First Time Cruiser- HELP!

[solotraveler]

Hi everyone!

I'm pretty new to these boards, so bear with me if I make a mistake...

I just recently booked the 11/8/03 Western itinerary on the Magic. It is my first time on a cruise and it's a solo trip. I love travelling solo (9 WDW trips solo so far) and enjoy the freedom of it. However, I'm starting to worry about the cruise. Has anyone cruised solo before? Will I feel out of place? Is there anything I absolutely shouldn't miss onboard? Any really great shore excursions?

Obviously, I have (too) many questions, and any advice/answers you could give me would be great!!

Thanks a million,
Rick
(SoloTraveler)

 

[floridaminnie]

First of all welcome to the Disboards. I'm not a solo traveler, but I'm a single mommy. When my DD is in the club, I go and do the "adult" activities. I would reccomend checking out Barb's website to see what goes on on the ship ( www.castawayclub.com ) and check out DCL's website to see what excursions you might enjoy. YOu'll have fun!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Rick.

Has anyone cruised solo before?

Like sdoane, I am a single parent and travel often with my son. There are "traveling single" get togethers onboard ship if you are so inclined. I don't know anything about them but perhaps someone else reading this does. You can meet other Disers who will be on your cruise through these boards, which could provide a measure of comfort by developing friendships in advance of sailing.

Is there anything I absolutely shouldn't miss onboard?

Don't miss the fire drill!

In terms of entertainment, everyone appears to have their own personal favorite. Regarding evening shows at The Walt Disney Theatre, the consensus appears to be overwhelmingly the Disney Dreams show. Many other activities are listed in the Navigator.

You might also want to treat yourself to a massage and/or facial at the spa. If you enjoy "raising other people's eyebrows" you could embark solo into the Suriel bath (like entering the movie Sleeper's "Orgasmatron" alone... lol).

Any really great shore excursions?

I, myself, am looking forward to experiencing Stingray City with Captain Marvin's on Grand Cayman. I have yet to read a negative post about this tour.

On Cozumel, I recommend an ATV adventure through Wild Tours. It is a non-DCL shore excursion which I rave about quite often on these boards.

Wishing you a truly enjoyable cruise.

 

[Disney Debbie]

My DH met two single ladies in the buffet line when we embarked (I think they were quite disappointed after they invited him to join them and he told them his family was waiting for him ) Anyway - we saw them several times with a large group of people in the various clubs. They seemed to be having a great time! I don't know if it was anything organized or if they just all joined up.

 

[Quirky Cruiser]

Hi There! I did travel solo on the Wonder this past March - I was a little nervous going all by myself, but once I stepped on the ship - all the nerves turned to absolute joy! I am 23, so I made a commitment to myself that I would do as much as I could. I highly recommend participating in the activities on-board - it makes for a much better experience and it is a great way to meet people. I was lucky and had an absolutely awesome family as my tablemates at dinner - there were 3 pre-teen/teen boys and 2 parents who invited me to hang out with them all the time. I did participate in the Atlantis excursion on Nassau and I went parasailing with one of the boys from my table at Castaway Cay. I still keep in touch with this family (we emailed all our photos)! I would book another solo cruise in a heartbeat! I am going on the western this summer with my sister (a freshman in college) and then going back on the Wonder next February with my family/friends - but I'm sure a solo trip is also in the future. Just be forwarned - Disney cruises are ADDICTIVE - you'll be planning your next cruise before you get off the first. Best Advice - book again on-board and take advantage of the credit! I hope you have as much fun as I did - oh - and don't miss the theme nights in the nightclubs - they are a blast!

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Rick,

Welcome aboard the Nov. 8th Western. We have a group of nearly 90 people who are communicating on this board. I will find our thread and bump it up.

As of last contact, there are 14 of us going on a Stingray City snorkel tour with Capain Marvin's and the whole group has a minigolf tournament planned on Cozumel.

Look us over and think about joining in!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Hi Rick - DH, DS11 and I are also on the 11/8 cruise w/you. It's gonna be lots of fun!
You wont feel out of place w/our group. Whenever you see any of us please feel free to join in and with close to 100 we'll be all over the ship- lol
Think about joining the DISers with either the mini-golf and/or the snorkeling.
And do make sure you come over to the 11/8 cruise thread and introduce yourself.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi disneyeveryyear.

Look us over and think about joining in!

A most enticing offer, however, probably not the best phrasing to give to a young male traveling solo... lol.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

I remember reading you can have 3people in the mud bath - lol

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

I remember reading you can have 3people in the mud bath

Yes, but the 3rd person has to be mature...

 

[imgoingtodisney]

now where's the fun in that?