Solo-cruisers ?

[Cotton]

Hi fellow cruisers. I'm female, 60+, and a solo-cruiser. If you are hesitant to cruise alone, I'll be glad to share my experiences or answer any questions. Best of all worlds to me.:)

[musicmansmom]

Hi fellow cruisers. I'm female, 60+, and a solo-cruiser. If you are hesitant to cruise alone, I'll be glad to share my experiences or answer any questions. Best of all worlds to me.:)

 

thanks cotton for offering to be so helpful. i am starting to see more and more of our age group going solo on cruises. one of the advantages of working so hard all of our lives is being able to finally relax from our jobs on the ship and treating ourselfs to the ammenities and travel experiences of the cruise.

 

i wont be afraid to ask questions and be a part of this great thread.

 

happy cruising to all of us '' in our golden-years ''.

[tinna2000]

Hi fellow cruisers. I'm female, 60+, and a solo-cruiser. If you are hesitant to cruise alone, I'll be glad to share my experiences or answer any questions. Best of all worlds to me.:)

 

i will need your help, i am 42 years old and i took my first cruise on june 23 2005 on the triumph to canada. i traveled with my son , who is 25 years old. i had a wonderful time, my son did not bother me and i loved that, but next year he will not be able to take a cruise with me, so i am interested on doing it alone and would like help with questions.

[glrounds]

I'm a "little" bit older than Cotton :D and, with the exception of my latest cruise in which I treated my 25-year old son, I always cruise solo also. I too would be most happy to answer any of your questions.

 

I love cruising and find cruising solo has many advantages and, of course, one big disadvantage (the dreaded single-occupancy penalty). :(

 

If you have any questions fire away here on this very unique forum or e-mail me at gorufus(removethis)@yahoo.com. Be sure to put something about CRUISING in the TITLE so your post won't be dumped.

 

Thanks also to Laura for developing this idea. :)

[ladycaveat]

As a 55 plus year-old solo cruiser (actually 58 years old) . . . I'm getting ready to go on my third cruise alone . . . and I can't wait! I too would be more than happy to answer anyone's question about what it's like to sail solo as a "mature" woman. :p

[peggyy]

Glad to hear all the positive feedback. I'm 50 and cruising solo for the first time to Alaska in Sept. I can't imagine it could be anything but WONDERFUL.

First aft cabin, too. Any pointers appreciated (I have no problem talking to strangers).

[Cotton]

You sound like me, Peggy. I strike up conversations all over the ship, and in ports, too. I cruise solo because I like being on my own, and not having to 'check in' with somebody else, and doing things on somebody else's whims or schedules.;) I get off at a port and grab a cab and go wherever I want without having to coordinate plans. It's great. And on the ship, you can always find somebody to talk to if you'd like - or having the time to myself if I just want to sit and read. I love being assigned to large tables. The more folks, the better the conversation. I talk w/people over a nightcap in one of the lounges, too. Love meeting folks, but also love my privacy.:)

[musicmansmom]

You sound like me, Peggy. I strike up conversations all over the ship, and in ports, too. I cruise solo because I like being on my own, and not having to 'check in' with somebody else, and doing things on somebody else's whims or schedules.;) I get off at a port and grab a cab and go wherever I want without having to coordinate plans. It's great. And on the ship, you can always find somebody to talk to if you'd like - or having the time to myself if I just want to sit and read. I love being assigned to large tables. The more folks, the better the conversation. I talk w/people over a nightcap in one of the lounges, too. Love meeting folks, but also love my privacy.:)

 

cotton, you said it perfect. my very first cruise was solo and i loved the fact that i could mingle with the other passengers or just do things on my own. i did not have to answer to anyone about what i would be doing or how much time i spent in the shops or just lounge on the ship. i had a wonderful time being on my own and would not have second thoughts about going solo again. i was always made to feel welcome by the other passengers and i made many new friends. have a good time peggy and let us know how you liked the trip :)

[marvholly]

I am 59. Been cruising since 1969. I have been lucky enough to find cabin mates since my hubby passed away 8/03 for my 3/04 Victory cruise (DD) and the one I am currently booking; NCL Jewel 11/27 (friend, hopefully).

 

It is NOT that I have any problem going alone it is just the blasted expense. For the Jewel it would be about $300 more for an IS GTY by myself. That covers a couple days expenses pre or post cruise in MIA. I would rather have more vacation for the same $$$.

[Cotton]

Holly - You're so right about the cost! I don't like paying the single supplement, but I understand why they have to do it that way. Even though I've splurged only once on an OV picture window cabin (at 200%) I usually get a cabin with one or two portholes, for 150%. There aren't a lot of porthole cabins on any ship, but my Carnival PVP always manages to find one for me. I just can't be in an inside.....gotta see the sea!:)

[marvholly]

I would be perfectly happy w/ Carnival 1A except most are forward and I STRONGLY prefer midship to aft as that is generally where I land whenever aboard ship. About the only thing I do forward is the shows.

[Annieeee]

I enjoy my own company ;) and so I don't mind cruising solo, but do prefer it when my husband or a girlfriend can go. Last two cruises I was alone unexpectedly, in April my cabinmate backed out, so had the cabin all to myself and then last month, my cabinmate did not have her proper docs and so she had to go home get her birth certificate and then fly to the Bahamas to join the ship two days later. There is so much to do both on and off the ship, that seldom does one ever feel really alone.

 

I find that most other passengers are friendly and finding a person to chat with on an given day is very easy.

 

My friends and I are in our late 50's early 60's, and we have an an unwritten agreement, we are traveling together, NOT joined at the hip! So no one's feelings are hurt. I generally do the things I want to do, excursions, pool, whatever and they too do what they want to do, but it often turns out that we do some things together.

 

Recently I joined a ladies only cruise group. Basically it is for the same reason some of you mentioned, the dreaded single supplement. This ladies group cruises about twice a year and we pair up for cabins, but still each is doing what they want to do, or can join the group for planned excursions if so inclined. Lots of fun at dinner too.

 

Glad to see we have this seniors' thread. Good thinking.

 

Night, Annieeee

[krosmon]

Hi.

 

I usually travel alone since my mother passed away 6 years ago. Last year, I took two cruises with friends - bad idea. I couldn't keep up with one couple so had to hang back and do things on my own - weight problem - and with the other friend, she has too many phobias and drove me nuts. I am going by myself on the next three - but the third one is really pricy so may have to find a cheaper alternative. Forget my kids' inheritance - they owe me money so I am spending what I have on my trips. Ha.

 

I have no trouble meeting people and like either large tables or freestyle dining so I can meet lots of people. I also take many tours off the ship so I can be with a group, but when I get back, it is so wonderful to go in my cabin and veg out and be alone. I love the shows and just the ambiance of being aboard.

 

I am almost 69 and haven't considered sharing a room as I like my space. I live alone and get plenty of contact with other people at my work. I like to do my own thing - it isn't fun when the person you are with doesn't enjoy doing what you do, like the casinos and the shows, and you don't feel you can go off and do your thing as they are too insecure to go their own way and want you to hold their hands. Been there, done that. I'm too independent, thank goodness.

 

Love this site. Keep up the good messages.

[oldnavybanker]

I have been solo cruising for years -- Holland America has a good single share program -- you pay no supplement, asnd if they cannot match you you get the cabin to yourself -- i've had that happen twice. It is a bit of a gamble, but have not yet had to share with an ax murderer. If you talk things over right away, you can quickly decide whether you want to hang out together or-- more likely -- go your own way - just come to terms on how to share --- it works. Another good thing about HAL is that tghey do not cater to the college age crowd as Carnival does, and their dance music is not as disco-oriented as Norwegian's --I enjoy dancing '50's and '60's style -- and cannot keep up with the younger dosco-chicks.

 

 

I find that free-style dining is not that good for sailing solo -- you do meet a lot of people, but since they are usually paired up, you find "breaking the ice" every meal to be a bit tiresome. Being seated at a large table gives you the opportunity to get to know a group (or several couples) fairly well -- it's sort of like having a base.

 

Generally, it is a new adventure every time you sail -- most of your felow cruisers are in relax mode and just as eager to strike up conversations -- in fact, being solo seems to strike many as something interesting to talk about.

 

I've met many attractive and intelligent people cruising solo - my kids think I'm crazy -- but they have long held frequently expressed doubts about me.

[Libracruzer]

Hi Oldnavybanker: Nobody understands why I have a great time when I cruise solo; but I surely do. I agree that Free Style would be difficult, and avoid that when I sail solo. Happy Cruising!

[CaptData]

I'm a disabled, single cruiser. I use a scooter, wheelchair and canes. It depends on the day and how I feel (MS). All but one cruise I have gone solo. I travel with CAA for three trips. The Hawaiian one coming up is a complete solo.

 

Oh, I forgot, I'm 51.

[krosmon]

I like Freestyle Dining as you meet new people at every meal. I enjoy meeting people, but don't make a lot of close friends, so this suits me fine. I went on a 14 day cruise alone and had assigned seating, and couldn't get away from some really weird tablemates, plus my waiter was very rude. With freestyle, I find a waiter I like and always ask for him/her, and get to meet new people at whatever station he/she is at.

 

I am doing a Princess cruise next year and was offered the option of freestyle or assigned, and I took freestyle - I like to eat when and where and with whom I want.

 

My next cruise is with RCCL and I have assigned seating, so I pray that I have nice tablemates. If not, I'll eat in the Windjammer at the buffet. I'm a free spirit and am on the ship to relax and enjoy myself, and if I have to join strange groups, I find alternate places to be. Not doing too bad for someone who turns 69 in a couple weeks.

[Diva4aDay]

Holly - You're so right about the cost! I don't like paying the single supplement, but I understand why they have to do it that way. Even though I've splurged only once on an OV picture window cabin (at 200%) I usually get a cabin with one or two portholes, for 150%. There aren't a lot of porthole cabins on any ship, but my Carnival PVP always manages to find one for me. I just can't be in an inside.....gotta see the sea!:)

 

For all dates in November, and all staterooms are included.

I might even splurge on a balcony.

[claud925]

How wonderful to find this thread - - I never realized there were so many like-minded fellow cruisers out there! I thought I was the only one who regularly cruises solo . . . :cool:

 

Will be going on #4 this October, with nos. 5, 6 and 7 shortly thereafter.

 

I love it for all the reasons previously mentioned in prior posts: the independence of it all; the feeling of do-what-you-want when-you-want; mingle or solitude - your choice; and the best part: what happens on a cruise ship stays on a cruise ship.;)

 

And what's been said is true - I've always encountered nothing but the most terrific, kind-hearted passengers aboard ... cruisers are surely special people.

 

Cheers to us all - and here's to more just like us!

[momesu]

 

Recently I joined a ladies only cruise group. Basically it is for the same reason some of you mentioned, the dreaded single supplement. This ladies group cruises about twice a year and we pair up for cabins, but still each is doing what they want to do, or can join the group for planned excursions if so inclined. Lots of fun at dinner too.

 

Glad to see we have this seniors' thread. Good thinking.

 

Night, Annieeee

 

Hi Annieee

I've talked with you on the Maryland thread. :) I am interested on how yolu found a group of ladies who like to cruise. Did you already know each other and discover than that you all like to cruise or is this a group that you joined in with to specifically cruise together.

Currently I am cruising with my mom (my husband will go with me once every couple of years but he is more of a backpacker. At 55 backpacking is not my idea of fun. Not that it ever was!) , but she is 80 and not sure how much longer she can manage. She loves it, but lately always seems to come home sick and it takes months to recover. :( We have two more scheduled but that might be it for her. I love to cruise, but can't afford a single suppliment to often.

All that is a long way of saying why I would like to find group to share cruising with.

Suzanne

[krosmon]

I don't know what Marvholly's problem is - this is a new thread that only started about 3 weeks ago. Hope he goes elsewhere and finds what he is looking for, whatever that is. This thread is for solo travelers over 50 -

 

Less than 2 months and I will be cruising in Alaskan waters again. Looking forward to a nice relaxing, beautiful, smooth sailing. Hope it doesn't get too cold. And it is so nice to have my own space. I only wish I could afford an outside cabin but the difference in the price is too steep for me right now. Now if I can just curb my appetite, I'll be in seventh heaven. If not, see you in the buffet.

[wickedawesomemom]

I am not 55+ (in my 40's) so pardon me if I'm in the wrong place, but the solo traveler topic caught my eye. I was wondering if the single supplement is pretty much the same on all cruise lines. If not, who has the lowest? Also, has anyone ever not had to pay the supplement but still had their own cabin? Any place that you would NOT cruise solo? I will be planning a solo trip for next year and could use advice.

 

Thanks.

[Cotton]

QUOTE=wickedawesomemom]I am not 55+ (in my 40's) so pardon me if I'm in the wrong place

 

No prob. I'm sure we're all welcome here, no matter what age.

 

I was wondering if the single supplement is pretty much the same on all cruise lines. If not, who has the lowest?

 

I may be incorrect, but I believe Carnival is the only line that has a solo rate of 150%. I think most are 200% for solo cruisers. Of course, the 150% is for inside or (in my case) porthole cabins, as the OV cabins w/picture window are 200%. Portholes are just fine with me - I can't do inside, though. Gotta see the sea!:D

 

Also, has anyone ever not had to pay the supplement but still had their own cabin?

 

I saw ONE poster say (quite awhile back) that she has gotten her solo cabins for regular rate, but I really do have my doubts. I've asked when booking each cruise and anything less, and it just isn't there!

 

Any place that you would NOT cruise solo? I will be planning a solo trip for next year and could use advice.

 

I can't think of any port I would not cruise to. My most recent cruises have been 5-nighters, so MX ports have been my stops. I don't have any problem with finding a cab and going wherever I want on the islands by myself. I do my homework and know where I want to go, and I'm not 'scared', but I am cautious of my surroundings. Hope this helps a little.

[Roz]

If you're willing to sail in the off-season (no holidays or school vacations), you can get a guarantee cabin on HAL for about 140%. I've done that twice and have a 3rd solo cruise booked with them for this coming December. Also, as Cotton pointed out, Carnival offers reasonable single fares. So do the luxury lines, like Crystal and Silversea, but obviously they're more expensive to start with.

 

Roz

[krosmon]

NCL has two ships with a little single cabin - the NCL Wind and NCL Dream - I was fortunate to grab that room on both ships. Also, the Wind has that room available around Hawaii for next year - too bad I'm going to Europe instead. The rates are a lot cheaper - the cabin is small but adequate. Also, if you like the Mississippi River, the American Queen steamboat has about 6 or 8 single cabins - again, they are really small but adequate. The QEII has several single cabins, but none of the new ships has any single cabins - they are prefab and haven't put in any single cabins. Most of the cabins are inside, but the QEII has a few outside cabins. Sometimes, you need to go directly to the cruise line to find the rooms as many agents don't seem to catch them.