jandjtexas Posted September 17, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Price on the Triumph was too good to pass up. So, I'm now booked for the Halloween cruise. Probably not the best cruise to go solo for the first time, but I'm going for it. Past cruises I ended up doing most things on board alone, so that won't bother me too much. How is dining alone in the MDR? Any problems or stares when sitting alone at a table reading? Any tips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireMedT Posted September 17, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Price on the Triumph was too good to pass up. So, I'm now booked for the Halloween cruise. Probably not the best cruise to go solo for the first time, but I'm going for it. Past cruises I ended up doing most things on board alone, so that won't bother me too much. How is dining alone in the MDR? Any problems or stares when sitting alone at a table reading? Any tips? On my last cruise I was solo for the first time. I was seated at a table with one married couple, 2 pairs of ladies travelling as solo friends. It was a little awkward sitting for a long dinner like that with so many strangers but we all chatted and got along well. There were nights that some people didn't show. People will ask why you are travelling alone. I was asked that several times on the cruise during the first dinner, at brunch, at the bar, and on shore. Saying something like "no one else could come and it was better on my own than not going at all." People react well to that. If you plan on sitting alone at the MDR, then that's your choice if that's what you want. I doubt that anyone will give you any disapproving looks. If they do, don't pay them any mind. But me personally, I would get kinda lonely sitting there for so long by myself. I would rather go to the buffet. Try the MDR and see how it goes. You can check to see what your table looks like as far as solos, couples, kids on the first day in the MDR. Me personally, I would avoid tables with families that have small children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bottomfeeder Posted September 17, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 17, 2013 On my most recent cruise every time I ate in the MDR I asked for a table to myself and read on my kindle while I ate. I am not sure why; usually I enjoy asking to be seated with others and meet some new folks, but this cruise I guess I was just feeling like being alone! I didn't notice any funny looks; but then again I wasn't looking around to see if anyone was looking at me! :) I always take the anytime dining option rather than fixed seating on my cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patriots00celtics Posted September 18, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 18, 2013 I have heard Halloween is a great time for solos, I'm sure you will find it quite a party atmosphere... Halloween bash!!!!! You will probably be seated with solos and groups of same sex cruisers on this one..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thommy_Boy Posted September 18, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 18, 2013 The one time I went solo, I was sat at a table with 2 groups of 5 women each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dogsrule Posted September 18, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Congrats JandJTexas! I've got my first solo booked too (Triumph, December), I'm super excited! I plan to do My Time and eat alone also. I guess it's human nature to see a person alone and feel sorry for them, to assume they wish they were with others...so I plan to try to ignore any stares. Guess some people, perhaps a lot of people, can't understand wanting to be alone! I'll probably take a book or my iPad, but often when I dine alone (on land) I just peoplewatch and enjoy the ambiance. Guess if someone stares at me, they might find themselves being stared back at. :D Only I'll have a smirk on my face thinking "...but I can do whatever I want whenever I want, 'cause I'm cruising solo!" :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueangel74 Posted September 18, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Price on the Triumph was too good to pass up. So, I'm now booked for the Halloween cruise. Probably not the best cruise to go solo for the first time, but I'm going for it. Past cruises I ended up doing most things on board alone, so that won't bother me too much. How is dining alone in the MDR? Any problems or stares when sitting alone at a table reading? Any tips? Congrats on booking your 1st solo cruise. My 1st solo cruise was on Triumph in 2010. Often tell people welcome to your new addiction when they book their 1st solo because you will want to keep cruising solo. I always choose late dining. There are not as many children in the mdr at that time. Often Carnival will try to seat solo cruisers with other solo cruisers. When I am eating alone, I usually try to bring a book to pass the time. And if people stare at you, let them. It's your vacation. Enjoy your cruise. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jandjtexas Posted September 18, 2013 Author #8 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Thanks everyone. I'm getting really excited, a whole room to myself! Wish I could have went for the balcony, but at least I'll have a window. I am so looking forward to some ME time. Need to start loading up my Nook!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prbmami Posted September 20, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I hope you enjoy it. I'm debating on whether or not to make this my first solo cruise. The price is almost too good to pass up. RCI Majesty of the Seas - March 2009 Carnival Valor - March 2010 Carnival Glory - March 2012 Carnival Valor - March 2013 Carnival Triumph - October 2013 Carnival Magic - February 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jandjtexas Posted September 20, 2013 Author #10 Share Posted September 20, 2013 That's what I thought also. Glad I went ahead and did it. I sure hope Carnival starts doing this type of thing more often. I would love to be able to book more often, but just can't afford to pay double for myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prbmami Posted September 21, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I'm in! I decided to book the cruise this morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raytownlady Posted September 22, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 22, 2013 The deal was too good to pass up, I booked my first solo cruise too! I was able to use some SWA Rapid Reward miles so no airfare! Are you bringing a costume? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barlee126 Posted September 23, 2013 #13 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Congratulations! I'm sure you will have the best time and I think a Halloween Cruise would be so fun to do! I'm jealous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ireneadler Posted September 23, 2013 #14 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Please do tell us how it went! I'll be traveling solo for the 1st time also, but with a twist - I'll do a 4-night cruise to the Caribbean in a group of 34 people... and then they'll all leave the ship and I'll be on my own for more 5 nights. My choice of course, unless one of them chooses to do this back to back with me. So I'll go from being surrounded with friends to total loneliness. :) Oh well! Life is made of contrasts! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinpsychRN Posted September 23, 2013 #15 Share Posted September 23, 2013 On my most recent cruise every time I ate in the MDR I asked for a table to myself and read on my kindle while I ate. I am not sure why; usually I enjoy asking to be seated with others and meet some new folks, but this cruise I guess I was just feeling like being alone! I didn't notice any funny looks; but then again I wasn't looking around to see if anyone was looking at me! :) I always take the anytime dining option rather than fixed seating on my cruises. Which line did you cruise alone in MDR? Were tables really close or far enough you didn't feel you were eating with them even though you were alone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinpsychRN Posted September 23, 2013 #16 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Congratulations! I'm sure you will have the best time and I think a Halloween Cruise would be so fun to do! I'm jealous. Join us! I'm on the Legend 10/26/12 and am planning a silly costume! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bottomfeeder Posted September 23, 2013 #17 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Which line did you cruise alone in MDR? Were tables really close or far enough you didn't feel you were eating with them even though you were alone? I was on Oasis of the Seas. Tables were reasonably close but not close enough where I felt my space was being invaded. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreaminofOz Posted September 24, 2013 #18 Share Posted September 24, 2013 Hope you enjoy your cruise. Please come back and let us know what your first Solo cruise was like. Just booked my first solo cruise today. It isn't until early November. Could not pass it up since Carnival was not charging a single supplement, and I had enough airline points to get my flight for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zany143 Posted September 24, 2013 #19 Share Posted September 24, 2013 Hi! I booked the Triumph Halloween cruise - it will be my first solo. I booked one a couple of years ago, but had to cancel. I am a little nervous, but mostly just excited. I plan on having a very good time. :) Zany Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thommy_Boy Posted September 25, 2013 #20 Share Posted September 25, 2013 I had my first solo cruise in February. I jsut recently booked another solo cruise thanks to Carnival getting rid of the solo suplement. I had a few other cruises booked this year solo, but I ended up finding someone to come with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttrrfli Posted September 25, 2013 #21 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Attempting to book my first solo out of CHARLESTON 2 Nov, Cruised many times with the hubs. Crossing my fingers for approved time off, then will purchase ticket. Fun in the sun and snorkeling are on my priority list. Anyone else booked for 2Nov Carnival out of Charleston? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailingpeace Posted September 27, 2013 #22 Share Posted September 27, 2013 I traveled alone a lot, but not on a cruise....yet..;). As far as people staring at you.... Maybe they are jealous....or thankful you are showing them that they could do it too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailingRNC Posted October 2, 2013 #23 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I just booked my first solo also. 11/14/13 on the Carnival Ecstacy. I'm turning Gold this sailing !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBlackWolf Posted October 23, 2013 #24 Share Posted October 23, 2013 Hi, This is my first solo as well. I'm looking to enjoy it a ton and hopefully have some fun with another solo cruiser. Unfortunately sharing a room... Hope the water is WET... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matondo Posted October 23, 2013 #25 Share Posted October 23, 2013 I am another first time solo cruiser!! I have planned so many cruises in my head and on my computer and DH can't go with me. I finally decided why not when I saw there was not extra charge for cruising solo. I really need to get away and I can think of no better way to do it! I am going to embrace the solace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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