I’ve cruised Solo several times and I don’t feel uncomfortable dining by myself at a table. I absolutely enjoyed not sharing a cabin . It’s the ultimate liberating freedom to do as i please when i choose to travel Solo. The irony is that other travelers try to “rescue” you by attaching themselves. I planned my Solo vacation, i don’t need you to “ rescue” me. 😊😊
That is the thing that worries me about being on a cruise, the monophobes who assume that I suffer from their condition! I meet so many of them in my At Home life and it is a worry! I hate to be rude, especially when someone is trying to be kind however misguidedly, but . . . I like my space and my privacy!
My next cruise will be solo for sure; had a nightmare trip as I had invited another widow to join me. Boy what an entitled person. She expected all kinds of special treatment (by me and others) I look forward to a room where I can really sleep!
Many years ago... I shared a cabin with a stranger on a line voyage to Hong Kong. He asked me if I was afraid he might be a serial killer. I told him the chances of two serial killers sharing the same cabin was extremely remote. WFH
One of my favorite things about solo cruising on a big ship is the anonymity. I also like how I can always find a seat somewhere I want to be, even when it's crowded.
I have my first solo cruise booked for 2022. I don't want a cabin-mate, a romantic hook-up, or even new found friends, but I do like to share experiences such as excursions with people and I think that's more of the natural thing to do. I look forward to having conversations with people who share interests and adventures with me but, other than that, I will be fine solo.
I am a solo traveler and simply accept the fact that I need to pay more and am willing to so I can enjoy myself fully. Personally, I don't think Solo Cabins look enjoyable, the minimum space a person needs is 200 sqft, anything less is what I would consider prison-like. What I prefer to do is to look for a blow out deals, such as last-minute specials and keep an eye on price drops, take lots of work but it has worked on my first 2 cruises so far. Other things are to buy shares in cruise lines for online credit, you are going to get a nice bit of money to spend onboard. Watching Tips for travelers has given me some real insight. Yes, Smaller and older ships are cheaper rather than the latest. You can watch all the video's you want, but the real meat of the action is when you apply these tips in real life, and create your own from observation and experience since everyone's experience is different. Great video Gary. 🙏🏼
I agree,that's what I do too. While Princess doesn't have solo cabins, as a solo traveler I get the best deals from them. I also get deals from HA. Also, drop a $100 on board for a future cruise and get on board credit for that future cruise. Spending a bit in the casino and/or on board(Shops or duty free) will get you future discounted fares too. Just completed a 28 day South American cruise with HA on the Amsterdam(a smaller ship) and I had a blast. Gary is correct, the smaller ship are way better for meeting and talking to new people! Some of the luxury lines offer no up charge for solo's ( Cunard, Silversea) but they are way more than the regular lines to begin with.
My love of traveling solo is also anonymity. I don't travel alone to "make friends" or engage in boring lectures from strangers. I can think of nothing worse than sharing a cabin with a stranger. LMAO!!!!
Yup. I have more interesting encounters with random people than if I'm with a group. I do like going on holiday with other people, and I was married (now widowed), so sharing places I love with my husband was just amazing fun and it's heartbreaking how soon it was cut short. But I hope the events, pairing up etc are not mandatory, as quite often I enjoy sitting in the lounge with a large drink and my knitting or cross-stitch and just relaxing. On our last trip, with hubby getting tired quickly from the cancer that killed him, I had a bit of freedom (he was so magnetic a person we always stuck together!) and it was interesting to see what it would be like to go on a cruise on my own. It is devastating that we'll never share another cruise but I love the concept and want to do another one as soon as I can. I haven't been on a cruise yet since my husband died, but am anxious to get to go to different places and sample a few different lines or routes that my cruising friends are less keen on. A round-Britain trip or a cruise up the coast of the Netherlands and Germany into Hamburg is more interesting than e.g. the Canaries or the Med. I'm a cold weather girl rather than a sun-chaser, so I'm seriously thinking of a solo trip.
@Truth Cruisers who cruise solo often look for a roommate because it's cheaper. Cruise lines charge full price for the cabin to solo cruisers, so you basically pay double for a cabin to yourself. Some people try to find a friend or relative to share a cabin, or some travel agencies and/or websites will try to match someone cruising at the same time on the same ship.
The few times that I have wanted to travel so much and can't find others to travel with... I have ended up paying for them to travel with me (in a sense gifting travel to another because I haven't wanted to waste an empty fare), but then resenting the fact that I'm paying for another. I don't know. I think I'm just going to have to accept that I'm either not going to travel (which, let's be serious, I love travel too much to never do it again) or somehow get myself to travel alone and absorb whatever cost that is.
I respectfully would like to offer a counter argument to taking anytime dining. I have found that, when I cruise solo on short trips (7 days or less), taking a chance on fixed dining at the same table can lead to a nice "end of day anchor" with a familiar group of people. It doesn't always work out of course but when it does, that nightly familiar company is nice to have even if all you do is share dinner with your table mates. If it doesn't work out, you can always change table or move to anytime.
I've been on 3 cruises and I know I'm no expert, but I DO love my solo cabin space! No way I'll share with strangers, even my friends like getting their own cabin for personal space! And yes, I prefer the bigger ships, more things to do and a better way to just blend in....
The more I go along, the less I trust people. I love travel and am realizing that if I want to travel in the future, I'm going to have to do it solo. In the past, if I've gone solo, I've traveled trying to avoid talking to people so that they would not know that I am by myself. An older woman traveling by herself, I feel, would be possibly looked at as a target. The idea of announcing myself as a solo traveler? That's beginning to scare the crap out of me.
Really helpful information. Newly widowed, solo travel is new to me, but I wish to do as many cruises as I can, to various places, without paying more than I have to. Thank you for the tips.
If you live in the United States check-out NCL getaway breakaway and NCL epic they offer a single rate I've done all three ships and I found it very economical
@@danpinzone8226 Thank you for that. Unfortunately don’t live in the States. I’m an Australian 🇦🇺 Covid has put a dampener on any cruises atm Travelling from my iPad looking at all the emails from cruise lines that I get forwarded to me, I live in hope? Stay safe 😊
Solo cabins make it easier than single occupancy rates. As a young, introverted widow this is really important. My mum wants me to take her on a cruise but I'd go crazy with her in the same room for a week.
Before you take a longer vacation with anyone, take a weekend trip first. You may be surprised when your best friend is not very good to travel with! That is all i am saying here! Love the Tips For travelers site!
@@phyllispetras2181 Wise advice Phyllis, sorry to hear your travels have been curtailed,. However, Covid lockdown sadly has made many of us armchair travellers through default. I live vicariously through my iPad, cruise emails, RUclips vids others have posted of places I wish to go, and geographical documentaries. One day I hope 🤞 Stay safe. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
So true! I once took a girlfriend on a trip. I looked at it as just a girls trip between friends. She looked at it as going on The Love Boat looking for a different hookup each day. Where I wanted to go to shows, games, and lounges to enjoy the company and events together.. she kept trying to meet men, getting aggravated when she didn't, and then retiring to the cabin early to grumble while watching a movie before bed. I can't tell you how aggravating it was. On our flight home, she talked about how wonderful it's going to be the next time. And all I could do is roll my eyes and think there will never, ever be a next time!
@@mckenna8663 I feel your pain. I have a girlfriend who I can travel with, but there is also another friend who would be a twin of the one you did your cruise with. It has often been suggested, meanwhile I’m thinking not a chance in hell 👿I would end up being her handbag. On one short 3day cruise to nowhere, my friend that I do cruise with, we met two ladies who each had an apartment on the same floor in a Sydney complex. They were trying out the 3 day cruise as a trial to see if they could manage okay together, before they did a bigger one, which I thought was a great idea. Best to find out before you spend the big money 🤔👍
I travel alone. I don't want to "meet up" with others, just enjoy the sights and relax (alone). l have found great little tricks to find alone space, even on crowded ships, for relaxing -- and I don't mean in my cabin, either.
Twice I found cabin mates on Cruisemates. It worked out well both times. We got along well enough and had no problem sharing the cabin space/bathroom time, etc. On another note, I do like the smaller ships to get to know people, and by traveling solo, I can also go back to my cabin when I get overwhelmed by the interactions.
I always have a cabin to myself, not even share with a friend. It might be cheaper to share but I don’t care. I have had very bad experiences, even with friends on holidays. Then there is snoring and sharing the bathroom, not to mention general privacy. Also being alone means that you can talk to whom ever you please for as long or little as you want. The only thing is not being able to share experiences. However I have overcome that by going with a couple in a relationship, but once on board there is no obligation to be together. They have each other and can do their thing and I can do mine. Yet when it comes to dining, excursions or shows we can meet up and enjoy the time together. It has worked very well for me twice now where as other times it has been disastrous in a group or even with just one other. I am alway acutely aware of the other and their needs or desires and not wanting to impose my own on them make the whole thing most unenjoyable.
I have traveled alone several times.. and I love it - until the moment I hate it. And when that moment comes, I want the trip to end immediately. If it's between traveling alone and never traveling again, I'll take traveling alone. And I enjoy it. But as I say, there comes that time when I want to turn to someone and share either the joy or a snarky rolled eye ... And that's when it really hits me hard that I'm by myself. To me, that gets depressing... and I want to get back to my regular life immediately. The last time that happened, I was in Vegas. A town that I loved.. until that moment happened, and I've never wanted to go there again. Actually, that was the last time I chose to travel solo at all.
I’m impressed that Saga has so many solo cabins. I always travel in a cabin alone and hate paying double And I love my veranda! Great tip about companies that are experts in solo traveling. Thank you
Going on my second solo cruise in January on Holland America. I just book a guaranteed cabin (I’ve never gotten a bad one) and they usually offer a modest discount (usually 12.5%). Price ends up being reasonable and you get a room meant for two.
As a solo traveller I tend to book very early, usually upto 2 years ahead. My last cruise in October was on the P&O Aurora in the cheapest inside cabin. I paid £1598 for 14 nights to the Canary Islands and that is the cheapest cruise that I have ever done per night. At £117 per night it was superb value. In December 2018 I booked for the Marella Explorer for 2 weeks to the Aegean and Adriatic including flights and the premium all inclusive package. £2700 sounds a lot, but that is all inclusive and the solo premium was only about 35%. I have booked a 1 week cruise with Princess in November 2021. Unfortunately whilst I really like Princess they do not really court the solo traveller. There price is 100% premium but they do offer a captains circle discount which for this cruise will be £130 which is about 7.5%. It does include a further $200 OBC for this cruise, but still not the best value. I reckon that a princess cruise costs a solo traveller about £500 per week over and above a similar P&O. One more thing about P&O, the solo cabins are not always the cheapest. I have found that you can get a standard inside cheaper most of the time, worth comparing prices of cabins and lines! I now use a spreadsheet and include Headline price, Tips, estimated spend aboard, cost to and from ship (fuel, parking, refreshments). The headline price can sometimes look higher, but if drink, tips & flights are included such as the Marella cruise then it can really make a difference to the overall price. Do your homework and you can save a lot!
When I looked into solo cruising they even charged double port fees, which adds a LOT to the cost of your cruise. I am not about to share a cabin with a stranger... it's not even safe.
I once travelled with my mother and sister on Royal Caribbean. It was good. After that, I travelled by myself on P&O and Fred Olsen cruises. Totally enjoyed the latter.
Do you have a routine when you get onboard? Like what do you like to do, what do you check out early? Do you make spa appointments and can you do that prior to boarding?
Great tips, as always, Gary. Just back from my last cruise for 2019. Always do the CruiseCritic roll call. In fact, this past summer on HAL, I met several people and became fast friends. We did excursions and dining together. Turns out one lives only 4 hours away! She taught me about of use of the Hop on, Hop off buses in our ports. Best thing ever! Someday I do want to try the more luxury, small ships.
Never been on a cruise before, but seriously thinking about it, probably around 2022. Will definitely be traveling solo. Or videos are a wealth of knowledge, so thanks
The thing about sharing with a stranger isn't so much about what weirdo I'd get as it is what sort of sane person would want to bunk with a weirdo like me. ;-)
I've done river cruising a couple of times as a solo traveller and always travel with Avalon and have been able to take advantage of their no single supplement special deals which apply to all cabin types but there is generally a limited number on each cruise.
For me, the problem with 'solo' and 'singles' ANYthing (not just cruises) is that they don't realise that some of the people there prefer to BE single. "Oooh, go on a singles cruise, you might meet someone." I only want to meet people who want to remain single.
just be polite like conversation if things start getting a little bit strange to say it was nice talkin to you I'll see you around they'll figure it out and I'll leave you alone
Best to understand the difference between Solo travel and Singles travel. Solo is people who want to travel by themselves, maybe with other like-minded people. Singles is single people who are interested in making connections. Even in Singles cruises, you can certainly make, um, connections with people, but you are really unlikely to make long-term, um, connections. It's more like you end up as a cruise couple, but then you go home.... still single, just with new fun long-distance friends and fun memories. If you are young and looking for new ways to find a potential life--partner, I would not recommend this route. If you are older, maybe a bit jaded, and not interested in a life partner, but instead a (grown-up) fun holiday, then I highly recommend Vacations To Go or Singles Cruise.
Exactly! Even Church events. Why is everything aimed at your final goal is to hook up? I don't want to go to things just for ladies in order to not feel as if there is a goal or an ulterior motive. I've gone to some singles events with others who are dead focused on finding a mate (even if just for the evening) and it ends up being like The Hunger Games. Women are against women because they see each other as a competition, men are against the men, and the people are only interested in talking to folks that they have known for a long time and have checked off their list in one way or another or that they want to hook up with. What fun is that? As a solo female interested only in talking and getting to know people on a friendly basis, I have found that opportunities, and especially with travel, are very limited.
I like traveling alone on a cruise. Not a big deal. People do talk to you. One ship all they talked about their homes and I don’t think I had a thing in common. But I might go this year again. I don’t mind except I have to pay double except for a few cruises. My next trip is another cruise to Alaska and I don’t care to meet anyone. I am on board watching the scenery.
Thank you...I just found you and subscribed! This is my 6th video of yours to watch this evening. I started cruising in 1983 at age 22. I have really seen many changes. I'm Platinum on Norwegian and Holland America. I have recently booked on Oceania and decided to only g on that level. I enjoyed those informative videos. I was told Oceania had at least 10% solo travelers. I now cruise solo. I would never share a room with a stranger. I took a friend/girl once omg she snored like a freight train. I have never gone into the single thing where everyone meets at first. I feel more comfortable with that on a line such as Oceania. I now will be checking out Saga and the NCL solo section is pretty interesting as well. Thanks again!
TYVM! This is the cruise topic I am most interested in. BTW, I stayed in a NCL single room on the Bliss. It was fine and hopefully, solo-friendly is the trend. OTOH, I think people give NCL too much credit regarding pricing. E.g., I just checked on Bliss 5/17 AK cruise a single room is 99 sq ft and costs $1,693. An inside room is 135 to 201 sq. ft. and even with 100% SSI costs $1,720 total. I.e., staying in the smaller solo cabin saves you $27 versus paying the two people price in an inside cabin (later in the season the difference is closer to 10%) I like the idea of catering to solo travelers but in my experience, the NCL solo cabins are not quite the cost savings that I originally assumed. YMMV
@@jamese9283 not everybody is dangerous but not everybody is good either, but from a womans perspective I don't want to sleep next to a stranger in a room.
@@jamese9283 thats your perspective as a man and I respect it, I work in a cruise line for a year and I see way to many F@€ up things to be blind about safety. Have a good night.
Out of the 35 that I've taken I've shared a room five times and let me tell you it was totally totally cool no problem whatsoever and it's saved me about 1500
I was very excited when NCL announced their ‘special’ solo cabins. The biggest problem is they are all inside cabins. Even travelling solo I always choose a balcony because I like the fresh air and views. Sadly, the solo cabins are like broom cupboards which is why they have the ‘open areas’. No thanks.
How early do you have to sign up or plan if you want a solo cabin? I've looked at the solo cabins, and I like them. But I really don't want to have to schedule a year and a half to two years in advance (that's my concern).
Thank you this was very helpful. I am with you I don't like to share a room with someone I don't know. You always do such a great job . Merry Christmas., and keep up the great work
I just got off the Royal Princess yesterday and I met a lady who told me all about how she booked a solo cabin for a really great price. She said they gave her a solo price and didn’t charge her for two people, just herself. Maybe it’s something brand new they have just started?
I wish I could talk to that lady. I have always paid 200% for my princess cabin when travelling alone! Wish I knew here secret 🤔 Princess has a few organized solo events but they don't encourage solos to travel on their ships.
Interesting. The Royal is my "go-to" favorite ship and I've never heard of anything like that with Princess! Not trying to doubt her word, but I wonder if she just got a good price closer to sailing and thought it was a solo deal. I work with 2 different TA's and I would've thought they would know about this if it was happening now. Well, we can hope. 😀
Hi Diane. I sailed with Princess on a 32 day repositioning cruise and had to pay double the fare to cruise solo. I just booked with RCCL and am cruising solo and paid the single fare for an inside virtual balcony. I booked through the RCCL website and I got a deal which was only available for one day online. I contacted RCCL by phone to verify the booking and all is ok. Just lucky I guess.
As a solo, I too prefer the smaller ships. I can get an inside cabin, meant for 2, for less money on the NCL Pearl than a solo cabin on the larger ship. I also agree that it is easy to meet and hang out with the same people I see over and over again.
Even friends, unless you know their sleeping habits, etc. I always recommend getting your own cabin, I don't share with anyone but my husband. This video was good for me, sometimes he can't travel due to his job and I have often wondered "COULD" I do a cruise alone.
You promised me this and I am not disappointed. Thank you so much for this thorough review! However, like you, I will never share as I was an only child and a dyed in the wool solo cruiser!
I enjoyed my solo cruise and found the staff were wonderful and as someone told me, it is good to be positive about the experience. Wandered about the ship, booked excursions, live shows and dinners before I went on the cruise. I also took books to read and made use of Room Service.Can hardly wait to go on my next cruise.
Carol Edwards ya I have a positive attitude about it. We also have over 400 people in our Facebook roll call. So they have a ton of events and such going on that I can join. I’m also just excited to have some alone time. My last cruise I went with 15 friends. It was fun but exhausting having to always check in and do things as a group.
I did a 49 day Repositioning Cruise Solo on the Royal Princess and had a fabulous time. The only people I knew, a few I contacted by phone, were the ones I interacted with on the Roll Call on Cruise Critic. I interacted with other singles and married couples. As a certified group exercise instructor I arranged with the CD after an introduction to teach chair aerobics (Not your Grand Ma's chair aerobics) I wasn't on the hunt looking for a hookup so relationship status didn't impact me although it did freak some others out 😁
@@mckenna8663 cruise critic (cruisecritic.com) is like Facebook for cruising. Sign up and find your booked cruise and engage. Or you can check out, all the different threads, some fun some not so fun. Just like life there are good folks, bad folks, clingy folks, some Ken and Karen's. Out of about 300, a large group, I'm friends currently with three.
Keep in mind that most US based cruise lines especially those sailing out of US ports require you to be 21 or older to travel on your own. However, some luxury US based cruise lines such as Regent seven seas and Oceania cruises let you cruise alone at 18. Also most non US based cruise lines let you cruise alone at 18. Usually alcohol is the main reason for having to be 21 to cruise alone but there may be others.
Didn't even realize traveling by myself was different. I don't want a bunch of amenities on board the boat, I'm just wanting to get to the UK without to much bother and without hearing any screaming. No floating amusement parks. Thanks for the info.
Have you ever organized a group cruise? You've shown us some magnificent cruises, especially, in my opinion, the European river cruises, and it would be awesome for your subscribers to travel with you.
LOL, I bet Gary's head is swimming over this! Did you note he isn't much of a mixer during cruises? I could imagine how he'd respond to dragging us all around for a WHOLE cruise. ;)
I have thought about it but talking to others who have organised them can be quite a lot of pitfalls. However, it is always great when people who follow the channel are on cruises I am on by chance so as first step was thinking of letting subscribers know in advance which cruises I’ve got lined up and arrange some meet ups and meals together on those as a start! I know already into early 2021 what I am doing so lots of time. Though will think more about something more formal too!
@@tipsfortravellers I actually think that would be a better idea for you. I could see a pitfall being that if you scheduled a group to go on a trip you planned that you might also be taking responsibility for their pleasure and experience on the cruise. That's a big burden to be responsible for.. and if I were in your position that would really turn me off from being the Creator of a group Cruise. Better to say, "I happen to be going. If you happen to be there and we happen to meet, there might be a few activities that we happen to enjoy at the same time."
Some great tips here, especially about getting to know the entertainment team. I've had a couple of solo trips with Marella and had great fun. Most people were very friendly & quite happy to chat and swap ideas about excursions and visits. Would agree that it's best to avoid the peak season if your schedule allows.
When booking on Vavcations-to-go I booked the cheapest cruise inside cabin and the girl who was helping me said I would have to pay the cruise fee for another person but would not be charged the port fees since when I boarded I said ( my daughter) wasn't able to come. So for $619.00x2 I did a 13 day cruise. I have a feeling these new rooms for singles will be smaller and that isn't convenient.
Great tips, thanks Gary. I love to cruise solo and really enjoy having the choice about when I am and I’m not social. I don’t do the drinks packages or the fine dining restaurants so am happy to spend a bit more on a cabin.
This is the second review I've seen on solo on Norwegian. Seems like they have used interior space to segregate solos. The windowless coffee/meet up area is not inviting in the photos.
I went on NCL's Escape in October and booked a Solo cabin. I found that the room was quite adequate and the Solo lounge was quiet, had plenty of free beverages & snacks, & was nicely decorated.
@@MissLins123 Good to hear from someone that has been on the cruise, instead of all those bashing the setup from afar. Thanks for the input and sounds like a ship I would enjoy.
I wish I've seen your video before I signed up for Princes Cruise to Alaska. I will be travelling solo and I'm paying for cabin for two people. Talked also to AAA asking for solo travelers arrangements and they could not help me. But that is my very first cruise so for next cruises I will be smarter, thanks to your video.
Hi Gary: It's me again. Please do a video on those inside cabins with those virtual windows and do these cabins absolutely make you feel less claustrophobic?
I did an Alaska cruise solo on Celebrity Solstice. Had a lovely time. Met a nice Canadian lady and her man friend. They would call to me to sit by them to see the shows if they saw me and met up with them for a drink. I love eating solo too! I then did the leg home on QM2 from New York- Southampton. I had a solo cabin which I thought was amazing. It had 2 big round windows that you could literally sit in! I do another cruise solo in the future.
There is another option. Cruise loyalty, although I am not sure how reliable that is. Yet I do recall RCL passing the their heavily discounted second cruiser rate to lone cruisers. I am not sure if that is temporary though because I haven't looked for in years.
First time here , just Subscribe . I am very happy for this information, I Am single and wanted to travel, but I am afraid to go by myself. But now with this information I will feel more safe to do so now, thanks ❤
I'm married, and my husband I love to travel together, but I also love travelling by myself. I am thinking of taking a solo cruise in a few years - Cunard transatlantic. :)
Really Interesting information. Makes for a more engaged trip. I tend to default to people-watcher when few people are talking or doing things near me.
Appreciate info because I’m a widow and intend to travel and not be in the wrong crowd or wrong ship as I haven’t cruised before. Didn’t know where to start and thankful for small cruise lines nod as they appeal to me for many reasons.
vanessa torluemke Consider Holland America. They are extremely professional, but anything but stuffy. There is plenty to do, but they definitely don’t attract the “party boat” crowd. The ships are mid sized and very spacious.
vanessa torluemke also see if you can find a good travel agent who specializes in cruising - they often have been on the ships. They can recommend specific upcoming sailings in your range
That s interesting to know. For the solo cabins, pricing, compared to double occupancy, what is it in comparison. So do I take the sister to save money, or i can leave her at home, or get our own cabins?
It doesn’t save any money for second person because the second person still have to pay their taxes and fees and anything that is an optional costs ie; drink packages both have to have in the same cabin Double excursions cost.etc I found myself more free times, more sight seeing , more relaxes when cruised alone instead of watching out for the second person to get ready To meet up at particular point and times
Two suggestions for mitigating the cost of solo cruising, 1) Inside cabins. When deals are to be had the inside cabins seem to get the best deals. 2) Re-positioning cruises. I've done this several times. Usually the deals on the inside cabins are so low they offset the the surcharge. Also in many cases the cruise line may even dispense with the surcharge all together.
I am going on MSC Cruises 4 night Bahamas cruise in late August, they did NOT charge me double fare for going solo! And I paid for a BALCONY CABIN too! Including all the taxes the price was unbelievable: $459.00!!
Found some great deals as a solo passenger in the past but often the single supplement on a single cabin is hugely expensive. What is the point of having these cabins if they charging a massive supplement anyway.
Give me a tiny cabin with a balcony and room service, and I'll be happy. But honestly, the idea of a transatlantic passage on a container ship appeals more.
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I’ve cruised Solo several times and I don’t feel uncomfortable dining by myself at a table. I absolutely enjoyed not sharing a cabin . It’s the ultimate liberating freedom to do as i please when i choose to travel Solo. The irony is that other travelers try to “rescue” you by attaching themselves. I planned my Solo vacation, i don’t need you to “ rescue” me. 😊😊
Exactly, people act like I don't want to be alone... that's the whole point
That is the thing that worries me about being on a cruise, the monophobes who assume that I suffer from their condition! I meet so many of them in my At Home life and it is a worry! I hate to be rude, especially when someone is trying to be kind however misguidedly, but . . . I like my space and my privacy!
My next cruise will be solo for sure; had a nightmare trip as I had invited another widow to join me. Boy what an entitled person. She expected all kinds of special treatment (by me and others) I look forward to a room where I can really sleep!
Yes, I actually turn people down. It ruins your chances to meet others.
Agree! I am like you when solo
Many years ago... I shared a cabin with a stranger on a line voyage to Hong Kong.
He asked me if I was afraid he might be a serial killer.
I told him the chances of two serial killers sharing the same cabin was extremely remote. WFH
:-)
Great tip😈
I love that.... excellent!!!! i will answer the next time someone tries to grab my cookies
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great reply, my sort of humour.👍😁
6:52 "I don't even like sharing cabins with people I do know..." 🤣🤣🤣
Man of my heart!!
Even your wife?
One of my favorite things about solo cruising on a big ship is the anonymity. I also like how I can always find a seat somewhere I want to be, even when it's crowded.
I just came from a cruise alone it’s 1,000% better than going with others
Where did you go and any tips
mario cardoso I went to pregresso and Cozumel and make friends with people be open to try new things
@@marvelousmimi9165 oh thank you
Welcome
What cruise line? And how long was the trip
I have my first solo cruise booked for 2022. I don't want a cabin-mate, a romantic hook-up, or even new found friends, but I do like to share experiences such as excursions with people and I think that's more of the natural thing to do. I look forward to having conversations with people who share interests and adventures with me but, other than that, I will be fine solo.
I am a solo traveler and simply accept the fact that I need to pay more and am willing to so I can enjoy myself fully. Personally, I don't think Solo Cabins look enjoyable, the minimum space a person needs is 200 sqft, anything less is what I would consider prison-like. What I prefer to do is to look for a blow out deals, such as last-minute specials and keep an eye on price drops, take lots of work but it has worked on my first 2 cruises so far. Other things are to buy shares in cruise lines for online credit, you are going to get a nice bit of money to spend onboard.
Watching Tips for travelers has given me some real insight. Yes, Smaller and older ships are cheaper rather than the latest.
You can watch all the video's you want, but the real meat of the action is when you apply these tips in real life, and create your own from observation and experience since everyone's experience is different.
Great video Gary. 🙏🏼
I agree,that's what I do too. While Princess doesn't have solo cabins, as a solo traveler I get the best deals from them. I also get deals from HA. Also, drop a $100 on board for a future cruise and get on board credit for that future cruise. Spending a bit in the casino and/or on board(Shops or duty free) will get you future discounted fares too. Just completed a 28 day South American cruise with HA on the Amsterdam(a smaller ship) and I had a blast. Gary is correct, the smaller ship are way better for meeting and talking to new people! Some of the luxury lines offer no up charge for solo's ( Cunard, Silversea) but they are way more than the regular lines to begin with.
@ΑγαΡy open a brokerage account and buy cruise line stock. It's cheap now because of the pandemic and hopefully none of them go bankrupt.
My love of traveling solo is also anonymity. I don't travel alone to "make friends" or engage in boring lectures from strangers. I can think of nothing worse than sharing a cabin with a stranger. LMAO!!!!
Agree 😀
Yup. I have more interesting encounters with random people than if I'm with a group. I do like going on holiday with other people, and I was married (now widowed), so sharing places I love with my husband was just amazing fun and it's heartbreaking how soon it was cut short. But I hope the events, pairing up etc are not mandatory, as quite often I enjoy sitting in the lounge with a large drink and my knitting or cross-stitch and just relaxing. On our last trip, with hubby getting tired quickly from the cancer that killed him, I had a bit of freedom (he was so magnetic a person we always stuck together!) and it was interesting to see what it would be like to go on a cruise on my own. It is devastating that we'll never share another cruise but I love the concept and want to do another one as soon as I can.
I haven't been on a cruise yet since my husband died, but am anxious to get to go to different places and sample a few different lines or routes that my cruising friends are less keen on. A round-Britain trip or a cruise up the coast of the Netherlands and Germany into Hamburg is more interesting than e.g. the Canaries or the Med. I'm a cold weather girl rather than a sun-chaser, so I'm seriously thinking of a solo trip.
@@louiseogden1296 I am sorry for your loss
Very helpful! I agree, wouldn’t like to share a cabin with someone I don’t know, also sometimes someone I do know.
Truth There won’t be unless you ask to share.
@Truth Cruisers who cruise solo often look for a roommate because it's cheaper. Cruise lines charge full price for the cabin to solo cruisers, so you basically pay double for a cabin to yourself. Some people try to find a friend or relative to share a cabin, or some travel agencies and/or websites will try to match someone cruising at the same time on the same ship.
@@playboymaxim ... solo cruisers know few friends who are ready to plunk down cruise monies ... so solo becomes an option ...
The few times that I have wanted to travel so much and can't find others to travel with... I have ended up paying for them to travel with me (in a sense gifting travel to another because I haven't wanted to waste an empty fare), but then resenting the fact that I'm paying for another. I don't know. I think I'm just going to have to accept that I'm either not going to travel (which, let's be serious, I love travel too much to never do it again) or somehow get myself to travel alone and absorb whatever cost that is.
STOP COMPLAINING!!!
I enjoy traveling alone. Therefore, I don't want to be hooked up with anyone, especially sharing a cabin.
As long as you're willing to pay the cost to be the boss
The fact that you have to pay more just grinds me. It has sadly steered me away from the travel that I would love to do.
Then stay home!!!
I respectfully would like to offer a counter argument to taking anytime dining. I have found that, when I cruise solo on short trips (7 days or less), taking a chance on fixed dining at the same table can lead to a nice "end of day anchor" with a familiar group of people. It doesn't always work out of course but when it does, that nightly familiar company is nice to have even if all you do is share dinner with your table mates. If it doesn't work out, you can always change table or move to anytime.
Agree.
I could never share a cabin with anyone...I prefer my privacy. Great tips! Thanks for sharing
I've been on 3 cruises and I know I'm no expert, but I DO love my solo cabin space! No way I'll share with strangers, even my friends like getting their own cabin for personal space! And yes, I prefer the bigger ships, more things to do and a better way to just blend in....
I’m an introvert solo traveler, I don’t want to meet people. 😉
The more I go along, the less I trust people. I love travel and am realizing that if I want to travel in the future, I'm going to have to do it solo. In the past, if I've gone solo, I've traveled trying to avoid talking to people so that they would not know that I am by myself. An older woman traveling by herself, I feel, would be possibly looked at as a target. The idea of announcing myself as a solo traveler? That's beginning to scare the crap out of me.
You are a sick puppy.
@@mckenna8663 yeah I am going to start going by myself. I’m tired of waiting on other people.
I feel that I've already met enough people...
I thought the same thing....What If I don't want to meet people ROFL
Totally can relate to not sharing a cabin, stranger or not LOL
Really helpful information. Newly widowed, solo travel is new to me, but I wish to do as many cruises as I can, to various places, without paying more than I have to.
Thank you for the tips.
If you live in the United States check-out NCL getaway breakaway and NCL epic they offer a single rate I've done all three ships and I found it very economical
@@danpinzone8226
Thank you for that.
Unfortunately don’t live in the States.
I’m an Australian 🇦🇺
Covid has put a dampener on any cruises atm
Travelling from my iPad looking at all the emails from cruise lines that I get forwarded to me,
I live in hope? Stay safe 😊
@@blacksorrento4719 well keep an eye on all three ships and Co repositions them very frequently they do go to the South Pacific and Oceania
@@danpinzone8226
thank you for that I have made a note. Much appreciated.
All the little pieces of info from seasoned travellers help a lot. 👍😁
Travel 'parallel' with someone. Each of you in a solo cabin. Very appealing, as you can pair up or stay solo.
Solo cabins make it easier than single occupancy rates. As a young, introverted widow this is really important. My mum wants me to take her on a cruise but I'd go crazy with her in the same room for a week.
😁😁😁
Great content Gary. It’s about time cruise lines are getting up to speed with the solo traveler demographic.
Before you take a longer vacation with anyone, take a weekend trip first. You may be surprised when your best friend is not very good to travel with! That is all i am saying here! Love the Tips For travelers site!
I no longer fly or walk very well, so am an armchair traveler now.
@@phyllispetras2181
Wise advice Phyllis, sorry to hear your travels have been curtailed,. However, Covid lockdown sadly has made many of us armchair travellers through default. I live vicariously through my iPad, cruise emails, RUclips vids others have posted of places I wish to go, and geographical documentaries. One day I hope 🤞 Stay safe. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
So true! I once took a girlfriend on a trip. I looked at it as just a girls trip between friends. She looked at it as going on The Love Boat looking for a different hookup each day. Where I wanted to go to shows, games, and lounges to enjoy the company and events together.. she kept trying to meet men, getting aggravated when she didn't, and then retiring to the cabin early to grumble while watching a movie before bed. I can't tell you how aggravating it was. On our flight home, she talked about how wonderful it's going to be the next time. And all I could do is roll my eyes and think there will never, ever be a next time!
@@mckenna8663
I feel your pain. I have a girlfriend who I can travel with, but there is also another friend who would be a twin of the one you did your cruise with. It has often been suggested, meanwhile I’m thinking not a chance in hell 👿I would end up being her handbag.
On one short 3day cruise to nowhere, my friend that I do cruise with, we met two ladies who each had an apartment on the same floor in a Sydney complex. They were trying out the 3 day cruise as a trial to see if they could manage okay together, before they did a bigger one, which I thought was a great idea. Best to find out before you spend the big money 🤔👍
Considering taking my first solo trip, since my wife passed away. Thanks for the great tips. This narrows down my searches.
I travel alone. I don't want to "meet up" with others, just enjoy the sights and relax (alone). l have found great little tricks to find alone space, even on crowded ships, for relaxing -- and I don't mean in my cabin, either.
Would love to hear about your "tricks". 😉
Twice I found cabin mates on Cruisemates. It worked out well both times. We got along well enough and had no problem sharing the cabin space/bathroom time, etc. On another note, I do like the smaller ships to get to know people, and by traveling solo, I can also go back to my cabin when I get overwhelmed by the interactions.
I always have a cabin to myself, not even share with a friend. It might be cheaper to share but I don’t care. I have had very bad experiences, even with friends on holidays. Then there is snoring and sharing the bathroom, not to mention general privacy.
Also being alone means that you can talk to whom ever you please for as long or little as you want. The only thing is not being able to share experiences. However I have overcome that by going with a couple in a relationship, but once on board there is no obligation to be together. They have each other and can do their thing and I can do mine.
Yet when it comes to dining, excursions or shows we can meet up and enjoy the time together. It has worked very well for me twice now where as other times it has been disastrous in a group or even with just one other.
I am alway acutely aware of the other and their needs or desires and not wanting to impose my own on them make the whole thing most unenjoyable.
I have traveled alone several times.. and I love it - until the moment I hate it. And when that moment comes, I want the trip to end immediately.
If it's between traveling alone and never traveling again, I'll take traveling alone. And I enjoy it. But as I say, there comes that time when I want to turn to someone and share either the joy or a snarky rolled eye ... And that's when it really hits me hard that I'm by myself. To me, that gets depressing... and I want to get back to my regular life immediately. The last time that happened, I was in Vegas. A town that I loved.. until that moment happened, and I've never wanted to go there again. Actually, that was the last time I chose to travel solo at all.
Just got back from a cruise as a 5th wheel. Doing my own thing was great for meeting new people
I would rather cruise less or not at all than have to share a cabin with a stranger. No way.
Devlin Blake no one makes you share with a stranger. At least not that I know of.
sweetmsroslyn Hes just said so. .. it is possible, i cant imagine anything more ghastly .... creepy too
Brit By name well again, I just took a solo cruise at the cost of one person in my own cabin. So his statement does not apply to all cruise lines.
Forgot to add I've traveled solo on Holland America-my cabin steward was especially attentive knowing I was solo.
I just got back from Holland America solo last week and the service was also especially attentive
I enjoyed Holland America.
I've cruised 5 times on Holland America. They are exceptional!
My favourite line. Enjoy travelling solo. I purchase last minute so price reduction is worth it.
It's Gary Bembridge Day! Best days of the week.
I’m impressed that Saga has so many solo cabins. I always travel in a cabin alone and hate paying double And I love my veranda!
Great tip about companies that are experts in solo traveling. Thank you
Going on my second solo cruise in January on Holland America. I just book a guaranteed cabin (I’ve never gotten a bad one) and they usually offer a modest discount (usually 12.5%). Price ends up being reasonable and you get a room meant for two.
I like to cruise alone. I don’t want to meet new people. I like to be alone.
Justin Thyme , ditto!
Justin Thyme agreed!
Please go out and vote.
2 complete strangers thrown together for 7 days. I'd rather start a conversation with a random stranger at Wal-mart in the automotive aisle.....
As a solo traveller I tend to book very early, usually upto 2 years ahead. My last cruise in October was on the P&O Aurora in the cheapest inside cabin. I paid £1598 for 14 nights to the Canary Islands and that is the cheapest cruise that I have ever done per night. At £117 per night it was superb value. In December 2018 I booked for the Marella Explorer for 2 weeks to the Aegean and Adriatic including flights and the premium all inclusive package. £2700 sounds a lot, but that is all inclusive and the solo premium was only about 35%. I have booked a 1 week cruise with Princess in November 2021. Unfortunately whilst I really like Princess they do not really court the solo traveller. There price is 100% premium but they do offer a captains circle discount which for this cruise will be £130 which is about 7.5%. It does include a further $200 OBC for this cruise, but still not the best value. I reckon that a princess cruise costs a solo traveller about £500 per week over and above a similar P&O. One more thing about P&O, the solo cabins are not always the cheapest. I have found that you can get a standard inside cheaper most of the time, worth comparing prices of cabins and lines! I now use a spreadsheet and include Headline price, Tips, estimated spend aboard, cost to and from ship (fuel, parking, refreshments). The headline price can sometimes look higher, but if drink, tips & flights are included such as the Marella cruise then it can really make a difference to the overall price. Do your homework and you can save a lot!
When I looked into solo cruising they even charged double port fees, which adds a LOT to the cost of your cruise. I am not about to share a cabin with a stranger... it's not even safe.
Sue Powell I totally agree.
Check out NCL breakaway epic and get away they offer single rates
I once travelled with my mother and sister on Royal Caribbean. It was good.
After that, I travelled by myself on P&O and Fred Olsen cruises.
Totally enjoyed the latter.
Do you have a routine when you get onboard? Like what do you like to do, what do you check out early? Do you make spa appointments and can you do that prior to boarding?
Great tips, as always, Gary. Just back from my last cruise for 2019. Always do the CruiseCritic roll call. In fact, this past summer on HAL, I met several people and became fast friends. We did excursions and dining together. Turns out one lives only 4 hours away! She taught me about of use of the Hop on, Hop off buses in our ports. Best thing ever! Someday I do want to try the more luxury, small ships.
Never been on a cruise before, but seriously thinking about it, probably around 2022. Will definitely be traveling solo. Or videos are a wealth of knowledge, so thanks
Princess doesn't have solo cabins but I booked as a solo traveler and paid that way too! For a balcony cabin in December
I’m cruising solo in December. I think going solo is better. You do what you want to do when you want to do it.
I cruise alone using P&O and as you know it is very expensive. On the upside I do have a whole cabin all to me this time with a balcony.
What is P and O?
share a cabin with a stranger? NO WAY
I'd almost rather a stranger than some of the people I know😋
Maybe I need to get new friends {and relatives}😂😥
@@playboymaxim Best is to get your own cabin then go to the socials. Or in my case I don't go to any
The thing about sharing with a stranger isn't so much about what weirdo I'd get as it is what sort of sane person would want to bunk with a weirdo like me. ;-)
No way with a friend too, I need my privacy
Especially in 2020! No way in hell....
Definitely agree that sharing a cabin with a stranger is a NO. Is dining by yourself awkward? That's the thing holding me back.
I've done river cruising a couple of times as a solo traveller and always travel with Avalon and have been able to take advantage of their no single supplement special deals which apply to all cabin types but there is generally a limited number on each cruise.
For me, the problem with 'solo' and 'singles' ANYthing (not just cruises) is that they don't realise that some of the people there prefer to BE single. "Oooh, go on a singles cruise, you might meet someone." I only want to meet people who want to remain single.
just be polite like conversation if things start getting a little bit strange to say it was nice talkin to you I'll see you around they'll figure it out and I'll leave you alone
Best to understand the difference between Solo travel and Singles travel. Solo is people who want to travel by themselves, maybe with other like-minded people. Singles is single people who are interested in making connections. Even in Singles cruises, you can certainly make, um, connections with people, but you are really unlikely to make long-term, um, connections. It's more like you end up as a cruise couple, but then you go home.... still single, just with new fun long-distance friends and fun memories. If you are young and looking for new ways to find a potential life--partner, I would not recommend this route. If you are older, maybe a bit jaded, and not interested in a life partner, but instead a (grown-up) fun holiday, then I highly recommend Vacations To Go or Singles Cruise.
Exactly! Even Church events. Why is everything aimed at your final goal is to hook up? I don't want to go to things just for ladies in order to not feel as if there is a goal or an ulterior motive. I've gone to some singles events with others who are dead focused on finding a mate (even if just for the evening) and it ends up being like The Hunger Games. Women are against women because they see each other as a competition, men are against the men, and the people are only interested in talking to folks that they have known for a long time and have checked off their list in one way or another or that they want to hook up with. What fun is that? As a solo female interested only in talking and getting to know people on a friendly basis, I have found that opportunities, and especially with travel, are very limited.
What is your oroblem?
problem?
I love the singles rooms on Norwegian. I also book singles travel groups.
I did the epic 10 years ago it was nice for the money you couldn't beat it
I like traveling alone on a cruise. Not a big deal. People do talk to you. One ship all they talked about their homes and I don’t think I had a thing in common. But I might go this year again. I don’t mind except I have to pay double except for a few cruises. My next trip is another cruise to Alaska and I don’t care to meet anyone. I am on board watching the scenery.
Saga, out of season travel. No meetups, thank you. I want to travel. Excursions, yes. Anytime dining.
Thank you...I just found you and subscribed! This is my 6th video of yours to watch this evening. I started cruising in 1983 at age 22. I have really seen many changes. I'm Platinum on Norwegian and Holland America. I have recently booked on Oceania and decided to only g on that level. I enjoyed those informative videos. I was told Oceania had at least 10% solo travelers. I now cruise solo. I would never share a room with a stranger. I took a friend/girl once omg she snored like a freight train. I have never gone into the single thing where everyone meets at first. I feel more comfortable with that on a line such as Oceania. I now will be checking out Saga and the NCL solo section is pretty interesting as well. Thanks again!
Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Great to hear. Agree with your thoughts on solo on Oceania.
TYVM! This is the cruise topic I am most interested in.
BTW, I stayed in a NCL single room on the Bliss. It was fine and hopefully, solo-friendly is the trend. OTOH, I think people give NCL too much credit regarding pricing. E.g., I just checked on Bliss 5/17 AK cruise a single room is 99 sq ft and costs $1,693. An inside room is 135 to 201 sq. ft. and even with 100% SSI costs $1,720 total. I.e., staying in the smaller solo cabin saves you $27 versus paying the two people price in an inside cabin (later in the season the difference is closer to 10%) I like the idea of catering to solo travelers but in my experience, the NCL solo cabins are not quite the cost savings that I originally assumed. YMMV
great video.. im a widow and finaly starting to do things by myself .love the idea of going on a cruise with my own cabin.
It can be great and people on cruise usually very welcoming.....
Sharing a cabin with a stranger sounds like the beginning of a horror movie☺😂
Yeah, right. Anyone you don't know must be dangerous.
@@jamese9283 not everybody is dangerous but not everybody is good either, but from a womans perspective I don't want to sleep next to a stranger in a room.
@@kazzuo32 Privacy is a good reason, paranoia is not.
@@jamese9283 thats your perspective as a man and I respect it, I work in a cruise line for a year and I see way to many
F@€ up things to be blind about safety. Have a good night.
Out of the 35 that I've taken I've shared a room five times and let me tell you it was totally totally cool no problem whatsoever and it's saved me about 1500
I want to go see beautiful nature and shows and flowboard but I do not want to meet people and socialize. So I'd have to skip a lot of these options.
I was very excited when NCL announced their ‘special’ solo cabins. The biggest problem is they are all inside cabins. Even travelling solo I always choose a balcony because I like the fresh air and views. Sadly, the solo cabins are like broom cupboards which is why they have the ‘open areas’. No thanks.
@David Naumann, thank you for the information. I have cruised before in NCL, and I loved it. This time I am planning on a solo cruise.
I loved my solo cabin on Norwegian. Otherwise, I’d go on a smaller ship.
How early do you have to sign up or plan if you want a solo cabin? I've looked at the solo cabins, and I like them. But I really don't want to have to schedule a year and a half to two years in advance (that's my concern).
Then don't go.
@@cherylkoski7184 you seem obsessed with me. Sorry, dear, I'm not interested.
I am not "interested" in you whatsoever.
Thank you this was very helpful. I am with you I don't like to share a room with someone I don't know. You always do such a great job . Merry Christmas., and keep up the great work
I just got off the Royal Princess yesterday and I met a lady who told me all about how she booked a solo cabin for a really great price. She said they gave her a solo price and didn’t charge her for two people, just herself. Maybe it’s something brand new they have just started?
I wish I could talk to that lady. I have always paid 200% for my princess cabin when travelling alone! Wish I knew here secret 🤔 Princess has a few organized solo events but they don't encourage solos to travel on their ships.
....wow....great deal...thought NCL was the only one with solo cabin w/o double pay....otherwise looking for my next deal solos well...
Interesting. The Royal is my "go-to" favorite ship and I've never heard of anything like that with Princess! Not trying to doubt her word, but I wonder if she just got a good price closer to sailing and thought it was a solo deal. I work with 2 different TA's and I would've thought they would know about this if it was happening now. Well, we can hope. 😀
Tammy Anglesey yeah it was probably better for the cruise line to have one person in that cabin rather than none which it would have had otherwise.
Hi Diane. I sailed with Princess on a 32 day repositioning cruise and had to pay double the fare to cruise solo. I just booked with RCCL and am cruising solo and paid the single fare for an inside virtual balcony. I booked through the RCCL website and I got a deal which was only available for one day online. I contacted RCCL by phone to verify the booking and all is ok. Just lucky I guess.
As a solo, I too prefer the smaller ships. I can get an inside cabin, meant for 2, for less money on the NCL Pearl than a solo cabin on the larger ship. I also agree that it is easy to meet and hang out with the same people I see over and over again.
Even friends, unless you know their sleeping habits, etc. I always recommend getting your own cabin, I don't share with anyone but my husband. This video was good for me, sometimes he can't travel due to his job and I have often wondered "COULD" I do a cruise alone.
Excellent advice, especially about the open dining. I'm passing this along to a friend who's recently become single.
Apparently solo can get good last minute deals.
You promised me this and I am not disappointed. Thank you so much for this thorough review! However, like you, I will never share as I was an only child and a dyed in the wool solo cruiser!
My first solo cruise is about a month away. I’m excited for it!
I enjoyed my solo cruise and found the staff were wonderful and as someone told me, it is good to be positive about the experience. Wandered about the ship, booked excursions, live shows and dinners before I went on the cruise. I also took books to read and made use of Room Service.Can hardly wait to go on my next cruise.
Carol Edwards ya I have a positive attitude about it. We also have over 400 people in our Facebook roll call. So they have a ton of events and such going on that I can join. I’m also just excited to have some alone time. My last cruise I went with 15 friends. It was fun but exhausting having to always check in and do things as a group.
how was it? i want to take a solo cruise, too, but on a smaller ship as the video suggests.
I did a 49 day Repositioning Cruise
Solo on the Royal Princess and had a fabulous time. The only people I knew, a few I contacted by phone, were the ones I interacted with on the Roll Call on Cruise Critic. I interacted with other singles and married couples. As a certified group exercise instructor I arranged with the CD after an introduction to teach chair aerobics (Not your Grand Ma's chair aerobics) I wasn't on the hunt looking for a hookup so relationship status didn't impact me although it did freak some others out 😁
Can you talk a little bit more about Cruise critic roll call? I don't know what it is, but I've seen a few people mention it.
@@mckenna8663 cruise critic (cruisecritic.com) is like Facebook for cruising. Sign up and find your booked cruise and engage. Or you can check out, all the different threads, some fun some not so fun. Just like life there are good folks, bad folks, clingy folks, some Ken and Karen's. Out of about 300, a large group, I'm friends currently with three.
Keep in mind that most US based cruise lines especially those sailing out of US ports require you to be 21 or older to travel on your own. However, some luxury US based cruise lines such as Regent seven seas and Oceania cruises let you cruise alone at 18. Also most non US based cruise lines let you cruise alone at 18. Usually alcohol is the main reason for having to be 21 to cruise alone but there may be others.
Going alone for xmas 2020 to Bahamas looking forward to it
I am sailing NCL getaway
Didn't even realize traveling by myself was different. I don't want a bunch of amenities on board the boat, I'm just wanting to get to the UK without to much bother and without hearing any screaming. No floating amusement parks.
Thanks for the info.
Have you ever organized a group cruise? You've shown us some magnificent cruises, especially, in my opinion, the European river cruises, and it would be awesome for your subscribers to travel with you.
I'd like to see one with divers.
LOL, I bet Gary's head is swimming over this! Did you note he isn't much of a mixer during cruises? I could imagine how he'd respond to dragging us all around for a WHOLE cruise. ;)
I have thought about it but talking to others who have organised them can be quite a lot of pitfalls. However, it is always great when people who follow the channel are on cruises I am on by chance so as first step was thinking of letting subscribers know in advance which cruises I’ve got lined up and arrange some meet ups and meals together on those as a start! I know already into early 2021 what I am doing so lots of time. Though will think more about something more formal too!
@@tipsfortravellers I actually think that would be a better idea for you. I could see a pitfall being that if you scheduled a group to go on a trip you planned that you might also be taking responsibility for their pleasure and experience on the cruise. That's a big burden to be responsible for.. and if I were in your position that would really turn me off from being the Creator of a group Cruise. Better to say, "I happen to be going. If you happen to be there and we happen to meet, there might be a few activities that we happen to enjoy at the same time."
This is so helpful, thank you. I want to travel alone, but I wasn't sure where to start and you've given me some great tips.
Some great tips here, especially about getting to know the entertainment team.
I've had a couple of solo trips with Marella and had great fun.
Most people were very friendly & quite happy to chat and swap ideas about excursions and visits.
Would agree that it's best to avoid the peak season if your schedule allows.
Thank you, thank you and thank you. None of the local travel agencies even know this is available. So glad your video came across my screen.
When booking on Vavcations-to-go I booked the cheapest cruise inside cabin and the girl who was helping me said I would have to pay the cruise fee for another person but would not be charged the port fees since when I boarded I said ( my daughter) wasn't able to come. So for $619.00x2 I did a 13 day cruise. I have a feeling these new rooms for singles will be smaller and that isn't convenient.
I didn't think people went on cruises alone that inspired me I'm going to do one alone I know how to have fun!
Too much emphasis on connecting with other people in this. Other people can ruin the good time you’re having on your own.
Agree.
Thank you for all your videos, I find all your tricks, tips and advice very helpful. Appreciate you taking the time to make these Vlogs:)
Nice Thank you I’m a solo travel always traveling by myself great tips you provided today thank you
Great tips, thanks Gary. I love to cruise solo and really enjoy having the choice about when I am and I’m not social. I don’t do the drinks packages or the fine dining restaurants so am happy to spend a bit more on a cabin.
This is the second review I've seen on solo on Norwegian. Seems like they have used interior space to segregate solos. The windowless coffee/meet up area is not inviting in the photos.
Agreed. They look like they're underground. Or in the world's poshest prison.
They look like areas that would be very noisy day and night. Are they party areas?
I went on NCL's Escape in October and booked a Solo cabin. I found that the room was quite adequate and the Solo lounge was quiet, had plenty of free beverages & snacks, & was nicely decorated.
@pleiades I do too!
@@MissLins123 Good to hear from someone that has been on the cruise, instead of all those bashing the setup from afar. Thanks for the input and sounds like a ship I would enjoy.
I find your videos to be quite informative. Clear, concise, and organized. Bravo! Big help to me. Thanks so much!
I wish I've seen your video before I signed up for Princes Cruise to Alaska. I will be travelling solo and I'm paying for cabin for two people. Talked also to AAA asking for solo travelers arrangements and they could not help me. But that is my very first cruise so for next cruises I will be smarter, thanks to your video.
This is great to know!!! Finding friends & companions for cruising is often difficult.
Gart, as a solo traveler, I like fixed dining as it gives me sort of a "family" with which to eat my evening meals.
Gary
Hi Gary: It's me again. Please do a video on those inside cabins with those virtual windows and do these cabins absolutely make you feel less claustrophobic?
I did an Alaska cruise solo on Celebrity Solstice. Had a lovely time. Met a nice Canadian lady and her man friend. They would call to me to sit by them to see the shows if they saw me and met up with them for a drink.
I love eating solo too!
I then did the leg home on QM2 from New York- Southampton.
I had a solo cabin which I thought was amazing. It had 2 big round windows that you could literally sit in! I do another cruise solo in the future.
Grey your tips are very helpful I should try solo cruising some day
There is another option. Cruise loyalty, although I am not sure how reliable that is. Yet I do recall RCL passing the their heavily discounted second cruiser rate to lone cruisers. I am not sure if that is temporary though because I haven't looked for in years.
Thank you for the detailed information about a solo traveller.solo travelled in my bucket list.
First time here , just Subscribe . I am very happy for this information, I Am single and wanted to travel, but I am afraid to go by myself. But now with this information I will feel more safe to do so now, thanks ❤
I'm married, and my husband I love to travel together, but I also love travelling by myself. I am thinking of taking a solo cruise in a few years - Cunard transatlantic. :)
That's great advice! I was on the fence about cruising solo but I think you convinced me to try Norwegian ahah
Really Interesting information. Makes for a more engaged trip. I tend to default to people-watcher when few people are talking or doing things near me.
Appreciate info because I’m a widow and intend to travel and not be in the wrong crowd or wrong ship as I haven’t cruised before. Didn’t know where to start and thankful for small cruise lines nod as they appeal to me for many reasons.
vanessa torluemke Consider Holland America. They are extremely professional, but anything but stuffy. There is plenty to do, but they definitely don’t attract the “party boat” crowd. The ships are mid sized and very spacious.
vanessa torluemke also see if you can find a good travel agent who specializes in cruising - they often have been on the ships. They can recommend specific upcoming sailings in your range
Gary... On the Norwegian, solo traveler inside cabins, how well are they accepted?
That s interesting to know. For the solo cabins, pricing, compared to double occupancy, what is it in comparison. So do I take the sister to save money, or i can leave her at home, or get our own cabins?
It doesn’t save any money for second person because the second person still have to pay their taxes and fees and anything that is an optional costs ie; drink packages both have to have in the same cabin
Double excursions cost.etc
I found myself more free times, more sight seeing , more relaxes when cruised alone instead of watching out for the second person to get ready
To meet up at particular point and times
Great advice! I really enjoy Princess and wish they would start to do something for solo cruisers.
...mee too but thinking they will have to start some solo program soon to stay competitive...hope so any way ...
My first cruise was on Carnival in 2013 and I had a solo cabin.
Two suggestions for mitigating the cost of solo cruising, 1) Inside cabins. When deals are to be had the inside cabins seem to get the best deals. 2) Re-positioning cruises. I've done this several times. Usually the deals on the inside cabins are so low they offset the the surcharge. Also in many cases the cruise line may even dispense with the surcharge all together.
Interesting tip about the anytime dining. Thanks for sharing. ⭐️
I am going on MSC Cruises 4 night Bahamas cruise in late August, they did NOT charge me double fare for going solo! And I paid for a BALCONY CABIN too! Including all the taxes the price was unbelievable: $459.00!!
Found some great deals as a solo passenger in the past but often the single supplement on a single cabin is hugely expensive. What is the point of having these cabins if they charging a massive supplement anyway.
Give me a tiny cabin with a balcony and room service, and I'll be happy. But honestly, the idea of a transatlantic passage on a container ship appeals more.