Donnax4

On 7/20/2023 at 4:25 PM, brdjnr said:

On Harmony last August they didn't have the option for plain water (they have 100x flavors you could add to it or so it seemed) on either of the machines in the promenade. And I stared at them quite a bit assuming I was too dumb to find it.  That was only time I have run into machines that didnt have plain water as an option.

Thanks! I had a reservation for Harmony at one point, but I changed it to the Wonder when that came out. If you can believe it, this is my same cruise from pre covid, I still have not been able to take for different reasons along the way. Some mine and some from Royal in the past. I’m finally going in Nov. 

1 hour ago, MaryCS62 said:

just an FYI - on Anthem, there were 2 machines side by side in Sorrento's.  1 had a plain water option, 1 did not.  I used to use the water option to rinse out the cup between flavors.  I also think (not positive) that you can use plain cups for just ice or water at those machines, but can't swear to it

 

I appreciate the feedback. 

45 minutes ago, Al Miller said:

On Anthem I am pretty sure the water was better than I have at home. I found no need for any type of bottled water. Older ships may be a different story.

Also, FYI, anyone with any cup can get ice at the freestyle machines as the chip scanner only control the soda flow.

Thanks for the feedback! New cruiser here.

3 minutes ago, Xaa said:

Your plan is sound then.  I'm also a soda package only person.  Enjoy your cruise @Donnax4

Thanks so much! It’s my first cruise and I’m going solo! Looking forward to the peace of being alone (sort of). 

1 hour ago, Jolly Ogre said:

They also have water available to get and fill up your water bottles at Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe, Sorentos and the WJ. You just have to take a cup from there and then fill up your bottle with that, they will not allow you to fill the bottle directly from the machine.

 

Also ask your room steward to make sure you have ice and then you can use that as well.

Thanks for sharing the pointers. Knowing that will come in handy. 

1 hour ago, Xaa said:

If you have more than just soda package @Donnax4, I wouldn't bring any.  Just ask for a bottle of water with every drink and stock your cabin cooler.  If it is the soda only, your plan sounds perfect.

I just have the minimal soda package only. I may just throw a few small bottles in my suitcase as back up. Thanks!

 I already have my beverage package. I was thinking of bringing the allowed amount of water bottles, but decided to bring just a few, if the machine has water. Thanks for replying 

Does anyone know if the Cola Freestyle machine on Wonder, has an option for plain water? Thank you!

On 10/2/2022 at 10:36 PM, mpoole3 said:

I don't cruise solo anymore, but I have done 30+ solo cruises and loved them all.   Not fun getting more food at Jammer and walk back and someone took your table, but other than that be yourself and can always find 1 open seat at the bar to make new friends.

I actually thought if that issue. I decided to make a little sign that says, “table still occupied”. That way I can leave an get more food and have my table still there. Hopefully that will help me. 

11 hours ago, Bonnen said:

this is going to be my first solo trip. 12 days and counting down. going to be so much fun. explorer sept 25 western Caribbean.

Have fun!!! 

11 hours ago, Pattycruise said:

I've got 2 9 night NE/Canada cruises coming up as a solo.  One I paid for, under double, double points and the other was a casino comp.  I'm looking forward to the cruise.  If I meet people, great, if I don't-I'll still have a nice time.  I have excursions booked for most of the days, or I will walk the ports.  This is an itinerary I have been dying to do but my kids (now 19 and up) never wanted to go to this itinerary.  So now I can!  

You have great spirit! I’m getting there. First solo for me, so I am a little nervous, but excited. 

6 hours ago, Jack805 said:

Glad my experience could help put you at ease. Like most have said, the whole experience is what you make of it - solo or not - and there are lots of options to make the cruise what you want it to be. I looked at the dining the same as if I decided to go to a restaurant by myself anywhere else, and that has never bothered me so I shouldn't let it on a cruise. 

Some of my family who are avid cruisers even joked that I should order extra food if I wanted since I was paying for two people's meals anyway booking solo LOL.

That’s is funny about doing double on the food. It is a bummer paying for two for cruise fare. Something tells me it will be worth it. Thanks!

4 hours ago, Jack805 said:

I did my first sailing solo a few weeks ago and had a great time, so much so I booked another solo cruise in a couple months - but a longer one. I'm not much of an extrovert myself (kind of want to change that for the right circumstances) but can see myself opening up and enjoying meeting new people so much more on a cruise than anywhere else since even on a big ship it's still small enough to see the same people all the time, and I know I start opening up when I'm around the same people more often. All of my servers were awesome as well and super attentive for being solo. Might have to give this a try in the MDR, especially since I opted for a traditional seating time instead of My Time for the next sailing. Haven't made any seating requests though, I'm leaving it up to chance (or the maitre d') to decide if I'm enjoying my meals solo or meeting new people, but knowing there's delicious food I'm going to be happy with the meals either way I think!

You can definitely dine alone; I did each time last time for both MDR and specialty. It felt like I got a lot of attention but can't tell if that was just the fact of being on a cruise (where they are more attentive anyway) or extra since I was solo, but I had some great conversations with my servers during the dining experiences. 

That makes me feel much more at ease with the solo dining thing. 

18 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

You can do any restaurant solo, they will usually sit you at a table for 2 and treat you fabulously. 

Thanks!

12 hours ago, D Alt said:

if you want to mingle, it's very easy to meet people.  You can meet them at dinner, at a show, at the pool or bar.  Cruisers are very friendly. Or chat it up with the crew. In my experience, you make at least one new friend on every cruise. 

if you don't want to mingle, you can easily be an introvert and find quiet corners to people watch or just chill. You can do whatever you want!!

Cruising is very safe, so don't even worry about walking around at night alone. 

If there's something specific you want to know, message me. 

Thank you! You are very kind! Good advice. 

1 hour ago, SuzanneM said:

I have five solo cruises booked for the near future. The first is in a week. I love cruising solo; I've done both and enjoy both but prefer solo. I honestly don't understand when people say it takes courage to cruise solo, or go to the movies solo, or a restaurant solo. All of that is just fine by myself; I've never had a single problem. Peaceful and enjoyable. 

I’m with you on the solo thing at home. I go out to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner all the time alone. Movies are my favorite. Was divorced for four years, and I got used to that lifestyle and learned to really enjoy my alone time. IM newly married and I still do the same routine, unless my hubby wants to go, when he’s not busy working 

1 hour ago, D Alt said:

That's all I do. Solo!  Been on 3 so far and 4 upcoming, all solo. 

That’s wonderful! I guess you are a pro. Any specific important advice for me, being it’s my first time cruising and going solo, would be very much appreciated. 

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I have a love/hate relationship with traveling solo. I love going to what I want, when I want. However I hate that people call me brave or try to force me to hang with them. I too travel with my kindle as I love to read and don't get to do it as much as I can on a cruise. It can be overwhelming for your first time but you will find it freeing. 

I am a tad nervous. I love doing things alone, but never had 7000 plus people circulating all around me at the same time. I hope I like it. My new hubby can’t cruise due to a severe fear of the open ocean, so I’m on my own if I ever want to cruise. Unless I find a person to go. My cruise was booked years before I go married. 

6 hours ago, sailaway_jason said:

I'm sailing solo next week! I am new to cruising; this is only my second cruise, but it has become my absolute favorite way to travel solo! I am an extrovert so I find it enjoyable to meet new people, but also do whatever I want whenever I want. In the MDR my server was top-notch and I just told him to bring out the best and each night he served me a 5-course meal with wine pairings! I had done the Chef's Table (which is absolutely worth it) early on and it honestly was like I had that experience every night the rest of the trip! I have noticed the staff going above and beyond with solo travelers, so that's another perk to traveling solo. 

I appreciate the feedback. Do you know if I can dine alone in the MDR or specialty dining places?  I rather eat by myself. Sounds odd, I know. 

7 hours ago, Traveling Mike said:

Solo is the way to cruise.  You are in full control of your vacation.  On a cruise ship you are only alone when you want to be.

Makes sense! If I want to talk with others I can (as long as they are willing). If I want to be alone, I can. I like that. I tend to do a lot by myself. Eating out, shopping, movies. I find it so peaceful. I’ll plop down in a restaurant at home order my food and watch a movie on my phone. I don’t see it any different with my up coming cruise. Thanks for sharing!

17 hours ago, Adriana said:

I typically sail solo and love it! It is nice to experience it with others, but I love the freedom and flexibility of being on my own. I have been doing it for years. 

Awesome! I Love my alone time. I do a lot at home alone, so I’m thinking this may be a good experience for me. Thanks!

On 9/8/2022 at 7:52 AM, ellcee said:

Lots of us solo sail! Look through the blog section for present and past blogs. 

 

I like to travel and sometimes it means not waiting for the people around me to go. Manage your expectations pre cruise. Know what makes you comfortable and where you may need to push yourself. For me I'm content being solo and bring my Kindle or a book everywhere but that's also my regular life - I read a ton and it's what makes me happiest on a trip or commuting or before sleep or a a beach. I'm not a huge fan of the MDR (I view it more as an experience) so on solo trips I get the dining package. I don't get the drink package because while I'll have a few drinks per day it's not worth it. I'll book excursions I really want to do.

Whether cruising or traveling solo you will meet people if you are open to it. I border the extrovert/Introvert line and can either be super friendly or very shy depending on how comfortable I am, I know traveling solo means I may have to adjust my behavior and push through to get out of my own head. The first excursion I did I was a little nervous but people are generally friendly and it wound up being great. 

 

The only thing I hate and I've mentioned this before is when a well meaning person tells me how "brave" I am for traveling solo and then lists reasons why they would never be able to. I get the point but I find it slightly condescending. The staff may make a few comments as well. Again, everyone had good intentions. 

 

 

 

Thanks! You actually sound a lot like me or at least how I assume it will be for me when I take my cruise. I’m marriage now for four months, but before that I was divorced for 4 and did everything alone. Occasionally with a friend, but I love my alone time. I’m thinking it will be the same on a cruise. 

On 9/7/2022 at 9:29 PM, AshleyDillo said:

There are a lot of people here that cruise solo!  I've taken a couple solo cruises this year and likely will be booking more soon.

@Traveling Mike is currently on one now and is doing a live blog on the boards 

 

@Ampurp85 is also currently cruising solo and doing a live blog:

 

So great to know I’m not alone doing the solo thing. Thanks for sharing!

Just wondering if anyone else has an upcoming cruise and doing it solo? They say more people are trying it alone these days. 

1 hour ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

Fear is not something to take lightly.  Yes, you can be upset about the situation however, no you cannot be upset with him.  I have never been able to watch a horror movie…and never will.  My kids love them as does my husband.  Have they ever made me sit and watch one?  No…thankfully.  If you were able to change his mind and God forbid end up in a high seas situation or worse how would you feel?  Take the cruise alone and enjoy the solitude that you won’t find too much of now that you are married to the perfect partner!  

Thank you! He is a perfect partner for sure! I am so grateful he is happy for me to go on this week long trip alone. He supports me, so I need to support him. Thanks again!