I cruised solo and loved it!
Over60 community member, Josephine O’Neil, is an avid cruise traveller. Here, she explains why she believes more women should take the plunge and set sail solo.
I had always wanted to go on a cruise and after my marriage broke down I was even keener. I saved so much a week and because I live on a fixed income, it wasn't easy but I was determined. Many of my friends were keen to come with me but each fell by the wayside when they found out the cost because I wanted a cabin to myself. So, I kept looking at the cruise I had been originally interested in and sailed out of Sydney on December 9, 2015 on the Pacific Jewel. My daughter Angela saw me off and I don't know who was more nervous as I walked in at White Bay.
The first thing you notice is everyone is happy and smiling, it's obvious we're all on holidays. My first night I shared a dinner table with a couple from the Central Coast who had been on multiple cruises and thoroughly enjoyed all the tips they gave me.
Overcoming fears
The only negative aspect of solo cruising is the cost. It's as expensive as if a couple are cruising and that's very tough. I'm a light sleeper so I knew I wanted my own cabin but the cost is daunting!
I have cruised now three times, twice by myself, once with a couple of friends but each time have had my own cabin. I think some women might be scared of cruising on their own but you are perfectly safe; the staff are fantastic, friendly and helpful.
The battery in my cabin door died on my last cruise and at midnight I was stuck. I had new knees and really needed to sit down instead of going down to the service desk but just as I thought it was all too much, I spotted a cleaner who found me a chair and did everything for me. Nothing is a bother for the staff.
I'm sort of a nervous Nellie but would love another cruise as soon as I can afford it and if it's by myself that's fine. Everyone is in a wonderful mood because there's no cooking, no bedmaking, no housework just relaxing, reading and whatever you want.
Anything can happen
My daughter was starting at a new firm and realised she should take a holiday before she left her old company. I convinced her to go on a cruise. A year ago, she left on the Jewel for 10 nights and she met the love of her life. They have just bought a home together so anything wonderful can happen on a cruise.
It's the best holiday in every sense of the word. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Everyone is smiling and happy and ready for a chat. If you're thinking of taking a cruise but you're sailing solo, my advice is just do it, you won't regret it.
*Photo is a stock image not of Josephine O’Neil
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