Solo Cruising

[aussie_princess]

I've never cruised before but I've wanted to for some time now and I really want to do DCL. I'm planning a trip to the US in September 2017 (I live in Australia) and I'd like to incorporate a 3 or 4 night cruise in my trip. Having never cruised before, I have no idea if solo cruising is something I will enjoy. I've travelled solo plenty of times so I think I'll be ok, but a cruise ship is a different environment so I'm not sure.

Anyone out there who enjoys solo cruising with DCL? Tips, advice and stories are all appreciated!

 

[gumbypee]

I've never cruised before but I've wanted to for some time now and I really want to do DCL. I'm planning a trip to the US in September 2017 (I live in Australia) and I'd like to incorporate a 3 or 4 night cruise in my trip. Having never cruised before, I have no idea if solo cruising is something I will enjoy. I've travelled solo plenty of times so I think I'll be ok, but a cruise ship is a different environment so I'm not sure.

Anyone out there who enjoys solo cruising with DCL? Tips, advice and stories are all appreciated!

Sure, if you enjoy traveling solo you would love a DCL cruise. It is very easy to do what you want when you want whatever you want. I did adult only activities and some family ones too. YPou better believe I stood in line to meet the princesses too! LOL

Only problem is there are no "studio" rooms so you have to pay now for two people (minus taxes and port fees) it used to be 50%, then 75%, now 100% if I recall correctly.

 

[aussie_princess]

Yeah, the only thing about traveling solo that I really hate is the whole extra cost thing - but I find that if I go in expecting that then it doesn't bother me as much. I've seen people talk about dining with other solo travelers etc and I know there are lots of bars, nightclubs etc, but what other sort of activities do they have? I don't want to spend all that money to just sit by the pool reading a book for 4 days.

 

[Hundredacre]

Just from what I have read on the dis, it sounds like there are more solo travelers on the longer cruises like the panama canal or transatlantic, but I could be wrong.

 

[eeyore01905]

I did a 4 day solo cruise in March and LOVED it. The staff would often stop and talk with me when they saw me in the hallway
There was so much to do that I never felt lonely or out of place.
I easily made friends on board with my dining mates with whom I spent time on the beach and in the nightclub with. I also enjoyed my alone time- being able to relax in the rainforest room, in the cove cafe and other quiet spots on board
I would only advise to do port adventures set up by Disney. I didn't feel comfortable wandering around by myself while in port, except for Castaway. On board I felt completely safe and comfortable. I plan on cruising solo again

 

[dcassetta]

I have enjoyed solo cruising. Since you have never cruised before a 3 or 4 day would be nice to see if you enjoy it. If you do, and I would bet you'll love it, you can book on board for a future cruise!

 

[michellekcm]

There are lots of activities you could do solo, or join in with others. Trivia, napkin folding class, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, animation classes where they teach you to draw a character (usually a few of these), mixology classes. There's also the chance to see new release movies.

Even though I travel with my family, between DH and I we do a lot of these things solo so the other one can be with the kids.

 

[aussie_princess]

There are lots of activities you could do solo, or join in with others. Trivia, napkin folding class, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, animation classes where they teach you to draw a character (usually a few of these), mixology classes. There's also the chance to see new release movies.

Wow! You've pretty much just sold me on it right there! I want to do all those things lol. Especially the drawing classes, I used to love the animation classes when they still had them at Hollywood Studios.

 

[gumbypee]

yes, I did animation classes - there were adult only AND family ones so choose which ones you want or do both.

Trivia

towel animal classes

some cooking demos

mixology you pay extra for but it is worth it if you like alcohol

there is music playing a lot of the time , especially in evenings and you can sit and listen and sometimes characters come out

Check out some navigators for ideas of what they would offer for trip length and ship you would be on

Go for it!

 

[aussie_princess]

I'm actually getting pretty excited about this now! I love traveling solo as long as I have options to be active and I don't just have to sit around all the time. This is great information, thank you!