First time solo cruiser

[browneyes21]

Hi everybody

 

I am new to this board not really new to cruising. This time will be different. Because it is so difficult to find someone to cruise with. I am going solo. Does anyone have any tips to share. :)

[champagne123]

Just one piece of advice.....be open to people and not shy. Be fun and out-going. Over the years of cruising, we have made many, many friends with Solo Cruisers.....but if you are shy and in a shell, you may have a problem. GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN FUN FUN and meet tons of great people.:D:D:D

[flounder315]

Hope you get some responses, because I booked my 1st solo for Feb 20th. I will be watching.

[SMSACE6]

I have cruised with family and friends, and also cruised solo three times. I have enjoyed all my cruises, but the solo cruises were great because I so much me time, and that is a rare treat for me.

 

My first solo cruise I was sooo nervous the first day of the cruise about going to the dining room for dinner and finding out who/what strangers I would be dining with. I practically shaking with nerves at sailaway worrying about it and I almost decided to eat at the buffet, but I pulled myself together and went to dinner and found myself at a large table of great people, some solo, some couples, but all really friendly and interesting people. Dinner time became the highlight of that first cruise.

 

You may be outgoing and not worry about this like I did, but my tip would be to definitely go to the dining room for dinner and you are more than likely to end up with a great group of other solo, or people like yourself.

 

But most of all just relax and have a great time, and enjoy your you time:)

[champagne123]

I have cruised with family and friends, and also cruised solo three times. I have enjoyed all my cruises, but the solo cruises were great because I so much me time, and that is a rare treat for me.

 

My first solo cruise I was sooo nervous the first day of the cruise about going to the dining room for dinner and finding out who/what strangers I would be dining with. I practically shaking with nerves at sailaway worrying about it and I almost decided to eat at the buffet, but I pulled myself together and went to dinner and found myself at a large table of great people, some solo, some couples, but all really friendly and interesting people. Dinner time became the highlight of that first cruise.

 

You may be outgoing and not worry about this like I did, but my tip would be to definitely go to the dining room for dinner and you are more than likely to end up with a great group of other solo, or people like yourself.

 

But most of all just relax and have a great time, and enjoy your you time:)

Beautifully stated :o

[browneyes21]

I wanted to mention, I am cruising in August on the Carnival Sunshine

[SMSACE6]

I forgot also to say that you can check out your roll call for the cruise, and you might find that there are other solo cruisers, or other non solo's who may have lots in common with. That way, you will already sort of know people the day you board and can go to the meet and greet.

 

Roll calls and meet and greets are not really my thing. Im a bit of an introvert.

 

But I can see that they could be beneficial to a person who is outgoing and travelling solo.

 

:)

[kingston13]

Hi everybody

 

I am new to this board not really new to cruising. This time will be different. Because it is so difficult to find someone to cruise with. I am going solo. Does anyone have any tips to share. :)

 

I have always booked a single room but gone with people til January of this year. Went solo and loved it! Carnival does a great job matching dining people and it was really fun getting to know them. You will absolutely love it. You go when and where you want!

[cynt]

YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!! My 1st solo was July 2013. I am now on my 3rd solo at the end of the month. VERY ADDICTIVE!!!

 

Check out your roll call and get involved. Also, check at the solo board here on cruise critic. There's a lot of good and useful information on that board.

 

Be warned - once you have your own cabin it is very difficult to share afterwards. :D

[TrqoisWtrs]

Be warned - once you have your own cabin it is very difficult to share afterwards.

 

omg, no truer words spoken. It is awesome. :) Yes, if you have a set dining time, Carnival is great at seating you with other solo/single cruisers.

 

As to tips, I'm a reader and always have a book. So I would grab a glass of wine from my cabin and food from the buffet and eat there. Peaceful and quiet. :) Also, never had an issue with sitting at the bar and ordering a drink. Bartenders are always willing to chat.

 

Even the ports are awesome. DH is not a shopper, and this way I can take my time and browse to my heart's content. :)

 

I find that cruising solo is empowering. You start talking to folks and they are usually surprised when you say you are solo. Most say, I don't know if I could do that. I think you'll love it.

[bmdz412]

Hi everybody

 

I am new to this board not really new to cruising. This time will be different. Because it is so difficult to find someone to cruise with. I am going solo. Does anyone have any tips to share. :)

 

Same here. I have been on a dozen cruises. I booked my first solo for May. I have been reading the boards to know what to expect.... I am looking forward to the adventure :D

[browneyes21]

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their advice. I can't wait for the trip. I especially like the idea of rest and relaxation. I am a school teacher so rest is much needed.

[tree.critter]

I agree with everything said above, I love being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it..... or just do nothing at all to sit and read a good book.

 

The only real suggestion I'd say is to book assigned seating, they will sit you at a table with other single/solo cruisers and it's a real treat having tablemates to chat with. I tried ATD once while solo and it was a lot more awkward for me and I wound up eating up on lido deck more often than not.

 

p.s. I know that there are some sailings available now without single supplements, I personally recommend the Dream reposition cruise.... I'll be sailing solo for that one too.

Edited February 3, 2014 by tree.critter

[zephyrgirl]

I agree about the assigned dining as a way to meet folks, I've had good experiences. Also, even though I usually like making my own plans for ports, going on ship tours is a good way to get to know others too.

 

That said, it's your vacation so do what makes you happy. If that's socializing the entire time, then great go for it! But if you like some down time, don't feel like you have to participate all the time.

[calliopecruiser]

The other piece of advice I will offer regarding dining is that if you don't like your tablemates for whatever reason and you are unhappy with your table, don't be afraid to ask the Maitre D' for a different table. On my first solo cruise (several decades ago) I didn't realize that I could ask to be switched, and I would have had a much better time if I had. (I still had a good time, but dinners were challenging.)

[JoePatNYCT]

The other piece of advice I will offer regarding dining is that if you don't like your tablemates for whatever reason and you are unhappy with your table, don't be afraid to ask the Maitre D' for a different table. On my first solo cruise (several decades ago) I didn't realize that I could ask to be switched, and I would have had a much better time if I had. (I still had a good time, but dinners were challenging.)

 

I had the same thing happen. I was always at the "tense" table while having to hear other tables having a rip-roaring time. Ugh. I finally decided I wasn't going to keep trying to "make the best of it" and asked to change tables.

 

So much happier!

[Kruz Guys]

July 6th the cruise departs San Francisco for an 11 day Alaska cruise. This will be the first time I've ever cruised alone. My partner of 34 years (and spouse for 3 months) recently passed away, and my friends told me I needed this cruise. I think they are right. I'm looking forward to it. Going solo on this cruise is not what I wanted but I know several other people who will be on the trip so it won't be 100% solo. I am outgoing so it will be fun meeting other people. Never have been to Alaska and really want to see that part of the globe. Tom and I cruised to the Baltic, the Caribbean and South America several times. Just love cruising. This trip will be a great getaway and lots of fun. Happy Cruising to All! :D;)

[Cruisercl]

July 6th the cruise departs San Francisco for an 11 day Alaska cruise. This will be the first time I've ever cruised alone. My partner of 34 years (and spouse for 3 months) recently passed away, and my friends told me I needed this cruise. I think they are right. I'm looking forward to it. Going solo on this cruise is not what I wanted but I know several other people who will be on the trip so it won't be 100% solo. I am outgoing so it will be fun meeting other people. Never have been to Alaska and really want to see that part of the globe. Tom and I cruised to the Baltic, the Caribbean and South America several times. Just love cruising. This trip will be a great getaway and lots of fun. Happy Cruising to All! :D;)

 

I am so sorry for your loss, this cannot be easy for you.

 

I loved my Alaska cruises, they seem very purifying and really good for my clearing my mind

 

That said, they were also very fun! I hope you love Alaska, I took land tours too and loved it.

Happy, fun and safe cruising to you. :)

[Kruz Guys]

I am so sorry for your loss, this cannot be easy for you.

 

I loved my Alaska cruises, they seem very purifying and really good for my clearing my mind

 

That said, they were also very fun! I hope you love Alaska, I took land tours too and loved it.

Happy, fun and safe cruising to you. :)

 

You are so kind. I'm glad you loved your Alaska cruises and I'm truly looking forward to my first one. It sounds so inviting.

 

Take care and happy cruising to you. :)

[Mykal]

I am going on my 2nd solo cruise in April. I remember the first one I was a little nervous at first, would people think I was some kind of weirdo because I had no one with me. I eat in the main dining room, I love the fancy settings (compared to the Lido deck set up) & I go to the "fancy" breakfast on sea days. I have to admit that the first night is always a little strange for the first minute, there are other "solos" there but they are traveling with a girlfriend or roommate. I always meet some great people, especially the first time when I met these two beautiful ladies from Canada. I had to pinch myself, is this real or a dream? I guess they felt safe because I was a "little" older than them. But, doing the solo thing (not trying to sound selfish) you can come & go as you please, eat when you want, lay around the pool, go to the show, play bingo etc etc etc.

[LSUcajunmom]

I am taking my first solo in April and have had the same thoughts as you. I am also very excited about being able to do what I want to do and not worrying about making sure everyone is having a good time. It will be nice to just have to worry about me. The solo rate for my cruise was the selling point for me and I wanted to do it for so long and just jumped at the opportunity to finally be able to do it.

[gypsylady]

Having just returned from my first solo cruise (of the 12 cruises I have taken over the years), I have to admit that it was the first dinner that was a little awkward. My solo was with NCL where there is no set dining. That proved to be the best thing, as it forced me out of my comfort zone to get out and talk to people. Most cruise ships have a gathering of solo travellers. Go to it and meet the interesting folks that share your same concerns. Between that and the roll call meeting the next morning, I had plenty of new acquaintances to dine with and meet later. So many opportunities to chat at the pool, in the casino, on excursions, at the entertainment venues, in the bars, etc. You are only alone if you choose to be, and that is OK too. I did what I wanted, when I wanted and would travel solo again in a heartbeat. Have fun.