Man Cruising Alone?

[Golden Rose]

We have a cruise on the Wonder booked over the Christmas holidays with two families with extended family, and our tentative current count is 19 people. Another very close friend is considering joining us, but he is single and a little concerned that people would think he is some sort of pervert or weirdo for being a 40something male cruising alone on a Disney ship. We keep trying to reassure him that he would really be traveling with us, which isn't quite the same thing. And there wouldn't be anything wrong with cruising alone even without friends.

Anyone done this? Any advice? I really think he'd have a great time. We'd love to have him along, and the kids would love to have their "uncle" along. But he's definitely a little worried.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have a cruise on the Wonder booked over the Christmas holidays with two families with extended family, and our tentative current count is 19 people. Another very close friend is considering joining us, but he is single and a little concerned that people would think he is some sort of pervert or weirdo for being a 40something male cruising alone on a Disney ship. We keep trying to reassure him that he would really be traveling with us, which isn't quite the same thing. And there wouldn't be anything wrong with cruising alone even without friends.

Anyone done this? Any advice? I really think he'd have a great time. We'd love to have him along, and the kids would love to have their "uncle" along. But he's definitely a little worried.

Really, how's anyone one going to know he's traveling alone? Unless he goes around announcing "I'm on this cruise alone". Or wears a sign. Many couples/families break up and do things individually on cruises. He'll be fine.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My dinner tablemate in October was a single guy in his late 40s/ early 50s. I didn't think twice about it. He was a great guy, fun to chat with, and seemed to be having a blast. Your friend won't be out of place at all.

Besides, how would anyone know he's traveling single? He'll likely be eating with you and your family.

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

Really, how's anyone one going to know he's traveling alone? Unless he goes around announcing "I'm on this cruise alone". Or wears a sign. Many couples/families break up and do things individually on cruises. He'll be fine.

Our family will be traveling together as a group of 10 in August, with one family member being a single 50 year old male. I'm sure this isn't entirely uncommon, which is why they have some special singles events on onboard, from what I understand. I don't think he should worry about it at all, especially since it is no one's business how you choose to vacation, single, as a family, or anything else!

 

[Saimaeve]

I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

Sorry PrincessShmoo, didn't mean to reply to your post directly. I agree with you completely!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Sorry PrincessShmoo, didn't mean to reply to your post directly. I agree with you completely!

No problem I figured you clicked on the wrong post's "reply".

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I'm not understanding what's the concern there's 19 of you on the ship he can hang out with

 

[moosecrouse]

I wouldn't consider it sailing alone but having four cruise under my belt I was thinking of doing a 3 night by myself to be get to gold. As a 44 single man I had the same thoughts. Have done 6 cruises solo on NCL but have serious reservations about doing Disney solo. My previous 4 cruises were with my sisters' families & my mother and honestly never thought about it before I thought about cruising solo.

 

[JenPinks]

If it was a man that was cruising by himself not knowing anyone else, I personally would find that odd. But going with a group of people who cares and who would know.

 

[ImprovGal]

I wouldn't find it odd at all. I'm a single woman and I've cruised solo on Disney for 11 out of my 23 cruises. I've met plenty of people onboard, including other solos, and had a great time. Besides, I find it attractive for a guy to be comfortable travelling independently.

If he were following other people's children around, now that would be incredibly creepy. But hanging out at the pool, lounges, activities, etc. on the ship? Not odd to me in the least!

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

I wouldn't find it odd at all. I'm a single woman and I've cruised solo on Disney for 11 out of my 23 cruises. I've met plenty of people onboard, including other solos, and had a great time. Besides, I find it attractive for a guy to be comfortable travelling independently.

If he were following other people's children around, now that would be incredibly creepy. But hanging out at the pool, lounges, activities, etc. on the ship? Not odd to me in the least!

I could not agree more.

 

[Dug720]

I agree with all those who say what's the big deal. I also cruise solo and love Disney. There is nothing ANYWHERE saying solos aren't allowed on DCL - sorry to those who find it "weird" but you know what? A single person is JUST as much a form of "family" as and type of multi-person mixtures up to huge extended conglomerations and we have just as much right to cruise as anyone else does - I could argue more as we're paying double, but I accept that if I want to travel and see the world rather than sit home on my butt I sometimes have to pay extra.

I know there were at least 3 solos on the Fantasy during Presidents' Week this year as we were seated together for the first night - I then opted to get my own table as I had less than nothing in common with the two MEN who were also traveling solo.

So for the poster who finds solos "weird" - there is the possibility that you will be on a cruise with at least one. If that's going to bother you...well, I'm not sure what to say as we are not restricted from travel until we're coupled up.

For the OP, there should be no issue AT ALL. Disney is very much used to solo travelers and is AWESOME with us.

 

[preciouspups]

I don't think it would be weird. No different than going to Disney World alone, IMO. And like others have said, who will know unless he wears a sign around his neck? Who knows, maybe he will meet another Disney lover on the cruise and live happily ever after.

 

[AnnaS]

I know someone who feels the same way - only he is in his 50s. I do know a 30s male who does cruise with friends - but he is alone. No partner.

It's really no big deal - no one really knows anyway if you are alone. Your partner/spouse/friend/companion might be doing something or might be ill, etc. Unless he wears a label on his shirt announcing he is alone, no one is going to even notice. Tell him to go and enjoy!!!!

 

[Annabell]

I would not consider this as cruising solo. He is actually cruising together with 19 of his friends.
Even if he was really cruising solo (not knowing anyone on the ship), it is not weird at all.
Many people cruise solo even on a Disney ship. No big deal at all.

 

[MousseauMob]

Tell him not to worry about it and to have a great time! If he's especially sensitive about, explain how no one will have anyway of even knowing, as others have stated. I'm a single mom, so I don't "really" travel alone, but my kids are getting older and will I quit cruising once they are adults and not able to cruise with me? Heck No! I love cruising too much and it would be extremely unjust to restrict singles from cruising/traveling because others think it is "weird". I do lots of activities alone (movies, restaurants, etc.) and traveling is no different. Someday, these people who think it is "weird" may find themselves as singles, will they never travel again? I sure hope not, how sad!

 

[ludari]

I'm a single male in my late 40's who enjoys all things Disney. Although I have cruised solo with another cruise line I too had some reservations about sailing with DCL alone but I jumped at the chance to join my friends and their family on a transatlantic Disney Cruise in September 2010 (of course I had my own stateroom). Since my first Disney cruise in 2010 I have completed six more Disney Cruises alone without knowing anyone onboard.

I never concern myself to what others might think of me being alone because I have just as much a right to enjoy a Disney cruise as anyone regardless if I'm alone.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

If I were single, I'd have no problem with going to WDW or on DCL by myself. And anyone who had a problem with it, then that would be their problem and not mine.

 

[SwimMom2]

There is an article about solo cruising in the latest edition of National Georgaphic Traveller that might help your friend get a picture of what it would be like, although as others have noted, he will be with all of you, so not solo.

Disney is for everyone- not just kids! Walt Disney's vision was to create wholesome entertainment for everyone to enjoy together.

I am so sorry that your friend would have this concern. I bet traveling as adults with Disney is a whole different kind of fun from going with kids, but still awesome.