Solo Cruising and Princess

[Brneyznfl]

I just got off my first Princess cruise last month and loved it. I want to book another one but I'll probably be going alone. so I was wondering about those of you who have sailed on Princess as a solo cruiser. Is Princess solo friendly? How was your onboard experience? As we know people tend to cruise in groups, with families or as couples. Was it easy to meet people? Were other passengers friendly towards you? How did you handle dining? After reading about someone else's thread about NCL and freeystyle dining, I know I'd definitely pick traditional on Princess which means I'll have to book way in advance of the cruise.

 

I know with Carnival they are pretty good at seating you with other solo cruisers. Does Princess try to accommodate the solo cruiser in the dining room? I hope there are some positive experiences out there because I booked two future cruise credits while I was onboard the Caribbean Princess LOL But seriously, don't be afraid to give me the real scoop ! Thanks!

[Tenngal]

My only solo cruise, so far, was on the Coral Princess to Alaska. It was inadvertent that I ended up going solo, but I had such a great time that I have now booked a two-week solo cruise!

I didn't make any arrangements with Princess to seat me with other solos, but I did traditional dining, late seating. At my table was a woman about my age, travelling with her elderly parents, and another mother with a daughter, also about my age. I can't help but think that the maitre d' (or whoever arranges the dinner seating) must look at the configurations/demographics of those being seated.

Anyway, I made new friends among my dinnermates. I also like to hang in the casino, and met a lot of folks at the poker table. Also, I never felt lonesome or lonely. But, that's just me. I enjoy my solitude as much as being with others. Mostly, since it was my first time to Alaska, my time was happily spent sitting on my balconey with my camera and binoculars!

If you're open toward others, you'll have no problem meeting new friends on a solo cruise, regardless of whether it's been facilitated by the cruise staff. Have fun!

[starshine]

I cruised solo for the first time last May on Sapphire Princess and had a great time. It was a Pacific Coastal cruise. Although I had Anytime Dining (booked late to get better rate), it worked out fine because I met some great fellow cruisers from this board and ate dinner with them about 5 times. Since I was familiar with almost all the ports, I felt very comfortable going off on my own during the day. My advice is to participate in the roll calls on this board and attend the Cruise Critic group meeting on board.

 

That said, even if I had not had anyone to eat dinner with or go to some of the nightly activities with, I still would have had a good time. There were so many choices of activities, sometimes I went off by myself to participate in them anyway. I wouldn't have hesitated to eat in the dining room by myself (or seated with others at a table) and if it didn't work out, I would have been fine eating dinners in the Lido or having room service.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

[Solo Cruiser]

My cruises have been solo and with Princess and there is nothing I can say that is negative about any of them. Anytime dining was better for me and I was generally seated with a table of couples, no problem at all as almost all the people that I was seated with were friendly.

 

There are many shipboard activites that don't require you to be part of a couple. On my longest cruise of 17 days the staff got to know that I was traveling alone and seemed to go out of their way to assure I was having a good time.

 

Whether you choose traditional or anytime dining, stick to ship's shore excursions or plan your own, spend time by the pool or in the fitness center or checking out the art on board, you should have a memorable vacation.

[MHS4]

Is Princess solo friendly? How was your onboard experience? As we know people tend to cruise in groups, with families or as couples. Was it easy to meet people? Were other passengers friendly towards you? How did you handle dining? ...

I know with Carnival they are pretty good at seating you with other solo cruisers. Does Princess try to accommodate the solo cruiser in the dining room? ... But seriously, don't be afraid to give me the real scoop ! Thanks!

 

The Real Scoop -- based on my experience with Princess, April 2006, Panama cruise.

This was my 1st Solo experience as a widow, 5th cruise. Eating alone is one of the most difficult aspects after @45 yrs. My Wonderful TA requested that I be seated at a large table. Princess assigned me to a Table for 1 -- and to make that first night worse, the waiter just ignored me -- I left, it was too difficult for me to sit there and attempt to force down food........

 

Easy to meet people -- not really. The CC did have a meeting, but they were a group who had cruised together before & didn't really extend much "join us" feeling to me as either a solo person or as a newcomer to their ranks. Princess didn't offer any organized get-togethers for solos.

 

I also found it rather disturbing that the Princess staff tended to totally ignore the solo woman -- while they would approach couples to "sell" the wine tasting or ask "would you like something from the bar" when at the pool, it was as though I wasn't sitting there. I quickly realized that I needed to speak up & request service, something that had never been necessary when crusing as a couple.

 

My next solo cruse is booked on HAL & I hope to find a different feeling from their staff -- otherwise, it will be back to the timeshare in Aruba, where every staff member was so very kind to me that 1st time solo.

[Faith77]

I cruised on the Dawn Princess Christmas/New Years this past holiday season. I was concerned about feeling overwhelmed by extended families and children over a holiday sailing. But since this ship sailed from my home port and the timing worked out well with my vacation time, I decided to go for it.

 

Anyway, I had a good cruise. Would have liked a more active casino and better/more adult lounge entertainment. We had 2 solo meet and greets--I attended one. I lucked out and had a good table in late traditional seating. We were a real mixed group--other solos, a mom/daughter, and a couple.

 

I usually do shore excursions thru the ship. I think that this is a good way of meeting others on ones cruise.

 

MHS4, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise. I hope your next cruise with HAL is much better.

 

Faith

[luvcruzing]

MHS4, I think you should copy and paste what you wrote here and MAIL it (not e-mail) to the President of Princess.

 

I, also, am a widow and have traveled solo to Vegas several times and spent time at a condo in Florida that my husband and I used to rent. I don't particularly like dining alone, but the more I do it, the less uncomfortable I feel. Of course, in Vegas and Florida, I can remain anonymous. I most likely will never see these people again. The same does not hold true on a cruise ship. Human nature being what it is, people will stare at a lone diner (whether it is a man or a woman). It would be normal to feel uncomfortable. The maitre d' and waiter did not do their jobs, and yet you were expected to tip at the end of your cruise.

 

I read the postings here every day (I appreciate everyone's input for those of us who haven't yet taken the plunge - so to speak) and am planning to take a solo cruise soon. I've added up the expenses (condo rental, car rental, food), and a cruise is cheaper by far.

 

Princess is my favorite cruise line, but, I must say, your experience has me disturbed. The Freestyle Dining on NCL is the reason I will never sail with them again. My first solo cruise will probably be on Carnival because of their reasonable solo fares. Good luck to you on your HAL cruise.

[legallady]

In reply to you and to MHS4, I cruised solo (for the first time) last October on the Crown repo from NY to San Juan AND I cruised with an injury. My experience was so unlike yours I just had to write to re-assure you that solo on Princess, in my experience, was terrific. I NEVER felt uncomfortable, either on shore excursions or aboard ship; I had anytime dining and was seated with varied and interesting people each night at dinner (at breakfast & lunch I prefer to eat alone). I actually preferred being seated with groups rather than at a "solo's" table -- too much like the "kiddie" table. I made several friends on board, with whom I still correspond, and no one, crew or passenger, ever neglected me, or made me feel uncomfortable in any way. I'm addicted to Princess, and am doing a b2b this October on the Crown as well. I think the difference may be, however, that as a widow, you're (unfortunately) comparing the "solo" to your "couple" experience. As a solo, I find that you have to make your own positive experiences by joining in with a comment or a question. The absolutely BEST thing to pack -- a SMILE!!! Works wonders on everyone! I hope you'll try again and that it will be a pleasant, enjoyable and memorable experience for you.

[MHS4]

Sorry that my answer gave the wrong impression -- I was limiting my comments to her question: Is Princess solo friendly?, not to a general "did you have a good cruise?" type of question. If the experience had been totally negative, I would not be giving HAL a try. Overall, the food was quite good, had 2 great massages, easily found a seat by the pool or wherever I was inclined to, room service for morning coffee and evening hot chocolate was timely and pleasant (and were tipped accordingly), the morning stetch group leader was excellent, my room steward was pleasant (and was tipped in cash accordingly), the itinerary was everything I had hoped for, bingo (something I did for the 1st time since I was solo & one could participate as a solo, always an opportunity to chat with the person seated next to you between games) & the casino (with the penny slots that are my weakness) were fun, the backstage tour was great, the excursions I booked with Princess were well done, ......however, the staff & administration were not "solo friendly". I did take a Smile with me; however, when the waiters walk pass you during the breakfast buffet without a glance yet stop to refill coffee cups at another table (with couples) and do this repeatedly for 10 days, that Smile does begin to fade. And, by the way, the automatic tips faded accordingly. There were no solo meet & greets offered, but that doesn't bother me - the consistent "invisibility" did. Why should a solo sit and wait 10 minutes for a coffee while the buffet waiter with coffee pot in hand is talking & joking with a couple and then wanders off to some back room without a glance around?

[painfree]

Legal Lady...Thanks for your postive comments on solo cruising..I have book a 12 day Med cruise...was scheduled to go with another nurse but she had to cancel due to family medical problems..I really don't want to cancel this cruise..but was concerned about cruising alone..Oh..you hit it right on the head too...i keep thinking about all the cruises my late husband and I took..and I sooo miss that...I plan to enjoy this cruise...if it's solo or with a travel companion..Thanks

[dthompsond1]

I sailed Sea Princess last year and Star Princess last month, both times as a single male. Had traditional dining both times with large table, great time on both ships. Never felt alone except when I wanted to be. Both cruises had get togethers for single travelers. Have also travelled solo with Cunard, Fred Olsen and Italian line MSC. Great experience every time. I find if you are friendly and talk to people on cruises they will usually talk back.Dennis

[daveco58]

I cruised solo on the Dawn princess, repo from FLA to LA. I went solo because the person I was going to take had a family emergency. I nearly cancelled, but finally decided to go ahead, and I LOVED IT.

My dinner comapanions were three married couples 20 years my senior, all wonderful. I spent quite a bit of time, and made a few friends, in the Casino, where being unaccompanied is not obvious. And the best part was the crew and staff. My stewardess treated me like a lost bachelor, checking up on me constantly, and making up my bed after every little nap. And after showing up at the coffee bar at 6 am for a week running, I made two dear friends of a Barrista and a Waitress, both English. We even went horseback riding together in Puerto Vallarta, when they both had a day off. At no time did I feel uncomfortable about being alone, and frankly, not having to do certain tours or shows because someone else wanted to was a very nice change.

[Brneyznfl]

The feedback has been interesting, thank you. I noticed that several of you have sailed on the Dawn Princess which is the ship I'm considering sailing for several reasons. One is because of the itinerary and two is because the Dawn is a midsized ship. I've cruised on larger ships as a solo and didn't enjoy the experience.

Daveco58, did your itinerary on the Dawn include Acapulco? If so what did you do there?

[luvcruzing]

Dennis and Dave -

 

I think the big difference here is that you were both seated at a large table for dinner, and Marion was seated at a table for one, even though her TA requested a large table and then, to top it off, she was ignored by the waiter. And, she was ignored again at the wine tasting and at the pool. Is it because she's a woman? Makes one wonder.

[daveco58]

I didnt get off the ship in Acapulco, but I have been before, and it is a lot like every other resort town in Mexico (which is why I didnt go ashore that time). Sorry. I waited for our next stop, Zihuatanejo. If she stops there, go. It is like the Mexican resort towns of my youth - a sleepy little fishing village, with ACTUAL bargains on souvenirs and great food and cheap beer everywhere you turn.

 

As to the question of man vs woman, that could well be. I would be sorry to think so in this day and age, but who knows. Also, I have been single more than I have been married, travel and dine alone a lot, so I am not shy. Very few people can ignore me for long. :D

[starshine]

IMHO, if I went on a cruise and was seated by myself, I would first try to change that seating for the next meal. If that was unsuccessful, I would just take a book to read, a guidebook to plan my next day in port, or write in a journal or write my postcards. Would not let it stop me from eating in the dining room. Honestly, while it is disconcerting when one is ignored in a restaurant or other public place, I just don't let it bother me or I flag down the waiter/waitress to get another glass of ice tea, etc. ...Trip the waiter if you have to, that should get his attention! LOL :)

[luvcruzing]

Trip the waiter if you have to, that should get his attention!

 

I think that's the best idea yet!

[earl_m]

How much more does it cost to go solo on princess,I have done it a few times with holland America and I was charge 130 %, I would to try different cruise lines, RCL charges 200% I can`t afford that.

[fozzy]

At home I eat out alot by myself. Have ever since I was a teenager. I'm usually quite comfortable, but understand the akwardness you can sometimes feel. I was on a 7night Carnival cruise once and was sat at a table by myself. This was contrary to the other times I had gone solo and was placed with others. One time we were all singles. On the 7night cruise I mentioned I had sciatica which was quite painful. I could barely get around the ship. What I was looking forward to was dining with others. Would have been the highlight of my day. I totally didn't think about asking the maitre'd to move me. I think my mind was in a pain induced fog :p . However now I know. And that's what it's all about. Travel is about learning new things about the world and yourself. OP your experience on your next cruise will be all the better, because now you'll feel a little more assertive in your role as a solo cruiser. HAL is a great cruise line. I bet they get alot of solo cruisers in your position. They must, they even have the single share program still. I hope you have a great time.:)

[starshine]

How much more does it cost to go solo on princess,I have done it a few times with holland America and I was charge 130 %, I would to try different cruise lines, RCL charges 200% I can`t afford that.

 

The two cruises I've taken have been with Princess and both were 200%. That said, I booked both 1-2 months out and was able to get a pretty good rate for both of them. For instance, last year I sailed in May on the 7 day Pacific Coastal in an outside cabin for $898.00 ($499 per person) plus fees and insurance which came to around $1089.00 as I recall. So even though I paid double, I thought the per person rate was low enough that it was still a good rate for a solo cruise.

 

This year I'm sailing HAL to Alaska and they do charge less of a percentage but am paying approx. $1400.00 total for outside cabin. The 7 day Princess cruise was higher and I liked the HAL itinerary best.

 

In summary, I think if you can book close to sailing and don't care if you sail in an inside cabin, you can get pretty good rates on either cruiseline.

[Margi]

 

My next solo cruse is booked on HAL & I hope to find a different feeling from their staff -- otherwise, it will be back to the timeshare in Aruba, where every staff member was so very kind to me that 1st time solo.

 

MHS4,

 

I cruised solo on HAL's Prinsendam 09/06 32 nights and found the atmosphere onboard to be very solo friendly. There were several hosted solo get togethers: cocktail parties, lunches, etc. The Assistant Cruise Directors were all very friendly and made it a point to meet the solos. HAL's "Dam Dollars" activities program is a good way to meet other fellow passengers. I didn't participate in it until the last 10 days of the cruise when two other solo ladies insisted that I join in. I was sorry I hadn't done it from the beginning of the cruise (actually 2 b2b cruises). This was my 2nd solo cruise after I was widowed. I tried a 10 days Crystal cruise 10/05 as a "trial". Crystal was also "solo" friendly.

 

I hope you have a better experience on HAL than you had on Princess.

 

Regards,

Margi

[sealegirl]

How much more does it cost to go solo on princess,I have done it a few times with holland America and I was charge 130 %, I would to try different cruise lines, RCL charges 200% I can`t afford that.

 

I'm going solo for the first time (my first cruise!) on the Emerald Princess in January, and I'm paying 150%, booked through princess.com, but making up for it by doing an inside cheap cabin...how much time will I be in there, anyway?

[Brneyznfl]

I'm going solo for the first time (my first cruise!) on the Emerald Princess in January, and I'm paying 150%, booked through princess.com, but making up for it by doing an inside cheap cabin...how much time will I be in there, anyway?

 

Since it's your first cruise, you won't be in your cabin much! :D Have a great cruise!

[Stevesan]

I'm going solo for the first time (my first cruise!) on the Emerald Princess in January, and I'm paying 150%, booked through princess.com, but making up for it by doing an inside cheap cabin...how much time will I be in there, anyway?

 

I'm taking my first solo cruise on Grand Princess next week.

 

Interesting coincidence. I too am planning to book Emerald, but for Feb 2007. I'm thinking B2B. The itinerarys are different enough to justify it. Although it doesn't take much to sell me on a B2B!:)

 

I like the fare and the sgl supp. Just as you, I plan to book an inside. I'll wait to book Emerald while on board GP next week. That way I can get the $100 deposit plus OBC deal. I have my first inside cabin on GP and will learn then if an inside will be ok for a twenty dayer!

Like most others, I spend very little time in the cabin, so it should be just fine.

 

Of course, I'll check with a couple TAs on return to see if they offer a discount.

I kinda hope they won't. The fare's ok, and I like booking direct. It's a lot less hassle, and I've always had good experiences with the cruise line booking reps.

[Stevesan]

While on GP last week I booked a single (actually a B2B w/different ports) cruise on Crown Princess for a 147% sgl supp. It sails S. Carib itinerary Feb 2d.

 

You gotta like the Princess $100 deposit deal, and a $75 OBC for an inside cabin!

 

Now to shop it around the TAs. As I previously mentioned, I hope it stays with Princess. I like to cut out the middle man and the Princess reps are great to deal with.