santley88

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. 

 

 

 

I am cruising solo next year (May HoTS) my last cruise, I got the UDP and made full use of it.  I didn't get the DDP and honestly didn't miss the alcohol much, but realized that a few margaritas, etc would have been nice.  I am not a heavy drinker.  probably would average two to three adult beverages a day.  I am curious if some of the posters would weigh in on whether or not the DPP would make sense, in your opinion, or just paying outright?

It seems that the UDP availability on HoTS for May of next year seems to have disappeared.  I wonder if they are in the process of making some kind of change to it, or the price?  Or just a web service glitch.  It was there earlier this week (I had it in my cart).  

On 9/16/2022 at 1:21 PM, SpeedNoodles said:

It's always been the policy that a solo cruiser pays for double occupancy.

It's right in the FAQ that you have access to through the RoyalUp invitation.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/how-will-single-guests-be-charged-for-a-royalup-upgrade

In addition, the email they send you confirming your Royal Up will show the total you would be charged if you won the upgrade.  I think people don't really look at them, but it's there.

I understand.  I can be a bit obtuse at times...    And, as I stated, it all worked out.  I guess there seems to be a bit of a disconnect between some of the RC staff and our TA counterparts.  But, you live and learn.  So next time, I'll know....  Thanks for the confirmation, though.  

Maybe it was just my particular circumstances, but I booked a Junior Suite on FoTS this past January.  After I paid my balance and a week or so later, I was given the opportunity to Royal Up.  I was doing a solo cruise, so I checked with my TA and she said that since I was cruising solo, whatever I bid would be JUST for me and she said that they had verified that through RCI.  

Unfortunately, that proved to be not true for me.  I bid $300 for a GS.  They accepted the bid, but then tried to pull $600 off my card.  At the time, I didn't have that much room on it, as my bill was due in a couple of weeks anyway, so I ended up not getting the upgrade (which wasn't so much of an issue, as JS proved to quite sufficient).  The point is, for me, anyway, it seems that whatever I put as the bid, it is based on Double Occupancy, even though I was cruising solo.  I don't know if that is a change in policy, or if that is the way that it has always been. I don't really see that detail delineated anywhere.  My TA was surprised too.  (Us solo cruisers can't seem to get any love!    ) Anyway, YMMV, but something to keep in mind.

I will be on HoTS and will be cruising solo (May 2023).  I am still relatively new to cruising (this will only be my second cruise).  On my first cruise I got the UDP and was satisfied with the offerings (FoTS).  I am curious if there are any dining venues that are NOT included in the UDP.  They did not have Johnny Rockets (that I recall) on FoTS, so I didn't have a chance to try them, but would like to, if for no other reason than the novelty of it.  So, are there any that aren't included?  TIA for the input.

Not as bad, 260ish days (May 20, 2023).  But regarding names, I would prefer to keep the ability to vote or be represented.    (That word won me a bet in high school English.  The bet was that I couldn't spell it correctly.  I did. Both the Joke: IT and the actual word.  Teacher gave me extra credit for it too!)

Long time lurker, first time poster 

Just booked my second cruise ever.  7-day cruise Caribbean/Perfect Day.  My first was Freedom of the Seas this past January.  Looking forward to it.  I'll be solo cruising it.  Would be interested to hear of other solo cruisers!