Cruising alone

[CruiserfromOklahoma]

I'm going on the Brilliance of the Seas cruise departing Barcelona on Sept. 19. My travel companions cancelled out so I'm going by myself. I'm sure there will be plenty of congenial folks on board, but I'm kind of concerned about dining alone. Can anyone reassure me?

[Maurine]

I'm sorry your companion canceled on you.

You can request to be at a table with other people. Tables seat various numbers of people. My mother and I were at a table for six so we met four other people.

There were singles on my cruise. Have fun!

[queenofcruzin]

Yes, I can. I have cruised many times solo, but by choice. Sorry your companion had to cancel, but do not fear. I flew into Barcelona alone, walked around the main plaza on my own, no problems. After the 12 night cruise, I scheduled a couple days of relaxing in Barcelona, and by then was so brave I took the subway. Dinner is always the easiest for me, I ask for a large table, and in 20 cruises, only changed tables once. I tend to build a group of friends at dinner. If we don't have much in common, I ask questions about their day on the cruise, and conversation flows. I have said many times on this board, that no matter how big the ship is, I tend to see the same 20 or so people who have a similar schedule to me, like to do the same things and I just smile and say hello. I also tend to frequent the same areas, such as the Champagne bar before and after dinner, the casino later on, and a quiet spot for sunbathing. It's easy for others to find me also. Enjoy your cruise, the Med is in my top 5 cruises !!

[penny3333]

Fear not, there will be other singles and loads of great people on board. I tend to meet a lot of people on excursions, they share the same interests I do or wouldn't be on that excursion. Dinner is great. Since they've begun varous versions of "As you Wish or Anytime Dining", I usually choose that. Before, I'd choose late seating at a larger table. Now, it's main seating because I don't stay up as late as I used to. Sorry your companions cancelled, but that can also be a good thing. You can do what you want, when you want, and not have to worry about what someone else wants. You'll have a fantastic time!

[MCPayne]

I've cruised solo on my last cruise, and will be going solo again next week (can't come soon enough! ) On my last cruise, I was seated at a table for I think 6 or 8, but there was only another father / son type "duo," for lack of a better term, all four nights at the table.

With my parents' work, and my sister in grad school, it makes it difficult to take a family vacation, and both cruises, including this one coming up, I chose to go solo.

Lots of people onboard to meet, so don't worry.

[queenofcruzin]

MC, Please let us know how your cruise went. I am going 10/9, and it will help me thru the last two weeks

[spoheat]

when your schedule permits go to breakfast and lunch in the dining room. We have met lovely people at this "open seating" option and see them at events throughout our week.

[MCPayne]

Queen

I'll definitely try to post a review when I get back on this site. Looking forward to some warm weather, as fall has made an early appearance here in the northeast, even though it's not officially fall yet.

I'm also planning on making a home video, which may take me awhile to edit, but once I get that done, I'll post it as well as a link to where I posted it.

[penny3333]

MCPayne, I know you can taste the salt air now, it's so close! Bon Voyage

[Wakewatcher]

I have cruised solo too, no problems. Go to the Trivia Competitions and play every time, you will be asked to join a team with others and you will soon have a few faces you will recognize as you move around the ship.