Destiny - Sailing 21st August 2010 -Med

[Bubbles40]

Hi All

 

I have previously done 4 cruises, 1 of which was Destiny, and this shall be my 5th.

 

The only exception is that I shall be going on my own :eek:- and now I am unsure - being on a cruise - a single woman - will I meet other singles - do they do solo lunches etc - like the Island Escape.:confused:

 

Is there anyone going on these dates that I could keep in contact with beforehand - any advice would be great.:D

 

Keep thinking I have made the wrong choice :confused: and think about cancelling this. I have been on holidays on my own before, just not a cruise.

 

Look forward to any replies

 

 

:)

[kruzseeka]

Hi All

 

I have previously done 4 cruises, 1 of which was Destiny, and this shall be my 5th.

 

The only exception is that I shall be going on my own :eek:- and now I am unsure - being on a cruise - a single woman - will I meet other singles - do they do solo lunches etc - like the Island Escape.:confused:

 

Is there anyone going on these dates that I could keep in contact with beforehand - any advice would be great.:D

 

Keep thinking I have made the wrong choice :confused: and think about cancelling this. I have been on holidays on my own before, just not a cruise.

 

Look forward to any replies

 

 

 

 

Hello bubbles :)

 

Please feel confident that there will be lots of friendly people on Destiny. There have always been singles coffee mornings organised on Thomson cruises we've done and these are advertised in the Cruise News. It's an opportunity to meet with other solo travellers and I've seen arrangements posted to join with others for dinner or in a particular bar for those who wish to. We find that when we're waiting for the shows to begin most people start chatting with those sitting close by - and on trips you always get into conversation with other travellers, so lots of occasions to meet others. I would imagine that perhaps it would feel safer on a cruise ship and certainly more sociable than in a hotel as a single traveller. One of the great strengths of Thomson is the friendliness and approachability of fellow passengers - I'm sure you will really enjoy yourself although I can understand you feel a little apprehensive. I hope there is another traveller out there who you can 'meet' on the forum beforehand for a little reassurance. Good Luck ! :)

[Bubbles40]

Hello bubbles :)

 

Please feel confident that there will be lots of friendly people on Destiny. There have always been singles coffee mornings organised on Thomson cruises we've done and these are advertised in the Cruise News. It's an opportunity to meet with other solo travellers and I've seen arrangements posted to join with others for dinner or in a particular bar for those who wish to. We find that when we're waiting for the shows to begin most people start chatting with those sitting close by - and on trips you always get into conversation with other travellers, so lots of occasions to meet others. I would imagine that perhaps it would feel safer on a cruise ship and certainly more sociable than in a hotel as a single traveller. One of the great strengths of Thomson is the friendliness and approachability of fellow passengers - I'm sure you will really enjoy yourself although I can understand you feel a little apprehensive. I hope there is another traveller out there who you can 'meet' on the forum beforehand for a little reassurance. Good Luck ! :)

 

 

Hey......... thank you very much for your quick response :D

 

Yes I have enjoyed the Destiny before, but was with family then, albeit I did spend some time in the Casino most nights - the Casino staff were friendly and made me welcome - as they knew I was on my own - would be nice to know if they were still there - as this was back in December 2008 - but it was an odd experience as hadnt been in a casino before since I was 18 :eek: - not a gambler - just had the odd flutter - which was good

 

Ah, its good to know about the lunches - etc - that they are on the Destiny.

 

Something else you may be able to clear up is that when I booked this through Thomson - they said the option didnt come up for early or late sitting (it does if booking by internet). She has put a request on for this, but is it a case that I need to ask for this first thing on board - at the restaurant - and do they have solo tables as such - should i request it? :rolleyes:

 

Sorry for all the questions - just trying to prepare myself - although I know it is a few months away

 

Thanks Again

 

:D

[kruzseeka]

Hey......... thank you very much for your quick response :D

 

Yes I have enjoyed the Destiny before, but was with family then, albeit I did spend some time in the Casino most nights - the Casino staff were friendly and made me welcome - as they knew I was on my own - would be nice to know if they were still there - as this was back in December 2008 - but it was an odd experience as hadnt been in a casino before since I was 18 :eek: - not a gambler - just had the odd flutter - which was good

 

Ah, its good to know about the lunches - etc - that they are on the Destiny.

 

Something else you may be able to clear up is that when I booked this through Thomson - they said the option didnt come up for early or late sitting (it does if booking by internet). She has put a request on for this, but is it a case that I need to ask for this first thing on board - at the restaurant - and do they have solo tables as such - should i request it? :rolleyes:

 

Sorry for all the questions - just trying to prepare myself - although I know it is a few months away

 

Thanks Again

 

:D

 

Sorry, don't know exactly what the arrangements are regarding dinner sittings. I think the Maitre d' will try to swap for you if you aren't on the sitting you prefer - and when we were on Destiny I'm sure they had a table for solos too. If you have any queries, ask as soon as you get on board and find out what's what. If there is a social hostess on board (has been one on all the trips we've done except the Red Sea recently - not sure if that's a feature of that particular itinerary - or a change of policy) make yourself known to her - they seem to do the organising of solo events so will be able to put you in the picture. :)

[Bubbles40]

Sorry, don't know exactly what the arrangements are regarding dinner sittings. I think the Maitre d' will try to swap for you if you aren't on the sitting you prefer - and when we were on Destiny I'm sure they had a table for solos too. If you have any queries, ask as soon as you get on board and find out what's what. If there is a social hostess on board (has been one on all the trips we've done except the Red Sea recently - not sure if that's a feature of that particular itinerary - or a change of policy) make yourself known to her - they seem to do the organising of solo events so will be able to put you in the picture. :)

 

Thank you ever so much, again :D

 

Yes, that is what I thought I would do - am sure they wont forget me, as I am quite a bubbly kind of girl, lol ;)

 

Just guess the thought of being on a cruise solo is a bit daunting - a few drinks though should sort me out :eek:

 

This time, however, I have the drinks package included - that way - I know I wont have much to pay for at the end.

 

Do you know on a one week cruise - if it is just the one ball night they do - or will it be two - already thinking about my dresses for that night, haha

 

Thanks Again

 

:D

[kruzseeka]

Thank you ever so much, again :D

 

Yes, that is what I thought I would do - am sure they wont forget me, as I am quite a bubbly kind of girl, lol ;)

 

Just guess the thought of being on a cruise solo is a bit daunting - a few drinks though should sort me out :eek:

 

This time, however, I have the drinks package included - that way - I know I wont have much to pay for at the end.

 

Do you know on a one week cruise - if it is just the one ball night they do - or will it be two - already thinking about my dresses for that night, haha

 

Thanks Again

 

:D

 

 

I wondered whether your name reflected your personality! In that case I'm SURE you will soon find some like-minded fellow travellers! :D Yes, it's just the one formal night each week (often the sea-day) although don't let that put you off getting just as dressed up as you feel you want to in the evenings! ;)

[Bubbles40]

I wondered whether your name reflected your personality! In that case I'm SURE you will soon find some like-minded fellow travellers! :D Yes, it's just the one formal night each week (often the sea-day) although don't let that put you off getting just as dressed up as you feel you want to in the evenings! ;)

 

Hahaha - its just you and me here ;) and yes it does kind of reflect my personality - it was either that or "smiler" as am always laughing alot.

 

Yes, I always dress up - I do get some funny looks as I always make the effort - but am not going to change the way I am just cause of a few narrow minded people - its the way I have always been and will not change. I dont get let out often, haha, so when I do I make the most of it - do get nervous if people look at me cause I dress up more than most, as majority are more casual - but hey ho - few drinks and hopefully will be ok ............. :eek: :D

[kruzseeka]

Hahaha - its just you and me here ;) and yes it does kind of reflect my personality - it was either that or "smiler" as am always laughing alot.

 

Yes, I always dress up - I do get some funny looks as I always make the effort - but am not going to change the way I am just cause of a few narrow minded people - its the way I have always been and will not change. I dont get let out often, haha, so when I do I make the most of it - do get nervous if people look at me cause I dress up more than most, as majority are more casual - but hey ho - few drinks and hopefully will be ok ............. :eek: :D

 

I agree - if it wasn't for our holidays, some of my clothes wouldn't see the light of day! Spend most of my time at home in casual wear (days of getting dressed up for work are long gone!) so I really enjoy getting a bit more dressed up in the evenings on holiday - makes it all a bit more special - I feel as though we're going out for dinner every night! There's such a range of 'smart casual' in the main dining room that I don't think anything looks out of place so just get stuck into the cocktails and enjoy yourself!! ;)

[capasamari]

The social hostess on Destiny in December 2008 was Lisa and she was absolutely lovely, I hope she is still there for you. She escorted me back to the ship when I fell foul of the rum punch on a boat trip on Antigua (cringe!) and thought the whole episode was hilarious when I went to apologise to her the next day.

 

Carol x

[Bubbles40]

The social hostess on Destiny in December 2008 was Lisa and she was absolutely lovely, I hope she is still there for you. She escorted me back to the ship when I fell foul of the rum punch on a boat trip on Antigua (cringe!) and thought the whole episode was hilarious when I went to apologise to her the next day.

 

Carol x

 

Haha, Carol the latter did make me laugh - I did that trip in December 2008 too, lol, if it is what I am thinking - was it on the Catermaran - with rum punch in the sea, so to speak!!!

 

I met a lovely couple there - was with my son and parents - but I ended up staying in the casino, of all places, till at least 3/4am each morning, lol - they were fun times

 

Mandie

[capasamari]

We were on the Tropical Transatlantic cruise and it was the all-day catamaran excursion to Green Island. My friend reckoned they'd slipped me a "Captain's special", she knew I was in trouble when I didn't join in the conga round the deck! I missed dinner that night and even the waiters and cabin stewardess were pulling my leg about it.

 

We saw the same boat trip on Antigua last December and the captain asked if we were sailing with him that day but I told him he'd made me poorly the year before! Needless to say I was very wary of the rum punch ashore.

 

Carol x

[Bubbles40]

So does this mean that no-one is booked on this cruise :rolleyes: therefore I will be the only solo person going :eek: oh well, many more cocktails for me :p

 

Please post is anyone is going - I am only going for the week :mad:

[Feebee2]

So does this mean that no-one is booked on this cruise :rolleyes: therefore I will be the only solo person going :eek: oh well, many more cocktails for me :p

 

Please post is anyone is going - I am only going for the week :mad:

 

Hello there - not a single traveller or on your cruise. However we have returned from the Destiny a couple of weeks ago and they did have a table at dinner for "singles".

Paul the cruise Director said many times that the Destiny is one of the friendliest ships going and it is so very true. You will get into conversation with virtually everyone you meet. Have a fantastic time, look forward to it and don`t worry.

[Bubbles40]

Hello there - not a single traveller or on your cruise. However we have returned from the Destiny a couple of weeks ago and they did have a table at dinner for "singles".

Paul the cruise Director said many times that the Destiny is one of the friendliest ships going and it is so very true. You will get into conversation with virtually everyone you meet. Have a fantastic time, look forward to it and don`t worry.

 

Hiya :)

 

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

Well I travel on the Destiny in Dec 2008/Jan 2009 around the Carribean and was a fab time - was with my son and parents then - but did get to find myself in the Casino - and the staff were nice and friendly :eek: - would be nice to know if they were still there. The waiters were very nice - so I do know its a friendly ship - just unsure about travelling on my own, haha

[Cymro1953]

Hi Bubbles,

Don't worry, even though it seems there are a lot of us on here it is a small proportion of the cruisers on your ship.

 

I did read in one post last year that only about 5% of cruisers will be on Cruise Critic.

 

Berwyn

[Ceabea]

Hi Bubbles - myself, husband and youngest child will be on this cruise with you - really looking forward to it!

[Bubbles40]

Hi Bubbles - myself, husband and youngest child will be on this cruise with you - really looking forward to it!

 

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

 

Way to go Claire, think you have just saved me life, hahaha

 

I am looking forward to this, but not so much being on my own - as never travelled solo - although I am hoping I will be ok.

 

Its more dinner and nights I am more concerned with - but will probably find myself in the bar and then casino :eek: and find some poor suspecting soul to annoy at dinner :eek: :D ;)

 

Mandie

[davecttr]

Casino eh! I have decided to play only roulette as it takes no skill and I can't get my mind around those card games after a few drinks.

 

On another thread someone mentions having been on Destiny and apparently they have a table for solo travellers which would certainly make things easier for the less than confident. I will find out for myself in a couple on months when on the 14 nighter from Palma.

[Bubbles40]

Casino eh! I have decided to play only roulette as it takes no skill and I can't get my mind around those card games after a few drinks.

 

On another thread someone mentions having been on Destiny and apparently they have a table for solo travellers which would certainly make things easier for the less than confident. I will find out for myself in a couple on months when on the 14 nighter from Palma.

 

Haha, Dave the casino was a very long story indead - but like yourself - I only dabbled on the roulette - i didnt spend much on the 2 weeks I was there - but ended up winning - so was good :D

 

Well tbh, I am quite a confident person - I guess as its my first solo cruise - I am not sure what to expect. As long as dinner works out ok (and yes my first mission is to find the Maitre "D"!!) then as long as I have a drink or cocktail - I shall be wandering from bar to bar - just as long as I can find my way back to my room - all should be good ;) :D

[Ceabea]

we were on Destiny in october last year and loved her, but we didnt use the dining room at all as we were allocated a late sitting and its no good for me as I cant eat late! Plus having the little one with us made it awkward to eat so late. This time we made sure we requested an early sitting on booking so we can at least do the captains night this time, and maybe try the restaurant one or 2 more nights. I love the Lido though as theres plenty choice for all of us.

 

We don't tend to do much night life, we're usually in bed by 10pm as we're exhausted after being on the go all day :lol: we only saw the one show in october and that was only because Tom was going to it with kidzone so we went along too! We did enjoy Blakes for a cocktail or 2, and the entertainment in the oklahoma lounge though - loved the Top men house band, can see us enjoying that all over again.

 

would be good if there was a table for solo travellers and you could get to know all the other solos and arrange some company for when you're in the casino and bars too!

 

what Im looking forward to the most? High tea at 3.30pm - the scones and the jam and cream..........mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[grannypops]

Hiya

 

I was on Spirit last week and the Social Hostess, Victoria, arranged some events for the solos. I think there was something each day, obviously not compulsory. I wondered if I would be, but I wasn't treated a solo passenger as I had my grandson with me. However, I would imagine that the solos all got an additional information sheet upon boarding to let them know that there would be a chance to meet up with others on their own.

I know the events were listed in the daily Cruise News letters and recall there being a 'meet other solos' for coffee one morning, a meet for lunch and a meet for dinner on other days. I think the hostess attempts to get them all together so they can introduce themselves and hopefully hook up. Several of the solos sought myself and my grandson, we were, understandably more approachable looking than the couples and having a child with you makes an easy conversation starter for people.

One elderly gentleman who sat with us at dinner in the waiter service restaurant for the last 3 evenings and I could tell he was feeling awkward going in alone. I would feel the same I think that is the only awkward time, dinner. It would be a good idea to have specific singles tables but then not all might want to be sociable. The Pharaohs cruise in my opinion was one most people booked for the day trips and I imagine a med cruise would be more relaxed and more people would stay up late without so many early starts and late returns on consecutive port days out on coach trips and so more people would sit drinking and chatting to each other.

 

I am thinking of booking one myself but no way am I booking as a single, I need to find someone who will share and go from same airport to book together. I priced up a Thomson cruise yesterday and putting one adult came back as cheapest cabin available £938 but 2 adults sharing could get a lower deck cheaper cabin and the total for both was £876 yes, same ship, same date, same flights.

Thomson pricing I still don't understand it. I also costed one to go with my partner on the Dream (I do have one but he stayed at home last week with our adopted son who is just 18 months old as it wouldn't have been suitable for the baby really the excursions and I can just magine the mess he'd make in the restaurants....) Anyway, just us two adults starts around £1200 but take the baby with us (there's no cost for under twos remember) and it's £3k as the only cabin offered is a grand suite?! :confused:

[Ceabea]

I think, when taking a baby with you, you have to book a cabin that has floorspace for a cot (something to do with health and safety etc) - so I guess thats why you can only get a suite? and maybe its only offering grand suites as thats all theres left!

[grannypops]

Yes you're right CeaBea - would have been nice a grand suite but not at £3k a week minus drinks :(

[Ceabea]

you forgot us mandie! mind you we dont tend to do the bars, restaurant or casino so we might not be much use to you!! but we WILL be there and you WILL 'know' at least us and we can meet up and stop the nerves! :D

[Bubbles40]

you forgot us mandie! mind you we dont tend to do the bars, restaurant or casino so we might not be much use to you!! but we WILL be there and you WILL 'know' at least us and we can meet up and stop the nerves! :D

 

 

Hey Clare

 

Nice to meet you :)

 

Haha, yes unfortunately I end up in the bars and the casion at the end of the night, although the bars during the day as well :eek:

 

Well that would be good - to keep chatting and then meet up at some point - look forward to it and thanks for letting me know

 

:D

 

P.S. I did put a roll call out - so maybe you can post on there too :rolleyes: