Can a Shy, Quiet Person have fun on a solo cruise?

[LadyV_39]

I need some advice and perhaps some words of encouragement. I booked one of the Cruise Critic Group Cruises on the Carnival Miracle that leaves on 4/1/07. Since I don't have a companion willing or able to go with me, I booked it solo. I've been on three cruises before with two different singles cruise agencies. Since I'm introverted, they worked fairly well for me as I always had a group of people to hang out with. However, I'm not using them this time as I've met someone (I didn't meet him on a cruise. He lives in my city :) ) My new friend has said that he dosen't want to go and my girlfriends are either married or are single moms and don't have the time or money. I figured I'd never do anything if I waited around for other people to join and since I really love cruising, I decided to go alone. I've read this particular board to get some inspiration, but as the days go on, the more terrified I feel and the more I think that I might not have any fun, because it isn't easy for me to meet other people. What's even more problematic is that the cruise I'm on is during Spring Break, which means the ship will consist of mostly families and I won't have anything in common with the other passengers. Please someone convince me that I didn't make a mistake in doing this.

[momsoftwins]

i took my 1st solo in sept on a 7 day cruise. all i can say is roll call roll call roll call. i was so lucky to have some of the greatest ppl on my roll call. we hit it off so well b4 the cruise that myself and 10 others had our dinner reservation put together so we could eat together. (some of us even met the night b4 at a local resturant) we all had such a great time that we planned a reunion cruise for sept of 07. i was the only solo person and the rest (of course) couples but i never once felt out of space. i enjoyed the men (well enjoyed their company) jsut as much as the gals. besides the 11 of us the roll call we had ..it had almost 50 ppl i think so ever place i looked i knew someone. it was the best solo time ever. i hope that helps you alittle. just go and enjoy yourself

kerri

my next solo is in 30 days and this roll isnt as active as b4 but i know i will enjoy it anyway

[kryos]

I'm not trying to be a downer or anything ... but you don't mention the length of your cruise. Usually shorter cruises will be more difficult to meet people on, and this is specifically for the reasons you mention. Most people on shorter cruises are with friends and family, and while they certainly will be friendly around the ship, they tend to do things within their groups, such as shore excursions. Now, a CC roll call can be a great thing, and I've hooked up with people to have dinner with from several of my roll call groups. However, even with a roll call, sometimes you never see most of those people after the meet & greet. They, too, may be traveling with groups of family and friends.

 

Now you say you are going on a CC group cruise. Maybe that will work out differently. I honestly don't know. Is this specifically a singles and solos cruise? If not, is the group planning any activities together during the cruise? If so, then you should find everything working out to your liking.

 

What I've learned is that the longer the voyage, the easier it is to meet people onboard ship. Not only do you meet them, but since it is a longer voyage, you generally form onboard friendships with them. You will see these same people over and over again ... and naturally you get to know one another. But with short cruises, especially if they are port-intensive, making friendships can be kind of hard ... since everyone is off doing their own thing everyday in port.

 

I would advise you to give the CC group cruise a try. It very well might work out, especially if the group is gonna dine together and do some other gruop activities. But if you ever get a chance, try doing a longer cruise if you're gonna be sailing as a single or solo ... because you'll find plenty of others in your same situation onboard them.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[LadyV_39]

To the people that have replied-thank you:)

 

To answer some questions-my cruise is a 7 day one. As far as the roll call, it isn't very active and so far, there are only about 8 cabins booked on the group cruise that I'm aware of. Everyone that's posted on the roll call is either part of a couple or families. I've had a good time on the singles cruises that I've been on, but now that I've met someone, I wouldn't feel right going on another one, because I don't want to give the impression that I'm available when I'm not. My fear is that with me being introverted, that I simply won't enjoy myself as I have previously.

[mitaxi]

LadyV 39

 

I am also going on my first complete solo next month.. and my CC roll call is not near as active as my last ones have been.. Previously I had my twin teenagers with me.. so in the evening it was like being solo.. they are now off to college and will try going it alone..as my grows closer I have times of apprehension...but mine is also a 7 day.. and thin it will be fine..biggest obsticle.. wil lbe I really want eat in Portifino's again.. and don't know if I can do this solo.

[Ahhh]

;) I suggest you rent the movie "Now Voyager" with Bette Davis for encouragement...

Solo cruising can be very fun. It can give you the opportunity to challenge yourself and grow. If on the other hand, you enjoy being an introvert, by all means enjoy it by bringing some books or DVDs. Certainly enjoy the Specialty Restaurants alone, YOU deserve it! I have found that most people are intriqued by solo diners rather than pity them. A smile is the best accessory you can wear to dinner. ENJOY!

[Gregkal]

I need some advice and perhaps some words of encouragement. I booked one of the Cruise Critic Group Cruises on the Carnival Miracle that leaves on 4/1/07. Since I don't have a companion willing or able to go with me, I booked it solo. I've been on three cruises before with two different singles cruise agencies. Since I'm introverted, they worked fairly well for me as I always had a group of people to hang out with. However, I'm not using them this time as I've met someone (I didn't meet him on a cruise. He lives in my city :) ) My new friend has said that he dosen't want to go and my girlfriends are either married or are single moms and don't have the time or money. I figured I'd never do anything if I waited around for other people to join and since I really love cruising, I decided to go alone. I've read this particular board to get some inspiration, but as the days go on, the more terrified I feel and the more I think that I might not have any fun, because it isn't easy for me to meet other people. What's even more problematic is that the cruise I'm on is during Spring Break, which means the ship will consist of mostly families and I won't have anything in common with the other passengers. Please someone convince me that I didn't make a mistake in doing this.

 

I went alone last year on my first cruise and had a blast. I'm not an introvert but it is so easy to make friends on a cruise. Go and have fun and dont worry. Even if you are alone it is still a great time. You will make friends if you get involved. Go on ship excursions and make friends. You will meet people at dinner and hang out with them. It's a cruise so it's all good. Have a great time! Greg

[KarenR_UK]

Can a Shy, Quiet Person have fun on a solo cruise?

 

yes!

 

I am quite introverted, find it difficult to initiate conversations - I find when away, probably because I am on my own, I will start to talk to people just stood next to me. I won't actually go to them to start a conversation, so there were situations when I felt awkward (captain's cocktail party where I snuck in the back way and just stood there feeling daft in an almost empty room (every one else was queueing to meet the captain)) but I usually find that usually someone does speak (a family noticed me and invited me to sit with them) - In the evening, after the show I would go into one of the lounges - if there was no one I knew I would sit and have a quiet drink by myself watching the band (etc) when I get bored, I go to bed - all the better for getting up earlier in the morning:) . One cruise I watched us dock at every port, and standing on deck on your own in the early hours (or late ones) is very soothing!

 

I ask for a table for 8 (or as many as possible) for dinner and go on ship's tours so there is always someone to talk to - or to talk to me - and these things build your circle of acquaintances. (though if you stay on board during a port day, people seem even more inclined to stop and chat when they see you)

 

During the day on board, I carry a book and puzzle book, and find a people watching spot. Sometimes people stop to talk (especially if you are in the same place at the same time every day), sometimes not.

Or just watch the sea.

 

Even if I found I got a bit lonely during the day, I always had dinner to look forward to:D and my table mates to talk to.

 

(Rambling now:o Sorry.)

 

Go and have a great time.

 

Karen

 

 

 

I love cruising

[guardami]

Can I pose a different question - are you going on your cruise for the destinations or to make new friends? :confused:

 

Not that there is anything wrong with the latter but for me a cruise is about the destinations! I always travel solo, although admittedly not yet on a cruise and I am a little self conscious about walking into the dining room and the rest on my own but I actually love the freedom of it because I always travel for the destination not for the friends I may or may not make. I'm not an introvert but I'm by no means an extrovert either. I love meeting new people but I don't see it as a problem if I don't make friends on a trip, as long as I've enjoyed the actual trip. Book yourself on the shore excursions, request a large table at dinner but enjoy the freedom of not having to please a travelling companion and spending the entire trip wondering if they are enjoying themselves or missing out on what you want to do in favour of what they want!

 

I am sure you will have a great time but don't place the emphasis on making friends but on having a memorable trip! :D

I hope my two-cents worth didn't have the opposite effect they were supposed to :o

[flag fan]

I agree with guardami. I think if you are a solo traveler, you have to be comfortable enough with alone time to enjoy yourself whether or not you meet someone to hang out with. If you will only be happy if you are sharing experiences with someone, you can ruin your vacation by constantly worrying about whether or not you'll meet someone or planning your itinerary based on meeting someone. That's fine if that's the purpose of the trip (check out the Singles board), but if the purpose of the trip is really the vacation--the cruise experience and the places to be visited, you can enjoy a solo cruise only if are comfortable enough traveling by yourself to not worry about whether or not you will meet people (IMHO).

[50cruiser]

Im leaving the Week before you on the CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3/25/07 . IVE TRAVELED SINGLE THE LAST 5 CRUISES. IF I WAITED TO GO WITH OTHERS I WOULD STILL BE WAVING GOOD BY . YOULL HAVE LOTS OF FUN. I FIND TO GO TO SINGLES GET TOGETHERS ALSO SLOT TERMINATES AND TRIVIA GAMES YOULL BE SURPRISED HOW FAST YOULL MEET OTHERS. HAVE FUN CARL

[DiannaInVA]

I figured I'd never do anything if I waited around for other people to join and since I really love cruising, I decided to go alone. I've read this particular board to get some inspiration, but as the days go on, the more terrified I feel and the more I think that I might not have any fun, because it isn't easy for me to meet other people.

 

I went on my first cruise (and my first solo cruise) at the end of February. It was a short weekend cruise on RCI Majesty. We had two stops and I booked an excursion at each. I did meet some people through the excursions, but no one that I kept up with for the rest of the trip. I didn't meet anyone at dinner because they had placed me at a table for 4, and the others didn't show up the first night (I had asked for a larger table, but didn't get one). So rather than eat alone the other nights (two nights), I ate at the buffet. Next time I will verify that my table is MORE than 4 when the cruise starts.

 

Anyway, I loved the cruise! Not because of any friends I made...as I didn't meet anyone, except the friendly people on the excursions. I loved the cruise because I got to see some exciting places, have some fun and enjoy some great excursions. It's a great way to feel safe and still see the world.

 

I am very introverted and shy, but I have no problem keeping myself occupied on the ship--either by going on excursions or just reading by myself on the beach or in a chair on the ship...

 

I work at home most days during the week, so I tend to spend a lot of time during the week alone anyway. Being on a cruise is an opportunity to be alone in a beautiful location! And it was great to meet some people on excursions even if they didn't become friends.

 

During my next cruise I will be sure to do the same--have excursions to keep me from getting bored and allowing me to meet people, even if the only thing we talk about is the current excursion. But I will also allow time to do nothing except read and enjoy the scenery.

 

So, my point is...if you can handle being alone without a problem you should enjoy yourself! While you may have the opportunity to meet some great people, don't go there expecting to make a lot of long-term friends...If you keep that in mind, you'll have a great time!

[Lifeisshortcruiser]

I am also taking my first solo cruise...and am bound and determined to have a great time! I got a great deal on a one month - mid May to Mid June (I'm a school administrator) back to back on the Rotterdam through Europe - only 5,500 total - and that was oceanview! I have met several people through the roll call board - that might help. I also booked excursions for each day so that will provide plenty of opportunities to meet others. You can request a dining table with other solos if you feel comfortable with that!

[Suede]

I would love to go on a solo cruise, I don't think it would bother me at all, my husband always wants to stay in the casino, he doesn't want to see any shows or go to any clubs on board and he doesn't want to go eat in the dining room, so I am alone most of the time anyway. His way of looking at it is "this is my vacation too" actually I think he is a little selfish, but I would rather him stay in the casino, than go with me and not enjoy himself, it would just bring me down. (I like the casino also, just not wanting to spend all my time in their)

 

My advice is to go and have fun, take some books, mp3 player, do some excursions, just enjoy yourself. I guessing there is a lot of people wishing they could do a solo trip.

[cusyl]

This July may be my first solo trip. I am looking forward to sleeping in late, having breakfast on my balcony. I can sit on the balcony and enjoy the sea.

 

Also a lot of peace and quiet with no phones ringing, no meals to prepare and no cleaning house. Also, no playing taxi cab driver.

 

I actually don't plan on even getting off the ship because I have been to the ports many many times. If the spirit moves me I might get off and just check out the shops.

 

I also plan to enjoy the sauna, steam room and spa. I'm pretty much a hermit at home so I think I will do just fine. If I don't feel like going to the dining room some evenings I will just get a bite at the buffet and watch a stage show or a movie.

[letscruisegd]

I just got off of my 3rd solo cruise last week and I had a ball. Although I enjoy cruising with friends and family, I love cruising alone also. I'm somewhat shy but I seem to loosen up on a cruise and talk with people more than I usually would otherwise. On my last cruise quite a few people who saw me by myself frequently came up to me and asked if I was cruising alone. When I told them yes they said they were too so we met up a couple of times during the cruise. One of the advantages of cruising solo is you can do anything you want without anyone questioning you. For example, I like to take a short nap in the afternoon so I can enjoy more of the night life. When I cruised with one of my friends, she would come in the room, turn on the lights and tell me I can sleep at home. Needless to say that was my first and LAST cruise with her. I enjoy finding a quiet spot to read. That same friend thought I spent too much time doing nothing. She asked why would I spend money to go on a ship to read. These kind of issues don't come up when cruising solo. You can do as much or as little as you want without feeling like you have to answer to anyone. Have a GREAT cruise.:)

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

I need some advice and perhaps some words of encouragement. I booked one of the Cruise Critic Group Cruises on the Carnival Miracle that leaves on 4/1/07. Since I don't have a companion willing or able to go with me, I booked it solo. I've been on three cruises before with two different singles cruise agencies. Since I'm introverted, they worked fairly well for me as I always had a group of people to hang out with. However, I'm not using them this time as I've met someone (I didn't meet him on a cruise. He lives in my city :) ) My new friend has said that he dosen't want to go and my girlfriends are either married or are single moms and don't have the time or money. I figured I'd never do anything if I waited around for other people to join and since I really love cruising, I decided to go alone. I've read this particular board to get some inspiration, but as the days go on, the more terrified I feel and the more I think that I might not have any fun, because it isn't easy for me to meet other people. What's even more problematic is that the cruise I'm on is during Spring Break, which means the ship will consist of mostly families and I won't have anything in common with the other passengers. Please someone convince me that I didn't make a mistake in doing this.

 

Go!! Go!!! Go!!!

 

You will have a good time. On a cruiseship you get to interact as much as you are comfortable with. Go sit on the lido deck, the buffet or one of the bars and before long someone will sit next to you and start a conversation. It is near impossible to be too alone on a cruise. There are a lot of couples that cruise together but welcome an extra conversationalist - introvert or extrovert. A lot of husbands and wives are glad for the diversion. Also, there are the single parents, daugthers travelling with senior moms, senior moms (or grandmoms) who have been somewhat "discarded" and people in famly groups that just need a break from the relatives. For all of those people, new company to enjoy at the casino, disco, excursion or show makes their cruise even more perfecter:p

 

I cruise solo almost exclusively and just sitting at one of the tables on the lido deck will usually end up with a nice conversation, invitation to join a dinner table, shore excursion or trip to the casino for an evening of marathon donations to the ships bottome line.:eek:

 

Have a blast and report back to us. We are rooting for ya!!:D

 

Do the ship excursions and all of CC's plan functions and you will find that you are more popular than you think.

[OHCruisin]

I've cruised solo several times and the two cruises this year are currently booked solo. It's probably the best type of vacation to travel alone. People are so friendly and outgoing on a cruise. I've met some really wonderful people. And it helps to have assigned seating. I've always been fortunate to have really great table mates. In fact, on a couple cruises, we went on shore excursions together. I'm not that outgoing either, but you just find that on a cruise you're so relaxed you can't help but be just a little more of yourself than normal! I'm also happy just chilling with a book.

 

As to Portofino, I'm debating the same, whether to book by myself. It's such a great experience, I probably will. Especially on a night that my table mates may be off to Chops or the Wind Jammer.

 

Just go with a positive thought that you'll have fun. Besides, you're on a cruise? How can you not have fun?

[LadyV_39]

Thanks to all who have replied. Now that my cruise is imminent, I'm really looking forward to it. I actually booked a second one solo before even sailing on my first solo cruise because the price was a steal:D

 

I plan on going with an open mind and making the most out of it. I can't change myself but a good attitude will go a long way.

[NowVoyager908]

;) I suggest you rent the movie "Now Voyager" with Bette Davis for encouragement...

Solo cruising can be very fun. It can give you the opportunity to challenge yourself and grow. If on the other hand, you enjoy being an introvert, by all means enjoy it by bringing some books or DVDs. Certainly enjoy the Specialty Restaurants alone, YOU deserve it! I have found that most people are intriqued by solo diners rather than pity them. A smile is the best accessory you can wear to dinner. ENJOY!

 

Just had to respond to this, because from my screen name you can tell what one of my favorite movies of all time is. LOL.

 

I have never travelled completely solo, but I am considering it. Last year, I sailed with a friend of mine, her husband and their two kids. I had a balcony cabin all to myself and spent alot of time alone because they were off doing things with the kids. I enjoyed myself because I have always been comfortable doing things on my own and enjoy the freedom. My only fear is dining alone. Not so much breakfast or lunch, but eating dinner alone just scares the hell out of me for some reason. LOL. Anyway, I'd probably just try a buffet. Anyway, after reading everyone's comments, I feel emboldened to actually look into sailing solo. We shall see. ;)

[DiannaInVA]

My only fear is dining alone. Not so much breakfast or lunch, but eating dinner alone just scares the hell out of me for some reason. LOL. Anyway, I'd probably just try a buffet.

 

You should try the dining room at least once. Be sure to ask for a LARGE table! I did on my last trip, but they put me at a table for 4...and no one else showed up. So I just ate at the buffet for the next 2 nights.

 

However, next time I plan on checking my table first thing when I get on the ship to make sure it really is a large table. If not I'll have them move me--hopefully to a table that is not all one family.

 

If you can get a large table so you're less likely to be by yourself, it's worth giving the dining room a try. If the first night doesn't work out, you can always ask to be moved to another table.

[SantaAna,CA]

I'm so glad that you decided to book a solo cruise. I am pretty much the quiet type myself, and I can be shy around people I don't know. But I've been single most of my life, and have just gotten used to traveling alone as, well, I prefer it. The freedom can't be beat. Yes, there are some awkward moments at dinner or lunch when you walk in the dining room and everyone looks up. Yes, there are times when I think people are looking at me thinking "what's wrong with her"? But I've traveled many parts of the world alone and have never let those awkward times ruin my fun.

 

I am a scuba diver and the last couple of cruises I have planned, I've had scuba diving at each destination one of my priorities. I also like Seabourn cruise lines, as they make it a habit of asking the solo lady traveler (and all solo travelers, men or women) to dinner at a "hosted" table every night. It just makes me happy to come back to my cabin and see the little printed invitation on my door!

 

Please come back and tell everyone what your experience was. I'm sure you will have a great time. Bon voyage!

 

Jane :)

[LadyV_39]

I'm so glad that you decided to book a solo cruise. I am pretty much the quiet type myself, and I can be shy around people I don't know. But I've been single most of my life, and have just gotten used to traveling alone as, well, I prefer it. The freedom can't be beat. Yes, there are some awkward moments at dinner or lunch when you walk in the dining room and everyone looks up. Yes, there are times when I think people are looking at me thinking "what's wrong with her"? But I've traveled many parts of the world alone and have never let those awkward times ruin my fun.

 

I am a scuba diver and the last couple of cruises I have planned, I've had scuba diving at each destination one of my priorities. I also like Seabourn cruise lines, as they make it a habit of asking the solo lady traveler (and all solo travelers, men or women) to dinner at a "hosted" table every night. It just makes me happy to come back to my cabin and see the little printed invitation on my door!

 

Please come back and tell everyone what your experience was. I'm sure you will have a great time. Bon voyage!

 

Jane :)

 

I already did :) It's downthread. It's a long review of my cruise on the Miracle. I would put the link here, but I have no idea how to do that.

[SantaAna,CA]

Ah, I guess I need to pay a little more attention to dates on posts! I did read your review of the Miracle. It may be, and I'm just guessing, that a smaller ship would suit you, that's what I found really suits me as a single woman, but I understand completely how you feel about traveling alone.

 

Best wishes,

 

Jane

[jamaica71594]

Although I have a cruise booked with my Mom for May 2008, I am seriously considering a solo cruise as well. I would probably do better on a shorter cruise going solo, but thats just me! I really enjoyed the Majesty and CocoCay so thats probably what I will do. This would be my first time traveling anywhere alone, so it would be interesting. My husband refuses to go on a cruise, period. I just gave up asking him. I hate depending on other people (girlfriends) to do anything with, everyone has obligations, children etc. So I said what the heck, I can't wait around for other people.