To Push Through The Cruise Plan or Try Another Travel Option?
Jul 13th, 2014, 07:04 PM
#1
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To Push Through The Cruise Plan or Try Another Travel Option?
Hey guys! I am excited to travel alone this time! My first option is to have a cruise first quarter next year. But yeah, I guess 1 comment from a friend is right that cruising is very expensive, and that I have to consider my budget. If this is not push through, what other travel option can be more exciting and in which I can try something different!
Note: Always plunge in to the beach when on travel. Want to try something new. So beach locations are not in my choices this time.
Thanks in advance!
Note: Always plunge in to the beach when on travel. Want to try something new. So beach locations are not in my choices this time.
Thanks in advance!
Jul 13th, 2014, 08:38 PM
#3
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I wouldn't say that cruising is "very expensive". It can be expensive if you stay in a suite on a 12-night cruise to Europe and spend a lot of money on gambling and liquor. But, we had a great time a couple of years ago on a 3-night Carnival cruise to the Bahamas and Half Moon Cay where we stayed in an interior room, bought no liquor, did a self-guided tour of Nassau and didn't pay for any frills like cabanas on Half Moon Cay. But, having said that, the single supplement on cruises can be expensive.
Jul 13th, 2014, 09:00 PM
#4
You do not need to post on the cruise forum to get good answers IMO. Are you aware that Norwegian Cruise Line now has several shipps with cabins specifically designed for the single traveler? You might want to check that out.
Also, if you are going to do a cruise you might want to look at the offerings from a major discounter such as vacationstogo.com and just about every cruise line, including the so-called "high end" ones use discounters to move inventory.
Also, if you are going to do a cruise you might want to look at the offerings from a major discounter such as vacationstogo.com and just about every cruise line, including the so-called "high end" ones use discounters to move inventory.
Jul 13th, 2014, 09:08 PM
#5
You are posting on the US board. Do you want to travel only in the US, or are you considering Europe or Asia? There is no reason to limit your destinations just because you are traveling solo. See http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm for examples of successful solo trips.
Jul 14th, 2014, 08:22 AM
#6
Passport? Where are you starting from? US only? Do you drive?
I like solo travel where I can stay in a place longer if I like instead of being forced to move onward on a cruise.
Most of my solo travels have been on land cruises on Amtrak with loop trips with rental cars.
I like solo travel where I can stay in a place longer if I like instead of being forced to move onward on a cruise.
Most of my solo travels have been on land cruises on Amtrak with loop trips with rental cars.
Jul 14th, 2014, 09:22 PM
#7
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I'm sorry if I posted in the US forum. Maybe I'm just new here, been here for 2 weeks now and I am not able to explore the whole community. This is not a good excuse, but still, I'm sorry.
Anyway, thanks for all the advice guys. Appreciate it a lot. I guess, I need more research about this cruise I'm planning and for sure, I'll be considering these advices of yours!
Anyway, thanks for all the advice guys. Appreciate it a lot. I guess, I need more research about this cruise I'm planning and for sure, I'll be considering these advices of yours!
Jul 15th, 2014, 06:18 AM
#9
"Cruising is probably one of the most economical forms of travel if one choices carefully. "
Not if one is traveling solo. And it is a poor choice if one prefers not to share their vacation with thousands of strangers. There are plenty of ways to travel cheaply on land, especially if one is willing to stay in local accommodation instead of US chain hotels.
Not if one is traveling solo. And it is a poor choice if one prefers not to share their vacation with thousands of strangers. There are plenty of ways to travel cheaply on land, especially if one is willing to stay in local accommodation instead of US chain hotels.
Jul 15th, 2014, 07:08 AM
#10
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Charsuzan is on target. Cruising can be very economical, convenient, and socially rewarding especially if traveling solo. Your sharing with a thousand strangers is no different than staying in a hotel with a thousand strangers or maybe a hundred. And you can certainly chose to eat alone if that is your preference. You are not forced to speak to anyone. We love the social aspects of cruising with the opportunity to establish friendships with some very interesting people.
Jul 15th, 2014, 07:42 AM
#12
"no different than staying in a hotel with a thousand strangers or maybe a hundred"
I don't do that, at least outside the US. Typically I stay in B&Bs (not the luxurious type places you find in the US), guesthouses and pensions with maybe 20-30 guests, sometimes less than 10. The problem with the thousand strangers is that they overwhelm the places they visit. I've been in Dubrovnik and Rhodes when the cruise ships hit port, and they are different places then.
I don't do that, at least outside the US. Typically I stay in B&Bs (not the luxurious type places you find in the US), guesthouses and pensions with maybe 20-30 guests, sometimes less than 10. The problem with the thousand strangers is that they overwhelm the places they visit. I've been in Dubrovnik and Rhodes when the cruise ships hit port, and they are different places then.
Jul 15th, 2014, 07:33 PM
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@thursdaysd
Land travel...done that already and I'm with my friends. But I won't mind doing it again. This time, I'll be alone. Is it safe for a solo traveler? What can you recommend? I mean, which local accommodation you prefer? Thanks for you advice!
And yes, first quarter next year, no date yet. Do you have any idea what is the best time of the year to cruise? You help me a lot here!
@fmpden
One reason why I'm planning for a cruise all by myself is not jus to travel solo but yes, you're right that it might help me become more socialize and discover more about myself too! Thanks for your thoughts!
Land travel...done that already and I'm with my friends. But I won't mind doing it again. This time, I'll be alone. Is it safe for a solo traveler? What can you recommend? I mean, which local accommodation you prefer? Thanks for you advice!
And yes, first quarter next year, no date yet. Do you have any idea what is the best time of the year to cruise? You help me a lot here!
@fmpden
One reason why I'm planning for a cruise all by myself is not jus to travel solo but yes, you're right that it might help me become more socialize and discover more about myself too! Thanks for your thoughts!
Jul 15th, 2014, 08:31 PM
#14
Well, it does depend on where you go, but I have traveled solo through much of Europe and Asia without problems (aside from getting pickpocketed in Rome), and I'm female. Of course, if you wander down a dark alley in the wrong part of town in the wee hours you could be in difficulty, and following a pretty woman into bar might not be smartest move, but if you're sensible you should be fine. Most cities abroad (aside from obvious danger areas like Syria right now, or some African cities) are safer than most cities in the US, if only because if you lose your wallet it will be to a skilled pickpocket, not a mugger. (Wear a money belt.)
For tips on budget travel I recommend "Europe Through the Back Door", "Practical Nomad", and guidebooks by Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Moon, Footprints and Bradt. I usually travel with one or the other of those guides, and check their accommodation listings, although these days I also look at TA and often use booking.com. If you stay in youth hostels (no, you don't have to be young, and many have private rooms) and small B&Bs and guesthouses, you will meet other travelers, and it is easier to meet people when you're solo.
But I would recommend starting with the glossy guidebooks with lots of pictures (try your library) to help you decide where you'd like to go.
The best time of year to cruise depends on where you're going.
For tips on budget travel I recommend "Europe Through the Back Door", "Practical Nomad", and guidebooks by Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Moon, Footprints and Bradt. I usually travel with one or the other of those guides, and check their accommodation listings, although these days I also look at TA and often use booking.com. If you stay in youth hostels (no, you don't have to be young, and many have private rooms) and small B&Bs and guesthouses, you will meet other travelers, and it is easier to meet people when you're solo.
But I would recommend starting with the glossy guidebooks with lots of pictures (try your library) to help you decide where you'd like to go.
The best time of year to cruise depends on where you're going.
Jul 16th, 2014, 06:59 AM
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There are great pros and cons to a cruise.
Sometimes people who have never been on a cruise, or were on a cruise where the ship or fellow travelers was not a good fit for them, will tell you all the things they would not like. They may be right about not liking it, but some things they say are not accurate, or are not true of all cruises.
Other people who love cruising and only vacation that way see only the fun and benefits of the ship and do not see any of the things they are missing.
Both are somewhat biased.
One negative is places like Europe where cities and villages are busy in the evening and very enjoyable for walking and you miss that on a cruise. One positive is if you just want to see some major sights, the cruise takes you from place to place and you do not have to unpack, find hotels, etc. OTOH, you miss the experience of using trains and staying in unique places. It is a trade off.
If you are leaning towards it, you should try it at least once. You have to learn a bit about ships, itineraries, etc. Some ships appeal to oldsters, some to partiers. Longer and TA cruises tend to have more retirees because they have more time than younger folks with jobs.
Two websites for a start to join are vacationstogo.com and cruisecritic.com. VTG is an easy way to get an idea of available cruises, a good look at different ships, and costs. Cruise critic is good for reviews of ships and itineraries, to ask questions and to join the roll call for your cruise once you have booked your cruise. You can meet up on-line with other people who will be on your cruise to get together and do excursions, etc. This is all easier to do than it sounds, and the first cruise I took, I just picked a ship and itinerary that looked good and had a good price, and went and it was fabulous.
In looking at costs, take into account the tips which are added to base cost, the cost of getting to the port where you will board the ship, etc. if you are flying into the port city, it is always best to fly in the day before and stay at a hotel, so if there are delays, you won't miss the ship.
In Jan, Feb, Mar, it would be cold in Europe. The Caribbean is wonderful then, and cheap. It is beach oriented, but some ports have other things to do and the ships usually have good entertainment in the evening. You can be social and participate in events or stay by yourself. Some ships are better than others for that and for singles.
If you do not have one, go ahead and get a passport now. You do not need one for closed circuit trips by ship from the US, but it is just easier to have one if you should need it or decide on a cruise that is not from the US or closed circuit.
Do post future cruise questions on the cruise forum because there are some posters there who have gone on many cruises all over the world and they are generous with advice and help. Tell them where you live and the kinds of things you like to do and your budget and they can make suggestions.
We took a cruise on Norwegian Epic a few weeks ago and they have created a section of cheaper studio cabins just for singles with a lounge for getting together, etc. people seem to really like that a lot. I prefer older style ships, and that ship is huge, a little bigger than I like, but the entertainment was outstanding and the food was excellent.
Sometimes people who have never been on a cruise, or were on a cruise where the ship or fellow travelers was not a good fit for them, will tell you all the things they would not like. They may be right about not liking it, but some things they say are not accurate, or are not true of all cruises.
Other people who love cruising and only vacation that way see only the fun and benefits of the ship and do not see any of the things they are missing.
Both are somewhat biased.
One negative is places like Europe where cities and villages are busy in the evening and very enjoyable for walking and you miss that on a cruise. One positive is if you just want to see some major sights, the cruise takes you from place to place and you do not have to unpack, find hotels, etc. OTOH, you miss the experience of using trains and staying in unique places. It is a trade off.
If you are leaning towards it, you should try it at least once. You have to learn a bit about ships, itineraries, etc. Some ships appeal to oldsters, some to partiers. Longer and TA cruises tend to have more retirees because they have more time than younger folks with jobs.
Two websites for a start to join are vacationstogo.com and cruisecritic.com. VTG is an easy way to get an idea of available cruises, a good look at different ships, and costs. Cruise critic is good for reviews of ships and itineraries, to ask questions and to join the roll call for your cruise once you have booked your cruise. You can meet up on-line with other people who will be on your cruise to get together and do excursions, etc. This is all easier to do than it sounds, and the first cruise I took, I just picked a ship and itinerary that looked good and had a good price, and went and it was fabulous.
In looking at costs, take into account the tips which are added to base cost, the cost of getting to the port where you will board the ship, etc. if you are flying into the port city, it is always best to fly in the day before and stay at a hotel, so if there are delays, you won't miss the ship.
In Jan, Feb, Mar, it would be cold in Europe. The Caribbean is wonderful then, and cheap. It is beach oriented, but some ports have other things to do and the ships usually have good entertainment in the evening. You can be social and participate in events or stay by yourself. Some ships are better than others for that and for singles.
If you do not have one, go ahead and get a passport now. You do not need one for closed circuit trips by ship from the US, but it is just easier to have one if you should need it or decide on a cruise that is not from the US or closed circuit.
Do post future cruise questions on the cruise forum because there are some posters there who have gone on many cruises all over the world and they are generous with advice and help. Tell them where you live and the kinds of things you like to do and your budget and they can make suggestions.
We took a cruise on Norwegian Epic a few weeks ago and they have created a section of cheaper studio cabins just for singles with a lounge for getting together, etc. people seem to really like that a lot. I prefer older style ships, and that ship is huge, a little bigger than I like, but the entertainment was outstanding and the food was excellent.
Jul 16th, 2014, 06:37 PM
#16
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@Sassafrass
"Do post future cruise questions on the cruise forum because there are some posters there who have gone on many cruises all over the world and they are generous with advice and help." - Will do this. Thank you!
"Do post future cruise questions on the cruise forum because there are some posters there who have gone on many cruises all over the world and they are generous with advice and help." - Will do this. Thank you!
