Solo-cruisers ?

[doris1930]

I was fortunate enough to get a single cabin on the Wind from Hawaii to Ensenada for their repositioning cruise in April 2006. My first time travelling solo, so am looking forward to the trip. (I think, am 75):eek:

Also was member of JUGS for a while, that was not for me.

[Cotton]

Hi Doris. Since Holly hasn't been back to explain, could you please tell me what in the world JUGS is??? Never heard of that, whatever it is. Thx.:)

[doris1930]

JUGS stands for just us girls want info go to www.just-us-girls.org. I have posted several times for a cabinmate, never got an answer from anyone..maybe age of 75 scares them off. Found a wonderful cabinmae a few years ago on the www.frommers.com site, under share a trip. I was 70 and he was 73. Yep, and it worked out very well...he was a PERFECT gentleman and everything fell into place. He lives in Canada and I in California and we had such a good time our first cruise, we went 4 months later for 25 days. Yes, we are friends and still stay in touch.

Hope the info on jugs helps you.

[kitty9]

Cotton, JUGS was a group of women who started a cruise site, which stands for Just Us Girls. It was for single women who liked to cruise.

 

Not all cruise lines offer 200% single supplement. Lines like Radisson, Crystal, Seabourn and Silversea offer SS as low as 10%. Now before you all say you can't afford a luxury line, you really have to do your research, compare apples to apples when it comes to cabin size/location/category, and everything else before you say you can't afford it. I was looking at cruising to South America next year on either Celebrity or Crystal. Celebrity has a 200% SS while the same cruise on Crystal was 125%. If I booked Crystal, in a similar type/location of cabin, it was over $6000 cheaper than on Celebrity. You also have to look for last minute bargains. Last year on Crystal, they had 7 day cruises for $995, with only a 5% SS. When you realize that things like bottled water, soda and specialty coffees are free on Crystal, and that they have parties for their passengers where all drinks are free, the cost per diem really compares favorably.

 

You can also look for two for one specials where you only pay the first person fare. I did a Radisson cruise and got a fantastic suite for only the first person rate.

[momesu]

Cotton,

You can also look for two for one specials where you only pay the first person fare. I did a Radisson cruise and got a fantastic suite for only the first person rate.

 

Boy, it never occured to me that you could do that. :cool: I was just looking at 2for1 cruises the other night. I'll have to keep that in mind. Also thank you for explaining JUGS.

[marvholly]

Cotton:

Sorry if I did not get back to you quickly enough but I am a widow working FT to pay a mortgage & real estate taxes (went up 50% this year), maintain an 11 room house on my own, have a DD getting married in 6 weeks and a GD born 3 weeks ago. I am a "bit" busy. Also, my company monitors internet usage and if I exceed 15 minutes/day on non-business relavent sites I am docked on my paycheck for the time spent on-line. I know this sounds tough but the advantages outweigh this. I can start any time I wish. I can leave anytime I wish. As long as the work is done and I put in my 40/week I have TOTAL control over my work hours. Since I have an 87 y/o father w/ health issues, a new GD, A DD getting married and friends/commitments (dentist, doctor, bank hours, financial advisor) I appreciate the flexibility and have for 15 years.

 

The definition of JUGs you were given is accurate. I simply refuse to deal with any web site that does NOT allow access within a couple days and/or refuses to acknowledge/respond to mutiple emails over > 3 months. the recipe site 'KopyKat' is another on my hit list. I tried to register, was told I had to respond to their email and NEVER received such an email. When I tried to register again my standard on-line log-in (so I would remember) was "taken". Their loss as I am a MAJOR food maven with experience converting recipes for veggie, lo sugar, lo fat and/or lo carb due to health issues/preferences w/in the family.

[kruisey]

I'm 69 and travel solo because I like my own cabin....therefore my friends will not pay the price.

Have always travelled with Princess...now my trips are getting longer and longer,naturally the price goes up.

Had a wonderful offer from Carnival on a cruise ...but chickened out after seeing the very glitzy pictures of the inside of their ships they looked like a type of Las Vegas which is OK for a couple of days but not longer.

Can any of you guys tell me what its like for a senior to travel solo on Carnival....I would be considered kind of conservative in my tastes...Oh and I am a non drinker non smoker...........kind of a party pooper ? :D

[Cotton]

Thx, y'all, for the explanation about JUGS.

 

 

Kruisey - My last five cruises on Carnival have been solo, and I'm not too much younger than you. I thoroughly enjoy myself. I've always found that everybody is so nice and friendly, and I enjoy larger tables at dinner. The more folks, the livlier the conversation! When I want to be alone, I am able to do so, and when I want to be w/folks, I can find plenty of them to chat with all over the ship. Just strike up a conversation anytime. Also, if I want a snapshot taken of me in some area of the ship, then I just ask....and have always found friendly folks willing to oblige.

 

I go off on my own - no ship's excursions for me - in ports. I'm cautious of my surroundings, but am not afraid to venture off on my own. I get a cab and go - knowing beforehand that I have done my homework and know where I'm going. There are always so many other tourists around anywhere you go on the islands. I've even had people 'watch' my bags when I go snorkeling....people I don't know.

 

I had a cruise booked a coupla years ago, and a dear older friend said she'd love to go. I told her ok, but she'd have to be in a separate cabin, which was fine with her. (I just prefer my own cabin.) So, I booked the cabin across the hall from mine, as she didn't mind having inside cabin. Worked out well, BUT I kinda had to watch over her. Much prefer not having to 'coordinate' everything. Oh well, she enjoyed it so much, and has since passed away:o , so I'm glad she got to go.

 

Anything specific you'd like to know about cruising on Carnival as a solo, just ask.:)

[kruisey]

Thanks for your answer.

Question was it very noisy on board like lots of announcements?What was the entertainment like?How was the food? What was the average age on the longer cruises ?These are all Carnival questions.Oh last but not least did they give you a senior discount? Thanks....Kruisey :)

[Cotton]

QUOTE=kruisey]Thanks for your answer.

Question was it very noisy on board like lots of announcements?

There are several announcements during each day; however, they aren't piped into your cabin, and I have had to open my door to hear them. I haven't found them intrusive at all.

 

What was the entertainment like?

I absolutely LOVE the production shows Carnival provides. There are two on all Carnival cruises. I love the music, singing, dancing! There are also other shows (comedians, magicians, etc., but I don't attend those, although most folks seem to enjoy them.) Also a midnight adults-only show every night.

 

How was the food?

Well, I enjoy everything Carnival offers in the dining room! I have all three meals each day in the dining room, as I just don't care for buffet type food. I'm a retired chef from New Orleans. I also spent several years as Food & Beverage director for hotels, as well as owning my own catering business - so I DO know good food - and Carnival has never disappointed me.

 

What was the average age on the longer cruises ?

My longer cruises were years ago. Nowadays, I take only the five-nighters, and there's a general mix of ages. I don't cruise during school breaks, holidays, or summer. I prefer quieter time.

 

...... did they give you a senior discount?

I've gotten some sort of discount on each cruise. Once it was AARP, once a 'state residency', and others have been 'past guest'.

 

Thanks....Kruisey

You're quite welcome.:)

 

***And, thx Annieee, for your comments. Sounds like a nice group.

[marvholly]

I very much agree with Cotton. All my Carnival cruises have been since I passed 50. I love all the production shows and some of the sea day activities (not a gamler or bingo person). I like the idea, although I am seldom awake that late, of the later eve activities. I really prefer the Carnival menus and have sailed Celebrity (03) and NCL (02). I generally do 7/more day cruises due to always needing air and seldom during school vacations unless traveling w/ my adult teacher daughters, now both, just about, married.

 

I have a friend who was widowed shortly after i was. The 11/27 NCL Jewel cruise is a trial, I suspect for both of us, to see how we travel together.

 

I certainly would be interested in a newer version of JUGS. Contact info, please.

[kruisey]

I did reply earlier.........but the gremlins got hold of the page.......and it told me this page was unavailable.....So I have waited an hour or so.Think it must be due to too many persons on the web page and it kinda gets overloaded.

Anyway Thank you so much for the information Cotton. :)

Princess is good to me in their own way they do give me past passenger incentives....like I am at the platinum level now....after next years cruise just have to take six more to be elite status with lots of added perks :)

Its nice to have this web section were I can talk to persons of my own age group....although I do enjoy a mixed one as well...it keeps me young :) I now have the best of both worlds :D

[momesu]

Its nice to have this web section were I can talk to persons of my own age group....although I do enjoy a mixed one as well...it keeps me young :) I now have the best of both worlds :D

 

Ah, the wisdom of age, but the heart of the young....I sometimes think I'm a 35 year old in a 55 year old body. :D Seriously, I don't really have any desire to go back to my younger years...diapers, bottles, and a shaky self image due to a body that wasn't what quite what was desired (if ya know what I mean!) The world can just taske me as I am and if they don't like it...oh well...it's their loss. I'll even wear a swimsuit now! :eek:

[Libracruzer]

Whenever I have sailed solo I have paid the full supplement; it would be nice to find a cruise that doesn't have it. The only time that most of the cruiselines waived it was immediately after 9/11. On occasion there are advertisements for a reduced supplement. They are not the norm, however.

[momesu]

:rolleyes: Been quiet here. All the solo cruisers must be out cruisin'. Don't we wish!!!:D I for one am simply trying my best to survive the heat and humidity.

[Cruzmama59]

Hi all 55 & over,

I am in my mid 60's and have travelled solo many many times and enjoyed it.

The first time I sailed was on Carnival Imagination in 97. I shared a cabin with a woman who was in her early 80's. She was on the cruise with her family so I really did not see much of her, only when I got up in the am (she was leaving for breakfast,I had late seating) and at dinner hour. I stayed up until 3am(closing casino) and came into room she was fast asleep and never heard me come in.

The second time I shared a cabin I also had a roommate same age as me. She too came with friends. We met each night for dinner, but went our own ways.

The final time I shared a cabin was my last...Speaking of crazy people I was hooked up with a nut. Kept turning off airconditioning, and clinging to me wherever I went. (this cruise was booked with a singlesgroup and we seemed to pair off nicely)except for my roommate who was a double for Dr.Ruth.......after that experience I never shared a cabin again.

I find that Carnival is the only one that is 150% charge for the single cabin. But as you can see (bottom of page) I go on other cruiselines too. If I get a great deal I don't mind paying the difference.

My next 3 cruises 10/2/2005, 12/17/2005 1/13/2006 are with my kids and grandkids.

I already booked one for 12/2006 on the Carnival Liberty. Cabin solo on upper deck for 977.00.....mid ship..near elevator.

Would be interested in group solo cruise during the springtime if anything comes up on this board.

I love travelling even solo as I make friends easy...usually younger than me..I fit in all ages LOL

Cruz Mom

(Marilyn)

[belacar]

I am 55 +,and 2 years ago,I was on Regatta,30 days all by myself,and i don't even speak English very well...........It was nice.......thinking of doing it again very soon........it's not easy to find a friend for long cruise........better than waiting at home.............have fun ,enjoy:) small one in september with a friend this time.

[doris1930]

jugs, try cruise as password

[sunsetme]

I am 54 thinking of doing my first solo cruise as hubby is unavilable and I love to cruise. WHat do you do at dinner? do they set you up with other solo cruisers? I don't want to get stuck with singles.

[krosmon]

I think it depends on the cruise line - some have freestyle dining - you eat when you want, where you want and with whom you want. I have done it several times and I really enjoy it - you meet all kinds of different people. What I do is find a waiter I like and ask for him - they are very rarely in the same spot every meal so you are all over the place and as they know you, they take better care of you.

 

Also, if you aren't happy with your table when you get aboard if you have assigned dining, you can always ask the maitre 'd to move you. They want the patrons to be happy and are usually eager to please.

[Cotton]

I am 54 thinking of doing my first solo cruise as hubby is unavilable and I love to cruise. WHat do you do at dinner? do they set you up with other solo cruisers? I don't want to get stuck with singles.

 

I always look forward to my first night in the dining room to see who I will be dining with. I have usually been pleased with my tablemates, and only on one occasion did I ask for a different table (discreetly, of course) for the remainder of the cruise.

 

I definitely like being seated at a large table, preferably for eight. The more people, the livlier the conversation.:) I have had tablemates who were single, but usually traveling with a friend, other solo cruisers, couples, families....so I don't know how they decide on the seating. I've never had ONLY singles at my tables.

 

You can always speak with the maitre d' about changing after the first evening.

[Cruzmama59]

When it comes to making plans for diningroom seating I usually tell my travel agent that I would like to be put with a table of singles. When he calls in my reservation he has the cruiseline note that on my reservation.

Cruzmom:)

[Tarheelbelle]

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.

krosmon,

On your upcoming RCI cruise, if you don't like the tablemates, speak to the maitre d'. When I have cruised solo, I was able to have my table switched when I had some difficulties with tablemates.

I see you cruised on the Independence. I cruised on her sister ship the Constitution. I had a tiny outside single cabin. The older ships had those, but the new ships just don't as you said above.

I am 52. My best friend of 40 years and I cruise together every Thanksgiving, but we are single and like to meet up with other singles in our age group.

[Velvet Teddy Bear]

Hi all you kids......yep...I am 72 years young...and getting younger.....I am going on my 5 cruise in about 65 days....and am looking for one in Jan '06

I really liked the old Premier Line ships...(went broke in 2000) shame....and have done Carnival and am now doing NCL....there is no better way to relax that I know of.....sure it cost a bit more alone,,,,I always have a single cabin. I usually buy a guarantee cabin, get up graded....usually inside...all I do is sleep there......so lets all keep crusin" and having fun.....

 

jim....

[doris1930]

Well, got you beat by 4 yrs and in about 65 days I get to do Europe for 30. Nice to be in good health and enoy all the trips.

Also booked a single on NCL for repositioning in April.

 

Frequent floaters, we are. lol