JoePatNYCT

I prefer TAs because of the sea days and the good prices. Besides, I don't even START to relax for a couple of days so I need a longer cruise.

Since I travel solo, I try to get to know a couple of people on the Roll Call before sailing so it makes the first day or two less awkward.

Thank you all! I realized too that even when I am with someone, that first lunch at the buffet is a bit nerve wrecking because there are so many people and you are trying to find a place to sit and all. :( I guess I am just ganna have to suck it up. My flight wont be in till 1245 that day and I probubly will not be at the port until almost 2. Thats the latest I think I have ever gotten to a port but my flight options are limited.

Ugh-- people are animals during the first buffet. If I don't get on the ship early, I look for an alternate venue to eat.

I can enjoy the cruise regardless of the cabin type. While I prefer a balcony, I'm not going to pay twice as much to have it. It all depends on how much more it will cost.

One interesting thing about inside cabins. I find I sleep better because of the lack of light-- I just have to remember to set the alarm, otherwise I could sleep until noon! :D

Anyone done the steak house solo? I really love the experience and the food in the steakhouse but I don't know about going by myself. Is that too weird?

I do it all the time. I actually enjoy the meal more because I focus on the food, not some conversation with a table mate. Occasionally people at an adjacent table will strike up a conversation-- either way, I'm ok.

The other piece of advice I will offer regarding dining is that if you don't like your tablemates for whatever reason and you are unhappy with your table, don't be afraid to ask the Maitre D' for a different table. On my first solo cruise (several decades ago) I didn't realize that I could ask to be switched, and I would have had a much better time if I had. (I still had a good time, but dinners were challenging.)

I had the same thing happen. I was always at the "tense" table while having to hear other tables having a rip-roaring time. Ugh. I finally decided I wasn't going to keep trying to "make the best of it" and asked to change tables.

So much happier!

While I got there fairly early and managed to snag a table to myself, I kept getting evil looks group groups of three and four who didn't want to ask for the remaining seats at my table, instead opting for lurking and hoping I would leave.

That's funny. I'm often the first at a table for 4. But I often get a couple who nicely ask if they can sit with me. Maybe I come across as too friendly. :D

Aside from the single supplement, the most annoying thing is not having someone to "save my seat". I find a great chair to lounge and read. But at some point, I have to get up to use the facilities--- that wonderful seat I was using is now occupied by someone else.

Oh the inhumanity! :D

Belated Happy Birthday:)...I sailed Sihlouette last April....great ship:D

And sounds like a fun evening in Qsine!

Thanks Lois!

So great to hear the positive experiences here. I'll be going solo on the Grandeur for my birthday in May and I have had some doubts but I'm sure it'll be fine.

 

Plus, worse comes to worse, I have yummy food and look at the ocean by myself instead of work :)

I celebrated my birthday last month on the Silhouette and had a great time. I met a number of solos and 8 of us went to Q-sine for dinner. The sharing of small plates with a large group made it special. Good luck.

My two cents:

I love kids, but not when they are unruly. I can't control the unruly ones, so I avoid them-- like the plague. I cruise when and where they don't. Some considerations:

1) Cruise lines-- I favor the ones that don't cater to kids like Celebrity. Disney?? hahhahahaha.

2) Holidays-- I don't cruise when the kids are off from school-- The dates RIGHT AFTER the holiday has the fewest kids and tends to be cheaper

3) Length of Cruise-- The longer the cruise, the less likely the kids will sail. I try to stick with 10 days or more.

4) Itinerary-- Caribbean is going to attract more kids, Transatlantic, not so much.

Joe

I've done the full transit on both Celebrity and Crystal. Both were fantastic.

It's a fabulous trip-- definitely do it!

I have to say I've never had anyone say they "refused to dine with a solo". It was just a lack of commonality that motivated me to change tables. Like the time I was seated with 2 elderly couples who ONLY spoke spanish. I can speak enough to get by, but they it would not have been enjoyable.

I can only imagine that the rudeness you were shown was probably the result of you being attractive and the jealousy of "catty wives".

Joe

VERY funny story!

I travel solo quite often. In my earlier cruises, I would "hang in there" with questionable table-mates. Not anymore. Life is too short. If I have assigned seating, I'll immediately go to the maitre'd and find a new table.

Lately though, I've been using Select dining (aka, anytime, My Time, etc.). I've met other solos and we agree to meet at a certain time and set up a solos table. As the cruise progresses, more solos hear about it and join in. It's worked pretty well.

Joe

 

Kinda bittersweet about this one though, since it'll likely be our last for a good long while at least until he's out of college. So I'm going to savor every moment on this next cruise and enjoy every minute!! :)

 

 

-gina-

TX, f, 47

Enjoy it while you can. I took my 20 you son on a cruise and thought it would be great father/son bonding time. WRONG!! He made friends quickly and I saw precious little of him. :(

It would have been nice to have another ditched parent to talk to! :)

Joe

double post

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

I'm a solo traveling on the Silhouette. I've done solo a number of times. Dinner seems to be the most awkward time. On my last cruise a group of us would meet for dinner at 8:30. We had a table reserved for 8 solos and whoever showed up sat with us. It was great-- we ate with a couple of new people each night-- got to meet many other solos this way.

Look forward to meeting you all.

Joe

8125

I always request a large table at dinner, and make a point to be open and friendly. Join in the activities that interest you and strike up a conversation. Other than that, enjoy your own company and appreciate the fact that you can do what you are doing. My opinion, Celebrity...hands down, but then, I am older than you are. I have sailed on Carnival, and it was fun, but they tend to attract a younger crowd. Good luck!

Excellent advice!

Hello, I am a SWF 34 yr old who lives in Miami. I love cruising, traveling, and adventures. I havent done a solo cruise yet. i always try to find someone to go with me, but all my friends are either broke, have kids, married or just cant take the time off and i'm always up for a weekend cruise. I'm learning from all your reviews that going solo isnt bad. i might take your advice.:p

You should give it a try. I cruise solo often. If you don't like your tablemates, don't be shy, speak to the head waiter and get switched to a more lively table. It's easy to make friends about the ship.

Joe

I am 56,recently retired Head teacher, and travel solo a lot both in England and abroad. My husband is self employed and also doesn't like cruising so it makes sense to go alone. Next month on the Azura will be my first solo cruise but as I've cruised several times with teenage daughter it's really the same except for dinner. I've only ever seen her at dinner for the last 7 cruises.

So funny. I felt the same way when I sailed with my son. I'm doing a transatlantic solo in three weeks. What's nice is you get to make all the decisions without worrying about the needs of others. It's easy to make friends. Have a nice trip.

Joe

Nice pics! I'll be sailing solo on the Mariner in three weeks!

Any advice?

Joe

While I'm pleased that hard working crew members will be fairly compensated and not get stiffed by some passengers, the truth is it's NOT a "tip" if it's mandatory. It is a daily service charge.

A tip should always be voluntary and given for special service.

I'll withhold judgement for now on what effect this will have on the quality of service.

That should have read 15 day TA on Navigator of the Seas.

Great deal. I considered this cruise but decided on the Mariner OTS TA 15 nt from Galveston to Barcelona. $1289 Balcony D2

I take one or two solo cruises each year. I always go in late April/early May. I have a flexible work schedule which allows significant time off. I enjoy long cruises (14+) days and recently have been taking transatlantic cruises.

Funniest solo story is where I was put at a table in the MDR for 8 people. First night was myself and a H&W. Next night they didn't show (hope it wasn't me), I was alone and remained alone for the balance of the cruise. I was given the option of switching but I liked my waiter and decided to stay. The looks I got from people was priceless and I got the best service.

I take one or two solo cruises each year. I always go in late April/early May. I have a flexible work schedule which allows significant time off. I enjoy long cruises (14+) days and have been taking transatlantic cruises. I'm pretty friendly, but I still need to make the effort to meet people. Early in the cruise, I get friendly with a bartender in a comfortable bar. I let him/her know I'm solo and to introduce me to other solos.

It would be great to have a cruise buddy but I find most people my age (early 50's) don't have my flexibility.

Funniest solo story is where I was put at a table in the MDR for 8 people. First night was myself and a H&W. Next night they didn't show (hope it wasn't me), I was alone and remained alone for the balance of the cruise. I was given the option of switching but I liked my waiter and decided to stay. The looks I got from people was priceless and I got the best service. :)