Single mother - booked my cruise now panicking!!!

[strummer]

I am a quiet shy single mum who in a fit of bravery (or madness) booked a caribbean cruise when it's my sons half term holiday.

 

I booked it all and felt very proud of myself thinking my son and I will have quality time together and I will also push myself to involve myself in the ships activities.

 

Then I realised that my cruise starting on the 10th Feb will therefore be a valentines cruise!!!:eek:

It never even occurred to me!

Have I made a horrendous mistake and will I be on a boat full of lovey couples:o

 

I have booked on the caribbean princess and have never been to the caribbean so part of me is really looking forward to it. Am also very nervous as it's the first big holiday I have taken by myself with my son (he is 10 years old) and it is a big step for the two of us. I cannot afford to lose the deposit so not going on the cruise is not really an option but a bit of reassurance will be greatly appreciated:)

[Ykgorbie]

Cudos to you for booking ! I'm sure you will have a WONDERFUL time, as will your son. It will make for years of happy memories.....pamper yourselves and enjoy!

[strummer]

Thank you Ykgorbie abit of reassurance is sometimes what I need!

[greatful]

I am a quiet shy single mum who in a fit of bravery (or madness) booked a caribbean cruise when it's my sons half term holiday.

 

I booked it all and felt very proud of myself thinking my son and I will have quality time together and I will also push myself to involve myself in the ships activities.

 

Then I realised that my cruise starting on the 10th Feb will therefore be a valentines cruise!!!:eek:

It never even occurred to me!

Have I made a horrendous mistake and will I be on a boat full of lovey couples:o

 

I have booked on the caribbean princess and have never been to the caribbean so part of me is really looking forward to it. Am also very nervous as it's the first big holiday I have taken by myself with my son (he is 10 years old) and it is a big step for the two of us. I cannot afford to lose the deposit so not going on the cruise is not really an option but a bit of reassurance will be greatly appreciated:)

 

 

I've read before when people have been disappointed with a cruise- be it too busy or too quiet- that people have said that they should've realised what kind of cruise it is because of the ship, destinations, time of year ( I guess your spring break etc).

 

Could people please give me a vague idea what kind of cruise this one would be as I am planning to book soon and I don't wish to make a mistake.

 

Any help would be appreciated

 

Most Princess Cruises have loads of supervised activities for 10 year olds if you do a search. Some time alone for both of you may not be all bad. You won't be the only single aboard, go and have fun. Do a little searching ahead on the cruise line website or these boards it might ease your fears.

 

Have Fun !

[strummer]

I know I wrote that worrying about spring break and didn't even think of valentines!!:o Obviously been single too long and things like that just aren't on my radar!! It was only when one of my friends mentioned it I twigged!!

 

Sure I will have a good time just have to bolster my confidence abit!

[jetskier]

I am a quiet shy single mum who in a fit of bravery (or madness) booked a caribbean cruise when it's my sons half term holiday.

 

I booked it all and felt very proud of myself thinking my son and I will have quality time together and I will also push myself to involve myself in the ships activities.

 

Then I realised that my cruise starting on the 10th Feb will therefore be a valentines cruise!!!:eek:

It never even occurred to me!

Have I made a horrendous mistake and will I be on a boat full of lovey couples:o

 

I have booked on the caribbean princess and have never been to the caribbean so part of me is really looking forward to it. Am also very nervous as it's the first big holiday I have taken by myself with my son (he is 10 years old) and it is a big step for the two of us. I cannot afford to lose the deposit so not going on the cruise is not really an option but a bit of reassurance will be greatly appreciated:)

 

I wouldnt worry too much about it being Valentines. There is something about the salt air and walking the deck at night that makes everyone a little "lovey". When I booked my cruise for February 9th, 2008, Valentine's Day didnt cross my mind either.

 

Usually in the winter and with it being a 7 day cruise, there are usually an older clientele base onboard. Spring Break is still a couple of weeks away.

 

You will have a great time if you keep a positive attitude. Plus look at all the time you will get to spend with your son exploring and learning new things.

 

Dave

[mitaxi]

I can relate...I booked my first solo cruise last Feb. over Valentines day and also realized it as an after thought..lol...

 

I will say..except for the specialty restuarants being completely booked for Valentines day....and the fact that every lady in the dining room received a long stem rose at dinner, no difference,, it was very nice

 

I had a wonderful time....as a single mom, with sons....they now love cruises and can't wait to sail again\

 

SO I say....relax....you will love it.. and there were more kids, esp from UK (several at my table) that were on break,,,more than I expected that time of year...

[sunsetme]

its a wonderful ship, you should have a great cruise. don't worry about V day--all kinds of people are sailing then. when Xmas rolls around some sail to avoid the holiday. so enjoy!

[DrTee]

I can't think of a better Valentine than your own son. Have a great time and be grateful you have that wonderful boy in your life!

[strummer]

Thank you to everyone for their encouragement it certainly makes me feel alot better knowing that people have cruised at that time and it wasn't horrendous!

 

One more question I have chosen "anytime dining" thinking it would give my son and I more flexability as I have no idea what we will be doing and didn't want everything to be decided round the evening meal. Now looking on these boards I'm wondering wether I should have gone traditional as there may be more chance of meeting up with a regular set of people.

 

I think its the evening meal that is worrying me the most and its going to take an awful lot of courage walking into that dining room by myself (assuming my son may be at kids club and I don't want to force him with me just to keep me company if he has met friends!).

 

I'm not wanting to latch onto a group of people like a bad smell but it would be nice to recognise and say hello to people occasionally!:)

 

I tried to set up a roll call but no-one answered so has now been taken off the boards so I just keep checking to see if anyone else starts one!!

 

Thanks again to everyones encouragement - you can tell i'm a born worrier can't you!!!:D

 

Hannah

[mother of twins]

I can't think of a better Valentine than your own son. Have a great time and be grateful you have that wonderful boy in your life!

 

You just said exactly what I was going to say!!!!!!

The love of you life is you son, enjoy your trip and pack alittle something special for him for Valentines Day!!!! Take lots of picutres and make life times memories....It will probably end up being you best ever Valentines Day with you son! Enjoy

[mitaxi]

I have never done the "anytime" dining...very much enjoyed the traditional...I was lucky enough to be seated with a couple familes..(had asked for a large table)...and it only seemed awkward for a second...that being said...if you choose traditional, and you don't feel comfortable after the first night....change, or find any of the differnet dining venues....I did find that my kids ate with other kids one night for pizza..and by then I knew my table mates a little more so it was fine

 

Keep looking for a Roll call.. there will be another one probably

[jetskier]

Thank you to everyone for their encouragement it certainly makes me feel alot better knowing that people have cruised at that time and it wasn't horrendous!

 

One more question I have chosen "anytime dining" thinking it would give my son and I more flexability as I have no idea what we will be doing and didn't want everything to be decided round the evening meal. Now looking on these boards I'm wondering wether I should have gone traditional as there may be more chance of meeting up with a regular set of people.

 

I think its the evening meal that is worrying me the most and its going to take an awful lot of courage walking into that dining room by myself (assuming my son may be at kids club and I don't want to force him with me just to keep me company if he has met friends!).

 

I'm not wanting to latch onto a group of people like a bad smell but it would be nice to recognise and say hello to people occasionally!:)

 

I tried to set up a roll call but no-one answered so has now been taken off the boards so I just keep checking to see if anyone else starts one!!

 

Thanks again to everyones encouragement - you can tell i'm a born worrier can't you!!!:D

 

Hannah

 

Hi Hannah,

Your rollcall is still there. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=576148

 

When you go to it look for THREAD TOOLS, and then click on SUBSCRIBE to this THREAD. Choose EMAIL NOTIFICATION and then click on ADD SUBSCRIPTION. This way you can click on Quick Links and Subscribed Threads and pull it up.

 

Keep in mind that some rollcalls take off and have a lot of people posting. Others sort of fizzle. Cruise Critic is just a small part of the total cruising population. You still have a lot of time before the sailing.

 

People are torn between traditional and freestyle dining. I have done both. I am a friendly person so it does not put me off dining with others. On some ships, they have a single's meet and greet. You might attend and find someone who is also traveling alone with whom you could share dinner.

 

Dave

[strummer]

Thanks to you all, I am now excited again about this cruise:D :D

 

I just need to take a deep breath and have a load of fun - Haven't told my son yet as he will just get too excited!! A cruise and flying over the atlantic just too much fun!!!!

 

Thanks again and any more good tips would be appreciated

 

Hannah

[ManyMore]

I wouldn't think you would have any more couples then you would any other cruise. Also, that is just one day out of 7 so I surely wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure if you want to switch the type of dining you do, it can be done easily. As far as doing ANYTHING alone on the cruise, including dinner, not to worry! My fiance and I often do many things seperately on a cruise. I was on a cruise where he got an aweful cold and spent two days and nights in the cabin. He insisted I go out and enjoy the cruise. I met many wonderful people just sitting at the bar and at dinner. I never felt weird stopping by if I saw them and chatting them up a bit. People are much friendlier on a cruise then they are at home (haven't figured out the WHY of that one yet though) lol

[kitty9]

To be honest, cruising solo on New Year's Eve is much worse than Valentines Day. I've been on many cruises during Valentine's and it's never been a problem, but New Year's? That's one of the worst for me in terms of coupling.

[NancyChgo]

I can't think of a better Valentine than your own son. Have a great time and be grateful you have that wonderful boy in your life!

Couldn't have said it better myself... that was my first thought too :D

 

You'll have a GREAT time!

 

nancy

[DiveMaster]

Hannah:

 

Next need to think about getting a hotel the day before boarding?

 

Thanks again and any more good tips would be appreciated

Hannah

[strummer]

Hannah:

 

Next need to think about getting a hotel the day before boarding?

 

Hi Dive master,

 

As its the first time my son & I are going to USA by ourselves I decided to get flights and pre cruise hotel as a package with princess so we are at the west miami intercontinental plus transfers.

 

My theory is that it may enable me to poss meet people from the cruise on the transfers etc and also its then princess' responsibility to get me to the ship in time!! I would be worried of flights getting cancelled or some problem with transfers so it just puts my mind at rest(a relaxed mum = a relaxed son which = the start of a great holiday!:) ).

 

I did briefly look into booking my own flights & hotel and to be honest the flights on their own cost a bomb as its the school holidays so decided too go with princess.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again Thank You all sooo much. Its fantastic to hear all your suggestions and encouragement - so much friendlier than other boards!!

[DiveMaster]

Very good idea to get a package the first time. I your son a scout? If so, would he be interested in hearing about the area you are sailing firsthand from a 12 year old scuba diving cousin of our previous ambassador to you (Will Farish)?:D

 

 

Hi Dive master,

 

As its the first time my son & I are going to USA by ourselves I decided to get flights and pre cruise hotel as a package with princess so we are at the west miami intercontinental plus transfers...I've said it before and I'll say it again Thank You all sooo much. Its fantastic to hear all your suggestions and encouragement - so much friendlier than other boards!!

[hightownCO]

Hannah, I can relate! Am a single mom with a now 13 yr old daughter. Our past cruises have been with friends or family but took it into my head to do something over the holidays and booked us on a New Years cruise. I know my daughter will be in doing things with the Teen program a lot of the time so feel like I'll be doing this trip mostly solo. And as someone posted, New Years will be worse than Valentines.

 

First, Caribbean Princess is a great ship. As you'll see by my signature we cruised 4/07 and now going back. Scheduling was best and daughter loved the teen program so I'm ok with repeating.

 

My daughter, has to have dinner with me. She enjoys meals in the dining room too but faced with going in by myself, don't know if I'd do that. So would suggest you have your son join you. He can always go off for kids club things after.

 

I'm going to push myself to do more too. I think I would tend to spend too much time in the Casino. On my list of to dos:

-go to the art auctions. If only to see the people and have a glass of champagne

-do one of the wine tastings

-go to the shows. Told my daughter that she's required to go to a few with me-we'll enjoy the comedians together.

-I wasn't going to do excursions but thinking maybe that would be a good way to meet folks too. Also thought that might be be a pal for daughter doing thru the ship.

-there are single meets that the ship puts on thru the cruise. I may pop in.

 

Also be sure to find the roll call as you may meet some other single moms!

 

Sharon

[strummer]

 

-there are single meets that the ship puts on thru the cruise. I may pop in.

 

Also be sure to find the roll call as you may meet some other single moms!

 

Sharon

 

Could someone tell me what the single meets are like on Princess. I've looked on a couple of princess patters (daily newsletters) and it seems like the solo meets are when kids club isn't on (or half an hour before they finish for lunch) so do you think I could take my son with me or would that seem a little weird?

 

Still no response on my roll call - but i'll keep checking!

 

Thanks for all responses

[hightownCO]

Hannah, You might want to ask about the single meets on the Princess forum. There's more traffic there and more likely someone has gone.

 

At 10yrs old, if kids club was closed during the singles meet, I wouldn't leave a kid just in the cabin or at the pool. But depending on where the meet was, I might consider letting him play the arcade games for 1/2 hour or so. (Of course, threatening all sorts of pain and consequence if he left the area.)

 

Just relax and don't worry!

 

Sharon

[DiveMaster]

Leaving a kiddo in the cabin really depends on the maturity level of the kiddo and his comfort level with ships (cabins have TV and you may be able to rent videos). That said, a periodic check back is a good idea either in person or by phone.

 

 

At 10yrs old, if kids club was closed during the singles meet, I wouldn't leave a kid just in the cabin or at the pool...