My husband and have met a lot of solo travelers on shore excursions and I typically engage them in conversation when we are on the coach if they are nearby, for a couple of reasons, sometimes you can see they feel uncomfortable being by themselves and they might hang with us and other times they will wander on their own. But I am the type who will also keep tabs on who was seat mates near us so they don’t get left behind especially if they are solo as there is no one there to let them know that person is not on the coach yet. We have met some wonderful and interesting people that way.
Out of 10 cruises I've only done one solo and it was amazing. There are plenty of opportunities to chat with people and staff and get as much social interaction (or as little) as you like. I met some great people and hung out at the bars and on the pool deck several times. Personally it's very important to have the full internet package as that too can give you conversation with others back home video etc., and I found that help me feel that I was still interacting with people. Thank you for the video!
Yes!!! Alone vs lonely! Huge difference. I love ppl but I also love traveling solo. I'm n9t in that lil couples box. I will say the downside can be not having som3one to share all the ah ha moments
Hey Kevin, great video! Personally, I don't think solo travelling is lonely at all - I find it so healthy to escape and detach from the world at times, and solo cruising is the best way (that I've found) to do this. It's great to see your content back on here again!
I used to feel like the odd man out when I said I love to travel solo. I still get the "pity" looks sometimes, but after seeing some epic meltdowns and fights with families on trips I will take solo everytime lol. There are always people to connect with...if you want to. And if not its ok!
Here’s another ‘Yes’ vote for keeping the videos to 10 minutes or less - We cannot get enough of Kevin and this channel - but it’s just easier to digest in shorter segments. Love us some ‘30 and a Wake Up’!
There is a big difference between solitude and loneliness! I love traveling alone as a solo female traveler in my van, Tommy! I have never met a stranger so I meet and talk with others wherever I go, but have time alone when that’s what I want! I have never cruised alone but find your adventures inspiring! I know there’s a solo cruise in my future! Hopefully to Antarctica!!
I agree there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. Being alone can be exciting and rejuvenating. It is a choice. Thanks for all the tips for connecting with others while traveling solo. My first solo cruise starts in 44 days 15 hours and 36 minutes.
This nine or ten minute video format works great. Views around the ship and your superb walks in the port are of HIGH interest to me, for what it's worth.
I think it's great to have solo meet-ups, activities, and tours for everyone! And the fact that you're showing us the different rooms( the twin beds, to change it up a bit) is awesome! Thanks for sharing, have fun, and see you soon on the next video!🌺🛳🤗
I enjoy travelling solo and have no issue with getting together with other travellers when I want to and choosing to do my own thing on other occasions.
I cruise with others and solo. Norwegian has been very good for my solo travels. I have had moments of loneliness while solo. However, I also know that I can chat up others; many people on cruises enjoy chatting with others. All in all I think solo traveling is like most any travel, I only have a bad time if I try to have a bad time.
Great video! I’ve taken 7 solo Princess cruises. As you said the Singles & Solo meetups have varied. I went to one where there was only me and 2 guys. But on another there were over 50. Having dinner together is great. On one cruise 12 of us got together each night and made that cruise one of the best one ever.
I've done two solo cruises, and I haven't been lonely either time. There are so many activities to join in on, big dining tables you can join, excursions that you can be a part of, and even a singles group meeting on board where you can meet other solos or singles. Most bars, during the day, have a group of people who are doing crafts or playing games together.
Excellent! This is the best video I have found that answers my questions about solo cruising. Since I retired from teaching in January, and I live in Florida - what a cliché, I know - I have time to take advantage of the cheaper cruises. Since I'm tired of the Caribbean, I have been looking at Princess Lines for Alaska. However, since I will be traveling alone, and Alaska is expensive, I have been holding off. This video really helped. You have the best channel! By the way, the one using Cruise Plum is priceless. Thank you for that one too.
Last year I made my first cruise with NCl and I loved it. Yes, cruising solo. My second was with the Costa Toscana and the first 4 days I felt lost. There was nothing done for solo's, 6000 pax on board and a lot of non-english speaking guest. In may I will cruise solo again on Princess for the first time so I'm glad to see they have solo-meetings also. My experience so far is: the bigger the ship, the lonelier you get as a solo. But overall it is a great experience and you have to make the most of it yourself. Just started talking to the person next to you and before you know it you have a new friend. And don't go hiding in your cabin! Just go to a bar of theatre. I also made friends on shore-excursions, just looking for other solo's in the bus ;)
Great video ❤glad you touched on the loneliness of solo cruising. I don’t mind aloneness. Meaning I don’t mind the aloneness. Most of time I just enjoy experiencing things on my own.
@@30AndAWakeUp glad to hear someone else is somewhat like me 😂… I could go a whole day and not speak to anyone lol I’m okay 👍🏼 with it… my friends are always worried…
Loved the video! As a idea for you: start on a mini dream-inspired book and make characters. This gives you "people" to keep your mind active on and makes you less lonely.
Great topic and I love the format of short chats. I appreciate your suggestions for traveling solo. I have not done so but have thought of it. Being forced to go solo by widowhood, I am concerned that I would feel lonely even though I enjoy my own company. It's a tough one. On my last cruise, I took my sister on the Ruby to Alaska! I remember you saying that it was your favorite ship. I enjoyed it too. Thanks for the great video content.
Thanks for your video, very informative, I've been a solo cruiser for 3 cruises, and have not felt lonely at all, my shared MDR guests were all really lovely - I found that I had to introduce myself when I sat down and get their names - and ask innocuous questions around the table seated - the group were always forthcoming and usually humorous and good natured, an older crowd on Princess (Grand) which I loved as these people were open and ready to interact, only being with your life partner can become a little tedious come dinnertime, (what do you talk about). I have been very reluctant to go to SOLO cruise get-togethers - cause I'm not interested in any sort of romantic or relationship hookup, so have not utiilised these events. I love cruising alone, I have (usually) my balcony cabin to retreat to. Sitting on my own for a quiz, I found 3 other, one couple and one solo who joined up, which as really lovely, Am still not sold on the solo cruises get-togethers ... may be I'll try it on my Royal Carri bean cruise to Alaska in September ????
As you know there is a big difference between being a lone and being lonely. You can choose your level of interaction with others as a solo, do what you want, when you want. If you choose to sit in your cabin and read a book there is nobody pounding on your door to get a drink, go to the pool, etc. I go solo to destress and recharge and cruises are remarkable battery chargers. The added surcharges stink but solo cabins are bei g added so hopefully that will change. Celebrity and Royal learned fast it was not a good idea to try to rip off solos with a 225% surcharge for solos
very informative video, thank you! I don't cruise often, I did it when I was not solo in the past but now that I am solo I would like to do it in the future regardless of whether I am solo at the time or not
Thank you for the great advice. Since I just retired I've been taking a lot of cruises and usually cruise with Princess. The reason I usually book with Princess is because I always get offered free cruises from the Princess casino. I had no idea that I'd get so many free cruise offers from Princess. Obviously, I do enjoy going to the casino on board. I do cruise by myself, since I'm not married, and have met a lot of great people and your advice will come in handy to meet even more people. Thanks again and I hope to see you on board a Princess cruise some day (or another cruise line).
I used to travel for work solo and just got used to it over the years. Basically living in hotel rooms transitions great into cruising! I am certainly going to try the two single bed set up. Makes the room look huge! Great vid!
Another video! It’s like your YT renaissance. Like the room set up. I’ll do that again if I have a boat room to myself. The cruise I took last year was with family, but we all did what interested us (alone, small groups) during the day and met up at dinner. I had a lot of conversations with people late afternoon hot tub. People are mostly on vacation and happy to talk excursions, other cruises, other travel. Also chatted with people at lectures and at the gym. For a big boat ends up being a small boat. Cruise on!
I went on two solo cruises last year 2023 in October (Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas to the W. Caribean) and December (Celebrity Eclipse to Cabo). In my Cabo cruise I felt uncomfortable during an excursion when I was alone with five other couples. Worse yet, when the tour guide said "In this port you can find everything from liquor, souvenirs, a BOYFRIEND!" and he pointed his finger at me. Another awkward point is when I often got asked "Is it just you?" on each cruise. Other than that, I had a good time. Especially when I went on ports and I got to do everything I wanted. In my October cruise I met a couple of ladies who were friends from Georgia state and I hanged out with them. On my December cruise, I met two siblings near my age who were cruising with their parents and they happened to live in my same neighborhood. So I hanged out with them often. I even made a friend in the Cabo port who showed me around and took pictures of me. All the good sure did outweighed the awkward points of solo cruising. Oh! and in my October cruise, in Perfect Day at CocoCay, I was able to jump from one area to another as I pleased; I did everything on my own terms and my time. But sure, there's nothing better than traveling with that special someone and having fun together.
Perfect timing for your video. I'm embarking on a 14-day solo cruise on Norwegian out of Tampa this coming Sunday. I did join the Facebook group for the cruise and will seek out the solo meetups. You gave me some great ideas! Glad you're back again!
Thx for the video; I like your cabin chats! I'll be a first-time cruiser either this year (or by March of next year), and as a solo wannabe cruiser, I really enjoy all the tips you give out. I've FINALLY whittled my cruiseline choices down to: Princess, Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages. In light of all the cruises you've sailed on Princess ships now, which ship did you find had the best food? I also love theatre and would like to know if you've found any Princess ship that has a really good theatre show (more in line with a Broadway musical or play, and/or an aquatic show)? Kevin, thanks in advance for any help. The more I whittle down my choices, the more excited I am to try out cruising!! *PS - Being "alone" doesn't really bother me because I'm a writer and an isolophile, so it's kind of a normal environment for me. I love to travel and was going to live in an RV full time (but after all the issues many full-time RV'ers had during 2020 and 2021, plus the rise in RV prices, I decided to wait until I could afford a piece of land to place my RV on AND for the RV prices to go back towards some sort of normal. The prices are going down now, so I'm on to finding land!!! In the meantime, I'm excited to try cruising!! Happy and safe sailing!!
The newer ships like Sky, Enchanted, Sun hold more people so they have a bunch more variety of places to eat and food to try. So I’d say one of the newer ships. As far as shows, I’ve only seen a couple and while they are not on a Broadway level, they are not too bad.
Yes yes yes. I really enjoyed this one. I subscribed a while ago but haven't watched all that many of your videos. I do subscribe to about 15 or so cruise bloggers. But this was great for me. I'm Solo and live in South Florida closer to Port Everglades. Only been on one cruise The Escape so far last July. And thank you for telling us about The Cruising Solo Facebook Group. I just pended. This could be my way of finding some friends down here to cruise with. Great job.
Im a big guy. I have the beds as singles, as I had the beds separate on me at 3am, and I fell between them. i was lying there naked, jammed between the mattresses trying to get out, PRAYING I would not have to call out for help. Luckily, I managed to get out without assistance. and the steward switched the room for me the next day. ( In Australia we don't tip) BUT I always tip my room steward $10 for every night of the cruise. i use interior, for value for mone and personal preference as I just sleep there $15 for a balcony if I'm splurging. my sister says I'm cheap but she cruises with Holland America.
I enjoy solo travel/cruises. Chance to meet new people and time for yourself when you need it. Great idea about the beds for a solo. Made the room look much bigger. Thought I caught a glimpse of a roll on suitcase, no more backpack? Do you ever miss the van?
Being alone doesn't mean you are lonely. You could meet people at the food venues or in the casino. Went on a cruise on NCL. It is not a good cruise line. On many cruises I've been on no one from Cruise Critic likes to go to the meet up. Don't like to go to bars. If it is a nosh that's a different story. Like the shower curtain. Used to be heavier and had some difficulties closing a door. Am subscribed and hit the like button.
Great video, man. I went solo on Discovery Princess Jan/Feb 2024 Mexican Riviera and had a blast. I kept to myself when needed and put myself “out there” with others when I felt like it. Yeah, I had a few “lonely” moments - I won’t lie - but overall I liked the fact that I wasn’t responsible for someone else’s happiness. There’s a few things I would do different and I will test my mettle on Majestic Princess in November 2024 to Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. I’m trying an inside cabin on that sailing so I thank you for the tour. (Shower curtains on Princess don’t bother me; I do not understand the hate.)
I enjoy solo cruising. I have done it 2 times in the past. I have more opportunities to travel, but my schedule doesn't always line up with those that can go with me. Life is short and not guaranteed. I tend to think of it like I'm by myself in a big city and get to do what I want, when I want. I could be home by myself or on a cruise by myself.. which sounds better?
Great video! Is that your Unbound Merino t-shirt you are wearing in this video? I like the look of it. Because of your videos, I just purchased 5 Unbound Merino t-shirts, 5 Unbound boxer briefs, and an Unbound hoody. I’m very impressed with Unbound’s quality. Safe Travels!
@@30AndAWakeUp First couple, then gave up. Other cruises had a set meal time with the same people. My expectations were dashed. Never mind, I also asked to pay extra to eat with the crew, this was declined.
Thanks for posting this. I don't care for NCL but was considering doing a transatlantic to give the single cabins a try. Now I know I probably would have spent 12 days unhappy and cementing my dislike of NCL. Why do I dislike it? It seems too focused on drinking, and gambling, and shopping. I prefer enrichment and entertainment rather than shopping and drinking. As for ships, I really loved the Oasis of the Seas because I liked the different neighborhoods. I plan on going on one of the Oasis class ships again.
One NCL cruise, I found hardly anybody wanted to share a table in the main dining room. In the small dining room, tables are so close, people talk to you. On another ship, with studios, people meet as a group in the the studio lounge to go eat. One other cruise I ate in the buffet or O'Sheehans. Some of the same people there every night. And on another smaller NCL Spirit, solos met in a bar at 6pm if they wanted to eat as a group. I just wish there was a friendship table set every night.
@@andriagaskins2528 I've been on two solo cruises in October and December of last year. I had a great time. I'm so glad you're going. You're going to love doing everything on your own terms without anyone disagreeing with you. Have fun!
I'm sorry, but I wouldn't choose to separate the beds if I was cruising alone. I don't feel right asking the room steward to separate them because I know full well they'll have to be put back together for the people on the next sailing. All I need from the room steward is for him/her to do their job quietly. And interaction from me would be non-existent or no more than a hello and thank you.
they were actually already separated from the previous cruisers so i just ask d him to keep the that way for the 34 days i was in the room. had the beds been together i would not have asked him to separate
They won't necessarily put them back together. The next cruisers coming may have indicated they want the beds as twins. Could be friends, siblings, single parent and child ...
Do the solo cruisers that do it alot feel age has anything to do with it? Had my 73rd birthday last May solo and the last person in my family wondered how many are in my boat so to speak?🥴
No. No it’s not. There’s literally people everywhere 24/7/365 on cruise ships who want to talk to you and hang out with you. As an extrovert who truly thrives on getting my energy from others and someone who finds being alone exhausting, solo cruising has become an addiction to me since there’s never anyone around to socialize with in my day to day life and there aren’t really third places to go and meet people anymore. But on a ship they will have a solo meetup almost every single day and an LGBTQIA+ meeting every evening. And heck, if you’re that lonely and need to talk to someone, there’s always friends of Bill. You literally have to put effort into being lonely on a cruise, even as a solo, because people will talk to you every time you leave your room.
I went solo on Discovery Princess Jan/Feb 2024 Mexican Riviera. I went to the “Friends of Bill W” meeting as I needed to know that I wasn’t alone. I was the only person in attendance. I laughed so hard cuz it really was funny. Then I went out on deck and got some air. It was a great solo cruise.
The trivia thing does work, I made friends and met them again on another cruise and we had soo much fun again and this time it wasnt just trivia but also did the outdoor games and guess the song games.☺
@@30AndAWakeUpAs they always say its your holiday so do whatever you want or do nothing if thats what you want☺☺ Enjoying your videos sir keep them coming.
@30AndAWakeUp Me too!!! You learn so much about yourself and others from simple observations. It's a great thing to do as a writer. So much material...so little time!! 😊
My husband and have met a lot of solo travelers on shore excursions and I typically engage them in conversation when we are on the coach if they are nearby, for a couple of reasons, sometimes you can see they feel uncomfortable being by themselves and they might hang with us and other times they will wander on their own. But I am the type who will also keep tabs on who was seat mates near us so they don’t get left behind especially if they are solo as there is no one there to let them know that person is not on the coach yet. We have met some wonderful and interesting people that way.
very cool
That's very nice of you!
Out of 10 cruises I've only done one solo and it was amazing. There are plenty of opportunities to chat with people and staff and get as much social interaction (or as little) as you like. I met some great people and hung out at the bars and on the pool deck several times. Personally it's very important to have the full internet package as that too can give you conversation with others back home video etc., and I found that help me feel that I was still interacting with people.
Thank you for the video!
yeah, that makes sense. I get the full internet package for that exact reason.
Yes!!! Alone vs lonely! Huge difference. I love ppl but I also love traveling solo. I'm n9t in that lil couples box. I will say the downside can be not having som3one to share all the ah ha moments
yeah, Im the same…i have both sides tugging at me! I love my alone, solo time but it might be nice to share some of the experiences with others
Hey Kevin, great video! Personally, I don't think solo travelling is lonely at all - I find it so healthy to escape and detach from the world at times, and solo cruising is the best way (that I've found) to do this.
It's great to see your content back on here again!
thanks man! i need to catch up on your vids
I used to feel like the odd man out when I said I love to travel solo. I still get the "pity" looks sometimes, but after seeing some epic meltdowns and fights with families on trips I will take solo everytime lol. There are always people to connect with...if you want to. And if not its ok!
Im definitely on Team Solo as well!
Here’s another ‘Yes’ vote for keeping the videos to 10 minutes or less - We cannot get enough of Kevin and this channel - but it’s just easier to digest in shorter segments. Love us some ‘30 and a Wake Up’!
There is a big difference between solitude and loneliness! I love traveling alone as a solo female traveler in my van, Tommy! I have never met a stranger so I meet and talk with others wherever I go, but have time alone when that’s what I want! I have never cruised alone but find your adventures inspiring! I know there’s a solo cruise in my future! Hopefully to Antarctica!!
solo cruising is soooooo relaxing ☺️
@@30AndAWakeUp it really is
A new category of videos is born “The Cabin Chats” also a good name for a podcast.
haha…yeah that would be!!!
I like it!!😊
Yes cabin chats with Kev! Lol
I agree, great idea!
And remember, an ample smile helps you meet amazing people ❤
Keep enjoying life, Kevin!
Love that!
I agree there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. Being alone can be exciting and rejuvenating. It is a choice. Thanks for all the tips for connecting with others while traveling solo. My first solo cruise starts in 44 days 15 hours and 36 minutes.
awesome!!!!
I completely enjoy cruising alone. I always meet people. And I love Princess bc they have logical closets.
exactly 👍
I always cruise alone. I prefer it that way. Did the Princess 2023 world cruise solo and it was fabulous. Met many lifelong friends
very cool! what ship?
@@30AndAWakeUp Island Princess.
@@wadewave4323 Nice…I was on Island Princess for the Fire and Ice cruise last year. I think I was onboard for around 32 days of your cruise.
This nine or ten minute video format works great. Views around the ship and your superb walks in the port are of HIGH interest to me, for what it's worth.
Thanks for the feedback!
I think it's great to have solo meet-ups, activities, and tours for everyone! And the fact that you're showing us the different rooms( the twin beds, to change it up a bit) is awesome! Thanks for sharing, have fun, and see you soon on the next video!🌺🛳🤗
thanks maxine
I enjoy travelling solo and have no issue with getting together with other travellers when I want to and choosing to do my own thing on other occasions.
exactly!
I cruise with others and solo. Norwegian has been very good for my solo travels. I have had moments of loneliness while solo. However, I also know that I can chat up others; many people on cruises enjoy chatting with others. All in all I think solo traveling is like most any travel, I only have a bad time if I try to have a bad time.
Exactly!!! Great insight!
Great video! I’ve taken 7 solo Princess cruises. As you said the Singles & Solo meetups have varied. I went to one where there was only me and 2 guys. But on another there were over 50. Having dinner together is great. On one cruise 12 of us got together each night and made that cruise one of the best one ever.
very cool!
I've done two solo cruises, and I haven't been lonely either time. There are so many activities to join in on, big dining tables you can join, excursions that you can be a part of, and even a singles group meeting on board where you can meet other solos or singles. Most bars, during the day, have a group of people who are doing crafts or playing games together.
Yeah, it’s definitely not lonely if you don’t want it to be.
Excellent! This is the best video I have found that answers my questions about solo cruising. Since I retired from teaching in January, and I live in Florida - what a cliché, I know - I have time to take advantage of the cheaper cruises. Since I'm tired of the Caribbean, I have been looking at Princess Lines for Alaska. However, since I will be traveling alone, and Alaska is expensive, I have been holding off. This video really helped. You have the best channel! By the way, the one using Cruise Plum is priceless. Thank you for that one too.
no problem… thanks for watching 🙏
Last year I made my first cruise with NCl and I loved it. Yes, cruising solo. My second was with the Costa Toscana and the first 4 days I felt lost. There was nothing done for solo's, 6000 pax on board and a lot of non-english speaking guest. In may I will cruise solo again on Princess for the first time so I'm glad to see they have solo-meetings also. My experience so far is: the bigger the ship, the lonelier you get as a solo. But overall it is a great experience and you have to make the most of it yourself. Just started talking to the person next to you and before you know it you have a new friend. And don't go hiding in your cabin! Just go to a bar of theatre. I also made friends on shore-excursions, just looking for other solo's in the bus ;)
yeah, shore excursions are great for meeting folks as well.
Great video ❤glad you touched on the loneliness of solo cruising. I don’t mind aloneness. Meaning I don’t mind the aloneness. Most of time I just enjoy experiencing things on my own.
Im the same.
@@30AndAWakeUp glad to hear someone else is somewhat like me 😂… I could go a whole day and not speak to anyone lol I’m okay 👍🏼 with it… my friends are always worried…
Very good ideas . I think is also your attitude while cruising and how social you want to be . See you 23 March Panama. Thanks
Can't wait!
I have been on six cruises. Half of them I have been solo. I very very much prefer solo.
me too!!!!!!!
I had to turn off the NCL meet up chat as there was too much and overwhelming. Hate making plans. Which is why I like Solo Travel.
yeah, plans suck! :)
Love the short cabin chats; my video attention span lasts about 12-14 minutes...thanks so much for the tips. 🙂
You're so welcome!
I cruise solo all the time and have never been lonely
ditto
Same!
Almost all my travel is solo as wife dislikes long flights or leaving our dog with a boarder. I enjoy it, and have done so for many years.
it’s a great way to travel
To be honest I’d rather be alone, so I can do what I want, when I want.
my philosophy exactly
Loved the video!
As a idea for you: start on a mini dream-inspired book and make characters. This gives you "people" to keep your mind active on and makes you less lonely.
i like that
I love the idea of a sleeping bed and a sitting/chilling bed!
and a bed to stack stuff on 🤣
Great topic and I love the format of short chats. I appreciate your suggestions for traveling solo. I have not done so but have thought of it. Being forced to go solo by widowhood, I am concerned that I would feel lonely even though I enjoy my own company. It's a tough one. On my last cruise, I took my sister on the Ruby to Alaska! I remember you saying that it was your favorite ship. I enjoyed it too. Thanks for the great video content.
Im glad you enjoyed Ruby.
Thanks for your video, very informative, I've been a solo cruiser for 3 cruises, and have not felt lonely at all, my shared MDR guests were all really lovely - I found that I had to introduce myself when I sat down and get their names - and ask innocuous questions around the table seated - the group were always forthcoming and usually humorous and good natured, an older crowd on Princess (Grand) which I loved as these people were open and ready to interact, only being with your life partner can become a little tedious come dinnertime, (what do you talk about). I have been very reluctant to go to SOLO cruise get-togethers - cause I'm not interested in any sort of romantic or relationship hookup, so have not utiilised these events. I love cruising alone, I have (usually) my balcony cabin to retreat to. Sitting on my own for a quiz, I found 3 other, one couple and one solo who joined up, which as really lovely, Am still not sold on the solo cruises get-togethers ... may be I'll try it on my Royal Carri bean cruise to Alaska in September ????
yeah the solo get togethers have never had any single romance vibe to them in my experience
I always cruise NCL and love cruising solo. I have 3 booked ❤
It’s great for solos!
I have been solo for 25+ years now. I just enjoy my solo time now for good or for bad.
i definitely get that
As you know there is a big difference between being a lone and being lonely. You can choose your level of interaction with others as a solo, do what you want, when you want. If you choose to sit in your cabin and read a book there is nobody pounding on your door to get a drink, go to the pool, etc. I go solo to destress and recharge and cruises are remarkable battery chargers. The added surcharges stink but solo cabins are bei g added so hopefully that will change. Celebrity and Royal learned fast it was not a good idea to try to rip off solos with a 225% surcharge for solos
yeah definitely got to shop around to avoid those big solo supplements
very informative video, thank you! I don't cruise often, I did it when I was not solo in the past but now that I am solo I would like to do it in the future regardless of whether I am solo at the time or not
it’s a great way to travel
Thank you for the great advice. Since I just retired I've been taking a lot of cruises and usually cruise with Princess. The reason I usually book with Princess is because I always get offered free cruises from the Princess casino. I had no idea that I'd get so many free cruise offers from Princess. Obviously, I do enjoy going to the casino on board. I do cruise by myself, since I'm not married, and have met a lot of great people and your advice will come in handy to meet even more people. Thanks again and I hope to see you on board a Princess cruise some day (or another cruise line).
awesome….yes they definitely have the best casino deals
I used to travel for work solo and just got used to it over the years. Basically living in hotel rooms transitions great into cruising! I am certainly going to try the two single bed set up. Makes the room look huge! Great vid!
yeah, it’s nice to have that space in the middle and the other bed to just throw things on.
Yes, I agree with you. You can choose if you want to interact or not...personal choice and glad there are sooooo many options on the cruise ship!
Absolutely! :)
I’ve done a lot of solo travel but I’m about to go on my first solo cruise!
Yay!! I hope you enjoy it!! 🙏
Another video! It’s like your YT renaissance. Like the room set up. I’ll do that again if I have a boat room to myself. The cruise I took last year was with family, but we all did what interested us (alone, small groups) during the day and met up at dinner. I had a lot of conversations with people late afternoon hot tub. People are mostly on vacation and happy to talk excursions, other cruises, other travel. Also chatted with people at lectures and at the gym. For a big boat ends up being a small boat. Cruise on!
I started editing with my iPad and it’s so much easier to make vids! :)
I went on two solo cruises last year 2023 in October (Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas to the W. Caribean) and December (Celebrity Eclipse to Cabo). In my Cabo cruise I felt uncomfortable during an excursion when I was alone with five other couples. Worse yet, when the tour guide said "In this port you can find everything from liquor, souvenirs, a BOYFRIEND!" and he pointed his finger at me. Another awkward point is when I often got asked "Is it just you?" on each cruise. Other than that, I had a good time. Especially when I went on ports and I got to do everything I wanted. In my October cruise I met a couple of ladies who were friends from Georgia state and I hanged out with them. On my December cruise, I met two siblings near my age who were cruising with their parents and they happened to live in my same neighborhood. So I hanged out with them often. I even made a friend in the Cabo port who showed me around and took pictures of me. All the good sure did outweighed the awkward points of solo cruising. Oh! and in my October cruise, in Perfect Day at CocoCay, I was able to jump from one area to another as I pleased; I did everything on my own terms and my time. But sure, there's nothing better than traveling with that special someone and having fun together.
I love travel solo! But I understand why people want to travel with others.
My experience it depends on the cruise . MSC was very lonely ! Lol. Great vid
yeah MSC was hit or miss for me
I myself enjoyed this cabin chat.
Thank you, Nancy
Perfect timing for your video. I'm embarking on a 14-day solo cruise on Norwegian out of Tampa this coming Sunday. I did join the Facebook group for the cruise and will seek out the solo meetups. You gave me some great ideas! Glad you're back again!
If its NCL it will not visit Antarctica.
NCL is definitely the best for solos!
@@30AndAWakeUp Must be me, found it extremely anti social on NCL.
Thx for the video; I like your cabin chats! I'll be a first-time cruiser either this year (or by March of next year), and as a solo wannabe cruiser, I really enjoy all the tips you give out. I've FINALLY whittled my cruiseline choices down to: Princess, Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages. In light of all the cruises you've sailed on Princess ships now, which ship did you find had the best food?
I also love theatre and would like to know if you've found any Princess ship that has a really good theatre show (more in line with a Broadway musical or play, and/or an aquatic show)?
Kevin, thanks in advance for any help. The more I whittle down my choices, the more excited I am to try out cruising!!
*PS - Being "alone" doesn't really bother me because I'm a writer and an isolophile, so it's kind of a normal environment for me. I love to travel and was going to live in an RV full time (but after all the issues many full-time RV'ers had during 2020 and 2021, plus the rise in RV prices, I decided to wait until I could afford a piece of land to place my RV on AND for the RV prices to go back towards some sort of normal. The prices are going down now, so I'm on to finding land!!! In the meantime, I'm excited to try cruising!!
Happy and safe sailing!!
The newer ships like Sky, Enchanted, Sun hold more people so they have a bunch more variety of places to eat and food to try. So I’d say one of the newer ships. As far as shows, I’ve only seen a couple and while they are not on a Broadway level, they are not too bad.
Yes yes yes. I really enjoyed this one. I subscribed a while ago but haven't watched all that many of your videos. I do subscribe to about 15 or so cruise bloggers. But this was great for me. I'm Solo and live in South Florida closer to Port Everglades. Only been on one cruise The Escape so far last July. And thank you for telling us about The Cruising Solo Facebook Group. I just pended. This could be my way of finding some friends down here to cruise with. Great job.
awesome….you’re definitely in the perfect spot for access to cruising
Im a big guy.
I have the beds as singles, as I had the beds separate on me at 3am, and I fell between them.
i was lying there naked, jammed between the mattresses trying to get out,
PRAYING I would not have to call out for help.
Luckily, I managed to get out without assistance.
and the steward switched the room for me the next day.
( In Australia we don't tip)
BUT I always tip my room steward $10 for every night of the cruise.
i use interior, for value for mone and personal preference as I just sleep there
$15 for a balcony if I'm splurging.
my sister says I'm cheap but she cruises with Holland America.
that is a crazy story!!!
Just booked my first cruise ever. On the Norwegian Breakaway. I like to travel solo so I hope this will be a good experince :)
NCL definitely is the best solo experience in my opinion.
@@30AndAWakeUp Going in January, 9 nights in the Caribbean.
I'm traveling solo in August to NYC/New England on Breakaway. My first solo so I'm here getting tips
I enjoy solo travel/cruises. Chance to meet new people and time for yourself when you need it. Great idea about the beds for a solo. Made the room look much bigger. Thought I caught a glimpse of a roll on suitcase, no more backpack? Do you ever miss the van?
Yeah, i switched to a roll on carry on. Yep, miss the van all the time!
Being alone doesn't mean you are lonely. You could meet people at the food venues or in the casino. Went on a cruise on NCL. It is not a good cruise line. On many cruises I've been on no one from Cruise Critic likes to go to the meet up. Don't like to go to bars. If it is a nosh that's a different story. Like the shower curtain. Used to be heavier and had some difficulties closing a door. Am subscribed and hit the like button.
exactly
Isn't it that persons choice if they choose to go or not?
Did you attend the NCL solo "Meet and greet"? Wondering how that may have been.
I'm going on my first solo on Princess in Feb. Excited for this Adventure
Awesome! I love Princess!
Great video, man. I went solo on Discovery Princess Jan/Feb 2024 Mexican Riviera and had a blast. I kept to myself when needed and put myself “out there” with others when I felt like it. Yeah, I had a few “lonely” moments - I won’t lie - but overall I liked the fact that I wasn’t responsible for someone else’s happiness. There’s a few things I would do different and I will test my mettle on Majestic Princess in November 2024 to Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. I’m trying an inside cabin on that sailing so I thank you for the tour. (Shower curtains on Princess don’t bother me; I do not understand the hate.)
That is really cool! Thank you for sharing. And yeah, the shower curtains are no big deal!
I enjoy solo cruising. I have done it 2 times in the past. I have more opportunities to travel, but my schedule doesn't always line up with those that can go with me. Life is short and not guaranteed. I tend to think of it like I'm by myself in a big city and get to do what I want, when I want. I could be home by myself or on a cruise by myself.. which sounds better?
That is a great way to look at it for sure.
Been looking to take my first cruise ever. Solo as well ao your video has got to the be the most informative one. Good job and thank you 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! Is that your Unbound Merino t-shirt you are wearing in this video? I like the look of it. Because of your videos, I just purchased 5 Unbound Merino t-shirts, 5 Unbound boxer briefs, and an Unbound hoody. I’m very impressed with Unbound’s quality. Safe Travels!
Yes it is! It’s over 3 years old too! I love the stuff.
Good type of video, it's needed
thanks 🙏
Thanks Kevin for sharing I just stumbled across this video
Thanks, Calvin. 🙏
Please tell us more about cruising as a senior citizen. My wife fatigues easily so cruises are a good fit for us. Thanks for sharing.
I’ll definitely try to do that at some point.
@@lifesabeach5405 Thanks for the feedback.
I've been on 3 cruises on my own, fantastic. I dine with random people and enjoy disconnecting.
yeah, it really is great to be able to do what you want, when you want, with whom you want!
Not, I guess! I love my alone time....
ditto
Cabin chats yes
will do
Love solo cruising, however, do not enjoy paying for a person who is not there …consider the total expense before you solo cruise.
check out my vid on how to find cheap cruises…lots of cruises out there where you don’t have to do that
Very well done my friend
Thank you! Cheers!
NCL was lonely for me, 18 days every meal alone, shared dining does not work.
hmmm did you go to the solo meetups?
@@30AndAWakeUp First couple, then gave up. Other cruises had a set meal time with the same people. My expectations were dashed. Never mind, I also asked to pay extra to eat with the crew, this was declined.
Thanks for posting this. I don't care for NCL but was considering doing a transatlantic to give the single cabins a try. Now I know I probably would have spent 12 days unhappy and cementing my dislike of NCL. Why do I dislike it? It seems too focused on drinking, and gambling, and shopping. I prefer enrichment and entertainment rather than shopping and drinking. As for ships, I really loved the Oasis of the Seas because I liked the different neighborhoods. I plan on going on one of the Oasis class ships again.
@@greylady4560 Agree the ship runs on alcohol. Had a free drink package, 2 beers only on cruise. Just not a drinker.
One NCL cruise, I found hardly anybody wanted to share a table in the main dining room. In the small dining room, tables are so close, people talk to you. On another ship, with studios, people meet as a group in the the studio lounge to go eat. One other cruise I ate in the buffet or O'Sheehans. Some of the same people there every night. And on another smaller NCL Spirit, solos met in a bar at 6pm if they wanted to eat as a group. I just wish there was a friendship table set every night.
I would never cruise solo, but don't judge others who do!
It all goes to your personality!
👍
@@30AndAWakeUp I'm going on my first solo cruise in November, and I can't wait! I'll be gone for a week, and I wish I had booked 2 weeks! Next time.
@@andriagaskins2528 Sweet!!!!!
@@andriagaskins2528 I've been on two solo cruises in October and December of last year. I had a great time. I'm so glad you're going. You're going to love doing everything on your own terms without anyone disagreeing with you. Have fun!
I did a 15 day solo cruise a few years ago...the absolute best time of my life
Hey, like the bed setup!
haha..thanks for the tip!
Last time I asked you said you no longer carry the Sony RX 100 camera. Were you interested in selling it?
i gave it to my nephew already! Sorry!
@@30AndAWakeUp All good.
I'm sorry, but I wouldn't choose to separate the beds if I was cruising alone. I don't feel right asking the room steward to separate them because I know full well they'll have to be put back together for the people on the next sailing.
All I need from the room steward is for him/her to do their job quietly. And interaction from me would be non-existent or no more than a hello and thank you.
they were actually already separated from the previous cruisers so i just ask d him to keep the that way for the 34 days i was in the room. had the beds been together i would not have asked him to separate
They won't necessarily put them back together. The next cruisers coming may have indicated they want the beds as twins. Could be friends, siblings, single parent and child ...
Ncl definitely #1 for solos
absolutely
Im thinking of going on a cruise by myself in a couple of weeks for the 1st time. I'd appreciate any advice.
it’s the best
Umm..."Chester Drawers"? My grandmother was from Missouri and that's how she said "chest of drawers". Are you from Missouri?
I am! We say Chester Drawers and Worsh instead of Wash :)
What was it about your Norwegian Cruise that made it the best solo cruise? Love your channel!
The ship is serious about it’s solo program and provide people from the ship to facilitate solo events.
Love NCL for this!
Chester drawers made me laugh...Its Chest of Drawers, Its a common mispronunciation.
it’s a very “missouri” think to do :)
Good video
Thanks!
Do the solo cruisers that do it alot feel age has anything to do with it? Had my 73rd birthday last May solo and the last person in my family wondered how many are in my boat so to speak?🥴
I would say the over 60 crowd is 90% of the solos
How profoundly depressing. Yet, I long to go to sea.
☺️
No. No it’s not. There’s literally people everywhere 24/7/365 on cruise ships who want to talk to you and hang out with you. As an extrovert who truly thrives on getting my energy from others and someone who finds being alone exhausting, solo cruising has become an addiction to me since there’s never anyone around to socialize with in my day to day life and there aren’t really third places to go and meet people anymore. But on a ship they will have a solo meetup almost every single day and an LGBTQIA+ meeting every evening. And heck, if you’re that lonely and need to talk to someone, there’s always friends of Bill. You literally have to put effort into being lonely on a cruise, even as a solo, because people will talk to you every time you leave your room.
loved hearing an extrovert’s prospective…. thanks 🙏
I went solo on Discovery Princess Jan/Feb 2024 Mexican Riviera. I went to the “Friends of Bill W” meeting as I needed to know that I wasn’t alone. I was the only person in attendance. I laughed so hard cuz it really was funny. Then I went out on deck and got some air. It was a great solo cruise.
Two bed teaser?😁
It’s probably lovely but I want to go to eat and relax
i get that for sure :)
The trivia thing does work, I made friends and met them again on another cruise and we had soo much fun again and this time it wasnt just trivia but also did the outdoor games and guess the song games.☺
i’ll have to try those
@@30AndAWakeUpAs they always say its your holiday so do whatever you want or do nothing if thats what you want☺☺ Enjoying your videos sir keep them coming.
Where's the girl???
she’s running around the ship enjoying solo cruising!
I’m not trying to get personal, but considering the nature of the topic, why aren’t you traveling with a romantic partner?
i love traveling solo 😊
@30AndAWakeUp Me too!!! You learn so much about yourself and others from simple observations. It's a great thing to do as a writer. So much material...so little time!! 😊
Being alone is better. Don’t have to be considerate of others or worrying if you are offending anyone. SMH
Fair point! :)
Nice information for so many! Cool room tour too!
Oh and the cabin chats are fun long shorts lol!
thanks Joni 🙏