The TRUTH About the NCL Solo Cruisers Program
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2024
- Solo Cruise Vlog: Curious about the NCL solo cruiser program? In this video, we'll uncover the truth and whether it's the best option for solo travelers. Find out all you need to know before booking your next cruise!
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👍If you like this video or find it helpful for cruising alone, please LIKE and SHARE! Drop a note in the comments if you have any questions about solo cruising, gluten-free cruising, or cruising as an introvert. Also, let me know if there's a solo cruise travel topic you would like me to cover!
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Thanks for sharing. I really like the interviews and hearing others point of view ❤
Thank you so much, Lidashae! Yes, I think it's important to share many perspectives if I can. Not just my own. People relate to different people for different reasons!
Hi! As a frequent solo NCL cruiser, I can attest to there never having been any NCL-hosted Solo events in the Solo Studio Lounge. As it was explained to me, there are often Solo travelers onboard who are not in Solo cabins. Therefore, they would not have key card access to the Lounge. That’s why I was told they only schedule events in public areas. Love your channel! Please keep sailing NCL! ❤
That makes perfect sense, Tony! I did notice that you didn’t have to be in a solo cabin for the meet ups. And next time I sail NCL, I’m not likely to be in a solo cabin either.
Thank you so much, Tony! ❤️❤️❤️
Great videos, I enjoy your no frills easy to understand approach. You have boosted my courage to try a solo cruise w Princess this Fall. I am fine with being alone and managing by myself for most things, however the thought of dinner in a crowded restaurant at a table for one is not something I am looking forward to.
Thank you so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it. And I'm so glad to hear that you will try a solo cruise on Princess this Fall! I know you will enjoy the experience. And remember, unless you just prefer to sit at a table by yourself, you don't have to. I haven't sailed Princess yet, but usually if you have assigned dining, they may seat you with others (even other solos if others are sailing). Or you can ask to be seating at a "sharing" table. I do this every once in a while just to switch it up. I would love to hear about your experience!
That interview was the highlight for me 🎉 It was great hearing her perspective esp from a certain age group. Nice job grabbing her 👏🏽
Yes! 😊 I absolutely love hanging out with and chatting with Dr. Cassandra! Loved her perspective on NCL and on solo cruising. Things just lined up. This was her first time ever doing the meetups even though she sailed solo several times before!
@@SIGCruiser 👏🏽🥳
❤❤❤
Hello! 👋 This is my first time seeing one of your videos. I travel solo and just had my 7th cruise two weeks ago. I've never been on NCL, so I appreciate your video. 🤗 The interview with the Wisdom Principle solo lady was excellent!!! She expressed a great many of my feelings, too. Thanks, again!!! 💕
Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by!!! Yes, Dr. Cassandra Holifield was an awesome person and I loved her perspective on NCL. I think it's great to have many different perspectives outside of my own. Everybody's different and can relate to one perspective or another. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!!!
Im usually a solo traveler. Im going to take her advice and take my first solo cruise come 2025. Nt going to wait for others to enjoy life!
Yes! Please! Enjoy life! Vacationing with others is great. But don’t put it on hold waiting for others! You can have a great experience solo until they are ready! ❤️
NCL solo cruise often, every meetup before dinner has occurred in the Studio Lounge in my experience. We've always had single people come to the meetup but we just opened the door for them.
Aaaahhhh….ok. So maybe this is changing now. Because all of our meetups were outside the Studio Lounge. Or maybe each ship does it differently. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for this video!
I have been on 5 cruises all solo. I’ve been on Holland, Royal and Celebrity. I’m kinda an introvert so I do not go out of my way to meet people but I did try a little bit on my last cruise on the celebrity edge. I went to the first solo meet up and no one else even walked in to take a peek. I had a nice time chatting with the bartender and the waiter.
I’m looking to try Princess and NCL in the future. I think the solo balconies and solo oceanview cabins are a big draw to trying NCL, I can’t wait to try them out. I think I would be too cramped in the studio cabins.
I totally agree with the good Dr. do not hesitate or be scared to live your life and travel if you want to. Life is too short to wait around, just do some research (RUclips videos especially this channel have great info) and get out there!
LOVE your approach on cruising different cruise lines right out of the gate! That is awesome! Yes, unfortunately there can be few to no solos at the meetups on other lines or unhosted meetups. But it doesn't sound like that made your cruise anyway and that's a good thing. Yes! Gotta live. Travel! Thank you so much for the feedback. I hope to add value and help those who need info on solo cruising to take that first step. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I did my first solo cruise on NCL and loved it. The meet ups with other solo cruisers had the right type of flexibility for me. Particularly on a long cruise.
Oh yes! I can definitely see this being beneficial on long cruises! Just having people to connect with in passing on a long cruise would be great to me. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I loved this! I'm so glad I came across your channel. I'm going on my first solo cruise early next year. I have gone back and forth about the decision, but I definitely think I made the right choice.
Yay! I’m so glad excited that you chose to click on my video. And I’m so excited to hear about your first solo cruise! Yes I think you made a great decision and I know you will enjoy the experience no matter what line you’re on! Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! ❤️❤️❤️
It was a joy meeting you on this cruise! Every time I watch your videos so much resonates with me as I’m an ambivert. I personally think NCL has a pretty good solo traveler program, but I think a lot of that had to do with the amazing group of solo travelers on our sailing. Right now, NCL is not at the top of my list like Dr. Cassandra (who I would chat with at the Thermal Spa 😂), but I’ll give it one more shot to see if they can change mind. Thanks for sharing all your great content! It’s so informative!
Yes! I don’t know if it’s always like that but we had an amazing group of solos. I hate that I didn’t get a chance to get your thoughts before we left. I thought you were sold on NCL. I agree. I want to try another NCL ship. Maybe a newer ship. It was so great meeting you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
This solo cruising looks like fun! That’s so awesome meeting other solo cruise (friends)
It’s really great, Antoinette!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Great video!!! Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Bee! ❤️❤️❤️
Another fabulous vlog!
Thank you so much!
This is a great vlog! Thank you!
Thank you so much and thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️❤️❤️
Oh, this was a lovely video. My first cruise will be on Princess, and I'm hoping they have something for solo cruisers. But I will defitry NCL if I find I like cruising. Just testing the waters right now.
And that's the right thing to do...test the waters and try different ships. Don't get stuck on one. They all offer similar things and have a few differences. To me, one is not better than the other. It's what experience you want to have. I'm doing my first Princess cruise later this year and I've heard they don't have a solo cruiser program but that they are good for solo cruisers. I will find out what that means and will definitely share what I find!
Happy Monday! Beautiful interview I enjoyed the conversation. Sweet and to the point! Keep smiling and enjoying life!🚢Thanks for sharing!🚢❤️
So glad you enjoyed it, Shopper! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Loved the interview at the end. Very insightful.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Angela! So glad you enjoyed it!
My cabin was right by the Solo lounge. I never seen any organized events. Me and some others went in and played UNO. It was pretty boring but convenient to my cabin.
I saw a group in there playing cards too on my sailing. But didn't see anything else happening in there. Yes, that's the one benefit I see for the studio cabins...they close proximity to the lounge. That had to have been in really great in the morning for coffee (if you're a coffee drinker)! LOL
I sailed solo to Alaska with NCL and our events were in the solo lounge. They moved the furniture around and chairs in a big circle. Our lounge looked a bit more open than yours so that could be why. As for the lounge... I loved it. It was so mice to have somewhere to go in the AM that was quiet and I could just grab a light breakfast and coffee. I utilized it a lot. Ours also had a couple board games and cards we could use.
Thanks for sharing that! So perhaps it depends on the ship or sailing or something. But I agree...it was a nice place to grab a snack and a bit of peace and quiet! I saw people playing games on one of my visit. It was probably a game that was in the lounge. I didn't realize it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The interviews!! So sweet I love it
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching a commenting. I really appreciate it!
Great interview! Loved the Dr's message! Don't wait on others, just do it! ❤❤
Yes! And she lives her message! And I agree with her! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Thanks Ms Cheryl! I totally get the ability to be alone without being alone. I enjoy my own company and I have no problems striking up conversations with others nor politely excusing myself from such a conversation. Sometimes I can get quite over stimulated around groups of people. So, although I don't cruise as much as I want to and definitely not solo, I will take "me dates" at home. Like going out for a lunch at my favorite restaurant, or hanging out at my favorite bookstore or coffee shop. I also enjoy just getting out and walking around my city and visiting out of the way antique shops and boutiques. It does a body good to spend sometime away from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life... but most definitely if going on vacation to retreat from everything... enjoy yourself. Thanks so much for sharing and for the interviews. Everyone was so good at opening up and sharing with you. Stay Blessed. 🛳🙂🌼
Yes, see you're like me! You're comfortable being in your own company! And yes, I think little trips alone in your own home town is a great way for people to get a feel for going solo. I remember it being weird when I was younger. But I traveled a lot for business so either I had to get used to it or always eat in my hotel room. LOL So glad you enjoyed the vlog and the interviews! Thank you so much for watching, commenting, and supporting!
Great interview!!!
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching and commenting!
Great video!
Thank you so much! And thank you for watching and commenting!
Yay! I’m taking the Epic solo around the med this summer!!! Thank you for checking out the meetup for us..something I wouldn’t usually do 😂😅
Right! That's probably my one and only time for the solo meetup! LOL But I wanted to check it out to share it with everyone!
Once again excellent vlog. I am sold! I'm about to go online and check out itineraries for 25-26.
Thank you so much, Miss Penny! I REALLY appreciate the feedback. And that's so great to hear. Yes, I highly recommend their solo cruiser program. It was the best that I've experienced. I hope you find something that works for you. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
this is so great. I need to try this solo cruiser life again! I enjoyed the Breakaway. Would definitely be looking into more
Yes! I think you're due for a solo cruise! LOL
I love the food on NCL. You guys looked like you had a great meal. I was in the solo cabin on the NCL Epic back in 2015. I didn’t do much in the studio lounge other than grabbing a bite to eat, but others did play card games in there. I do recall that they had a happy hour session in the studio lounge with their own bartender. I’m not a big drinker. This cruise was RT out of Barcelona. I enjoy your content.
The meal was good! Mine wasn't exactly what it was supposed to be but it was still good! Ahhhh...it sounds like use on the solo lounge depends on the ship/sailing. Thank you so much for the feedback and thank you so much for watching and commenting! I really appreciate it!
Great vlog Sig. I would love that lounge all to myself. And agreed. The solo program is to get acquainted for occasional togetherness not someone stuck like glue. That was a most adorable interview with the solo gal. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Cydney! And I agree! Now on a ship, I don't tend to like indoor spaces without windows. But I definitely could hang out there 30 minutes at a time for coffee or wine! It was a nice space. So glad you liked the interview with Cassandra. So glad I met her. That was a treat!
I am looking forward to doing NCL more. Can't wait to try the solo cabins.
Yay! And I still want to try one of the studio cabins one day. I hope you do it soon! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Great interview. Enjoyed the information. I got 2 solo cruises with ncl
Thank you so much for the feedback, Renee! And I hope you enjoy your experience on the NCL ships you're sailing on. Regardless, everyone needs to experience ships for themselves because we all like different things and experiences. And regardless, being on a solo cruise ALWAYS beats being at home and at work! LOL
Pls describe your experience on NCL. Thx
@@daisy4323 Feel free to check out my boarding day vlog where I share my first day's experience (next NCL experience vlog will be out on Sunday): ruclips.net/video/JfdfEatx_xY/видео.html
Thanks for the information. I am not a solo cruiser, but I am gluten free. Thanks
Thank you so much for stopping by! I'm getting a few commenters who are also gluten free. I'm going to start making separate vlogs about my gluten free options and experiences on the ships! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
@@SIGCruiser Always thought "Traveling gluten free" would be a good channel name.
That DOES sound like a great channel name!
Great video. I was very hesitant about trying NCL in March because of all the nickel and diming but enjoyed my solo studio, lounge and solo events on the Viva. We met daily at 6pm and had a standing dinner reservation in the Commodore room and could go to events with the group if you wanted to. I only went to the lounge for water, coffee and cocktails on tap. I did do my own thing most of the time but was hood to have the group option. I stll talk with one person from our group.
It’s great to make a long-term connection on the ships! And yes, note that whole nickel and dimming thing for affect my overall cruiser and that’s upcoming. But I’m keeping that separate from the solo cruiser program. 🤣
I cruised on Breakaway and never saw any events. Disappointing experience with the lack of events and in the cabin in general. Never again…..even the crew cabin had a refrigerator, why not the solo cabins??
Wow! I’m sorry to hear that. I do think they have a great program for a certain type of solo cruiser. But I agree that the solo cabin offerings are disappointing. Hate to hear that it was a deal breaker for you. NCL’s loss.
Wow, NCL was never on my radar, but the solo program has definitely peaked my interest 🤔
Definitely a great program! A great way to meet other solo cruisers! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I cruised September 2023 on a Northern European and Iceland 16 nights ( NCL Getaway) cruise and about six weeks before sailing they dropped the price so much the solo cruisers I met got balconies and ocean views cheaper than solo cabins with the lounge. People that had balconies were moving up to the Haven. They also filled the ship with last minute casino perk people. I don’t think this happens often. The ship was so crowded that we didn’t enjoy the ship.
Oh wow! Sounds like those were some great deals to be had...but yeah, I can see where it would not be enjoyable if the ship was over croweded! Sounds like a great itinerary though! I hope you enjoyed your port stops.
@@SIGCruiser , I loved the ports which NCL does a good job with itineraries but unfortunately I have a long list of why I will not cruise with them again. I enjoy watching your cruises and opinion.
In sharing my experience, I'm seeing others feel the same way. I have never had this many responses on not liking a cruise line. I wasn't expecting this when sharing my experience and I'm like, whoa!
@@SIGCruiser , But there are people that love NCL and I wouldn’t bash anyone if they love it. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
I scheduled my first solo cruise on breakaway in 2026. I just want the solo area to get away from families for a bit. I will also be giving virgin a go, but they are pretty pricey.
Now that's a great plan! Using the solo space as a getaway when you're traveling with others. Yes, the studio lounge will make for a relaxing getaway for sure. I'm going back on Virgin too. Don't forget to consider the included wifi and gratuities in the price when you add these in on other cruises (if you purchase wifi). Also if you usually purchase specialty dining or fitness classes. Now if you usually don't purchase these items, yes, it's definitely a bit pricier that the others. But I will say it's a great experience.
@@SIGCruiser The included gratuities is a big thing for me with virgin, also the price is per cabin instead of passenger. Big bonuses in my book.
@@mattiemathis9549 I do agree with that! Price per cabin gives the solo cruiser a fair comparison.❤️
I'm headed on a solo NCL cruise in a few weeks. I'm very excited. You mention get-togethers. How does one go about finding out about these?
Yay, Jennifer! How exciting! Have you already joined the sailing group for your cruise on Facebook, Cruise Critic, or Shipmate? I usually do the Facebook group and they may have meet and greets set up for the first day. For NCL, check the app or daily planner for the solo cruiser meet up on the first day when you get on the ship!
Hi Sig
Hey George!
Hi SIG,
Quick question, looks like a nice mix of people, but I’m an older Gay male if noticed would you say the group on that cruise any folks LGBTQ? Not a major issue to me, just don’t know how comfortable would be as the only one.
Looks like it was a welcoming group , regardless.
Glad I found your vlog.
Geo
George they have daily LGBTQ meet ups listed. Unfortunately (to me) they are self-led and not hosted. From my experience with the solo meetups, those don't go very well. Maybe it's different for the LGBTQ meet ups though. They had them at various bars. I would say try it! And I do think they would attend the solo meetup too if solo. It was a VERY welcoming group. I think everyone would be comfortable and be able to find someone to connect with!
NCL Défi has the best Solo program!
I have to agree with you on that point. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I’m not interested in the Solo program to go to meet ups. Just looking for other solo cruisers for the dining portion in MDR’s (less awkward and not limiting myself to the buffets!)
Yes, you don't have to attend the meetups. I met solos in the solo lounge who didn't go to ANY of the meetups! But I'm the same way. I'm not a meetup person either.
Hi! Have you made a video on tips to keeping your personal belongings safe while solo cruising? If you’re in the pool on the ship, do you leave your phone and everything in your cabin? Also, when you’re on the beach at a port, what do you do with your phone and beach bag? My first cruise (solo at that) is coming up in December and I’m stressing out about these the most lol
I actually show that when I go to Great Stirrups Cay in THIS series! I will edit and post the vlog soon so stay tuned!
I have sail NCL as a solo matter of fact just this past Dec on the Breakaway but NOT in a solo room and have always planned to do the solo meetup, really on n e cruiseline, putting events on my notification list but always 🐔 out at the last minute thinking people probably wont show, not b so friendly,.....etc i ALWAYS talk myself out of it. So im glad u r doing a video on this very topic so that hopefully i will find the courage to jump right on in. Now back to the video. But i thought u were a introvert?
Oh yes, you have to try it at least once! At least go on the first day. Decide ten if you want to go back. But yes! I AM an introvert. I did this for the vlog! LOL But honestly, I've been solo cruising since 2016. The more you do shared dining and meet others on the ship, the easier it is to socialize with others. I still might not initiate conversation but I feel more comfortable talking now...lol
What deck is the solo cabins?
Depends on the ship.
Agreed, Tony! On the Breakaway, they were located throughout and depending on the type of cabin.
Msc was absolutely the worst. Ncl is the best for us solos.
When I sailed MSC, their solo meetup was just a sign. It was unhosted. You couldn't tell if people were at the bar for a solo meetup or not. NCL is definitely best for solo cruisers. I agree! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!