Solo cruising on the Dream?

[SnowWhiteOz]

Hi all,

I'm considering booking my first ever cruise on the Disney Dream next November. I'm used to travelling solo so this doesn't bother me but am unsure what it would be like on a cruise ship.

If anyone has any thoughts on what is like to travel alone on the Dream it would be greatly appreciated. (if it helps or makes a difference I'll be 29 at the time of the trip).

Also - is it worth spending almost twice as much money to do a DCL cruise for my first trip rather than someone like Carnival? I know it is probably comparing apples and oranges but if anyone has done both solo I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks

 

[TestingH2O]

@perditax just took a solo cruise on NCL. Hopefully she will chime in and link her TR. I think solo on the Dream could be lots of fun, but my guess is any line would be. It's all about what kind of experience you're looking for.

 

[ludari]

I've completed 9 solo cruises (7 are Disney) and enjoyed them all very much. They are so many activities and a lot of great people on the ships and you can choose how much you wish to socialize or participate in the various activities. I also enjoy visiting the various ports while others prefer to stay on the ship, again it's up to you how much you wish to do or not do. Currently the Dream has 3 and 4 day cruises and seem to go by too fast for me but might be a great way to test your sea legs.

Yes, the biggest disadvantage of cruising alone on DCL is the cost but since I am aware of that it's not a big surprise but yes you can cruise with a different company visiting the same ports for less money. My first cruise was with Holland America and I enjoyed the destination (Alaska) and the ship was fine but after sailing on Disney the difference was drastic (IMHO) with the staff, shows, and all around feel. In March I will going on a solo trip on Royal Caribbean for the first time ever and the price for a 12 day cruise was less than a 7 day Disney. I am excited about this March cruise since it is a newer ship and some of the ports we are visiting but being a Disney fan I'm sure I will be back cruising with DCL. There is a solo cruising young woman on the boards and I hope she chimes in because she has sailed on Disney and other cruise lines as well and you will probably relate to her more than me.

 

[cijay]

I'm cruising solo next November. (November 7th to be exact). This will be my first cruise and I chose DCL for a few reasons. One of them is that I'm not out to meet guys or get drunk every night and figured that a Disney cruise would be the least likely people would think I am. Plus, I love the atmosphere I've seen and heard about. The only thing I know I will stick out at is dinner when it's the dreaded table for one. I hate the pitiful looks you get when eating alone so if you are on 'my' cruise, if you want we may ask that they stick us together at meal times at least.

 

[ozliz]

I have cruised the wonder and the fantasy solo and I am of a similar age. The first time I was seated with mother/adult child pairs so it was a mixed age group and we got on fine. The second solo cruise I was with 2 other solo ladies. We got on great even though they were older. We had similar interests and all enjoyed Disney and solo cruises and compared notes about what we enjoyed doing alone (because we enjoyed the alone time). The weirdest responses often come from inexperienced servers/CMs who come from different cultures. They are friendly but you can tell that they think it is odd for someone my age to be travelling solo rather than marrying and settling down. I imagine the Dream's shorter cruises are even more popular with solo travellers since it is a shorter trip. If you enjoy solo I see nothing wrong with cruising solo so long as you have the confidence not to care what other people think (and enjoy your own company). Just watch out, you might get hooked and it is an expensive habit!

 

[perditax]

@perditax just took a solo cruise on NCL. Hopefully she will chime in and link her TR. I think solo on the Dream could be lots of fun, but my guess is any line would be. It's all about what kind of experience you're looking for.

My solo NCL report is over here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2224767

Having just gotten off the Dream (non solo) my feelings are a bit mixed about whether it would make a good solo cruise. But I cruise solo to cruise solo, and on the Getaway there were lots of things that enabled me to do that (such as the thermal suite, to get some lounger/water feature access without crowds or noise; the library; lots and lots of quiet nooks, including some days where they specifically set aside places designated as 'quiet areas'). And NCL's 'freestyle' dining meant I could eat whenever/wherever I wanted (alone), on no schedule. The Solo Studios were quiet and secluded, with a quiet lounge for caffeine and snacks. Now, if I WANTED to go walk the public decks/entertainment areas, go to a party or show, etc., I could, it's just that I could get away from them if I wanted to. On Dream I never quite found that sense of seclusion except on my own verandah. Even Deck 4 was often the domain of the tween group.

So I think it matters why you are cruising and what kind of temperament you have.

 

[holula]

I have cruised solo on NCL Epic, which had the studio lounge. It's a great way to meet people and you can be as social or as anti-social as you wish. I dined alone some nights and in a group other nights.

I'm not sure I would cruise solo on the Dream. I would try and look at one of the ships that had the solo cabins, which really limits you to NCL Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape and RCCL's Quantum and Anthem, although I don't know if Royal has the lounge or not. That was one of the things I liked most about NCL.

 

[ASchwa]

Hi all,

I'm considering booking my first ever cruise on the Disney Dream next November. I'm used to travelling solo so this doesn't bother me but am unsure what it would be like on a cruise ship.

If anyone has any thoughts on what is like to travel alone on the Dream it would be greatly appreciated. (if it helps or makes a difference I'll be 29 at the time of the trip).

Also - is it worth spending almost twice as much money to do a DCL cruise for my first trip rather than someone like Carnival? I know it is probably comparing apples and oranges but if anyone has done both solo I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks

Any age is ok to cruise solo. My two solo trips were on the Wonder, to Alaska and the Panama Canal. Both trips I joined the Dis Meet groups and had a blast meeting new people and when I wanted alone time I did what I wanted. You will be assigned a table in the dining room with other solo cruisers. I found that when you are on a Disney Cruise, the crew will go out of their way to talk with you especially when your solo, I mean from the captain on down they answered any question I had. There are activities and shows, music and movies. I am doing the Norwegian Fjords next year on the Magic, solo and looking forward to it.

 

[RHSTigerMom]

I would love to cruise Disney solo but I don't think my husband and kids would like it very much.

 

[timrousbeastie]

I would absolutely love to cruise solo! It's such a peaceful and relaxing way to take time off. As for paying double rate, I am used to paying for 8-9, not only for the cruise itself but for equally costly pre- and post-cruise vacations for my extended family, so the idea of paying for two sounds like a dream! I've secretly been dreaming about taking a Cunard World cruise by myself when my nephews and nieces get too old to take long vacations. A longer Disney cruise on the Magic or Wonder would be wonderful, too. As for dining alone, I always bring my iPad, with a downloaded newspaper, to dinner when I travel alone, which I do around 100 days/year on business. I absolutely love the single lifestyle and the idea that, in 2015, you should feel awkward or sorry for someone, male or female, who is dining alone is absurd to me.

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

@perditax just took a solo cruise on NCL. Hopefully she will chime in and link her TR. I think solo on the Dream could be lots of fun, but my guess is any line would be. It's all about what kind of experience you're looking for.

Thanks!

I've completed 9 solo cruises (7 are Disney) and enjoyed them all very much. They are so many activities and a lot of great people on the ships and you can choose how much you wish to socialize or participate in the various activities. I also enjoy visiting the various ports while others prefer to stay on the ship, again it's up to you how much you wish to do or not do. Currently the Dream has 3 and 4 day cruises and seem to go by too fast for me but might be a great way to test your sea legs.

Yes, the biggest disadvantage of cruising alone on DCL is the cost but since I am aware of that it's not a big surprise but yes you can cruise with a different company visiting the same ports for less money. My first cruise was with Holland America and I enjoyed the destination (Alaska) and the ship was fine but after sailing on Disney the difference was drastic (IMHO) with the staff, shows, and all around feel. In March I will going on a solo trip on Royal Caribbean for the first time ever and the price for a 12 day cruise was less than a 7 day Disney. I am excited about this March cruise since it is a newer ship and some of the ports we are visiting but being a Disney fan I'm sure I will be back cruising with DCL. There is a solo cruising young woman on the boards and I hope she chimes in because she has sailed on Disney and other cruise lines as well and you will probably relate to her more than me.

Thank you for sharing your experiences - it's great to hear from people who are regular cruisers! I'm just hoping I don't fall in love with cruising too much as I don't think my wallet would thank me

I'm cruising solo next November. (November 7th to be exact). This will be my first cruise and I chose DCL for a few reasons. One of them is that I'm not out to meet guys or get drunk every night and figured that a Disney cruise would be the least likely people would think I am. Plus, I love the atmosphere I've seen and heard about. The only thing I know I will stick out at is dinner when it's the dreaded table for one. I hate the pitiful looks you get when eating alone so if you are on 'my' cruise, if you want we may ask that they stick us together at meal times at least.

I think I'm going to be on the cruise that swaps with over with your one - the one that fits in with the rest of my trip leaves on the 4th! Otherwise would have loved to say hi.

I dine out a lot solo so I no longer care what people think when I'm eating alone but certainly understand that it's not for everyone.

I have cruised the wonder and the fantasy solo and I am of a similar age. The first time I was seated with mother/adult child pairs so it was a mixed age group and we got on fine. The second solo cruise I was with 2 other solo ladies. We got on great even though they were older. We had similar interests and all enjoyed Disney and solo cruises and compared notes about what we enjoyed doing alone (because we enjoyed the alone time). The weirdest responses often come from inexperienced servers/CMs who come from different cultures. They are friendly but you can tell that they think it is odd for someone my age to be travelling solo rather than marrying and settling down. I imagine the Dream's shorter cruises are even more popular with solo travellers since it is a shorter trip. If you enjoy solo I see nothing wrong with cruising solo so long as you have the confidence not to care what other people think (and enjoy your own company). Just watch out, you might get hooked and it is an expensive habit!

Thank you for the advice - and yep that's my main concern, that I'll fall in love and have to keep coming back!

My solo NCL report is over here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2224767

Having just gotten off the Dream (non solo) my feelings are a bit mixed about whether it would make a good solo cruise. But I cruise solo to cruise solo, and on the Getaway there were lots of things that enabled me to do that (such as the thermal suite, to get some lounger/water feature access without crowds or noise; the library; lots and lots of quiet nooks, including some days where they specifically set aside places designated as 'quiet areas'). And NCL's 'freestyle' dining meant I could eat whenever/wherever I wanted (alone), on no schedule. The Solo Studios were quiet and secluded, with a quiet lounge for caffeine and snacks. Now, if I WANTED to go walk the public decks/entertainment areas, go to a party or show, etc., I could, it's just that I could get away from them if I wanted to. On Dream I never quite found that sense of seclusion except on my own verandah. Even Deck 4 was often the domain of the tween group.

So I think it matters why you are cruising and what kind of temperament you have.

Thank you for the detailed response. I think in my case I'm not travelling to be alone, but rather that's just the circumstances I'm in. I've bookmarked your report as well to read in my lunch break at work today - I read the first little bit and you got me hooked!

I have cruised solo on NCL Epic, which had the studio lounge. It's a great way to meet people and you can be as social or as anti-social as you wish. I dined alone some nights and in a group other nights.

I'm not sure I would cruise solo on the Dream. I would try and look at one of the ships that had the solo cabins, which really limits you to NCL Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape and RCCL's Quantum and Anthem, although I don't know if Royal has the lounge or not. That was one of the things I liked most about NCL.

Thanks for the advice - the only cruise lines departing during the time I'm there are RCCL, Carnival and DCL. I think I've decided that the splurge is worth it to go DCL for a first cruise!

Any age is ok to cruise solo. My two solo trips were on the Wonder, to Alaska and the Panama Canal. Both trips I joined the Dis Meet groups and had a blast meeting new people and when I wanted alone time I did what I wanted. You will be assigned a table in the dining room with other solo cruisers. I found that when you are on a Disney Cruise, the crew will go out of their way to talk with you especially when your solo, I mean from the captain on down they answered any question I had. There are activities and shows, music and movies. I am doing the Norwegian Fjords next year on the Magic, solo and looking forward to it.

Awesome. I love hearing that the CMs engage with solo travellers - I'm not shy by any means and will happily talk to fellow cruisers but it's nice that there's another option!

I would love to cruise Disney solo but I don't think my husband and kids would like it very much.

I would absolutely love to cruise solo! It's such a peaceful and relaxing way to take time off. As for paying double rate, I am used to paying for 8-9, not only for the cruise itself but for equally costly pre- and post-cruise vacations for my extended family, so the idea of paying for two sounds like a dream! I've secretly been dreaming about taking a Cunard World cruise by myself when my nephews and nieces get too old to take long vacations. A longer Disney cruise on the Magic or Wonder would be wonderful, too. As for dining alone, I always bring my iPad, with a downloaded newspaper, to dinner when I travel alone, which I do around 100 days/year on business. I absolutely love the single lifestyle and the idea that, in 2015, you should feel awkward or sorry for someone, male or female, who is dining alone is absurd to me.

Great points. I generally travel by myself (which of course involves dining alone) but I also do it at home too! I love just immersing myself in the dining experience and don't care if others think I'm weird dining alone! The only problem is there is no one to share desserts with when there are two things you want to try!

 

[cijay]

Bugger...oh well, that would've been fun. I dine out a lot by myself too but when I was in Mexico and mum was sick, it wasn't nice sitting in a resort dining room eating. Maybe it was just because I was worried about mum.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The only problem is there is no one to share desserts with when there are two things you want to try!

I don't find that a problem. I generally order two desserts.

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

Bugger...oh well, that would've been fun. I dine out a lot by myself too but when I was in Mexico and mum was sick, it wasn't nice sitting in a resort dining room eating. Maybe it was just because I was worried about mum.

I'll make sure I to you as you depart!

I don't find that a problem. I generally order two desserts.

You sound awesome!