First Solo Cruise Booked!

[aVASTGrl]

So, I've been trying for years to get my friends and family to do a Disney cruise with me, but I finally gave up and booked the Fantasy for Halloween week this year! It will be my first Disney cruise, and my first solo cruise, so any tips/hints on how to make the most out of this trip would be appreciated!

I'm mostly concerned with the dining situation. I'm excited to experience the rotating dining, but terrified of being seated with people who won't appreciate a solo traveller at their table.

 

[ludari]

I hope you enjoy cruising solo as much as I do! I've completed 8 solo Disney Cruises and if you are concerned about your tablemates you can request your own table soon after your board (check the daily navigator or asks Guest Services after your board the ship). Personally I enjoy being alone because it re-energizes so I always request my own table but this might be your situation. I would suggest that you should not be intimidated about being alone and jump in with both feet if something interest you such as character meets, Palo/Remy or any port adventures. I would also recommend that you do not miss any of the daily shows in the Walt Disney Theatre and take advantage of some of the first run movies in the movie theatre as well. As a solo cruiser I also like to use this alone time to walk the decks early in the morning and visit the gym to keep in check all the wonderful food on board. If you are open to socializing you can do this in the clubs, Cove Cafe, at dinner if you choose to keep your tablemates, in the sauna, and on port adventures as well. DCL will also offer a singles meet for lunch so review your Daily Navigator if this interests you. Since your cruise will be during Halloween I'm sure they will be a costume party so you should consider dressing up if that interest you. The Cast Members are also great with solo travelers and I've made some wonderful friends with numerous Cast Members who remember me each time I board. I almost forgot that if you check the cruise link on the Disboards you should find a group of Disboard members that will be on your cruise and usually plan meet-ups and fish extender exchanges if that interest you. Have a great cruise.

 

[aVASTGrl]

Thank you so much! It's good to know I can request my own table. I've never minded eating by myself, but I'm not averse to sharing a table as long as my tablemates are friendly! The first cruise I ever took, my sister and I were paired with another couple at a 4-top and they were horribly unfriendly and annoyed at having to share a table with us; that experience is one I'd rather not repeat! Do you know if it's possible to request my own table after the first night, or should that request be put in as soon as I board?

 

[DarthEsquire]

I took my parents on a Disney Cruise about a year ago. There were a lot of activities I enjoyed doing myself, because of my love of Disney, but I didn't find much in terms of specifically "singles" activities. There is still plenty to do though. One thing I specifically remember though is that when I went to lunch in one of the sit down restaurants by myself they dis ask if I wanted to be at a table with other single diners. Based on how they matched up my parents and I with dinner partners I imagine they do try to put the singles together so that it minimizes awkwardness (so a single isn't sitting with a party of five). The table we were paired up with was a daughter travelling with her parents as well so ages were similar. I have thought about doing a solo cruise and while knowing I could dine alone, would always appreciate having a group of other people to talk to who are in the same situation of traveling solo (since I would already be pretty sure other solo travelers would share the interest in Disney).

 

[ludari]

Thank you so much! It's good to know I can request my own table. I've never minded eating by myself, but I'm not averse to sharing a table as long as my tablemates are friendly! The first cruise I ever took, my sister and I were paired with another couple at a 4-top and they were horribly unfriendly and annoyed at having to share a table with us; that experience is one I'd rather not repeat! Do you know if it's possible to request my own table after the first night, or should that request be put in as soon as I board?

I had a bad experience with sharing on my second Disney Cruise so ever since then I always requested my own table an received it. Occasionally some of the other people dining near me have asked me to join their tables but I would politely say no thanks. You can request your own table anytime during the cruise but I prefer to do it as soon as I board the ship.

 

[intricatejewel]

I have done three solo cruises on Disney and have had nothing but great and memorable experiences on each one. The CM's are always friendly and I've made quite a few lasting friendships with some of my fellow table mates. The first night of dining still causes me some anxiety as it's a mixed bag who you get for table mates, but my experience has been nothing but positive. Disney does make an effort to sit you with others close to your age and a lot of fellow cruisers will think it's great that you're adventurous enough to vacation solo and are envious of the absolute freedom you have to choose what you want to do/when you want to do it. For the exact same reasons as the OP stated, I couldn't get any friends and family who either liked Disney enough or could afford to go, so I bit the proverbial bullet and booked my first solo Disney cruise 3 years ago and have been hooked ever since. I'm on the fence, but I'm leaning towards booking a land and sea package for my birthday this fall. I traveled solo to WDW once for a few days and wasn't too crazy about the experience, but I really miss the parks. I'm pretty sure I'm going to give it a try. At the very least, I'm booking the cruise at the end of the week and know without a doubt, I'll have a great way to wrap up the vacation. I'm sure you'll fall in love with solo cruising too!