jrcruisealong

On 3/19/2024 at 8:22 AM, grandma*knows*best said:

We booked the first hotel night in our own.

So you booked an extra night at the same hotel?

2 hours ago, Roz said:

I've searched the Seabourn website and this forum, but can't find info on single supplements.  Does it vary by ship/itinerary/time of year/cabin?  Or is it a standard amt.?  Any information is greatly appreciated.  I'm looking at sailing solo on an Antarctic expedition cruise. 

I find the easiest way to find out how much it will cost is to find the trip I want and select the Book Now button. Then just edit the number of guests and you'll see what the price is for the cabin(s) you're interested in. Then I call my travel advisor and she can sometimes get me a better deal but at least I have any idea.

I recently sailed on my own. I was on a 2 week cruise in Alaska. I was invited to a solo cruiser cocktail party on the first night and there was usually an invite to a hosted table for dinner. I think the only nights that didn't happen were formal nights and the last night. As another person has posted, they request you RSVP by about 4pm. The hosted tables are quite nice. Sometimes there are many people and sometimes it's just one or two others. Also, not always the same solos (and sometimes couples) so you do get the opportunity to meet several other people. It's also really nice to have an opportunity to meet some of the crew and hear their stories.

I am an (anti-social) introvert and I was travelling just after my husband passed so I was really worried about how I would get on but it was really good. For the most part, crew and passengers are very nice and friendly and I realized that if I wanted to chat with people at breakfast or lunch, I could usually find people who wanted to share a table but I could also just sit on my own and people watch and nobody bothering me. For dinner there were the hosted tables or I ate on my own or occasionally met up with people I'd met during other meals. 

I guess what I'm saying is what others have already said... you won't feel like an outcast and you can be as social (or anti-social in my case) as you want.

On 7/28/2023 at 3:31 PM, skybluewaters said:

And let's not forget the service peacock that someone tried (unsuccessfully) to bring aboard a United flight in SFO several years ago. 

OMG! Is this for real? Why would anyone think this is OK? Besides the noise and smell and bother to humans, think of the stress to this poor bird! This is so wrong on so many levels! Some people just suck. I'm sorry but they do.

1 hour ago, nancygp said:

this has been my daily routine for the past month +…there’s no end in sight. 5 more days until we fly to the Pacific Northwest! 😊

 

Nancy

If you're doing the Alaska cruise on the 28th, I'll be there too. Vancouver isn't nearly as bad as many parts in the US but it is MUCH hotter than normal. But for those of you sweltering in 90+ (or even worse) 100+ temps, our 82 degrees will probably feel cold ;-)

On 7/7/2023 at 5:42 AM, 2seabournsailors said:

In 17 years or so of sailing with Seabourn we have NEVER ordered the Course by Course Room Service, as we wouldn't dream of expecting a Crew Member to climb up and down the stairs three or four times to deliver each course. We just opt for the same old Club Sandwich or Burger.....hoping the new Menu will be an improvement as Room Service can be relaxing after a long day.

Can you order from the Restaurant and tell them to bring everything (except maybe the dessert) all at once?

37 minutes ago, fudge said:

Yes, if you can get it home without leaking! Or take the bottle if unopened if you wish.

Well, that is very good to know. Thanks!

On 6/8/2023 at 8:55 AM, Mr Luxury said:

No,they all get thrown away or taken away by guests that have not finished them or even opened them

So, if I'm reading this correctly, if I have a partially used bottle of spirits, I can take it with me when I disembark?

I just booked an Alaskan cruise in July. I have to put the final payment down at the end of this month. Does anyone have a referral? I'm travelling alone, if that matters. If you'd like to email me you can at janaschiff at gmail dot com. Thanks very much

Was on Star at the beginning of Feb and it was great. It was my first time on Princess and I was a little worried after reading some of the reviews but I didn't really see much of these problems. She is not a new ship and is showing her age for sure, as others have said, but it certainly didn't stop me from having a great time.

2 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

 

Not recommended. According to posts on CC, if you open the balcony door for fresh air, you mess with the A/C for your entire section.

If there's a "musty" smell, tell your steward and ask for a fix.

I know people opened their balcony doors and it did NOT mess with my air conditioning at all but I did notice a faint musty smell every once and a while but it didn't really bother me much. And I'm very sensitive to smells. If it had persisted, I would have certainly mentioned it to my steward.

I didn't have any plumbing issues but my step-father did and I heard others did as well but I have been on much newer ships and had plumbing issues too so I can't fault the Star for that.

I say, go, relax, enjoy! Have a great cruise.

There were a few evenings on my recent cruise that I couldn't decide what main to have so I'd order one as an appetizer and one for a main, no problem at all.

I think it's important to be mindful of safety wherever you are. Unfortunately women still have to take responsibility for other people's poor/agressive/unwanted behaviour. However, I also agree that one cannot live in fear. And, I think it seems strange to bring men's clothing. I also think that decorating a door or mentioning a non-existant partner can backfire by drawing attention to yourself and the fact that you're alone and maybe not as comfortable about it. It probably also makes a difference the cruise line you're travelling on. I just got off my first cruise on Princess and must say that I wasn't impressed with them putting a name tag outside my door with my full name - advertising to everyone that I'm a woman travelling on my own. I took it down immediately and asked my room attendant not to replace it when he mentioned it was missing. Otherwise, I wasn't too concerned. My best advice is like others have said, just be aware of your surroundings, don't participate in risky behaviour, don't leave drinks unattended but have fun.

My travel agent booked a private car for me and my father through Carmel Limo. I think she did it through Expedia but you can also find them on your own. It was under a hundred dollars for both of us from LAX to a SP hotel. Might be worth looking into if you're not into Uber, etc.

I think the sign is a great idea but I do see how it might be something that might be abused. I think I might try this along with leaving something else, like a jacket or glasses case. Thanks for sharing.

8 hours ago, Linsifer said:

I bought a few metal straws on Amazon.  They come in a little soft pouch with draw string.  I keep it in my purse. 

I recently bought some metal ones too and was thinking of bringing a couple with me on my next cruise. I don't like using plastic straws but I also don't like the taste or feel of paper ones. I like the metal ones, I think it keeps my cold drinks cold longer but that might just be in my imagination. 🙂

Just now, ExploringTheGlobe said:

That is what I was hoping but cruise fares are quoted per person also yet solos have to pay for two so I was dubious. 

I know, they get us however they can but for this it works out 🙂

1 minute ago, ExploringTheGlobe said:

I've scoured that thread already and asked about how it works for solo travelers (whether they have to pay double or not) but no one has responded and I couldn't find any other mention about how it was handled for solos except your response. 

Basically, the add on is quoted per person but since there's only you, it is just the one charge. So depending on which add ons you want, you'll pay just $25, $30 or (I think) $40 per day.

50 minutes ago, ExploringTheGlobe said:

Great news!  Did you call Princess directly or work with a TA?

I am working with a TA and she called me about it. There's another thread about this sale and someone posted the table with add on prices. It is a very active thread so it should still be on the first page of topics.

I am solo on a cruise in Oct and I just paid the one add on. I booked under the cyber event so I kept my OBC, wine, dining and WiFi and got the gratuities and PBP for just $30/day. I'm not a big drinker (of any kind of beverage) but I figure I won't have much trouble drinking $15.50 worth since I can have a cocktail and a couple of bottles of water during the course of each day. And I can bring the wine home 🙂

On 12/4/2019 at 3:57 PM, BJs mom said:

  

I totally get it, I'm doing my first solo on February 1st after doing over 30 cruises.  Not going to go into details but life changes and since I've always loved to cruise off I go to a new adventure.  Sure I'm a little nervous but excited as well.  Bet we end up having a wonderful time!!

I bet we will too! 🙂

Just booked my first solo cruise on Grand Princess for Oct 2020, California coast return from Vancouver. Both looking forward to it and a bit apprehensive but mainly the former.

I don't follow low carb strictly while I'm on a cruise but since I also feel better when I don't over do it too much, I ask that they not bring bread to my table. I won't eat it if it is brought out but why waste it. I also tend to stick to low carb appies, and often tell them to leave off the starches from my main and bring me extra veggies and butter. I also sometimes have more than one protein. I don't want to deprive myself so I tend to treat myself to more carbs at lunch or in the afternoon and try to go without at dinner and later. That way I'm not on a sugar high at night while I sleep.

I was also wondering if they are refundable when purchased ahead of time. I like the idea of being able to prepurchase them since I can buy them in Canadian, with a decent exchange rate, and also buy them through PayPal. But if I do buy them through PayPal, would they refund any leftover to PayPal or send a cheque?