Delmol

may i suggest trying it once to see how you like solo cruising. You will be on a cruise with lots to do and beautiful scenery, how bad can it really be? I am going on cruise #11/12 in a few weeks and all have been solo except 2. Its pretty easy to meet people on a cruise. Every one i have been invited to dinner with others a few nites. Some i went, some i didn't but thats the luxury of solo - do what you want, when you want! I recommend NCL for the studio cabins. Cozy room for one person and not a double charge. If you still thinking of the epic, they have studio cabins!! Give it a try, you might love it. I love traveling solo. Its very relaxing. Good luck! NCL does a solo meet and greet each nite. Ages always vary but cant hurt to check it out one night and see if there is anyone your age. Also join your roll call on cruise critic and ask on their if anyone is around your age.

I've definitely been overthinking this whole thing!

Thinking back to my last cruise it was very easy to meet people and we did meet a group of people from USA about my age and we were always bumping into each other throughout.

I think I'll go for it, what have I got to lose?

Worst case: I get a nice tan and eat an awful lot of food :')

People are friendly everywhere I've been, but if the age is a big consideration for you, I'd suggest you pick a line and ports that tend to be on the younger side.

 

I'd look at Caribbean or Mexico, maybe Europe. Alaska is a bit older overall, but if you like nature it's a great place to kayak, hike, etc. and you'll get a younger group of people doing those kind of tours.

 

The more cost-conscious lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian normally have a younger crowd. If you're set on 14 days, you also might get a younger crowd if you did two 7 day cruises back to back, since it's harder to get away for two weeks when you're in your 20s.

 

If you don't really care too much where you go, wait for a last-minute deal on Norwegian where they drop the supplement completely.

I'll be cruising round Europe, I don't have enough money to cruise round the Americas just yet - as this is my first solo holiday ever, I'd also feel a bit more comfortable closer to home just in case.

I think that's a good point with the shorter length, the last cruise I did was 12 days and that was quite varied age wise, but a lot more families on board.

As you say it might be worth taking a 7 day as I've heard they tend to attract a younger audience.

Thanks for the suggestions :)

Me and my (now ex) girlfriend were due to book a 2 week cruise on NCL Epic some time in June/July.

Sadly, we have since broken up and I'm debating whether to book it for myself or not.

Unfortunately none of my friends can afford to go, my parents aren't too keen on cruising (I've tried to convince them!) and my brother is also in a tight spot financially at the moment so he can't go either.

This leaves me with two options: Don't go on holiday this year, or book the trip as a solo cruise.

I went on my first cruise last year and really enjoyed myself, but this would be my first cruise solo.

I'm happy getting "stuck in" and meeting new people, taking part in different activities around the ship.

My main reservations are having extended period of having nobody to talk to or do activities with, as well as eating breakfast/lunch/dinner on my own.

For reference I'm 22 so I'm looking to mingle with a "young" crowd.

What are other peoples experiences cruising solo?

Guess I wasn't clear with my post-- I meant that I'd heard that you cannot bring an empty water bottle on board with you.

 

 

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I've never had any issues with getting empty bottles on board.

It's only full bottles they care about, and they'll just ask you to either drink or dispose of the water before getting on board.

Security isn't that tight, I've walked straight through on-board security with 2 large bottles of spirits in my bag before and not been stopped - so I wouldn't worry about empty bottles.

Even with the "Nickel and Diming" that others aren't so happy about, they're still the best value cruise line around IMO.

Looking at other cruise lines, no unlimited drinks package, set dining times, having to pay for onboard activities.

It just seems to me that there is no other cruise line that offers what NCL offers.

How about a smaller, more intimate ship I think the older crowd would appreciate that. We don't need slides, rock climbing,rope courses. A smaller ship would also be able to get into some of the ports which these mega ships can not I'd be willing to pay more for that experience

They do have the Spirit, Jade etc.

No bells and whistles but they're laidback, quiet and not too big.

Or do you mean even smaller than that, say sub 1000 passengers?

It better be based in Europe. We keep building all these ships and we never get to keep any of them! We only get them back as hand-me-downs when you've all moved on to bigger and better things. :mad:

Agree, all the tiny ships do Europe (where there's the most to see!).

But the next ship will probably just be crazy, the cruises ships now are beyond belief.

I wouldn't be surprised if they announced a 4 mile long ship with a sports stadium and its own metro system!

Jokes aside it will be interesting to see what they come up with next, what more can you put on a boat!?

What is the difference in bringing an empty water bottle onboard or a refillable Teva or Brita bottle that they fill onboard the ship? Some like to carry a water bottle and some, like me (I've done this way before the no water on the ship policy was inacted), have no issues with another kind of refillable container. Not sure how NCL is being short sighted because folks have no issue drinking the ship's water.

As long as you're not putting the mouthpiece (that you mouth has been all over) straight up against the drinks spout (totally gross!)

There shouldn't be any issues.

It's surprising how many people do this though. Gross!

I appreciate your comments. We are not water "snobs" but are used to bottled water as part of the drink packages for other cruiselines.

We will probably just bite the bullet and buy a case of water from NCL which will probably serve to reinforce the idea that their management has made a brilliant marketing decision and have been able to sell a 7 dollar case of water (if that) for 50 bucks. Adding insult to injury there is an 18% grat for this purchase.

 

I want to save money as much as the next person but the concept that some/many passengers are 'smuggling' empty water bottles onboard just reinforces in my mind the short sighted NCL approach. JMHO

I totally agree it's madness :)

But if I can avoid paying extortionate prices for bottled water I will!

Even the prices on land (extortionate as they were) were still cheaper than buying on the boat.

You don't actually do that, do you?

Why wouldn't I? I don't agree with tipping/gratuities and it's not something we do here in the UK.

Can I ask if you did this on your Aug 2016 cruise? I much prefer tipping personally as does my husband - can you not remove them in the first couple of days as on P&O

 

Cheers

Yes did this on my recent Aug 2016 cruise on the Spirit without any issues.

I'm not too sure, I think you can only remove the service charge on days that have already passed - but don't quote me on this one.

We always just wait til the last day when all charges have been applied and get them removed.

Hope this helps!

I can't comment on the penthouses or suites but I can say that the Spirit is a fantastic ship.

Just came back from 12 days round the Med and was very, very impressed. Lovely staff and a really laid back vibe on the ship.

You'll have a great time! (Keep an eye out for Leicester at Henry's - fantastic barman!)

Me and my other half just went for the standard inside stateroom.

The penthouses do look really nice at the back of the ship though, might have to book one next time...

I've read a few reports that this isn't allowed anymore.

 

 

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I've never had staff so much as bat an eyelid.

Just came back from the Norwegian Spirit last week, I was doing this for the whole cruise in full view of staff - never had a problem.

Your mileage may vary I suppose.

Yes, as indicated in my post I understand this clearly. NCL is free to charge for towels and pillows if they like and 'for the most part' these charges are identified up front. That does not mean I have to be comfortable with the NCL approach. Water for one is a concern. When I have had drink packages on X, HAL, Princess it was included. I was surprised to learn this when I booked but after research was told it was not a big deal to check in with a case or two of water. Now that is not an option. So yes I could forgo water (not going to happen) or pay 3 bucks+? a bottle x 8 day for 2 x7days so between the UBP grats there is probably 350 bucks addtl. . My point (besides the cost which can be quantified) is that it is just a hassle to have to 'decide' if you want to pay for another bottle of water or room service when traditionally these have been part of the beverage package or cruise experience. With the advent of 'bonus' beverage packages we have really enjoyed the 'carefree' nature of sailing and not concerned ourselves with the end of cruise bill. JMHO

For water we've always bought bottled water on the first port day and taken the empty bottles back on the ship (I've never had a single problem getting an empty bottle on board).

Then fill up two glasses of water from the buffet drinks machine (for hygiene) and fill up your water bottle.

Rinse and repeat.

can i just confirm what you are saying ,if you are from the UK,you can remove the DSC,or do you have to get a form and send it off when you return,I shall be tipping in cash

Yes you can just go to the reception/service desk on the last day and ask for it to be removed.

They will ask you to fill in a form and will refund the money (after it's been taken) within 3-4 weeks.

Though from personal experience if you refuse to fill in the form then they will just strike it from your bill.

Eat some food & Grab a drink

Wander round the ship to explore

Relax on Pool deck

Drinks

Go to room and unpack

Attend Muster Drill

Go to sail away party (and drinks)

Go to buffet for a snack

Get changed for the evening

More food and drinks

Dinner

Go for an onboard "pub crawl" to test out a few bars

Head to the nightclub to meet fellow cruisers

There is big discussion about tips here. I am European and US system of prices and tips is little bit ununderstable for me. Here in Europe if I see in shop price label "10" I pay "10". In US, there is the price without tax, Vat and so on, so I must add some amount for final price. In shops in US my wife allways asks me for the real price and I calculate in my head... strange for us.

The same is the restaurant - here in Europe I look to the menu and I see the REAL price of meal - no prices without 18, 20 or 25%. Ok, if the service is realy good I add some amount, but it is not mandatory. In USA I must calculate in head again -why? I think, it is more or less lie if I see price what is not real.

So that is the reason I like more payment system for example in TUI cruises, where is the system of final price including the service charge and tips, so I see the REAL price of cruise from the first moment. And that is the reason I like to pay prepaid gratuities in american lines too - by my opinion, it is the real price for cruise. OK I extra tip sometime staff, BUT only for high standard service. The salary of staff is not my problem. It is the legal agreement between company and employee.

For price I paid I am waiting for standard cruise service /and it is higher, then on land, of course.../. If it is better and it has great value for me, I pay extra tip.

As someone who is also from Europe I totally agree.

If I'm paying £1000+ pp for a cruise that's "all inclusive" I'm not paying tips or any petty charges on top of that.

But generally we've never had a problem with NCL in this regard.

As long as you get a suitable drinks package and pop down to the service desk on the last day to get the daily service charges removed (I'd recommend doing this early as the line will be massive by mid morning) you wont have any issues with added/sly fees.

This no longer works in the same way (at least for US passengers). You must pay the DSC. They will give you a form you can submit for a refund after the cruise. Sometime later you will receive the refund from NCL. The time between submitting the form and getting the refunds has ranged from a few weeks to a few months.

I have heard that UK passengers get the bill adjusted at the service desk and don't have to mail in the form, but I don't know that for a fact. I have heard there are other differences in regards to the 18% gratuity on "free" perks, where in the States we have to pay it but in the UK you don't ("free" evidently means "free" in the culture that gave us freedom).

After just coming back from a recent cruise I can confirm that they'll try to get you to fill out a form stating that you pay the gratuities bill and you will be refunded upto 3-4 weeks later.

However if you refuse and demand that it be removed then and there, then they will.

If you make friends with a good bartender they generally won't even care.

Then just go up and ask for a few unopened bottles and give your card - easy!

Some staff will get a bit funny and enforce the one drink per transaction rule (boo!), but if you make friends with a bartender they'll let you order 5+ drinks in one go if you want (as long as you're not handing them out to people without C&C or UBP).

Same with "weak" drinks - just ask them to make it stronger and they'll pour in howver much you like. I saw people order Whiskey & Cokes that were 3/4 full of Jack Daniels.

Thank you both for your replies. What drinks could possibly be over £13??:eek:

Mostly "Ultra Premium" and "Super Premium" drinks/spirits, expensive wines, cognacs and champagne.

90% of drinks are included in the UBP and as long as you're not expecting to be sipping champagne every day you'll be fine.

There are a few spirits which are priced very highly for no possible reason other than to push them out of UBP, but you can happily substitute for a cheaper spirit/drink.

There is a upto date drinks menu round here but can't find the link right now.

Regarding your questions' date=' UBP is available at every bar but there is a cap (currently $15) on drink prices so it provides free beverages up to that value. [b']Over that value, UBP will not cover the charge and you will be asked to pay.[/b]

But you only pay the difference.

So if your drink is $17, $15 is covered by UBP so you just pay $2 + 18%

I'm not speaking of a cute little child playfully skipping down the carpet and gleefully squealing to the background music of a Shirley Temple movie. These kids were running full bore through a crowded lounge. If you are familiar with this area, they were chasing each other and jumping down the last 3-4 steps at once around the curved staircase into the path of people getting off the elevator at the bottom of the staircase. The first day I had remarked how well behaved many children in that area were. I have read many posts similar to this subject. I have no problem with children in the Haven, behaved. Many, many adults IMO are just as bad misbehaving in adult fashion. Regards, Gerry.

Ah I see how that could be quite... frustrating shall we say.

And definable agree, some (overly entitled) adults can be 100 times worse than kids!!!

Its all fine as long as you don't impose on others.

 

If we hear your kids they are too loud

If we smell your smoke its a health risk to us

If you gamble with in your limits fine,when you get upset with other players and physically assault one then there is a problem

If you drink in moderation and keep to yourself, when you try and grab someones ....... then again a problem

see a pattern?

Children can have fun, make noise and play as long as it doesn't cause too much disturbance to other guests. Expecting children to be 100% silent is just silly.

As long as they're smoking in the designated smoking area you have nothing at all to complain about. If you don't like it, move!

But I agree with your last points. People can gamble and get as drunk as they like as long as they're not assaulting staff/guests or being sick everywhere.

Interesting thread I just came across. Just now, not more then 30 minutes ago we left the Haven Lounge, not the pool area, and there were 3-4 kids, 7-8-9 ?, old enough to know better, running up the stairs on one end and jumping down the circular stairway into the lounge area and out the door and back into the pool area. No parents ? The lounge staff and an assistant concierge perhaps told them to stop running only once. You could tell they were uncomfortable in doing so. I love children, but don't tell me to stay off a ship that allows children if I don't condone the parent's obvious lack of duty. Regards Gerry.

Jumping down the stairs? That doesn't sound particularly terrible to me...

They are not allowed in them unless an adult is with them. 16 and over is OK.

 

I don't see them enforcing that though:rolleyes:

Pretty much everywhere I've ever been on holiday has had a 16+ rule for hot tubs.

Enforcement varies.

Ok but just an FYI ecigs on a ship are limited to the smoking areas as well and cannot be used in cabins balconies and other non smoking areas

 

Your post makes it sound as though ecigs are allowed everywhere and

 

It assumes all smokers are trying to quit smoking

 

 

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Not trying to make any assumptions :P

My main point was that even as an ecig user fully obeying the ships rules (only in smoking areas etc) that there is always a few people who will go out of their way to have a whinge - just because they don't smoke themselves.

But to OP, there isn't really a huge problem with smoking on ship so you should be fine :)