I love a solo Disney trip or cruise. Dare I say it,I sometimes prefer to be a solo traveler. But I also don't get social anxiety or have triggers that I know others can experience. When I've cruised solo, in fact,they're often able to seat me by myself. I ❤ being able to do All the things that I love without consulting with the 🥜 gallery. 😆
I've been a solo traveler my entire life, so I'm quite comfortable travelling alone. Just booked my first Disney cruise for November 2022 and I'm so darn excited I can't stand myself! haha! While I'll be with cousins, I've got my own cabin which I intend to enjoy ALOT!!
That sounds absolutely perfect to open the door, order room service, and stay in the stateroom for an extensive period of time reading a book. I love this idea.
I really do wish Disney had some solo cabins like RCL does. I’d be more comfortable sailing Disney solo than the others, I think. Was hoping they’d have some on the Wish….maybe the next ship….
Disney and other cruise lines should come up with better prices for solo travelers. I get it that sole travelers maybe don’t spend as much money as family, but we still do wish to travel. I understand some cruise lines will offer solo cabins but we should get better rates for balconies and so forth. I think cruise lines are going to see more travelers who want better prices.
I have a 20 something single daughter who has adopted the solo travel way of life. In the beginning I was: Gaahhhhh, no girlfriend to tag along???. Now it's: OK fine, but Jen says do "this" to stay safe. She listens!! Between her experiences and yours, solo travel is looking more and more attractive! Thanks for pushing us "tentative, just stick a toe in" kind of folk.
You said that nobody felt sorry for you for being alone. So did anybody ask you "why you didn't come with someone?" When I went solo on Royal, I avoided the bars because I seldom drink and wasn't trying to risk being approached by someone who has the drink package. (I know DCL doesn't have a drink package). The anecdotes you shared speak to why you're my favorite Disney vlogger.
Sometimes people would ask questions about how it might make them feel lonely traveling solo on the cruise. I responded gleefully, "How could I get lonely? I am traveling with my favorite person in the world!" I truly mean that, too. And if there are times when you need to socialize, it is so easy, even in these times with less interaction. I was adopted by several families and grownups on both cruises and filled with invitesfor drinks or to share dinner. I have new friend connections on social media from both cruises as well. I hope I am not commandeering these comments, Jen. I am just such an advocate for DCL solo travel!
@@brooke9939 Alone, not lonely! Your comments are wonderful! So pleased you shared this! The people I meet onboard, I call stranger friends! No one is a stranger, just a friend you haven't met yet!
Will, I don't drink and that's another bit I like about a Disney cruise! No unlimited drink packages to provide a "booze cruise" atmosphere and not having servers pushing alcohol all day like on the other cruise lines. I'm not saying I haven't seen people drinking a lot, on a DCL cruise but it's nothing like on the other cruises!
I just turned 30 and have been wanting to do some solo cruises (particularly Disney cruises) for a couple years now and seeing this just shows that I wouldn't have a horrible time. I've done solo traveling before--I just was uncertain about being on a cruise between 3-7 days solo. Thank you!!!
I am thinking of going alone because there’s nothing worse than traveling with people and realizing you’re both not excited for the same things, or people complain and ruin your experience. The small cabin thing is just another layer. I think a ship full of Disney fans won’t think twice about someone going alone simply because they love Disney.
Will be keeping my eyes peeled for good discounted fares, since the lack of single supplement was really the only thing keeping me from a solo cruise. Have definitely gotten jealous-ish vibes a few times when traveling solo, I think when it dawns on them that you make your own schedule and get to have absolute peace and quiet at the end of the day (and ALL day, if you want!) I love my family...but quiet, they ain't! :-)
I grew up with a stepdad who loved solo fishing outings, so yeah, we Disney lovers need our solo trips! I have a solo WDW trip in Dec. & the only attractions I care to “schedule”, since I’ve been on all of them except 3, are the SWGE ones & Remy, so bring on the fancy free shopping, dining, resort hopping fun!
I often eat at restaurants by myself and my biggest pet peeve is when the host/ess says "only one?" I understand they're confirming they heard correctly, but there are other ways to do that without making it sound pathetic I'm by myself.
My biggest thing with disney is having to eat with others. I like that time for myself/my party. That’s why we haven’t gone back (party of 2). This honestly sounds like an ideal situation to me, if only it wasn’t for price
I took a solo cruise before kids and husband so over 30 years ago 😱. But it was amazing. They sat me at dinner with other people my age, so we spent most of the trip together, at ports and excursions. I would so recommend it.
Your description of your sea day sounds AMAZING. I love my husband and daughter dearly, but my battery only fully recharges when I’m by myself. Thanks for sharing.
A Disney solo cruise is definitely on my bucket list! I love all things Disney and I do solo cruises often! It’s nice to do our family cruise, but I like spoiling myself while I solo! I get a nice suite and enjoy all the perks. Great vid!
Honestly, I just got back from another one and they are the PERFECT place for solo travel. No worries about transportation, great food, great spas . . . just what I needed!
I love doing solo vacations. I’ve went to Disney World solo and I went solo cruising with Carnival. I just haven’t pulled the trigger for Disney Cruise solo just because of my social anxiety of Disney Cruises’s target audience being “for families”.
I have done 2 cruises on Carnival and it had a very similar feeling to what you described here! It was freeing to do exactly what I wanted and needed to do (read: relax). Would 100% do a solo cruise again!
You hit it right on the head, I don't have a significant other and recently moved across the country. So I don't have close friends to travel with. When I travel I'm always worried someone will try to pity me, the way you mentioned being afraid of, the "aw, are you all by yourself?" It's so nice to hear someone else echo that fear, and I'm so glad the cruise went so well for you! I think you're a bit braver than me, I try to avoid events marketed as family friendly because there tend to be fewer solo folks at those events and I feel like I stand out more. I have a hunch you're a bit more extroverted than me which might help you ease over the awkwardness. I'll keep you in mind the next time I feel like I don't belong somewhere because I'm solo, you've definitely helped me feel more courageous!
I mentioned it on another video Jen but thanks to your videos I have booked a three night solo trip on the Dream in late April next year. It will be my first Disney cruise (I've done two previous cruises with my partner) and I CANNOT WAIT!!!
First: every time you walk in to a room they should greet you like Disney cruise line! 👏🏻 I’m not sure I would ever vacation solo but I really loved your honest thoughts about your solo trip! Love how you spent your cruise enjoying all the things you love, even a quiet day to yourself ☺️ Lastly…. That hidden Mickey in the sky was AMAZING!!!
I have just returned from my solo b2b cruises on the Dream! It was amazing, I never felt alone for all the reasons you mentioned in the video, thanks again for sharing your experience. I will continue to sail on Disney cruises solo even though it is very expensive, I wish they would give solo travelers a price break.
So pleased you had a wonderful time as a solo cruiser! I love solo cruising and solo travel especially because you're on your own schedule! And when at a restaurant (on land), eat at the bar. You'll get the best service because your server is right in front of you and your glass will always be full! You're more approachable when you are by yourself than when you are with others. Much easier to make stranger friends for the cruise but you have to put yourself out there, not hide in a corner and expect to be found. I've met many stranger friends during trivia and Bingo. The best bit of solo travel is no need to pack pyjamas! And for the ladies, you know that toilet seat will always be down and dry LOL!
I am looking to take my 1st Disney cruise next year so I as searching youtube for some tips. This was a great video. I wondered a lot about how they welcome you as a solo person. Thanks so much for sharing.
My wife is finishing up a 14-day repositioning cruise on Carnival (can’t afford Disney).After discounts, she spent just $200 for 14 days. While she loved the excursions, she was a bit bored on sea days. Dining rooms and shows were virtually empty. No kids onboard, so most everyone was older.
Jen, you are a travel advisor so it’s a vacation & research to advise us, lol. You would make a fabulous travel agent! I plan to do that in my retirement & growing up in the WDW area, I love all things Disney. I know I would never regret a solo Disney Cruise so thank you for all these wonderful videos on the experience! Solo Cruising has grown leaps & bounds in the past 5 yrs. & so happy that Disney loves solo cruisers, too! I priced a 4 night Disney Wish Cruise in March 2023 with a Verandah for 1 person to be the same amount I’m paying for a 5 night, 4 day PH WDW at a moderate resort pkg. with DVM AH event & Epcot FW dinner pkg.
While I haven’t sailed alone, I’m usually at the shows for adult areas alone and love the friendliness of the crew and other passengers. With a young kid my husband and I swap off kid duty at night after dinner so a single adult doesn’t seem odd at all in my experience. Like you, encourage everyone to “do you!!”
Enjoyed the video and glad you had a great trip. Guests and cast members on Disney cruises tend to be so friendly that you are never truly sailing “alone”. Case in point, it was great meeting you on the Magic two years ago and because of that it brought us to this page! Patti and I were actually on the Fantasy the same time you were on the Dream last month, so we just missed you... It was so good to be back on the ship again.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to see this video! I am planning a solo Disney cruise in September and silly as it sounds one of the things I was stressing about was how to have them announce me when I come on the ship! You completely put me at ease and I’m kind of glad to know that I wasn’t the only one with that issue. This whole series you posted about traveling alone on a Disney cruise ship has been so perfect and such great timing! Thank you so much!
I have social anxiety and was worried most about the awkward entrance but I think I’m going to do it. I want to do the Magic for Tangled but it’s so expensive compared to the other ports. I wish they would at least offer an on-board credit or something if you’re traveling solo and have to pay for 2.
I wish I could sail or do these amazing trips without feeling guilty. My husband and I have 1 bank account where our salaries go and the money is ours..for the family. We then budget for the home, for our daughters school, for vacation, for savings…always ours and to enjoy together. I have incredible guilt going on vacation without it being a family affair because we both worked so hard to make that money, I feel we should enjoy it together. He always encourages me to go and enjoy a vacation if he can’t come but I feel guilty. And now, with 2 small children that feeling is more noticeable. I either trek around with the girls alone (with my parents) and I feel even more guilty for not enjoying the trip as a family or, if I go alone, I feel bad for leaving everyone behind. Maybe one day. But i do enjoy doing things alone. One example are concerts. I moved from California to Madrid when I was 18 and from Madrid to the city I am in now at 27 to be with my (now) husband. I went from a place of having the opportunity to go to concerts and cirque du soleil and the theatre constantly in San Francisco and the Bay Area, to having some opportunities in Madrid to having none where I live now. No international singers really come to the area of the country I live in. What am I supposed to do? Forget about going to concerts and cirque du soleil when I love seeing it in person. Well I go to Madrid or Barcelona alone. My friends think I am odd, that I’m adventurous and brave and other words. They can’t fathom going somewhere without their husbands or a group of friends (and even that is hard for them). I wouldn’t be able to give up every hobby and exciting thing just out of fear. Moral of the story:take the plunge and try it. I eventually will do cruising alone as well…when my babies are older and don’t need me as much
Oh great! I’ve never been on a cruise but I love Disney. I turn 40 in a few months but I have an itch to go somewhere this year and this may be the thing for me!
I’m a 50+ year old single woman and I always wanted to go on a Disney cruise. You addressed any concerns I had about traveling solo on a Disney Cruise and my heart jumped for joy watching you video. Thank you so much for sharing this video 😊
I’m a single parent and my kid is (almost) 12. Having very little time to myself, I relish every opportunity to have some alone time. I saw a movie in the theatre last week when I had a work holiday, but she was in school - no qualms at all over being solo. I’m looking forward to a solo Disney Cruise…in about 7 years! Lol Glad you had an amazing time and am loving all the content!
Just watched this video because I'm thinking of doing a solo cruise when I retire next year. I've been on a Disney cruise 2x before with a girlfriend, but having to take turns sleeping on the convertible couch is just not comfortable. I could have that queen bed all to myself. :)
Thanks for this video. I traveled by myself a lot when I was in my 20s and had no issues with it, but since I had kids, I just love traveling with my kids so much, that I can't imagine going back to solo traveling! But I know I need to prepare for that because my kids are going to grow up and leave me (boo hoo!) and if I have to wait for them to go with me, I'll never get to go anywhere!
Someday I will do a solo Disney cruise. But I will need to make sure I can afford it so that will be in a few years. I likely will do my first solo cruise on a cruise line that makes solo cruising a little more affordable first to make sure I enjoy it. I do plan on maybe doing a Disney Cruise with my Best Friend because as much as I love cruising as an adult with my parents (I enjoy their company) my dad especially does not care about a Disney Cruise and my mom seems hesitant despite showing her videos.
Well another solo trip on the solo trip bucket list. :-) Now all I need to do is save some pennies and courage and BOOK A SoLO TRIP! Someday it will happen! :-)
I've been bogged down already with discussions/shopping for the holidays. We also have birthdays too in the middle of all of this so the holidays get overwhelming. That's why I start early. So I wanted an escape and thought, I wonder what Jen is up to. It was so nice to hear about something non-hoidayish just for a minute. I think I'm going to want to go on a solo cruise once the hoidays are over...LOL... :)
I have nothing but RESPECT for you! I think it’s wonderful that you took a chance and enjoyed the cruise by yourself and you have a family! I’ve been wanting to do a Disney Cruise on my own for a long time!! I can see in your eyes that you had a GOOD TIME!! You’ve really motivated me! I’m single, I don’t have a man and I don’t have any kids and most of my girlfriends are married and I don’t want that to be the reason why I don’t take my Dream Disney Cruise to Europe (Paris & Italy)!!! Please hook me up with ur travel agent!
I love solo travel, but I’ve never done a cruise alone. I do have one booked for April (not Disney), so I’m excited to give it a try. This video came at the perfect time for me!
Great question! If you have flights delays or anything unexpected it’s wonderful having someone with the experience to help you navigate it and who will answer your texts!! It costs you nothing but in the event of the unexpected they are priceless
I'm usually a solo traveler myself and next year I have two Disney Cruises booked one with family in February 2022 on the Dream and I will be sailing solo on the Wish in October 2022 and I can't wait. Thank you for this content I think this will help people explore solo traveling and how fun it really is.
27 years ago was the last time you read a book in a day. Basically, pre-kids. I'm in the young kid phase and look forward to someday enjoying reading like that again! Sounds like a great trip!
I have been cruising solo for a decade now. I really enjoy it. I make friends easily & it's better than staying home. I have a few lines that know I travel solo & I do get great solo discount offers from them. Loyalty has it's perk & a little Casino play goes a long way for bargains. But it can be very expensive to try new lines out as you are not established in their loyalty programs yet. Heading out for a month of cruising on Friday!
From the short clips you posted on Instagram I could tell you were really enjoying this trip and that it was a chance for you to just have some moments to yourself.
I'm super excited to have seen this video!! I am solo cruising with Disney Magic British Isles cruise! I travel alot by myself, but this is my first time cruising solo!
I seriously loved every single minute and I'm kind of mad at myself for waiting so long to do it! I think I will be asking for this for my birthday from now on!
Of all the Disney destinations, a cruise is probably the one I’d like to do solo the most but there would really need to be a great deal because that double occupancy cost is so high!
I love traveling solo to Disney and Universal, but the idea of a solo cruise has simply not been an option as I really have loved sharing the experience with my kids. (I've brought the kids with me twice to WDW and they are both "done with Disney, mom.") Your video, though, has made me rethink the cruise. Maybe, if they remove the fee for being single, I'd consider sailing solo.
I don't think I could travel alone, I'm not sure I'd know what to do, or what I wanted to do. I liked hearing about your trip and glad you had a wonderful time! :)
I’m so jealous you get to travel solo when your married. Most spouses don’t get the need travel separately. Went to Disney World in December 2021 but my husband and I were attached at the hip Every Day.
Totally would do this if I had the chance ❤️❤️ as a parent of younger kids your never really on vacation when your on vacation, so this would be lovely ☺️
My husband and I are booked on our first Disney Cruise next summer on the Wish!! I heard Disney does things a bit different with end of trip tipping. Not sure if you’ve done a video on it but I wonder what things Disney does differently than other Cruise lines? I’ve only done Royal Caribbean and Carnival so far.
I’m really curious how crowds will be going forward since they change the vaccine protocols. Regardless, we are still so excited to hopefully go on our very first one sometime soon!
I must be pretty weird, because I never worry about that "I'm by myself thing". I don't think about that, and I don't let it stop me from doing anything.
Hiya, i loved your video.. and yeah, thinking of sailing solo if ever.. just wondering, is it going to be worth it if i sail concierge solo? I mean is it going to be worth it? Hope to hear from you soon. ChEARS!
I’m a life-long solo traveler, but as you say, those single supplements can be onerous. I’ve been anxiously awaiting my first chance to cruise with Saga, whose ships are all-balcony with 20% for solo passengers. Now scheduled for May after the 2021 cruise was canceled. I just signed up for a Viking ocean cruise with just a 25% single supplement and am looking forward to 10 (!) sea days during the holidays. I’ve heard that Disney is best for adults when kids are in school. Your thoughts?
I sailed solo on a 6-nt on the Fantasy to complete my Grand Slam and hit platinum at the end of October. Then the day I disembarked, I flew home to San Diego and hopped on a solo 4-nt on the Wonder out of San Diego. I agree that discounts are really good right now and I am also able to take advantage of military discounts as a retired Navy veteran. I love sailing solo on DCL. As far as pricing, I break it down into nightly costs and figure out that often it is cheaper than to go to WDW (for me) if you consider the hotel, tickets, food, and entertainment extras. Normally I don't mind sailing in an inside stateroom which also helps with the cost. RIght now though, verandahs are the deal to be had! I agree with you though. At first, some people think it is a bit odd, but as the cruise goes on and they see how enjoyable it is, they express that they would love to do it someday, too! I have another one on the books soon and cannot wait to go again. Great video Jen!
Not sure if this is real or in my mind, but I wonder if a male traveling alone on a Disney cruise would get a lot of side-eye, if you know what I mean. In this day and age I’m pretty sure I would pick a more adult cruise to solo.
I’m pretty emotional so yea I cry a lot but not from sadness - I was super tearful during the evening productions to see live performers like that again! It was very good to be back to cruising!
I did a solo trip to Disney World in 07 and had the time of my life because I was celebrating my birthday on the trip. Now after seeing a few other vlogs about Disney Cruises I planning on doing one solo. I came across your's to see what I might expect because the other ones were with a couple and one with their toddler. Are there any advantages of one type of stateroom over another? Anything a guy should be aware of while on the ship or on an excursion?
I'm a divorced 60 yr old man going on my first Disney Cruise. I'm going solo, but there will be my sister and her husband in their own cabin. I admit I feel a bit wierd going solo. I'm not looking for a love boat experience as we are celebrating my sister surviving pancreatic cancer. My concern is how will the experience be for me as this 60 yr old guy. Anyone having been in the same boat before you(pun intended), i would appreciate your input
Robert you’re going to have a fabulous time. There are loads of families on the ship with various members in all stages of life and other solo travelers as well. It won’t be an issue at all I promise. Enjoy and celebrate with your sister that’s wonderful!
Great video. I’m wondering what made you decide to travel alone. I think you said you’re an ambassador for Disney, was this a promotional cruise or was it maybe because your husband couldn’t go. I’m just curious. My husband and I travel a lot and have been in a few cruises. I think I could cruise alone.
I don’t work for Disney and I traveled alone because I like to! Also my husband has limited time off and since I work for myself I have a lot more flexibility. I highly recommend it!
The short weekend Disney cruises will have the most children and also when children are off school. The Xmas/New Year's holidays are some of the busiest weeks. In general, the fewest children are on the Transatlantic crossings which are about 95% adults, 2000 adults and less than 100 children and you never see them except when they are released from the kids clubs for good behavior at mealtime /s. I think the children on Disney are some of the best behaved at sea! And the kids clubs do a fantastic job of keeping the kids busy and entertained. My sister's children are allowed to stay there all day and night but she and BIL insist that the kids have to have meals with the family, not in the kids clubs. You know the kids clubs are doing an excellent job when the children don't want to leave! And for the adults onboard, that's a good thing LOL! Before The Blip, it could be arranged for the children to be picked up early from the MDRs and brought back to the kids clubs. The current sailing of the 14-night Panama full transit cruise from San Diego to Galveston on the Disney Wonder has only a few children and 800 adults. Someone onboard said they've only seen a couple teens (no one under 12yo permitted onboard). I believe they are transiting through the Panama Canal today! That's on the bucket list for many! I hope Disney plans adult-only cruises just to test the waters for future journeys.
I love a solo Disney trip or cruise. Dare I say it,I sometimes prefer to be a solo traveler. But I also don't get social anxiety or have triggers that I know others can experience. When I've cruised solo, in fact,they're often able to seat me by myself. I ❤ being able to do All the things that I love without consulting with the 🥜 gallery. 😆
me too, as far as doing what I want when I want
I think there might be a niche market for women “of a certain age” travelling solo! Adding this to my bucket list. ☺️
I say this with the limited knowledge I have of your life: you NEED to make this happen. You deserve a few days of the princess verandah treatment!
@@JenLefforge You are 100% correct! 🥰 Have a great weekend!
I've been a solo traveler my entire life, so I'm quite comfortable travelling alone. Just booked my first Disney cruise for November 2022 and I'm so darn excited I can't stand myself! haha! While I'll be with cousins, I've got my own cabin which I intend to enjoy ALOT!!
That sounds absolutely perfect to open the door, order room service, and stay in the stateroom for an extensive period of time reading a book. I love this idea.
I really do wish Disney had some solo cabins like RCL does. I’d be more comfortable sailing Disney solo than the others, I think. Was hoping they’d have some on the Wish….maybe the next ship….
Same! Really wish it was less expensive but still worth it!
Disney and other cruise lines should come up with better prices for solo travelers. I get it that sole travelers maybe don’t spend as much money as family, but we still do wish to travel. I understand some cruise lines will offer solo cabins but we should get better rates for balconies and so forth. I think cruise lines are going to see more travelers who want better prices.
Sounds so fun. I love going solo to Disney. It doesn’t feel weird to me. It’s nice to go with someone but also nice to go by yourself
Exactly I booked the dream for my solo birthday cruise so I can be a kid without judgement 😊
I have a 20 something single daughter who has adopted the solo travel way of life. In the beginning I was: Gaahhhhh, no girlfriend to tag along???. Now it's: OK fine, but Jen says do "this" to stay safe. She listens!! Between her experiences and yours, solo travel is looking more and more attractive! Thanks for pushing us "tentative, just stick a toe in" kind of folk.
You said that nobody felt sorry for you for being alone. So did anybody ask you "why you didn't come with someone?"
When I went solo on Royal, I avoided the bars because I seldom drink and wasn't trying to risk being approached by someone who has the drink package. (I know DCL doesn't have a drink package).
The anecdotes you shared speak to why you're my favorite Disney vlogger.
Nope, nobody asked me that. Not even once.
Sometimes people would ask questions about how it might make them feel lonely traveling solo on the cruise. I responded gleefully, "How could I get lonely? I am traveling with my favorite person in the world!" I truly mean that, too. And if there are times when you need to socialize, it is so easy, even in these times with less interaction. I was adopted by several families and grownups on both cruises and filled with invitesfor drinks or to share dinner. I have new friend connections on social media from both cruises as well. I hope I am not commandeering these comments, Jen. I am just such an advocate for DCL solo travel!
@@brooke9939 Alone, not lonely! Your comments are wonderful! So pleased you shared this! The people I meet onboard, I call stranger friends! No one is a stranger, just a friend you haven't met yet!
Will, I don't drink and that's another bit I like about a Disney cruise! No unlimited drink packages to provide a "booze cruise" atmosphere and not having servers pushing alcohol all day like on the other cruise lines. I'm not saying I haven't seen people drinking a lot, on a DCL cruise but it's nothing like on the other cruises!
I just turned 30 and have been wanting to do some solo cruises (particularly Disney cruises) for a couple years now and seeing this just shows that I wouldn't have a horrible time. I've done solo traveling before--I just was uncertain about being on a cruise between 3-7 days solo. Thank you!!!
It’s the reading a book in one day for me 🤩
I loved so many things about that cruise but that one day is the part I keep re-living! I didn't realize how much I needed that!
I am thinking of going alone because there’s nothing worse than traveling with people and realizing you’re both not excited for the same things, or people complain and ruin your experience. The small cabin thing is just another layer. I think a ship full of Disney fans won’t think twice about someone going alone simply because they love Disney.
Will be keeping my eyes peeled for good discounted fares, since the lack of single supplement was really the only thing keeping me from a solo cruise. Have definitely gotten jealous-ish vibes a few times when traveling solo, I think when it dawns on them that you make your own schedule and get to have absolute peace and quiet at the end of the day (and ALL day, if you want!) I love my family...but quiet, they ain't! :-)
It’s just one of those things I feel you don’t really get until you’ve done it!!!
I grew up with a stepdad who loved solo fishing outings, so yeah, we Disney lovers need our solo trips! I have a solo WDW trip in Dec. & the only attractions I care to “schedule”, since I’ve been on all of them except 3, are the SWGE ones & Remy, so bring on the fancy free shopping, dining, resort hopping fun!
I often eat at restaurants by myself and my biggest pet peeve is when the host/ess says "only one?" I understand they're confirming they heard correctly, but there are other ways to do that without making it sound pathetic I'm by myself.
My biggest thing with disney is having to eat with others. I like that time for myself/my party. That’s why we haven’t gone back (party of 2). This honestly sounds like an ideal situation to me, if only it wasn’t for price
I took a solo cruise before kids and husband so over 30 years ago 😱. But it was amazing. They sat me at dinner with other people my age, so we spent most of the trip together, at ports and excursions. I would so recommend it.
Your description of your sea day sounds AMAZING. I love my husband and daughter dearly, but my battery only fully recharges when I’m by myself. Thanks for sharing.
A Disney solo cruise is definitely on my bucket list! I love all things Disney and I do solo cruises often! It’s nice to do our family cruise, but I like spoiling myself while I solo! I get a nice suite and enjoy all the perks. Great vid!
Honestly, I just got back from another one and they are the PERFECT place for solo travel. No worries about transportation, great food, great spas . . . just what I needed!
Thanks for all the tips. I’m planning a solo cruise for 2024 and really excited about it
Have fun!
I love doing solo vacations. I’ve went to Disney World solo and I went solo cruising with Carnival. I just haven’t pulled the trigger for Disney Cruise solo just because of my social anxiety of Disney Cruises’s target audience being “for families”.
I have done 2 cruises on Carnival and it had a very similar feeling to what you described here! It was freeing to do exactly what I wanted and needed to do (read: relax). Would 100% do a solo cruise again!
every cruise i have been on i imagined myself on the same cruise alone reading my book by the pool as long as I wanted.
You hit it right on the head, I don't have a significant other and recently moved across the country. So I don't have close friends to travel with. When I travel I'm always worried someone will try to pity me, the way you mentioned being afraid of, the "aw, are you all by yourself?" It's so nice to hear someone else echo that fear, and I'm so glad the cruise went so well for you! I think you're a bit braver than me, I try to avoid events marketed as family friendly because there tend to be fewer solo folks at those events and I feel like I stand out more. I have a hunch you're a bit more extroverted than me which might help you ease over the awkwardness. I'll keep you in mind the next time I feel like I don't belong somewhere because I'm solo, you've definitely helped me feel more courageous!
I mentioned it on another video Jen but thanks to your videos I have booked a three night solo trip on the Dream in late April next year. It will be my first Disney cruise (I've done two previous cruises with my partner) and I CANNOT WAIT!!!
First: every time you walk in to a room they should greet you like Disney cruise line! 👏🏻
I’m not sure I would ever vacation solo but I really loved your honest thoughts about your solo trip! Love how you spent your cruise enjoying all the things you love, even a quiet day to yourself ☺️
Lastly…. That hidden Mickey in the sky was AMAZING!!!
Carrie right?? I'm so glad I took a picture because otherwise I'd never believe what I saw!!
I had a day in a cabin in the mountains in April to read an entire book with a view and I also recommend 💯 Your days sounds amazing 👏
I have just returned from my solo b2b cruises on the Dream! It was amazing, I never felt alone for all the reasons you mentioned in the video, thanks again for sharing your experience. I will continue to sail on Disney cruises solo even though it is very expensive, I wish they would give solo travelers a price break.
So pleased you had a wonderful time as a solo cruiser! I love solo cruising and solo travel especially because you're on your own schedule! And when at a restaurant (on land), eat at the bar. You'll get the best service because your server is right in front of you and your glass will always be full! You're more approachable when you are by yourself than when you are with others. Much easier to make stranger friends for the cruise but you have to put yourself out there, not hide in a corner and expect to be found. I've met many stranger friends during trivia and Bingo. The best bit of solo travel is no need to pack pyjamas! And for the ladies, you know that toilet seat will always be down and dry LOL!
I am looking to take my 1st Disney cruise next year so I as searching youtube for some tips. This was a great video. I wondered a lot about how they welcome you as a solo person. Thanks so much for sharing.
You will love it so much!!!!!
My wife is finishing up a 14-day repositioning cruise on Carnival (can’t afford Disney).After discounts, she spent just $200 for 14 days. While she loved the excursions, she was a bit bored on sea days. Dining rooms and shows were virtually empty. No kids onboard, so most everyone was older.
Jen, you are a travel advisor so it’s a vacation & research to advise us, lol. You would make a fabulous travel agent! I plan to do that in my retirement & growing up in the WDW area, I love all things Disney. I know I would never regret a solo Disney Cruise so thank you for all these wonderful videos on the experience! Solo Cruising has grown leaps & bounds in the past 5 yrs. & so happy that Disney loves solo cruisers, too! I priced a 4 night Disney Wish Cruise in March 2023 with a Verandah for 1 person to be the same amount I’m paying for a 5 night, 4 day PH WDW at a moderate resort pkg. with DVM AH event & Epcot FW dinner pkg.
While I haven’t sailed alone, I’m usually at the shows for adult areas alone and love the friendliness of the crew and other passengers. With a young kid my husband and I swap off kid duty at night after dinner so a single adult doesn’t seem odd at all in my experience. Like you, encourage everyone to “do you!!”
Enjoyed the video and glad you had a great trip. Guests and cast members on Disney cruises tend to be so friendly that you are never truly sailing “alone”. Case in point, it was great meeting you on the Magic two years ago and because of that it brought us to this page! Patti and I were actually on the Fantasy the same time you were on the Dream last month, so we just missed you... It was so good to be back on the ship again.
I hope you both had an amazing trip! Yes so good to be back to cruising and our seas were much calmer than the trip when we met!🚢🤪
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to see this video! I am planning a solo Disney cruise in September and silly as it sounds one of the things I was stressing about was how to have them announce me when I come on the ship! You completely put me at ease and I’m kind of glad to know that I wasn’t the only one with that issue. This whole series you posted about traveling alone on a Disney cruise ship has been so perfect and such great timing! Thank you so much!
Oh I'm so glad to hear that, Anita! I hope you have a fabulous cruise!
I have social anxiety and was worried most about the awkward entrance but I think I’m going to do it. I want to do the Magic for Tangled but it’s so expensive compared to the other ports. I wish they would at least offer an on-board credit or something if you’re traveling solo and have to pay for 2.
I wish I could sail or do these amazing trips without feeling guilty. My husband and I have 1 bank account where our salaries go and the money is ours..for the family. We then budget for the home, for our daughters school, for vacation, for savings…always ours and to enjoy together. I have incredible guilt going on vacation without it being a family affair because we both worked so hard to make that money, I feel we should enjoy it together. He always encourages me to go and enjoy a vacation if he can’t come but I feel guilty. And now, with 2 small children that feeling is more noticeable. I either trek around with the girls alone (with my parents) and I feel even more guilty for not enjoying the trip as a family or, if I go alone, I feel bad for leaving everyone behind. Maybe one day.
But i do enjoy doing things alone. One example are concerts. I moved from California to Madrid when I was 18 and from Madrid to the city I am in now at 27 to be with my (now) husband. I went from a place of having the opportunity to go to concerts and cirque du soleil and the theatre constantly in San Francisco and the Bay Area, to having some opportunities in Madrid to having none where I live now. No international singers really come to the area of the country I live in. What am I supposed to do? Forget about going to concerts and cirque du soleil when I love seeing it in person. Well I go to Madrid or Barcelona alone. My friends think I am odd, that I’m adventurous and brave and other words. They can’t fathom going somewhere without their husbands or a group of friends (and even that is hard for them). I wouldn’t be able to give up every hobby and exciting thing just out of fear.
Moral of the story:take the plunge and try it. I eventually will do cruising alone as well…when my babies are older and don’t need me as much
I love this!! Im 32 and look young so I worry about little things but I’d love to do this, looks so fun!!
Oh great! I’ve never been on a cruise but I love Disney. I turn 40 in a few months but I have an itch to go somewhere this year and this may be the thing for me!
I’m a 50+ year old single woman and I always wanted to go on a Disney cruise. You addressed any concerns I had about traveling solo on a Disney Cruise and my heart jumped for joy watching you video. Thank you so much for sharing this video 😊
I’m a single parent and my kid is (almost) 12. Having very little time to myself, I relish every opportunity to have some alone time. I saw a movie in the theatre last week when I had a work holiday, but she was in school - no qualms at all over being solo. I’m looking forward to a solo Disney Cruise…in about 7 years! Lol Glad you had an amazing time and am loving all the content!
Just watched this video because I'm thinking of doing a solo cruise when I retire next year. I've been on a Disney cruise 2x before with a girlfriend, but having to take turns sleeping on the convertible couch is just not comfortable. I could have that queen bed all to myself. :)
Thanks for this video. I traveled by myself a lot when I was in my 20s and had no issues with it, but since I had kids, I just love traveling with my kids so much, that I can't imagine going back to solo traveling! But I know I need to prepare for that because my kids are going to grow up and leave me (boo hoo!) and if I have to wait for them to go with me, I'll never get to go anywhere!
I did it in UK this summer. It was great! I will do it again too! 😊
You are a princess. ❤️😘
You know, Major, it was just nice to have someone recognize the truth for once . . . 😂❤️
Someday I will do a solo Disney cruise. But I will need to make sure I can afford it so that will be in a few years. I likely will do my first solo cruise on a cruise line that makes solo cruising a little more affordable first to make sure I enjoy it. I do plan on maybe doing a Disney Cruise with my Best Friend because as much as I love cruising as an adult with my parents (I enjoy their company) my dad especially does not care about a Disney Cruise and my mom seems hesitant despite showing her videos.
Thanks for showing that solo travel is a good thing! Also, thanks for showing that solo travel with Disney is absolutely doable.
It was truly amazing, Troy!
@@JenLefforge looking forward to sailing with them next year.
Well another solo trip on the solo trip bucket list. :-) Now all I need to do is save some pennies and courage and BOOK A SoLO TRIP! Someday it will happen! :-)
Yes it will!!
Truly the height of luxury is reading an entire book in one day! Add room service and that view and it was probably next level! 😊
I've been bogged down already with discussions/shopping for the holidays. We also have birthdays too in the middle of all of this so the holidays get overwhelming. That's why I start early. So I wanted an escape and thought, I wonder what Jen is up to. It was so nice to hear about something non-hoidayish just for a minute. I think I'm going to want to go on a solo cruise once the hoidays are over...LOL... :)
Happy to present an alternative to the madness, if only for a few minutes!
I have nothing but RESPECT for you! I think it’s wonderful that you took a chance and enjoyed the cruise by yourself and you have a family! I’ve been wanting to do a Disney Cruise on my own for a long time!! I can see in your eyes that you had a GOOD TIME!! You’ve really motivated me! I’m single, I don’t have a man and I don’t have any kids and most of my girlfriends are married and I don’t want that to be the reason why I don’t take my Dream Disney Cruise to Europe (Paris & Italy)!!! Please hook me up with ur travel agent!
I love solo travel, but I’ve never done a cruise alone. I do have one booked for April (not Disney), so I’m excited to give it a try. This video came at the perfect time for me!
I love the hidden Mickey in the sky! Why do you feel a travel agent is even more important on a cruise?
Great question! If you have flights delays or anything unexpected it’s wonderful having someone with the experience to help you navigate it and who will answer your texts!! It costs you nothing but in the event of the unexpected they are priceless
I do it often. I love it!:)
I'm usually a solo traveler myself and next year I have two Disney Cruises booked one with family in February 2022 on the Dream and I will be sailing solo on the Wish in October 2022 and I can't wait. Thank you for this content I think this will help people explore solo traveling and how fun it really is.
27 years ago was the last time you read a book in a day. Basically, pre-kids. I'm in the young kid phase and look forward to someday enjoying reading like that again! Sounds like a great trip!
Yup. And it really really was!!
I have been cruising solo for a decade now. I really enjoy it. I make friends easily & it's better than staying home. I have a few lines that know I travel solo & I do get great solo discount offers from them. Loyalty has it's perk & a little Casino play goes a long way for bargains. But it can be very expensive to try new lines out as you are not established in their loyalty programs yet. Heading out for a month of cruising on Friday!
I’ve wondered about solo cruising. Thanks for sharing this! It sounds heavenly!
I’m considering my first solo cruise! You are making me excited for it!
On my list as a must do!
From the short clips you posted on Instagram I could tell you were really enjoying this trip and that it was a chance for you to just have some moments to yourself.
It's remarkable that with these fully grown kids I find myself with very few of those (moments to myself) but you're so right, Cyndi!
I'm super excited to have seen this video!! I am solo cruising with Disney Magic British Isles cruise! I travel alot by myself, but this is my first time cruising solo!
Great video Jen! I love traveling alone!!!!! So glad you went
I seriously loved every single minute and I'm kind of mad at myself for waiting so long to do it! I think I will be asking for this for my birthday from now on!
This is a dream of mine but didn’t think it was cost-effective.
Sailing solo in February! Glad I came across this!
Of all the Disney destinations, a cruise is probably the one I’d like to do solo the most but there would really need to be a great deal because that double occupancy cost is so high!
Yes I paid $1700 for the four night cruise so this time it worked for my budget!
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for commenting and watching! Means a lot to me.
I love traveling solo to Disney and Universal, but the idea of a solo cruise has simply not been an option as I really have loved sharing the experience with my kids. (I've brought the kids with me twice to WDW and they are both "done with Disney, mom.") Your video, though, has made me rethink the cruise. Maybe, if they remove the fee for being single, I'd consider sailing solo.
I'd be OK with even just a slight discount! But because the ships are typically always full, it's unlikely.
I don't think I could travel alone, I'm not sure I'd know what to do, or what I wanted to do. I liked hearing about your trip and glad you had a wonderful time! :)
I dont mind travelin alone, it is the extra cost that gets me.
I’m so jealous you get to travel solo when your married. Most spouses don’t get the need travel separately.
Went to Disney World in December 2021 but my husband and I were attached at the hip Every Day.
Totally would do this if I had the chance ❤️❤️ as a parent of younger kids your never really on vacation when your on vacation, so this would be lovely ☺️
It’s so true!!
My husband and I are booked on our first Disney Cruise next summer on the Wish!! I heard Disney does things a bit different with end of trip tipping. Not sure if you’ve done a video on it but I wonder what things Disney does differently than other Cruise lines? I’ve only done Royal Caribbean and Carnival so far.
I love this for you ❤
You just made my decision easier to go to the Disney Christmas Party by myself!
Awesome 👍. Not sure if I will but who knows, maybe :). Best wishes.
I’m really curious how crowds will be going forward since they change the vaccine protocols. Regardless, we are still so excited to hopefully go on our very first one sometime soon!
Disney cruise meet up?!
I must be pretty weird, because I never worry about that "I'm by myself thing". I don't think about that, and I don't let it stop me from doing anything.
Can you do one on solo Disney World Travel
Here you go! ua-cam.com/video/alaxLe83ivE/v-deo.html
Such good info to know. Thanks!
Hiya, i loved your video.. and yeah, thinking of sailing solo if ever.. just wondering, is it going to be worth it if i sail concierge solo? I mean is it going to be worth it? Hope to hear from you soon. ChEARS!
Great video Jen! Hey do I need to get my passport if I was to do just a small 3 day cruise to the private island or will my drivers license work ?
I’m a life-long solo traveler, but as you say, those single supplements can be onerous. I’ve been anxiously awaiting my first chance to cruise with Saga, whose ships are all-balcony with 20% for solo passengers. Now scheduled for May after the 2021 cruise was canceled. I just signed up for a Viking ocean cruise with just a 25% single supplement and am looking forward to 10 (!) sea days during the holidays. I’ve heard that Disney is best for adults when kids are in school. Your thoughts?
I sailed solo on a 6-nt on the Fantasy to complete my Grand Slam and hit platinum at the end of October. Then the day I disembarked, I flew home to San Diego and hopped on a solo 4-nt on the Wonder out of San Diego. I agree that discounts are really good right now and I am also able to take advantage of military discounts as a retired Navy veteran. I love sailing solo on DCL. As far as pricing, I break it down into nightly costs and figure out that often it is cheaper than to go to WDW (for me) if you consider the hotel, tickets, food, and entertainment extras. Normally I don't mind sailing in an inside stateroom which also helps with the cost. RIght now though, verandahs are the deal to be had!
I agree with you though. At first, some people think it is a bit odd, but as the cruise goes on and they see how enjoyable it is, they express that they would love to do it someday, too! I have another one on the books soon and cannot wait to go again. Great video Jen!
This was my fourth cruise and first solo and definitely not my last!
Not sure if this is real or in my mind, but I wonder if a male traveling alone on a Disney cruise would get a lot of side-eye, if you know what I mean. In this day and age I’m pretty sure I would pick a more adult cruise to solo.
Our last cruise we chatted with a guy traveling solo for quite awhile. It wasn't odd at all!
Did you have even one moment when you thought, I think I’m going to cry?
I’m pretty emotional so yea I cry a lot but not from sadness - I was super tearful during the evening productions to see live performers like that again! It was very good to be back to cruising!
I did a solo trip to Disney World in 07 and had the time of my life because I was celebrating my birthday on the trip.
Now after seeing a few other vlogs about Disney Cruises I planning on doing one solo. I came across your's to see what I might expect because the other ones were with a couple and one with their toddler.
Are there any advantages of one type of stateroom over another? Anything a guy should be aware of while on the ship or on an excursion?
I'm a divorced 60 yr old man going on my first Disney Cruise. I'm going solo, but there will be my sister and her husband in their own cabin. I admit I feel a bit wierd going solo. I'm not looking for a love boat experience as we are celebrating my sister surviving pancreatic cancer. My concern is how will the experience be for me as this 60 yr old guy. Anyone having been in the same boat before you(pun intended), i would appreciate your input
Robert you’re going to have a fabulous time. There are loads of families on the ship with various members in all stages of life and other solo travelers as well. It won’t be an issue at all I promise. Enjoy and celebrate with your sister that’s wonderful!
My best friend just bailed on me and we had booked a GTY. I can’t cancel or modify so I am now going solo. Wish me luck? Did you do Palo alone?
I have never done Palo on my own but I’m sure it would be amazing! Have a great trip!
Great video. I’m wondering what made you decide to travel alone. I think you said you’re an ambassador for Disney, was this a promotional cruise
or was it maybe because your husband couldn’t go. I’m just curious. My husband and I travel a lot and have been in a few cruises. I think I could cruise alone.
I don’t work for Disney and I traveled alone because I like to! Also my husband has limited time off and since I work for myself I have a lot more flexibility. I highly recommend it!
Thank you for your reply.
What was the book Jen?
Ruth Ware the Death of Mrs westaway
Might be a weird question but Are there a lot of children typically on Disney cruises ? Are there many adults with no children ?
The short weekend Disney cruises will have the most children and also when children are off school. The Xmas/New Year's holidays are some of the busiest weeks. In general, the fewest children are on the Transatlantic crossings which are about 95% adults, 2000 adults and less than 100 children and you never see them except when they are released from the kids clubs for good behavior at mealtime /s. I think the children on Disney are some of the best behaved at sea! And the kids clubs do a fantastic job of keeping the kids busy and entertained. My sister's children are allowed to stay there all day and night but she and BIL insist that the kids have to have meals with the family, not in the kids clubs. You know the kids clubs are doing an excellent job when the children don't want to leave! And for the adults onboard, that's a good thing LOL! Before The Blip, it could be arranged for the children to be picked up early from the MDRs and brought back to the kids clubs. The current sailing of the 14-night Panama full transit cruise from San Diego to Galveston on the Disney Wonder has only a few children and 800 adults. Someone onboard said they've only seen a couple teens (no one under 12yo permitted onboard). I believe they are transiting through the Panama Canal today! That's on the bucket list for many! I hope Disney plans adult-only cruises just to test the waters for future journeys.
Did you get to go to the spa Jen?
I DID! It was amazing!
Are the masks still required?
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