Why Don’t You Think Before You Speak?

[brillohead]

I've run into it too.  Some people just aren't comfortable being alone, and they figure that everyone else must feel the same exact way as they do.  
 

I love cruising alone... making my own choices... doing what I want to in port (or not going into port at all).  

I always have my e-reader with me, and I'm just as happy assigned to a solo table as I am assigned to a table with strangers. 

Sometimes I make friends with fellow cruisers and we cruise together again down the road, sometimes I just keep to myself.  Being on a cruise ship makes me happy, either way!

[Bloodgem]

I think its great you are taking a solo cruise but please don't be too mad at your family. Try and take some comfort that are concerned about you. Some people don't have families to worry about them. 

 

[Robinhill]

11 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

I’m amused by some of the dumb things people have said to me when they found out I’m taking a solo cruise. I’m happily married, hubby and I have gone on at least a dozen cruises so I’m very comfortable with RCL ships. Because of his work schedule he has limited vacation days , most of those will be used for a back to back in November but my office will be closed for a couple weeks in March.  I brought up the idea of my bucket list which includes a solo cruise and he has no problem with me going.  I’m an introvert, love alone time so looking forward to being a big girl by flying to Fort Lauderdale, staying overnight and getting on that ship all by myself (been married for 32 years). Just want to chill by the pool with my books, eat when I want to and basically do whatever I want and this a big deal for me.  If I want to talk to other people I will, if I don’t then that’s just fine too. Well, told some members of my family and friends and got so many comments, everything from “aren’t you scared for your safety “, “what are people on the ship going to think when they see you by yourself “, “you will be eating alone?” and my absolute favorite “is everything ok with your marriage??”  I’ve read a lot of threads on Solo cruises, I’m a smart woman who can take care of myself and yet I still can’t believe those comments. Yeah should have kept my mouth shut. Sorry for the long rant 🙄

I am 63 and i frequently cruise by myself.  I often get these comments from fellow cruisers and strange looks.  I love cruising with friends but i equally love cruising by myself as i can read my books by the pool without feeling guilty i am neglecting my cabin mate, gamble as long as i want in the casino, nap when i want etc.  The only thing i do a bit differently is that when in port, if i am walking around i walk very close to other groups- never completely by myself.  If i book an excursion there is no issue as i am already in a group.  Enjoy your serenity and "alone time"!

[suesnake2002]

Also on my bucket list. Hubby only gets 2 weeks vcay, and 5 sick days a year. We have been using all for cruising. I'm retired. I've always toyed with the idea. Good gor you. 

[Suzieanna]

Its nice in a way that your family care to be worried, but obviously we all know they have nothing to worry about!   a cruise is undoubtedly the best vacation you can take solo, in that you can dip in and out of socialising/or not to suit your self.   Also, where else can be safer?   The ship can probably even tell by your sail card what time you got back to your room at of an evening and what you have had to drink!!

[A&L_Ont]

@Ukigirl my FIL suffered from this affliction, called foot in mouth. He talked at times before the brain could think.  Others have it as well, as you have pointed out.
 

Sadly this affliction works on both land and sea, and effects both genders. 😉😂

[lsharp32198]

Ukigirl - - I am so jealous.  I would love to get away by myself for a week.  We are 13 points away from Diamond. I wonder if I tell my husband I will take one for the team and get us the points we need, if he will be ok with that.  Of course, the 3 kids will never allow it!!  

 

Have a great time!

[spookwife]

met an Australian girl a couple of years ago.  she was on a  6 month solo vacation.  she was literally traveling the world via cruise and land/air .  she never looked bored or lonely to me.  

[trivia addict]

I cruised alone once and would never do it again. My daughter and I live on separate coasts. We were to fly to Miami separately and cruise together. Due to severe weather, her plane did not arrive on time. And yes, that was even with flying in a day early!

Already being in Miami I took the cruise alone.
I am not afraid to travel alone, I love quiet time by myself, and can be an extrovert. My days on the ship alone were wonderful.

However, I found it awkward at dinner time when I ate by myself, and evenings when I had to sit in the Schooner drinking by myself! People on cruises are usually in pairs or large groups celebrating something. I found it hard to insert myself into this. Had I been able to find another solo to befriend, it might have been easier.

[Missymo]

I am older, and newly widowed,  I think its wonderful to see so many people  travel solo, so I have booked my first solo this June, to put my feet in the water.    Actually feel really good about it , plan on relaxing and hope to enjoy the benefits , maybe meet some people . ( this cruise will also put me at Diamond +).  

[Joseph2017China]

11 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

I’m amused by some of the dumb things people have said to me when they found out I’m taking a solo cruise. I’m happily married, hubby and I have gone on at least a dozen cruises so I’m very comfortable with RCL ships. Because of his work schedule he has limited vacation days , most of those will be used for a back to back in November but my office will be closed for a couple weeks in March.  I brought up the idea of my bucket list which includes a solo cruise and he has no problem with me going.  I’m an introvert, love alone time so looking forward to being a big girl by flying to Fort Lauderdale, staying overnight and getting on that ship all by myself (been married for 32 years). Just want to chill by the pool with my books, eat when I want to and basically do whatever I want and this a big deal for me.  If I want to talk to other people I will, if I don’t then that’s just fine too. Well, told some members of my family and friends and got so many comments, everything from “aren’t you scared for your safety “, “what are people on the ship going to think when they see you by yourself “, “you will be eating alone?” and my absolute favorite “is everything ok with your marriage??”  I’ve read a lot of threads on Solo cruises, I’m a smart woman who can take care of myself and yet I still can’t believe those comments. Yeah should have kept my mouth shut. Sorry for the long rant 🙄

So my wife is disabled, and often times, I go on excursions, by myself.  I like adventure, and do some wild things.  My wife is happy sitting by the pool reading a book.  Been married 26 years.  We don't have to always do the same things.  One zip line excursion, there was a young "lady" in the Air Force.  She obviously likes a little adventure.  Some other lady ask her if she is all alone, and some other things.  She just kept trying to ignore her but finally said, her parents are doing their thing, and if you didn't notice, I'm in the AF, so you really think I can't handle doing this alone?  Shut her right up.  I gave her a thumbs up.

 

My wife has been asked so many dumb questions, that she is having a hard time with coming up with unique answers.  I don't know why people think married adults can't do things on their own. 

[parrotfeathers]

Haven't cruised solo but have never cruised with husband.   He's a great guy but I cannot imagine him being happy on a cruise.  Sis in law and I have a ball.  He stays home and takes care of the animals.

 

Wouldn't hesitate to take a solo cruise should the occasion arise.  

[ljmandelbaum]

51 minutes ago, trivia addict said:

I cruised alone once and would never do it again. My daughter and I live on separate coasts. We were to fly to Miami separately and cruise together. Due to severe weather, her plane did not arrive on time. And yes, that was even with flying in a day early!

Already being in Miami I took the cruise alone.

@trivia addict but your mindset was spending the week with your daughter.  I wonder if you would have had a different experience if you had always planned on being by yourself?  

 

@Ukigirl What a great way to relax!  Be sure to come back and tell us about the crusie.

[BonnieSte]

12 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

I’m amused by some of the dumb things people have said to me when they found out I’m taking a solo cruise. I’m happily married, hubby and I have gone on at least a dozen cruises so I’m very comfortable with RCL ships. Because of his work schedule he has limited vacation days , most of those will be used for a back to back in November but my office will be closed for a couple weeks in March.  I brought up the idea of my bucket list which includes a solo cruise and he has no problem with me going.  I’m an introvert, love alone time so looking forward to being a big girl by flying to Fort Lauderdale, staying overnight and getting on that ship all by myself (been married for 32 years). Just want to chill by the pool with my books, eat when I want to and basically do whatever I want and this a big deal for me.  If I want to talk to other people I will, if I don’t then that’s just fine too. Well, told some members of my family and friends and got so many comments, everything from “aren’t you scared for your safety “, “what are people on the ship going to think when they see you by yourself “, “you will be eating alone?” and my absolute favorite “is everything ok with your marriage??”  I’ve read a lot of threads on Solo cruises, I’m a smart woman who can take care of myself and yet I still can’t believe those comments. Yeah should have kept my mouth shut. Sorry for the long rant 🙄

Sounds heavenly to me!

[billslowsky]

I've gotten the goofy questions about travelling without my wife...  usually respond with "don't you trust each other?"

[Arzeena]

13 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

I’m amused by some of the dumb things people have said to me when they found out I’m taking a solo cruise. I’m happily married, hubby and I have gone on at least a dozen cruises so I’m very comfortable with RCL ships. Because of his work schedule he has limited vacation days , most of those will be used for a back to back in November but my office will be closed for a couple weeks in March.  I brought up the idea of my bucket list which includes a solo cruise and he has no problem with me going.  I’m an introvert, love alone time so looking forward to being a big girl by flying to Fort Lauderdale, staying overnight and getting on that ship all by myself (been married for 32 years). Just want to chill by the pool with my books, eat when I want to and basically do whatever I want and this a big deal for me.  If I want to talk to other people I will, if I don’t then that’s just fine too. Well, told some members of my family and friends and got so many comments, everything from “aren’t you scared for your safety “, “what are people on the ship going to think when they see you by yourself “, “you will be eating alone?” and my absolute favorite “is everything ok with your marriage??”  I’ve read a lot of threads on Solo cruises, I’m a smart woman who can take care of myself and yet I still can’t believe those comments. Yeah should have kept my mouth shut. Sorry for the long rant 🙄

You go girl! Enjoy yourself! Have a wonderful cruise!

And if they "think before they speak, they would not be called family"! LOL!😁

[icsys]

13 hours ago, soremekun said:

Hey, status is shared.  If you make it to another level, he will likewise benefit.  You're doing this for the family.

 

Hey, you may have hit on something there... if we each cruise solo we can climb the loyalty ladder twice as fast. 😜

[Ukigirl]

Thanks everyone for your support and for the laughs.  I don't plan on getting off the ship, only stop is Cozumel and we've been there enough times but if I get bored I'll just walk around the port area.  My daughter did remind me that March is spring break but I'm not going to worry about it, plenty of space on Indy for everyone.  I will definitely post about my experience when I get back with plenty of pictures!

[watson61]

Thanks for posting this.  I've done a couple cruises with family, a few with a group but most solo.  Thanks to RC's double points, I made Diamond pretty quickly.

 

I like going solo because as others said, you can do what you want when you want.  And having that whole (tiny) cabin to myself, lol.  One comment you might get is "You're so brave."  I've gotten that several times, always from a woman (and let's face it, some women can barely go to the bathroom by themselves - forget about going on a cruise solo).

 

For dinner, I usually do either Windjammer or a specialty restaurant.  I find the specialties much less awkward than the MDR alone.  I have had traditional dining in the MDR but that's really hit or miss as far as tablemates.  I'm going solo on Empress (first time) in April and I signed up for traditional dining so we shall see.  One downside to that ship is Chops is the only specialty restaurant.

 

I love going to the Schooner and just sitting at the bar chatting to the bartender and other barflies.  Or not - I always have reading material with me so I never feel awkward sitting at a bar alone either on a ship or on land.

 

I think you'll have a great time.  Royal usually has a solo lunch early in the cruise and I encourage you to go.  I've always had a nice time at those.

[Oceansaway17]

12 hours ago, long4acruise said:

I would tell them I'm with "Me, Myself and I", watch their reaction, smile then walk away.  The answer to "Why?" is "Because". (Period!)

I have actually given that answer a few times which gets a chuckle.

[Oceansaway17]

13 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

I’m thinking of mostly Windjammer, not MDR.  Have you done specialty restaurants on your own, question is do you book onboard or just walk in?  

I book specialty in advance on HAL and NCL as well as RCCL. For April Symphony I have pre booked two lunches (Jamie's and Hooked seafood). Used my OBC in advance.

 

As far as room for one more, this comes in handy for comedy clubs and also My time dining and some shore excursions last minute decisions.

 

Also folks are still amazed to see solos and will speak to me. And if I have my color pencils and coloring book,  I really get attention.  I think most folks admire us who are brave to travel solo. I have been doing solo travel for 40 year but a couple of times I include a buddy.

 

[squadron]

14 hours ago, Ukigirl said:

Yep , there’s a difference between solo and singles cruises and I’m actually trying really hard to contain my excitement. You are so right about the status, thanks for reminding me I’ll get double points. 

I'm definitely a "senior" and have been cruising alone for 12 yrs.  I am always telling women who think I'm really "brave " to go alone  that there is a choice of staying home or going!   It is a perfect way for a single to travel .  I do traditional dining mostly and enjoy the company  of others at my table.  I like doing what I want when I want to - no waiting for others .  The most annoying comment I  got wasn't on the ship but  by someone  who asked didn't I have any friends to go with me! 

[Ukigirl]

29 minutes ago, watson61 said:

Royal usually has a solo lunch early in the cruise and I encourage you to go.  I've always had a nice time at those.

Great idea about the solo lunch, how do I find info? I’ve checked roll calls and there’s no one even signed up so I guess I can start a thread 

[Chip and Dale]

3 hours ago, Joseph2017China said:

So my wife is disabled, and often times, I go on excursions, by myself.  I like adventure, and do some wild things.  My wife is happy sitting by the pool reading a book.  Been married 26 years.  We don't have to always do the same things.  One zip line excursion, there was a young "lady" in the Air Force.  She obviously likes a little adventure.  Some other lady ask her if she is all alone, and some other things.  She just kept trying to ignore her but finally said, her parents are doing their thing, and if you didn't notice, I'm in the AF, so you really think I can't handle doing this alone?  Shut her right up.  I gave her a thumbs up.

 

My wife has been asked so many dumb questions, that she is having a hard time with coming up with unique answers.  I don't know why people think married adults can't do things on their own. 

People can be insensitive big mouthed, opinionated etc etc! When my daughter first announced her 1st pregnancy years ago MANY truly dufus people immediately started telling her horror stories about birth defects, miscarriages and no good ending stories. 
 

My oldest sister went through similar cancer horror stories from people when she was diagnosed with cancer and also during waiting for and having chemo sessions 🤦‍♀️  
 

I don’t have the patience for such behaviour so told them to forget speaking other than to put your hand up in a stop sign and repeat “this is not helpful to me. Please stop speaking”. If they continue the hand again PLUS “perhaps you didn’t hear me, I said that this is NOT helpful, please stop speaking!”  
 

They used this and most people got the message! For our own sanity, at times we need to do what takes care of us, even though we risk offending someone. Those who care about us and are beneficial to our lives will stay. Some others may be offended and leave. 

 

[maryjaden]

Your post is me almost exactly to a tee!.  My husband can't go as often as I like.  If I can't find a good friend who can go, I just go myself.  I love it.