I'm another one who has found out I like cruising solo. A lot. Just did one on another line and loved being able to spend time alone when I wanted, but could join activities when I wanted company. LOVED having my own cabin.
I did participate in the meet thread for the cruise. Met some nice people who I planned some activities with. Left dinner to chance and I ended up with a table of great people. Was so much fun to talk about our days as we didn't see each other except dinner.
I had dinner in the specialty restaurant by myself and it was fine. Small delay as they assumed I was waiting for someone... It was an incredible meal and I am so glad I didn't chicken out eating by myself. I never felt uncomfortable.
I have two more solo DCL cruises booked. One a 14 day TA that I am totally solo, and one 7 nt. where my good friend is going but we each have our own cabin. Yes, we get along very well and could share as we've done before. But we both realize we love the upside of having one's own cabin and space.
While I don't feel the cruise lines really
like having solo cruisers - DCL is an easy line in which to sail solo. My first attempt at solo cruising was another line, but other than a few little things had no problem. (and those little things really were silly little things like the small delay at the specialty restaurant) Other cruisers and the crew treated me just fine.
Now there always will be the few who have to come out with the "oh, you poor thing, you don't have anyone to cruise with?" But for the most part, I got "wow, you get your own cabin?!"
I am getting long-winded but I am hoping to give you some feedback. (this means I'm not done yet...
Granted, there
are some people who do not like being alone. I will again say that the good part about being solo is that usually you can find company when you want it. I found even if you are more on the quiet side, people will still chat you up.
One thing I did if I wanted to be out of my cabin but not really be with someone - would be to sit somewhere I could look out a porthole or read a book or something. I often would go to the area outside the dining room that had a small bar. I found that if I were sitting so I mostly was faced toward the porthole, no one bothered me. But if I slanted a bit towards the room people often stopped by to say "hi" or wave.
Best of both worlds! "Me" time when I wanted, company when I wanted it. Met some really nice people.