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Cruising Alone and Inside Cabin

J

Jambalaya

Ideal_Rock
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Oct 2, 2014
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Hi, everyone,

I've seen a couple of cruises that I like. I went once before with a friend. I had always thought that cruising attracted single people, but the vast majority were in couples.

Now I have the choice of two cruises, both of which are the right price and right time for me. I would be traveling alone this time.

First question: Has anybody cruised alone? I figure if you go in with the right attitude, it will be OK, but I do wonder if it might be a bit lonely. I'm very capable of amusing myself, and you talk to people at dinner each night as I'd be on a table of six or eight, and you often get seated with others at lunch and afternoon tea since there isn't enough space for everyone to have their own tables. So it can be quite sociable. But apart from those meals, couples have, of course, come away to be with each other, not to have a gooseberry! The cruise line does run "single-sailor" coffee meet-ups.

Second question: How do we feel about inside cabins?

The cruises are: a two-week one which does not involve a flight, traveling in an inside cabin.

The other one is a week, it does involve a flight, but it's an official single cabin with a window.

Am torn! Part of me wants the adventure and part of me says to forget the whole thing.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

J.
 
I've never been on a cruise so I can't answer that, but travel is awesome and I think my best trips have been taken alone (hiking the Mt. Blanc tour [Switzerland/Italy/France], Rome, Machu Pichu, Galapagos Islands, Cuba). The outstanding question then is the one week or two week option. Does one cruise go somewhere you want to see more? If the locations/stops are equally desirable I would probably go with the two week option. The lack of a window might be a little weird at first, but you're not there to hang out in your cabin!
 
Oh, thank you DeeJay! It's nice to hear from a fellow single traveler.

Yes, the destinations and the money are similar. The two-weeker is only about $500 more, but the one-weeker has a nicer cabin. The one-weeker leaves me with more vacation time for the upcoming holiday season, but it has flight hassle. (The flight is very cheap indeed - $174 - and is accounted for in the $500 difference.)

I would be very nervous about going alone, but I either go alone or I sit at home and don't do anything.

I have traveled with friends in the past and wouldn't rule it out again, but that's a whole different kettle of fish. At least being alone, you can do what you want, when you want.

Have you ever felt lonely on your travels? As in, no one to share a lovely view with or to tell about a fantastic day?
 
Jam, the fact that a two week trip now might impact you holiday travel later... hmm... that is something to consider, but I do think I would still go with the longer trip since, especially since you don't have to hassle with a flight. Every extra part of a journey is a potential fvck up, especially when you are not in control of it.

As for being lonely -- no. I am very good at being solo in pretty much all scenarios. Recently the CB was up in northern Wisconsin fishing with his brothers and cousins and pretty much every other Irishman in the midwest and I spent three solid days at home alone and totally happy. Two of those days I think my big outing was to the mail room (Saturday) and the recycling dumpster (Sunday) -- HA. I am also perfectly happy to drive to my boat house in Michigan, sit on the dock with a glass of prosecco, and read a book for an entire weekend, living off of cheese and crackers and a nice lake breeze. Of course when I do get home there's always lots to tell, but I'm sure you'll be bursting with stories to share too. And I can't wait to hear them!
 
Hi Jam :)

I do most things with my husband, but due to work constraints and animals in our household, I've taken a number of vacations alone, and I enjoy it a LOT. If you're not sure how you'll go, then definitely the one week cruise, and if you're not enjoying stimulating conversation (or whatever...) with a traveling companion, then I'd definitely want a view when I was in my cabin. So it would be the one week, cabin with a view, option for me.

If you want to share your experiences, use photos or a travel blog and send it to friends; blogs are a great way of making you feel as though you have someone to chat with. :)

I vote for adventure!
 
I've done a porthole cabin and that was ok. I'd try the one week trip first to see if you like traveling alone. Two weeks is a long time if you're not having fun, and it would leave you with no vacation left. With the one week you get a nicer room, and the best of both worlds. I've traveled a lot alone for work. It's always been a go out myself and explore or miss out kind of thing - so I've gone and explored. I don't mind being alone for a few days traveling, but more than that and I find I do start to get lonely. But you might meet people on the cruise. There's usually activities that encourage joining in. Or some cruises will pair you up to share a room with another same sex single but I'm not sure I'd like that. I like my space too much.
 
Hi Jambalaya, my vote is for outside cabin with porthole. I have cruised in the past and I think an inside cabin takes away from the experience IMO. If you can swing it I absolutely recommend getting a cabin with a porthole and view to the outside. And since this is a new experience I would vote for a one week cruise to see if you love it. And definitely no to sharing the room with someone you don't know...but of course YMMV and this is just from my perspective. Outside cabin with a view to the sea (will help with motion sickness issues as well though if one is prone to that there are more helpful methods to quell th nausea) and one week to see how you enjoy. You can always book more cruises if you love the experience. One of my favorite trips was my 2 week cruise to Alaska. Trip of a lifetime and the perfect way to get to certain areas and see much of Alaska was by ship and much of the trip was getting off and exploring so we were not stuck on the boat for long periods of time. An important plus for me.

And if you are prone to motion sickness please talk with your doctor beforehand to make sure you are proactive. Once you get seasick it is much harder to get that under control.

Happy cruising!
 
Are both cruises on the same cruise line? Typical customers vary line by line and destination by destination.
Have you looked on cruisecritic.com to compare the cruises--maybe that would yield some helpful information. They have a forum on Singles Cruising that also could help you decide if one of the cruises might be a better fit for you.
Have a great time!
 
We regularly cruise, and I can honestly say as a couple, we're more than happy to pal up with singletons. There are usually several singletons and people are very sociable, and once they know you're on your own, will invite you to dine with them, and tag along on excursions.

The ships have get togethers for single travellers, so that's another way to meet a travelling companion. I think (although I don't know for sure) that there are groups on cruise critic where you can get in contact with others before your cruise, so you 'meet' others and then get together on board.

If you can, go with an outside cabin, so you have a view, although you probably won't spend much time in it.

Do you mind saying which cruise line and cruise you're thinking of? I know cruising is a very personal thing, but it's a good idea to do a lot of research so you know what you've expect i.e. there are cruiseline who specifically cater for families, so if you don't want to cruise with lots of children -avoid. :D
 
Jambalaya said:
Part of me wants the adventure and part of me says to forget the whole thing.
Click to expand...

Go for the adventure, Jambalaya! :dance:

Sounds like two good options, so its about making a choice not about making the 'right' or 'wrong' decision.

Concerning your two questions, addressed in reverse order:

Inside cabin: I've been on two cruises and had a room with a porthole and an inside cabin. I prefer having a window but its not a big deal since not much time is spent in the room. However, the longer the cruise, the more I might want a window.

Cruising independently: although I wasn't traveling on my own on either cruise, I don't see any issues with doing so. Sign up for whatever excursions interest you, spend hours exploring local jewellery stores, and have a wonderful time!
 
I've done inside a few times and balcony several times. Inside is nice and dark so you will sleep well, but you will not want to stay in the room unless you are sleeping. It kind of forces you to go out and about. If this is what you're aiming for, go for the inside. If you think you might want some quiet alone time I would go for the window. If I was traveling alone I would go on the longer cruise, more time to make friends!
 
Book the inside cabin and the money you save use for excursions, drinks, souveniers or spa facilities. There is not much to see when you are at sea (except for Alaska, or other ports of call known for scenery). Try the one week cruise first to see how you like it. You will want to spend a lot of time outside your room and thus you will find different areas to sit-change it up every couple of hours or so. Seek out free activities such as lectures, movies etc to pass the time. Bring lots of books. Have fun.
 
We have done 6 cruises and never an inside cabin (though the kids had one across the hall and it wasn't bad). I would try an inside once for no more than 7 days to see how I like it. I kinda think I would need a balcony though because I'm not a do-er and not much of a people person (at times), so I do spend a lot of time out on the balcony.

I would love to try a solo cruise, but haven't had the opportunity yet. Let us know how it works out!
 
Do you know as a single, you will pay for double occupancy? I think that is why most don't cruise single. It makes financial sense to find a roomie.
 
I've done a cruise alone twice. Both were outside cabins, one with a porthole, the other with a balcony. I'll take that balcony any day. An inside cabin will be dark as plenty have noted. It will pretty much force you to do something with yourself unless you like having no windows. There's a lot of fun things for singles so depending on the ship, check cruise critic as they have some good meetups to at least start with. Even though I traveled alone, I hung out with a lot of couples...lol It was a lot of fun. Of course I made sure I wasn't being a unwanted third wheel, but amazingly there are some couples that take people traveling alone under their wing. Even better if they're fun to hang out with. While I did hang out with some single women, I wasn't "single", IYKWIM, so it felt a bit like I was a debbie downer at times.

As much as I love my other half, I usually travel alone for many vacations. On vacation I like being on the go.. a lot. And I like getting up extremely early and staying up VERY LATE! Not him. In bed by 11pm... :eek2: out of bed no earlier than 8am. I love sunrises at sea:kiss2: I also love looking at the stars at sea. He would rather have the room closed up like its an inside room:confused2::rolleyes2:
 
Hi Jambie: I've traveled alone and loved it. That is not to say there were times on the trips that I really wished I was part of a couple, but you know, that feeling passes and you realize "OMG I'm in LONDON, ENGLAND! WHEEE!"

I went on trips put together by Trafalgar both times I went alone and I was one of only a few Americans in the group. I was touched at how many people in my group invited me to eat with them, shop with them, sit with them, meet for drinks in the evening, you name it. The Canadians and Aussies and Kiwis that made up the group were VERY friendly and fun oriented and chill. Trafalgar did all the work, once I met up with the group I never had to hassle with my luggage, etc. Costco, if you're a member, includes Trafalgar with their options for members.

I've been on one cruise, an inside cabin, and I hated the cruise. I will say I did not find people on the boat to be interested in other people, most of the people were there for milestone events---anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Inside cabins suck.

If I were going to take a cruise now, I'd do one of the Viking River Cruises through Europe. Nice rooms, a manageable amount of people, no gambling or super drunks I believe.
 
Hi Jambie: I've traveled alone and loved it. That is not to say there were times on the trips that I really wished I was part of a couple, but you know, that feeling passes and you realize "OMG I'm in LONDON, ENGLAND! WHEEE!"

I went on trips put together by Trafalgar both times I went alone and I was one of only a few Americans in the group. I was touched at how many people in my group invited me to eat with them, shop with them, sit with them, meet for drinks in the evening, you name it. The Canadians and Aussies and Kiwis that made up the group were VERY friendly and fun oriented and chill. Trafalgar did all the work, once I met up with the group I never had to hassle with my luggage, etc. Costco, if you're a member, includes Trafalgar with their options for members.

I've been on one cruise, an inside cabin, and I hated the cruise. I will say I did not find people on the boat to be interested in other people, most of the people were there for milestone events---anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Inside cabins suck.

If I were going to take a cruise now, I'd do one of the Viking River Cruises through Europe. Nice rooms, a manageable amount of people, no gambling or super drunks I believe.
 
Hi Jambie: I've traveled alone and loved it. That is not to say there were times on the trips that I really wished I was part of a couple, but you know, that feeling passes and you realize "OMG I'm in LONDON, ENGLAND! WHEEE!"

I went on trips put together by Trafalgar both times I went alone and I was one of only a few Americans in the group. I was touched at how many people in my group invited me to eat with them, shop with them, sit with them, meet for drinks in the evening, you name it. The Canadians and Aussies and Kiwis that made up the group were VERY friendly and fun oriented and chill. Trafalgar did all the work, once I met up with the group I never had to hassle with my luggage, etc. Costco, if you're a member, includes Trafalgar with their options for members.

I've been on one cruise, an inside cabin, and I hated the cruise. I will say I did not find people on the boat to be interested in other people, most of the people were there for milestone events---anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Inside cabins suck.

If I were going to take a cruise now, I'd do one of the Viking River Cruises through Europe. Nice rooms, a manageable amount of people, no gambling or super drunks I believe.
 
HI:

While it doesn't always happen--cruises are frequently not completely sold out and patrons are given the option to trade up upon arrival. If you have absolutely no concerns about an inside room, then book it and with the option/hope to trade up when checking in. Much cheaper than to do it ahead of time.

cheers--Sharon
 
It depends on the debark port. New Orleans, for instance, nearly always sells out well before the cruises. This is the port we cruise from because it is so easy. I have booked cruises 1.5 years ahead where the prices only went UP until they are sold out.

Vacationstogo.com has a 90 day ticker that lists most cruise lines. You can look at these and figure out where the cruises are that don't sell out before the cruise. Deep discounts for those on this list.

Cruising is at an all time high demand right now, so there aren't many deals. Bummer.
 
Friends, I've booked it!

It's a transatlantic crossing in one of the new single staterooms on the QM2. The ship had a re-fit last year and for the first time, Cunard offers single cabins. They look pretty damn nice, too - large single bed, sitting area, and huge windows!

There are only 15 singles on the entire ship, so you can see why I had to grab it! This is for the week only, traveling Southampton to NY. I found a ridiculously cheap one-way flight over.

The other cruise was the transatlantic round trip NY-UK-NY, same dates except an extra week, but they only had inside cabins. I'm not sure about that for two weeks as I can get a little claustrophobic, and it was more money (although still a good price). But I would have had to cancel the staycation that I'm badly in need of at the end of this month. I've had no real time off since last year. So I decided the week's crossing was the best of all worlds - lovely cabin, not too long if I don't like being on the ship alone, and I still get my break in a couple of weeks.

It might seem odd to do the transatlantic crossings, but I just really want to be at sea so I can paint seascapes, and there's something so romantic about a transatlantic ocean liner. I've actually been on the QM2 once before, but in a balcony cabin and not on my own. It seemed that really everyone was in couples.

Thank you so, so SO much to everyone who replied with their experiences; you helped me decide and I'm so grateful!
 
P1060314.JPG Here is what the new QM2 singles look like:
 
We did a Rhine cruise a couple of years ago @azstonie, didn't enjoy it st all compared to sea cruising.
 
Dee*Jay said:
Jam, the fact that a two week trip now might impact you holiday travel later... hmm... that is something to consider, but I do think I would still go with the longer trip since, especially since you don't have to hassle with a flight. Every extra part of a journey is a potential fvck up, especially when you are not in control of it.

As for being lonely -- no. I am very good at being solo in pretty much all scenarios. Recently the CB was up in northern Wisconsin fishing with his brothers and cousins and pretty much every other Irishman in the midwest and I spent three solid days at home alone and totally happy. Two of those days I think my big outing was to the mail room (Saturday) and the recycling dumpster (Sunday) -- HA. I am also perfectly happy to drive to my boat house in Michigan, sit on the dock with a glass of prosecco, and read a book for an entire weekend, living off of cheese and crackers and a nice lake breeze. Of course when I do get home there's always lots to tell, but I'm sure you'll be bursting with stories to share too. And I can't wait to hear them!
Click to expand...

Dee Jay, thank you so much for saying you want to hear about it - that's sweet!
 
mrs-b said:
Hi Jam :)

I do most things with my husband, but due to work constraints and animals in our household, I've taken a number of vacations alone, and I enjoy it a LOT. If you're not sure how you'll go, then definitely the one week cruise, and if you're not enjoying stimulating conversation (or whatever...) with a traveling companion, then I'd definitely want a view when I was in my cabin. So it would be the one week, cabin with a view, option for me.

If you want to share your experiences, use photos or a travel blog and send it to friends; blogs are a great way of making you feel as though you have someone to chat with. :)

I vote for adventure!
Click to expand...

Mrs B, thank you for your reply. It's nice to hear that so many others travel alone, too. When I went on this ship before, there didn't seem to be too many. But I'm sure there will be some! And the single cabins are all in a row of their own, too, so perhaps we'll all meet in the hallway!

Great idea on the blog!
 
cmd2014 said:
I've done a porthole cabin and that was ok. I'd try the one week trip first to see if you like traveling alone. Two weeks is a long time if you're not having fun, and it would leave you with no vacation left. With the one week you get a nicer room, and the best of both worlds. I've traveled a lot alone for work. It's always been a go out myself and explore or miss out kind of thing - so I've gone and explored. I don't mind being alone for a few days traveling, but more than that and I find I do start to get lonely. But you might meet people on the cruise. There's usually activities that encourage joining in. Or some cruises will pair you up to share a room with another same sex single but I'm not sure I'd like that. I like my space too much.
Click to expand...

CMD, thank you so much. I took your advice and booked for the week! I can't deny I would have loved two weeks at sea, though. Another time!
 
missy said:
Hi Jambalaya, my vote is for outside cabin with porthole. I have cruised in the past and I think an inside cabin takes away from the experience IMO. If you can swing it I absolutely recommend getting a cabin with a porthole and view to the outside. And since this is a new experience I would vote for a one week cruise to see if you love it. And definitely no to sharing the room with someone you don't know...but of course YMMV and this is just from my perspective. Outside cabin with a view to the sea (will help with motion sickness issues as well though if one is prone to that there are more helpful methods to quell th nausea) and one week to see how you enjoy. You can always book more cruises if you love the experience. One of my favorite trips was my 2 week cruise to Alaska. Trip of a lifetime and the perfect way to get to certain areas and see much of Alaska was by ship and much of the trip was getting off and exploring so we were not stuck on the boat for long periods of time. An important plus for me.

And if you are prone to motion sickness please talk with your doctor beforehand to make sure you are proactive. Once you get seasick it is much harder to get that under control.

Happy cruising!
Click to expand...
Missy, thank you so much for your long reply! I am going to invest in seasickness patches that I used with success once before. The cabin is low down in the ship so I might need them.

I agree about the window. I really wanted to do two weeks but am very wary of an inside cabin for that long.

Thanks again!
 
Elizabeth35 said:
Are both cruises on the same cruise line? Typical customers vary line by line and destination by destination.
Have you looked on cruisecritic.com to compare the cruises--maybe that would yield some helpful information. They have a forum on Singles Cruising that also could help you decide if one of the cruises might be a better fit for you.
Have a great time!
Click to expand...

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for replying. Yes, the cruises are practically the same - transatlantic crossing with Cunard. It was just a case of whether I did the round trip or one-way. That's great advice about CruiseCritic, thank you! I decided to take the bull by the horns and book it. I was nervous because I have cruised twice before but always with family. Anyway, if I don't like being alone, it's only for a week!
 
Oooh, looks amazing! I will live it through you... please post details when you get back!
 
Austina said:
We regularly cruise, and I can honestly say as a couple, we're more than happy to pal up with singletons. There are usually several singletons and people are very sociable, and once they know you're on your own, will invite you to dine with them, and tag along on excursions.

The ships have get togethers for single travellers, so that's another way to meet a travelling companion. I think (although I don't know for sure) that there are groups on cruise critic where you can get in contact with others before your cruise, so you 'meet' others and then get together on board.

If you can, go with an outside cabin, so you have a view, although you probably won't spend much time in it.

Do you mind saying which cruise line and cruise you're thinking of? I know cruising is a very personal thing, but it's a good idea to do a lot of research so you know what you've expect i.e. there are cruiseline who specifically cater for families, so if you don't want to cruise with lots of children -avoid. :D
Click to expand...

Austina, thanks so much for your considered reply. It's nice that you have a kind attitude towards single travelers. I once heard a cruiser say that she only wanted to socialize with other couples. :(

I've now revealed the cruise- hope you approve!
 
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