kikimom

Paul Gauguin is offering zero single supplement on select cruises. https://www.pgcruises.com/promotions/solo-travelers-save?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us_ofr_oce_pg_bkg_13378_b2c_solo_travelers_jan24

I don't remember exactly where I saw it, but it likely was in a comment on a thread here.

I believe the ship is due to go to dry dock for refreshing next month. I was on it last month and thought it was definitely time for that, but did not find it dirty - just well-worn.

My husband passed unexpectedly earlier this year. I took my first solo cruise two weeks ago - a short 5 day to Nassau. Sort of a test trip prior to a three week adventure to Rome with a 17 day transatlantic cruise to NYC that I'm taking next month. I really enjoyed the freedom that traveling solo provides - not having to share the cabin. Going to bed & rising when I wanted. Doing whatever I chose to do. I found it very easy to strike up conversations and met some fabulous people. There were times I keenly missed my husband, so I took time to remember the great vacations we'd had & shed a few tears. But, I'm determined to focus on the positives. I learned long ago that I can determine my mood by choosing to be grateful and joyful for past experiences, current situations, and adventures to come. Hope you have a terrific trip!

Was on the Sunshine a week ago. Always love your reviews and this one will help me relive my recent one!

Back from my first "test drive" solo cruise. Hurricane Ian provided some anxious moments (wondering if Charleston would get hit hard & my car parked outside at the port flooded or swept away), but gave us a bonus day onboard which was lovely! Found I had no trouble striking up conversations with people anywhere/anytime and loved the freedom of having the cabin to myself & not having to coordinate with another person. But, I did keenly miss my husband. It was a bittersweet trip. I'm questioning if I ventured out too soon after his death and if a three week trip (17 day TA) in just 45 days will be too much for me??? Have to figure it out quickly. I welcome others thoughts/experiences on this. TIA

My husband died unexpectedly in January of this year. We had so many plans to travel with one cruise (September 2023) already booked. I realized that no one is promised tomorrow, so I began to explore solo travel. Cruising is my favorite way of getting from here to there, so, thanks to this board, I learned of the MSC Seascape inaugural TA coming up in November & booked it! Also saw a good solo fare for a quick 5 day Carnival cruise out of Charleston & am leaving next week for that cruise - sort of a test drive for traveling solo. Thanks to all those here who have provided firsthand experiences and encouragement to just get out there & get traveling!

Loving your review! I'm on the Sunshine in 19 days (Spa balcony-5 day Bahamas) and have one of the L-shaped balcony cabins for an 8 day eastern Caribbean cruise next September. Thanks for sharing!

Answered my own question by searching on the webpage - bottle of wine per adult is still allowed.

Just got an email about my upcoming Bahama's cruise which said: THE CARNIVAL BEVERAGE POLICY. To ensure our under-21 guests don’t consume alcohol, we require picture ID and no longer allow guests to bring bottled beverages on board. Does this mean we can no longer bring a bottle of wine per adult on board?

I've never gotten an email with an upgrade offer, but have gotten one on my manage your cruise page on the website. Just got one this morning - upgrade from deck 2 interior to Spa Balcony on deck 11 for $250 & I'm sailing solo. Check there frequently.

I'm hopeful that the ship will be ready on time, but let's say it's not and my scheduled sailing is cancelled. I'd get FCC and could rebook, right? So, if it was ready in January or February, I could rebook the Rome to NYC 17 night cruise. It could be higher priced or the cabin I initially had might not be available, but I could use my FCC (and other $$ as needed) to rebook, right?

I am booked on the inaugural cruise of the Seascape and wondered what happens if the ship is not ready by then? Would I still get to travel on the inaugural trip if those dates work with my schedule?

Thanks. I always bring a large water bottle, too.

That doesn't bode well. Need to study the drink packages - with so many sea days, it might make sense to get one.

Know it well! I lived in NYC for a decade after college graduation and Northern NJ for the next decade before the South lured me away.

Hope to run into you onboard! Where's home for you in NY? I was born & grew up in Schenectady.

Thanks. I drink a gal. or more of water every day. I don't mind filtered water but my cabin is a good ways from the buffet. Hopefully, I'll be able to use your strategy.

Thanks for all the info.

Thanks - I must have used the wrong words (gratuities, maybe?) when I searched.

I just booked the Seascape inaugural cruise in Nov. from Rome to NY & I have tons of questions that I haven't been able to find the answers to at the MSC website. How much are gratuities/day and are they automatically charged to your onboard account? I am sailing solo in an interior room, fantastica level - is the coffee & water only available in dining venues? I drink lots of water and if it's not available anytime, I might have to take a more serious look at the easy drink package. If I had to purchase bottled water, how much is it? Not in YC, so what dining venues will be open to me - both included and upcharge? I'm sure I'll think of more questions, but that's enough for now. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Solo on MSC Seascape Nov. 19 - Dec. 6, Rome to NYC.