Sololux

Hi, looking for advice. I need to stay overnight in Istanbul in early May. Last couple of times we stayed there pre cruise. I chose the four seasons hotel that was previously a prison. It was fantastic but OH thought he could do better the next time and he admitted his cut price choice left a lot to be desired. So, CC’s can you recommend somewhere to stay for a solo traveller, preferably one that has a restaurant serving Turkish food. I’m not keen on going out to a rest On my own. Many of the hotels that I have looked at seem to serve only an “international” choices which seems a shame as Turkish food is delicious!

I’m sure I’ll find plenty of areas with some shade given the sheer amount of space on the ship.

It’s not that I have anything against the EM but I had been thinking of going there for the first evening, taking a leisurely meal after a hectic couple of days. I would like to wind down after unpacking and find my holiday “state of mind” as soon as possible. I’m traveling solo so will have had a fair degree of stress as it’ll be my first actual holiday in 12 years - usually I have OH to help but he’s got the important role of looking after our cats. I regularly travel to and from the U.K. but do that on autopilot these days so a trip to Istanbul will be out of my confort range!

When I was looking to book a cruise for 2025 I deliberately avoided any Middle East itineraries due to the geographical instability. Yes, the content looked very interesting but I considered the risk of material itinerary change as too high.

Can I get room service instead?

Thanks uktog.

I’m not sure I agree there is a lack of compelling itineraries. Below is itinerary for a cruise I’ve booked in May next year. Yes, there’s some of the old favourites, which I’m looking forward to revisiting again but there’s also quite a few that are new to me - I’m used to the smaller ports having done quite a few eastern and western med cruises on both Silversea and Seadream in the past.

So, in addition to Emporium Marketplace can anyone provide details of any restaurants that are definitely available on embarkation day, based on past experience. I was thinking of getting a calm lunch after embarkation and then using the Marketplace for dinner instead - I figure that most people will head to the other restaurants after having lunch in the Marketplace.

Latest update. PH are now being heavily discounted for solo travellers - no longer the 100% supplement. My travel agent double checked my findings and confirmed they’ve reduced the single supplement. The only fly in the ointment was she stated that when she spoke to EJ they quoted a price that was £640 higher than that shown on their own website. She’s prudently taken a screen shot and will push back at them but offered me the website price regardless plus has increased her discount to me. I’ve now cancelled my grand OT and booked a grand PH instead. I had to formally cancel and do a new booking. No admin fees thank goodness.

I must remember to wear the sunglasses!

When I spoke to EJ they were adamant that all solos for 2025 were with a 100% supplement. I finally managed to get an approx 25% single supplement for a GT category for a 19 day cruise in 2025. Bit sad as my budget was several times multiple but I was adamant that I was not going to pay a 100% supplement. A lot of faffing around (U.K. speak for pita) to get one of the GT which sticks out with some glass at the side so is a bit less claustrophobic. Not what I wanted so really big compromise but the initial figure quoted was approximately £55k so a £12k figure means their loss. I’m going to replan how I now do this cruise but I have no issue with re-faffing EJ either. Moi, je suis le customer! It could be a win win as if I really like it I might do it again because, hey, I have lots of budget not spent!

I’m going to take a few cards stating “I’ll be back soon” and some small bulldog clips so I can attach a card to something.

Can you book the spa before boarding?

I was wondering about this as well. I’ve just booked the May 5th 19 days cruise, departing from Istanbul. Yeah. As I’m on my own do I need to leave a note on the table if I go back to say, get a salad or some more bread so that the waiter does not take my plate/drink away thinking I’ve finished! I was thinking it’s not too obvious that I’m still dining if I chose a seat outside.

That’s surprising. I’m having a lot of hassle trying to get a reasonable solo supplement on Explora. I spoke to someone directly at Explora and he stated that there are currently no reductions- every cruise in 2025 came with a 100% supplement. I am currently in discussion with a U.K. TA who has given me a 25% supplement for all the OT suites. However for penthouse and resident suites the 100% supplement still applies.

So far it looks like the travel agent is discounting by 5%. Is this a “normal” discount amount. This is using a U.K. based travel agent.

THIS IS THE WORDING ON THE EXPLORA WENSITE……. “Single Supplement from only 25%. For guests undertaking an Ocean Journey solo and those who simply prefer to enjoy a suite to themselves, we are delighted to offer a lower supplement fare, with all services and amenities included. Guests enjoying their suite solo can book any suite with a single supplement starting from only 25% above our current per person fare.” So, what does this mean in reality…. any suite…… no it’s not. I have just found out that that there are no single supplements for 2025 at 25%. I have spoken directly with EJ and the single supplement is 100%. They could not find a single cruise supplement for lower than 100%. So all those influencers etc were fine but a serious buyer wanting more than 18 days is expected to pay a 100% single supplement. Nope, doesn’t work.

Unfortunately I don’t like raw oysters - could I ask for them to be cooked by the team on the fresh fish section ?

I don’t know the exact time but I suspect it will be very early. Have you considered going to a hotel and booking a day room so that you can enjoy the day rather than waiting at the airport which is quite soul destroying at the best of times. I found it worse after having a fantastic cruise!

Many thanks Uktog. Normally we used to arrange it all with the travel agent but as I am planning everything on a solo basis I thought I’d have a bit more security in the sense that everything would be more “secure” if it’s all arranged through EJ. I must be honest that I would have expected EJ to arrange the taxi/transfer from the airport to the hotel!

Hi, I note on EJ’s website that they can arrange pre cruise hotels stays. Does anyone have any comments as to what they provide, how well (or not) organised, any advantages to booking with EJ rather than through a travel agent etc?

Montaudon is very popular here in France - I quite like it. It’s also been recommended to us by the wine experts that are employed in some of the larger supermarkets/hypermarkets. As you can imagine, we have a very wide choice of champagnes to choose from. Having also spent a week in the champagne area yes, the extremely expensive champagnes are very nice but most of the entry level champagnes are quite good as well. And don’t miss out on the French sparkling wines either. The quality is excellent and very good value.

Some very good points Nekochef. I suppose I was also thinking that it would be more of a home style type menu.

I’ve looked at the map and I think we had a suite on the top floor at hotel Suisse.

I think we stayed in the same hotel. If I remember correctly the lift was minuscule with space for just me and one suitcase so I had to send it back down for OH and his suitcase. Location and views were perfect. We rounded the corner, turning left away from promenade des anglais and found some lovely little un touristy restaurants serving freshly caught fish. Turn right and you have the market square in the old town. Actually I’ve just reread the post and I don’t think there was a pool but it was over 15 years ago. Quirky hotels in Nice are nicer than MC. We visited MC several times. It’s unique but I’d struggle to say it has charm.