Best cruise for a single female cruiser?

[Soaring17]

Hi everyone, my first post on Cruise Critic!

 

I was widowed young (53) towards the end of last year and have just been on a mini cruise with two lovely girlfriends just to see if it's the sort of thing I could see myself doing in the future.

 

I'm now considering my next cruise and want some recommendations? I really fancy a transatlantic cruise to New York, possibly Canada as well and I have a definite preference to a round trip from and back to Southampton so that I am not restricted to a luggage allowance.

 

I'm fairly outgoing but obviously am more used to dining out with my husband so on that basis I would like to do fixed dining on a table of other solo/single passengers. I'd also rather have my own cabin, even if that means paying a supplement just so I can have my own space if I need if.

 

Would like to find a cruise where there are plenty of activities....maybe crafts etc? And also a chance to meet up with other solo passengers. I've also seen something on here called a roll call which I assume is a shout out for anyone else travelling on a particular cruise but I guess it's more a case of booking the cruise of choice and just hoping there are fellow Cruise critic passengers on your particular cruise??

 

So, can anyone recommend a suitable cruise for 2015?? Obviously feeling a little nervous at doing such a big trip solo.....would hate to think for example that I'd be away for 14/24 nights and feel totally lonely. Help!! :)

[AmoMondo]

Hi there, welcome to cruise critic.

 

You're going to be very limited in choice if you want to sail to and from Sothampton to the Us. Probably only Cunard does TAs all year round. Many other lines do them too but don't sail straight back. They sail from Europe typically Late sept through to November but then do a season in the Caribbean or Douh America before returning back to Europe in Mar to -performance a summer season in the med or North Europe.

 

20 of my 23 cruises have been as a solo female (I'm the same age as you) and I've never felt lonely or not had people to talk to?can't say the same about some of my solo land trips though.

 

May be better tot try a shorter solo cruise first of all before embarking on a 2-3 week voyage.

[Losangelesgurl]

if you can, try to make dinner "anytime"5:45 pm!!!

.. later dining ( 7pm-9pm is all large tables/ families!! and

crying babies,and grandparents..very awkward!

 

I found the lonliness part actually oddly enough was

not having balcony to just "be alone without being alone"

on the deck over and over and over.....

 

I also found double bed in the window view.. cabin very

depressing..oddly...nobody next to me..no roomie.

 

ANY cruise around 7 days,i think 13 is way too long

without a companion.!!!.and I am very very comfortable alone

I felt I wanted someone who is heart felt to "chat with" not

a stranger..it gets really superficial after a while..

 

I would say having a roommate assigned for longer trip

would benefit you..putting up with some minor things

is better then landing in cabin and nobody

to say "wow" hows it going? some lines can

arrange a cabin mate

 

1. bring notepad and pen ( to give out name /room #or meeting place)

2. bring extra wine ( or cup) and share a drink while on deck

time....makes 4 instant connection.

3. don't isolate yourself...do join in group silly stuff

as you meet more solo/singles,in the dancing,and karaoke too.

 

 

the cruise destination is non- important,but the cruiseline

Holland is about full of 77 age + elders.on oxegen tanks,..in wheelchairs.,canes

and no I am not anti-elder,but I heard horror stories about that line!

Edited May 12, 2014 by Losangelesgurl

[NCGAL1971]

Hi,

 

I just wanted to chime in since i feel i might can relate to your situation some. I too became a widow at a young age. I was only 41yrs old. This July will be 2 yrs.. I am also wanting to try cruising solo. Can't seem to find a friend or family member that can or wants to go with me. I cruised Alaska twice with my late husband so I am a little familiar with the process. Never cruised Bahamas or Caribbean though. I booked myself a 7 day western caribbean cruise but now am having second thoughts about flying down to Fl and then take a 7 day by myself. Thinking of switching to a shorter 5 day out of either Charleston or Jacksonville. Much less costly and closer to home. I can drive to the ports. If i really enjoy i may book a 7 day in the future. It is scary going out on your own. I have never taken a trip all by myself so that just adds to it. I love to travel though. For me I think a 5 day is probably the way to go. Good luck with whatever you decide :-)

[bottomfeeder]

My first solo cruise was a 2-week transatlantic and I loved it. As the previous poster says, though, if you find you get lonely it may not work well for you. I would also suggest trying a shorter cruise first if you are unsure whether solo cruising is your cup of tea.

 

Since Cunard is the only line that provides back-to-back transatlantics, and I've never sailed them, I can't really comment on that option.

 

However, if you want to cruise one way and fly the other, both Celebrity and Azamara, which I have sailed on for transatlantics, provide lots of solo-friendly activities such as those you mention. They both also have had a large number of solos on their transatlantic cruises so if you want to buddy up with someone they are a good bet for that.

 

I haven't sailed on Holland America yet so I can't comment on the reality of the age group rumors, nor on whether they have lots of activities on their transatlantics. I'm about to do a 12 day Baltics cruise with them though and will report back on this board after my return. :)

 

(I'm 52, by the way, so in the same age category as you. I was married for 25 years before my marriage broke up 7 years ago, and it took me much longer than you to dare to cruise as a solo--wish I'd done it sooner!)

[calliopecruiser]

I would recommend you consider Crystal -- they only have 2 ships, but I can attest that there are many solo cruisers on board and they have lots of wonderful activities (all included in the price) on sea days (I did a transatlantic with them last spring): Movies twice a day in the theatre, classes in computers, video production, languages, bridge, dancing, golf, and some really interesting lectures. Probably more that I've forgotten. Very nice is the low solo supplement (just 25% for a window cabin) and the Dance Hosts on every cruise to dance with unaccompanied women. About 10% of all the cabins on my transatlantic cruise were filled with solo travelers.

 

I am not widowed, but I am a 52 year old woman. I enjoyed it so much, I'm taking a transpacific with Crystal this fall.

Edited May 12, 2014 by calliopecruiser

[poppadevan]

NCL debuted the Solo Cabin with a Solo Lounge (The Living Room) several years ago with the EPIC. These are, I believe, 108 cabins all on a separate hallway on decks 11 and 12. They run down the center of the ship (all inside cabins) and in the center part of the hallway they funnel into a two story lounge area which has its own TVs and Bar staffed with a bartender during certain hours. Every eveining at 5, there is a solo get together with a staff member that organizes groups of solo activities for that evening and the following day. These hallways and the solo lounge are separated from the rest of the ship and require a special passkey to enter. I was on the Epic in 2012 and 2013 in the Solo Cabins. It was great for bringing together Solo passengers in an informal and casual atmosphere. You can choose to participate or not. As for the entertainment, it was fantastic and very Las Vegas style; Blue Man Group, Circus de Solei, and Legends just to name a few. The ship is huge with 21 dining venues and 20 bars and lounges. The Solo Cabin was such a great sucess that NCL included the concept in their new builds; the Breakaway and Getaway. I would suggest that you read up on this concept. Other lines are now following suit and creating Solo Cabins. Hope this helps.

[vunico]

dittos for crystal...

they not only offer low and special fares for solos,they actually have a section on their site advertising them!no need for a secret decoder ring or 27 "phantom bookings"

only gripe is when they sell out,the fare remains up,so you might have disappointments.

great ships and crews as well.

[zoncom]

If I was a European cruiser I would first find a transatlantic cruise on an American oriented cruise line and return on Cunard which runs constantly.Most American lines sail with a good amount of female solo cruisers since TAs are such a bargain.Consider Princess, Celebrity,perhaps Holland Crystal is very pricey,. Booking closer to sail yields an especially low price. Balconies not necessary since all you see is dark water on crossing.Princess also does nice cruises from Quebec to NYC or down to Florida, Enjoy the contrast incruise line styles!

[vldreamer]

Hi everyone, my first post on Cruise Critic!

 

I was widowed young (53) towards the end of last year and have just been on a mini cruise with two lovely girlfriends just to see if it's the sort of thing I could see myself doing in the future.

 

I'm now considering my next cruise and want some recommendations? I really fancy a transatlantic cruise to New York, possibly Canada as well and I have a definite preference to a round trip from and back to Southampton so that I am not restricted to a luggage allowance.

 

I'm fairly outgoing but obviously am more used to dining out with my husband so on that basis I would like to do fixed dining on a table of other solo/single passengers. I'd also rather have my own cabin, even if that means paying a supplement just so I can have my own space if I need if.

 

Would like to find a cruise where there are plenty of activities....maybe crafts etc? And also a chance to meet up with other solo passengers. I've also seen something on here called a roll call which I assume is a shout out for anyone else travelling on a particular cruise but I guess it's more a case of booking the cruise of choice and just hoping there are fellow Cruise critic passengers on your particular cruise??

 

So, can anyone recommend a suitable cruise for 2015?? Obviously feeling a little nervous at doing such a big trip solo.....would hate to think for example that I'd be away for 14/24 nights and feel totally lonely. Help!! :)

 

Good Day, I was widowed 2 years ago at age 58 and my husband never wanted to cruise. I took my very first cruise this past April with 2 couples. I was solo in my own balcony cabin...great,,and even though I had travel companions I spent most of the time by myself...I truly enjoyed every moment & will be planning future cruise even if I have to sail alone...Some evenings I got a feeling of loneliness without my hubby not sharing the beautiful view with me on the balcony but somehow I knew he was there watching over me....I thought about a transatlantic cruise by myself but don't think I can handle that many days ..besides work gets in the way:eek: I too would like examples of wonderful solo cruise for a 60yr female....

[Lois R]

Hi,:) I am 56 and have been sailing solo with Celebrity for 11 years.

They are my cruiseline of choice and I always come home knowing

I am going to book another cruise with them;)

 

When you ask about what is the best cruiseline for a solo female

cruiser? It depends on the person. We are all different but after

40 cruises with Celebrity? They are the best for me:D

[catty]

Hi,:) I am 56 and have been sailing solo with Celebrity for 11 years.

They are my cruiseline of choice and I always come home knowing

I am going to book another cruise with them;)

 

When you ask about what is the best cruiseline for a solo female

cruiser? It depends on the person. We are all different but after

40 cruises with Celebrity? They are the best for me:D

 

I will be a first time solo cruiser and love celebrity. Do they have single supplements?

[Lois R]

I will be a first time solo cruiser and love celebrity. Do they have single supplements?

 

Yes, they do. Normally it is double but sometimes you may be able

to find less on their Tuesday Happy Hour Specials. But for me?

I stopped looking at the SS years ago. I look at the total price of the

cruise to see if it is within my pricepoint/budget. That Single Supplement

is what it is.....it is just there.

[jaxkai]

a few years ago there was this incredible rate for a cruise about 2 hours from me in fl 99.00 i jumped on it !!!

 

now let me preface this with ive been a single parent for years my kids are now grown and having families of their own, i was 51 at the time, i dont go out and eat alone and i seldom go anywhere im not 100% comfy, but im a friendly person and had loved cruising before ... so off i went.

 

i had the best time yea sometimes i wanted my kids there but i never felt lonely and i was only as alone as i wished to be. it was amazing to do things on my time and just what i wanted and not to have to consider anyone/everyone else's desire. fixed dining worked perfect for me, i made friends for dinner really fast.

 

last consideration, i get up really early when i cruise i love to watch the sunrise... i would get up early meet the other early risers walk around take some pic's visit, eat breakfast and one morning i went to my room to change and instead ... took a nap. it was decadent and fun and it was a sea day i missed nothing and i would never get to do that with friends around. i was also doing my first inside and a ship with tiny insides lol and it was comforting to me.

 

life is short as most of you have mentioned, say yes to adventure and make the best of it, as women we are well equipped:)

[Podie]

I am 58 and widowed a year. Since I live in Florida, it's very easy to cruise. For the first year I cruised with friends but now I've reserved my first solo cruise in January on Brilliance of the Seas out of Tampa. It's a five day and I know my way around both ports so that helps. At the time I booked this 10 days ago, a solo balcony for $617, Royal Caribbean had NO single supplements on any of these cruises in 2015. Not sure if that's still the case.

 

My next goal is a transatlantic, probably on Celebrity, my favorite cruiseline. Probably next spring.

[Lois R]

I am 58 and widowed a year. Since I live in Florida, it's very easy to cruise. For the first year I cruised with friends but now I've reserved my first solo cruise in January on Brilliance of the Seas out of Tampa. It's a five day and I know my way around both ports so that helps. At the time I booked this 10 days ago, a solo balcony for $617, Royal Caribbean had NO single supplements on any of these cruises in 2015. Not sure if that's still the case.

 

My next goal is a transatlantic, probably on Celebrity, my favorite cruiseline. Probably next spring.

 

Hi Celeste, congrats on booking:D..that is pretty wild, Royal with

no SS?

[Podie]

Yes, I had to grab it while I can. But I still want to do a TA on Celebrity so I'm looking into that for next year. Celebrity remains my absolute favorite:)

[Lois R]

Yes, I had to grab it while I can. But I still want to do a TA on Celebrity so I'm looking into that for next year. Celebrity remains my absolute favorite:)

 

Me too:D:);)

[Bonzy49]

P&O do a cruise to Canada and the US in September 2015..I think there and back!!

 

I have just been on my first solo and loved it.I went from Southampton on P&O Azura to Norway.I was seated with other solos and P&O do coffee mornings and afternoon teas for solos.

[Brockwest]

Congratulations for trying your first solo.

The most important information to give you advise is missing...your financial comfort level.

 

Without a doubt, without a hesitation, I recommend Crystal for a sole female, 53, widowed. The place is a place, the service impeccable. They specialize in the widowed/divorced sole female and cater to their needs.

 

It is very high class, tuxedo-level.

 

There is tuxedo/ballroom gown singles dancing each evening. The ship literally hires educated refined men to be gentleman hosts for the single women. The hosts are there to dance with you and to accompany you for dinner at no cost.

Most women give them some sort of a gift at the end of the cruise.

 

There were maybe 20 single woman on my cruise that were in your described category. The meals are sumptuous, and they will sit you alone, with an escort, or with a group as you request.

 

There is a lot to do, or not do, gorgeous specialty shopping areas, and high tea each afternoon. Very posh.

 

I would NOT do Royal C. It was my only solo/single cruise. To my despair, I found I was the only single aboard, and to my embarrassment, they assigned the gentlemen escorts to me, a male. I ended up hiding in my room.

[Lois R]

Congratulations for trying your first solo.

The most important information to give you advise is missing...your financial comfort level.

 

Without a doubt, without a hesitation, I recommend Crystal for a sole female, 53, widowed. The place is a place, the service impeccable. They specialize in the widowed/divorced sole female and cater to their needs.

 

It is very high class, tuxedo-level.

 

There is tuxedo/ballroom gown singles dancing each evening. The ship literally hires educated refined men to be gentleman hosts for the single women. The hosts are there to dance with you and to accompany you for dinner at no cost.

Most women give them some sort of a gift at the end of the cruise.

 

There were maybe 20 single woman on my cruise that were in your described category. The meals are sumptuous, and they will sit you alone, with an escort, or with a group as you request.

 

There is a lot to do, or not do, gorgeous specialty shopping areas, and high tea each afternoon. Very posh.

 

I would NOT do Royal C. It was my only solo/single cruise. To my despair, I found I was the only single aboard, and to my embarrassment, they assigned the gentlemen escorts to me, a male. I ended up hiding in my room.

 

WOW..sorry about your Royal Caribbean experience:eek:...they

assigned you an escort?:eek:...in all my years of cruising I have never

even heard of Royal doing that......and as for hiding in your room?:confused:

I would have gone to Guest Relations and told them no thanks

on the escort.....

I have a couple of friends who have cruised with Royal, solo and

they had no issues...

Really sorry you had problems.

 

I only sail solo and cruise with Celebrity, never had any issues at all.

And never hid in my room from anyone.....

Edited June 2, 2014 by Lois R

[cdngrl]

I've only sailed princess and it works for me. I go solo all the time. my longest cruise was a month. I've done 2 different transatlantics. if you want to travel and see the world a cruise is a great safe way for a woman to do it. let the cruiseline take care of you. i do pay a single supplement so usually book an interior. its the overall cost I look at. is it in my budget? best of luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

Edited June 2, 2014 by cdngrl

[crzndeb]

I did a TA on RCI in 2011, and there was no male escort. In fact, I have never heard of male escorts on Royal Caribbean. My other solo cruises recently have been on Carnival, due to itineraries being offered. I am taking my second cruise to Australia in August.

 

I have never been married, though I did have 2 children. I have always been fiercely independent and enjoy doing my own thing. The last few solo cruises I have done, I have known others onboard, so I can choose to hang out with them or be by myself. I usually have plenty of things to keep me busy on board the ship.

 

I'm looking forward to trying Celebrity. I'm getting close to Diamond on RCI. I think Crystal may be great for some, but probably not for me. Even at 63, I prefer a disco over ballroom dancing.

 

I don't look at single supplements. I'm like Lois,, if it's within the budget, I go for it.

[Brockwest]

Oops, you are correct. It was Seven Seas Navigator who assigned gentlemen hosts, not RC.

[cdngrl]

I'm going to have to try crystal or celebrity. you all speak well of them!

princess is easy, I know the routine and the deck plans! maybe its time to break out a little but I get such great percs now, its hard to think of going somewhere else.