Roommates boundaries?

[cuccumella]

Hi everyone! I have a my first cruise coming up on Olivia to the Caribbean from January 22nd to the 29th. On this sailing they had the option of being assigned a roommate to avoid the single's supplement. We are going to be given the opportunity to get into contact with our roommates soon and I was wondering what you all recommend discussing beforehand. Are there any boundaries or questions you've found essential to a harmonious roommate experience?

[Lois R]

Good morning, the cruise line is matching you up with a stranger? Do you know anything about this person at all?

Sharing a cabin is not something I would do--especially with someone I don't know, but since you are asking...make

sure they are a non-smoker, a non-snorer, they are not clingy, they will not bring someone else to the cabin, (just

a few examples). 

 

 

[mef_57]

10 hours ago, cuccumella said:

Hi everyone! I have a my first cruise coming up on Olivia to the Caribbean from January 22nd to the 29th. On this sailing they had the option of being assigned a roommate to avoid the single's supplement. We are going to be given the opportunity to get into contact with our roommates soon and I was wondering what you all recommend discussing beforehand. Are there any boundaries or questions you've found essential to a harmonious roommate experience?

cuccumella, your situation may be a little different than a mainstream cruiser, particularly when asking about 'boundaries'. The approach is going to be whether you are sharing for financial reasons only or because you want a travel pal.  Be sure your reasons are clear from the start. As Lois R mentioned, you want to ask about some sort of sleep compatibility - if that matters.  Night owl vs early to bed. Heavy drinker, messy, willing to respect both room and personal boundaries.  

Think about what you want and make a list....also a list of what you can offer back.  Be sure you have the opt out option and accept the single supplement if the room mate conversation doesn't go well.

[pootsien2]

I went on two of my solo cruises thru the agency that offers escorted singles cruises. The first one I paid for my own balcony cabin because i really couldn't picture  sharing a cabin with a stranger(in my 60's). I had a good time but didn't spend as much time in my cabin or balcony as i had when traveling with my family. The second time I decided on the roommate match and also had a good time. The agents somehow did a good job with that. I believe there were around 250 singles in our groups (mostly females and most over 50 yo). Dining tables were reserved for our group (open seating) and private parties and excursions...all optional of course. I am widowed and not looking to get married again but I met a gentleman on my Alaska singles cruise who also is a widower and loves to travel! We have been dating for 5 years now and have been traveling and cruising together! I am going on a solo Panama Canal cruise this April. i think my friend might be "cruised out"....if there is such a thing!

[COMBOY]

I think your situation is very similar to booking an Atlantis or RSVP vacation where the charter company matches solo cruisers in the same cabin so you can benefit from the per person rate vs paying the 100% surcharge.  Yes, I've done the solo match several times and here is my experiences.  I've had a variety of room mate over the years.  Some great; some not so great, but all in all it was a positive experience.  With Atlantis they did give each passenger a letter descriping the share program and how to respect each others privacy and what to do if conflict arises. I'm sure Olivia cruises does something similar.  But they make it very clear that a cabin changes were not possible since the ship was sold out.  I think most people that do the "share" program understand that you are sharing with a stranger and you need to be respectful. Sure, you could get the room mate from hell and the staff is there to assist.  Yes, it's best to sit down and discuss your sleeping patterns, bathroom use, privacy and "entertaining" guest in a frank and polite way.  Most people are very understanding.  Unless you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin and I can't see why; you only use your cabin to sleep, change, disco nap and shower.  Most of the time you are out of your cabin.  Sometimes I rarely saw my cabin mates.  In several occasions I had some delightful cabin mates and we might go to dinner or into port together.  In one bizarre room mate share he made it perfectly clear (indirectly) he wanted nothing to do with me...OK fine.  I later found out he just broken up with his partner who was supposed to go on this cruise with him and just want to hang out with his friends.  He later warmed up to me....go figure. So, every share is different. I've never had a "clingy" room mate.  You are not tied to hip and I always make it clear..you do your thing and I'll do my thing and it there is something both want to do...great; otherwise, have a great day.  If you do get someone who's "clingy" let them know you are onboard to mix and mingle and/or you need some "me-alone" time. Hopefully they'll get a clue.  

Edited December 21, 2019 by COMBOY