Embellishments

[Vienna]

My Mr V doesn`t need a Christmas jumper. He`s old, short, tubby, has grey hair, wears glasses and naturally has a ho ho kind of deep voiced laugh. All he`d need is an artificial beard. In fact a local shopping centre were recently advertising for Christmas characters for their grotto this year, Santa vacancy was one of them but when I suggested he go for it, the reply was far from what Santa would say and ended with the word "off". If he says that again he won`t need a red suit, his busted nose will turn whatever he`s wearing into a red suit !
(PS I jest about the busted nose but he may well be eating his dinner from the dog`s dish)

 

[Grizelda]

I'm a 'cruiser' and have stuck to one shipping line - Cunard. 'Dressing up' for evening dinner is part of the experience, and l've found that generally its very much understated. Lots and lots of black with very sparkly jewellery, yes there are sequins, again mostly black, however there are usually a lot of Americans so the evening wear is expensive and not prone to market stall embellishments. Younger ladies with legs up to their armpits might wear short dresses but are clearly 'designer' and are a million miles away from Quaker Factory
Strangely enough in the early days - about 17 years ago I was on the QE2 and one of the onboard shops were stocking Frank Usher !!! - bit more upmarket than what our Juney offers though.

I can't comment on the dress code for other shipping lines which are more family orientated, some I understand have an 'anything goes' policy, but I prefer a mostly child free environment.

Can you spend time alone on a cruise or are you expected to be a 'joiner'? And if you decide to be more of a people watcher than a joiner, are you pressured to be part of a group because someone will want you under their wing?

 

[Grizelda]

My Mr V doesn`t need a Christmas jumper. He`s old, short, tubby, has grey hair, wears glasses and naturally has a ho ho kind of deep voiced laugh. All he`d need is an artificial beard. In fact a local shopping centre were recently advertising for Christmas characters for their grotto this year, Santa vacancy was one of them but when I suggested he go for it, the reply was far from what Santa would say and ended with the word "off". If he says that again he won`t need a red suit, his busted nose will turn whatever he`s wearing into a red suit !
(PS I jest about the busted nose but he may well be eating his dinner from the dog`s dish)

Sounds like he doesn't want to be a Santa!

 

[Grizelda]

I've never understood the Christmas jumper thing, I think it's ****** ridiculous.

Women can get away with wearing them slightly better than men. Any man who wears a Christmas jumper looks like a half-wit.

 

[missbabs]

I remember JR giving us a snippet of news about an upcoming Christmas party her daughter was planning. 'Everyone MUST wear a Christmas jumper' was the rule. Julia thought this was such a fun and clever idea. And about clothing with embellishments, isn't it expected for evening wear on a cruise ship? I've never been on a cruise, but this is what I've heard.

I can just imagine Julia...size xs please...just sayin'

 

[Brissles]

Can you spend time alone on a cruise or are you expected to be a 'joiner'? And if you decide to be more of a people watcher than a joiner, are you pressured to be part of a group because someone will want you under their wing?

Oh lord NO ! not at all. Its your holiday so you do as you please - as a solo you certainly pay enough. Its certainly not Maplins on sea ! On booking they ask if you want dinner on a large table of say 10, or with a much smaller group. I always go for the 10 as you get to talk to different people. If you are solo then on the ships itinerary for the day, if at sea, there is a Singles coffee get together for anyone who wants to attend, and for those who want company. TBH every time I've cruised I always take a book, but I've never gotten around to read it as there is so much to do.

I've been asked many times if I've "met anybody", I say yes, plenty of gay chaps ! which there always are.

 

[Muttley]

Oh lord NO ! not at all. Its your holiday so you do as you please - as a solo you certainly pay enough. Its certainly not Maplins on sea ! On booking they ask if you want dinner on a large table of say 10, or with a much smaller group. I always go for the 10 as you get to talk to different people. If you are solo then on the ships itinerary for the day, if at sea, there is a Singles coffee get together for anyone who wants to attend, and for those who want company. TBH every time I've cruised I always take a book, but I've never gotten around to read it as there is so much to do.

I've been asked many times if I've "met anybody", I say yes, plenty of gay chaps ! which there always are.

I'm glad Grizelda asked that question as I have booked a cruise for next year on my own. I've had a couple of negative comments from acquaintances who felt the need to pity me for going on holiday alone. Your comments are useful, I tend to keep myself to myself but it will be nice to have people around at dinner and for coffee. And I'll look out for the gay chaps!

 

[ERICS MUM]

I think whoever thought wearing Christmas jumpers was 'fun' also needs certifying.

I was just going to say that I’m not a fan of embellishments APART FROM on my collection of Christmas jumpers ! Mainly for family meals and photos, and my 6 great nieces and nephews between 1 and 8 yrs) live them

Just to prove Im whacky, I’ve got a Christmas ‘hat’ that’s actually a roast Turkey and the trimmings, on a headband. Im shy and rubbish at socialising so this is a real ice-breaker !

 

[ERICS MUM]

I did a cruise on my own a few years ago and I’ve booked 2 more for the next 8 months.

I’m happy to sit and observe, and people in couples or families are too busy enjoying themselves to notice and pity. I wear glasses so if I see someone looking my way, I take them off, hey presto I can’t see anyone staring !

I found the singles coffee mornings useful, meeting people who will have coffee together during shore excursions.

 

[Grizelda]

I'm glad Grizelda asked that question as I have booked a cruise for next year on my own. I've had a couple of negative comments from acquaintances who felt the need to pity me for going on holiday alone. Your comments are useful, I tend to keep myself to myself but it will be nice to have people around at dinner and for coffee. And I'll look out for the gay chaps!

The acquaintances who say they pity you for going on a cruise alone are green with envy. I hope you have a wonderful time and meet new people if you want to. Bon voyage!

 

[Muttley]

The acquaintances who say they pity you for going on a cruise alone are green with envy. I hope you have a wonderful time and meet new people if you want to. Bon voyage!

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Its massively outside my comfort zone but I'm 55 and want to get more out of life!

 

[loveallthingsitalian]

It’s just the same as people deriding coach holidays. They are brilliant for singles as there is the comfort of knowing there is safety in numbers yet no one forces their company on you. I think it’s a case if you want company it’s there for the taking if you don’t that’s fine too and you don’t have to be together every day, sometimes in company sometimes not.

Even here someone will strike up a conversation in a coffee shop/waiting in queue and you either enjoy the few minutes of chat or you smile and move on, it’s up to how you are feeling at any parti ulnar time.

Hope you enjoy your trips whichever type you are having.

 

[Muttley]

It’s just the same as people deriding coach holidays. They are brilliant for singles as there is the comfort of knowing there is safety in numbers yet no one forces their company on you. I think it’s a case if you want company it’s there for the taking if you don’t that’s fine too and you don’t have to be together every day, sometimes in company sometimes not.

Even here someone will strike up a conversation in a coffee shop/waiting in queue and you either enjoy the few minutes of chat or you smile and move on, it’s up to how you are feeling at any parti ulnar time.

Hope you enjoy your trips whichever type you are having.

I've been looking at coach holidays as well. I live in London, don't drive and have been looking at the Lake District. You are right that some people are quite negative about these types of holidays.

 

[Vienna]

When my first husband passed away I did several holidays alone and enjoyed every one. I did book through specialist companies who concentrate on holidays for the lone traveller and met many people who were divorced, widowed, single by choice or as one lady said to me, she just needed a break from her hubby and their business, they ran a pub restaurant and getting away together meant leaving it in the hands of staff so they holidayed alone.
I did Mauritius, Turkey, The West Coast of America and stayed on half a dozen different towns and cities over a 3 week period and also Hawaii.

 

[Vienna]

I've been looking at coach holidays as well. I live in London, don't drive and have been looking at the Lake District. You are right that some people are quite negative about these types of holidays.

I worked with someone who was a lifelong bachelor and he loved his coaching holidays. He went on them at least twice a year and he had nothing but praise for the coaches, drivers, destinations and hotels and he always made new friends.
Myself and Mr V did a short one just 3 days and Mr V loved the fact someone else was driving, I loved the fact someone else was doing the cooking, the hotel was great and we enjoyed the places we visited.

 

[Grizelda]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Its massively outside my comfort zone but I'm 55 and want to get more out of life!

Go for it Muttley! There are bound to be plenty of other singles on board.

 

[Brissles]

I wish I had a £ for the number of times people have said to me "on your OWN ???" Its akin to admitting taking sugar in your tea, not wanting children, or admitting to having smoked when younger.

Its funny how folk react when solo holidays are mentioned, particularly when part of a couple. But what are we to do ? sit at home with a goldfish for the rest of our lives ? In reality its not easy to find someone else to go away with. Some can't afford it, others don't fancy cruising, and other friends are married and don't want to leave the old man ! so its bite the bullet and go !

MUTTLEY you enjoy your cruise. If you don't "get the bug " and book another one, then I'll eat my hat !

 

[loveallthingsitalian]

I wouldn’t even think about having to only seek out other singles as often couples (married or sisters/friends) are more than happy to have the occasional extra to chat to and perhaps do things the other isn’t that interested in. Mr L and i still send cards to people we met on holiday and got on with like a house on fire and there were others I didn’t take to at all so I just politely ignored them.

You May find it’s not your cup of tea but you won’t know until you try.

 

[Muttley]

I wish I had a £ for the number of times people have said to me "on your OWN ???" Its akin to admitting taking sugar in your tea, not wanting children, or admitting to having smoked when younger.

Its funny how folk react when solo holidays are mentioned, particularly when part of a couple. But what are we to do ? sit at home with a goldfish for the rest of our lives ? In reality its not easy to find someone else to go away with. Some can't afford it, others don't fancy cruising, and other friends are married and don't want to leave the old man ! so its bite the bullet and go !

MUTTLEY you enjoy your cruise. If you don't "get the bug " and book another one, then I'll eat my hat !

I'm absolutely convinced I will love it! Just got to lose some weight as I hear the food is rather good...

 

[madaunty]

I’ve taken a lot of solo holidays in the past. Mostly package jobs because it was in the days before t’internet and arranging your own accommodation and flights etc. I was quite happy tootling around on my own; my biggest problem was couples trying to “adopt” me. I didn’t want to be adopted, I wanted to be left alone. Thankfully I’ve developed a fairly effective **** off face.