4 minute read
Solo adventures await in next chapter
My wife Pat and I went on 50 cruises with various cruise lines, 18 on Princess ships. We loved cruising and always had the deposit paid on the next one. We were booked on a Viking river boat from Basel to Amsterdam, and then a ship from Amsterdam to Bergen but COVID19 and put a stop to it.
Then Pat was diagnosed with cancer. After a 20month battle, she died in April 2022. I thought that would be the end of my cruising, but in December I had a fiveday cruise on Grand Princess from Melbourne to Adelaide to “test the water”, as it were.
Advertisement
Emotionally, it was very difficult at first. We always travelled in a balcony stateroom on the upper decks, so purposely I booked a window stateroom on the lowest deck so it would be completely different. However, on the day before we sailed, I was advised I’d been upgraded to a balcony on one of the upper decks.
As a single traveller, the cost of a stateroom is only slightly less than if two are travelling.
Silversea has a special 25 per cent supplement on single fares on selected voyages, but the initial fare is more expensive than with Princess.
On previous voyages we had been allocated a table for dinner and we returned to the same guests every night to discuss the day’s adventures. We continued to correspond with people we met on our first voyage on Fairstar, and many of our table companions from following years. To us, it was a highlight of the voyage.
However, with the new Medallion Class checkin and other modifications, seating was at a different table each night. In fact, this worked out quite well because I was made to feel welcome by all. I struck up a friendship with two — John from Ohio and his 19yearold nephew Elijah, who it was revealed was a Victorian debating champion.
The Medallion Class token is a clever little devil. It knows you are approaching your room and
Guide for solo travellers
MedallionClass App unlocks the door. It was my birthday, and when I was waiting for a lift, “Happy Birthday Barry O! ” came up on the screen.
Make sure you download the app to keep in touch with activities happening onboard.
To join or not to join Join in activities like trivia or bingo as a way to meet other guests. Or spend time on your own; the choice is yours.
Singles and solos meet-and-greet Keep an eye on the activities onboard and take up the open invitation for single travellers to get together in one of the ship’s bars or lounges.
Dining Request to dine with other guests and chat about your day. Use the MedallionClass App (Dine My Way) to request a shared or single table before sailing, or request once aboard.
Book Princess shore excursions A great way to meet other guests and enjoy common interests.
Ever get the feeling Big Brother is watching you?
An unhosted gettogether for singles was advertised in the Princess Patter, the daily activity sheet. We sat around, a little selfconsciously, until Bobby from Perth, who had been in the armed forces, took control. After introductions, a lively chat session ensued. The group met every day at the same time.
There were only three planned ports of call: Philip Island, Port Lincoln, and Kangaroo Island.
What a disappointment when it was announced a decision had been made to miss Philip Island.
The ship had fuelling problems because of rough weather the day before, and had to be fuelled on the day we were supposed to be there.
This, and the likelihood of rough weather, put an end to hopes of watching fairy penguins marching up the beach. An additional group of onboard activities for the day was quickly planned.
After a day at sea on our way to Port Lincoln, we awoke to a sparkling, beautiful day in this magnificent city, dubbed the seafood capital of Australia with a population of about 16,000.
It was once considered by Matthew Flinders as the State capital, but Adelaide was chosen because of its access to fresh water.
Many passengers were anxious to order some King George whiting and chips and sit on the beach to eat them. Word quickly spread among the seagull population.
A shuttle bus took passengers from the jetty to the town centre for $6 return. Another shuttle did a tour of the city. The statue of triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva was muchphotographed.
Taxis were at a premium, but not impossible. I shared a cab with Neil, my trivia partner, and we looked at the tuna boats, racecourse (where I’d had a bit of success at the carnival during my horseracing phase) and the Winter Hill lookout, as well as other points of interest.
After a delightful day, all passengers were looking forward to our Kangaroo Island visit. As we anchored off Penneshaw, a tender went ashore. On return, the captain announced that while the wind was manageable at the moment, it was due to pick up to unmanageable proportions during the afternoon. Slowly, we waved goodbye to the island and made our way up the gulf to the Adelaide terminal for our following morning disembarkation. I enjoyed the cruise although I will admit to some lonely, emotional times. However,I am confident there is still enjoyment and adventure to be had travelling solo.
Magnificent Europe – 15 Days Amsterdam to Budapest
Unpack once and let Europe’s quaint towns and buzzing cities come to you. When you cruise Europe’s rivers with APT, everything you need is included and organised, even your flights, so you can rest assured the details have been taken care of.
• Go beyond the gates to explore Namedy Castle before enjoying an exclusive cocktail reception and piano recital.
• Travel aboard the Grand Empress steam train to Gödöllő Palace, the favourite residence of Elisabeth of Bavaria (April – September departures#).
•EXCLUSIVE – Enjoy a special visit to Vienna’s City Palace for a cocktail party and private recital.
AMSTERDAM Koblenz
GERMANY
14 Concerto River Ship
Würzburg
Bamberg
CZECH REPUBLIC
NETHERLANDS SLOVAKIA
Nuremberg Miltenberg
Rothenburg
Regensburg
Rüdesheim Passau
Salzburg
Český Krumlov
Vienna Dürnstein
Andernach Linz Gödöllő
Melk
AUSTRIA
EUMC15 Search trip code
Bratislava
BUDAPEST
HUNGARY
