Solo cruises

[thereisonlyoneofme]

Anyone been on a cruise on their own, how did you find it, did you find it a bit lovely or feel included ? Thinking of Norway fjords

I would love to do this. You could do whatever you want. You could ask to be seated as part of a group, or just on your own. It's very easy to do everything on your own, but they do have singles meet ups so you can join up with others if you like. Lots of people make lifelong friends. Lots of people keep to themselves - that would be me.

@thereisonlyoneofme

I was actually going to tell you later this evening that I want to go to Norway. And I was also going to ask you if you have ever been on a cruise.

I have been on many a solo cruise and it’s great.

Sorry - this is my other name here.

I’m actually laughing at this thread 😂. And you never know, we could be really good travel companions. 😂. What a co-incidence.

Do most cruises have things on for solo passengers?

The cruise I went on a few years ago I think they held ice breaking events for the single passengers

I have every intention of going on a solo cruise to Norway next year ! I never get lonely and will enjoy the time alone !

Obviously I meant lonely, not lovely ! Jelly Just been on the blower to Fred Olsen cruises, from Dover. Pricey for single passenger !

If you go on a P&O ship, they have coffee meet ups for singles on the first morning. At meals in main dining room, they ask you if you want to join other singles, another group or eat on your own.

I couldn’t tell you because as a solo traveler it’s not something I’d look for. Truth be told you can be as alone as you want to be or you can be as friendly as you want to be and pass the time with nice people. Quite often though what happens is that even family groups will split up and go off and do their own thing so you can have one half of a couple doing a quiz with you whilst the other half is away doing other things. I make the most of everyday and quite often when we go into port I head off On my own and don’t even join a ships shore excursion. I just get off the ship and go. In fact I one trip we docked somewhere in Italy and I got myself to Florence by train which was about 3 hours away. Once there I met up with an art historian who I spent the day with before getting back on the train that evening. On the train back I did see a few more people who’d done the same as me but we were in the minority.

Another great Cruise was to Alaska, whale watching and seeing Glaciers. I was in bed every night after dinner on that one so I could be at the early bird viewing on the back of the ship with half a dozen other people who just couldn’t get enough of the whales.

Other times I’ve had dinner then gone from one bar to another (4 in total) having one drink and a wee dance in each. Quite honestly I’m happy to dance alone but there’s usually crew to dance with as well, they’ll ask you up and it’s all very nice, then there’s the nights when there’s a deck party and everyone is in rows following what the crew are doing on their podiums. It’s great fun. But so is going to bed early if that’s what you fancy b

Cruising is what you make it.

😂. Some companies actually do cabins for solo travelers. Otherwise it really is having to be one person in a cabin meant for two. Of course sharing is possible but unfortunately my debulking has my tummy sounding like a brass band and I’m a tad embarrassed by it.

NCL is who I went to Alaska with and I’m pretty sure they do special cabins for solo travelers. Would it be worth a look maybe?

I wonder if we could maybe try and get a wee group going here.

I think I would enjoy it from the sound of things. I might hang on til nearer the time (September) in case things go pear shaped healthwise, and maybe they will have offers on if numbers are down ! I would have to let dog go in kennels for 9 days though, bit tough.

I've done several cruises on my own (though not Norway) and it's always been great. On those that I've been on there have been 'meet ups' for solo travellers, with predinner drinks and a shared dinner table. I've usually booked excursions so get out and about in the day, sometimes with others, other times on my own (well, with the ship's organised tour so not completely alone). I really like having the opportunity to join in or opt out and do things alone.

I'm not so keen on sunbathing or joining in organised activities (such as quizzes or karaoke type evenings) but have gone to the theatre performances, gym and spa on my own. I enjoy dressing up and joining a group for dinner, and cocktails early evening too. I love having a balcony cabin which can be a bit pricey for a single person but is worth it to watch the ship sailing into a new port in the morning.

Im investigating travel insurance but using recommended on on here for cancer patients having to jump through hoops to get a quote, I expect it will be too expensive to insure. Could risk it without I suppose.

I just nipped in to ask when you fancied going and if you want to board the ship in the UK?

Also would you share a cabin if need be or does health related things mean you need your peace?

Post links to some of the trips you fancy then we can have a look at what other companies are offering and see if there are any bargains going.

I generally go with MSC and NCL and they are both nice.

www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/G230/G230

@thereisonlyoneofme

You 'have' to get comprehensive insurance cover for a cruise - and show it as you board. I've got MS and epilepsy but because they were both diagnosed over a year ago then insurance isn't too bad. Both my parents have been on cruises with cancer 🌷

I did a solo cruise around Scotland a few years ago. It was lovely and would do it again.

I’ve never been asked to show any kind of insurance cover when going on a cruise. I do have it but I’ve never been asked about it or had to prove that I have it. Neither has any member of my family. when I’ve travelled in a family group.

is this a new thing? Covid related?

We went on a cruise and you know how you have a set seat for dinner, well the girl next to us was my age and by herself and the first night SO pissed 🤣 her boyfriend had broken up with her the week before and she was like fuck it! We had the best time with her (not like that)! But she thanked us and sent us some fizz on the last night (she didn't show at dinner) and said she's having an early night with room service and a movie but thanked us so much for letting her gatecrash our 10yr celebrations. She was such a legend.

I went on one recently, it was a freebie. Not really my thing but I had a nice time