zwho

Oh my, do I have a Petra story, along with about 600 other cruisers!  I did get to Petra.  I ended up taking the ships shore excursion at a cost of 200 euros.  It was awful, but that may have been because of the weather.  There was a flood at Petra and we should never have been let in. Our tour guides basically dissappeared and we were on our own for hours and hours!  Of course since it was a ships tour the ship could not leave us and we were probably over 2 hour late getting aback to the ship.  My friend did get a taxi and got there and back in plenty of time, and there were plenty of taxis at the Pier and at Petra.  The ship kept our passports, which I was uneasy about.  It all worked out, but it was a bad day!

I can not seem to get a definitive answer (even from the cruise company) about a VISA in Jordan. I want very much to visit Petra, but because of time constraints and my own need for control, I would like to not take an organized tour. Will the ship, MSC Lirica cover me with a temporary ships visa, like in Oman and Dubai, or am I on my own? Even the cruise line will not give me a yes or no answer!!!! Yours truly, Frustrated Mary

My friend and I are taking a train (each of us with 1 suitcase, on wheels and a backpack) the morning of our cruise to Venice from Padua. I think I heard there is not a road or any road transportation at the main train station in Venice. We would like to know if there is anywhere in Venice (proper) where we could catch a bus to the Pier? Or a Shuttle, or as a last resort a taxi? We don't want to take a water taxi, if there are any other choices that we can use that are not so expensive.

I have been reading the other posts and saw where there is land transportation available at Piazzale Roma. Is this close to the Train Station? Will it be easy to roll our luggage,and is there really land transportation to drive us to our Ship? Or is the easiest, most economical way just to grab a water taxi at the Train station, climb in,(ouch) and just take it to the Pier? Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer. Mary

Hi! I will be on the MSC Lirica on Nov. 2nd and we dock in Aqaba, Jordan on Nov. 9th The ship apparently has no planned excursions that I can see, (which is ok with me, as they are too expensive for me and too large, usually). The roll call for the cruise is very small and it also seems no one is interested in forming a group for a private tour guide to Petra. So my problem is that I need to find a reasonably priced way to get there, get a tour and get back to my ship! I know that it's a 2 hr-ish trip and that gas is expensive. I also know it costs 72USD to get into Petra. But the cheapest quote for 2 people I have found is 250USD per person. 235 for 4 people. Does anyone know if there are cheaper options..? I would be happy to hook on to another tour, but am afraid to not have someone outside the port waiting for me, as our timeline is tight! 10:00 to 6:00! Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Mary

I am going on a MSC cruise this November. One of our ports is Petra, then 3 stops in Oman and disembark in Dubai and will stay a few days. I'm very confused as to what I need to do. Should I get Visas for Jordan and UAE before I leave or can I do it when we dock? Also, do I need 1 for Oman? And my last question is, if I need to get them before I leave what is the easiest and least expensive way to get them? Thank you in advance. Mary

When our cruise docks, does it make sense to take the train from Civitavecchia to florence for a couple of days? Thanks in advance.

If I need to take a taxi from Naples Pier to Pompeii (one way) is it total 45 euros or 45 Euros per person? Thanks in advance!

I have taken a few solo cruises. Some I liked, some just felt lonely. Now I have a chance to take a NCL Epic cruise, but have booked an interior cabin rather then a studio cabin. I've read all about the solo lounge and the staff and the activities and just wonder if solos who are not booked in a studio can participate in any of the solo activities laid out for the studio dwellers? I enjoy reading and people watching and my own company but am also very friendly by nature. So when I want to hang out with people or have company for a meal will I have an easy time doing that or is it just the luck of who I do or don't run into. Either way is okay, but since they do have activities I would like to know if I can take part in any of them. Thanks in advance.

I do understand where you are coming from but I have also seen cruise lines that do set up events for solos and have very few people attend the events that they set up for them. I just returned from a 10 day solo on Hal and they had a solo trivia get together every evening. I couldn't tell you if many were there because I did not go to it, because like others I enjoy travelling solo, and don't really want or expect the cruise lines to entertain me or cater to me any different than they would any other passenger.

 

We are all different and have different things we enjoy so it doesn't make one right and one wrong, it simply makes us different, and that is what makes the world go round. The point is, different people have different expectations, so if you did not have your expectations met, then maybe try a different cruise line rather than complain that a line is not good for solos just because you didn't care for it. I have not yet sailed on Celebrity so I don't know, but they do have some very loyal solo customers so they must be meeting their expectations. Happy Sailing

This is MY last post on the subject too! I realize that THIS IS MY OPINION, not everyones and from this thread, probably my minority opinion! One thing I need to say is you call it "complaining". Well, when you say you think they do a good job, because you have no expectations or want to be with others, I call that YOUR subjective opinion! When I say I expected more and think they did a bad job, that is MY subjective opinion, not a complaint. Unless you take it that way, because my opinion differs from yours. As Barbra says, "People that need people, are the luckiest people in the world." So I am sorry for you and am glad you like being alone. I got on this forum 3 yrs. ago because I liked to cruise with my Husband and he died. The encouragement I received from many people in my exact situation was so positive and none of them said, oh you will love being without a loved one or a friend. They all said if you like cruising, go, you will find people to talk with, eat with and hopefully have fun while you're on the ship. So I guess I'm really not a solo, because I like being alone, but not all the time!

I just returned from a transatlantic on RCL. They organized a solo lunch in the MDR a couple of times during the cruise. It was a great way for us to make that initial introduction. We took it from there by scheduling a set dinner time for those with My Time dining-- anyone who wanted to show up could sit at the solos table (room permitting).

 

It worked out great-- some nights I'd dine with couples I had met, other nights I'd dine at the solos table.

 

I think the key is for the cruise line is to organize some way for solos to meet alone early on a cruise for them to connect (if they so choose). Having the meeting at a random bar where it's impossible to identify the solos from the others is just a waste of time.

 

Joe

Finally, someone who gets it. If I wasn't an independent person I would never have gone on my own! My expectations were not overblown. I just wanted to be recognized as a sub group (which solos are) as much as kids, disabled and even couples. Just put yourself out a little . Call for a luncheon or dinner at a dedicated table for solos or singles. If no one shows up, they tried. Celebrity did nothing. Telling people to hit a bar and spend some $, is not nice, and in my case it was impossible to tell where the solos were. And I also didn't go to "meet" or make friends. I thought of it like camp. You make your besties for the time you're there, swear eternal friendship, (in modern terms that's exchange email addresses) and quickly forget about them once you're home. 12 days is a long time to be all by yourself. You guys are probably right. I'm not a solo, but I can be with very little human contact. I'm not even bragging when I say I make friends easily. I just do, but that doesn't mean I don't value alone time. I just like moderation. Being alone for that long a length of time just doesn't feel right to me.

I can't help how I feel. I have gone on 1 other solo cruise and had a lot more fun. I'm not a solitary person. I guess solo cruising isn't really for me, because although I wasn't looking for friends I was looking for fun and the cruise line did nothing to encourage people to get together. I understand their job is not to entertain (according to all of you). I don't completely agree. My next cruise is with 3 friends. I originally cruised alone because my DH had passed away and we had this cruise booked. After reading posts on this forum, I went ahead and took it alone. I think maybe I had a good time because I thought it would be horrible and it wasn't. But the difference was I found people I clicked with. This cruise I wasn't so lucky. And as I said before the cruiseline did nothing to encourage people to mingle, couples, singles or solos.

I'm sorry you felt ignored, but I see that as a fault of the other people on board more than the cruise line.......

 

 

 

What do you think they do for couples and families that they didn't do for you? Were you not allowed to take part in activities on board as a solo? Did they treat you rudely or ignore your requests, or give you bad service? I feel like I'm still missing something. I certainly have been treated rudely as a solo person, but I'm just not seeing here where the cruise line messed up.

I feel like I'm nitpicking now, but it just added to the bad experience. At dinner, the waiter always left me for last, no matter when I got to the table. It's like he was counting his tip money, and I was only tipping for one! Again, I didn't feel that way the other time I sailed alone. I went to the cruise critic meet and I made arrangements for 2 tours with CC people and that worked out well. Nice couples but no one I wanted to hang out with and I assume vice versa. The CC couples I had private tours with didn't want to shop for any souveniers. Both couples were my age, but neither had kids (or I guess family) to bring stuff to. Not even themselves. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with that, but that's not me, and we had little in common except our age. One thing I love about travel is the opportunity bring back little treasures for my loved ones. I also found very nice people to talk to during lunches and even in ports where I was on my own. I think the lonelyist I felt was when I was shopping in Mykonos & Istanbul. It would have been nice to have a friend with me to oo & ahh over all the great buys. I didn't expect to find a shopping buddy either, but because I really found no one I felt comfortable with onboard, being by myself in these amazing ports felt even worse. No, I don't fault the cruiseline for that, but I still think they could have done more. A trivia team for the solo or single, for example Going there asking can I join you is never easy. They could have advertised a singles designated table in the dining room for lunch each day on board. This cruise line does have special activities and areas designated for children. Their specialty restaurants have 2 for 1 specials, and they have the Couples or Not So Newlywed Game. Sorry, but I still think they could have done more with hardly any effort. Solo's aren't important to them, but we should be.

Thank you for all your comments. I think a little history is needed here. I have only taken 1 other solo cruise. It was a 10 day Holy Land on RCCL. They listed solo events everyday in their newsletter. I only attended 1 lunch in the dining room where a cruise staffer hosted and there were mostly women & 1 or 2 men. I am not looking for romance, or someone to cruise with. I made some acquaintances that I said hi to when we ran into each other, but no one I hung out with. I met some nice people at the CC meet & greet. I took some tours with the ship and had some private tours for only me. The difference was my dinner table. It was 5 couples & me. They "adopted" me because the table I was assigned was a family of 6 where English was the 2nd language and 3 elderly British women travelling together. I had a great time with the couples. We were the most diverse group and I loved learning new things every night. Everyone on the cruise just seemed looser and more open to going "with the flow". The cruisers (I met) on Celebrity were a bit more buttoned up. Country Club types looking for either like minders or the exotic. At my 1st table, I had 4 Germans travelling together and 2 country club types. I was a boring Midwesterner and was pretty much ignored, by the others quizzing the Germans about everything. They treated the Germans like they were from Mars instead of Germany! When I changed tables, There were 3 nice couples about my age, but they had formed a group already and I felt a little intrusive. I

I was travelling solo so it's not that I wanted company but it would have been nice to feel like someone on the cruise line was looking out for my good time since I was paying for 2 and the cruise line has plenty of couple stuff, and even kid stuff. I don't feel second class and disliked that thats how I felt on this cruise!

Now my other experience travelling solo was odd because I wasn't. My DH was with me, but doing his own thing, which was lying pool side or reading in the room! I was on a NCL ship but before they catered to singles with solo cabins. When I went to lunch the maitre'd would suggest seating with a group of women or a single guy (Ha Ha)! I thought it was very thoughtful and really appreciated that sort of concern.

So I don't think I expect special treatment, just equal to what couples expect or people with kids. I'm not looking for a hook up or a bff. Just to have fun and feel comfortable travelling alone and unfortunately for me that didn't happen this time and I really feel the cruise line didn't even attempt to do anything for us solo travellers. Only my experience. I'm happy yours have been better or you like being totally ignored!

I recently returned from a 12 day Celebrity Constellation cruise and was very disappointed with how I was treated as a Solo guest. Their only nod to being a Solo was a small sign at the Guest Relations Desk advertising a nightly gathering of Solos, Singles, Gay & Lesbian "Others" meeting at one of the bars on the Ship. I stopped by one evening and could not find where I would have belonged. It just looked like a bunch of people in a bar. That was it. On other cruise lines I've taken, (specifically) RCCL & NCL Solo activities have been listed daily in the Ships Newsletter and there have been luncheons, game team & religious services offered to Solos. It like the Ship didn't want us to find each other. If anything keeps me from booking Celebrity again, that would be it! I don't travel Solo all the time, but when I do I still like to meet people. I like meeting couples but also would like to find others traveling alone and Celebrity pretty much acted like we weren't there. Even at dinner I was seated with 3 other couples. How hard would it have been to put a few single tables together? Anyone else notice this kind of neglect by the cruiseline or am I just sensitive?

I too am sorry for your loss and can relate. I lost my husband in March 2011. We had a cruise booked for September. I cancelled it, rebooked with family, they had to cancel and then I ended up on my own. I had a wonderful time. The next summer I did a cruise with 3 friends and really liked the solo better.

It occured to me that traveling w/ my hubby was close to going solo! I did all the planning and sharing a cabin w/ him was no big deal because we were used to each other and I could just tell him to move something if it was in his way (and vice versa), where w/ a friend, you have to be sensitive to sharing and keeping the mess to a minimum.

I met some nice people, got on the roll call, and had a great table for dinner. Now I've booked the Celebrity Constellation for a 12 day Black Sea & Greek Isles cruise solo! If a friend wants to join me it would be great, but only if they get their own cabin and it's understood that if I'm not interested in something they like (and vice versa), no hard feelings. We just do our own thing.

I think the only thing that I would like a friend for is when we're in Istanbul, I have so many great memories that I would like to share them while walking around sightseeing and shopping. Oh well, you can't have everything! Besides that, I think the best part of going solo that 1st time is my Husbands illness had turned (both of us ) into victims. I was so sick of having life punching me in the gut that it felt good to just make a plan and follow it thru. The solo trip gave me back a feeling of control, and I had my invisible ghost (my DH) with me all the time and in my mind I shared the trip w/ him.

Then would you mind looking at my question up 2 posts from yours? Thanks!

Where is everybody? On Vacation? Oh it's July

I have hired a private guide for our 4 days in Israel. She says it will save me lots of $$$ if I rent the car, but she picks it up, and then us at the Ashdod pier? I'm not sure, but doesn't the person who rents the car have to pick up the car? I don't know the rules in Israel, but if she can do it, and it's legal, and it will save me money, I'm all for it. I just want to know before I go any further that it will work! Thanks in advance.

My son, DIL, myself and 18 month old grandson will be going on a RCCL cruise in September. The itinerary dropped the 2 days in Egypt, so we will have 4 consecutive days in Israel! We arrive 7:00a.m. Monday for 2 full days in Haifa, sailing 10:00p.m. Tuesday nite. We dock Ashdod 7:00 Wednesday and leave 10:00 Thursday nite.

I'm so happy with this turn of events because I can't see anything more meaningful then showing my DIL who converted to Judaism the highlights of Israel. I've been twice, my son, 1 time. I need help developing an A list of sites for the North and Jerusalem & the Negev. We'll have the baby, but as long as he has Cheerios and a drink, the sites won't matter to him.

My thoughts are to spend 1 day in Jerusalem concentrating on the Wall and shopping in the old city and having lunch, spending all morning and early afternoon. Then take a bus to Yad Vashem and then back to the city for dinner and walking around Ben Yehuda Sq. My questions are: Do my plans for the day seem reasonable? If the answer is yes, how best to get the 4 of us, plus an umbrella stroller from Port to the city? Do we need a car seat with us? I only hesitate to rent a car because I think driving in Jerusalem traffic is for pro's (not us). I did it last time I was there and swore, never again! Would we have time to do the Tunnel Tour, and can the baby go? Is it feasible to go back to the ship, or makes more sense to stay in Jerusalem for the nite?

The next day I want to go to Masada early, and then spend the day at the Dead Sea. How far from Ashdod is that ride? Should we do the 2 days in Jerusalem like that or does doing the Negev 1st make any sense, still spending the evening at Ben Yehuda? And last, how do we get from Masada to the Dead Sea, if we don't have a car?

I'm much more confused about the Haifa port. I don't want to spend time in Haifa. I want my kids to see Safad, and the Gallilee. Should we rent a car for that or get a guide? I also like the idea of Glil (?) where you can horseback ride. I have heard it's really lovely and a hippie throwback. They would love it, me too! I need some guidance on how to break up the 2 days so it's fun & interesting. My kids are interested in religion (philosophically) and history and nature and fun. I love shopping and all the rest. Can you help us? I'm sorry, the answer may be here in the 420 or so posts, but I don't have time to get thru them all. Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on how to spend our time. Mary