Has anyone here ever

[LindaBabe]

cruised alone? There is a chance my companions may have to cancel for medical reasons.

If you had this situation, what would you do?

 

[ThreeCircles]

Never cruised alone here. Although I have read about people doing this and about the only downside I can see would be the cost. For some reason, in the cruise industry, cabins are always booked at double occupancy rates. Thus, when you book as a single cruiser, the rate tends to be much higher than if you take the double occupancy rate and halve it.

 

[kiddisney]

no - i've never cruised alone - but there's so much to do that you can keep busy - there's been times when my husband was watching a game - my kids were in the clubs - and i just relaxed - it was nice - and there are a lot of activities that people attend by themselves - even if the rest of your party is on the ship you may not do all the same activities - so you can still enjoy the cruise -

 

[figment52]

I hope the medical issues are not too serious .... sending some pixie dust your way ....

I cruised alone for 7 nights in September and had a wonderful time. Aside from the cost, if you are even slightly outgoing you will have a great time and will make new friends for the week. The servers identify you as a single and if for some reason your table mates do not show up they just merge you into another table (happened to me twice in three days - including the first night - just jet lag and Palo reservations, nothing I did honest). And being a single if you want to change your dining assignment, it is easy to place "just one more" somewhere rather than relocate a group of four or more. Excursions and most on board activities are not designed for just couple or groups so going alone is not a problem. Hey - there are lots of single parents with kids that would rather be in the clubs so they end up alone too. Heck, I travelled with two friends the first time and we ending up going our separate ways quite a bit just becasue of too many choices of activities and our interests, we drifted in different directions.

As for the cost issue -
It isn't just the cruise industry that prices things at double occupancy, it is just more noticable. WDW hotel rooms are priced the same if one or two people are there, the only difference is you don't need passes for a 2nd person. The same with the cabins on cruise ships. It is more noticeable (sp) because of the all inclusive nature of the cruise. Some of the other lines don't charge as much for a single because they have the casinos and liquor to offset the base charge but even then it is at lease 150% of each person with the double occupancy. It is surprising to see just how much they figure is food cost though when you see how little they take off for the other person not being there.

While I might not want to cruise single on another lines because of the implications I don't hesitate to do it on DCL.

Have you called DCL and explained the situation...from what I have gathered from these boards they can be rather accomodating to a date change rather than an outright cancellation for something like this...

If you have any more specific concerns PM me...I'd be happy to help

 

[LindaBabe]

That was a great answer giving me lots to think about!

 

[inkkognito]

In 36 cruises, we've met several single cruisers, and all of them seemed to be having a great time.
As Figment said, the servers will go out of their way for you, and personally I wouldn't hesitate to go to Palo by myself (of course, you might meet other people here or on board who you could join there). At the parties, the cruise staff will make you feel welcome, and there are some team activities like Wonderquests where you can easily join in with others. The wine tasting is a group thing, too (groups at tables). The heated tile loungers and the adult whirlpools are great places to strike up a conversation with fellow cruisers. You might even link up with people on an excursion...that hasn't happened to us on Disney, but on one of our RCCL cruises, a single woman hung out with us on one of our excursions and we have been known to go to Palo with other people too.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[prymsu]

I cruised solo this past June, and let me tell you it was wonderful! In fact for the first time in many years, I was able to unwind and not worry if everyone was having a good time, or planning activities that the whole family would enjoy.

I went on a four day, and right off the bat I met another person who was cruising by herself, and we had got a long so well that we immediately had our dinner seatings arranged.

It really was so much fun, that i now have another cruise in January 05 booked that i will be going solo again.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

We too have met Many single cruisers and they have always said they were having the time of their lives! I think it's great that someone doesn't let anothers "fear" of cruising, stop them from doing it themselves.

I know if I were in your situation....I'd DEFINITLY go!

Hope the medical problems aren't serious. But if they can get out of the trip without too many financial obligations, hopefully they will again take the opportunity at another time to go!

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[LindaBabe]

Looks like about a 75% chance my companions will not be able to sail. If that happens, I will miss them dearly and think of them often - but - based on your comments, I'm committed. I WILL go and I WILL have a grand time! (I'm even getting excited about it! )

 

[MarceRN]

The best thing to do is go to the picture store on the ship and check out the welcome pics. You can cruise through the pics and see who does not have a mate with them. Then go find them.
But there is a single get together on the ship. I could not go because my hubby would have probably gotten mad but I did enjoy looking at the pics and dream a little.

 

[LindaBabe]

I NEVER would have thought of that! of course the thought once planted MUST be acted upon