Dining Solo in Blu

[melody-s]

I am treating myself to a solo cruise in AquaClass. I am a little concerned that I will be eating by my lonesome in Blu since it is not assigned seating. Do they group solos together at a table?

 

Also, are blue jeans and a collared shirt or blouse acceptable attire in Blu? I am not sure if smart casual includes jeans or not.

[Hapytocruise]

I am treating myself to a solo cruise in AquaClass. I am a little concerned that I will be eating by my lonesome in Blu since it is not assigned seating. Do they group solos together at a table?

 

Also, are blue jeans and a collared shirt or blouse acceptable attire in Blu? I am not sure if smart casual includes jeans or not.

 

Depending on the cruise - there may or may not be other solo diners in Blu. However the tables are close enough to have a chat with your next table mates IF you get the sense they are the talkative types. Check out the cruise connect link to your cruise - you may get a sense of other solo cruisers and perhaps even some organized events.

 

As far as blue jeans - personally speaking, I would take it up a notch for dinner. Jeans at breakfast - you will not look out of place at all.

[pete_coach]

There are primarily tables for 2 in Blu. If there is a larger group of people they just push the tables together. I do not believe that they "group" singles together as the restaurant is a first come first seated and served kind of venue. You look around and ask to sit in a location you like (or in a particular servers area).

We noticed that there were several tables with only one person at them during breakfast as well as dinner. Don't know if they were singles or just chose to eat alone.

[Kevnzworld]

I found the seating in Blu a little disconcerting for a solo diner. It's uncomfortable to sit next to other couples who may not want to socialize. The tables are really close.

Meet people on your roll call, that always helps.

The MDR is better for solo passengers IMO

[melody-s]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I should bring a book to dinner. :)

[hcat]

They have some nice banquettes that are good for solos and the staff will be around frequently to chat...

 

Have never done or seen jeans in BLU for dinner..OK other times of day.

[jackdiamond]

On our last cruise my wife became ill; hence, I mostly ate alone both for breakfast and dinner. It was never a problem.

[Lois R]

Are you particitpating in your roll call? That is a nice way to meet others

and many times folks are very friendly. I always sail solo and I booked AQ

for my upcoming cruise. There are ALOT of people in AQ on the roll call

and a few of us are dining in Blu together:)

 

I was in AQ once 3 years ago and I only ended up in there 3 times

for dinner on a 7 night cruise.

I agree with Kevin, depending on the circumstance Blu may not be

condusive to the solo cruiser.

 

From the folks on this roll call, I have a feeling this time will be much

nicer for me:)

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I have a cabin mate who doesn't do early mornings, so I suspect I will be having breakfast as a solo. Don't think it will be a problem--may run into people I know, may not. May make new friends.

[Lois R]

I have a cabin mate who doesn't do early mornings, so I suspect I will be having breakfast as a solo. Don't think it will be a problem--may run into people I know, may not. May make new friends.

 

Hi Linda:) breakfast is a lot different than dinner (in my opinion).

I loved breakfast in Blu....it is a much more casual atmosphere and

just seems more......oh I don't know, laid back than dinner....not

everyone even goes to breakfast;)

[gek]

I saw a few solo diners in Blu and yes it did seem a little awkward at times but at other times they seems to get on well with the tables nearby. No problems at breakfast though which is very casual.

 

Jeans are fine for Blu. You want see many people wearing blue jeans but they sit well within the smart casual dress code.

[cls711]

My husband and I did a 13 night transatlantic in the Eclipse in Auqa Class. On night #1 a solo traveler was seated next to us. Well...as my husband says, I've never met a stranger, so I commenced to telling her what we had ordered, what was good and what was great. We talked thru our dinner and hers then exchanged info. She confided that once she learned about the dining arrangements in Blu she had worried about being solo. No worry needed. On a few nights we all dined in Blu together, on 2 nights she dined with us in specialty restaurants, some nights just she and I dined together in Blu (hubby chose casino time over dinner!) A few nights we asked her to diner but she had plans with other people she had met. She never dined alone unless she chose to.

 

Breakfast is easy, there are lots of tables of 1 for breakfast in Blu for many reasons...some spouses may sleep late (raises hand) or skip breakfast altogether.

 

I might add that this "solo" traveler turned out to be a highlight of my trip. We made fast friends despite a 20 yr age difference. We enjoyed many activities together and even booked excursions together. The friendship continued after the cruise and we've visited each other on dry land.

 

OK, not to end on a negative note but I will relay one slight dismay we had with BLU. This solo traveler had paid double the AQ cruise fare to travel solo but was told she could not have a guest join her in Blu for even 1 meal. That seemed a little unfair.

[Lois R]

My husband and I did a 13 night transatlantic in the Eclipse in Auqa Class. On night #1 a solo traveler was seated next to us. Well...as my husband says, I've never met a stranger, so I commenced to telling her what we had ordered, what was good and what was great. We talked thru our dinner and hers then exchanged info. She confided that once she learned about the dining arrangements in Blu she had worried about being solo. No worry needed. On a few nights we all dined in Blu together, on 2 nights she dined with us in specialty restaurants, some nights just she and I dined together in Blu (hubby chose casino time over dinner!) A few nights we asked her to diner but she had plans with other people she had met. She never dined alone unless she chose to.

 

Breakfast is easy, there are lots of tables of 1 for breakfast in Blu for many reasons...some spouses may sleep late (raises hand) or skip breakfast altogether.

 

I might add that this "solo" traveler turned out to be a highlight of my trip. We made fast friends despite a 20 yr age difference. We enjoyed many activities together and even booked excursions together. The friendship continued after the cruise and we've visited each other on dry land.

 

OK, not to end on a negative note but I will relay one slight dismay we had with BLU. This solo traveler had paid double the AQ cruise fare to travel solo but was told she could not have a guest join her in Blu for even 1 meal. That seemed a little unfair.

 

Hi:) you sound like a wonderful couple:)...and although I don't know

you? I thank you for the kindness you showed that person.

 

Now, as for the last part? I always sail solo but I can tell you they

only allow AQ people in Blu.....when I was in AQ back in 2010? Same

thing happened to me....so I ended up dining with the folks I met (who

were not in AQ) well, went to the main dining room together.

I understand their rule....If they make an expection for 1? Then basically

they would be in a pickle....do it for one, then do it for someone else,

etc....etc....etc....

[Kevnzworld]

It does seem a little unfair that solo travelers in AQ pay for two, but can't invite someone to eat with them in Blu. I no longer stay in AQ when I'm traveling solo, it's not worth the extra $80 per day.

The only exception is if I'm able to upgrade due to a Tuesday special price drop.

[jackdiamond]

It does seem a little unfair that solo travelers in AQ pay for two, but can't invite someone to eat with them in Blu. I no longer stay in AQ when I'm traveling solo, it's not worth the extra $80 per day.

The only exception is if I'm able to upgrade due to a Tuesday special price drop.

I agree with your concern; and, I wonder if the sea pass had a notation exhibiting the fact that it was possessed by a solo guest if that might alleviate the problem. In other words, they would know you were solo and could allow you and your guest to share a table. The same table would be there whether one or two people occupied same. Furthermore, there would be no extra cost for the ship since the guest would eat somewhere anyway.

As an example of the aforesaid, yesterday I had breakfast (solo) at a restaurant where there was a waiting line of 1/2 hour, which did not disturb me since I used the time to practice some of my daily ancillary exercise. However, when I was escorted to my table, as a party of one, I sat at a table which otherwise would have accomodated four folks.

[Kevnzworld]

However, when I was escorted to my table, as a party of one, I sat at a table which otherwise would have accomodated four folks.

 

I know this is a little off topic, but your last comment reminded me of one of my only peeves with Celebrity.

Why are most of the tables in the Oceanview cafe four tops? Most people travel and dine as couples. It aggravates me every time I wander around with my tray looking for a table on a sea day seeing so much wasted seating space and nowhere to sit. It also makes me feel bad to take up a large table by myself.

[marieps]

On our last cruise my wife became ill; hence, I mostly ate alone both for breakfast and dinner. It was never a problem.

 

Very sorry to hear that, Jack. We enjoy your posts and know how much you love cruising. Best to your wife. Hope she's fully recovered.

[jackdiamond]

Very sorry to hear that, Jack. We enjoy your posts and know how much you love cruising. Best to your wife. Hope she's fully recovered.

Thank you. Our only hope is for remission prior to the drop dead date for those over 70, who are on medicare and supplemental insurance, under obamacare. Sadly, that date is January 1, 2014.

[hcat]

I know this is a little off topic, but your last comment reminded me of one of my only peeves with Celebrity.

Why are most of the tables in the Oceanview cafe four tops? Most people travel and dine as couples. It aggravates me every time I wander around with my tray looking for a table on a sea day seeing so much wasted seating space and nowhere to sit. It also makes me feel bad to take up a large table by myself.

 

If that happens to us we politely ask if we can join them--it's just for lunch!

Most folks wont mind!

[Lois R]

If that happens to us we politely ask if we can join them--it's just for lunch!

Most folks wont mind!

 

I do the same thing:).....but the reverse.;) If I am taking up a 4 top?

And I see people looking for a table? I have asked plenty of times

if they want to sit.....some folks are friendly and say yes, thanks....

others? I guess they want to sit alone....fine with me.

[Kevnzworld]

If that happens to us we politely ask if we can join them--it's just for lunch!

Most folks wont mind!

 

I've done that, many times. But I have to wonder why Celebrity designed it this way...people with nowhere to sit, and so many unused seats...

On S class ships , I often eat at the Oceanview bar when I'm traveling alone, just so I don't take up a table.

[jackdiamond]

If that happens to us we politely ask if we can join them--it's just for lunch!

Most folks wont mind!

We have had this experience both ways in the Aqua Spa; and, it has never been a problem.

[ORV]

In case you didn't catch it you are completely ok to wear jeans for smart casual. No rips or holes

[TomMMD]

I am treating myself to a solo cruise in AquaClass. I am a little concerned that I will be eating by my lonesome in Blu since it is not assigned seating. Do they group solos together at a table?

 

Also, are blue jeans and a collared shirt or blouse acceptable attire in Blu? I am not sure if smart casual includes jeans or not.

 

I have never eaten alone but we always enjoy talking to whomever is next to us. Last cruise we sat adjacent to another couple and ended up sitting with them the rest of the trip,

 

They will probably let you in but I don't think jeans are appropriate. I where jeans a lot but not in Blu,

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[travelpeon]

Sounds like I should bring a book to dinner. :)

 

That is my style, sometimes. If you prefer to read a book at dinner, go a bit earlier for dinner. The lighting after the sun sets is a bit dim for reading.

 

Otherwise I had conversations with near by tables. Many people see a solo traveller and strike up a conversation, too.