Travel

[Kachina624]

We always negotiated a price before we left the docks. 

Our cruise on Princess was not my favorite either.  I'd never use them again.  Very impersonal and unaccomodating. Food was blah. 

[proudlyfromNJ]

@homedecor1. Thank you! The cruise sounds great and the room is beautiful.

[qualitygal]

That sounds wonderful! I've never done that nor likely will, but it sounds fabulous to me. Do it while you can!  Alaska will probably be there still. LOL Have fun and be safe.

[nyc1]

I just got back from a trip to Alaska.  The first part (9 days) was on land and the last part (7 days) was a Princess cruise with land stops.  My first cruise.  The land portion was spectacular and the things we did and saw amazing.  We were on float planes, jet boats,  we did rafting and old railcars, etc.   The Princess portion was so generic and bland.  Thankfully, there were only 3 days when we were sailing all day, and they were broken up.  I would NEVER do Princess again, and although I'm not running back to do another cruise,  I would try another line.  My friend does 2 cruises a year on the Norwegian in the Haven section, and LOVES it.

Your room is gorgeous.  Have a blast. How wonderful that you are so independent and comfortable traveling solo.  Bravo to you.  It also sounds like you're a smart traveller (street smart).  You must let us know all about your trip when you get back.

We're off to Hawaii in April.....  no cruise attached!  Going to 4 islands.

[meallen616]

[yellowrose]

Happy CIJ to you, homedecor.  I agree, a cruise is much better than a reindeer.

I love cruising and get lots of emails also. Last September I was looking to

book an Alaskan cruise in 2017, but found a good deal for the last ship

going out for the season  Only thing, found the deal on a Monday, had

to leave the next day to spend the night in Dallas for an early morning

flight on Wed.  It was very rushed, but we did it.   

Your room is awesome.  I know you will have a fabulous time.

[Krimpette]

@homedecor1 May I ask a personal question?  When you go on a cruise alone, how do they structure the pricing?  Do you just pay double?  Or is there some reduction.  I know some cruise lines have tiny rooms for singles traveling alone, but that holds no appeal to me.  I'd always want a room with a veranda.  (I'll understand if you don't wish to respond to my question.)

[AuntG]

OP must be an extrovert. I'm very introverted, and the thought of taking a long vacation alone gives me hives.😀

[homedecor1]

@nyc1

My cruise friend has agreed to go with me this time so I didn't have to pay full-fare & we both have mariner discounts on HA. (I booked before I realized it was based on double occupancy).  She is a perfect travel companion.   We both love the beach (she is the one who got me started on cruising).  She is older and easy going.  This will most likely be our last trip together, she is moving sometime in 2018 to be closer to her children.  

We were on Princess and that cruise was a total disaster!  There were so many disappointing things -- to long to list.  I didn't like being out to sea 9 days out of 14 & coming back to Ft. Lauderdale to let passengers off & on for the 2nd week of the cruise.  This was because the cruise was a "gambling" cruise (no one told me this when booked) & ship had to be at sea in order to gamble in casino.

We've traveled before on Holland America and have enjoyed all the amenities and its a smaller ship for her to get around. This ship goes out and stays out all 2 weeks.  

I've done many quick trips on Royal (4-5 days really cheap) because I live near Tampa and there is always "big discounts" to go if you can go on a weeks/ few days notice.  One time I stayed in a suite for $300 with a onboard credit $100.  I do these by myself.   I stay clear of Carnival as more geared to families or party people.

I'm very fortunate my spouse does not care.  Taking him would be like "babysitting" as he is not a good traveler nor does he like being out to sea (tried it many many years ago and he hated every minute!)

Hawaii is my dream - my older son wants to do a "family" vacation &  And  younger son & fiance want Alaska cruise.  I told them let me think about it gotta put both on my "bucket list" dreams!

Enjoy! 

[homedecor1]

@itsmetoo

@AuntG

Easier to worry about me having a good time then trying to make my spouse have a good time!  He's a terrible traveler!

Going alone for short trips is fine.  I am very social and I've met some lovely people on board who are traveling alone.  Its really not like traveling alone as most the time you're out of your room doing something.  

Last time I met a  mother/daughter from England and we had a great time.  I still keep in touch with them.