Solo World Cruise (Yes or No)

[LJAM]

I am looking at booking the Fred Olsen 14/02/09 World Cruise (BW954) as a Solo. The cruise itinerary is wonderful. Has anyone else done a World Cruise on Fred Olsen as a solo traveler?

If so what are the plus and minus (both of being a solo traveler and Fred Olsen's Black Watch).

Have never cruised on Fred Olsen and my longest cruise to date is 15 days.

Any information would greatly be appreciated.

[PaulfromPA]

Hi Yvette:

 

I haven't sailed with Fred Olsen before and I haven't done a world cruise (yet). So why in the heck am I responding? Mainly to give you some encouragement. First, if I had the time and money, I would definitely do a world cruise, solo or not. In fact, it is something of a dream of mine -- something I would like to do when I finally retire and actually have the ability to get away for several months at a time.

 

From what I understand of Fred Olsen, the ships are smaller. I kinda like big ships because I like lots of activity and dining options. But many people swear by the intimacy of smaller ships. If I were in your shoes, I would simply decide 1) whether I had the time/money to do a world cruise, and then 2) which line best suits my interests/budget. I am aware that Cunard, Marco Polo, and Holland America also offer world cruises so I would check them all out before deciding. But regardless which line, I would encourage you to go!

 

Paul

[airlink diva]

Since you have the chance to take the world cruise, GO FOR IT!!!

If I ever have the time and means to do a world cruise, I do it in a heartbeat.

Now, if I could only win the powerball :rolleyes: !!!

Happy sailings!!

[kitty9]

I've not ever heard of Fred Olsen cruise line but from what I see in a quick google search, their ships are smaller and they appear to be quite a bit older than most. I've done portions of 4 world cruises on Crystal, and just signed up for two segments of her 2008 world cruise, so you can tell I do enjoy the experience. Personally, I would prefer a larger ship for a world cruise for many reasons, but particularly because larger ships can offer much more in the way of activities on a day to day basis. Also, world cruises definitely attract a much older clientele. On Crystal's world cruises, the average age is 70 and higher and that also means that the singles, which is a large number on Crystal, are also higher in age. Friends are currently on the QM2's world cruise and said the average age on board is also quite high, so I guess it means that for the most part, world cruises tend to attract a much older group than conventional cruises.

[yellowbird23]

LJAM>>>I agree that if you have the means and the time, why would you hesitate? I would also be willing to share a powerball so that I could go too!

[yellowbird23]

PaulfromPA>>>I would also settle on the transatlantic you are going on. Great trip. Hope you have a great time. I had to settle this time for a 7-day, but maybe next year on the transatlantic. Got to figure out the "trade" I have to do in order to have my hubby send me...hehehe!:eek:

[Lifeisshortcruiser]

Sorry - don't know a lot about that cruise line....but I am going solo on a 4 week European cruise on the Rotterdam back-to-back from mid-May through mid-June. Got a GREAT price..and am in education so I can take the time off. I'll let you know how it goes....being on a cruise for a month...and doing that solo!!!!!

[earl_m]

I agree, if you can afford it.GO GO GO!!!!!

[songanddance]

I say do it. I have booked the QE2 in 2008 for the world cruise and my longest to date has been three 15 day cruises. I just think that it is something all should do if they can swing it.

 

If I flew which I do not, I would seriously consider the Fred Olsen Line as it is very elegant, top of the line service food and tradition. You will get more European passengers and with a small ship the language barrier may present itself. I think if you can speak passable German you will be fine with that problem.

 

And yes the age of the passengers will be elevated. I will be 68 for my cruise and I will be a youngster.

[earl_m]

Do you need someone to carry your bags fo you.

[JulieMcCoy]

Like PaulfromPA (hey, I'm in PA, too!), I poke around the world cruise itineraries once in a while, dreaming of doing one someday. No firsthand knowledge, but it seems to me this would be a good idea in general for a solo cruiser because you would get to know most of the through-travelers on the ship over that long a period of time. I can't imagine not picking up some new lifelong friends!

[caliber35]

I have booked the full World Cruise on the Crystal Serenity for 2008. While I am certain that I will be one of the younger passengers onboard at the age of 54, I do not see that as a problem. I have sailed solo with Crystal several time before and have always found many other like-minded singles as well as officers and crew to socialize with. And given that their SS is only 25% for the category I booked, it was relatively affordable. So, I say go for it; I can hardly wait until next January!

[boltnut55]

One of my goals is to go on a world cruise. If it turned out that I had to go alone, I would still do it. Three months is a long time "alone" though (but I'd still do it!).

[caitlyn20]

If I had a chance for a world cruise, I'd definitely take it!

[kitty9]

caliber, I'm on the last two segments of next year's Crystal world cruise. This will be my fourth world cruise adventure, and believe me, there's something incredibly special about world cruises. Between this year and next, I have six cruises scheduled, three on Celebrity and three on Crystal.

 

BTW, we're the same age !!!! We can be the youngest on board together. Fortunately, I have a number of friends, made on previous Crystal cruises, who are going to be on board. Some are doing the full world cruise, a lovely couple from California, and a lovely lady from Florida, and some are doing segments. I cannot wait as some of the ports are new for me.

 

If you've never been to some of the ports on the cruise, and you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I've been to most of the ports in segments one through six, so I might be able to give you some insights into tours, etc.

 

I thought about hiring private guides for Egypt, but then thought otherwise. I know that Crystal arranges special security measures (soldiers with guns and armed escort vehicles), so I think I'll stick with the ship's tours to the pyramids.

[caliber35]

caliber, I'm on the last two segments of next year's Crystal world cruise. This will be my fourth world cruise adventure, and believe me, there's something incredibly special about world cruises. Between this year and next, I have six cruises scheduled, three on Celebrity and three on Crystal.

 

BTW, we're the same age !!!! We can be the youngest on board together. Fortunately, I have a number of friends, made on previous Crystal cruises, who are going to be on board. Some are doing the full world cruise, a lovely couple from California, and a lovely lady from Florida, and some are doing segments. I cannot wait as some of the ports are new for me...

 

I am so glad to finally hear from someone on this cruise. I have been posting on the 2008 Crystal WC thread for months now with only one response. I have never been to most of the ports, with the exception of Hawaii and the Med, so I am most excited to being seing the World with Crystal. I have prebooked 33 tours with Crystal as I have always been satisfied with their excursions and enjoy feeling safe in foreign ports. I am booked into cabin #7064, so please look me up onboard and let's keep in touch in the meantime.

Andrew

[FranKes2000]

I am glad every one said "go for it"

I am booked on the Queen Victoria 2008 world cruise. I am looking forward to it, but also in a bit of a panic. How to pack for 3 months of Winter & Summer and the infamous Cunard Formal nights!?

[songanddance]

Inteesting new website about a world cruise coming up on the QE2 www.2008worldcruise.com

[caliber35]

Inteesting new website about a world cruise coming up on the QE2 www.2008worldcruise.com

 

I find it interesting that Charlie wants to charge for information that is quite readily available on these boards. There have been some fantastic postings by people on World Cruises and other lengthy voyages in the past. I wonder how many takers he will have?

[FranKes2000]

Inteesting new website about a world cruise coming up on the QE2 www.2008worldcruise.com

 

QE2 is not doing a World Cruise in 2008, I know because that would have been my first choice. There are single cabin and therefore no single supplement.

[caliber35]

QE2 is not doing a World Cruise in 2008, I know because that would have been my first choice. There are single cabin and therefore no single supplement.

 

The QE2 sails on her World Cruise January 13 to April 12. It is technically not a World Cruise, but a Voyage that go to the SE Pacific and back, and goes around South America. The Queen Victoria also sails on the 13th and goes around the globe. Two others doing the World in 2008 are the Pacific Princess and the Crystal Serenity, which I am booked on. I can hardly wait!

[kitty9]

Andrew, you said you've already signed up for your shore excursions for the world cruise. How did you do that? Is that a special consideration for those on the full world cruise? I've looked at the tours for the last two segments I'm on, and there are a few that I wish to book, but I'm at a loss for how to do this. Are you doing any of the overland excursions? I was contemplating the overnighter in Egypt, but I'm still not sure. I'm going to hire a private guide and driver in Oman---none of the tours Crystal offers sounds interesting to me. I will also do the tour that visits the Valley of Kings in Egypt---that one sounds fantastic. I just wish they did a tour that included a cruise on the Nile. I know I want to do the Monte Carlo via convertible on one of the days there, but I'm not certain about the second day. Probably go on my own and visit the casino.

[caliber35]

Andrew, you said you've already signed up for your shore excursions for the world cruise. How did you do that? Is that a special consideration for those on the full world cruise? I've looked at the tours for the last two segments I'm on, and there are a few that I wish to book, but I'm at a loss for how to do this. Are you doing any of the overland excursions? I was contemplating the overnighter in Egypt, but I'm still not sure. I'm going to hire a private guide and driver in Oman---none of the tours Crystal offers sounds interesting to me. I will also do the tour that visits the Valley of Kings in Egypt---that one sounds fantastic. I just wish they did a tour that included a cruise on the Nile. I know I want to do the Monte Carlo via convertible on one of the days there, but I'm not certain about the second day. Probably go on my own and visit the casino.

 

Kitty - I believe that you can book your shore excursions online, just as I did. Go to Pre-Reservation requests on their website. With your booking number, go can log in an reserve your desired excursions and they will send you a confirmation by E-mail very promptly. I am not booking any of the overland excursions as they are a little rich for my blood. I have now booked 35 excursions, including SAFA, which is the day trip to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The World Cruise also includes one free excursion per voyage, I am not sure if they are included on the segments. I have booked the Nice & Eze tour (MCFH) for Monte Carlo on day one, but would love to join you if you hire a car there on day two. I am so excited and have compiled a book of all our ports of call and shore excursions I have booked. Makes for great bedtime reading! Looking forward to meeting you onboard.

[kitty9]

Andrew, thanks for the information on booking the shore excursions. I'll give that a try. If you'd like, we can keep in touch via email rather than bore the lovely people on this board. My address is: darbar@aol.com