Seeking Solo Cruise Advice…

[Russ D]

Hi,

I am looking forward to my first solo cruise on Vision of the Seas May 25th-Jun 3rd. It’s been 20 years since my last cruise so not sure what has changed. I am looking forward to relaxing, getting some rays, reading a couple of good books. I am curious on some of the specialty restaurants as they weren’t prevalent on the ships back then. Do these dining facilities offer take out? I am thinking about eating in a peaceful spot while reading. Not wanting to do the dress up thing but would still like to try a couple of these restaurants.

thanks in advance,

Russ D.

[Pattycruise]

You are not required to dress up in the specialty restaurants.  I’ve dined solo in them.  Service is pretty quick typically.  Bring your book and enjoy your meal. I’ve never tried take out.  I don’t think I would-I’d hate to ruin a good meal.

 

[Ampurp85]

I cruise solo a lot; I take my kindle and enjoy my meal. You could try takeout, but you would still need to make a reservation, and your server would have to put a cloche over your plate in order to take it to go. Considering they often don't put everything on one plate, you would be carrying a lot of hot ceramic plates to your destination. Most big ships don't have to-go containers, so I would imagine that a smaller ship like Vision wouldn't have the option at all. 

[Traveling Mike]

I spent 14 days on the Vision of the Seas April 2022. 

I had the 5-night specialty restaurant package.  Chops was good but not great and I felt comfortable in blue jeans and a polo shirt.  Giovanni's was very good.  I changed one of my nights from Chops to Giovanni's because the filet mignon was better at Giovanni's.  The first night I wore blue jeans and a polo shirt and the other nights I wore slacks and a polo shirt.  Izumi was very good but way too much food for one person.  The restaurant was not very crowded, and I ended up talking to the other two tables all night.  Any dress would be good there.  

I had my time dining all the other nights.  They asked if I wanted to share a table and I told them I preferred to eat alone.  They set me at a table not far away from 2 other solo travelers.  The wait staff soon learned my likes and dislikes and I was able to eat and be done with dinner in under an hour.  One night I was in a hurry and did a full dinner in 30 minutes.  The other important thing I learned is I could get desert to go.  They would give me my desert with a top, napkin with silverware.  I would take them back to my cabin and have them as a late-night snack.

In the last 1 1/2 year I have done 7 solo cruises and have loved every one of them.