All By Myself - Crusin' Alone?? Any Tips?

[surfsup]

This is not my my first cruise however roomie had to backout at the last minute and there is no one else I want to spend that much "quality" time with so . . . I will be going alone in a few weeks on the Granduer.

 

Kinda wondering what that's going to be like.

 

Any tips?

[Lruss71]

I have never cruised alone but my suggestion is to sign up on the Roll Call board and you will be able to meet others that are going on your cruise. They have a meet and mingle for everyone that signs up. Ask for a large dinner table and that way you can meet others. Good Luck you will have a great time.

[mtchg]

..and I had a ball each time, and made some friends that I ended up seeing and even cruising with again.

 

..the key is to be open, friendly and talkative in all situations. Most folks are in a happy, excited mood..and are more open to talking to strangers than in every day, dull "land-life".

 

..I do not purposely evesdrop, but if I pick up in conversation between other folks something I can relate to I politely interject ("Oh, you sailed on the Rhapsody? I cruised on her last year, what did you think??""). Almost always, this

gets you in on the conversation "circle", and then you can casually introduce yourself at the right moment.

 

..Attend as many events as you can, especially the singles stuff . Even if you are not interested in a romance, you will meet lotsa

folks traveling single just like you. You may be suprised how many there are.

 

..I usually book excursions independant from the ship (cheaper, less crowded).BUT, this may be a situation where booking the ship functions comes in handy. You will automatically be jaunting with lots of other folks

on an adventure, with chances to mingle.

 

By the middle of the cruise, you will realize you are not really alone at all..

with the added luxury of having your own quiet cabin to go back to after

a day and night of fun, relaxation and excitement.

 

Just relax, go in with a fun, open attitude..and you'll have a great time!

 

Mitch

[Nessa1dc]

I have never cruised alone. I believe a vacation is what you make it. If you travel with the wrong people, it can really be disastrous. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

 

 

Happy sailing

[surfsup]

Thanks for the great tips. I forgot all about the singles events. I also have usually went into the ports with my friends and did things on our own but this time I think I will join the shore excursions for saftey and for meeting people.

 

Probably alot safer to since I'm a woman.

 

Guess if I offered to buy drinks for everybody I wouldn't be alone for long either huh?

 

Thanks guys!

[trish1c]

Check out the singles list on this board.

[glgolfer]

Also, talk to the loyalty and shopping persons if they are women. If they have the time and are reasonably nice (some don't seem to have the time or want to be friendly) they should be able to give you ideas on things to do.

The customer service desk women may also have time to talk to you. The crew also seems to spend time at the late night disco.

There was a young single man at our table one of our cruises that made friends with one of the bands members and spent a lot of time with them in the crew area and ashore. You can get a lot if info by making friends with the staff.

[mtchg]

..an interesting topic

[caviargal]

Thanks for the great tips. I forgot all about the singles events. I also have usually went into the ports with my friends and did things on our own but this time I think I will join the shore excursions for saftey and for meeting people.

 

Probably alot safer to since I'm a woman.

 

Guess if I offered to buy drinks for everybody I wouldn't be alone for long either huh?

 

Thanks guys!

 

I am a frequent solo cruiser and traveller. I do not book excursions on the ship for two reasons. I am not an excursion sort of traveller and the prices on the ship are marked up too much.

 

I really enjoy the freedom travelling solo offers and I would approach it with an open mind. I have never felt unsafe, either in port or at sea, and I wander pretty much anywhere I fancy.

 

I often attend the singles get togethers but do not normally find them very interesting. I do, however, always meet nice people aboard when I am in the mood for company. Ships are great social venues I think and most everyone aboard is relaxed and having a good time.

 

Enjoy and who knows, you may be choosing solo travel as your preferred vacation!

[NancyIL]

I cruised solo on Splendour of the Seas 2 weeks ago, after my sister had to cancel at the last minute (her hubby required bypass surgery). I would do it again, intentionally! It was a fabulous cruise....the cabin all to myself, coming and going when I wanted, etc. I enjoyed meeting different people in the dining room at breakfast and lunch, and also on the excursions. One thing I didn't do was go dancing by myself, but mostly because I was pooped! I bet you'll have a great time!

[spkeze]

is something I've done on the Majesty, Navigator, Explorer, and the Century. I enjoy being able to keep to "my" schedule. No one to watch what I eat, what I do, or when I come back to the stateroom.

 

I have found others to be open to conversation in the dining room, casino, shops, and the spa. Ports of call were never a safety concern for me. I tend to do what I like when I like.

 

As mentioned previously, it's a matter of state-of-mind. Wake up with a smile and you'll most likely go to bed that night with a smile. :)

 

Have a great time, enjoy your cruise, and let us know how it turned out when you return.

[Nliedel]

Did it.. not too fond of it but when I did it I was a lot younger and more intimidated. Just talk to everyone and be friendly.

[Travelgrrl]

If you indicate your ports, I might be able to recommend some non-ship affiliated excursions...

[jplotts865]

Hmm...I just booked myself onto Empress of the Seas for October 1st from Ft. Lauderdale. This will be my 15th cruise but the first one solo...I have noted all the advice and am both looking forward to meeting new people (dinner, breakfast and lunch in the dining room are good opportunities to meet other passengers) and the rest and relaxation of some quiet time alone. I would imagine I won't be the only single traveler on board...have met really nice fellow passengers on ships and keep in touch with several. I think the key is to be friendly and open...will see how it goes!

[hstrybuf]

My only cruise that came close to being solo was when my roomie for a group cruise was a no show. I did book a couple of shore excursions from the ship and met new people on both of those. (None of the group were on the excursions.)

 

Really, if you are open and friendly and can join in activities on the ship, you should have no problem! :)

[signman]

I've never sailed with anyone, so I'm qualified to offer some advice. While whatever singles gathering there are may not really suit you, make an effort to meet the Cruise Staff assigned to the event. In one instance I was the only person to show up, but a staff person was there, so you can make a good connection and they can tell you everything. They'll be by the disco late etc .

 

The very best thing I ever did was join the Meet & Mingle thread. I corresponded on the thread we met on the ship and now have sailed with the same group again, with 2 more on the calendar. I still sail solo, but now I'm part of a group of friends. Can still do anything with anyone I want.

[missme2]

If you're really worried about it, you can take me!!!!

[surfsup]

I HAD SOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If you haven't tried it and you get the opportunity, go for it.

 

Everyone was wonderful and I realized I talked to more people when it was just me. Had a blast. Thanks to all of you for all of the tips.

 

In fact, I have just booked the Sensation in September to go again by myself. I'm making the money from my stuff on ebay so it won't come from "family" money and hubby said go for it. Whoo Hoo.

[laurashelby]

I'm cruising alone for the first time this fall..and I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be a total relaxation trip....I can do what I want, when I want and I can't wait! I even treated myself to a balcony!

 

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

Laura :)

[wrp96]

I cruised alone in January and loved it. I didn't have to take anybody else's wishes into account when deciding whether to go to the beach, go shopping, lay on a lounge chair by the pool, or go to the spa.

 

My suggestions for having a great time by yourself: Talk to the cruise staff for suggestions. Make friends with the bartenders. Don't be afraid to talk to other passengers.

[janrj7]

Haven't cruised solo yet, but on the Constellation we shared a dinner table with one of the two gentlemen onboard working as dance hosts. He was a charming older gentleman, great conversationalist, and gave dance lessons onboard. Don't know if RCI has this program in place, but if so, you might enjoy dancing with one of these hosts! (I did!)