Solo Cruise
 

I'm a woman traveling solo on a Southern
Carribean cruise in Oct. (royal carribean)
I really heard this was a good cruise so
should I go although I can't find anyone who
wants to go along???

If you're cruising solo, the cruise line usually gives you two options. You can pay a substantial penalty (officially called a "supplement") and have your own cabin, or else you can pay the normal price and share a cabin with a stranger. Occasionally you might luck into a special deal that lets you have your own cabin at a reasonable price, but normally those are your choices.

If you have a lot of money, paying the penalty is the obvious thing to do. If you don't have a lot of money, only you can determine whether you want to risk sharing with a stranger. If you're one of those cheerful easygoing souls who can happily get along with anyone, you might actually welcome the chance to share a delightful adventure with a new friend-- some assigned roommates really do become good friends and take future cruises together! But if the thought of sharing a small cabin with a total stranger makes your hair stand on end, then it's probably not worth it.

Note that not all cruise lines offer "share plans." More of them did in the past, but they seem to be giving up on it. That might be because they've been getting too many complaints from people who are unhappy with their roommates.

You needn't let the lack of a travel companion deter you, though. If the cruise goes to the places you want, and you're aware of the options, by all means go. Compared with other solo vacation options, a cruise has the built-in advantage of a built-in group of very friendly people, so you need never be lonely.

hijbhapgood,

Thanks for the info..

When is the hurricane season "officially" over in the Caribbean?

A few cruiselines offer a few cruises during off-peak where there is no single supplement. I know this past year NCL on Boston-Bermuda cruise had several dates in March/April. While this does not do anything about your current situation, might be of future use.

luv2fly...June 1 thru Nov 30 Hurricane Season

I've been on 25+ cruises by myself (cheap friends, plus no-one I'd want to share a cabin with!!) with no problems. I'm in my early 40's and seen many women who have been paired up with a roommate by the cruiseline...and they hate it. Most of the roommates became stuck to their side, like a shadow. It was very difficult for these women to get away from the rooommate (they didn't want to be rude) so, regardless of compatibility, they had a "buddy" for the duration of the cruise. So, if you can't find someone to cruise with you, and if you can afford to go by yourself, I recommend that. I tend to travel in the off-season, so rates are lower and even though I pay the single supplement, it's still not terribly expensive. Some ships - like Crystal -only charge 125% for the single supplement.

Being by myself on the cruise itself is fine; I can be by myself when I want to (reading on the top-most deck) but can always find people to socialize with when I want. THere are so many activities on board, that you can pick & choose the ones you're interested in; plus, it's very easy to start conversations with people at the pool, bar, gym, etc. (I find that people are relaxed and very open to chatting with strangers on cruises.) If you are on a ship with assigned meal times (vs. a free-style), you'll get to know your dinner companions, so there's a ready-made group of acquaintances. Mid-way through the cruise, I usually have my pool buddies, my trivia buddies, my dance buddies and my dinner table. Plenty for me!

I haven't cruised alone, but have taken spa vacations on my own which have been great. Don't hesitate to travel alone. Unlike going to a resort where people check in and out all the time, you will find the same people on board during the length of your cruise. This makes it easy to interact. My husband is a late sleeper while I'm an early bird, so breakfast is on my own. I have met many interesting people by sharing a table. There are numerous folks who are alone for one reason or another. Do it. You will love it.

jacky999, I did not read into your question that this is a money issue.

I have done multiple solo cruises, one was on RCI's AOS in the Southern Caribbean. I love the itinerary, have done it often. I am a beach lover and hate overdeveloped ports and the southern route is not as overcrowded with ships as the more common eastern and western.

I like crusing solo and doing my own thing. I have usually had great tables for dinner and am fine whether I choose to meet people or not. RCI is big on activities and fitness and I enjoy the latter. ALso, lots of entertainment options.

I have been to many places as a solo traveller and a cruise is a great way to go.

Have gone on 2 cruises alone, Alaska and Hawaii. In October, I am getting brave and have booked a Transatlanticon RCL for 18 days from Venice to Galveston. You will have no problems, there are a lot of women that eat alone in the dining rooms, sometimes their companion is seasick. Enjoy yourself and don't limit your travel because your friends can't go. I have seen a lot of beautiful places.

Take a look at journeywoman.com

a great resource for women travellers. And for your solo cruise reading, pack along Without Reservations by Alice Sternbach, a great read about a solo femme visit to Paris, London and Venice (I think I have those cities right, been a few months since I read/enjoyed).

We recently came back from a 10 day cruise where we met a woman who had recently lost her husband & decided to travel solo.

She said that she did not regret it, had met some very nice singles, families & couples. She was unhappy at dining table to which she had been assigned, but was moved to another.

Our ship (HAL Noordam) had single/solo activities daily. In fact, I was on deck alone one day, my husband was napping, & one of the activities directors asked if I wanted to attend the solo luncheon.