first time solo cruiser

[maisiekay]

Hi all,

I'm looking at taking a cruise in February or March to the Caribbean. I'm a 34 year old female. I've never traveled alone and I'm a little nervous. I'm looking to relax, meet new people and have fun. Anyone else interested in the same thing? Any particular cruise line at which I should look?

Thanks!

M

[Essiesmom]

Any cruise line that meets your budget. remember, as a solo cruiser, you will be paying a single supplement, which usually equals the fare of two persons in the cabin. Ask for open dining ans request to sit with others. Or traditional dining at a large table. Join in shipboard activities, chat with others. Join the roll call for your cruise.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Always remember, going alone is 100% better than not going at all. EM

[Scrapnana]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

I love cruising solo. I have found it very easy to meet people as most everyone on a cruise is in a good mood and friendly.

 

Many cruise lines have events for solo cruisers. You might want to ask on the forums of the cruise lines you are considering about what is available for solos. For example, earlier this year I cruised with Cunard. They have a get-together for solo travelers each sea day, a luncheon every cruise and a meeting spot for solos who wish to get together and visit a port.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Roz]

I've taken 16 solo cruises, and loved every minute. Cruising is a very safe, convenient way for a single female to travel. You can be with other people or not. Since this is your first cruise, I highly recommend booking excursions thru the ship. Have fun and report back.

 

Roz

[herbanrenewal]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=373

[dolita22]

NCL has studio cabins for solo travelers on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway. With those, you don't have to pay a single supplement. Gatherings with other solo travelers are often organized for those in studio cabins, so you're able to meet people that way. Though I've never sailed in a studio (was supposed to a few years ago on the Epic, but ended up in a balcony), people who have seem to really enjoy them.

 

Here's a link to the NCL board: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

 

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful, relaxing cruise!

[zoncom]

I would also consider NCL in your age bracket. Remember, cruise prices go up and down like air. January pricing lower than Feb/March, which are the two more expensive months for Caribbean.Google discount cruises for cruise sales. Usually costs quite a bit less from discounters as a solo than cruise lines directly.Most have extensive websites.You may have to call for solo pricing.

Edited December 28, 2014 by zoncom

[Roz]

Be aware that the solo cabins on Norwegian are only 100 square ft. :eek:. Even with paying double, you can get a larger regular inside cabin for not a whole lot more.

 

Roz

[navybankerteacher]

I would also consider NCL in your age bracket. Remember, cruise prices go up and down like air. January pricing lower than Feb/March, which are the two more expensive months for Caribbean.Google discount cruises for cruise sales. Usually costs quite a bit less from discounters as a solo than cruise lines directly.Most have extensive websites.You may have to call for solo pricing.

 

I would recommend a line (such as Princess, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity) which has "traditional" dining - and request that you be assigned to a large table of eight or ten. It is a great way to have a regular nucleus every evening. You should also show up at singles get-togethers and games, such as trivia, which facilitates interacting with others. I cruised solo many times from 2002 to 2007 and always wound up having a great time --- enjoy.

[VenusLady]

I love solo cruising!

I was like you, very nervous the first time, but I chose to eat in the MDR and was on a table of 10. We all got on very well and met eat evening. On our last day which was in Venice, all 10 of us went into the city and had lunch together before we all headed back to start our homeward journeys.

 

I'm off to the Caribbean in Feb/march and looking forward to it!

Hoping to make some new friends and see some beautiful beaches. Whatever i do, will be because I want to do it :)

 

Your best bet is to find an itinary that you like first, and then it's up to you if it is a cruise line you fancy trying.

 

Enjoy!!

[ksqueak]

I can't a whole lot to what others have said. Although yes, there is a singles board here on cc, it's not well "attended". Join the roll call and I have found traditional seating works better for me. Go and have fun!

BTW - I was pretty nervous my first solo cruise too. Not only solo but a 28 day one at that. Had a blast and can't wait for my next cruise.

[CowPrincess]

I just wanted to add my encouragement -- go, try it, I have had a few solo cruises and will do another one any time my DH can't or won't join me. I actually prefer solo over traveling with friends. Especially after my last trip without DH, with girlfriends :eek: :)

 

I agree with the advice to have a fixed dining time and table.

[LOVINCRUIZIN]

I just wanted to add my encouragement -- go, try it, I have had a few solo cruises and will do another one any time my DH can't or won't join me. I actually prefer solo over traveling with friends. Especially after my last trip without DH, with girlfriends :eek: :)

 

I agree with the advice to have a fixed dining time and table.

 

 

Highly recommend it!!!

Watch Carnival, as they offer single discounts on some sailings, making it very affordable.

The 'my time' dining on Carnival can be used to group singles for dinner.

When you book, follow your roll call, and you will meet plenty of singles before you ever step on board!

HAVE A GREAT TIME! I am doing this in April - can;t wait!!!

I enjoy gambling, so in the casino I always meet people and have a blast

[snyniew]

I'm with you. I'm going solo this March on Celebrity. I've done other vacations alone and have never had an issue meeting people and having a good time. I went on a cruise last April and was basically solo. A friend did go along but we both had our own room. She usually went too bed very early so the evenings were by myself and never felt alone or in the way.