Holland america 2023 world cruise ????

[Hflors]

Checking out the 2023 world cruise on  Zuiderdam.  I have some questions.  Does hal have activities for solo guest?   Is there any info on the new European Visa for Americans?    What are some of the activities they have for sea days.   Any comments on traveling solo?  Thanks in advance for any answers.

[SargassoPirate]

I'm not booked on the 2023 WC but can speak to cruising solo if I may.  She Who Must Be Obeyed doesn't care to cruise as much as I do, so I more often than not I cruise solo.  I find it very enjoyable because I'm not tethered to anyone else and when there is a choice of activities it doesn't require a committee decision. If I don't want to sit through another over-amplified production how, I don't.  Same for the MDR in the evening.  And on a port day, I can stay on the ship if I want to.

 

I have adopted the philosophy that one can be alone without being lonely.  I often meet others with similar interests, such as grabbing a cup of coffee and watching the sun rise.  Soon I'll start to see regulars.  If I spend my afternoon on the promenade deck reading, I start to see other readers or the regular walkers.  All it takes it a smile and a greeting.  (I'm always amazed at the number of people I see walking around the ship with a frown or GRF - grouchy resting face)

 

Successful solo cruising requires the right attitude.  I would suggest that if you haven't cruised solo before, try it on a shorter cruise first to see if it's a fit for you.

 

Happy Cruising.

Edited July 7, 2022 by SargassoPirate

[rkacruiser]

9 hours ago, Hflors said:

Checking out the 2023 world cruise on  Zuiderdam.  I have some questions.  Does hal have activities for solo guest?   Is there any info on the new European Visa for Americans?    What are some of the activities they have for sea days.   Any comments on traveling solo?  Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

The sea day activities for a world cruise are much like any other cruises.  Trivia is particularly popular; sometimes twice a day.  Enrichment lectures and destination talks/presentations occur.  Sometimes, there might be a solo get together that may or not be hosted.  

 

I have sailed solo on one entire world cruise and on one segment of another world cruise and enjoyed myself.  Being with largely the same group of guests and crew for a period of time helps to generate conversation.  

[Mich3554]

I have not cruises solo, but on the extended cruise we took last winter, the guy in the cabin next to us was solo.  When we all met each other at the Viking dinner they put on for those of us who refused to get off the ship ;), it’s almost like we all formed a separate group.  
 

Solo guy wound up always having dinner partners.  If it wasn’t DH and myself, it was others.  
 

He did say something going on an excursion one morning that he wouldn’t have been going on this particular excursion if his wife was there.  His wife was still too concerned about traveling with Covid. 

[sandiego1]

I was on the 2019WC(not solo). There were lots of solo people on that cruise. I saw several Solo Meetups and Dinners on the daily When and Where. You should have no problem meeting people, especially if you do Anytime Dining. We met many people by sharing a dinner table.

 

the WC had many more daily events than a 8-21 day cruise. More guest lecture, crafts/drawing/watercolor classes and other enrichment activities. This is in addition to the typical trivia, bridge, and Mah Jongg. We were very busy on sea days. 
 

there is an active rollcall on CC and we have biweekly Zoom calls. Check it out 😀

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

15 hours ago, Hflors said:

Checking out the 2023 world cruise on  Zuiderdam.  I have some questions.  Does hal have activities for solo guest?   Is there any info on the new European Visa for Americans?    What are some of the activities they have for sea days.   Any comments on traveling solo?  Thanks in advance for any answers.

Project Linus . Crochet or knitting of Blankets for Terminal Ill Children . It has been done on the World Cruise for over 15 years.