Have you cruised solo and did you like it?

[Peachypooh]

The last trip I took there was a large group of seniors that wanted to travel solo but didn't want to feel alone so they joined this group that is nationwide and cruised. Most did not know anyone in the group. I ran across them frequently in the pool. I was sailing with my significant other.Sorry if I can't remember the name of their group. I also met two separate women cruising solo not in this group. One I met in the pool and the other in the buffet. They were all thrilled to be traveling solo. This was on a Jewell class ship so I am assuming at least a few of them were staying solo in a cabin despite the higher cost than sharing. I have never sailed solo but I have to admit there is a certain appeal to it. My idea of cruising is to sit on my balcony looking at the ocean, sipping tea while reading a book and just walking around the ports. My partner's idea is to go, go, go every minute. I usually just do what they want to do because I don't want to spoil their vacation but then I end up coming home and feeling like I just lived someone else's vacation. Has anyone here cruised solo? In my case is the grass always greener on the other side of the cruise (ha) or is it really nice to do whatever you want to do. Thanks.

[Oppalopa]

No it's not nice. It is wonderful and empowering .There are few people I would cruise with without the understanding that we are on our own and maybe just meet up for dinner..

[www3traveler]

I have had 35 Norwegian cruises now all of it as a solo passengers. I have sailed on the Jewel Class ships as well as the Getaway. In some ways, I like the Jewel Class ships better. I always book an Inside cabin on The Jewel Class ships and the Studios on The Getaway.

 

I like being able to plan and be responsible for only one person- me. If I want outdoor space, The Jewel Class have lots available. I do once in awhile meet people and have dinner with them or go on a shore excursion with them. It is probably easier for me to travel solo since I have been a widow for almost ten years now.

[ptuser]

I have only done solo twice and am scheduled to again in September.

 

You have to differentiate between solo as in not knowing anyone on the ship, and solo as in not having anyone else in your cabin.

 

One issue is financial: even if you have enough money to buy a cabin on your own, it's annoying to pay full price for the second person (once I got a 50% supplement, but unless you base your choice of cruise on finding a supplement break, that's unusual.) But you could extend that concept and say that if a 3/4 person is free with a fare you buy... and so forth.

 

An issue if you share a cabin is incompatibility in terms of both people being able to get enough sleep - and get it when they want it. Some people snore, some can only get to sleep if they have TV on (or don't), etc.

 

From experience, the best thing about solo is that you can do exactly what you want exactly when you want to do it. Especially if you have specific interest, like photography with me, and a person you're traveling with doesn't share that, that's a big factor.

 

Also from experience, understand that if something goes wrong - for example you get sick and perhaps are unable to even make decisions for yourself - being all alone on the ship (and/or eventually in a hospital at a port) can be much, much more difficult than with another person. It can even mean the difference between life and death.

 

I think that the best situation is where you travel with a mostly-compatible person, whether tin the same cabin or not depending on financial and compatibility considerations, but with each person feeling okay about doing his/her own thing a good percentage of time.

 

Paul

[rayness]

I'm basically a solo cruiser and land based traveler as well. I took my first solo cruise last year and I was hooked.

 

I have another solo cruise booked for this October overseas and I'm so looking forward to it. I'm usually a planner and have everything planned to the minute in advance. I actually didn't plan anything except 2 shows. Like another person said it's so empowering. I actually prefer to cruise solo and get grumpy when someone wants to join me.

 

I look at overall cost of the cruise and book accordingly. NCL does offer studio cabins for solo cruisers. They are offered on Epic, Getaway, Escape, Pride of America, Breakaway and the new Bliss ship. If I forgot a ship I'm sure someone will add to it.

 

There's also a solo cruiser section on this board under special interest.

 

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[Peachypooh]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts. It was very generous of you. Knowing me I think knowing someone else on the ship for the exact reason if I get sick or hurt is a comfort.So cruising with someone who will give me time alone is ideal. I am working on getting my cruising partner to try to enjoy things without me so we can split up some of the time. The few times we did go our separate ways my partner really enjoyed the activity they went on (for example ziplining in Alaska) while I went shopping for handicrafts in town. If I am ever single again I will probably cruise by myself but maybe sign up for one of those senior groups and get a cabin by myself. Thanks everyone!

[CoffeeGoddess]

I love cruising solo! Except for three times the rest of my cruises have been solo. As much as I enjoy spending time with family and friends, it is easier to be by myself and do what I want to do when I want to do it. Both of my 2016 cruises were with someone else and while I had fun, it was a bit exhausting to make sure that what I wanted to do was also going to include them which made me change up a few things that I would have done it I would have been alone.

 

So I highly recommend trying cruising solo, and you can even find some cruises where they have a discounted single supplement so that it isn't quite as expensive.

[CazV]

I recently went on my first cruise, on The Epic in a Solo Studio. I loved it! I've got very used to being on my own, but I do like to be sociable. I felt that my experience on The Epic gave me the best of both worlds. I wasn't obliged to be involved in anything I didn't want to... but could go join in and have company for dinner etc when it suited me. I've booked my 2nd solo cruise for next year on The Escape.

[uneamie]

For the past 5 years I have been going to our local beach (45 minutes away ) by myself. I book a room at the casino for one night. I enjoy the beach, walking on the boardwalk, deciding where I want to go for dinner then spend a few hours browsing the slots machines.....all by myself. Hubby stayed home with the dogs and was happy to do it. I so enjoy the freedom of going solo sometimes. I have friends who can't see themselves doing that but I love it. I don't mind going with hubby or a friend once in awhile too but when I do I can see the difference in my freedom to choose. Life does not always have to be experienced with a partner.

[fabnfortysomething]

I cruise with my husband but we have different interests on board

 

I enjoy the theatre shows and spa whereas he would rather have teeth pulled!

 

he will instead find his new best friends in the bartenders and I can usually find him by touring the bars

as he says "she does spa I do bar"

 

But cruising is so easy to meet new people or keep bumping into acquaintances-especially if you get involved in the roll call and attend the meet and greet

 

I've struck up conversations on board so easily and with people travelling solo [coffee goddess being a prime example] and would have no hesitation travelling solo if circumstances ever changed

[Princess1963]

I have cruised solo three times. I enjoy being able to do what I want to do anytime I want.

[tjt52545]

I have cruised solo a few times before getting married. On those cruises I have met so many wonderful people that I still keep in touch with years later. As much as I love traveling with my husband, we have different interests. Sometimes it is nice not to have to worry about making sure he is entertained. But it definitely is a benefit if there is an emergency and someone is there with you that has your interests at heart.

[willoughbee]

I will be leaving on the Jewel in 2-1/2 weeks to Alaska with my daughter and son-in-law. At first I booked us a mini suite for 3. After hearing from the both of them that they snore (I probably do too) I booked my own mini suite. I then told my daughter, we are not glued at the hips. Semi-solo, I guess. I have booked my first solo cruise on the new Bliss transatlantic on April 21, 2018. I am really excited. I always travelled with my husband and did what he wanted. He passed away in March but I know he would be happy that I am being adventurous. I am looking forward to meeting Coffee Goddess as she is also booked on the Bliss.

[ptuser]

I will be leaving on the Jewel in 2-1/2 weeks to Alaska with my daughter and son-in-law. At first I booked us a mini suite for 3. After hearing from the both of them that they snore (I probably do too) I booked my own mini suite. I then told my daughter, we are not glued at the hips. Semi-solo, I guess. I have booked my first solo cruise on the new Bliss transatlantic on April 21, 2018. I am really excited. I always travelled with my husband and did what he wanted. He passed away in March but I know he would be happy that I am being adventurous. I am looking forward to meeting Coffee Goddess as she is also booked on the Bliss.

The snoring concern shouldn't be minimized - it can completely ruin an otherwise pleasant trip. There can be workarounds for some people but it's difficult to test the effectiveness until it's too late.

 

However having someone else you know on board overcomes most of the safety concerns of being alone, far from home.

[CoffeeGoddess]

I've struck up conversations on board so easily and with people travelling solo [coffee goddess being a prime example] and would have no hesitation travelling solo if circumstances ever changed

 

Yep! It's always fun to meet people on the cruise either on the roll call or just out and about.

 

I am looking forward to meeting Coffee Goddess as she is also booked on the Bliss.

 

We are all going to have such a good time! There certainly will be plenty of opportunities to meet other people with all the events that are planned.

[Bra_BE2014]

I did a b2b solo in June and didn't leave the ship not even once because I wanted to rest and relax and enjoy the parties with no alarm clock!

 

I had a blast, and it will br tough transitioning back to compromising with other people, lol

 

Happy cruising!

 

 

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[Barb Nahoumi]

I am married and usually cruise with my husband and other friends. However, there have been times when my husband could not come along because of work. If I could not find a roommate, I had an OV cabin by myself.

 

With our friends along, we ate dinner together, but did other things that we enjoy on our own. I did not feel alone.

 

I wish that the cruiseline would set aside a few of the smaller inside and ov cabins on Jewel Class ships for solos without the single suppliment. Since the megas have the studios, they should have this on the older ships.

[BostonGal35]

i havent, but i absolutely would. im a social person and we always meet people to hang with on board. i can also entertain myself in the casino, reading a good book, etc. dining alone would be a drag, but id bring my book or hopefully meet someone to dine with at a solo cruiser event.

[mistyw]

I absolutely love it! Just returned from the Dawn July 21-28th. cruise to Bermuda. Loved every minute of it and have cruised solo many times as well as traveled to The Bahamas and Las Vegas solo often. Traveling alone is the best kept secret and I meet wonderful people from all over the world! <3

 

The last trip I took there was a large group of seniors that wanted to travel solo but didn't want to feel alone so they joined this group that is nationwide and cruised. Most did not know anyone in the group. I ran across them frequently in the pool. I was sailing with my significant other.Sorry if I can't remember the name of their group. I also met two separate women cruising solo not in this group. One I met in the pool and the other in the buffet. They were all thrilled to be traveling solo. This was on a Jewell class ship so I am assuming at least a few of them were staying solo in a cabin despite the higher cost than sharing. I have never sailed solo but I have to admit there is a certain appeal to it. My idea of cruising is to sit on my balcony looking at the ocean, sipping tea while reading a book and just walking around the ports. My partner's idea is to go, go, go every minute. I usually just do what they want to do because I don't want to spoil their vacation but then I end up coming home and feeling like I just lived someone else's vacation. Has anyone here cruised solo? In my case is the grass always greener on the other side of the cruise (ha) or is it really nice to do whatever you want to do. Thanks.

[NLH Arizona]

I have cruised solo three times. I enjoy being able to do what I want to do anytime I want.

Exactly!

[karenpstok]

sailing my 14th solo cruise in 9 days and cant wait! My favorite thing to do by far. I work nite shift at my job so normal hours are not in my vocabulary which does not work well with others. I like the freedom of doing my own thing when i want. I have no issue eating alone or i often go to the comedy shows. No issue at all. I always go ashore and have seen some of the most beautiful places i have ever seen, most of which i would have missed if i waited for others to cruise. I would recommend the escape or getaway as i have been on both and both are great. Get involved in the solo group if that is your thing. They meet up every evening and many eat and see shows together. Some will even go ashore together. Should try it atleast once!

[Minoushka]

I usually travel with one of my kids ..young adults now .my son accompanied me for the Europe trip on Epic .He loved it and we had a wonderful time .After that week he left me for the transat ,I had a B 6 cabin ...big balcony for me alone ...it was awesome .The staff and crew took good care of me even when I caught a really bad cold

I enjoyed this cruise sooooo much ...shows, dinner, reading ....it was perfect in spite of being quite sick ....

 

Last cruise on Spirit my son came with me but had his own cabin next door .We had meals together ...visited together ..but on ship he hung out at pool I stayed at the back of the ship reading , suntanning .We both loved our cruise we both had freedom ...we did our own thing around meal times ...I know he had a wow time ......what was nice was we rebonded ....

I did travel alone on the first transat on Escape ...there too I was very well treated by staff and I did meet a lot of nice people ..you are never alone unless you want to be ...

Cruising is still the best vaction ...I love ships and what they offer

The best shows were on Escape that first Transat ..one better than the other ..some are gone now ...my favorite the Cirque show on all ships ...all wonderful and different too.Burn the floor is wow imo.

Love ships ...wish I could cruise more ...I love the calm seas

 

Michele

[df5250]

I leave Sunday for my next solo cruise... my first in a studio on the Breakaway. Up to this point, I've cruised solo in balconies and above. I will miss the balcony but have been wanting to try out a studio. I like cruising solo and with friends/family. As others have stated, cruising solo is easier to plan when to go and what to do for just one person! I always meet great people on board and have a good time. The staff are always friendly and spend a little more time talking to you if dining or sitting at a bar alone. There are so many people on the ship who go off to do things independently, being alone doesn't stand out. One Thanksgiving I bailed on my family and cruised solo instead. This wonderful family group of 30 invited me to join them for Thanksgiving dinner!!

 

 

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[dacsmom]

I love cruising solo. My hubby would be miserable and we both know it so I go with one of my adult children, or more often as a solo. I do what I want when I want. I never have the conversation that always starts "what do you want to do?" Sometimes I eat at a large table with others, sometimes I grab a book and eat by myself, whatever I feel like doing. Years ago I would get crew members questioning why anyone would cruise solo. Now so many people do it for a variety of reasons. The solo lounges are wonderful places to meet people and eat together or do excursions together. The only thing I tend to do differently on a solo cruise is I take more ship sponsored excursions. If I an traveling far from the ship, I feel more comfortable knowing the ship will not leave without me.

[C Cruise Dude]

The last trip I took there was a large group of seniors that wanted to travel solo but didn't want to feel alone so they joined this group that is nationwide and cruised. Most did not know anyone in the group. I ran across them frequently in the pool. I was sailing with my significant other.Sorry if I can't remember the name of their group. I also met two separate women cruising solo not in this group. One I met in the pool and the other in the buffet. They were all thrilled to be traveling solo. This was on a Jewell class ship so I am assuming at least a few of them were staying solo in a cabin despite the higher cost than sharing. I have never sailed solo but I have to admit there is a certain appeal to it. My idea of cruising is to sit on my balcony looking at the ocean, sipping tea while reading a book and just walking around the ports. My partner's idea is to go, go, go every minute. I usually just do what they want to do because I don't want to spoil their vacation but then I end up coming home and feeling like I just lived someone else's vacation. Has anyone here cruised solo? In my case is the grass always greener on the other side of the cruise (ha) or is it really nice to do whatever you want to do. Thanks.

 

That's why I love solo. Don't get me wrong, I like to sail with friends and family some of the time but I have to have a sailing to myself. I get up when I want, go to meals when I want, go to shows when I want (or not) and choose excursions without having to consult with others. :hearteyes: