First Solo Cruise

[Springer1]

Hi;

 

I have never been on a cruise before, but have always wanted to travel to the South Pacific and a cruise seems to be the best way...I think. But I am single plus a senior(although I'm not sure what that really means) and a little concerned about how solo seniors would be treated aboard ship. I've traveled a fair amount and don't really mind dining alone or seeing the sights alone, etc. But, some of the comments on this forum about being ignored by staff, shunned by fellow passengers and treated as "that poor lonely fellow over there" does concern me. I do have an eye on a Princess cruise to Tahiti that priced out at $5959.00 and that includes round trip airfare from Seattle, trip insurance, a balcony stateroom and all taxes and other charges. I don't mind spending the cash but not if it is going to be an unpleasant experience. So, I'm just looking for some feedback from you all.

[kitty9]

I've been on more than 20 cruises solo, all over the world, and I've never experienced what some posters have. I've always found my fellow passengers to be warm, welcoming and trying to include me in activities. You cannot go into this cruise with the notion that you're not going to have a good time. Murphy's Law will always apply---if you expect something to be less than satisfying, it will be just that. Just make sure you send out signals that you're fun and friendly. Get involved in group activities. Talk to people. Go on tours, which is a good way to meet people. Make sure your TA gets you a large table for dinner. And most of all, relax and have fun.

 

 

If I could give you just one suggestion it would be to try a cruise closer to home before you go off on such a long, and rather expensive trip to the South Pacific. Since you've never been on a cruise, you might find out that you really don't like cruising, for whatever reason, and at least with going on a shorter cruise first, you won't face spending a lot of money for something you might not like.

[earl_m]

I agree with Kitty9. for your first cruise. it should be a short one, thats a lot of money for a first cruise.

[Stevesan]

Hi;

 

I have never been on a cruise before, but have always wanted to travel to the South Pacific and a cruise seems to be the best way...I think. But I am single plus a senior(although I'm not sure what that really means) and a little concerned about how solo seniors would be treated aboard ship. I've traveled a fair amount and don't really mind dining alone or seeing the sights alone, etc. But, some of the comments on this forum about being ignored by staff, shunned by fellow passengers and treated as "that poor lonely fellow over there" does concern me. I do have an eye on a Princess cruise to Tahiti that priced out at $5959.00 and that includes round trip airfare from Seattle, trip insurance, a balcony stateroom and all taxes and other charges. I don't mind spending the cash but not if it is going to be an unpleasant experience. So, I'm just looking for some feedback from you all.

 

I'm willing to bet that these complaints evoke from solos who book a table for two and otherwise avoid crowds.

 

I took my first solo cruise last March on Grand Princess. Princess has open "Anytime" dining. Except for one time, I asked for a "share". Besides being seated promptly, I was never "the loner". Fellow diners were excellent companions with good stories - different stories every night!:)

 

Don't ask to be seated alone.

I was once seated alone at a two top, and was completely ignored. After about 10 or 15 minutes I got up and went to the other dining room. I never did that again.

 

Be social and you won't be treated as a leper. If you prefer traditional dining, ask for a 6 or 8 top. Trust me, you won't regret it, unless your fellow diners don't show up. That does happen. If it does, switch to Anytime.;) Anytime's much better for a solo. You eat when you please and table sharing almost guarantees prompt seating.

 

Be sure to sign in to Your Roll Call group. If you're retired as I am, you could volunteer to arrange meet and greets and photo ops for your Roll Call. Hook up with them for some of the same shore tours. You won't be alone, then.:)

[Springer1]

Wise advice from you all. Maybe a 7 day cruise via Holland America in the Caribbean would make more sense. It would be a nice mid Winter break from the rain here in the PNW.

[Solo Cruiser]

Springer1: Let me echo the sentiments of those who have already posted. Cruising alone is not a sentence of lonlieness, it is an opportunity to meet people and be included in their fun or to make your own. I agree with Kitty that I have always been treated wonderfully. Couples and even groups have included me easily. Many of them found it fascinating that I would travel alone and they shared their stories with me.

 

While sailing on a repo cruise I had anytime dining (I like this a LOT) and made my way to the dining room for dinner. I asked to be seated at a large table and the gentleman asked if I would be waiting for my husband. I replied that it was just me, I was traveling alone. He couldn't have been nicer. "Oh bella we will have to find you the best table." Subsequent nights he greeted me with a kiss on each cheek and told me how nice it was to see me again. I always had great dinner companions and the conversations were lively. We sometimes would follow up dinner with drinks or a visit to the casino together.

 

While I've always traveled in interior cabins (to cut down on cost more than anything else) it sounds terrific that you are planning for a balcony. Please do try a 7 day cruise closer to home first. Unless I miss my guess, you will become as addicted to cruising as the rest of us and there will be time for the longer cruises.

[Solo1959]

....I was once seated alone at a two top.....If you prefer traditional dining, ask for a 6 or 8 top.....

No to sound like a dummy, but, what is a "top" table? Also, what do you sit at if it is not a "top" table?

[PINEVIEW01]

Just a way of saying table size, how many people it holds, 2, 4, 6 or more.

I found I was treated better as a solo. They staff seemed to give me MORE attention.

 

Springer1 check your roll call for others. I know the a lot of people on the longer cruises met people to share the cabin cost but, are really "solo". I just got of a TA and have a friend that mets other single to share the cost but, they go there seperate ways on the cruise.

[keela1eva2]

I absolutely adore cruising on my own. I can suit myself about exactly what I want to do. This was after some years of taking and paying for a friend or relative to travel with me. I ended up being messed around and spent my time looking for them or trying to fit in with what they wanted.

The only person I would share with now is my Sister but she is not well enough to travel right now. I am off to the Med for an 11 night cruise on the Celebrity Century and yes the staff do treat you very well when travelling alone.

I have never been lonely made some good friends and also been invited to join others for drinks etc. QM2 has Gentleman Host who will dance with women travelling without partners and it is all very pleasant and above board so no need to worry

 

Just get out there do it and most of all enjoy.

 

Sue

[Go-Bucks!]

Just another word about the length of a first cruise . . . .

 

My parents (in their late 70's, but very active) have traveled all over the world several times a year for the past 40 yrs., but until last year they had never cruised. They finally decided to take a cruise with my sister and her husband. My sister planned it, but she had never cruised before either. Unfortunately, they didn't ask me for advice and went on a small, older ship for 2 weeks!! They all hated it!! They said they were bored and that most of the people were in wheelchairs with oxygen tanks! They were counting down the days until they could get home again.

 

I told them that their first mistake was to go for too long a time on a first cruise. A 5-7 day one would have been better. And they should have researched different cruise lines to get a feel for the general atmosphere. It may be too late, though - they don't even want to try another one. So, do your homework about the lines and don't go for more than 7 days at first.

 

I loved my first cruise so much that I didn't want to get off after the 7 days was up!! ;)