TessM

Hi everyone,

 

It's been a while since I posted here . Life got in the way for a while!!

 

At present I'm doing a Celebrity cruise in Alaska leaving on August 7. This is booked as part of a seminar I am doing on the cruise ship.

 

As I travel so far from Australia, I would like to extend my time there - and maybe do another cruise in the area. I would be solo - and I'm not sure if a particular cruise line would suit better.

 

Of course it depends on the cost. I'm looking at a time from mid to late August.

 

If anyone has any recommendations, I would be very grateful!

 

Thanks:)

Are you cruising out of Seattle? - Or, Vancouver?

It might be good to take a cruise out of both. I've done Princess out of Seattle 3 times and I've always enjoyed my cruises. No problem with being solo.

I might cruise to Alaska again in May but I decided to wait until April or early-May to book. Last year I booked early and saw prices drop dramatically. But, for Alaska, I'm a "local" so it's easier to do a last-minute thing.

Have you ever been to Seattle/Vancouver before?

Hi Tom:)...I usually get some obc from mine.....more than I would

get without using her;).....but if you are unhappy? Shop around.

My experience is the same as Lois'. I get more obc from my travel agent. I'd much rather have the obc than a bottle of wine or a little travel gift.

And, I agree that you need to shop around. Even if you REALLY like your TA, shop prices (and include the obc) and see if you are getting the best price.

I have the Celebrity Silhouette booked for October 31, 2015. Would be great to have some solo cruisers joining me.

Have you checked your roll call? I was pleasantly surprised how many solos have signed up for the TA I'm on.

Glad to hear so many positive solo experiences on TAs. I just figured a cruise with so many sea days sort of lends itself to being a great cruise for the solo traveler. It's wonderful to see that's the case.

I'm so excited. I booked my first transatlantic today - solo, of course. It's April 2015 on the Emerald Princess from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona -- 17 days. I'll be able to stay in Barcelona (my favorite city) for a few days after the cruise before I have to head back to work.

But the thing that is even better than all of that...the ship stops in Sardinia!! I have been wanting to go to Sardinia - especially Alghero - for years. This will be a very memorable cruise.

I noticed a great* obstructed view cabin that was available so I emailed my travel agent. I didn't realize she works on Sunday but she set everything up for me and got me a better deal than what Princess was offering, as she usually does. But, it was even better when I checked my booking on the Princess site and noticed that I have $410 obc. -- I was expecting $285 so of course I'm thrilled. -- With a 17 day cruise, I'm going to need all the obc I can get. :)

The roll call for this cruise is already very active and at least 3 other solos on this cruise. It's funny because I never really notice (or care) if there are other solos on board. I think that's because I don't just travel solo, but I "live solo" too.

April is a long way off, but time seems to fly by these days. I'm just so thrilled to finally be able to do a transatlantic (usually the timing doesn't work for me) AND that it includes a stop in Alghero, Sardinia makes it close to perfect.

Tess

*what makes this obstructed view cabin "great" is that from the deck plans and the photos of this cabin, there doesn't appear to be any obstruction at all. :)

Has anyone taken dinner in the Crown Grill (or Sabatini’s for that matter) as a solo diner?

 

We will be on the Ruby doing an E.Caribbean sailing later this year and I am determined to dine in the Crown Grill for several nights during the trip.

My travel companions have already shared that they won’t want to eat there, they enjoy and prefer the MDR atmosphere.

Will the Crown Grill even accept my reservation as a solo diner?

Looking at photos and deck plans, it appears there is counter seating in the Crown Grill - do they seat anyone at the counter (bar style seating)?

It won’t bother me to dine alone in the Crown Grill, just curious if anyone else has done this or possibly observed a single diner in CG or Sabatini’s?

Yes, I've dined as a solo in both Sabatini's and the Crown Grill. I've never had any problem making a reservation for "1" and I've always been seated at a table for two. The wait staff has always been extremely helpful and gracious. I've never felt out of place.

Actually when I cruise solo, which is usually the case, I always dine at least one night if not two or three in one of the specialty restaurants. I do like traditional dining and enjoy sharing a table in the MDR, but I LOVE the Crown Grill and I have to eat there at least once every time I cruise. (I do miss the scalloped potatoes though.)

Enjoy your meal and don't think twice about dining as a solo.

Tess

Princess also seems to be running a special sale for Southern California residents.

 

Today I received in escargot-mail 9 offers marked "Southern California Resident Special."

 

Not sure why I received this mailing as Southeast Texas is quite distant from Southern California.

LOL...I got the same mailing and I live in Bellingham Washington. Of course, it did prompt me to take a look at the Princess website and I ended up booking a cabin for a transatlantic. It wasn't anything that was listed in the mailer, but I guess you could say it was an effective mailer for Princess. :)

We have been on a few Princess ships and always found the beds to be rock hard.

Went on the Royal last year and they were fantastic.

Next year we are going on the Golden, do you think we will need the egg crate toppers?

 

Cheers:)

I was on the Golden last month (May 17, 2014), in an oceanview on the Sun Deck and the mattress was perfect. But at our meet & greet someone mentioned that they had a saggy mattress. Fortunately, the Hotel Manager was at our meet & greet so I can only assume that the problem was taken care of to the satisfaction of our cruise critic member.

Btw...I was on the Royal in June 2013 (maiden voyage) the bed was fine. I didnt sleep well on that cruise but it wasn't the fault of the mattress it the air conditioner that wasn't working properly. :)

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IN A WORD - INEDIBLE -- ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE, LIKE NO LASAGNA I'VE EVER HAD EVER HAD. EVEN THE STUFF IN THE WHITE BOXES IN THE SUPERMARKET IS BETTER.:mad:

I had to laugh when I read that the OP mentioned the lasagne on the room service menu. I just got off the Golden Princess and I ordered room service lasagne one night. OMgosh!!! It was horrid!!! Truly the worst thing I've ever had on any cruise. When it first arrived I thought the order got screwed up and they delivered chili instead of lasagna.

I thought it was a isolated screw up. I'm actually sad to think this is what Princess always serves on their room service menu.

It's a dish that's really not that hard to make. It's like they really go out of their way to make it disgusting.

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Tess which line are you cruising on to Alaska out

of Seattle? My ship leaves Friday for Alaska out if Seattle. :)

I'm leaving Saturday on the Golden Princess.

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Hi Tess:) ohhh..have fun...where is the cruise going?:D

 

My next one is not until November:eek:

Wow! November is pretty far off. Kinda unlike you to go so long between cruises.

This is a RT out of Seattle with the usual port stops: Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan and Victoria. It will be a fun relaxing cruise and my cousin's first trip to Alaska. I'm excited for them to see it.

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Hi:)...I never worry about if I am sitting with other solo cruisers.

Friendly people are more important to me that what their marital

status happens to be.......If we click and all get along? Great...if

not, then I go to the Maitr'd and ask to be moved...but I never

request a strictly "solo table". I have met some wonderful couples

over the years who I am friends with to this day:)

Once again, I have to say I feel the same way as Lois. I never seek out someone's company because they are also traveling alone. Just as I would hope they would exclude me simply because I AM traveling alone.

If someone is friendly, interesting and fun to be around, that's the kind of person (s) I want to be around.

I've met unhappy, grumpy, miserable and generally unpleasant couples as well as solo travellers.

I leave on a cruise this coming Saturday and although I've got my own solo cabin, this time I'm cruising with my cousin and her husband. They are fun to around. I think I'm fun to be around too. But, not for 24hours a day for seven days - or even 12hours

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We will be in town on May 31st and have discovered that the Detroit Tigers will be playing an evening game against the Mariners. Should we decide to catch the game, what are the chances of being able to score tickets for the game. Any other suggestions for things to do Saturday from say 1:00 p.m. onwards into the evening. Staying on an extra day after our return, which happens to be a Sunday, any suggestions for things to do that day?

Average attendance last year was less than 22,000 and it's running at about the same rate this year.

Safeco Fields seats over 47,000. You will be able to get a ticket on game day. Safeco

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We will be staying in downtown Seattle for a couple of days before our cruise and planning to attend a concert in Bellingham. I am assuming the only way to get there would be to rent a car?

Hi! I live in Bellingham and although there are several transportation options to get from Seattle to Bellingham and back, renting a car is your best option. This is especially true since there are three of you on the trip. I would guess the concert is at the Mt Baker Theater and you'll appreciate having a car to get around.

It's an easy drive - just drive north on I-5.

Enjoy your trip to Seattle and Bellingham --AND - enjoy your cruise.

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no enough books available for those who want to read it onboard, etc.

Pam - do most people want to start the book on the cruise? I'd have to read it before. I don't want to be tied down to reading a book on the cruise. In general, I like reading books on ships, but I don't want to HAVE to do anything. I prefer going with whatever mood strikes me.

Currently, I'm planning on going to Alaska on the Westerdam on May 3 from Seattle. The Golden Princess also sails that same day.

I'm a first time cruiser, so I'm not that bothered by the difference in ports. Does anyone have any general advice on which ship and line is better? I'm sailing alone and I'm in my 40s.

I'm in my 50s and I cruise solo almost exclusively. I've cruised both HAL and Princess to Alaska. I haven't cruised on the Westerdam but I did get a tour of it years ago and I really like that ship. And, I'm going to be on the Golden Princess' May 17th sailing. I would say both HAL and Princess are similar especially on those two ships and especially roundtrip to Alaska out of Seattle.

I would suggest that you take a look at the itineraries. Even though all the ports might be new to you, see how much time you get in each of the ports. Both go to Glacier Bay. I agree though that there really doesn't seem to be much difference.

You're going to have a great time with either ship/cruiseline. I'm sure you will enjoy your cruise.

Recently, I did an gty for the first time. I booked an IB gty and 5 days before sailing got assigned an OF.

I don't usually book inside cabins, but I would have been happy if I had ended up in an inside.

Anyone done the steak house solo? I really love the experience and the food in the steakhouse but I don't know about going by myself. Is that too weird? I'll be trying to meet others and maybe go together, but what if ....

I'm on the Ruby Princess waiting for my time to get off the ship. This was a short 4 day cruise and I ate in the specialty restaurants 3 of the 4 nights. Twice in the Crown Grill (steakhouse) and once at Sabatini's. I had great service and great service and thoroughly enjoyed my meals.

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Anyone done the steak house solo? I really love the experience and the food in the steakhouse but I don't know about going by myself. Is that too weird? I'll be trying to meet others and maybe go together, but what if ....

It's actually not weird at all. Going to the Crown Grill on Princess (by myself) is one of my favorite things.

Something to consider -- when you are at a restaurant, do you look around and notice if people are dining alone or with a group? I don't. I've always thought people are busy with their own meals and conversations and don't have the time or interest to notice that I'm dining alone.

Please try it. Go and enjoy your meal.

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Cruising on Feb 8, on the Sapphire to Mexican Rivera. My friend and I booked the cheapest obstructed ocean view room gurantee and was upgraded to a balcony on Baja deck!!!! Thank you Princess. Looking forward to my 11th cruise on Princess.

Congrats to you! That's wonderful news. Did they just assign the cabin? - it looks like you're sailing in just a couple of days.

I really think they should show it just so they can say "watch the Puppy Bowl on MUTS" :D.

lol...that is funny!

Most of our cruises are just the two of us...but some of the best ones have been when we've brought the kids and then as they became adults and then with their spouses...this will be our first time with a grandchild and a whole new experience for us all.

Enjoy your cruise and your grandbaby. I hope you all have a great time.

$134/day is a great deal! My personal guideline has been to get under $180/night for a balcony, booked at least 6 months in advance.

 

That being said, for my next cruise, I took advantage of a Carnival deal that happened just after final payment for a 5-day out of Galveston - balcony for $94/night. I doubt I'll find a deal that good again.

 

Using a per-day price is a good place to work from, but remember, it's not what others find or consider good, it's what you find that works for you and your budget. My $94/nt cruise wouldn't be a deal for me if I had to fly to get to it. ;)

I'd consider $134/day a good deal. I'm booked on a 4-day Princess cruise (Interior cabin - Guarantee) that is $143/day including taxes. I don't look at what the single supplement is since I can't do anything about it anyway. I just look at total price.

I think $143 is a good deal for me although I rarely book inside cabins. I haven't had one in ages. I'm going to be in the Fort Lauderdale area, so my airfare isn't adding $$ to this particular cruise.

On this trip, I was able to get a 4star hotel for $146/night - before taxes - which is a sweet price for February in South Florida. Keep in mind, that besides taxes, while I'm at the hotel, I need a rental car and meals and entertainment will be added on to the $146. Plus, on the cruise, that beautiful ship is going to take me to the Caribbean for a few days. It all sounds wonderful. If I hadn't seen how this cruise is priced, I'd probably have just flown back home without getting to see the beautiful blue Caribbean water.

Hi everybody, I am looking to get a little input on what I should be doing in Cozumel. I know the 2 excursions I posted are very far from similar, so bare with me.

 

I am going on my first solo cruise I in Feb. I enjoy cooking and think I would really like the Mexican Cuisine Cooking/Tasting excursion that Carnival offers, but since I am going to be by myself, would that take away from the experience? It seems like this excursion would generally be better for groups of people to go together, so a few questions I have are:

 

1. Would I be likely to be the only solo on this one?

2. Assuming there are other solos, would I be paired up with them for the cooking or would it be more likely to go at it alone?

3. Are the staff chefs pretty good with helping everybody out? While I enjoy cooking, I am by no means an expert.

 

My other option choice, which is far different is the Bar Hop. This one is pretty self explanatory and should work fine for a solo I would imagine based on the reviews I have read.

 

So, I have two options here, but looking for a little feedback from anyone in the know before I make a decision.

 

Thanks!

My last trip to Barcelona, I took two different cooking classes. It never occurred to me that this might not be a good thing for a solo. I had a GREAT time both times. The chefs were each wonderful in their own wayand spent plenty of time with me. I am NOT a great cook but I thoroughly enjoyed each class - it was two different companies.

If it's a hands-on class, everyone should be busy at their own workstations working on whatever assignment the chef gives to them. I'm sure they will be friendly to you, but they probably won't think much at all that you are by yourself. People tend to be friendly anyway and most of these classes offer wine while you are working so that will loosen things up even more.

If the class is something that you think you would enjoy, do it. Bar hops are easy excursions to find. Do something a little different this time. :cool:

I was cruising on the 55+ board and that started me wondering how many of the solo cruisers are retired or soon to be retired? ...... After that I'm seriously considering moving to south Florida. I'm in southeast Texas now.

I'm 55 and still about 10-12 years away. I've never married - so, just one income to spend and save. It's funny you mentioning moving to south Florida as I am going to Florida next month to scout out neighborhoods in Palm Beach County. I'm thinking of a buying an investment property. I'm specifically looking for a small villa, 2bed/2bath that I can rent out and have paid for by the time I reach retirement.

Of course since I'll be in Florida, I couldn't resist booking a short cruise. I've booked a 4-day cruise on the Ruby Princess.

Fortunately, I enjoy my job so while retirement is something I think about (mostly trying to do the right things so I'll have enough money) but I don't dread the thought of having to work another 15 years. I imagine that might change as I inch closer to the actual date.

Tess

WinksCruises - great job on the pictures. Thanks for posting this. I'm on the Ruby (4 day) next month. Looking at these pics and hearing about your cruise is a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Thanks again!

Tess