I'm a fellow female solo cruiser from Norway, 55 years old. I just started cruising last year, and since I'm working full time, I can't do more than one cruise a year. I have my vacation in November/December every year (when everything is cold and dark here up in the north), and this year, I'm going on the Celebrity Beyond to the Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean. I feel very humbled to be so privileged and able to travel to the other side of the world, possibly once in a lifetime, exactly how you describe it in your video, just the other direction 😅
@@triflo4838 wow that’s amazing!! I just got off the Celebrity Beyond in the Caribbean and it was incredible, you’re going to have an amazing time! Check out the video of boarding day on my channel, just posted it yesterday! I have yet to do the Panama Canal, it is on my bucket list! 😄💕
@MerCruisesSolo I came across your channel because of the Beyond video, and I liked it so much that I subscribed and watched more of your videos 😀 Counting my days, every day, until my big adventure, three days in Fort Lauderdale (never been to the US before) and the the Beyond 🛳😎
@@triflo4838 oh wow, that’s amazing! 😄 so glad you are enjoying my videos, I hope you have a wonderful time in FL - Ft. Lauderdale is one of my favorite areas!😊
You are going to love going through the Panama Canal, what a great experience. I highly recommend the you get a read David McCullough’s book, Path Between the Seas, about the building of the canal. It will enhance your trip.
Thank you so much for this video series. I am taking this cruise in reverse in June. I was looking for port information, but all your content is great! About 1/2 way through the series and feel so much more confident about the trip. Thank you!!
I will be on NCL Prima from Southampton UK to Rekjavik Iceland June 23-July 4 2024 I am so excited like you did. Waiting your next Vlog on your next Cruise.
I'm glad this popped up in my feed. I am doing this cruise in September and first time on the Prima, and this gives me an idea of what to expect. I will arrive two weeks ahead and do the ring road.
Booked for next year. Looking forward to your reviews, this is a real bucket list itinerary for us. Worried about the ship in cold weather… it is really all about the amazing outdoor space, so please include your comments about crowds with everyone inside. Excited to follow you on this adventure.
Thank you for this vlog. I am about to go on the same cruise in July and am trying to find as much content for this itinerary as possible. I am going solo as well!
I am getting ready for second solo cruise on the NCL Getaway. Thank you so much for your Video and solo tips. Your content is very well made and informative. I love your excitement and emotion during sail away! You are indeed a classy Lady!
My husband and I are taking this same cruise in September and we are really excited! I’m soaking in your video! We have done a lot of travel and every time we do I get emotional too. So thankful that we are able to see the world. Thank you for sharing.
I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm doing this cruise next spring in the reverse (embarking from London). I love your gratitude!!! That is how I feel about being able to experience these amazing places on such beautiful ships. Thank you for sharing your experiences - I will be watching all of your journeys. Looking forward to the Blue Lagoon video as we have an excursion there already booked as that is a bucket list item for me!
@@alisonplemons1029 thank you so much!! It’s something so many people will never get to experience, I never forget that! Hope you have an amazing cruise on the reverse route 😊
What a wonderful video and I like your content. I’m about to try the solo thing after I did a Mediterranean last month and met this lovely solo cruiser who tempted me to try an Alaskan next month. I can’t wait.
I’ve done a solo cabin on the NCL Escape but in the Studio Suite. Really cool if you are going solo. Also, the $50 Shore excursion credit is only for the 1st guest if you have multiple guests in a stateroom. I wasn’t too fond of the Prima. The spaces felt small and disjointed. I’m booked next year for the new Prima Plus class ship, the NCL Aqua and I’m looking forward to checking out the changes and improvements with the spaces.
I felt the same way about the Prima the first time I sailed on it (in a studio) but after this cruise I feel differently and actually like the ship a lot! I’m also booked on Aqua next year, looking forward to seeing how they’ve changed things.
@@MerCruisesSolo Maybe I need to give her another chance or sail on the Viva? Have you been on the Viva? I'd go just for the Beetlejuice show. :D Nice!! What are the chance on being the same sailing in April!! ;) But before that sailing, I'll be on the Getaway later this year sailing in the Greek Isles!! Super duper excited for this one. And second time on the Getaway.
Wow! Your room was amazing. I cruised Prima last year on your itinerary and stayed in a solo inside (99 square feet). I didn't even know they had solo balconies and I'm a pretty thorough planner. I loved the tiny room and the solo lounge, but I'll take a better look for a larger room in the future. Great job and wonderful video! 🙂
Don’t worry, it wasn’t your lack of planning or research 😊 the solo balcony category is new as of January this year! They rolled it out across all of their ships and now have a “solo” category for Inside, Oceanview and Balcony cabins on every ship! 🙌🏼
I will definitely be adding this cruise to my list! Would love to explore Iceland and Norway. Can't wait to see the entire series! Looks like you get more and more comfortable on camera every video. Keep up the hard work! Congrats on 1k!
Hi there… We just watched a few of your videos from Iceland 😍 We are traveling to Alaska from Denmark in mid april, having a 4-7 stopover in Iceland. When did you record these videos ? Were going on Joy in 9 day Alaska from april 23 😍 Thanks for nice views.
@@julileighton2983 pack plenty of layers! I suggest comfortable sweat wicking or water resistant pants, plenty of socks, you’ll want tops that can be layered with a sweater and jacket. If you have all of that you’ll be fine! Oh, and would definitely suggest bringing waterproof shoes/boots!
I just found your channel! It’s nice to see a female solo traveler. I’ve never tried a solo cruise cause I just can’t stay in an inside cabin(claustrophobic)! Is this the only cruise line or NCL ship that has a solo balcony cabin? Would love to be able to cruise Caribbean or Alaska? Thanks, I’m subscribed to your channel now!
Hi, thanks so much!! All of NCL's ships have designated solo cabins, including solo balconies! They are specifically designated as solo, so only solo travelers can book them 😊 some other cruise lines have a handful of solo balcony staterooms but they are very hard to find - I just cruised on Celebrity in a solo "Infinite Veranda" cabin and will have videos coming out soon that shows what that's like and the difference from a traditional balcony. I love NCL because they really have been pioneers of the solo cruising aspect of the industry, and hope to see other cruise lines follow suit! 😄
We did this cruise from Southampton to Iceland last July. We loved the itinerary, but it was way too cold to enjoy the outside area on deck 8. We also thought many of the venues were too small. We won’t be taking this ship again.
I had the same concerns, but we were so fortunate with good weather for most of the trip that I did get to spend quite a bit of time on deck 8. I ended up liking the Prima a lot more after this cruise compared to the first time I had sailed on her. So interesting how divided everyone is about this ship! It really was a great itinerary 🛳️
I was on a 15 night Panama Canal cruise on the Norwegian Bliss last Dec, and my experience with NCL’s $50 per shore excursion credit is because their excursion prices are usually higher than other cruise lines prices.😊
I just got home from a Holland America cruise and their excursion prices were outrageous! I think most of the cruise lines really mark up the prices, but the $50 excursion credit NCL offers definitely helps, especially cruising solo!
@MerCruisesSolo Hi there! I enjoyed watching this video, as I will be cruising 10-day in Northern Europe with Prima on September. I just got back from a different cruise ship in Alaska. I have noticed the outrageous excursion prices as well. So, most cruise lines have increased their excursion prices!😢
Boarding the NCL star in Reykjavik in a couple of days. Do you remember what the price was for the taxi from the downtown hotel to the ship? and did you have any problems getting a taxi?
Very easy to get a taxi, I had my hotel call one for me and they came in less than 5 minutes! I believe from the hotel I stayed at to the port the taxi cost was around $20 but I don’t remember exactly. Hope that helps!
I searched your itinerary on NCL website for June of 26 and it’s not the same stops. Am I missing something We were looking forward to going to the stop with the swinging dock tie up.
@@Mtl1508 Geiranger is the port with the floating dock, but they are banning cruise ships after next year to prevent ship pollution in the fjords. NCL is substituting other ports in Norway instead of Geiranger.
I have a question regarding luggage on embarkation day. Do you drop your luggage off before boarding in Reykjavik or do you board with luggage and drop on the ship? I saw a clip on your video, and on some others, that showed a sign on board that said luggage drop. Just trying to be prepared as I’ll have a large bag, medium bag and carryon/laptop bag, as I’m flying to Croatia ofter the cruise. Thanks for all of the great information!
@@terriguske4530 you can do both! They take luggage outside of the terminal and will deliver to your cabin sometime in the afternoon or evening. If you want to carry your suitcase on, you can do that and I believe the luggage drop location on my cruise was at the Improv venue, but any crew member can tell you!
@@MerCruisesSolo Great to hear. I read some early reviews where there were some complaints. Perhaps the 'newness factor' has worn off. Found your channel because of your NCL Star series. Will be on for 14 days next month going from New York-Reykjavik.
I booked a cabin that is designated as a “Solo Balcony” and it includes access to the Studio Lounge! This category is new as of January this year (and available on all NCL ships!)
I'm a fellow female solo cruiser from Norway, 55 years old. I just started cruising last year, and since I'm working full time, I can't do more than one cruise a year. I have my vacation in November/December every year (when everything is cold and dark here up in the north), and this year, I'm going on the Celebrity Beyond to the Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean. I feel very humbled to be so privileged and able to travel to the other side of the world, possibly once in a lifetime, exactly how you describe it in your video, just the other direction 😅
@@triflo4838 wow that’s amazing!! I just got off the Celebrity Beyond in the Caribbean and it was incredible, you’re going to have an amazing time! Check out the video of boarding day on my channel, just posted it yesterday! I have yet to do the Panama Canal, it is on my bucket list! 😄💕
@MerCruisesSolo I came across your channel because of the Beyond video, and I liked it so much that I subscribed and watched more of your videos 😀 Counting my days, every day, until my big adventure, three days in Fort Lauderdale (never been to the US before) and the the Beyond 🛳😎
@@triflo4838 oh wow, that’s amazing! 😄 so glad you are enjoying my videos, I hope you have a wonderful time in FL - Ft. Lauderdale is one of my favorite areas!😊
@@MerCruisesSolo ❤️
You are going to love going through the Panama Canal, what a great experience. I highly recommend the you get a read David McCullough’s book, Path Between the Seas, about the building of the canal. It will enhance your trip.
You have a calming and even energy about you. Enjoyed the vid.
Thanks so much! ☺️
Thank you for the tip on Forrest Lagoon. We loved it and loved the non NCL excursion.
so glad to hear that! That was one of my favorite excursions!
Thank you so much for this video series. I am taking this cruise in reverse in June. I was looking for port information, but all your content is great! About 1/2 way through the series and feel so much more confident about the trip. Thank you!!
@@angelawitmer1383 thank you so much, I’m so glad to hear that! This trip was so amazing, can’t recommend the itinerary enough!
I just came across your channel while searching solo cruising. I really enjoyed the video! Thank you! Edit to write: subscribed! lol
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed watching and thanks for subscribing ☺
Que disfrutes del irinerario y seas muy feliz. Gracias por tus vídeos 😊😊
Thank you! 💕
I will be on NCL Prima from Southampton UK to Rekjavik Iceland June 23-July 4 2024 I am so excited like you did. Waiting your next Vlog on your next Cruise.
So exciting!! Have an amazing cruise, hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 😊
I'm glad this popped up in my feed. I am doing this cruise in September and first time on the Prima, and this gives me an idea of what to expect. I will arrive two weeks ahead and do the ring road.
@@kawekastoney7946 that sounds amazing! Would love to do the ring road! Hope you have an amazing cruise, I loved this itinerary!
I'm doing this cruise mid August, super excited. Thanks for posting 😊
You’re going to love it! Have a great cruise 😊
Great video! Having just come back from Iceland & Norway it brought back some memories. Thank you, looking forward to seeing more!
Such amazing places! Thanks for watching 😊
I'm always on the lookout for new places to cruise to & shore excursions to go on. The wonderful world of cruising! 😎
Thank you so much for sharing this!! Am considering going myself and found your video. Great info!
Thank you so much! Truly an incredible itinerary and cruise overall!
We’re going on this Cruise in August, so thank you for the tour!
Hope you have a wonderful cruise!!
Another grand cruise video!! Thanks Mer … you always provide great content. Enjoy your day
Thank you!!
Booked for next year. Looking forward to your reviews, this is a real bucket list itinerary for us. Worried about the ship in cold weather… it is really all about the amazing outdoor space, so please include your comments about crowds with everyone inside. Excited to follow you on this adventure.
I had the same concerns! Will definitely cover this in my future videos 😊
You feel like a very kind person, thanks for this video!
Aww thank you, glad you enjoyed! ☺️
I might have got on this cruise when you got off - I am taking a wild guess - as I got on 2nd July at Southampton.
I really enjoyed it
You are right! So glad you enjoyed, sometimes the weather just doesn’t like to cooperate!
Thank you for this vlog. I am about to go on the same cruise in July and am trying to find as much content for this itinerary as possible. I am going solo as well!
That’s so exciting! I had an amazing trip and more videos are on the way for the other ports! Hope you have a great cruise!
I am getting ready for second solo cruise on the NCL Getaway. Thank you so much for your Video and solo tips. Your content is very well made and informative. I love your excitement and emotion during sail away! You are indeed a classy Lady!
Thank you so much! ☺️ have a great time on the Getaway, have cruised on her twice!
My husband and I are taking this same cruise in September and we are really excited! I’m soaking in your video! We have done a lot of travel and every time we do I get emotional too. So thankful that we are able to see the world. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for watching! I loved every bit of this itinerary, hope your cruise is wonderful! 😊
We are taking this cruise in September as well. What dates will you be sailing?
Sept 26-Oct 6!
@@virnataijeronyager7741 that is the same one we will be on!!!
Sept 5 - Sept 15! Can't wait!!!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm doing this cruise next spring in the reverse (embarking from London). I love your gratitude!!! That is how I feel about being able to experience these amazing places on such beautiful ships. Thank you for sharing your experiences - I will be watching all of your journeys. Looking forward to the Blue Lagoon video as we have an excursion there already booked as that is a bucket list item for me!
@@alisonplemons1029 thank you so much!! It’s something so many people will never get to experience, I never forget that! Hope you have an amazing cruise on the reverse route 😊
What a wonderful video and I like your content. I’m about to try the solo thing after I did a Mediterranean last month and met this lovely solo cruiser who tempted me to try an Alaskan next month. I can’t wait.
I've been seriously debating going on a solo cruise and you have given me inspiration to do it!!
It’s amazing! Hope you go and have a wonderful time!! 😄
Great video, you have beautiful blue eyes!
@@robb8773 thank you! 😊
I’ve done a solo cabin on the NCL Escape but in the Studio Suite. Really cool if you are going solo. Also, the $50 Shore excursion credit is only for the 1st guest if you have multiple guests in a stateroom. I wasn’t too fond of the Prima. The spaces felt small and disjointed. I’m booked next year for the new Prima Plus class ship, the NCL Aqua and I’m looking forward to checking out the changes and improvements with the spaces.
I felt the same way about the Prima the first time I sailed on it (in a studio) but after this cruise I feel differently and actually like the ship a lot! I’m also booked on Aqua next year, looking forward to seeing how they’ve changed things.
@@MerCruisesSolo Maybe I need to give her another chance or sail on the Viva? Have you been on the Viva? I'd go just for the Beetlejuice show. :D Nice!! What are the chance on being the same sailing in April!! ;) But before that sailing, I'll be on the Getaway later this year sailing in the Greek Isles!! Super duper excited for this one. And second time on the Getaway.
Wow! Your room was amazing. I cruised Prima last year on your itinerary and stayed in a solo inside (99 square feet). I didn't even know they had solo balconies and I'm a pretty thorough planner. I loved the tiny room and the solo lounge, but I'll take a better look for a larger room in the future. Great job and wonderful video! 🙂
Don’t worry, it wasn’t your lack of planning or research 😊 the solo balcony category is new as of January this year! They rolled it out across all of their ships and now have a “solo” category for Inside, Oceanview and Balcony cabins on every ship! 🙌🏼
I will definitely be adding this cruise to my list! Would love to explore Iceland and Norway. Can't wait to see the entire series! Looks like you get more and more comfortable on camera every video. Keep up the hard work! Congrats on 1k!
Thank you so much!! 😄
Very informative abd the ship and everything on there, I thinking about doing my 1st ncl. Have a fantastic day, very beautiful lady x x
Fabulous video! We just booked this cruise for September, and our first time on NCL, so very helpful!
@@DawnE-64 you’re going to have an amazing trip!! Thanks so much! 😊
We are taking this cruise in September as well. What dates will you be on board?
@@KathyWilson-bi7vj Sept 5!
@@DawnE-64 You are 2 weeks ahead of us.
I just got off the same itinerary but the other way 😁 I also cruised solo! Your vlog is great!
Thank you! I’ve watched some of your vlogs too, really enjoyed them! Solo travel is the best 😄
Hi there… We just watched a few of your videos from Iceland 😍
We are traveling to Alaska from Denmark in mid april, having a 4-7 stopover in Iceland. When did you record these videos ?
Were going on Joy in 9 day Alaska from april 23 😍
Thanks for nice views.
This was filmed at the end of May, the cruise was 5/23 - 6/2!
I love the Joy, she is one of my favorite ships! Hope you have a great cruise! 😊
Thank you for this video. I’ve never been on a cruise w chilly weather. Could you give an idea of what to pack for excursions in terms of clothes?
@@julileighton2983 pack plenty of layers! I suggest comfortable sweat wicking or water resistant pants, plenty of socks, you’ll want tops that can be layered with a sweater and jacket. If you have all of that you’ll be fine! Oh, and would definitely suggest bringing waterproof shoes/boots!
Thank you!
I just found your channel! It’s nice to see a female solo traveler. I’ve never tried a solo cruise cause I just can’t stay in an inside cabin(claustrophobic)! Is this the only cruise line or NCL ship that has a solo balcony cabin? Would love to be able to cruise Caribbean or Alaska? Thanks, I’m subscribed to your channel now!
Hi, thanks so much!! All of NCL's ships have designated solo cabins, including solo balconies! They are specifically designated as solo, so only solo travelers can book them 😊 some other cruise lines have a handful of solo balcony staterooms but they are very hard to find - I just cruised on Celebrity in a solo "Infinite Veranda" cabin and will have videos coming out soon that shows what that's like and the difference from a traditional balcony. I love NCL because they really have been pioneers of the solo cruising aspect of the industry, and hope to see other cruise lines follow suit! 😄
Doing this cruise in October when it goes to Italy
I bet that will be a great itinerary!
@@MerCruisesSolo it is, but they already got rid of one port and added another seaday. Never been on a NCL cruise so hope it’s a good one
I will also be doing this cruise solo in a couple of weeks. I did the Lisbon to Rome cruise on the Viva in May. What month did you do this cruise?
@@Helojet this cruise was in late May! May 23rd - June 2nd!
@@MerCruisesSolo Great video. What camera& lens did you use? I have a Sony A9.
@@Helojet thanks! I use a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and DJI Osmo Action 4 cameras as well as my iPhone!
Have fun the rest of your cruise Mer.
We did this cruise from Southampton to Iceland last July. We loved the itinerary, but it was way too cold to enjoy the outside area on deck 8. We also thought many of the venues were too small. We won’t be taking this ship again.
I had the same concerns, but we were so fortunate with good weather for most of the trip that I did get to spend quite a bit of time on deck 8. I ended up liking the Prima a lot more after this cruise compared to the first time I had sailed on her. So interesting how divided everyone is about this ship! It really was a great itinerary 🛳️
I was on a 15 night Panama Canal cruise on the Norwegian Bliss last Dec, and my experience with NCL’s $50 per shore excursion credit is because their excursion prices are usually higher than other cruise lines prices.😊
I just got home from a Holland America cruise and their excursion prices were outrageous! I think most of the cruise lines really mark up the prices, but the $50 excursion credit NCL offers definitely helps, especially cruising solo!
@MerCruisesSolo Hi there! I enjoyed watching this video, as I will be cruising 10-day in Northern Europe with Prima on September. I just got back from a different cruise ship in Alaska. I have noticed the outrageous excursion prices as well. So, most cruise lines have increased their excursion prices!😢
@@carlyncamingue1908 yes, it seems so!
Boarding the NCL star in Reykjavik in a couple of days. Do you remember what the price was for the taxi from the downtown hotel to the ship? and did you have any problems getting a taxi?
Very easy to get a taxi, I had my hotel call one for me and they came in less than 5 minutes! I believe from the hotel I stayed at to the port the taxi cost was around $20 but I don’t remember exactly. Hope that helps!
@@MerCruisesSolo Thanks so much!
I searched your itinerary on NCL website for June of 26 and it’s not the same stops.
Am I missing something
We were looking forward to going to the stop with the swinging dock tie up.
@@Mtl1508 Geiranger is the port with the floating dock, but they are banning cruise ships after next year to prevent ship pollution in the fjords. NCL is substituting other ports in Norway instead of Geiranger.
@@MerCruisesSolo ok thanks , disappointing but understandable
I have a question regarding luggage on embarkation day. Do you drop your luggage off before boarding in Reykjavik or do you board with luggage and drop on the ship? I saw a clip on your video, and on some others, that showed a sign on board that said luggage drop. Just trying to be prepared as I’ll have a large bag, medium bag and carryon/laptop bag, as I’m flying to Croatia ofter the cruise. Thanks for all of the great information!
@@terriguske4530 you can do both! They take luggage outside of the terminal and will deliver to your cabin sometime in the afternoon or evening. If you want to carry your suitcase on, you can do that and I believe the luggage drop location on my cruise was at the Improv venue, but any crew member can tell you!
Hi. Wondering if you encountered any rough seas on this sailing?
Yes, near the end of the trip on the last few days we did encounter some rough weather. Mostly lots of wind, nothing the ship can’t handle!
Wow still cruising. Fantastic stuff. See you in Australia
Haha, my Kindle almost never leaves my side all the time I am on on the ship.
Same! It is basically permanently attached to me, I never go anywhere without it 😂📚
Question about your suitcases, was the larger one the away truck? and do you like it?
It's actually the Away "Medium" checked suitcase, and I love it! Great size - not overly big, but still very roomy.
Have they worked out the kinks with the long waits and crowding for the food hall concept restaurants?
I didn’t notice any crowding and never waited in Indulge any of the times I went! The only wait I ever had was at The Local a few times.
@@MerCruisesSolo Great to hear. I read some early reviews where there were some complaints. Perhaps the 'newness factor' has worn off. Found your channel because of your NCL Star series. Will be on for 14 days next month going from New York-Reykjavik.
@@CoolGuyStephen yay! Have a fantastic cruise, I bet that itinerary will be awesome
We want to sail on that ship!
It’s a great ship!
Did you exchange $ for Icelandic Kronas beforehand or just waited until you arrived?
Also, thank you for the excellent video ❤.
I did not exchange any money for Icelandic Krona! I just used my credit card everywhere and had no issues. Thanks so much for watching! :)
Nice video!
I stayed on the prima for 10 nights for a transatlantic cruise..
How could you get access to the studio lounge if you stayed in a balcony cabin?
I booked a cabin that is designated as a “Solo Balcony” and it includes access to the Studio Lounge! This category is new as of January this year (and available on all NCL ships!)
@@MerCruisesSolo thanks, i didn't know that 😊.
Hi Meredith whats your next cruise?
Canada & New England!
Can I bring personal snack items on board a cruise?
@@metaledge2 yes, in most places you can as long as they are pre-packaged and unopened!
Have never done a ncl, do they have laundrettes on board
They don’t, but they do run laundry specials where you pay a flat rate (around $35) for as much as you can stuff in a bag!
@MerCruisesSolo thank you for that darling, I make sure I have the bag fully packed lol
@@StephenEscott-tg9xc
If you are in the Gold or Platinum & above level, you will get a Laundry bag free of charge.
Thanks for that very much appreciated
How mulher u pay?