JoePatNYCT

I guess I should be happy that I sail Royal.  3 days before embarkation, Royal sends me an email asking about special needs.  I let them know I need distilled water and an extension cord for my CPAP.  Most of the time it's already in my cabin when I arrive.  No charge.

Joe

I'm happy to hear this info about the state parks.  After the passing of my wife, my plan has been to cruise as much as possible.  I have 17 booked so far for 2024.  then, when I slow down, I'd like to travel the US and visit the national and state parks.

Joe

On 11/8/2021 at 5:33 PM, aidanht said:

To answer a few questions:

 

• The suites are not sold out, or at least Luminae is nowhere near full.  Slightly more than half full is the most we’ve seen it so far.  
• I have the upgraded wi-fi. I have not heard anything about the regular wi-fi on the ship but I’ll keep my ears open.
• I will check on the CC host tomorrow.

We have reservations in Murano tonight, so I’ll let you know how that experience is tomorrow.

 

Mmmmmmm.  Goat cheese soufflé. 

Thanks Heidi.  Not too many.  The Viking WC looks fabulous.  Do you know if they charge a 200% single supplement?

Can anyone give me an idea of what percentage of world cruisers travel as a solo?

I’m a fairly young widower. I’ve travelled on many cruises as a solo, one for 24 days and want to do a WC.  Just don’t want to be the only one without a dance partner.

Joe

On 5/24/2020 at 9:54 AM, Newleno said:

Exactly for those that want to go out and earn a living not being under house arrest, go out and do so, for those that want to stay in their homes, well they can do that to.  It is self-centered to think otherwise.  The plan was do not get hospitals overrun, it worked, it is working.  The plan was never to be on lockdown until vaccine was developed. 

Absolutely correct! When did it become acceptable to be told by someone else when you can leave your house??

Are we children or adults?  Everyone can judge for themselves if they need to stay indoors due to a pre-existing condition or other higher risk factor (age).  We are individuals responsible for our own health.

I've been on 46 cruises, some of which have had norovirus outbreaks.  I've never gotten sick.  I don't believe it's luck, I believe it's from the habits I've developed over the years (constant hand washing, not touching my face, avoiding contact people with who are clearly ill, etc.).

I appreciate the extra efforts made by the cruise lines, but my health begins with me.

Despite all the great teaser rates being offered by the cruise lines, I won't book until I know what my cruise experience will look like.  After 46 cruises, I know what I enjoy and what I will miss.  Will it feel like a cruise or a constant battle to be allowed to remain outside my cabin?  I certainly understand the cruise line's dilemma and need to keep passengers safe, but I'm paying for a cruise experience, not something else.

No Diamond Lounge, No Gym, No Pool, Social Distancing at Bars, 25% max capacity at Shows? No public bathrooms? How far will it go?  Until I know, I'll pass.

To be clear, I have zero problem with any and all pre-boarding tests, they would like to perform.  But once I've been cleared, I'd like to have something close to a normal cruise experience.

Aguaviva on Calle Fortaleza. The ceviche is amazing!

Back up a minute-

In your first post, you said that you were upset because a lady on your roll call was organizing Chef's Tables from the people participating in your roll call and they needed to be booked in groups of 10. She (is likely) trying to fill a table with people who met each other off an internet board and (in theory) have already talked with each other and found each other compatible (rather than blindly sitting with people and hoping you like them). You were upset she didn't offer that seat at the Chef's table to a single and took great offense to it.

 

When we suggested you instead book a seat thru the cruise line and not your roll call, you are now saying that you would never do that activity because of (fill in the blank).

 

So, do you want to enjoy a meal at the Chef's Table or do you want to force another passenger trying to organize something she would enjoy to include you or do you want to project an argument for the sake of arguing? It's no longer clear.

I think we all know the answer to this.

So we now have a thread about one individual who was looking for couples to share a dinner who none of us will ever meet or deal with. Bravo.

I just got off the Anthem. Solo meet ups were non-existent. During the 12 day cruise they had two solo lunches which were very poorly attended.

I would use the RCL website to pre-book shows and activities as they are in high demand during the early part of the cruise. You don't want to get shut out.

The Diamond lounge was well run. Servers were very attentive. Say hi to Suzie-Q-- a bundle of positive energy.

Enjoy your cruise.

I have sailed on the Jade twice and both times had well-attended solo meet-ups.

Traveling solo on the RCL Anthem OTS on Jan 26, 2017. Less than 4 weeks!

Joe

Thanks for all the great info about the Summit-- I'll be on the Jul 10th sailing.

Quick question-- what time Sunday morning did they allow passengers (who carry their own bags) off the ship?

Joe

Check out this thread for comments on solo dining:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2353775

Even though you may have paid for the full price of the cabin (200% single supplement), the Cruiseline is not obligated to let you add a second person since you have already made final payment.

I once had this situation where my adult son wanted to join me at the last minute and it took some arm-twisting.

Therefore, it's best to have your TA contact them ASAP to make this change.

Joe

Best to Worst:

1) Good Tablemates

2) Eating Alone

3) Bad Tablemates

I've had all kinds of dining experiences. If you enjoy dining alone, no problem-- all cruise lines will have some sort of flexible dining option -- just pick that one and when you show up, ask for a table for two, and dine alone. I've never had this request denied.

I enjoy sharing stories at dinnertime with interesting people. What I've learned is that if you show up at an empty table, or worse, have horrible tablemates, IMMEDIATELY go see the maitre' d and get switched to a different table that's more to your liking. I used to waste time "trying to make it work", but it never does. If you're not compatible with your tablemates, it will not get better over time. Cut your losses and move to a better table!

Joe

There is a 24 hour restaurant that does short order snacks, like wings and fish & chips, all free and they cook to order, and serve you at your table or at the adjacent Shanghai Bar.

Pam

 

 

There's a place like that on the NCL Sun. Whenever I wasn't in the mood to be "sociable", I ate there. The wings were really good! :)

Joe

Traveling solo on the Celebrity Summit July 10-17 to Bermuda.

Joe

Why fight it?

I have my TA book the cruise for two people, then later (before final payment is due) cancel the booking for one person and the overall price is then reduced by the port charges and taxes for one person.

LMAO! I meant by men coming on to me... lol.

Interesting choice of word-- "harassed". Would you still feel harassed if it were George Clooney or Brad Pitt approaching you? :rolleyes:

By all means ask a friendly looking fellow cruiser/tourist to snap a photo for you.

 

Most are very happy to do so.

 

I've been asked in the past and never am bothered by that.

Ditto.

And don't cave on the stupid stick-- it makes those people look self-absorbed.

Just bring alternate items. Guys may get wrong idea.

I've had dinner mates ask me to help with jewelry when they arrived at the table. No biggie.

I've sailed Crystal twice and loved both experiences. The quality of food and service is exceptional. The itineraries are great.

My problem is that the average Crystal customer is a bit older than I am. Someday (when I'm a bit older), I'll probably return to Crystal, but right now it's not a good fit for me.

I'm traveling solo on the April 2016 sailing of the RCL Explorer of the Seas transpacific from Sydney to Seattle. 24 wonderful days at sea!

Just returned from a cruise on the NCL Epic which has a solo lounge.

Hands down the best setup for solos who are concerned about cruising alone.

While I did not stay in a solo cabin (I prefer balcony rooms), I attended a number of the solo meet ups in the solo lounge and it clearly offers anyone an easy way to find dinner mates or merely a relaxed environment to meet other solos.