I just completed my 1st solo cruise on Carnival - short weekend trip from L.A. to Ensenada and back. I met several other solo cruisers - some around my age, some elderly, all really nice people. Thankfully nobody was rude to me at all. Several asked me if I was by myself and I cheerfully said yes, and they just kinda knowingly nodded. I think it's the nature of that particular cruise - mostly people from the area, relatively inexpensive weekend vacation, etc. One lady did tell me she thought I was brave traveling alone at such a "young" age - which made me laugh because I often travel alone, and I am older than she is!
Anyway, to answer the question - I prefer the main dining room because I know I have a seat waiting for me, and they bring the food to me! I took a chance the 1st evening to see who I would be sitting with and got very lucky - 2 pairs of friends, another solo cruiser, and a father-son pair. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Carnival ran some kind of personality test on us beforehand because it just so happened we all got along like long-lost friends. But if you don't feel comfortable, talk to the staff and they will be as accommodating as they can. They want you to have a good time and be happy, so you will keep spending money and return for more cruises! ;-)
Our first cruise was with Carnival, and having travelled from Australia, we didn't know what to expect. Like you we felt Carnival chose our dinner companions with care: a family, 3 generations, which included a gay son and partner, and intellectually disabled grandson (20s). Having worked with blind and vision impaired people, we were not 'put off' by the 'variety' within the family. 17 years later our close friendships remain, but sadly, from hence forth, I will be a solo traveller, due to the loss of my husband early 2017.
One never knows who they meet when sailing, but we have only had great experiences when we chose to dine with others on our many and varied cruises.
I am not daunted at the prospect of a solo traveller.
I am currently experiencing this for the 1st time back on what were yearly 3 month trips to USA and Canada.
Life is full of surprises but 'we only have one chance at life'.
solo- first timer -meals
in Solo Cruisers
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Our first cruise was with Carnival, and having travelled from Australia, we didn't know what to expect. Like you we felt Carnival chose our dinner companions with care: a family, 3 generations, which included a gay son and partner, and intellectually disabled grandson (20s). Having worked with blind and vision impaired people, we were not 'put off' by the 'variety' within the family. 17 years later our close friendships remain, but sadly, from hence forth, I will be a solo traveller, due to the loss of my husband early 2017.
One never knows who they meet when sailing, but we have only had great experiences when we chose to dine with others on our many and varied cruises.
I am not daunted at the prospect of a solo traveller.
I am currently experiencing this for the 1st time back on what were yearly 3 month trips to USA and Canada.
Life is full of surprises but 'we only have one chance at life'.
;) :)
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