HHIslander

Elaine, I’ve had a pacemaker for some thirteen years.  First one had the potential to set off the detectors at an airport but mine never did going through hundreds of times.  I got a new pacemaker about seven months ago.  This one Is made from materials that will not set off detectors going through security.  I’m sure your husband’s pacemaker is made of theses new materials but I’d verify with his doctor.  I’ve never had the pacemaker set off detectors boarding a ship.  
 

I’ve not sailed since the new pacemaker was installed so I don’t know how that works on a ship.  The doctor might have information on that.

I am sure everything will go smoothly and I hope you bit both have a wonderful cruise.

1 hour ago, mysty said:

.I have decided to self-identify as 70.  I will enjoy 2 years as 70.  Of course legally I will be considered the nasty number but my psyche will be much happier by considering myself to be in my 70th year. 😁

When you celebrate your tenth birthday, Mysty, it means you have been alive for ten years.  The next day, you are in your eleventh year.  Same applies when you have the “nasty number” birthday.  Luckily, the next day you are officially in your 70th year.  So, you will not be deceiving anyone by skipping over the “nasty number”, just be precise in stating your age as ‘in my 70th year’.  Tomorrow, have a grand celebration of the start of  that 70th year.

Frank

1 hour ago, mysty said:

 

Not sure if that was a poke!  If it was,  your aim is not true! 😁 

I am certain, Mysty, that a poke toward you was not meant.  When I read it, I got the impression it was a general observation that it would be great if folks in general were to adopt it.  
 

Frank

Lois, I have sailed with Azamara and Silversea.  I really enjoy both.  I guess the best description is say that Azamara is Silversea-lite.  Fellow passengers, in my experience, are very similar, crew both excellent, food comparable.  The standard balcony cabin on Azamara is smaller but certainly nice and adequate for me, a solo passenger.  The three Azamara ships are sort of like identical triplets, very subtle differences that take time and effort to isolate.  If you like Celebrity and Silversea, I am confident you would like Azamara. And your benefits from being a Celebrity veteran transfer to Azamara. Good luck with making a decision.

Frank

Kelly, I suggest that you add Azamara to your list of potential cruise lines. I've done quite a number of cruises on Azamara and never once felt that I wasn't a welcomed guest. Staff, crew, and fellow passengers were welcoming.

On every cruise I've been on, Azamara has a singles gathering early in the cruise -- sort of a meet and mingle experience. They also make arrangements for solo dining tables if you are looking for something like that. The cruise lines has open seating in the dining rooms so you can dine when you with whom you want.

On a number of cruises, Azamara charges only a 25% single supplement.

I hope your trip on Norwegian is great.

Frank

I'm a recent widow at age 59, and we just made Elite on Celebrity earlier this year before DH got sick. Azamara sounds great; do they charge single supplements? Can I use my Celebrity "status" with them?

Gardyloo2, I am sorry to hear about your recent loss. Tough times indeed.

On selected cruises, Azamara charges a 25% single supplement. You can find them on the Azamara website under the tab for special deals. Your Celebrity status will transfer to Azamara. Generally, your number with Azamara is the same as your number with Celebrity.

I am sure you wil have a great experience on Azamara.

Frank

Tomorrow is the day!

Off to Italy and Venice.

It's also our 42 wedding anniversary.

The excitement is palpable!

Happy anniversary. What a wonderful way to celebrate the occasion. Best wishes for a safe journey and a marvelous cruises.

Beth,

I doubt that you could find a better cruise line than Azamara for your solo cruise. I have taken several cruises with them as a solo and find the ship, the crew and the fellow passengers to be just wonderful.

On some cruises, they have a solo reception the first night shortly after the Cruise Critic reception. And on most cruises, they have tables dedicated for singles in the dining room. It is important to note, however, that it is very easy to meet couples of all ages. Everyone seems open to meeting new folks and, as far as I can tell, none care whether you are sailing alone.

Trust me, you are going to have a marvelous trip.

Frank

On selected cruises, Azamara charges singles 125% of the per person price for all cabins including suites. A nice cruise experience, even better in a suite.

I have never cruised before but have taken escorted tours solo. I would like to try a cruise on a smaller ship that is able to go into all ports in the Mediterranean. I am willing to pay the extra to be on a smaller ship. Any suggestions other than silversea and seabourn. Also which is more welcoming to solos.

You might want to look at Azamara Club Cruises. They have smaller ships, about 650 passengers, and are very friendly toward solo cruisers. On many, but certainly not all cruises, they have an attractive single supplement. Azamara is not in the luxury class of Seabourn or Silversea but it is a "near luxury" line. The ships are small enough to sail up rivers, getting to center cities such as Seviile. Awesomely friendly and approachable officers, outstanding service, very good food, and a very welcoming set of fellow passengers.

I have sailed several times on Azamara and it is now my first choice, as a solo, among cruise lines. Personal opinion, of course, but I don't think you could go terribly wrong as a solo on Azamara.

This will be our 1st time on an Azamara cruise. Forgive me if this has been covered, but how close to the cruise date will be be able to print our luggage tags? On past cruises seems like 30 days out was standard. Thanks....

And who is the "Bonnie" that seems to know most everything about this cruise line?

Bonnie is the official from Azamara who represents the cruise line here. She is an Azamara employee. Generally you can print the baggage tags about thirty days before departure. I hope you will enjoy your cruise. Great ships and wonderful crew.

I'm probably getting a package because I enjoy my Jack Daniels. Not a big Jim Beam fan. So I figured might as well have better liquor in drinks that I can tell a difference like margaritas, G&T, etc. Not a question of I paid for it but the taste. I agree about a Bloody. I can't tell much difference because of so much tomato juice.

I agree with your plan. I usually buy the middle upgrade package because I like single malt scotch and many of the after dinner drinks. To me, it is worth it to have liquor I really like. Most people it seems to me do not upgrade but I rationalize that it is my vacation and I should enjoy whatever I drink.

Never having sailed on Azamara before (only on X) I was wondering how do they handle a cocktail that's not on their list of complimentary offerings such a a Mosow Mule? Also if you have a beverage package can you order any cocktail with the higher quality liquor which is on your package or are the complimentay ones only made with house liquor? Specifically I was thinking of a maragarita with a higher quality tequila if you had a package.

Thanks

I never tried something like a Moscow Mule but you can certainly have a premium liquor which is included in your package used to make a cocktail. For example, you can get Absolut in a Bloody Mary. I offer that as an example although personally I can't understand why you would -- other than you have "paid" for it! I hope you enjoy your cruise with Azamara.

Now Azamara service is better. For dessert I ordered a Grasshopper made with Ice cream rather than cream and ran the timer and got it back in 10 minutes

What a brilliant idea! It is hard to think of a better dessert. Thank you for the idea.

I am sorry to hear about your wife and I can totally identify with your concern. My first cruise after my wife died was difficult but you have been given some wonderful advice. And from my experience, it is all spot-on. I am confident you will have a pleasant cruise. Frank

Hello,

 

Does anyone know if the solo studio cabins on RCCL Anthem have safety latches to engage once you're inside, like a deadbolt?

 

I will take my first solo cruise next year and a bit concerned. Thanks!

I sail solo and my safety has never entered my mind, certainly not in my cabin. I am sure you will be just fine.

Scuba IDCS,

First, I am sorry to hear about your husband. I used to sail with my late wife and after her death with my son. But time moves on and my son has a challenging career and a wife. I decided to bite the bullet and I booked a sixteen day transatlantic cruise, solo, not knowing a sole on the cruise. I was just a tad nervous about this trip.

My concerns, however, were unfounded. The first night of the cruise, I went to the M&M meeting and shortly after that a gathering of solo passengers hosted by the cruise director. I met a lot of fascinating people at both gatherings. Everyone was very friendly. In fact, I suspect if I didn't find everyone friendly, the fault might be mine. I am confident that with or without friends, you will soon have new friends. I know it wil be difficult at first, but please enjoy all of your future cruises.

I think DancerBob raises a real good issue- the passenger makeup of a long cruise.

 

I haven't taken a 30 day, but have done a number of cruises between 14-19 days on Crystal, Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Carib.

 

At this point, I would not travel on Crystal or Azamara as a solo even though they are fine cruise lines.

JoePatNYCT,

I am curious as to why you wouldn't travel solo on Azamara or Crystal? Both lines seem to be "solo friendly", at least in terms of single supplements. Have you had better solo experiences of Celebrity and Royal Caribbean?

Frank

I don't recall places to rent chairs. There is a bar and restaurant at the beach which has excellent views of incoming aircraft. The bar is ideally located for viewing.

Great report. I am very happy you had such a nice cruise and even happier you shared it with us.