Need Help -- 1st Solo Cruise

[txwriter]

I am having a dilemma.  I am trying to decide on my very first solo cruise.  I have only been on two cruises.  The first when I was a teenager was back in 1990 and the 2nd was last summer.

 

I hated the first cruise, but I LOVED the 2nd one.  I think part of the reason I loved the 2nd one so much was I was in Alaska, but I also noticed this ships are so much better with much more to do now.  (There was NO teen programming when I went on my first cruise, so I was bored out of my gourd on sea days).

 

I am single without kids, and I usually travel with my mom.  She and I have very similar likes and dislikes, and I enjoy her company.  Plus, I know she won't be able to travel forever, and I like to take her on trips when I can.

 

For my next trip, I want to try a solo trip.  Mom won't be around forever, I like to travel, and most of my friends are doing their own things with their families. I am what someone else on this board called an extroverted introvert.  I like people, but I also like time to recharge my batteries and don't usually have a problem being alone.  So, I'm doing this cruise as a toe in the water just to see how I like these types of trips by myself.  To be honest, cruises seem like they'd be much easier solo travel than some other options.

 

One more thing:  I'm not a big bar fly, and I don't visit the casinos.

 

So, here's what I'm considering and why (date order so as not to give preference in any way).  I'd like feedback from those of you who have traveled solo.  Which would you pick?  Why?  Price is generally in the same ballpark for the fare, but each has either tangible or intangible perks. 

 

#1

Dec. 7-12, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic, 5-Night Very Merrytime Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

 

Pros:  I've always wanted to try a Disney cruise, I really like Disney and have not had a chance to do any Disney travel for some time, a friend of mine and her husband will be aboard this ship, so I won't have to be totally alone if I don't want to and they can help me navigate unknown factors, it's a Christmas themed cruise, and I LOVE Christmas, deposit is 50% off right now which is nice.  I hear the entertainment is outstanding, and the dinner rotation intrigues me. 

 

Cons:  I've not cruised Disney before, will there be too many kids? (especially in dining area), price is slightly higher but no incentives like OBC

 

#2

January 25-Feb.1, Princess Cruises, Sky Princess, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean

 

Pros:  Brand new ship!  I loved the Princess cruise we took to Alaska this past summer, price is less, travel into Fort Lauderdale more favorable than Miami to me, Princess beds were SO comfy, and I liked the room set up (though this one would be smaller since we had handicap accessible room for my mom), current sale offers $300 OBC, and I get credits for Captains Circle/loyalty program as well as small discount from being previous guest.

 

Cons:  More intimidating for first solo trip since no friends on board, will I sleep the entire time and become a hermit?  Unsure of onboard activities on less port intensive cruise (I can find information about the activities but not certain I'd enjoy them is what I mean--in Alaska it was all about the ports). 

 

One minute I'm 90% convince one way, and a little bit later, I'm 90% convinced the other way. 

 

 

[SteelMagnolia9]

7 hours ago, txwriter said:

I am having a dilemma.  I am trying to decide on my very first solo cruise.  I have only been on two cruises.  The first when I was a teenager was back in 1990 and the 2nd was last summer.

 

I hated the first cruise, but I LOVED the 2nd one.  I think part of the reason I loved the 2nd one so much was I was in Alaska, but I also noticed this ships are so much better with much more to do now.  (There was NO teen programming when I went on my first cruise, so I was bored out of my gourd on sea days).

 

I am single without kids, and I usually travel with my mom.  She and I have very similar likes and dislikes, and I enjoy her company.  Plus, I know she won't be able to travel forever, and I like to take her on trips when I can.

 

For my next trip, I want to try a solo trip.  Mom won't be around forever, I like to travel, and most of my friends are doing their own things with their families. I am what someone else on this board called an extroverted introvert.  I like people, but I also like time to recharge my batteries and don't usually have a problem being alone.  So, I'm doing this cruise as a toe in the water just to see how I like these types of trips by myself.  To be honest, cruises seem like they'd be much easier solo travel than some other options.

 

One more thing:  I'm not a big bar fly, and I don't visit the casinos.

 

So, here's what I'm considering and why (date order so as not to give preference in any way).  I'd like feedback from those of you who have traveled solo.  Which would you pick?  Why?  Price is generally in the same ballpark for the fare, but each has either tangible or intangible perks. 

 

#1

Dec. 7-12, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic, 5-Night Very Merrytime Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

 

Pros:  I've always wanted to try a Disney cruise, I really like Disney and have not had a chance to do any Disney travel for some time, a friend of mine and her husband will be aboard this ship, so I won't have to be totally alone if I don't want to and they can help me navigate unknown factors, it's a Christmas themed cruise, and I LOVE Christmas, deposit is 50% off right now which is nice.  I hear the entertainment is outstanding, and the dinner rotation intrigues me. 

 

Cons:  I've not cruised Disney before, will there be too many kids? (especially in dining area), price is slightly higher but no incentives like OBC

 

#2

January 25-Feb.1, Princess Cruises, Sky Princess, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean

 

Pros:  Brand new ship!  I loved the Princess cruise we took to Alaska this past summer, price is less, travel into Fort Lauderdale more favorable than Miami to me, Princess beds were SO comfy, and I liked the room set up (though this one would be smaller since we had handicap accessible room for my mom), current sale offers $300 OBC, and I get credits for Captains Circle/loyalty program as well as small discount from being previous guest.

 

Cons:  More intimidating for first solo trip since no friends on board, will I sleep the entire time and become a hermit?  Unsure of onboard activities on less port intensive cruise (I can find information about the activities but not certain I'd enjoy them is what I mean--in Alaska it was all about the ports). 

 

One minute I'm 90% convince one way, and a little bit later, I'm 90% convinced the other way. 

 

 

I like Princess as a solo. I was on a 15 night cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco in May 2017 and there were plenty of activities on the sea days to keep me occupied. I was treated very well by my cabin steward and other staff as a solo. Loved the service on the ship (Grand Princess). I have two b2b cruises booked for May of this year with Princess, Baltic Heritage and Norwegian Fjords, both solo. 

 

I’ve not been on Disney.

 

[travelnap]

I think that for your first solo trip I would opt for the Princess cruise.  The Disney cruise will have many more children aboard than Princess.  Disney is a more family focused cruise line so they will have more families aboard each sailing.  Enjoy your trip whichever one you choose.

[mtwingcpa]

Just offering an off the cuff preference... I haven't cruised on either line, but I've always wanted to try Princess. Disney would probably scare me off due to the "kid factor."

 

[kek123]

Unless you love being around other peoples children I'd stay away from Disney. I hated my solo cruise on Princess and was treated horribly by the staff. Have loved solos on Celebrity and Azamara.

[txwriter]

28 minutes ago, kek123 said:

Unless you love being around other peoples children I'd stay away from Disney. I hated my solo cruise on Princess and was treated horribly by the staff. Have loved solos on Celebrity and Azamara.

I’m curious...had you cruised with Princess before?  I was treated so well by the staff on my last cruise, but I was with my mom. I cannot imagine being treated horribly by these same people.  But I do know how it is when you go to a restaurant by yourself vs going with someone else.

[kek123]

I only cruised with Princess once and will never sail with them again, it was that bad. Couple examples,  Maitre D stated he had to "sit it somewhere" when a woman complained about having a solo woman at her table, staff told me I'd have to pay double for the Chefs Table due to "denying a couple a place", steward stated "you really should only need one towel". I could go on and on. Worst vacation ever. To be fair this was several years ago, perhaps they have improved more recently in how they treat solo women.

[txwriter]

27 minutes ago, kek123 said:

I only cruised with Princess once and will never sail with them again, it was that bad. Couple examples,  Maitre D stated he had to "sit it somewhere" when a woman complained about having a solo woman at her table, staff told me I'd have to pay double for the Chefs Table due to "denying a couple a place", steward stated "you really should only need one towel". I could go on and on. Worst vacation ever. To be fair this was several years ago, perhaps they have improved more recently in how they treat solo women.

Wow!  That is bad.  If I’d had that experience the first time I sailed a line, I’d be very turned off as well and would probably not go back.

 

I am curious if you found a line you enjoyed more where you were treated with respect.

[Roz]

Disney is going to be full of kids and horribly expensive, even more so at Christmas.  I've only done one solo on Princess, but didn't experience the treatment that Kek did.

 

Roz

[Lois R]

Hi, I have not sailed either line you are asking about but I have been cruising solo for many years.  If given the 2 choices you are asking about I would choose Princess.   Disney is Disney, I know they do things well but remember, they really do what they do.....it is geared toward families and I agree with Roz, the amount kids onboard is probably going be in the 1,000's...…...

Kids are nice but they are not my choice to be around when I cruise.

 

I sailed with Celebrity many, many times solo and would say to try them.  My last couple of cruises were on Silversea(they are higher end) and I love them but I would say to try Celebrity. 

[calliopecruiser]

I'd recommend you consider Crystal.......The sticker price looks high, but if you actually do the math, it's usually really not that much more expensive (if at all) than a mainstream line.  Since window cabins have just a 30% single supplement and the price is all inclusive of gratuities, drinks, group classes, and a few visits to their specialty restaurants, the price is competitive.  The last time I looked at sailing solo on Celebrity, the difference was about $10 a day more for Crystal.  For an extra $10 a day, I'll choose the luxury line.

Edited January 20, 2019 by calliopecruiser

[Splinter]

You also might want to look at HAL. Older group, not party ships, few children. I have gone on HAL a number of times with family; going on my first solo this next December.

 

I also went solo on Hurtigruten, and had a wonderful cruise up and down the Norwegian coast.

 

Look at river cruises too. Several river cruise lines offer either low or no single supplement cabins (limited in number), including AMA, Vantage, and Gate 1. I went solo on a 7 day AMA cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2017 and had a great time, met many friendly people (couples and other solos), and paid a very low single supplement. Going on a Vantage 27 day cruise this summer and paying no single supplement.

[Lois R]

11 hours ago, calliopecruiser said:

I'd recommend you consider Crystal.......The sticker price looks high, but if you actually do the math, it's usually really not that much more expensive (if at all) than a mainstream line.  Since window cabins have just a 30% single supplement and the price is all inclusive of gratuities, drinks, group classes, and a few visits to their specialty restaurants, the price is competitive.  The last time I looked at sailing solo on Celebrity, the difference was about $10 a day more for Crystal.  For an extra $10 a day, I'll choose the luxury line.

I agree with you about sailing luxury lines...I wasn't sure if the OP was looking for that style of cruise.....but of course (in my opinion ) if that is within the price point? I would go luxury too. I haven't sailed with Crystal...need to look at them too...……..

[mef_57]

A couple of things to ponder.

1. Have you visited Disneyland or Disneyworld by yourself in the past 5 years? Did the high kid ratio bother you? If not, maybe it won't bother you on the cruise?

2. When exactly does Sky Princess launch? Sometimes it takes a month or two for all the new staff and the problems of being new to sort themselves out. I certainly wouldn't do a maiden voyage, or even the first 10 if I was concerned about a problem free cruise....but that is my feeling. People love the thought about being on a maiden voyage. Some make accommodation for things not being all correct. Others hate it and complain...for things not being all correct. If people are still learning their new jobs, they might not have the energy to be accommodating to a solo traveler.

I cruised happily on Norwegian for 9 days with a balcony on a repositioning  cruise and 12 days over Christmas on Cunard Queen Elizabeth. NCL has a reputation of being solo friendly. I was personally looking for R&R so kept to myself most of the time. Cunard had 100 solos on the Christmas cruise.....allbeit most are were over 75. There was some younger, but many young at heart. At 61, I was a mere youn'un. It is considered a luxury line and as a solo felt well treated.

About 9 years ago I did an Alaska cruise with a friend. There was a solo woman onboard who was on first name basis with the staff. Seems she was living aboard moving from ship to ship. They clearly loved her and were very respectful to her. I would hsve expected Princess to be as considerate to all cruisers.

All in all, however, I think success as a solo cruiser is made when you take responsibility for your own happiness.  If you love Disney and Christmas and are willing to ignore those under 3 feet, then go for it.

[calliopecruiser]

32 minutes ago, mef_57 said:

Cunard had 100 solos on the Christmas cruise.....allbeit most are were over 75. There was some younger, but many young at heart. At 61, I was a mere youn'un. It is considered a luxury line and as a solo felt well treated. 

In no way is Cunard considered a luxury line.

[mef_57]

3 minutes ago, calliopecruiser said:

In no way is Cunard considered a luxury line.

Well, it has a 5-6 star rating, so somebody thinks it is as good as. Of course it is all subjective to the user in the end.

[Lois R]

quote:

"All in all, however, I think success as a solo cruiser is made when you take responsibility for your own happiness."

 

What a great line and thought...….you are spot on!

[Chad_O]

I have never sailed Disney but I was a solo on the Crown Princess last year and it was a great experience. The cruise director's staff and a solo travelers meet and greet the first evening. It was scheduled shortly after the LBGT get together and there was an overlapping set of people.  The great thing is that all the other pax were interesting and interested. And they were respectful. Not pushy or intrusive. we had informal groups meeting for lunch or dinner which prevented us from having to go to the buffet alone to avoid MDR pressure. One delightful lady even hosted a party in her cabin which was a riot. I travel solo often and always find it rewarding but that trip ranks among my favorites. Safe travels to you and have a great time.

[calliopecruiser]

2 hours ago, mef_57 said:

Well, it has a 5-6 star rating, so somebody thinks it is as good as.

Yes - they do.  They're luxury in their own minds.  They do have a section that might be considered luxury, but that's not the same thing.  I'm not sure any cruise line with ships carrying over 2000 people and that isn't all inclusive could ever be called luxury.

 

56 minutes ago, Chad_O said:

all the other pax were interesting and interested.

That is SO important, regardless of whether the other passengers are solo or not.

[txwriter]

2 hours ago, Chad_O said:

I have never sailed Disney but I was a solo on the Crown Princess last year and it was a great experience. The cruise director's staff and a solo travelers meet and greet the first evening. It was scheduled shortly after the LBGT get together and there was an overlapping set of people.  The great thing is that all the other pax were interesting and interested. And they were respectful. Not pushy or intrusive. we had informal groups meeting for lunch or dinner which prevented us from having to go to the buffet alone to avoid MDR pressure. One delightful lady even hosted a party in her cabin which was a riot. I travel solo often and always find it rewarding but that trip ranks among my favorites. Safe travels to you and have a great time.

This is helpful.  Thank you for the well wishes.

[Cruisercl]

On 1/19/2019 at 2:56 PM, kek123 said:

I only cruised with Princess once and will never sail with them again, it was that bad. Couple examples,  Maitre D stated he had to "sit it somewhere" when a woman complained about having a solo woman at her table, staff told me I'd have to pay double for the Chefs Table due to "denying a couple a place", steward stated "you really should only need one towel". I could go on and on. Worst vacation ever. To be fair this was several years ago, perhaps they have improved more recently in how they treat solo women.

Had the same experience. Solo cruising is no where near how it is when you are with others. It may be difficult for others to understand you less you have expereinced it.

Princess, IMHO was the worst in treating me as a solo passenger.

Edited January 21, 2019 by Cruisercl
Added thoughts.

[Cruisercl]

Hi OP,

I have done both solo. Take the Disney cruise. I traveled solo on a Disney cruise but met some other great solo people. We were put together at dining, it is all set dining.

It probably would help that you know others that are going.

By confession I am a Disney fan and a big cruiser so I wanted to try Disney. I liked it but would probably not go solo again, and maybe never and not because of the kid factor, you will always have the on Disney but you would expect that. I did not think it was worth the extra money and there was not enough to do for adults even though they say they have adult things to do. Having others you know onboard would help. 

As I said before I would hesitate to cruise Princess solo again.

JMHO, have fun whatever you decide. 😊😊

[kek123]

I have had great experiences on Celebrity and Azamara as a solo. 

[txwriter]

I have decided to do the Disney Cruise.  For my first solo cruise, having friends onboard and being only five days were both major factors.  The price really was basically the same for either cruise.

 

I have always wanted to do a Disney Cruise, and this is the first real chance I have had.  It probably won’t  be my go to cruise line, but I will get a better chance to see how much I like cruising in general.  And if I love it, I can go out of Galveston the next time and save myself the airfare.

Edited January 21, 2019 by txwriter

[Lois R]

8 hours ago, txwriter said:

I have decided to do the Disney Cruise.  For my first solo cruise, having friends onboard and being only five days were both major factors.  The price really was basically the same for either cruise.

 

I have always wanted to do a Disney Cruise, and this is the first real chance I have had.  It probably won’t  be my go to cruise line, but I will get a better chance to see how much I like cruising in general.  And if I love it, I can go out of Galveston the next time and save myself the airfare.

As long as you are happy with your decision...….that is all that matters. Hope you have a great cruise.  When you say the price is the about the same? You mentioned the Disney cruise is only 5 nights and the other is a week......so really Disney is more expensive because you are sailing for less time. Personally, I would always go for 7 over the 5.

 

But again, hope you have fun!