Just off the Serenade of the Seas

[johnh530]

Well I went with a great rate I got for single occupancy on Serenade of the Seas. It is a beautiful ship. I played golf in St Thomas & Antigua, other than that mostly relaxed.

 

I have a bit of advice for other single cruisers: go on a group cruise if travleling solo. I have to say it was a bit depressing. All around you are happy couples & families. I was self made aware of how different I was right from the start at the life boat drill. You have to check in with the head of your section & when she asked how many in my party & I said 1 I got a look that was like "what, you are travelling alone??????". I got to know that response throughout the week.

 

I still had a relaxing vacation, but it made me very aware of being alone & I did nto like that. I won't do that again unless I try a group cruise of some kind.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Host Caroline]

OHHHH.. get ready! You will find there are a lot of very militant solo cruisers but you are NOT alone in your sentiment!!! But you are right, it depends on the indivdiual and the cruise and you at least tried it! There are usually singles on the CC group cruises and often the rate does not turn out to be as bad as it is if you book individually and it's a great group to hang out with!

And yes there are also good "singles Cruises" to choose from..

[jemuu]

I have to admit, this makes me a bit nervous. I'm leaving for my first cruise in less than a week....and I'm going solo, without any organized group. I'm pretty independent and generally have no problem talking to people around me, no matter the setting, so I was fairly confident I could pull off a solo vacation. Then discovering this site completely boosted my confidence, especially posts by people like Lois R, who prefer solo cruising. It made me realize that I should prove to myself that my life is not on hold until I find someone to be with - I should be out having fun NOW. And that has gotten me soooo excited about my solo cruise. Then I read this post.....and I'm back to being a little nervous. :eek: Help!

[johnh530]

I hope no one changes their minds about anything just because of my experience. The ship was beautiful, the crew friendly & the guys I met from the ship who played golf were all good guys. But once back on the ship they were back to their families. I did not eat in the dining room once because I saw that there were all couples at my table. the first thing I thought of was what would I do when the photographer came around taking pictures! The activities are geared towards couples, not singles. I would think if there were a large single group there would be some different things to do. The only advertised thing was the Singles Mingle in the disco, usually around midnight. I walked in 1 night & it was all couples from what I could see so I did nto try that again.

 

 

I am sure there are people who are so social they have no problem with any of this. I am a regular guy, a nice guy & don't have a problem talking to people. But I still felt awkward most of the time. Again, just my 2 cents.

[Tinabrn]

My last cruise on the HAL Westerdam had several singles..so it may be the time of year or something??? Or, the cruise line?? HAL has always seemed to have several mature singles of both sexes....and they all have a ball. I have been considering it myself because those I have met who have done it are very content with it. I usually go with my dh but he is getting more disabled and finding it difficult to travel.

 

Don't hesitate to eat in the dining room, and tell the maitre d right up front that you would like to be seated with other singles or just couples...our table had 2 singles and 2 couples......

[Lois R]

Hi John:)

 

I am sorry you felt awkward for the week. Usually a good staff and crew will always try and make an effort to make solo cruisers feel comfortable. Sounds like that didn't happen for you.

 

 

I know after sailing 7 times solo the only time I felt uncomfortable was on HAL(and that was because the dining room staff seemed very inept to me). I will be going on Celebrity again in September and have been on 5 cruises solo with them.

The staff and crew are totally welcoming. If another passenger has difficulty with me sailing on my own, that is their problem.

I have never felt awkward on a Celebrity Cruise. Maybe it is a different demographic or something. I meet people very easily and have never felt out of place on any of my Celebrity cruises.

 

Jennifer, you are correct~I love cruising. I just returned from a cruise last month and also went back in December:) now I have to get through the next 5 months!

Go with a positive attitude~remember, if you don't have a good dinner table, ask the Maitr'd to change you after the first evening! And I hope your TA requested a large table too:) great way to meet people!

 

Oh John, every Muster Drill I have attended they have never asked how many people are in my party. If they did, I would probably joke with them anyway...saying something like, "Its just me, but you are more than welcome to join me";)

[jemuu]

Thanks, Lois. Now I'm back to being excited again! I think a lot of this boils down to the attitude you go in with. If you believe you're going to feel awkward and insecure, you probably will. If you believe you'll have a fabulous time, no matter who you meet, you probably will. :) And like one of my good friends told me "Ok, yeah, you might feel lonely at times going on vacation by yourself. But you can be lonely at home staring at the same old walls. At least this way you're seeing a different part of the world and opening yourself up to new experiences!" That's sort of become my mantra! :p

 

And heck, I'll be on a cruise - how bad can it be?? Even if I don't meet a single person, I'll still have my bathing suit, floppy hat, cold umbrella drink, and great book, right? Lol!

[Lois R]

Hi Jennifer:) one other thing, I don't cruise to meet other single people. If I do, that is fine, if not, that is fine too.

For me, it is a pampering experience, meeting all kinds of people, and seeing wonderful places.

 

Being unattached has never been a factor for me. (I have been on my own for 20 years) and cruising (for me) is a piece of cake:D

[jemuu]

Lois,

 

Yes - I agree! I've had a couple of friends make comments to me about 'hooking up' and the like and I actually get a bit offended. This is a vacation for me, not a singles bar! What I'd most like is to meet other women to shop with or have lunch with, but if I don't, I'm perfectly capable of hanging out alone. :) It would seem to me that if you go intent on meeting other singles you'll end up frustrated. If that is what you're looking for, you probably should go on a 'singles cruise'. If you're just going to rest, relax, let the real world go for a while, then solo cruising sounds fabulous to me! Hope I'm right! :p

 

Anyway, I did want to thank you for posting on this board. I was serious before that several of your posts boosted my confidence that this would be a good idea for me. So, thanks!! :)

[Lois R]

Jennifer:) you are most welcome! Please come back here after your cruise and give us an update on how it went too:)

[jemuu]

Lois, I most certainly will. And my condolences on having to wait five months until your next cruise. Hang in there! :)

[kitty9]

I've done 16 cruises as a solo and I've never once been made to feel different or unusual from anyone, crew or passenger. Perhaps it's a matter of self perception because it's not at all unusual nowadays for people to cruise solo---the solo demographic is growing by leaps and bounds every year. To be honest, the crew on every ship I've been on has gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. The person at the muster drill has certainly led a group of people that have included solo passengers, so I don't think the "look" they gave was because you were cruising alone. If you're assigned a table of couples, then go to the maitre'd and have the table changed---no need to avoid the dining room for a week. Maitre'd's get requests to change tables all the time and it's not a big problem for them at all. I've done it a few times, mostly because I didn't want to sit at a table with a lot of kids, but changing tables is easily done and without any problems or stigma.

 

I'm leaving on Monday for my 17th solo cruise, to Lisbon, and I cannot wait because I know that there will be people on board, crew and other passengers, who will go out of their way to make me feel pampered and a real part of the whole cruise experience.

[EmJakeBubbie]

my brother cruises solo AllTheTime...he always finds interesting folks w/whom to chit chat, go on tours, etc. He'll always find the perfect little spot to play his guitar and sing which is great for drawing in a small number of interested onlookers. the thing is that one wishing to mix 'n mingle has many opportunities, ya just have to be creative :cool: p.s. he's quite an accomplished dancer, as well. he looks around to see who might be looking as if they might wish a dance partner and isn't afraid of being rejected....mostly he has no problems finding someone with whom to enjoy the music;)

Cruising is meant to be enjoyed all ways and always. Bon Voyage!

[jemuu]

Thanks Darcie and EmJake's Bubbie! My countdown is REALLY on now and I cannot wait. Darcie, I agree with you about the self perception. I think in situations like that you get out what you put into it.

 

Ok, can I go NOW or what?? :)

[Lois R]

Hi Darcie:) good to see you again!

 

Hope you have a great time~I know you will:D

 

Are you going to post a review of your recent Summit cruise over on the X board?

 

Jennifer, you only have 4 more days to go:D :D

[kitty9]

Hi Lois. No, after the slamming I got when I posted from the Summit about my perceptions of how the passengers were not following the dress code, I decided to give my reviews a rest for a while.

 

But for you and anyone here, I loved the Summit. While I think the food has gone down a bit from my Summit cruise last year, it's still the best in the mass markets. The Normandie was so fantastic, we dined there three nights and if we had been on longer, we would have gone again. The Chateaubriand was delicious, as was the lobster bisque. The large group from Mexico were horrible and put a damper on the cruise for a lot of people, especially when one of them put feces in the main pool, causing it to be closed for two days and another two teens from that group threw stink bombs in the disco, causing some real problems. Then there was the problem in the lounge when one from the group insisted that his 4 year old twins and his 6 year old could take over the dance floor at 10:45 at night---there were 6 older couples dancing and the girls ran into one couple and almost caused one woman to fall. The woman's husband told the kids to get off the dance floor and the father got into the man's face and said his kids could run on the floor. It took a security person to remove the family. Incidents like this went on for the entire 11 days.

 

We booked the Summit again for next year---14 days through the Canal to LA. This is our annual girls only cruise for my mom, sister and me.

[Lois R]

Hi Darcie:)

 

I hope you had a good time despite those inconsiderate people.

 

I know you love cruising though. And maybe one day I will be able to try the Summit too.

I loved the Constellation and I know they are similar ships.

 

Anyway, solo cruising is awesome:D

 

Jennifer, have a great time girl;)

[jemuu]

Darcie - wow, that's unbelievable. I'm always amazed at what people think is acceptable behavior. The majority of people you encounter in life are usually kind and considerate, but unfortunately, it's the awful few you remember. Hope you had a great vacation in spite of it all!

 

Lois - I know, I cannot wait! What's funny is that I only booked this cruise about a month ago. I can't imagine waiting five months like you...You're so brave! Lol! :)

[johnh530]

I am the person who started this thread & as i said I hope no one changes anything they do based on my opinion. This is a board for sharing opinions & in the end we will not all agree. If there are people who cruise solo & love it I think that is great. My experience was extremely relaxing, the ship was great, the crew for the most part was great. However, I did not really like all the reminders that I was alone. The look I spoke of at the muster drill was not "perceived", it was very real. That is just my opinion & I stick by it.

 

Some people complain that others ruin formal night for them by not dressing up. Too me that is not an issue. I only worry about what I can control, the rest I take as entertainment. I dressed up even though I did not go into the dining room. There was a muscle head on board who obviously enjoyed dressing in very tight shirts or no shirt & on formal night he walked into the casino wearing a tank top with his man boobs hanging out. I just kind of chuckled & moved on. I estimate just over half the people dressed up on the first formal night, maybe less on the second. Who cares? I hope they all had a good time. I would never let someone elses dress ruin my night or my vacation.

 

That said, what I was talking about were my feelings coming off the cruise. I love cruising & will continue to cruise, I just will not do it alone. I will go with friends or try some type of group cruise. To those of you who have cruised solo 137 times I say good for you! keep cruising. But let's not tell someone what they felt was not real or was perceived. That is just silly. That ranks up there with those who read a bad review on a ship & feel the need to defend the cruise line like it is there relative or something by saying things like "some people will have a bad time whatever they do". I read that kind of thing all the time & don't get it. This board is for opinions & ideas. Let people share them, comment if you like, but why tell someone they really did not feel or see something? I had a lousy cabin steward. Did I imagine he left beer glasses & garbage in my room for 3 days before taking the trash out? No, it happened. Cruise crews are human, some are good & some need help. That's life.

[jemuu]

John,

 

I'm the one who responded to your initial post expressing hesitation about my upcoming solo cruise....no, I haven't changed any of my plans based on your experience. I think I posted because I was looking for some opposite viewpoints on solo cruising from what you experienced. I didn't feel like any of the following posters were putting you down - they were just expressing their thoughts. Of course we all have different experiences and perspectives on things. I did appreciate your thoughts, even though they scared me a little! :eek: But seriously, you're right - expressing your opinion is what this forum is all about.

 

And one other thing - I know Darcie said it was about self-perception and I can understand why you would take offense to that, but I don't think that's how she intended it. I took it to mean that you can't be so concerned about what other people think and that sometimes you can project your own insecurities about going solo onto other people and read things that may not be there. If that doesn't apply to your experience, no worries.

 

I am sorry you didn't enjoy your solo cruise to the extent you wanted to. If solo cruising isn't for you, that's cool. I'm sure a solo vacation isn't for everyone, but it seems that those who enjoy it REALLY do. And since mine is coming up in just a few days, I really hope I'm one of those people!! :D

[Lois R]

Hi:)

 

John, your cabin attendant didn't empty the trash for 3 days?:confused: If it had been one day, I would have said something. If it wasn't emptied regularly I would have spoken with Head of Housekeeping. Not in a mean way, but just to advise them the cabin wasn't being taken care as it should have been.

[johnh530]

Had there been food remains or something like that int he garbage I would have said something. It was paper trash & empty beer glasses on the table. I did not spend enough time in the cabin to worry about it. That is what the end of cruise survey is for. He was pretty bad though, but again it is one of those things that I would not let get me in a bad mood or ruin my vacation. He was not good at cleaning the room, he would look away when in the hallway instead of making eye contact & saying hello. Just one of those guys who probably will not last long at that job, or he was just having a bad week. Who knows? The quality of his job performance was reflected in his tip & on the survey so I will assume RCCL takes care of those things.

[kitty9]

OMG John, I thought my sister was the only one to use the term "man boobs". That just cracked me up. Are you saying this guy didn't wear a shirt in the dining room at night? How'd he get away with that? I guess there's all kinds out there.

 

And, I didn't mean for you to take offense at the self perception comment. What I meant to convey was that anyone can take any kind of look/glance and perceive it to mean something that wasn't intended---kind of like how people can perceive something negative that's written on these boards when it wasn't the intention of the author of that post.

[Faith77]

Hi John,

 

After 4 solo cruises I think I've figured out what type of cruise experiences will work for me. I have found Carnvial a good match (I do not cruise during holidays or summer when kids are out of school). On my Carnival cruise out of NY last year to Canada we had a fun dining room table of solos and there was plenty of night time entertainment to keep me busy. My only real complaint here was that the piano bar was dead.

 

I really enjoy meeting other solos/singles when I cruise. This is more important to me than better food/service. A few years back I took another cruise out of NY (NCL) which had a great itinerary but used the freestyle dining system. After one night in the dining room that was it--I just used the buffet. I definately had a nice time and enjoyed the cruise but would not cruise with NCL as a solo again.

 

I will probably just stick to Carnival if I cruise solo. Next year I might try one of the singles cruises or some other type group.

 

Faith

[Sianli]

I have cruised solo twoice on RCCL Voyager. It is a big ship so maybe that contributed to my opportunity to meet people. I never flet uncomfortable! Actually one trip I took with my kids I was more alone! I travel with a girlfriend next week (Grandeur) and we hope to find other singles to hang out with , but I have since heard that repositioning cruised are less likely to have single passengers? Anyone know? Diana from Colorado