Solo cruise

[Girl of the South]

It's like a hotel room, you pay for the room - doesn't much matter if there's only one person using it. Cruise Critic has an article about the 7 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travel. Not sure I am allowed to post a link? Norwegian Cruise Line has tiny cabins on at least one of their ships, called STUDIOS, for solo travelers. With Disney, you pay a premium anyway. Also DisBoards will have a thread for your cruise (see MEETS all the way up at the top) and there are many "FB" pages for the same SO you will 'know' people before you even board. And you can get a wifi package to keep in touch (briefly) with friends and family back home.

 

[darnheather]

It's like a hotel room, you pay for the room - doesn't much matter if there's only one person using it. Cruise Critic has an article about the 7 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travel. Not sure I am allowed to post a link? Norwegian Cruise Line has tiny cabins on at least one of their ships, called STUDIOS, for solo travelers. With Disney, you pay a premium anyway. Also DisBoards will have a thread for your cruise (see MEETS all the way up at the top) and there are many "FB" pages for the same SO you will 'know' people before you even board. And you can get a wifi package to keep in touch (briefly) with friends and family back home.

Just be aware that the studio cabins can sometimes cost very nearly the same as a solo inside. I was very surprised to see that. I thought studio cabin meant 1/2 the cost. You do get the added benefit of a special lounge if that appeals to you on NCL.

 

[kaseyC]

Just be aware that the studio cabins can sometimes cost very nearly the same as a solo inside. I was very surprised to see that. I thought studio cabin meant 1/2 the cost. You do get the added benefit of a special lounge if that appeals to you on NCL.

So true. Sometimes NCL runs specials with a lower single supplement and that can make the Ocean view and verandah cabins less expensive than the studios.


I'm married with 3 young adult/teen daughters. I've traveled quite a bit with just my girls and had quite a bit of time to myself while they did their thing but the trips and activities were all geared towards their needs. Last year once my youngest started HS, I decided to do a solo trip to WDW for the F&W festival. Oh my goodness, I had the best time. It was so liberating and enjoyable to do what I want when I wanted. I took my kindle with me and enjoyed reading and people watching. Saw Air Supply in concert without anyone complaining about "crappy old people music". I upgraded my tickets to an annual pass and went back in Feb for the Festival of the Arts. I'm doing it again this fall (to get one more trip out of the AP). In February for my birthday I'm treating myself to a Viking Ocean cruise to Cuba. I'm also starting research some of the small group escorted tour companies because there so many places I want to go that my family just are not interested in.

 

[Stefani P.]

I love this. I am in the point in my life where my kids are grown and I've always lived for them. I am ready to do things that I want to do!!!
Have fun on your future travels

So true. Sometimes NCL runs specials with a lower single supplement and that can make the Ocean view and verandah cabins less expensive than the studios.


I'm married with 3 young adult/teen daughters. I've traveled quite a bit with just my girls and had quite a bit of time to myself while they did their thing but the trips and activities were all geared towards their needs. Last year once my youngest started HS, I decided to do a solo trip to WDW for the F&W festival. Oh my goodness, I had the best time. It was so liberating and enjoyable to do what I want when I wanted. I took my kindle with me and enjoyed reading and people watching. Saw Air Supply in concert without anyone complaining about "crappy old people music". I upgraded my tickets to an annual pass and went back in Feb for the Festival of the Arts. I'm doing it again this fall (to get one more trip out of the AP). In February for my birthday I'm treating myself to a Viking Ocean cruise to Cuba. I'm also starting research some of the small group escorted tour companies because there so many places I want to go that my family just are not interested in.

 

[darnheather]

So true. Sometimes NCL runs specials with a lower single supplement and that can make the Ocean view and verandah cabins less expensive than the studios.


I'm married with 3 young adult/teen daughters. I've traveled quite a bit with just my girls and had quite a bit of time to myself while they did their thing but the trips and activities were all geared towards their needs. Last year once my youngest started HS, I decided to do a solo trip to WDW for the F&W festival. Oh my goodness, I had the best time. It was so liberating and enjoyable to do what I want when I wanted. I took my kindle with me and enjoyed reading and people watching. Saw Air Supply in concert without anyone complaining about "crappy old people music". I upgraded my tickets to an annual pass and went back in Feb for the Festival of the Arts. I'm doing it again this fall (to get one more trip out of the AP). In February for my birthday I'm treating myself to a Viking Ocean cruise to Cuba. I'm also starting research some of the small group escorted tour companies because there so many places I want to go that my family just are not interested in.

I was just thinking about excursions and things like that today. Nearly all my vacations are me and my two daughters and everything revolves around them because I know they won't always be with me. However, I am really tempted to take a last minute cruise without them this September just so I can do things at my pace.

The last time I had a solo vacation was seven years ago when I spent three days on the beach in Mexico sipping cocktails and reading.

Part of the reason we switched to cruising was because of how much alone time it affords me. I know I'll miss them when I go by myself but the transition won't be huge.

 

[kaseyC]

I hope I didn't make it seem that I don't enjoy traveling with my family. I do! I love the amazing places we've been and the fantastic things we've done as a family. It makes me sad to think we are moving towards a time when they won't be able to travel with us. But, I'm also excited about doing more trips on my own geared towards my own interests.

 

[cruiser21]

Not only single, but alone. Just me. My kids are adults and cannot come.
So literally a solo traveler.

Do you live alone?
Are you used to being alone?
I've traveled with just my teen which is kind of like being alone. I've done it three times. I had fun on the TA. The other two cruises I was pretty bored.
I'm not restricted from doing what I want when traveling with my spouse therefore traveling alone is not some big liberating thing.

 

[cruiser21]

And you don't find yourself getting lonely?

Having table mates at dinner helps.
If you're doing this to travel pick a destination that really interests you.
I normally don't recommend DCL excursions, but it is a way to meat other people.
The hot tub and pool in the adult area is another place to socialize.
The adult trivia in O'gills is also fun.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

I was just thinking about excursions and things like that today. Nearly all my vacations are me and my two daughters and everything revolves around them because I know they won't always be with me. However, I am really tempted to take a last minute cruise without them this September just so I can do things at my pace.

The last time I had a solo vacation was seven years ago when I spent three days on the beach in Mexico sipping cocktails and reading.

Part of the reason we switched to cruising was because of how much alone time it affords me. I know I'll miss them when I go by myself but the transition won't be huge.

I think this is a great idea! I know you want to spend as much time with them as you can while you have the chance, but remember you are also preparing them to be <gasp> ON THEIR OWN. So IMO, some practice time is great for them, and for you. My two sons are approaching college age and the idea of them being totally self-sufficient, well, I don't see it yet. But that is why I'm trying to give them lots of practice. Would I rather be with them? Sure. But if they are going to be ready soon, they need to practice. I no longer even drive them to activities. The older one drives the younger one, and soon the younger one will have his licence too. Often they would prefer me to drive them, but I refuse (kindly). My wife and I are taking a trip by ourselves soon. Could we have brought them? Sure. But this is good for them, and for us. We still do plenty of stuff together every day (like dinner, etc.)

I just wanted to encourage you! I think you are doing a wonderful thing for each of you.

 

[Lilsia]

So true. Sometimes NCL runs specials with a lower single supplement and that can make the Ocean view and verandah cabins less expensive than the studios.


I'm married with 3 young adult/teen daughters. I've traveled quite a bit with just my girls and had quite a bit of time to myself while they did their thing but the trips and activities were all geared towards their needs. Last year once my youngest started HS, I decided to do a solo trip to WDW for the F&W festival. Oh my goodness, I had the best time. It was so liberating and enjoyable to do what I want when I wanted. I took my kindle with me and enjoyed reading and people watching. Saw Air Supply in concert without anyone complaining about "crappy old people music". I upgraded my tickets to an annual pass and went back in Feb for the Festival of the Arts. I'm doing it again this fall (to get one more trip out of the AP). In February for my birthday I'm treating myself to a Viking Ocean cruise to Cuba. I'm also starting research some of the small group escorted tour companies because there so many places I want to go that my family just are not interested in.

This is me! I go for the food and wine festival and love my time there. My girls stay at home with Daddy and I get to enjoy doing something that I love to do. I was there last year at the same time and saw Air Supply too.

 

[kaseyC]

I'm not restricted from doing what I want when traveling with my spouse therefore traveling alone is not some big liberating thing.

Where did anyone say they were restricted from doing what they want when traveling with their spouse? For me, personally, it is liberating to take a trip that doesn't involve planning everything for 5 people.

 

[cruiser21]

Where did anyone say they were restricted from doing what they want when traveling with their spouse? For me, personally, it is liberating to take a trip that doesn't involve planning everything for 5 people.

I never said anyone said it? Why do people always take things personally on this board?

 

[darnheather]

Where did anyone say they were restricted from doing what they want when traveling with their spouse? For me, personally, it is liberating to take a trip that doesn't involve planning everything for 5 people.

Looks like I am missing a post. My spouse has family in Europe. His vacation days are nearly all spent there. We made that decision before we married. Sometimes we all go and sometimes just him because it's what we like to do.

 

[Stefani P.]

I don't live alone yet, it will soon as my youngest will be moving out this year.
Once my daughter got significant others, traveling with them all is similar to traveling alone. And I have done 1 beach trip alone and enjoyed it. But a beach is not the same as a cruise where I will be surrounded by people.
I am pretty outgoing though. I can strike up conversations if I'm bored or lonely.

I was just thinking about excursions and things like that today. Nearly all my vacations are me and my two daughters and everything revolves around them because I know they won't always be with me. However, I am really tempted to take a last minute cruise without them this September just so I can do things at my pace.

The last time I had a solo vacation was seven years ago when I spent three days on the beach in Mexico sipping cocktails and reading.

Part of the reason we switched to cruising was because of how much alone time it affords me. I know I'll miss them when I go by myself but the transition won't be huge.

Do you live alone?
Are you used to being alone?
I've traveled with just my teen which is kind of like being alone. I've done it three times. I had fun on the TA. The other two cruises I was pretty bored.
I'm not restricted from doing what I want when traveling with my spouse therefore traveling alone is not some big liberating thing.

 

[Stefani P.]

You didn't sound that way at all. As moms we sometimes lose ourselves and forget our likes.
I took a few trips alone or with girlfriends throughout my girls'childhood. It is important!!

I hope I didn't make it seem that I don't enjoy traveling with my family. I do! I love the amazing places we've been and the fantastic things we've done as a family. It makes me sad to think we are moving towards a time when they won't be able to travel with us. But, I'm also excited about doing more trips on my own geared towards my own interests.

 

[cruiser21]

I don't live alone yet, it will soon as my youngest will be moving out this year.
Once my daughter got significant others, traveling with them all is similar to traveling alone. And I have done 1 beach trip alone and enjoyed it. But a beach is not the same as a cruise where I will be surrounded by people.
I am pretty outgoing though. I can strike up conversations if I'm bored or lonely.

I I have to have a different itinerary. I did a Bahamas cruise with my son I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Alaska was ok and the TA was great. Different demographics on a TA less kids and more adults. Traveling with teens is much like traveling alone. By that age they’re independent and off doing their own thing.

 

[kaseyC]

I don't live alone yet, it will soon as my youngest will be moving out this year.
Once my daughter got significant others, traveling with them all is similar to traveling alone. And I have done 1 beach trip alone and enjoyed it. But a beach is not the same as a cruise where I will be surrounded by people.
I am pretty outgoing though. I can strike up conversations if I'm bored or lonely.

Since you're pretty outgoing you probably won't be bored. I've cruised quite a bit with just my daughters (my DH rarely does our spring break cruises with us), they are usually off doing their own thing so it's like I'm traveling solo at times. On most cruises there are a variety of activities that you usually don't think about participating in when you are traveling with friends and/or family but you might enjoy doing alone. Cruise meet groups are a good way to join in on many of the private group activities like tastings, open bar, trivia teams, Palo and such. I've also have done Palo and Remy by myself and the staff absolutely spoiled me. I've had that experience as well at WDW restaurants while dining alone.

 

[DisneyParkFan]

I've gone solo on the cruises. Met tablemates to talk with at dinner and even went on an excursion with. Other times, I just start talking with strangers on the bus/train/boat while on the excursions. I think you will do fine.

 

[MyShoes]

I am considering cruising by myself. Your reply is reassuring.

Cruise solo all the time and LOVE it!!! No one else to answer to or deal with. Wake when you want, sleep when you want, take a book to dinner (or don't and talk to your servers), etc. It is an AMAZING way to travel - not lonely at all!!

 

[disneylove69]

Many times. I joined the groups in disboard or other social media and met people going on same cruise. You can be as social or as alone as you want. Everyone wants to talk Disney or about how vacay is going. Eat at your assigned time. It's fun to sit and talk about the days adventures. Disney really good a sitting couple and solo together. The thing that sucks is the cost. Do it!!!!