First time Cruising in Years, and First time as a Single... Any Advice?

Many cruises in my past, but most recent before now was almost a decade ago; This will be the first time traveling as a single, but as part of a group of friends celebrating a birthday.

I expect to be doing random things with the group here and there, but also hope to have time toexplore and meet new people.

Any advice from people who've done this before?

12 Answers

Thanks! I'll get the app, but used your link for now, only 15 ppl signed up, with no comments, but cruise is in Dec, so it's still early...

If on a phone get the Shipmate app. It is associated with this site. Or go to this url

https://cruiseline.com/rollcall

Across the top it'll say FORUM TO DISCUSS CRUISES ETC....If you're on the page that says CELEBRATING 10 YEARS its "the next one".... what you want is on the left side towards the bottom. If you're with a bunch of friends celebrating a birthday how are you traveling solo? I guess I misunderstood. Aren't you sharing a room, dinners, mebbe tours etc???

I'm reading this on my phone, but nothing on top left of page, just logo. I'm finding everything but roll calls for some reason. On another note, after reading this, now I'm not sure I made the right decision by booking. It will be an adventure for sure. Now to find the darn roll call!

The roll call is on the left side of the main page of this forum, just follow the prompts for your ship/sail date, although it usually doesn't have that much activity. Suggest you scan thru this reasonably short thread, even tho its a year old, got some good advice in it. I go back to the days of the dreaded "single supplement" where cruise lines had the gall to charge solo travelers almost double for the privilege. Nowadays they've finally figured out its a big enough niche market to cater to it, to the extent there are all kinds of programs, cabins, lounges and activities for solo cruisers. Used to see folks "obviously" traveling by themselves, by choice or force of circumstance...mostly not particularly happy, but that was just my observation and a good chance it was wrong...some folks like their own company, which is fine but it begs the question of why choose a cruise, where you and a few thousand of your newest best friends are all over you. At least those "solo traveler" accommodations finally attempt to address it. Don't get me wrong, you always could travel solo, at a price, and it took work to manage it. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

I've cruised a lot, but never solo before. Where do I find the Roll Call? Thanks

Agree...Im fairly attached to my kidneys, and not very fond of ice, so waking up in a ice filled bath with my kidneys missing is definitely not at the top of my list of things to do...

Even though you were answering a person who posted the question eight months ago, its good advice anyway...many cruiselines offer "meet and mingle" for solo cruisers...and conversations are relatively easy to strike up onboard, given the right circumstances. The "roll calls" in here work, but they rarely have much conversation, even though sometimes there may be 100+ people who have signed up.. I think, given this day and age, i would be hesitant to use the internet...

As a solo passenger, you have the opportunity to 'get away' to a quiet spot aboard if you like; and since you are cruising with friends, you can easily arrange for a meet-up for drinks and conversation. I have sailed alone on HAL, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity lines and found convivial conversation at table and when at poolside. Have a great cruise, with a birthday bash to remember, and best wishes.

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