sail_ORN

It seemed to me that the lounge was used more as a pass through when coming and going, except when the bar was open. Then it was quite busy, with a lot of chatting and mingling. I think it's a great feature.

I didn't think Second City were funny at all, I won't miss them. Add me to the list still missing Blueman. They are fantastic!

He makes you a cruise offer that you can't refuse.

:o

oh my

What does a godfather do, anyway?

Another vote in the "just do it" category, I think you'll love it!

I've done NY solo, it was fantastic. Watching the ball drop on the big screen up on deck was amazing. Glass of champagne, everyone happy, the stars above....beautiful. :hearteyes:

As others have said, if you want company, you can find it. NCL is the best when it comes to getting solos together.

 

On the Epic we like feel the ship is the destination and the Caribbean islands we visit are a bonus. On the Star we were looking for a wonderful way to travel, and the ports were the destination. It really depends on what type of cruise you are looking for as to which ship is best.

I agree, the Epic is a destination. And, like others have said, either you love or hate the big ships. Everyone has an opinion. Put me in the "loving Epic" column. :D

Keep Moderno's and replace LaCucina. :cool:

I agree! I haven't been impressed by the Italian, but I do love Moderno!

I've been solo on the Epic twice, and loved it! But those trips were Caribbean. I'm mulling over the Med now. I really would like to go!

I do agree with the others...make full use of your roll call and the Studio Lounge.

I doubt you'll be sorry you went.

:)

Thanks for a nice review of my favorite ship (so far).

I keep intending to cruise The Med, but am a bit intimidated navigating European ports and airports by myself. I love cruising solo; I bet the European aspect wouldn't be an issue at all. I just need to take the plunge and book! :o

I just discovered your review and am enjoying it very much. Thank you for all the time and energy you put in!

I'm planning on booking the Coral to Alaska next year, so your review is exactly what I need :)

Thanks for this review! I've heard not so good things about the Escape. It's time I took a second look :cool:

I've cruised solo on the Epic twice. The studios, in my opinion, are perfect if you're traveling alone. The lounge has a perfect set-up for meeting people. Your roll call here on Cruise Critic is also a great way to get acquainted and meet new friends before you even leave your home.

I think the ships "keep track" of all their passengers. That's why they have crew members swiping your sign and sail cards when you get off the ship, and when you get back on. I'm sure it's nothing sinister or intrusive aimed at solos.

:cool:

Maybe you could invite her to join you for a regular walk. Or go bowling. Or work out at a gym. Or do some other activity that isn't food-centered.

Or invite her to a nice dinner...which you've prepared....with yummy healthy food.

Or anything where spending time together isn't focused on taking in more calories than you're burning.

Losing weight is really about more than the capacity of a stomach. There are ways to 'get around' all the surgical procedures. That's why so many gain back much of what they've lost.

A Med cruise is on my to-do list. Loving your review, thanks for writing!

I'm enjoying your review very much! As you can tell from my signature, I had such a good trip in February, I'll be back on the Epic in December.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

I always bring an insulated travel mug. It can be used for hot or cold drinks. Saves getting up from my chair to refill the lemonade;)

Jumping on the Epic wagon here. I just booked another Studio cabin.

:D

My first solo cruises were with a hosted singles group.

My biggest concern cruising alone was dinner. The group has a bunch of tables in the same area reserved. You can sit at the same table each night, or switch and meet new people.

They provided necklaces, which indicated who's in the group. If you're very shy, they let you know who might be looking for some conversation. There were some scheduled activities that you could join, or not. Dance classes, walks around the deck, ping pong, shore excursions. You can do as little or as much with the group as you feel like.

I never felt unsafe, on the ships, or in the ports.

Each one was different, with a varied list of people and expectations. The Halloween cruise was the biggest party I've ever been to. I enjoyed them all, for different reasons.:cool:

I'm looking forward to my next cruise, which is not with an organized singles group. I do plan to take advantage of the Epic's lounge to meet friends.

Longer cruise.

More nights on a ship, plus I think the ports are more interesting.

:)

I agree that basic privacy should be afforded. Not sure of the situation there.

 

 

As to HIPPA - that thing has gotten out of control. Our government "helping"us.

 

Hah!

You are so right!

This is exactly what I was looking for! I love researching, and the Dailies are perfect.

'My' Epic cruise will be to the western Caribbean, but I bet the on-board activities will be very similar.

Thanks for posting all this!

I'm not over 55....yet....but my kids are grown, out on their own, and I'm single.

The 3 cruises I've taken were with a hosted singles group. As a woman alone, I don't mind doing some things by myself, and I do enjoy my own company. However, I don't like having dinner by myself. I figured cruising with a singles group would take care of that issue, and I was right.

They give you a list of group activities; dance lessons, trivia games, ping pong, whatever. You can join in or not, as you choose. There are usually 2 or 3 mixers with an open bar. Again, you can join in, or not. There's a choice of doing a few excursions with the group, but they can be limited. Tables for the group were reserved in the MDR. You can sit at any table that has an open seat.

Don't expect to find your soul mate on a cruise. It probably won't happen! If you're looking for a little something-something for the night, or the week, you probably will find that! (Just commenting on what I saw on my various trips....:rolleyes:)

I wouldn't spend the extra money for the singles group if I wouldn't take advantage of some group activities. If you're content to spend your trip by yourself, save your money and book it solo.