy check-in process or I've gotten lucky each time.

 

You'll have a great time. Solo travel in Europe is such fun whether you actually get on a cruise ship or not. -- Have a great time and if I can help you further, just ask.

OP, I appreciate your review as I'm thinking about taking the Crown in February. I've had a somewhat similar experience but it was on the Golden to Alaska. What amazed me most was the food - it wasn't horrible but was far below any food I'd had on a Princess ship before or after that cruise.

[quote name='Coral'] The Crown was my least favorite ship. I have yet to return to that ship and probably won't. [/quote]

Coral, what is it about the the Crown that you didn't like? I've never been on her before but I've cruised her sisters, Ruby and Emerald and I LOVE those ships. That's kind of why I want to cruise on the Crown. The only Princess ship I don't care for is the current Royal Princess - so, I also have no interest in the Regal.

I've eaten at the Crown Grill by myself many times. It's not a big deal you just make a reservation for one.

Wow! I just looked at this and I was blown away. Georgia Pearl, you are quite talented. I got as far as the movie and knew I'd have to come back to this review when I have more time.

 

I love your sense of adventure and I agree with adding land tours too. I couldn't imagine going to some of these places and not staying extra days.

 

I'm going to set aside some time to see your entire review. Thanks for posting! I already love solo travel but you've got me thinking of Singapore. I just need to fit it in to my travel schedule - 2016 is already booked solid.

Oh wow....that trip sounds wonderful:)...safe travels to you Tess.

 

Safe travels to you too my friend. I LOVE San Juan!

Have a great time and enjoy! My last day before vacation is next Tuesday. No cruise though - I'll fly to Venice, and train to Rome and then train to Florence. I'm looking forward to getting away. It's a good time to escape!

Bon Voyage!

We got off the Royal yesterday after completing a 10 day sailing.

 

Debarkation went smooth. They had Global entry which saved time.

 

Global Entry - Yay! That is great news!

So let me ask you about Hal, what type of dances classes do they have? Any Latin classes such as salsa, etc, or is it more like line dancing?

 

I believe they offer Salsa. But, to be sure I'd suggest posting the question on the HAL board to see what all dance classes they offer.

I kind of thought that they have dance classes such as salsa or others.

 

They do. Both Princess and HAL have dance classes.

 

I thought the comment about Holland America ships lack of night life. I took HAL to Alaska (solo) and after dinner the first night I went to the piano bar. There was a sing along going on and a name that tune game. I was seated near a group of about 5-7 people (mostly couples) who were all having a great time. They knew the piano player from other HAL cruises. Well, at the end of the show, I was part of their group. We continued to a couple of the bars with the piano player in tow, and proceeded to chat and laugh throughout the night. -- And, pretty much every night after that. It wasn't a bunch of drunken crazies, we had some great conversations and swapped hilarious stories.

How much are you guys willing to pay for a solo 8 day cruise? It just seems soo high. Would you pay over a $1,000 plus extra for air/hotel? Just curious. Would that stop you?

 

I just booked a 10 day Panama Canal cruise (Coral Princess - October 2016). Solo - Inside cabin (guarantee) - with port taxes and insurance I paid just slightly under $200/night. But, it was a special with gratuities paid and one diner at a specialty restaurant ($140 value) so that's nice but not a deciding factor.

 

I've never done the Panama Canal before so that's a big draw for me - and it includes Cartagena, Columbia; Colon, Panama; and Limon, Costa Rica so three ports I've never been to before.

 

If the cruise interests you and you like the ship and the dates work - AND, the price doesn't break your budget, then go for it.

Hmmm... I have been seated many times as a solo at tables with couples. No wives ever got miffed. Apparently I'm not threatening enough. I'll work on that :p

 

I don't think I'm threatening at all but I've had some issues with wives. It humors me because I've never found the husbands in question to be a great prize (I feel like telling the wife, "they're lucky they have you honey.")

 

On one cruise I was at a table for 10 (4 married couples and me). One of the husbands was very outgoing and funny. We ALL enjoyed his company but the wife didn't seem to appreciate his attention to me. So, after a night or two of icy stares, I made a point of trying to draw out the wife - just superficial conversation, nothing all that interesting (she barely spoke at all during dinner but also didn't seem to be shy). Well, I soon won her over and by the end of the cruise I got a big hug from her.

My favorite is breakfast at Sabatini's. I enjoy a slow, leisurely breakfast and the waiters all know that I will drink at least three cappuccinos with my breakfast.

Next May I'm booked in a suite on a cruise to Alaska so I'm also looking forward to the complementary pass to the Thermal Suite.

Thank you for sharing your cruise. It's always nice to hear the follow up. It sounds like an enchanting trip that ended up being perfect for you.

 

Those cruises are expensive but someday I'll splurge. But it was all inclusive though correct? So no huge bill at the end of the cruisem

I was just checking the pricing for our October trip on the Royal. We had already rebooked to take advantage of the 20% discount and got the free gratuities. I checked the Princess website today and it appears that the discounted pricing now appears in the summary view. In other words, I no longer have to pretend to book an actual cabin to see the additional "casino" discount, it is in the prices that appear when I log in and view the pricing for a cruise. They are certainly keeping us on our toes!

 

I noticed that today too. I clicked on a cabin to see if the price would go down. Then I felt really foolish because the price was already really low - especially for a Feb 2016 Caribbean cruise.

I booked a 7-day Eastern Caribbean today on the Emerald and also only saw the low (LOW) price when I did an initial dummy booking. I booked immediately and then transferred the booking to my Travel Agent and she said it was a casino credit. I don't know if the deposit is non-refundable or not. I've seen some sales advertised with a non-refundable $100 deposit but my deposit was $139. Also kind of odd.

 

I don't remember getting anything from Princess telling me about the discount, I just sort of fell into it. It's all very odd but I'm very happy with the price of the cruise.

 

I checked and I received a 35% discount (inside cabin) and the price was already so low I didn't expect my travel agent to be able to discount it any further. And, I was right, she couldn't discount it further but she did give me $50 obc.

My first cruise was 7 days to Alaska on Princess and I was solo. I had the time of my life.

 

That was 11 years ago. I didn't know about Cruise Critic back then. I didn't learn about CC until my second (solo) cruise the following year.

 

But, I also didn't know I was supposed to be worried about cruising solo; I just knew I was going to have a good time and I did.

Jason, I'm so glad and not surprised that you had a great time. Just one question for you - have you started planning your next solo cruise?

:)

I prefer to cruise alone for the most part, but there are times when it's fun to have company. I would give her the info about the ship and the date and tell her to just go on line a book a cabin she likes. And I would just tell her straight out, that you're hoping to get some r&r so she will probably be on her own quite a bit...

I had a lot of fun when my friend went with me on half of a B2B cruise, but I was glad when she left[emoji16]

 

 

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I think this is good advice. You can tell her this and not feel guilty. She might look at the solo price and decide it's not for her.

 

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I understand the basis for why there is a single supplement, but am outraged that some cruise lines are posting fares that have supplements that are two or three times the amount of an additional person. Princess and RCL seem to be especially guilty of this lately. A wag of the finger!

 

I just checked solo prices on a Princess cruise and they had a slight discount (approx. 25%) for solos for the inside cabin category.

 

Just curious, which cruise(s) were you looking at where Princess is charging solos more than double? I've never seen that before on Princess - I've only sailed RCCL once but that was years ago.

Hi, everyone has their "favorites";)......some folks prefer Carnival,

other folks prefer NCL.......others sail Princess, some sail with

Royal and others sail Celebrity (Me)...I have been cruising with them

for almost 12 years and I always sail solo. I love the product

they provide me. Actually, I am sailing to Alaska with them in May:D

 

There are a lot of cruiselines out there......I would say try to do

some research and see what appeals to you.:)

 

Lois, do you have your cruise dates yet? I'd love to meet you when you are out here. Maybe pick you up at airport/hotel/port, then lunch and I'll drop you off at airport/hotel/port.

 

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Yes, it is pretty easy to get from Seattle to Vancouver and back again. Amtrak is probably your best option.

 

How many weeks are you planning to be in the Pacific Northwest and what are your dates?

 

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