1st time solo cruiser
 

I travel alone and want to go to as many Caribbean islands as possible in 2-3 weeks, so I was thinking of 2 back-to-back 7-day cruises out of San Juan, on either Princess or RCI in early Dec. I am into Latin culture and would like to start somewhere new as opposed to Florida, where I have been 6 times already. I looked at singles cruises, but it seems that they all leave out of Florida (I am 41 so would be interested in people about my age). I have never cruised before. I have traveled a fair bit and don't usually have a hard time meeting people but I don't like to sit alone at a meal or in a bar (I'm female). How easy is it to meet other singles if I don't go with a company hosting a singles cruise? Anybody out there done it? Your experiences? Thanks.

You don't really need to go on a "singles" cruise or pay extra unless you want to. Simply go on a ship that has traditional dinner seatings. You'll be placed at a table with other people and will always have dinner companions. It's pretty easy to meet people on a ship if you take part in activities, less easy if you are a loner and just go off to read a book.

here are several 14 day cruises out of san juan this dec:
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=10524
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=11162
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=10863
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=10545
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=11231
agree with doug about singles cruises. i too am single but would not choose a singles cruise as i am not into that sort of party atmosphere.
would choose 14 day cruise cause why move, pack repack etc.

if i had 3 weeks i might select an island from those you visit and just fly back to it from san juan after the cruise. it's pretty much impossible to get into an islands "personality" in the 7-8 hrs you spend on each one, but 1 or 2 will probably appeal to you more than some other ports. you might be able to choose/book your resort while you are on the given island, then use ship computer to book flight from san juan.

You could also island hop in the Grenadines. There's a mail boat that hits most of them, and it's a good bet if you aren't too pressed for time and want to see a variety of smaller islands.

Alternatively, there are reasonably priced flights if you want to fly between island groupings as well as a handful of ferry services (Martinique--St. Lucia--Dominica, for example).

These are all alternatives to a cruise, but they wouldn't solve your issues with wanting to be with people, though it's easy enough to make friends on these small islands.

Thank you for this. Does anyone know of a reliable local agent in San Juan? I am looking for someone who can set me up with salsa lessons during the day, an "escort" (totally legit platonic male instructor or group) to dance with at salsa clubs, a city day tour and an overnight on Vieques so I can see the bioluminescents at Bahia Moskito, all including transport, and a local hotel (not a Sheraton or expensive chain) for 4 nights in Old San Juan. Anybody have friends there? I may start asking around the salsa community in my city, that's usually how I make connections, or maybe I'll email Jennifer Lopez...:)