Cruising Alone........DCL?

[YodasMom]

Just wondering what kinds of experiences people have had cruising alone (no kids, friends, or spouse along)? I have not been able to coordinate a trip at a time when friends are cruising due to my schedule, but I really want to do a Disney cruise. I've cruised with friends and family on other cruise lines previously, but never alone.

Does Disney charge double for the room as most other lines do? How do they seat you for meals? Would you do it again, or did you feel out of place? I've traveled to WDW tons of times alone, but I know so many people there that I don't feel alone. When is the best time of year to do this?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!!

 

[eeyoregon]

Hello!

I have taken my 2 DS's ages 10 and 13 to WDW, by myself, several times and have had the most magical experiences!

In 5 days we will be going on our 1st Disney Cruise - I will let you know how it was after we get back!

 

[GorshGoofy]

Just wondering what kinds of experiences people have had cruising alone (no kids, friends, or spouse along)? I have not been able to coordinate a trip at a time when friends are cruising due to my schedule, but I really want to do a Disney cruise. I've cruised with friends and family on other cruise lines previously, but never alone.

Does Disney charge double for the room as most other lines do? How do they seat you for meals? Would you do it again, or did you feel out of place? I've traveled to WDW tons of times alone, but I know so many people there that I don't feel alone. When is the best time of year to do this?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!!

YodasMom: I took a 4 day Bahamas cruise last year during Halloween weekend and had a great time. I'd have to dig out my paperwork to check on the single traveller surcharge but I don't think it was doubled. Maybe it was 150%. Check with your travel agent.

I was seated at a table for 10 with one couple and their young son. I believe that another party of 4-5 people were to have been seated with us but they canceled their trip. I did get the feeling that I was interfering with what could have been a romantic dinner for the couple since they came with their son only once. The other times he was doing kid's club activities. One night they took the son to another restaurant and the next night they had reservations at Palos. So ... I was alone at a table for 10. The servers were concerned but I kept telling them ... hey! I'm on the Disney Wonder and I have 2 servers waiting on just little old me. What could be better!! And, I really did have a good time alone since one of the purposes of the trip was to get used to travelling alone. At the same time, I think I'll ask more questions if I do another solo cruise. I'd rather have a smaller table and sit alone rather than a table for 10 and feel like the 3rd person at a couple's romantic dinner.

On the kayaking excursion at Castaway Cay the leader did pull me aside and acknowledge that I was alone. She asked if I wanted to paddle alone or with her assistant. I'm glad I chose to leave the paddling to someone who knew how! I appreciated her concern and discretion.

I found the cruise to be a wonderful experience. I was treated not as an "oh-no-you-are-alone" curiosity. I was just another cruiser who happened to be alone at the moment. I would go again in a heartbeat. I found the October season to be good ... windy but not cold. I may have to go next time in January which I understand is even more windy and cooler, less conducive to swimming, etc.

Hope that helps some. If you have questions ask. Hope you have a great trip. I think you'd enjoy it!

 

[gnome1b]

I just booked my first solo cruise on the Carnival Liberty, for Jan. 14 '07 out of Ft Lauderdale. I found that the solo rate was quite good compared to other lines. I got a category 1a inside for $640 for a 6 night Western Carrib. cruise. I think you'll find the solo rate not as good on Disney, but if you do go, let us know how you liked it!

Brad in Ma.

 

[SandraVB79]

I have been looking to do a DCL cruise by myself, and I think the rate was like 175%!!!!!

That was the only thing that made me decide to NOT go... after all, on the Love Boat, many of the passengers were there by themselves too, no? Or are my memories completely off??

 

[videogal1]

I have been looking to do a DCL cruise by myself, and I think the rate was like 175%!!!!!

That was the only thing that made me decide to NOT go... after all, on the Love Boat, many of the passengers were there by themselves too, no? Or are my memories completely off??

On the LOVE BOAT (Premier Cruise lines' Majestic and Oceanic), the passengers who were alone paid a single supplement, unless you are speaking of the TV show and in that case, they got paid for being there like the rest of the actors....
On DCL someone cruising alone pays 175% of the fare for categories 4 through 12 and 200% of the fare for categories 1 through 3. You pay to take up space they could put a paying passenger in so you get to pay for them too...

Think of it as the ultimate silent spouse...

I always sail alone (Premier, DCL, HAL, whatever) unless you count Cash, who, actually, sails free. As I'm retired I can go when I want and don't have to massage my plans to fit with someone else's schedule...You're right, though, it can be expensive. Some cruise lines, like HAL, offer a single share rate where they will look for someone (same sex, smoker/non) to share the stateroom and, if they don't find someone you don't pay the supplement...Cruise ship roulette, I guess. I did that for the HAL cruise and it worked out fine...Nobody wanted to share a stateroom with a Service Dog...(Cash)..., I guess


Next I'm scheduled to do the E. MED repo but may chuck it to do Alaska on Princess...

 

[spotdog]

I've done DCL solo 3 times. 3-Day, 4-Day and Western. I travel in Sept., when fares are cheapest, but I think I did pay about 175% of the "per person double occupancy".

My dinner tablemates have varied from a group of single women on one cruise, 6 very diverse couples on my 7-night Western and a family with 3 teenagers on my latest cruise. I enjoyed all of them. When you make reservations for the Palo restaurant you will have your own table.

I do alot of snorkeling shore excursions. The Rainforest Room at the spa was a nice way to relax and I spent alot of time at the adult pool, especially at night under the stars. There are old-fashioned padded deck chairs outside on the Promenade Deck. This is a terrific place to read.

If you want to feel like a kid...have the chicken tenders (dipped in catsup) and ice cream by the Mickey Pool.