Cruising Alone on the Pacific Jewel

[Jeanie_11]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm thinking of going on the Pacific Jewel Cruise in November on my own. I have been on four other cruises previously but always with a partner or friend. This time I would like to try it alone although friends and family say its too dangerous...

 

I would really appreciate any advice other solo cruisers can give me...I think I would be fine, I enjoy my own company and have no problem talking to people.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you ;)

 

Regards

Jeanie

[rugbypopsie]

Jeanie I have a number of friends who cruise solo...I don't think it is dangerous quite the contrary...join your roll call you will make friends easily and have plenty of company.

[The_Big_M]

Did they suggest why it is too dangerous? Maybe it depends what you're doing, but I can't think why it would be dangerous.

[Jeanie_11]

Thanks for the replies...

 

I think its mainly because of the incident that happened on the Pacific Sun a few years ago.

 

Have you seen many solo cruisers on the cruises you have been on?

 

Jeanie

[kezza]

If you're talking about the Brimble, that was on the Pacific Sky....and we've done quite few cruises and have never found it to be dangerous. I've found that there are quite a few solo cruisers on some of the cruise I've done and they all seem to have a wonderful time....it doesn't take long to start chatting to people, especially if you're at the bar and they often have a type of 'meet and greet' for singles on the ship once it's headed out.

[Debsta]

Okey dokey, solo cruiser reporting for duty :p

 

As you can see from my signature I have done quite a few cruises since the end of 2009, all of them solo, except the Rhapsody in January which I did with my kids. My first was incredibly daunting.....after all I booked a Bangkok to Sydney cruise :eek: but we had the most awesome rollcall and I had an absolute ball and am now addicted to cruising. You have the benefit of having cruised before, so you know the drill.

 

Dangerous? Yes, I can understand your family and friends concerns but have these family and friends cruised before? After all the Brimble incident was front and centre of all media and still drags on from time to time. If you look at this incident you can easily see how she got into trouble.....drugs, alcohol and being in a strangers cabin. If you wouldn't do that at home, then chances are you will be as safe as being tucked up in your own little bed :D

 

Cruising would have to be one of the safest travels for a solo female. I have travelled extensively on land also, and I can tell you I have never once felt awkward or unsafe on a ship. The ships crew are right onto idiot drunks who even look like harrassing you. In all of my cruises this has only happened once, at the blackjack table, and the staff got rid of them quick smart. Other than that, I have never ever had any problems but I still felt safe.

 

Common sense prevails.....like anywhere at home or travelling. If you get drunk, chances are something may happen. There are also now cameras EVERYWHERE, the crew are on the ball, security is always visual but unobtrusive.

 

I would not hesitate to recommend a solo female to cruise. Don't get blind drunk and you'll have a ball. As other's have said, join your rollcall for the cruise. Sometimes that is how I actually book my cruise. I sus out the rollcall to see who's travelling. I have met some wonderful families and people who have let me share meals, sightseeing and the like with them, and now they are great friends.

 

However, for your first solo cruise I would not recommend a long one where the demographic is average 70 :p They tend to go night nights early :D

 

Hope that helps dispel any solo female cruising myths.

 

Deb

[The_Big_M]

However, for your first solo cruise I would not recommend a long one where the demographic is average 70 :p They tend to go night nights early :D

 

On the other hand, that brings your risk of trouble _way_ down! :D

[Debsta]

on the other hand, that brings your risk of trouble _way_ down! :d

 

:d lol.....

[Jeanie_11]

Thank you for your advice Deb, I'm going to book the cruise! I travelled around Australia in my bus by myself..like you said, if I have commonsense and am careful, there should be nothing to worry about. While I do enjoy a cocktail (or two :D) and a glass of wine with dinner, I don't get intoxicated or do nightclubs (ready for bed by 10pm).

 

I'm sure I will be very nervous for my first time solo cruising - I will post an update when I get back!

 

Thanks again

 

Regards

Jeanie ;)

[Debsta]

Your welcome Jeannie. You'll have a great time. The nightclub on the Jewel is the size of a broom closet anyway :p although I've also never felt unsafe in a ship's nightclub either. 99.9% of people are well behaved. The teeny weeny minority are dealt with by the crew.

 

Don't forget to go to the Rollcall area and see if one has been started for your cruise. If not, start one yourself :D Often people are lurking and reading and too shy to start one. There's always a single mingle on the first sea day. Eating is great too. Just rock up to the dining room and they'll seat you with others (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The beauty of that is if they aren't your cuppa tea, you don't have to eat with them again :p Same with trivia and the like if your into that. Just turn up and the crew will put you with a team.

 

I love cruising solo. I can mingle and socialise as much as I want, do what I want, when I want and how I want. Ultimate luxury :D

[Topaz_M]

On the other hand, that brings your risk of trouble _way_ down! :D

 

 

Ummm .... perhaps I better not tell the story of the guy with the zimmerman who hounded my cabin buddy AFTER his wife went to bed each evening!! Lol :rolleyes:

 

I've cruised with my daughter and other women my age but quite often found myself as the "solo" cruiser when they were all off doing their own thing on board. No problem! I was also off doing my own thing and meeting many lovely cruisers and having lots of fun.

 

Go for it Jeannie, I'm sure it will be a great experience :)

[lolabunny77]

I am going on the same ship in December and trust me as one who has done the solo cruise thing a handful of times I can tell you it will be fun,lots of opportunities to meet new people and plenty to do on board.And very safe By comparison I did the Bali thing almost twelve years ago and felt unsafe People hassling you to buy things,transport and drug pushers NEVER AGAIN!!!You should also attend a few of those Broadway/Vegas type shows and do some clubbing in the nightclub I love the fact it's inbuilt into holiday.You could do a lot worse than the Pacific Jewel for the money.A Multi Asia two destination holiday depending on where you go and time of year with airfares and insurance/accommodation will cost you just as much without all the inclusions and then there's the cost of night entertainment/meals to take into account and the tours Singapore and Hong Kong for example ain't going to be as cheap as Vila and Noumea

[Jeanie_11]

Thank you for your reply...

 

I paid for my ticket today! I'm very excited (and apprehensive) but can't wait!!! The hardest part will be the dinners, but I'll be fine..

 

Thanks again for all the replies. I love this site :D

[oysterfiend]

Thank you for your reply...

 

I paid for my ticket today! I'm very excited (and apprehensive) but can't wait!!! The hardest part will be the dinners, but I'll be fine..

 

Thanks again for all the replies. I love this site :D

 

I travel with my husband and we do like to share dinner together,

but not always.

I have often gone for a meal by myself. Just tell them in the dining room you don't mind where you sit and I am sure you will have no trouble conversing over meal times.

[Debsta]

Thank you for your reply...

 

I paid for my ticket today! I'm very excited (and apprehensive) but can't wait!!! The hardest part will be the dinners, but I'll be fine..

 

Thanks again for all the replies. I love this site :D

 

 

WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

No need to be apprehensive! Start or find your roll call! Go and see the maitre d' when you get on and tell him your solo, he'll sort you out for your first nights din dins :D