SOLO vs. SINGLE cruising - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Single Tammy · 08-21-2008, 12:35 PM

Often the distinction between solo and single traveler is that a solo traveler may not necessarily be single but travels alone.

So when you are searching for cruise or vacation options and you see singles, you may be sure that the trip is for unmarried guests. Solo will be a mixed group.

A good way to avoid paying more is to take a singles group cruise where the company offers roommate shares such as Singles Travel International.

Or, if you are comfortable traveling on your own, take advantage of last minute or low season prices, early January, September, October and early December for Caribbean. Best fares in Alaska are in May. Transatlantic crossings in April are super great values if you have the stomach and Europe is at a bargain in April and the end of October.

Hope that helps all of our single/solo cruisers.

bgstylist · 12-16-2008, 01:22 AM

I find out of necessity...I will be cruising solo on what has been dubbed "the most beautiful ship in the world" The Italian MSC Fantasia. I have traveled solo before and have no problem with doing things alone...my concern is this particular ship sounds soooo romantic, classy, etc. I assume most people will be couples...so how will I attend those fabulous functions ...like the formal dinner, etc.

hanna · 12-16-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgstylist

I find out of necessity...I will be cruising solo on what has been dubbed "the most beautiful ship in the world" The Italian MSC Fantasia. I have traveled solo before and have no problem with doing things alone...my concern is this particular ship sounds soooo romantic, classy, etc. I assume most people will be couples...so how will I attend those fabulous functions ...like the formal dinner, etc.

Go with your head held high and a smile on your face. How could you not enjoy then?

Tom-the-Cruiser · 12-20-2008, 11:07 AM

I have done both. My first cruise was on Carnival as a guarantee share. My room mate was great!! He came down from NJ with 3 women he worked with - had a blast.

I now mostly just pay the single supp. Carnival is one of the best (about 125%), followed by HAL (about 140%), then a distant 3rd is Princess (185%) and last is Celebrity (200%).

A rep from Princess told me that they normally will NOT upgrade singles.

Tom

lindaann · 12-20-2008, 01:04 PM

I travel solo almost all the time. I can do what I want, when I want. The downside of course is the price but I don't have to share the bathroom or closet. I'm never lonely, smile, be friendly and you won't lack for company. It's also a case of going solo or waiting until you can find somebody and you could wait a long time.

earl_m · 01-03-2009, 02:20 AM

I have cruise 4 times alone , all on Holland America. I paid about130%.
Its a good rate for the inside and outside staterooms.
A Balcony is 200%. I try their single share program where they charge you normal rate but they find you a partner of the same sex.
I have done that 3 times and it work out okay , no problem arise . we had a talk on the first day and set down the rules!!
On my third try No body show upand I had the room to my self for 14 days.
I got lucky. After that I always book a room alone. I love to be alone.

Tom-the-Cruiser · 01-17-2009, 01:31 PM

In case you have not seen the e-mails from Oceania Cruise Line - they have reduced the solo surcharge to only 25%, of course, only on selected cruises. I never have tried Oceania, but I have always wanted to - so if I can find a cruise that will work with my next vacation - Oceania, here I come.

Far Side · 03-22-2009, 11:17 PM

I have cruised five times as a solo traveler. I always look for a reduced solo single supplement or a reduced regular fare that will bring down the solo fare. If I don't find a good fare, I don't travel.

I have never been unhappy with solo traveling. There are always other solo cruisers, and usually the cruising pairs have no objection to including me in the group. I am never bored. Actually, without needing to double check with another person about where to go on a shore excursion or when to dine, or how long to be anywhere is a relief. It is freedom that I don't have at home. Its just selfish me.

(I don't think I could stand being stuck in a cabin with a stranger - I tend to wander about the cabin in my underwear, and come and go at odd times. Politeness would require consideration of the cabin-mate.)

JulShut · 03-23-2009, 05:26 AM

On my first cruise I had the best of both worlds. It was just me and my daughter ( she was 11 at the time) I signed her into the Kids Club, she met three friends & I barely saw her after that. I was able to do so much reading and relaxing it was great but it was only a four day cruise. She was always back in the cabin after me! I think I could handle a solo cruise but I'm a Gemini too - so maybe not

vlscruiser · 04-02-2009, 01:27 AM

Have probably cruised over 30 times as a solo and really enjoy it. Looking back over those cruises I was more out going in my earlier solo cruises then I am now. Not that I am not social it is just that I don't run to every active and having to keep busy all the time.