I can’t believe that I have to go back to work tomorrow… This vacation just didn’t feel long enough.
That’s not to say that I didn’t miss the office, because, strangely enough, I did. I guess I’m weird that way. The thought of what I’m going back to, after we let someone go right before I left for the cruise, actually puts me in a bit of a panic, though.
But, let’s not think about that today!
I’ve had several emails asking about the trip. (Thanks guys, it was great to hear from you!) To start with, I had a very relaxing vacation, and met a lot of really fun people who know how to have a great time. That said, I really wanted to make this holiday different than any other, and spent only a few nights out painting the ship red (so to speak) whereas many of the group were out most, if not every night, making the best of the “singles cruise”.
I’ll say this… If you are traveling single, want a reasonable deal on a cruise (without having to pay the surcharge for being single), and are capable (and willing) to be social, ‘Vacations To Go’ is a great way to travel alone, and not feel that you are.
That said, although I had a great time, I won’t be booking another singles cruise… And not for the reasons you might suspect.
One of the most enjoyable things that I look forward to on a cruise is the set table seating, provided you are at a table with nice people. It’s almost always the highlight of my trip, because you get to know the people really well, hear about their adventures, and yet you aren’t tied at the hip with them throughout the cruise. I had the most amazing times at dinner, with some great people in the past. This time? It was a popularity contest. It was open seating, where people sit whereever they wish within a group of about 35 tables, and many save seats for new-found friends, or people they’ve cruised with previously. I found it very cliquey. And the wait staff? They stunk, quite honestly. They knew they were getting pre-paid tips, so there was no effort to make dinnertime special at all. Needless to say, I didn’t spend much time in the dining room.
I must add that I did have some great people to sit with, but, it just wasn’t the same thing, despite that.
Besides, I went on this trip vowing to spend much of my time on my own. And, unplugged. And, that’s just what I did. I took a vacation from my social nature, and my online persona. It was great — I read two books, and wrote in my old fashioned journal a lot.
And, yes… I did meet a guy that I spent some fun times with as well. But, it’s not like I was looking for “love” — Not on a cruise. And certainly not with someone who lives thousands of miles away.
Finally… I really lucked out with an excellent roommate. Margaret was a lovely woman from New York who I got on with very well. But, for others that were blindly matched like I was, there were several disasters. I wouldn’t take that chance again, despite being lucky this time.
To conclude: It was a fabulous time. I really enjoyed myself — But, until I have someone special in my life (or a good friend) to travel with, this will be my last major trip traveling solo, as a single chick.