Cruise Lines Are Screwing This Up
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- Опубліковано 11 бер 2023
- I am traveling on nothing but cruise ships this year! I am traveling solo! One thing that has surprised me is the lack of any kind of organized solo program. Not only would and organized program enhance the solo cruise experience but it'd be a way for the cruise lines to make a ton of money from solo cruiser. In this video I discuss this issue!
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#solocruise #cruising #cruiseship
Kevin, I hope you are writing emails to the CEOs of these cruise lines. You are one of the most intelligent "youtubers" out there. Something coming from you would probably get things rolling. Or just send them this video! You are a great sales rep.
Aww ty Carolyn!
I was going to say the same thing! Send them this video.. if nothing else it should get their own creative juices flowing. They could (should) hire you as a consultant with all your fun and easy ideas!. ... also. are solos all single? or just meaning solo travelers? thanks
Just solo cruised and you are CORRECT. Even the ways the cruise lines try to accommodate us show that they don't understand. Of course, getting rid of the single tax would be a great start. Short of that, singles night at specialty dining (where we don't look like orphans or are forced to invade families or friend groups) would be appreciated.
Agree! :)
feeling like a third wheel is AWFUL. i usually take a book and ask for a table that is OUT of the WAY so i do not feel like people r looking at me...feeling sorry for me...
I basically become a 5 year old in the MDR... sit alone and whip out my tablet with headset and watch downloaded shows 😆
I feel so odd on elegant night all dressed up and sitting alone. It’s really weird when the tables are super close together too. I feel like I’m sitting with the other tables..but I’m not. I have taken to eating at the buffet on elegant night. I liked when we used to have a group set table and set dinner time.
Completely agree!! I was on 7 solo cruises last year on Princess. As you said they only had a Princess person there the first night. After that nothing. On a few solo cruises new people showed up on the second night since they couldn’t make it the first night. We had to look out for people who looked lost. We figured they were solo travelers. All they need is a freaking sign!
Yeah, just a sign at the events would make a world of difference.
Thanks Kevin! Great ideas! I too cruise solo. Another idea is Princess could offer a lanyard colour (the necklace thing that holds our medallions) that distinctly identifies a solo cruiser. It would help identify and start conversations between solos in any area of the ship.
I love that idea!!!
I haven't cruised in many years but when I did, I was generally solo. So much of was you said is true. The cruise lines are missing out on opportunities to make solo cruising a positive for individuals, especially those that are less outgoing and just need a comfortable arena to get to know others.
Agree 100%!
The excursion idea is a great one. I might want to cruise alone but being a female on a solo excursion makes me a bit nervous. However, if there were other solos going along, I would not feel like a target !
Yeah, for sure. As much as this is about solo cruisers in general, I think it's even more applicable to female solo cruisers.
@@30AndAWakeUp Absolutely agree, very difficult for women!
@@30AndAWakeUp Solo Meetups are a great way to meet other solo cruisers. I think for the major reason of excursion meetups that way a group can walk together and explore a nomad way!
That's exactly what I was thinking whilst watching the video as well. I'd go to an organised solo meet-up but I'd be worried about 'self-hosted' events and whether I'd feel completely safe. Ditto excursions for sure.
perfectly worded. i totally agree.
Just got of Norwegian Getaway and it was my second solo cruise with them. They do it really good, daily meeting with solo director (SD). SD arrangers fro the group can eat together after the meeting... 15-20 people on 3 tables. SD arranged for the group to go together to the shows. Always had so much fun and made the best friends.
Oh cool! I will be on Getaway in May!!! Excited to try them out. Thanks Nina.
Nina... thanks for this comment! This makes me feel so much better that I booked my first solo cruise ever with NCL.
I met 2 good friends at the Solo mtg on the Getaway last year, and now we are going to Alaska as solos.
A solo table in the main dining room is a great idea. I’ve cruised many times the only time that I’ve experienced this is actually doing a transatlantic on the Queen Mary 2. When I went down for dinner on the first night, I was ushered to my table, and it was all solo travelers. The cruise line did their best to accommodate solos for the evening meal. It was wonderful.
Very cool. I really want to try QM2.
Yes, us SOLOS suffer in cruising, hotels, campgrounds, & TAXES! It’s a couples world & it sucks!
I know, right! 😕
It doesn’t, rather be single then force myself with someone I can’t stand like a lot of couples out there…
Too true. I was so excited, the first time I travelled to Finland and found that midrange hotels would book you for a SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOM!
I have been cruising solo for years. NCL does have the best program for solos. First, you can get a $50 credit for excursions per cabin in perk, so it great for solo. If you are on a newer ship that has a solo lounge, it’s where the solos meet every night and you don’t have to pay extra by being in a solo cabin. Solos have dinner together after meeting every night. Having 100 shares from a cruise line, you get $100 OBC for each cruise, basically (less for short cruise, $250 for over 14 days). Also, if you get higher the status in a cruise line, the more perks. RCCL is the best in perks. Free Wi-Fi is amazing! I am Pinnacle, so it’s 24/7. (Diamond is 24 hours and Diamond plus is 2x 24 hours) After, 350 points on RCCL, I pay 150% instead of 200%, free drinks according to points, lounge where you can socialize. Glad to see you are cruising!! Have fun!! Hot tubs and pool is an easy way to connect with interesting people.
Hi Laura! Great info! I am on a Royal ship right now and will be on an NCL ship in about 6 weeks in a studio cabin. Excited to see what they have to offer.
Just be careful about pricing on solo cabins. I have seen and have been on a cruise where the solo cabin is more expensive than a regular inside cabin even paying double.
Solo Cruiser here, couldn’t agree more! Solo travelers pay the premium to go onboard but are then totally ignored. Easy things like: Dedicated breakfast table to meet people would make sure a difference etc.
Agree
💯 I cruise solo and dining is the most uncomfortable for me. Sitting with strangers, awkward, sitting with a bunch of couples…really uncomfortable.
Yeah definitely something cruise lines should do better
I have yet to cruise, but as a long term solo traveller I think some of the ideas are gold: The shared solo table is a great idea! One of the dreary things about solo travel is when you go to a restaurant, ask for a table and they say 'table for two?' peering over your shoulder, as though a second person is going to suddenly materialise out of the ether....
And, really, what is not to like about the solo pub crawl! That would be heaps of fun.
haha! Yes! The dreaded table for two question!
@@30AndAWakeUp yup, and carefully arranging your face into a neutral expression as you say 'no, table for one.'
Solo Jen here. Great video. When I cruise solo I usually like being on my own, but if I had an opportunity to meet other solos and emerge from my comfort zone I think I’d really like it. The solo dining room table is a great idea, as well as the pub crawl and excursions, Come on cruise lines get with the program! We promise to make it financially beneficial to you lol
haha..exactly!!! Thanks, Jen.
You have summed up how I feel exactly.
I think a “solo” excursion organized by the ship would be interesting!!so glad Kevin did this!
Hi Kevin, I did back to back solo cruises on Holland America in January and you are spot on. On the new Statendam they had one solo luncheon toward the beginning of the week and about 20 people showed up. That was the only event they had though.
On the Rotterdam they had a solo meet up in a bar but none of the staff knew about it and I couldn’t find any other solo cruisers.
I wish they had more activities like painting, sculpture, eating, crocheting, etc. I don’t drink alcohol or dance so I am really in the minority!
I think that solo excursions and meeting other solos at the specialty restaurants is a great idea. I hope the cruise lines see this video and work on it.
I did call the cruise Director on the Rotterdam and ask for more solo meet ups and she said they would consider it. I got the feeling they won’t.
Yeah, I don't understand it. The solo cruisers are already onboard, you might as well get the most out of them.
I so agree! I love the idea of a place on the ship's app where solo cruisers can message each other to set up casual meetups & also the idea of solo-specific dining room tables - brilliant! I cruised solo on Princess in the Mediterranean last year because they advertised that I could book a cabin for the same price as one person in a double room - no markup - and I was very lonely until I met up with some great English ladies halfway through.
So glad you found a group to hang out with!!!
Hi, I cruise NCL solo. Going to say, their program is secind to none but it can be inconsistent across ships and dependent upon the solo cruisers personalities on each sailing. Also it depend on the season and itinerary. Many solo are with families in other cabins or do not wish to participate. There will be meet and greet that solos attend. Then they form friendships. There is a conceirge/coordinator who organizes group based on interest. They normally try to get a feel for what solos want to do. Then listed group activities, dinners, etc. On the white board. Each day, hapoy hour time, they will get names of those who wish to participate in the activities. The quality of the coordinator varies as well. We had a new coordinator on a sailing who took our advice, quickly responded and she ended up being the best. My advice us if you are not staying in the studio cabin, go the first night of meet & greet (listed in the freestyle). Then you will know where to meet up. You will also be able to reach out to the coordinator after that as well. Remember to give them a nice review and tip. Lots of solos don't and they do a lot of hard work to make your solo cruise experience better.
That is great info for my upcoming cruise on Norwegian Getaway
I've Cruised solo numerous times. I just got off a NCL cruise in January the solo cabins & lounge or great
met many people and the lady in charge of that area was the best crew member I've ever met . Ended up hanging out with the solo people for main dining rooms specialty dining at some of the parties. Totally agree with your article other crew Cruise lines need to do a lot more and NCL could improve in different ways also.
I cruise NCL in a studio soon…I’m excited to try it out
Just wished they priced the cruises for singles. I could stand not having organized events but fare prices that are fair would be preferred
You nailed it !!!! (BTW... MSC (Feb 20, 2023) did have first solo meeting HOSTED with FREE drinks) Cunard is also very good about daily solo meetings...
Thanks for that info on MSC and Cunard.
@@30AndAWakeUp Also.... in Cunard you have the "gentlemen dancers" who all show up at the daily solo get togethers. If nothing else, they get to meet the ladies before they ask them to dance.
Some really good ideas. I’ve been on nine different cruise lines, enjoyed them all. In general, I’ve enjoyed the experience of a smaller ship more than the big ships. Maybe the less hectic experience enables more conversations and experiences with other cruisers, solo or not. I think on the big ships you have to work harder to enjoy the experience. Looking forward to your experience on NCL and their solo offerings.
That is a great point. I have found the smaller ships more enjoyable as well. By the way, thanks for being a subscriber for over 2 years.
great ideas, I love solo cruising, I agree cruise lines are missing out. but they cater to couples and families. NCL has the best solo program, I just would like them to build Solo cabins with balconies, Their program for solo travelers include dinner, shows, etc. Some people solo travel to relax and not have to worry about participating in group activities. I do agree with you for the Main Dining room this is the only part of solo traveling I don't like. As far as other activities off ship, you can book through the cruise line for an excursion that way,
I’ll be on NCL Getaway soon. I’m excited to try it out.
You are on the money. I will be on the NCL Encore 8/6/23 to Alaska. I have only been on one cruise and I loved it, however not solo. It took me a long time to bite the bullet but I did and cannot wait to go solo. You hit one thing that I hate doing and that is eating alone. Your idea of a designated table is fabulous! I am very outgoing but can’t meet, have fun with, or even locate the people you want to meet. Great ideas and listen cruise lines--these ideas are doable. Open your eyes to the possibilities! Thanks for posting.
Great points for sure.
Love smaller ships for solo cruises vs mega ships. If I were traveling for an extended time, such as yourself, I would enjoy more solo-oriented activities, but generally, for just 7-14 days, I enjoy being on my own schedule, not answerable to anyone, & being able to completely relax. I agree the lines should offer more organized solo activities, tho', for those who want them, & your specialty restaurant & pub crawl ideas are excellent.
Yeah, I get that! Nothing better than doing what you want, when you want! 😊
I’m going on a cruise with a large group of family, but look, I have NO need to stay in a room with several other people. I’m at the age now where I appreciate my space! Lol. I’ll Ofcourse spend alllll the time with them and let the littles come sleep with mawmaw, but I also need some quiet time. Therefore, I want my own cabin. O M G. I almost made up a second traveler! 😂😂😂😂 cruise lines need to get it together! And some of the other points made here are so valid! I’ve never even thought about some of them. Singles night mixers would be so fun! As well as other activities to provide opportunities just to meet other travelers!!
I have to have my own cabin as well!
I've experienced the same issues that you have, notably going to the "solo meetup" and I was the solo person. My best experience was with Carnival in which the table I was assigned to in the Main Dining Room was exclusively made up of solo cruisers and we were all similar in age. I instantly had new friends and spent much of the cruise with them - we went on excursions together, had pool and bar meetups etc. I was aware that there were several other "solo" tables. I've only been on a few cruises, so not sure if Carnival regularly does that or just that particular ship. IMO that would resolve a lot of the solo issues, and I would be more inclined to sail with Carnival or any other cruise line that did that.
Good to know about Carnival
Just off RCCL as a solo. In my circumstances I just wanted to relax so didn't seek out other solos (I'd had an experience on a previous cruise where I kept being put with a not nice person at dinner and had to ask the host to not seat us together). I did not see the solo event on the app on day 1 or 2 because I didn't know it was on (you can't see the daily program before you get on the cruise wifi and by then there is too much to do, so it's easy to miss). I went on day 3 and exactly like you I was perplexed that it was not hosted, no signage, and no sign of any solo's. So yeah I love that idea and the lounge idea on NCL. Unfortunately the excursions, dining etc are all heavily sold and booked out way before the cruise even starts (I only booked two weeks before the cruise so did not have much choice), so they would not hold spaces for solos when they can sell them to families first. With dining, again it is something that they would need to set up prior to boarding because on RCCL still doing fixed dining it's more difficult for them to be flexible. I did do speciality dining by myself this time, and the experience was OK, but the food wasn't anything special. But overall I just think RCCL just don't care. They are making money with families so why bother with solos. Also they don't even have the Spa and The Key integrated into the app yet so they are a long way off adding new features to the app. I think you would be better pitching the solo ideas on Celebrity as that was definitely better for solos, but that was in the before times so it might be different now. I'm going on Virgin Voyages later in the year and I'm expecting that to be a lot different.
All fair points for sure. Im interested in what you think about Virgin with their no kid policy.
Two thoughts before I go. It will be fabulous to not have kids onboard, but I'm wondering if that makes it more of a focus on being a party cruise... When I just want to relax. It will be interesting.
I think you'll enjoy Norwegian - solo meetups every night and usually a solo host to arrange shows, dinners, etc. The solo cabins also have their own solo lounge that, often, has a bartender for the meet-ups. The rest of the day in the solo lounge has coffee, teas, treats. I liked the solo cabin but the single insides have a fridge and the solo's don't. I always prefer a balcony, tho!
Im excited to try NCL soon for sure.
Meant to add that a great tool is FB - most cruises have their own page for that specific cruise so you can introduce yourself to others and make plans to meet up on the ship -before you even get on the ship. Also, CruiseCritic, forums or boards have specific group chats for specific sailings.
I have been cruising solo since 1996. Im probably in the minority that wouldnt want to be sat at meals with other solos.I meet tons of people when I cruise just by starting conversations at a bar or other venue. I do specialty dining and excursions on my own. The singles events are posted and people choose not to go so Im not sure how the cruise lines would be able to set things up and have people show up. I like going solo because I like my quiet time and being able to relax.
Understand your points for sure
Great ideas! As someone mentioned, NCL prices for inside cabins are often cheaper than the solo ones. The downside for the upgraded room is the loss of access to the key carded solo lounge. Maybe they have it and I’m not aware, but maybe give solos access for events in there or even sell passes like they do for the private pool areas or thermal spas. Also, I think people get confused about the solos who want friendly interaction and people who have the main intention of “hooking up” at a “singles” event.
Subs are climbing. Solo cruise topics are winning! Stay safe!
Slowly but surely! Hope you're doing well brother !
Other people have most likely thought of all of these. The difference is Kevin is putting them into actions by sharing the ideas👍🏼🤓
I try! 🤓
If you are on a solo cruise make sure the ship has a buffet. You don't intrude on anybody and no one intrudes on you. I was on a European cruise and I had my jacket and personal belongings at a table. Some couple sat at my table while I was getting food. I wasn't happy about this as there were other vacant tables. I said to them why did you sit here when obviously you could see it was occupied. How about if I was with my wife, girlfriend or had children. They were actually indignant. This would be no different if a family had gotten up from their table to get food and I decided to sit at a vacant chair. Most people are courteous. If the buffet is very busy and tables were scarce and a couple wanted to sit with me because there was no other place to sit I would tell them sure. Cruise lines should just put a small stand on the table where with a sign that says occupied or done. I believe a few do.
It's not just to let other guests know. The cruise line workers who bus tables will often remove your food and silverware while you are up getting a cup a coffee or iced tea. They will even remove full plates of food when you can see the people probably just got up to get coffee.
Great points for sure.
The one thing I find difficult about cruising solo is eating at the buffet, so I stopped going there. Finding a table can be difficult but keeping the table, if you want to get something, is even worse. I have tried to leave personal items on the table to indicate I was coming back, but as you experienced, that doesn't mean much.
I used to cruise with my mom until she passed, so i will be a solo cruiser when i cruise again. I like the set time traditional dining cause I have always enjoyed table mates and the same wait staff every night. I do agree that they need to make the specialty restaurants a little more inviting to solo travelers.
They seem to be doing a little better job.
Fantastic video. I’m heading out on my first solo cruise in a few weeks. There is a FB group with about 180 members and many are solo. Two people have organized a sail away meetup, a casino thing and something else.
I will let them know that we need a way to identify ourselves.
I like the tip for the dining room. I have reserved all my dinners at group tables but there wasn’t an option to ask for a bigger table. I don’t want to sit at a table for four where it could be just a couple there, that would be awkward.
Thanks for all the great content 👋🇨🇦
That's really cool Esther. Glad their are groups out there taking matters into their own hands!
Awesome video. I am a solo cruiser and I have only just started taking cruises since I recently retired and am a single guy. Your cruise videos are the best of all for me since I am so similar to you about cruising. Keep up the GREAT work.
Thanks, Stephen and congrats on the retirement!!!!! 😊
I don't know. Each situation is different, but generally, if someone wants to hang out with other people on a cruise, they would probably be cruising with friend(s). For me, the whole point of a solo cruise would be to enjoy the cruise by myself. Odd meet-ups could quickly feel like a hook-up spot. LOL.
I get that for sure.
Great suggestions! I want to do an Antarctica cruise and I’ll be solo. When I start looking into it I’ll definitely be using your experiences and suggestions. It would just make sense for solos to be set up in the dining room together! With all the tech available you’d think they’d be better at this already!!
Im searching for an Antarctica cruise as well!
Great suggestions! I was just on Rhapsody of the Seas as a solo cruiser, but it's all so geared up around couples and groups, so it felt awkward at times, especially the MDR, as I was either dining alone or put onto a table with couples or friend groups.
The self-hosted solo cruisers meetup was 5pm, the *exact* same time as the trivia in the Schooner Bar. Even making it 30 mins earlier would have allowed solo cruisers to identify each other and form teams. I ended up partnering with families and couples. Again, awkward.
awwww...i hope they get better in the future
The way I see any cruise population is the same way I see living on an apartment building here in the US. I have met people by simply smile and initiate a talk, the natural way kids do, right? Next time I see them, I remember their names, with some of them, we even make plans together. Same on solo travel, when I want to meet someone, could be a solo or family or couple I never rely on social media.
That's a great point for sure.
Kevin, I agree with most of what you said. Last year, I unexpectedly ended up as a solo cruiser when the friends I was scheduled to travel with tested positive for Covid and could not make the cruise. As luck would have it, I was traveling on the NCL Epic which I found out had a Solo Traveler program. I went and met a great bunch of people some of whom I dined with on occasion, and went to the shows and night clubs with. It was a great experience. As for tours, I did a few (nothing specific to solos) and enjoyed them equally as I also met interesting people to chat with and even dined with a young family. I would definitely cruise more as a solo traveler if more cruise lines had a specific solo traveler program. I am also glad I found your Vlog a few months ago as you have motivated me to take the trips I've wanted to do on my own, as it's difficult to always find someone to travel with as all of my friends are coupled. Thanks again for the inspiration and perhaps I'll run into you somewhere out there! 🙂
Thanks, Peter. Yeah, I am excited to try NCL in a few weeks & see if it lives up to the hype! 😊 And awesome to hear that you are getting out there traveling more.
@@30AndAWakeUp, I am looking forward to hearing about your experience on NCL and their solo program. I am not sure if all their ships have one, I haven't looked into it. Another thing to probably keep in mind is that the experience may differ depending on the time of year you are traveling. I'm like you in the sense I have the flexibility to travel at any given time but prefer the off peak times so your experience with your upcoming NCL cruise is of interests...Enjoy!
@@Peter-vy5bw great points
You are absolutely spot on with what you’ve said - and I agree with others who’ve said you should send the cruise lines your video!! They should pay you a consultancy fee 😉.
I’ve done two solo cruises now, with P & O (I live in England and they’ve had great deals so far). Solo travellers are really not catered for and cruise lines are really losing out so much!! Eating alone in the specialty dining room was the worst experience of the whole cruise!!
I’m looking for a cruise later this year so I think I’ll check out NCL as they definitely seem more switched on. Thanks for your content, really enjoy watching!!
Haha...i hope people do send this to the cruise lines! Good to know about P&O, they seem to be a lot like Princess. Im excited to try NCL in a couple months for the first time.
I haven’t cruised in a couple of years but I always cruise solo. The last cruise I went on was the 7 days out of Los Ángeles- the Mexican Riveria - NCL was amazing. I got a beautiful balcony cabin at a amazing rate and throughly enjoyed it. I mostly met people on the excursions and on some events. It depends on how much you want to interact with people as I am an introvert. But yes I agree with you that they need more single events and get together for those who want to make it easier to meet people. You mentioned on your podcast on what NCL was like for singles and it was good in my instance.
Thanks, Kathy. I am excited to try NCL soon.
I’ve travel solo and when I’ve travel with some one I still felt like I was solo because we had different interest. I’ve tried to go to one of the meet ups but like you said no one seem to be there or know about it so I just move on to other activities, I have a tendency to talk to strangers like I’ve known them and connect with families and friends of families who may or may not be traveling with a group. I often do go on excursions, that’s a good way that I end up meeting people as well. So I enjoy traveling solo doing what I want to do and meeting people along the way. But you did make some really good points I would participate in those group settings like the excursion and pub crawl etc. I even tried to book a cruise one time,but when I put in one person it came up as no availability for me., which doesn’t happen often, when I put in two people then they had availability. Go figure. Thanks for all your reviews and advice I enjoy it.
Thanks for your inputs that’s so weird about the solo search not letting you book
I have cruised solo since 1989. My perspective on this is a bit different. I know this is a late comment but here goes ... I have no issues with dining alone in the MDR or specialty, having done so many times travelling for work or in my everyday life. I am on a cruise to relax and give zero effs about what other people think. I don't think I would like being forced to sit with other solos. It is actually the buffet that poses the greatest logistical challenge since I often find I lose my seat if I have to get a drink refill or something else to eat. Cruise lines could do better with organized single events for those that enjoy them, but I have always found these a bit cringey and don't bother with them anymore. I do like the idea of having a singles chat group on an app. The cruise industry still views solo cruisers as lost revenue. Even if we pay a 100% single supplement, the total cabin spending is still probably lower on average than double occupancy. I resent the all-to-common narrative from the industry that solo cruising is a recent phenomenon. The need and demand has always been there, but cruise lines have chosen to ignore it. Solo occupancy rates have severely limited by ability to travel over the years.
Great points for sure
That 12-day itinerary with 6 sea days! 😍😍 (I love sea days, too)
Me too!
Awesome! I'd have done the solo thing that the lady organized. Specialty restaurants with solo company, sure! Love your ideas for cruise lines to improve the solo experience. Shout out to Craig, and the lady with the restaurant idea. I wouldn't be looking to "hook up" as people say, I would just want to feel safe outside my room. Otherwise, they'll have to bring lobsters and crabs and diet Pepsi to my room three times a day. And chocolate cake with a side of extra insulin if I was depressed. Thanks Kevin, awesome review and ideas!
haha! Sounds like a good cruise! :) Thanks Ke Le.
I've been solo cruising for about 3 years now. I always ask to be seated at a large table in the dining room.That's where I meet other solo cruisers.
That's a good tip...thanks Ellen.
110% correct! You've come up with some GREAT ideas (some of them are so simple to implement, too... ie: signs at solo meetups and dining tables for solos to meet and eat... heck, that could be the slogan, "Meet and Eat".
I too was on recently on a Princess Cruise as a solo and found it interesting that there really wasn't many events for solo cruisers. It's interesting because Princess's trademark is "The Love Boat" with the classic TV drama and the recent "New Love Boat" dating reality series.
You'd think with all of the notoriety and most likely lots of funds spent on product placement and marketing for the Princess themed TV shows that Princess would pick up the ball and run with it, but there was nothing even resembling 'the Love Boat' theme going on.
Getting back to the signs and letting employees know that there's a solo traveller meeting in the bar is probably the most important. On the ship I was on the LGTBQ and Solo meetups were held at the same bar, but in different sections of it. There were no signs and at least one guy from our solo group mentioned that he attended the LGTBQ event in error and felt very uncomfortable until he realized that he was at the wrong event.
Yes, they really should take advantage of being the "love boat"
I don’t think cruise lines WANT to encourage solo cruising because it does affect their bottom line. Even if a solo cruiser is paying double for the cabin, the line misses out on gratuities from the second person and all the money spent while onboard (average cruisers spend almost the cost of their cruise in extras).
If you choose a set dining time in the MDR, you will likely be sat at a table with other solos or maybe friend pairs (like two female friends cruising together), but if you choose anytime dining, that won’t happen, and it would be hard to set aside a table if people are showing up randomly.
I actually find that a shore excursion is a good way to make friends, and it doesn’t need to be a solo cruiser. I haven’t sailed solo, but have done excursions on my own.
There are Facebook groups for every cruise, it’s just that the lines don’t host them. You can post and find other solo cruisers and join meet ups.
I do think línes should do more for the events they host. Maybe even have a check in station and name tags or something similar if the event is not hosted in a closed off area.
Some good points. But my vid was Not about encouraging solo cruising, it’s about maximizing profits on the solo’s already onboard.
@@30AndAWakeUp I get that but I think it’s possible that cruise lines are afraid if they cater more to solo cruisers (even if just to maximize profits from the solo cruisers they already have), they are afraid they would encourage more solo cruisers, which would mean less profit for them. I think it would be great if lines did more for solo cruiser, I am just pointing out why I don’t think they will.
@@cruisingfromtheozarks Maybe there is that fine line but Im not so sure. Solos that like cruising, for the most part, cruise despite these deficiencies.
I agree. Just booked my first ever cruise. I went with Viking. I had to pay double for the cruise and it doesn't appear they cater to solo cruisers. Still looking forward to the trip, but the double charge hurts and the lack of focus is a kick in the rear.
I need to try Viking
I love the idea of a solo dining table. It would be hard for me to eat at the formal or main dining room by myself.
Same!
Oh, yes. Those looks of pity or a raised eyebrow from "grouped guests" as if I were an animal in the zoo.
At fast food places, it's not a problem. I bring something to read or watch a video while eating. But I'd feel REALLY weird and nerdy to be sitting in a main dining room (or worse, at specialty dining) with a book. Uggggg. 🤓
I’m sort of the opposite of what you are looking for in a cruise experience, but I think most are in your camp and agree with your suggestions.
Understand that for sure.
I lost my cruising partner several years ago But I don't want that To stop me from cruising I always go on a cruise solo I have found that when I'm on the ship I'm basically alone I do talk to people But the majority of them are couples It is very hard to know who is Solo and who is not But I still have fun anyway I enjoy my own company. I love your videos keep up the good work
Sorry to hear you lost your cruising partner, William. I am similar to you, Im ok with my own company as well.
Appreciate your thoughtful comments, with suggested solutions, where a lot of people just complain about the problem
Thanks, Bobbie!
I absolutely agree with some of your points and I do think the industry is beginning to see that there is a legitimate solo market and there is money to be made from solo cruisers…I was surprised to hear that you do not partake in solo specialty dining at all, even after your many weeks now solo cruising …yes, it can be more fun to eat with others but that would never stop me from enjoying a nice dinner alone.
Actually, I did on MSC Meraviglia. They have some smaller specialty dining spots like a sushi bar and taco stand.
Great suggestions! I hope that the cruise lines pay attention and implement these easy ideas.
Me too!
Hi. These are all great 👍🏽 I'd absolutely love to participate as I will be solo traveling soon. Thanks for taking the time to point out this- hopping the lines are listening
Thanks Cheryl. 😊
Great content! I happen to have more vacation time saved up than my spouse has saved up, meaning I have the time to do something wonderful. As a solo female traveler, the structured, all-inclusive format of cruising really appeals to me from a safety perspective. Ditto for all-inclusive resorts. The cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts make solo travelers like me feel like an imposition or an afterthought, though, by charging solo cruisers extra, reserving the smallest/worst accommodations for solos, and a lack of solo programming.
I hope the cruise lines are watching your content. There are solid suggestions here. I have time and money to spend (although, it should be noted, not DOUBLE the amount of other folks; why do people think being solo comes with a 100% raise?). It sure would be nice to be actively courted by the vacation industry. I would especially like it if cruise lines offered some sort of solo safety packages or perks. What if I want to go snorkeling or swimming, but I don't have anyone on shore to hold my passport? Where in the heck do solo travelers keep their important papers when they're in the water? Wouldn't it be nice if cruise sponsored excursions had some sort of safe for passengers' documents? Maybe there could be, like, a solo safety check-in. If I leave the ship, I'd like the option to check in with someone and say, "Hey, I'm leaving" and, "Ok, back!" I'd like for someone to know whether or not I'm alive on a near-daily basis. I love the idea of solo dining tables and more organized solo meetups. Another innovation might be to have a solo roommate matching service or even dorm-style solo housing, with a common area and bedrooms off to the sides. Maybe the common area could even include - gasp - a balcony. Or try a row of solo cabins with one large, connected balcony for mingling. Assigning solo travelers to groups or pods like that would help to foster a sense of community. Having a solo seating section in venues and maybe some solo drink specials might help, too.
Great points. Oh and check out my vid on how to find lower cost cruises as a solo...I never pay double. ua-cam.com/video/u_UCaPA7Hg8/v-deo.html
Kevin will break the ice! meaning Listen Cruisers!!!! Agree on business perspective...
haha...yes :)
AMEN!! Retired gay male who likes to cruise and have done many. But, always, feel a little lost in the crowd. Some cruise lines have meet-ups for LGBTQ but not hosted like you said. In addition to pub crawl, maybe some yoga, tai chi, workout classes for solos. And, really like the idea of solo tables and excursions. Finally, maybe some help with the single supplement. It's a killer.
Check out my last vid where I talk about avoiding solo supplement
i just watched this and i so agree with all you said about the solo community
🙏🛳️
Loving this series, thanks!
Glad you enjoy it!
I totally agree with what you said. As a solo traveller, I am always looking for opportunities to do things with other solo individuals. They know we are solo when we book, it would be easy to provide an opt in to be included in solo notifications etc. . More and more people are travelling independently, our dollars should support these actions to improve satisfaction and return sailors.
Agree!
Glad you have covered this Kevin. I'm recently widowed and I was thinking a cruise might be a better option for my next holiday, I was hoping I'd be able to meet other solo passengers but it looks like I will have to do some research into before I book anything. Thanks for the info, that has really helped me.
Glad it was helpful!
👍⭐️Excellent points and well said. I truly appreciate the info you share.🎁 Thanks for sharing your journey. 🙏💝
Thanks for watching, LA!
Such smart ideas! I mean, I still struggle to understand why people WANT to seek out other random people and invite them into their space, but I do accept that most people do, and I’m the exception. 😂 So these would be some very smart ways to facilitate that. 😁
Yes!
I am a solo cruiser who does not enjoy seeking out random people either. I am conformtable taking a 10/11 day cruise and spending most of it with myself. I know I'm not the norm by the number of people who approach me on excursions and specialty dining venues impressed that I cruise solo.
@@ruff113s Nice! 😁 If we are ever on the same cruise, we can very happily NOT contact each other! Love it! 🤣🤣🤣
Love being left alone!!!
Me too. It seems odd that loners like us would want to be captive in a place where we're surrounded by hoards of people, but I love being on the water and there are always places to go where it's peaceful and relatively quiet. I can be around people when I want to, and escape when I don't.
Good points Kevin. If all Celebrity ships follow the same plan as our upcoming Silhouette cruise, you will be happy to see a solo meet & greet on night 1. Hopefully other cruise lines will catch on to this. Great video as always.
Fingers crossed!
This is so interesting, Kevin! Your ideas for fixing the issues are excellent.
Thanks, LBGP!
Well said. My sentiments exactly. ❤
Thanks for watching!
These ideas are brilliant! I was also on a recent cruise where an individual arranged for two solo tables each night. I’ll try to do it on future cruises.
Yeah, those solo tables are a good idea
Qe2 cunard has a solo traveler program which starts on day 2. Morning tea, a lunch. Dances
Oh, good to know! Thanks, Lee.
This is great content. Am re- navigating to bring a few fly in shows and additional services like a dance activity and now because of this video, I can look at hosting solo events as part of our gig.
Nice!
Solo cruisers and single parents. My last three cruises have been with my youngest kiddo who is a teenager. I might have been a solo adult cruisers because he had all kinds of fun activities provided for his age group!
Yeah, that is a good point for sure.
The cruise lines could really benefit by consulting with you. Your ideas and recommendations are on point.
Thanks, Vallerie
Thanks for highlighting this. I’m thinking of doing a cruise but now I’m a bit wary. I think your comments are really valid, and probably relevant to other package holidays as well! 👍
It’s still great but could be so better!
YES!!!! I have solo cruised and u r SPOT ON!!!
Thanks! 😊
All such good ideas! I’d love to join most of these!
Thanks, Kate😊
I realise eating on your own is a thing some people do and some people don't. I've not found it an issue. On both NCL and P&O (the second was a surprise) literally no one cared and it was fine. I agree on the excursions - the odd one I've been put off of doing as they seem to rely on partners - dual kyaks and the like.
It's a challenging question though, as even though I am solo cruising I'm not sure I want to be looking for other solo cruisers as such in terms of needing to socialise. Drains my introvert energy.
And the BIG thing: SOLO cruising is not SINGLE cruising haha :)
Great points
The ideas you suggested were spot on. I hope the cruise lines are listening.
Me too! :)
OUTSTANDING ideas especially the specialty dining, marketing, app, and pub crawl ideas! The solo solo event footage was priceless. See you around the ship!
Thanks, Nikki! :)
Great topic. I cruise solo often, and agree, some better organization and a little effort by the cruise lines could go a long way. By the way, saw you on Sky Princess last month but never got a chance to stop and chat. Happy cruising!
Awe…I miss Sky! ☺️
Great ideas🎉
Thank you! 😊
Thanks for the shout out Kevin for planning the specialty dinners. We sure did have a great group of solos on the Ruby Princess Panama trip.
I agree whole heartedly on ALL your suggestions.
You made me love specialty dining!!!
You've touched on all the things I've never liked about cruising solo. Hopefully, someone is listening and taking notes. And yes, it's freezing in Maryland this time of the year still. 🥶
Sorry, Joy!!! Hopefully it warms up soon!!!
most RCI cruises have an individual facebook page created by a traveler...it's a great way to connect with others traveling at the same time
Thanks for the tip, Debbie
One really easy fix would be to have the cruise line host a solo meet and greet event very early on. The solo cruiser could then decide where they would want to take it from then on. You have a lot of great ideas for easy fixes. Kevin keep us posted. Nice video!! :)
Good point. My husband and I are boarding Celebrity Silhouette tomorrow, and I noticed they have a Solo cruiser “meet and greet” tomorrow night. It’s a 10 day cruise so they are giving solos a good opportunity to make friends early! Sounds like Celebrity is at least going in the right direction. 👍🏼
@@sonya2852 Enjoy your cruise!!
Totally agree, Lori.
@@30AndAWakeUp :)
Because I am shy, I would prefer more organized events that I can choose to attend.
Hopefully, the decision-makers at the cruise lines will see your video. Thanks for the helpful video.
Fingers crossed but I don’t think they watch me
All suggestions are great for all those who want to meet people except for “solo tables” at dining. Not everybody goes to cruises to meet people. So it could be uncomfortable sitting at a table of all solos.
Understand for sure...would definitely be an opt in thing.
Great ideas
Thank you! 😊
Good to hear you're going to try NCL. We prefer NCL for other reasons and watch a lot of other videos and many of those vloggers have mentioned that NCL has many advantages for solos.
Im definitely excited about trying NCL.
I’m taking my first solo cruise next week on The Caribbean Princess.
sweet...Ill be on Caribbean Princess next month
Excellent ideas and suggestions. We just returned from an 11-day round-the-USA (Amtrak Rail Pass) trip. Not once was there any interaction with the conductor, car attendants or lounge/dining staff, asking us about our experiences or what could they do to improve the Amtrak trip.
I did receive one survey after completing one of our travel legs in which I wrote a comprehensive reply - then, never received another survey after that - so much for the comments request.
Like any business I’ve owned or run - I would want to continuously improve my product delivery and improve efficiency and effectiveness. Thanks! as always for the video content.
Yeah that is a good point for sure
Great video. If you can get one cruise line to do any of these, the other will follower. Lot of what you said will take little or no effort to change, once you do the loyalty to your cruise line will follow.
Very true! Thanks, Donnie.
My only cruise to-date was aboard NCL Bliss in 2018. The best part may have been the key card access to a solos area, including a lounge for solos, where we had daily meet up for excursions , shows, and meals facilitated by a solos host. It was a safe way to optionally make new platonic friends without having to know some already onboard. There was no pressure for this introvert to do everything with the other soloists, so I took a port day to sleep a little late, work out, hang out alone in the thermal spa and just explore the ship.
Very cool. I am an introvert as well. I am excited to try NCL.
Great ideas, especially the cruise app messaging idea!
I know....right!
All great ideas! Hope your video makes it to the cruise lines! Bummed because it doesn't look like you're doing a livestream today! You must be out to sea. Looking forward to seeing videos from all the Saints! Enjoy your travels Kevin!
Yeah the connection isn’t good enough for a live unfortunately
Have you checked out the boards on Cruise Critic? Each cruise has a roll call and you could start a thread about solo cruisers. I agree with what you say about them putting more effort into Solo Cruisers. I think you will like how NCL does it.
I need to do that! And I am super excited about trying out NCL soon.
Agree, All great points.
Thanks, Teresa!
Hey, Kevin. I think u are likely hitting the nail on the head! I'm a little shocked this is not being addressed. Have a beautiful day & safe travels. LUCRETIA 🇺🇸
Thanks, Lucretia. :)