Explore the magic of solo cruise travel & find your peace at sea. Journalist Wade Heath takes you aboard cruise ships around the world for a solo cruise travel experience you won't forget. Explore the magic of traveling solo on Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and more!
I am planning on a solo cruise on the Ruby Princess in January 2025 to Hawaii. Your video is excellent, and I have found it so helpful. Thank you for posting such a great video.
I just realized why your videos. You never show your face and you go to cruises on your own. You are a pathological recluse and you’re trying to yell out for help. We got you! Go to DRA meetings in your city. DRA (Desperate Recluse Anonymous) will help you with your behavioral problem so you can finally get laid. You’re welcome.
Unfortunately, I'm going on my first (semi) solo cruise this October. My wife and I have sailed on Princess more than 20 times, and this time, I'll be taking some of my wife's ashes to "scatter" at sea (you can't really scatter them anymore, they must be in a biodegradable bag) and a small vial to scatter on the beach in Cabo San Lucas. I say semi-solo because some family will be going with me, in their own cabins and me in mine. It'll be the first cruise for all of them, I told them that they don't need to babysit the old man, and I'll be annoyed if they do. They need to explore, wander, and experience their first cruise while I, who has been on this particular ship (Princess Majestic) a few times, have already explored and will be just relaxing and doing my own thing. Whether there will be more solo cruises in the future will depend on this cruise.
@@oldergent5266 wishing you all of the peace that you deserve going into this cruise. And no cruise in the future will ever be truly solo for you, it sounds like your wife’s spirit will always be with you.
@@SoloCruiseTravel Thank you for that. She loved cruising, so I booked as many cruises for us as I could afford, including the United Kingdom cruise, once she was diagnosed with cancer (was given 7-12 months to live, lasted 35 1/2 months!), so yeah, I think you're right :)
@@SoloCruiseTravel btw, to give Princess another kind word, they are giving my family and I a private section of the ship and a crewmember to assure our privacy for the burial service, all at no charge. We are very grateful to them for this.
I will also be doing a solo cruise on Discovery Princess next October. I have no excursion booked for Mazatlán and as a solo traveler I worry about that, being on my own and be bothered by street sellers or taking a taxy to the centre. Maybe I’ll book something. I’ll also go on the same luxury sailboat in Cabo San Lucas. That will also be fun! I’ll be on this cruise inspired by the Love Boat series and due to the fact that the stops/ports are the same. I grew up watching it and always dreamt of being on that ship. Well, it won’t be the same ship, but that’s close enough.
The history is definitely there. They even have a shrine to the original Love Boat alongside Guest Services that is quite heartwarming. Wishing you a great cruise!
Whenever i see those NCL cells with a fake window, i feel like it is a slap in the face. Ie, We save the views for the REAL passengers. I don’t want the cheapest cabin on the cheapest boat-I want a memorable experience.
I've booked a solo cabin on the Norwegian Epic in a few months, so I appreciate seeing this and knowing what to expect. It's nice to have the option to have a solo room and not pay a single supplement, but I also know that I really like having natural light, so I took a good chunk of the money I saved by booking the solo cabin and bid on a balcony room - we'll see if I get it. I won't be a true solo traveler, rather the odd one out in a larger group so I don't see myself using the lounge much, except maybe at breakfast where it'll be nice to have something nearby (a light breakfast like coffee and a muffin are fine with me) and not have to walk half the length of the ship to get breakfast - especially on days with early excursions.
@@shuyizhuang455 thanks for watching. JiJi’s does build your own Wok Bowls with a handful of options to choose from on a sheet that you mark and they will serve it to your table. Same format at Cucina put it’s a build your own pasta bowl. It’s first come first serve and JiJi’s is a smaller space so it fills up fast.
An excellent video! Your content is always thoughtful and inspiring, and I really love it. I can certainly tell you’re a writer! I’m considering solo cruising because my husband isn’t keen on cruising. After all, why should I miss out on life-enhancing experiences just because he doesn’t want to go?🤔. I absolutely love Princess, and I’m happy it is your solo cruise line of choice. I love the lower-key atmosphere and the serenity of the sea. Thank you for inspiring me and encouraging me to fulfill my cruising dreams. Blessings
@@patticulver nothing makes me happier than hearing you’re inspired to cruise solo. More people should, it’s such a joy. Thank you again for all of your kind words and I’m thrilled your choice is also Princess. I’m a big fan of what they do.
I love the Panorama! I went a year ago last April with my son and had a blast! I usually get an interior cabin but on this Ship for a little more you can get a walkway view all the way forward on deck ten! I’m disabled and the cabins are huge and you have access to the secret deck! TY!💙💙💙
That's an incredible price, even if you add in your extra spending. I go for a balcony because I have to take breaks in my cabin without all of the noise, color, and people, so I'm jealous! I'm really enjoying your channel. It's good to have someone specifically talking about solo cruises most of the time. You address things that those cruising with one or more people don't think about.
@@KarynHill thank you so much for taking time to watch and comment. I love the solo adventure and always try to have an eye for detail to help others. And yes, that price was one of the best I’ve ever paid.
I just got back from a 7 day cruise on discovery princess and I was not impressed at all. The good, check in and out was seamless, rooms were nice and beds were soft, GiGi's pizza, Salty dog, and the pizza place on the lido deck, other then that the ship has some work to do. The bad, they are very short staff and you have to wait for ever for a drink, the pool at the font of the ship was closed majority of the time, all of the bars close down except for one by 10-11pm. All the entertainment is done for by 10-11pm, except a DJ playing music at the one bar that is still open, the Irish pub is by far the worst place to eat at, the food and service is horrible. There is a band that plays there like 2 or 3 times a day and they play the same 3 or 4 songs over and over, all of the entertainment shows last anywhere from 15-45 min. Majority of the deserts are of mousse form, if you like that then that is fine but some people don't, the cakes are very dry and not moist at all. The food in the buffet was pretty good but could be much better, the food at the standard restaurants was good service was hit or miss. The causal dinning restaurants, only one that we liked was crown grill, the Italian place and Irish pub was horrible. We did not eat at the catch restaurant. You can smoke in the casino, guess that is good for people that smoke but the smoke comes out of the casino into the main areas and that was not very pleasant. Not enough entertainment on the boat for everyone, each show is very crowded, need to have multiple shows going on at one time to spread people out but that does not happen since they are so short staffed on the boat. If you use the medallion app to order food it take for ever to get your food, room service was always at least an hour. The medallion app and internet service was not good at all, the schedules on the app didn't always match the ship schedule that was delivered to your room, room service pizza is not the same pizza you get from the pool or GiGi's pizza, it was some microwaveable pizza not a brick oven one. Now of course this is my experience that I had and fell that princess can do much better going forward.
I just got back from a 7 day cruise on discovery princess and I was not impressed at all. The good, check in and out was seamless, rooms were nice and beds were soft, GiGi's pizza, Salty dog, and the pizza place on the lido deck, other then that the ship has some work to do. The bad, they are very short staff and you have to wait for ever for a drink, the pool at the font of the ship was closed majority of the time, all of the bars close down except for one by 10-11pm. All the entertainment is done for by 10-11pm, except a DJ playing music at the one bar that is still open, the Irish pub is by far the worst place to eat at, the food and service is horrible. There is a band that plays there like 2 or 3 times a day and they play the same 3 or 4 songs over and over, all of the entertainment shows last anywhere from 15-45 min. Majority of the deserts are of mousse form, if you like that then that is fine but some people don't, the cakes are very dry and not moist at all. The food in the buffet was pretty good but could be much better, the food at the standard restaurants was good service was hit or miss. The causal dinning restaurants, only one that we liked was crown grill, the Italian place and Irish pub was horrible. We did not eat at the catch restaurant. You can smoke in the casino, guess that is good for people that smoke but the smoke comes out of the casino into the main areas and that was not very pleasant. Not enough entertainment on the boat for everyone, each show is very crowded, need to have multiple shows going on at one time to spread people out but that does not happen since they are so short staffed on the boat. If you use the medallion app to order food it take for ever to get your food, room service was always at least an hour. The medallion app and internet service was not good at all, the schedules on the app didn't always match the ship schedule that was delivered to your room, room service pizza is not the same pizza you get from the pool or GiGi's pizza, it was some microwaveable pizza not a brick oven one. Now of course this is my experience that I had and fell that princess can do much better going forward.
Great video. You’re an excellent speaker. You have a radio voice so it’s very pleasant to listen to. I’ll be on Venetzia Dec 18-22 Port Canaveral. Freeport and Nassau.
I loved the ship, what it offered in entertainment, the food :), staff is so friendly and nice, and they lots to offer! We got the Princess Package and it was great value. I would most definitely go again and planning for another trip. Well worth it and very happy :)
Great, informative video! I have a 14 day sailing on the Enchanted Princess scheduled for June 2025 and am trying to learn the ins and outs of Princess. I'm a seasoned cruiser but it will be my first time on Princess. Any other "must knows"? Also, how strict is the dress code in the evening? Thanks!
Thanks for taking time to watch. I have another video on the channel about my 14 day cruise on the Discovery Princess which is VERY similar to the Enchanted Princess. Same class and design of ship down to most details. It might help you with your planning, if you are interested. While I have seen people in shorts in the dining room at breakfast or tea, most dress more conservative for dinner. Pants and a polo fits right in for me. Where is the Enchanted taking you?
My husband and I took our first Princess cruise for our 25th anniversary. We did the Grand Mediterranean on the Ruby Princess in 2015. We took annual cruises with Royal Caribbean with our children when they were minors but hands down we prefer Princess above all of the lines we've cruised. Here's why: Loyalty Program: The Captain's Circle offers some of the best perks. We're one cruise away from Elite. The Medallion: While the tracking may be off-putting to some, I love knowing where to find my cruise mates and the wait staff having the ability to find me. The medallion itself can be worn in a bracelet or necklace. You can order the accessory from the large e commerce store. It's the same size as and air tag. The best thing about the medallions the ability to enter your stateroom hands free. I only wish that they'd recycle the medallions for reuse somehow. Not many children on board: We took our granddaughter because the 3rd person was free. She was only 8 but she actually enjoyed their children's program. They were able to give her attention because there weren't many others. They kept her busy with activities so she didn't miss the huge slide, rock climbing walls and other amusement park type attractions on the big ships. The beds" The beds are the best Specialty Dining: Enjoyable but it is a cruise restaurant. Main Dining: It is typical cruise food Buffet; Better than most cruise lines. Spacious and well planned out. The International cafe is always open Entertainment: Again, I can't compare to a Broadway show but they have some of the best productions, bands and comedians. Excursions: I've only had one bad one. That was during a California Coastal cruise. The tour guide in San Francisco was quite haughty and full of herself. Otherwise again, some the best from Alaska to Istanbul!
Sorry to hear you didn't like it, it seems to be a love or hate vessel. It ranks as one of my favs now. And it is considered new by Carnival's own words, not mine.
Your videos are truly excellent! So glad I found your channel. Have you sailed on Caribbean Princess? Just curious. I’m sailing on her in January; I know she’s an old ship. I’m just hoping it’s a great experience. Blessings ❤️
Your kindness means so much. Thank you for those words. Unfortunately I have not sailed on Caribbean Princess yet, but maybe one day. I hear she is quite the classic gal. I'm sure it will be fantastic. Where will she be taking you?
@@SoloCruiseTravel we’re headed to the Eastern Caribbean, our ports being St. Thomas, (we’re spending the day in St. John), St. Maarten, San Juan, and Turks & Caicos. We’re really excited for this cruise, as we’ve never been to the Caribbean. Thanks so much for asking! Looking forward to your next video. Blessings ❤️
@@patticulver Just did that route myself and it is spectacular. I hope you love it as much as I did. I will be sharing that experience (with Norwegian) soon!
Booked my first solo cruise to Mexican Riviera on Discovery Princess for Mar. 2025. My cost is about $1750 with Princess Plus package with an interior room.
Good Morning - I booked on NCL Prima for April 2025 in a Studio! HUGE difference in the layout! Check it out and I think you will agree. Even the Lounge area is a new layout. Let me know your thoughts. Happy Sailing!
I agree with you regarding the Take Five Lounge. I was a frequent solo patron there on two Sky Princess cruises. Great music, drinks, and service there every time.
I have taken cruises on other Carnival ships. Going on the Venezia in Oct.and so far it looks much more elegant then the other Carnival ships. I think I'm going to like it; even the Lido Deck.
It really is more elegant and the theme throughout is a lot more fun than most of the new Vista class ships that just sorta seem modern without a theme. I will be boarding the sister ship to the Venezia next month the Firenze and it looks nearly identical to this ship with just a few color twists and it looks like a couple additions. I only want to do these ships now! Have a great cruise.
It's too bad there's no natural light or view of the ocean from the solo lounge. If I ever go on such a cruise, I would want to enjoy the views as much as possible. I wouldn't want to be stuck inside the solo lounge.
I hadn’t watched the entire video, and was already in agreement because I’m a 💯 solo cruiser. I’ve, however, only cruised with Carnival, but planning to book with other liners soon; so I can’t say I have a preference as of yet. 🥰
Awesome video within ~45 mins. I sailed Carnival Panorama to Mexican Riviera, last year, and will be sailing Carnival Venezia in September to Canada. I’m looking forward to seeing the similarities as I loved the Panorama. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m even thinking of booking the limousine service to the cruise terminal. ❤
Over the last few days, I’ve researched Carnival ships, and have come back with a very negative feeling regarding them in general. I’m hoping this ship is different and hopefully not as rowdy as all of the videos I have been seeing. If anybody has any opinions, they are welcomed.
Please keep in mind that as rowdy as those videos look, the beauty of Carnival is you can just avoid those events. Most videos you see will be during the deck parties or in the dance club, I avoid them when I’m not in the mood to deal with the crowds. Find a chaise to hang out and enjoy either the sun (sail away) or the breeze (in the evenings)
@@jaimeriley1281 thank you! fortunately we are going to be on the back of the boat for the sail away party because of our room location. Hopefully it’s a little calmer. After 20+ years in the music industry, noise and crowds just don’t sit well with me anymore.
I did a solo travel on the Norwegian Joy in a balcony one time. I paid 50%more for the 'second' half of the fare while Norwegian took 50% less for that 'second' half. I thought that was very fair deal for me and Norwegian.
Hello, I'm curious is Princess considered a family cruise line or a couples adult line primarily? We have never cruised Princess but have cruised NCL , Carnival and most recently Celebrity as we have a cruise to Panama and the southern Caribbean for 11 nights in a Aqua class sky suite booked for March 2026. Thank you for your presentation.
Hi there, the vibe is much more adult but there were definitely families present. Since the ships don't have recreational things like rockwalls and go karts like NCL does, you could make the case they are not exactly geared towards families, but I think of Princess as more of a line where the ocean is the star.
I’m currently on board the Discovery on the Alaskan inside passage cruise. Definitely plenty of families with children. It’s more of a low key cruise though. Very relaxing. He’s right about the beds! No problem getting a good nights rest on these beds!
