For My Love of the Sea
Gloria enjoying Alaska aboard Sapphire Princess in 2011.
June 26, 2012
by Gloria Walsh
Larry and I moved to Washington state to be near water. For us, there was nothing better than taking our prized 34-foot Mainship Trawler out and exploring the coastline…the San Juan Islands, British Columbia and beyond. Each outing would inevitably include a stop at one of the marinas along the way. We loved how each one had its own character and cast of characters.
After Larry suddenly passed away, leaving me a widow in my 50s, I reluctantly had to sell our boat. I couldn’t pilot it on my own. In selling it, I was losing another major part of my life. Then I remembered the cruise we had taken just a few months before Larry died, our first, on Grand Princess to the Mediterranean. With cruising, I could still experience my love for the open sea and fascinating ports of call.
If there is one thing I accomplish with sharing my story, it’s to encourage people to not fear traveling alone. It has opened up my life again. Now three years since Larry’s death, I continue to dearly miss him. But I know that Larry would never have wanted me to abandon going out to sea.
Six months after his passing, I boarded the Sapphire Princess to Mexico for a seven-day sailing. I needed to go, I needed to be out on the water and break away from the sadness and stress.
Admittedly the first day or two was painful. Here I was on the sea without Larry. I stayed in my cabin and suffered through the fresh grief. Then I let it go and allowed myself to feel renewed by the sea.
I booked the traditional dining option and met a group of eight people, and we got along beautifully. I was buoyed by their friendship, too. Some months later, I took another cruise to Mexico. This time, I was “adopted” by a Korean/American family. I discovered when you travel alone, you discover how welcoming most people are.
I have averaged about two cruises a year since. I love every part of it, loading up my Kindle ahead of time, settling into my balcony suite and setting off on a new adventure. While a cruise ship is far bigger than the boat I used to pilot, I can still hear the ocean, that distinct and familiar sound of the water lapping against the sides.
As a single traveler, cruise-ship excursions are great. It feels so natural to tour a destination with a cruise group—you blend in–rather than to travel to that place by yourself. Some cruises I seek company, other times I am happy to book a table for one and enjoy a quiet meal with my Kindle or my thoughts. No matter, the crew always takes magnificent care of me. I think cruising is the perfect way for a woman to travel by herself.
Already, I am looking forward to a Hawaii cruise in April, 2013—Larry and I used to go there—and a Western Caribbean cruise in December. I’ve already reserved a California coastal cruise for 2014.
As a widow, I think that taking a cruise is better than owning my own boat as I don’t have to pay all the associated costs of owning one and I get to enjoy all the excellent care given by the Princess crew. It’s the best way for me to explore new and old venues, and my bucket list is long.
Cruising has given me something else. It has restored a mainstay of my life, a significant part of me, that I feared had also been taken away by tragedy. And every time I board a cruise ship, I honor my life with Larry. I bring him with me in my heart.
Gloria lives in Camano Island, Washington and has enjoyed six Princess cruises, with three more cruises booked in 2013 and 2014!
154 Comments Post a Comment
Continuing the Discussion
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says... June 30, 2012 | 5:41am
[...] To Sail the Open Seas Again [...]
Gloria, your story is truly inspirational and we’re thrilled cruising and your love of the ocean brings you such joy. Here’s to many more fabulous experiences at sea!
Thank you Princess cruises. You are the best–always caring for your guests! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.
Dear Gloria,
Thank you so much for sharing your story, like many of the replies, I too lost my husband. He died in a car accident this winter and I have found the last 5 months very hard. I do have two single friends who want to cruise so I will be going to Alaska in September and across the Atlantic in December. My husband and I did cruise and our favorite cruise line was Princess. I never thought of traveling alone, your article has given me courage to explore that possibility for the future. Thank you so much for sharing, you brought tears to my eyes.
Oh Verna, such a fresh loss. I am so sorry. But be encouraged on this journey. Many are on the same road. I am glad to read you will be going to Alaska and then across the Atlantic. I hope both cruises bring you fresh encouragement. Remember, one day at a time.
I too have lost my husband and we cruised a lot with “Princess
I have hesitated to go by myself,but I am certainly goibg to try as i Miss travelling a great deal.
Daphne
Daphne, I am sorry for your loss. Be encouraged to travel solo. As you know, the loss of your dear one brings a plethora of other losses, but knowing he would want you to continue living and to also enjoy some of the things you have done together and would enjoy solo, is inspiration for honoring the memory of you loved one, don’t you think?
Dear Gloria,
Your article also brought tears to my eyes as I am dealing with the unexpected loss of my husband in February (age 54). I am cruising with his family this month (it had already been planned). We have enjoyed several cruises with his family, and a 25th anniversary cruise two years ago with just our children. We have made so many memories cruising on Princess. I have not been exactly looking forward to this one. Your article has encouraged me, and I just wanted you to know that. Thank you for sharing.
Jean, I am so very sorry for you loss. I am glad you will be stepping out and planning to go on the cruise. While you may experience some grief, just know that the sea is very healing and you will be honoring your dear one’s memory by moving forward with your life. Be encouraged and may I have the pleasure of one day, meeting you on a Princess cruise.
Dear Gloria, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful but sad story. Princess cruises are the best, and they do look after everyone well. I am also going to Alaska In Early September all the way from Australia.Enjoy your next Holiday and like all the other people that have written to you, We are all thinking of you.
Love and Best Wishes.
Inge, that you for your kind comments. Wow, all the way from Australia, that is quite a trip. I hope that early Sept. will bring calm winds and smooth seas for you. May it be a great month to sail in Alaska. It is beautiful and I hope you have an enjoyable cruise. Maybe we will meet sometime on a Princess Cruise.
Your story makes me cry, but I would try the same thing. I plan to be independent. I am already.
Tara, hooray for you. I am glad you have a spirit of independence. Life goes on and though the journey is difficult, there is always room to enjoy our experiences when we allow ourselves to do so.
Hey Gloria…..Your story is such an inspiration to those that have gone through the same loss. I hope that I would see you on one of my next cruises. You sound like a great person! Your hubby is smiling down on you! Take care, Mary
Thanks, Mary for your kind comments. I hope we have a chance to meet on a Princess cruise sometime. All the best to you.
Great inspirational story. I can so relate. I too live for the oceanandconstantly need my fix. I have loved Princess but I lost my travel partner due to divorce. The hardest part has been the loss of a travel partner. A few times I have found a friend to go but it has been difficult. You have given me a inspiration to just go for it alone if there is one I want. Of course there are so many on my list ever time the Princess brochure comes. Thanks
Gloria
I too lost my husband on July 4th, 2008 and we cruised 16 times on Princess and that is the cruise lines I take. Now I cruise with my family of 3 and hopefully my brother will go cruising with me as he is single. I have been on 2 cruises since 2008. I love them. Happy cruising.
Joyce I am sorry for your loss. I am encouraged to read you are going ahead with cruises. I hope you find your cruises truly worthy of your time. Happy cruising to you as well.
The story that I just was able to read is my story also, my husband loved to sail and after I lost him I did a cruise with my son that lives in Seattle now with his Wife it was a beautiful cruise, joann miller
Joann, I am so sorry for your loss. I am pleased to read that you did go on a cruise with your family, though. I hope you will consider cruising solo if your family can’t accompany you.
Thank You Thank You’ something to look forward to. I lost my Alice and I intend to cruse again.
George I am so sorry for your loss. What an inspiration you will try to cruise again. I hope you find a calm for your spirit and enjoy your adventures. Be encouraged as you contemplate booking a cruise.
That is a beautiful story. You turned a loss into an “adventure” and your love of the ocean!
Thank you Olga, for you kind comment. I appreciate your reading my story.
Gloria, it sounds as though you have discovered a new way of life that is safe and adventurous at the same time – hooray for you. hooray for the others who follow your lead.
Thank you Gloria for your story, it has given me a sense of hope & courage to do a cruise on my own in the future. I have usually travelled on my own on coach tours etc in the past. But the past year I have had the pleasure of my mum’s company on two huge holidays in August last year (Europe & the Med) 2 Princess Cruises and May of this year (China). May you continue to enjoy your travels.
Tammy, happy seas to you. I hope your travels bring you continued joy.
Made me cry! Your an inspiration. Leaving on our Alaska cruise Saturday! Thank you for sharing!
Enjoy your cruise to Alaska, Cindy. It is a beautiful place and Princess will make it memorable. I am ready to go again!!!
Oh Gloria, what a beautiful story. I too traveled alone for twenty years with Princess Cruises and always felt so comfortable and well cared for. I agree….it’s the perfect way for single women to travel for all the reasons you stated. Hope to meet you on a Princess Cruise one day.
Sandy, I hope we can meet someday. Princess is a great cruise line and they have always taken special care of me.
Dear Gloria What a great inspiring story and to Larry’s memory. All the best to you.
Well my eyes were welling up reading your story here Gloria and my sincere sympathies on losing not only the love of your life but your travelling companion.
I too am a single lady and I just got home from a 12 Day Med Cruise with the Ruby Princess. I did have my friend with me and while we were onboard we realized that we met each other 40 years ago when we were both 13 and have maintained a friendship for a very long time.
Princess was wonderful and I cannot say enough positive comments on their crew. They went above and beyond to make sure every need was taken care of and always with a smile on their face. You are absolutely right as well when you say traveling solo you meet so many warm and wonderful people from all over the world.
Thank you once again for sharing your story Gloria and maybe we will bump into one another on another Princess Cruise.
Maura, I hope we have a chance to meet some day. I agree that Princess is wonderful. They have treated me well. To many more cruise opportunities with Princess!!!
Great story Gloria, I have a very similar one. I too was widowed in my 50′s and also was
a boater, we had a 50 ft. defever and cruised the San Juan islands and even up to Alaska
twice. I kept our boat for a year and then sold it…I know the joy of the sea and thankfully have
now a great partner and we have recently purchased another boat in San Diego….
Happy cruising and may you’ll meet up with another sailor or cruiser…
Ah, beautiful San Diego. Haven’t been there in years, but that will all change this Oct. when I am back on the Sapphire and we cruise the beautiful CA coast. I am glad you have found a cruising partner and own yet another boat. I truly miss boating, but I overlook Saratoga Pass from my home and get to enjoy all the boating traffic. I am though, a bit envious of you owning another boat.
Thanks for the story Gloria. My husband died 19 months ago and we owned a 34′ Silverton that we docked at the Jersey shore. Like you, even though I did a lot of the driving on water, it is still too much for one person to handle. We also took cruises over the years and I just may try one without my husband. Of all the cruise lines we had been on, Princess was our favorite. Thanks for your encouragement to think outside the box. There’s nothing like being on the water.
Susan, I am sorry for your loss. It is a huge one. But, I would encourage you to set out on a cruise. Princess is a great cruise line and they really do take care of their guests. As an added bonus, their ports of call are great. I agree with you, there is nothing like being out on the water!!! All the best to you.
Gloria, your story was extremely inspiring. At your avenue of life many may consider life to be over for them, especially in the areas they have enjoyed so much with their companion. You have given great inspiration and proven all is not lost. I would hate to lose my companion of 45 years. We both love cruising on the sea. I’m so glad you have renewed your love of the sea through cruising. You are a perfect example of the fact that life goes on and we can all overcome our greatest losses. I am sure you’ve opened a closed door of fear of traveling alone for many single ladies with your emphasis on the care of the Princess crew and the description of the activities and new acquaintances you have enjoyed. Thank you for sharing your personal heart.
Thanks, Phyllis, for your kind remarks. I really enjoy my adventures with Princess. They care so much for their guests. It is fun to meet new people and enjoy their stories.
Hi, Gloria.
You would not believe how I feel right now after I read your story. You really touched my heart and my heart goes out to you. I do really understand what you are going through in your life because I, too, lost my husband last May after 29-years of marriage without any warning, completely surprise to everybody who had known him. I’m in my mid-50′s and no kids. We started cruising in 1990 and we had never stopped. I don’t mean to brag, but to show how enthusiastic we were about cruising, we had taken over 40 cruises together sailing around the world on many different cruiselines. Just like you, I love every aspect of cruising, married or widow. But now I am a widow, and I agree that cruising is the best way for a woman to see the world in comfortable and very secure environment. Just like you I also took a cruise 7 months after his death. This itinerary was on the top of our bucket list. I went on a 35-day cruise all by myself, for I had to get away from the sadness and stress. I was a little apprehensive in the beginning, but I was so glad I did. I met several solo female travelers, some widows and others divorced. We formed a small group and we had a very good time, laughing and crying together.
I have a few cruises booked for this year–2 are on Princess–and a few for 2013. It would be wonderful if we could see face to face and talk on a cruise someday. Again, thank you so much for sharing your story. You are very brave to talk about your feelings in public. You inspired me and gave me courage to keep going. Take care, Gloria.
Kiyomi, thank you for your kind comments. I am glad to read that you have gone on some cruises. I am afraid, though, my cats would not be happy if I went out for 35 days. I haven’t told them I will be gone 15 days next April to Hawaii. Guess I will just surprise them. When I am not on a cruise and need a “boat fix”, I hop on one of the Washington state ferries and go to one of my favorite places around here. It isn’t nearly the same, but it is a great chance to get out on the water!!! I hope that I meet you some time.
Gloria,
Thank you for your inspiration. Reading your story has helped me to not give up on things my husband and I enjoyed. I too lost my husband very suddenly. It has taken time to re-settle. But cruising alone – With your words and my friends I will be venturing out more often. Maybe we meet on one these cruise.
Oh Laura, I am sorry for your loss. But, I am sure your husband would be pleased to know you are venturing out and participating in something you enjoyed. I hope you will give going alone a try, if someone isn’t able to go with you. I hope we meet some time.
Gloria,
My wife and I are also booked on the same cruise to Hawaii. We will be celebrating our 43rd wedding anniversary on the 4th of April while anchored in Lahaina. Would love to meet you if you are up to it.
Carlos, congratulations on 43 years. I wish I would have had that long with my late husband, but 1,043 years wouldn’t have been enough with that man!!! I hope I can meet you and your wife. My actual cruise starts on 4/25, though, so it might not be possible. Maybe another time.
What an inspiring story, Gloria! Kudos to you for forging ahead during difficult, stressful times. I admire your your strength and wisdom.
Thank you Coleen, for your kind comments.
Gloria, Thank you so much for your story. Our condolences on the loss of your husband. It looks that you have lived on in his eyes by continuing to ‘love the sea’. I also totally love the sea and sea days and will continue to look for cruises that offer many sea days. As to ‘adopting’ a single, we met a tremendous elderly widow on our Pricess Antarctic Cruise in 2007, we kind of adopted each other for the duration of the cruise and continue to correspond.
Tim & Janet, how kind of you to “adopt” someone you met. I can tell you from my personal experience, that it is really special to meet people who show such kindness. There is something so special about the water!! I hope we meet sometime and you can “adopt” me.
Your story is wonderful ! When my dad died in March 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimers my husband and I felt the need to restore our spirits and rest our weary bodies, so we booked at trip to the Panama Canal on Thanksgiving, it was 10 wonderful days of healing and letting go of stress that accompanies caring for a loved one. We have cruised many times before this,,but I was able to let go and start the process of becoming me again, and I think you are going throught the same process so put both your arms around your shoulders and give your self a hug,, you deserve it.
Linda, thanks for your kind comments. The Panama is definitely on my bucket list. I am looking forward to a time when I can enjoy that cruise and I know that Princess will be the best host.
I enjoyed your story and applaud your strength. I’ve been hesitant to cruise alone since losing my husband a year ago but long to be at sea in the comfort of good ship. Perhaps this will motivate me to check out the fares for single travelers.
Charlene, I would encourage you to take the plunge and try cruising by yourself. It really is a great way to enjoy a vacation and yet, feel safe. Maybe I will see you out on the seas sometime!!!
That cruise to Hawaii was the one my husband and I were going on next. I remarried at age 60 to Morgan, the love of my life. We had been together three years and had three and a half more wonderful years together. He had a congenital heart condition and died suddenly at a Days Inn while we were in Sheboygan Falls, WI for his father’s funeral, on Jan. 28, 2011. Our first cruise was our honeymoon cruise in August 2007 on the Sapphire Princess. Morgan’s eyes were so big when we got on that ship. He never thought he would go on a cruise — it was to good for him, he thought. He loved our Alaska cruise tour. It helped that we left Nashville during a record breaking heat wave, and when we got off the plane in Vancouver, it was like leaving Hell for Heaven. Morgan said he loved Princess and was not interested in any other cruise lines. We took a Carribean trip on the Emerald Princess, and then the Canada New England trip on the Crown Princess. When he died, I thought I would never cruise again, so I got my deposit back from Princess.
I was not thrilled with the idea of my first Christmas without Morgan though, and I ended up on a cruise on the Star Princess with one of my girlfriends. It was a Mediterranean cruise and an ocean crossing ending up in Rio on Christmas Eve. She was so pleased with Princess (we have both cruised with other cruise lines) that we have another cruise booked in August — a short one to Scandanavia out of Southampton. We met several singles on our last cruise — gives me hope. I have applied to the Peace Corps and may take a cruise during my tenure. We’ll see.
God bless Gloria, thank you for your wonderful story.
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad, though, you have ventured out. All of us who have experienced the loss of our best friend, mate, the love of our life know that life goes on and our mate would be pleased to know that we are doing something we love. All the best to you and I hope I have a chance to meet you sometime.
Lost my wife from Pancreatic Cancer about ten years ago. I purchased a 34 foot catamaran after she died and traveled the Bahamas for about five years. Eventually the boat became too hard to handle. Like Gloria, I became a fan of Princess cruises. Living in Florida makes it easy to reclaim the cruising life. It seems that my love of the sea that I have been with is very common to other people who have owned and cruised in their own boats. However, they are now not able to. Hope to see some of you on Princess ships. Wish there was a way to meet you all and share “sea stories”. Lets get a cruise together… (Princess note)
Bob, sorry for your loss. Yes, a boat the size of a 34 foot needs a first mate–too hard to handle by oneself. Yes, you are close to some great cruising. Have you tried some west coast cruising? Alaska is spectacular and Princess is doing the coastal cruises. In fact I have one scheduled for Oct. of this year, back on the Sapphire, and it promises to be fantastic as this is a great time weather and sea wise for the CA coast. Princess has some great venues, I am sure there is something that will satisfy your sea longings.
Carol, I am a widow, as well, from Washington state. I love cruising. I am headed out on my 8th cruise on July 3, Ruby Princess, 12 night Mediterranean. I am treating my two adult children. Maybe you and I should become cruise buddies and go on one together sometime! I think I am too social to ever try going alone.
Oops, that was for Gloria, from Washington State……
Hi Teddi, where in Washington are you?
A great article. My husband and I got back from our Hawaii cruise in May. It was the last one before Alaska. We sailed on the Golden Princess and had the most wonderful time. Relaxing, great people at our table, excellent staff at our table and room. Hawaii was so beautiful.
Hi Serene,
I just finished a 4 night Alasakan sampler on the Golden, May 22. It was my first time on her and it took me a while to figure out the differences between her and Sapphire, but I will be sailing on her again next year. She is a fine ship as well and the Princess experience is always a great experience. I know the beauty of the Hawaii Islands, my late husband and my favorite island was Kauai and we visited it some 20 times over the course of our marriage. It was hard to think of going back to the islands on my own, so I think a cruise is the perfect way to experience the islands solo.
Gloria, that was an inspiring story, I too, lost my husband 15 years ago. I think you just gave me the courage to sail alone. Thank you.
Oh Sally, kudos to you. I think you will enjoy the experience. You can be involved as much or little as you like. No matter what your choice, Princess will take excellent care of you and their ports of call are among the best. I hope to see you some time. Take care.
The Sapphire is the best way to go….a favorite of ours. You must be an exceptional lady and I hope we meet on future cruises! You have given our big family a hint to look for and be open to including single cruisers to join in with our family…… Happy cruises to you forever!
Hi Kathleen, Wow, I hope I have a chance to meet your family some day and become a part of it on a cruise. I was on the Golden in May and it is a fine ship too. The Golden and the Sapphire have swapped embarkation ports for the Alaska cruise season. I will be back on Sapphire in Oct. when I do the California coastal cruise. Can’t wait.
Hi Gloria,
I loved your story and the way you’ve ventured out to travel/cruise by yourself. I am an unmarried (divorced) woman in my 60′s and although I would like to travel with friends and/or family, most of my girlfriends are married and so, it’s not easy for them to get away and for family, it’s school or work that gets in the way. I need be more brave and cruise on my own. I’m sure I will have a great time and I love Princess Cruises!!
Hi Julia,
I just turned 60 and plan to continue cruising while my health is good. What are any of us waiting for? It is hard to plan things with friends who are married because of their obligations. I know you will have a great time on a Princess cruise. Why not start with a sampler, which usually 3 or 4 days? Best of luck to you and I hope I meet you sometime.
Hi Gloria,
Thank you for sharing your story. I think from this point on, I will view traveling by yourself in a different way. Kudos to you for your renewed strength. Best wishes!
I am a funeral director in Texas. I see grief and sadness daily. You are a brave and strong woman. I love how you’ve honored your husband, and continued to live your life. One year ago, July 4th 2011, a man here in our community suddenly lost his wife. I was the director for her services. We became instant friends. End of July, he will be traveling with me, my husband, my parents and several others for an Alaskan cruise. Ive been before. He has not. Even though there is probably 40 years age difference between us, I have bonded with him and I am so proud of him for taking this trip. I know he misses his wife alot, but I’m glad he’s had this trip to focus on. I’m afraid I’m more excited for him to see Alaska than I am to go myself!!
Happy Cruising, and enjoy your sunrises and sunsets at sea. Cherish the memories…
Shawna, How nice you will be able to explore Alaska with your new friend. I know he will love the outstanding beauty of Alaska. Our beauty in western Washington is some of the same beauty seen in Alaska, however, Alaska is on a grander scale! I hope the weather is extraordinary for your cruise. I am ready to return to Alaska again–maybe in 2014. My bucket list is long.
Hi Gloria,
I’m sorry for your loss but admire the way that you are going forward. Your husband would be very pleased. I’m very shy and would probably hesitate to cruise solo but your experience has had an impact on my viewpoint. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
Hi Jo Anne,
I hope you can set aside your shyness and give solo cruising a try. Maybe you could try a 3 or 4 night sampler cruise to see how it might work out for you. I would not classify myself as shy, but I do become reserved at times. When that happens, I work through it at a pace that I can handle. I would encourage you to step out and try a cruise with Princess. You will be well cared for by the crew. I hope I can meet you some time.
Beautiful story, Gloria. I’ve cruised with my two youngest sons for the last several years but think they’re getting too old to go away with their mom. Have been toying with going solo. Glad you are having so much fun!!!
My condolences on your loss. I admire the way you have decided to move on. Cruising to me, is the only way to go. I agree 100 % with everything you say about Princess. We have done the Hawaii Cruise three times and it was fantastic. Maybe we will cross paths sometime on a Princess Cruise.Happy sailing.
Hi Sue, I am looking forward to visiting the islands via this cruise next year. It is nice to know you have had a fantastic time. I hope to meet you some time on Princess.
This was a great story of renewal and encouragement for a single (again) person. Thank you, Gloria, for encouraging us “singles” to get out and go again. I too have found that you can enjoy the pleasure of getting to know other travelers on a Princess cruise but also enjoy some quiet time of the healing sea. It is good to know that there are others “in the same boat”.
Kathy, yes I think there might be more of us “in the same boat” than either of us realize. Afterall, the boomers are aging and our dynamics are changing. Nothing like the sea to restore life and hope. I hope I have the chance to meet you some time.
Gloria, thank you for your sharing. I also loss my dear husband. On his last wish was being on a cruise to Alaska . Even though we have to use wheelchair and lift to transfer him, we did it. He was so happy, and 4 day after we were back from cruise , he lost his concisouse. He was happy. I am going on the same cruise with my family on his 3rd year anniversary. Thank you for your sharing. I will think about you and Larry while I cruise with my husband and my family. Thank you again.
Wendy, I am sorry for your loss. How special, though to be able to share a cruise with your dear one. I am glad you are going on another Alaska cruise. Such a beautiful area to visit. Enjoy and I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you on a Princess cruise sometime.
I believe you have inspired many to not be fearful about cruising alone. Your story made me think back to when I got divorced at 30, alone and wanting to take a trip. But i had never taken one by myself & friends & a travel agent suggested I take a holiday cruise. I was very nervous & bought my passage knowing i would share with another woman. She too was divorced and much older then me and very nice. I too found people embraced me to join them & I met I had wonderful time and never felt afraid or alone. Happily remarried my husband & I are frequent cruisers & remain loyal to Princess Cruise Line.
Alisa, so glad you have found your soul mate and that you can enjoy cruising together. Yes, Princess is an outstanding line and I can’t imagine traveling with any other line. They have the venue I am interested in and lots of choices to travel. The crew is wonderful. Enjoy your Princess travels and perhaps we will have an opportunity to meet some time.
So glad that you are cruising and enjoying time on the water!
My husband and I are looking forward to a cruise to Hawaii on the Golden Princess out of LA on April 24,2013. Is that the cruise you have booked for Hawaii?
I hope you enjoy all your future cruises-especially on Princess.
Hi Mary, Yes, I have reserved space on the Golden April 24th 2013. I hope we have a chance to meet on board and share some special memories.
We did the Coastal CA cruise this year for our 10 year anniversary and it is a great trip! We met TONS of friendly people on board so I hope you want some company on that trip because you will get it! I’m happy you have a way to keep the memories alive!
A and B in Friday Harbor, WA
Hi A and B from Friday Harbor. That was one of our most favorite places to visit on our own boat. We never really considered any trip we took complete without visiting FH. Now, I take the ferry out of Anacortes when I need a Friday Harbor fix. I am excited about the Coastal CA cruise because the ports are great. I grew up in San Jose and visited San Francisco all the time. I have friends in Santa Barbara and have been to beautiful San Diego a couple of times, though not in many years. It is a perfect time on the CA coast for a cruise.
I am glad you are doing this. It is what I would like to do, but my husband died when we were 27, after raising 3 children by myself, I can’t afford it.
Rita, perhaps one day you will be able to afford cruising. All the best to you, you have a difficult job.
I lost my husband to leukemia in 2011 also becoming a widow in my 50′s. We had enjoyed the water as well and had a beautiful 28ft off shore boat that we loved spending time together in just going either to the California Delta, Lake Havasu or the bay area. When Tim died, I sold the boat as I, too, could not pilot it alone.
I have not cruised alone yet, as I take my sister with me, but you have given me renewed faith that if I should go solo, it would be fine. I hope we cross paths someday, but until then, I wish you happy sailing and a big thank you for sharing your story.
PS Tim and I last cruised to Alaska on the Sapphire Princess 8 months before he passed. I surprised him with the cruise as it was a destination he wanted to go to. That cruise renewed him and he just loved it!
Mignon, I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have been able to take Tim on the Sapphire to beautiful Alaska. Larry and I lived up by Lake Tahoe before moving to Washington state in 2001. We enjoyed Tahoe cruising in the summer on our 27′ Four Winns and then the Delta during the winter. Many great memories of gunkholing around. I hope that I get a chance to meet you sometime on a Princess cruise.
Hello Gloria
I lost my beloved husband of 27 years on May 25, just 12 days after returning from our last cruise on the Sea Princess from Sydney to San Francisco. Over the last eight years we spent more than 280 days aboard various Princess ships traveling the world. Next January we had reservations on the sold out Grand Princess 49 day Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco, and I am going to go. So on July 28 I booked a 14 day Alaska cruise on the Sapphire to try cruising as a solo traveler for the first time. Your letter has given me some hope as I am basically extremely dubious about doing this! Other than a few solo flights to England to visit my family, I have not traveled alone. I chose Alaska because I have done three Alaska cruises and it is close, no international air travel involved. I am a lot older than you, I turn 70 next week and have some walking difficulties, and my husband was always there to help me.
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Hi Penny, I am so sorry for your fresh loss. Larry and I would have been married 31 years on May 23. I am thankful that I was on the Golden for an Alaskan sampler cruise on our anniversary date. Made the memory special. Kudos to you for continuing with your plans. I hope that your 14 days aboard Sapphire will be encouraging and you will come away with a new sense of hope. (BTW, I just celebrated turning 60.) I am also glad you are planning to sail on the Grand. It is exciting her home port will be San Francisco in the near future. I remember many many years ago when San Francisco was a thriving port for cruise ships. All the best to you and I hope we have a chance to meet on a Princess cruise some time.
What a beautiful story Gloria. I am sitting here crying because I too am taking my first cruise since my husband passed away 6/5/11 and I am scared to death I will be spending several days grieving in my stateroom. My husband and I had more than a dozen cruises under our belt and I was concerned I could not do this but your story inspired me to find myself and I think this is what my husband would have wanted me to do. So on Oct 23rd I will be heading to the Panama Canal for 10 days by myself. Thanks to you and several people I have met through the roll call, I know I will be fine. Thank you
Hi Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. “Firsts” are the hardest as you know, and sometimes the second anniversary can be just as rough. As you know, grief bursts happen at any time and seemingly for no apparent reason. But, I am confident you can work through the grief and move on. I am glad you are venturing out on a solo cruise. The Panama is definitely on my bucket list. My concern now is can I get to all that I would like to do in a timely fashion!!! Be encouraged as you step out and open to a new adventure. With Princess, you can always count on being well cared for by the crew!!! Happy sailing, Diane.
Beautiful story Gloria. I feel for you. We also owned a 34′ Trawler, but had to sell many years ago, and we still miss it. But yes going on a cruise is fantastic, but not the same as holding the wheel yourself. Enjoy your cruises, perhaps some day we will pass each other on deck.
Hi Ken, It is hard to realize that one has to give up boating, but this is certainly a great way to enjoy the sea. While you may not be holding the wheel yourself, just remember, they pull the lines and they have to dock the ship regardless of the conditions!! So, you get to enjoy knowing you are in good hands.
Dear Gloria,
What a beautiful love story. My husband and I got engaged on a cruise to the Caribbean 12 yrs. ago and in Aug. will celebrate our 12th!! I am a travel agent and take a group of senior citizens on cruises and will definitely pass your letter on to them for inspiration. My husband is in poor health at 76 and we are doing as much cruising as possible while he is able and I will take your letter to my heart. Thank YOU for touching my heart.
Hi Nian, Thanks for your kind comments. How special that you and your dear one are enjoying some time together on cruises. We belonged to an area yacht club for a few years and there were people in the early to mid 80s still piloting their own boats. So, I hope you can encourage your group of seniors to enjoy cruising. I know that Princess will take good care of all of you. All the best to you and your husband.
hi,to all the people that have replied to gloria walshs comments,my wife and I have sailed on over 50 cruises together,not all on princess,but quite a lot. to us there is no better way to alleviate a loss of wife or husband,but cruising does help! enjoy it and share your thoughts with your lost one,the sea certainly helps a lot,regards sylvia & arthur.
I too lost my husband just 6 months ago. We had just returned from the British Isles on the Crown Princess, a trip of a lifetime and celebrating our 40th anniversary, to return to learn his cough was actually lung cancer. It was his wish that “after the dust settles” for me to continue to travel. Like so many have mentioned above, I am concerned of traveling by myself. Gloria, your story is so inspiring, as well as the others who mention they have traveled alone that I am considering using the deposit we had made and book a solo cruise. We also love the water, that is where we spent 99.9% of our vacations. There is such a calming power that overcomes me when I’m near water. Thank you so much for sharing your story and inspiring so many of us in the “same boat” to continue our lives in honor of our loved ones and enjoy every minute of our lives.
Liz, I am so sorry for your fresh loss. I am encouraged that you are planning to try a solo cruise. The water is a healer and restorer. I hope you will continue enjoying this part of your life. Maybe I will have the pleasure of meeting you on a Princess cruise one day.
Hi Gloriae, my condolances,and thank you for giving me courage and a new sense of hope to do a cruise alone in the future.Hope you continue to enjoy the experiences cruising with princess.We may meet some day on princess when i step out solo and also share my experiences
Evris I hope we have a chance to share solo experiences. I hope you do book a cruise and have a great time. Princess will make sure your experience is a great one.
So sorry to hear of your loss Gloria. I lost my wonderful husband Barry suddenly a year ago, we had been together for 46 years (since we were 16). We had done 3 cruises together with friends and had planned to do many more in retirement. The thought of cruising on my own is a bit daunting but you have given me something to think about. Wishing you many wonderful years of cruising. Thank you for sharing your lovely story.
Jan I am sorry for your loss. I hope you will be encouraged to book a cruise on your own. It is so nice to discover that you can still enjoy an activity that you shared with your loved one and know that he would be pleased you are making a new life for yourself. All the best to you and I hope we have the pleasure of meeting some day.
Thank you Gloria for your beautiful story. I lost my husband of almost 44 years one year ago and have not had the courage to travel alone. (Our last amazing cruise was on Royal Princess to the Amazon, and we never suspected it would be the last.) You have truly inspired me to start looking for a wonderful Princess cruise right now!
Oh Dorothy, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will seek out a new adventure. It really is a great, safe way to travel. Princess will make you feel welcome!!! Be encouraged and I hope to have an opportunity to meet you some day on a Princess cruise.
Gloria … thanks for your story. You are an inspiration to those of us who are reluctant to cruise solo but are “working up to it.” Did you try singles cruising or just picked a destination and off you went? What courage that takes … I feel that’s the person I want to bring back again into my life … adventureous, courageous and with the knowing that I will find wonderful people like you in my travels. Your words have helped move me closer to trying it on my own … Thanks! And to Princess Cruises … you may want to consider hiring Gloria as an inspirational speaker!
Hi Judy. I just booked my first solo cruise 6 months after Larry died and I haven’t ever regretted it. I didn’t even consider trying a single cruise. I decided to just step out and do it and I know I am doing exactly what Larry would have wanted me to do. I know he smiles down on me every time I venture out. I hope you will be encouraged to try cruising solo. Maybe start with a 3 or 4 night sampler and work up from there. I can tell you when I returned from my first 7 night cruise by myself, I was ready to go again!!! And so, I return as often as I am able. It is such a pleasure and Princess does an outstanding job taking care of me. I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you on a cruise some time.
Dear Gloria,
thank you for opening your heart and sharing your feelings. There is little I can add after so many well intended persons have shown their support for. I agreeand encourage you as well
Several events in our our lives make us what we are or want to be, we learn the basics such as walk, talk, etc.
We graduate, get married or find the right one. There are all the pleasures and satisfactions of sharing love, appreciation and tenderness. There will be other key times in our lives fun, happy or sad. It’s all part of our normal, not 100% Hollywood happy ending but Disney positive, colorfull and with a meaning.
However, this is the time of your life when you continue forward, when you become stronger and without ever forgeting the man that you still love in your heart, you go forward as you and him would have done and planed.
Do travel, have fun, enjoy, remember him every time you smile ,every time you see a beautiful flower, place location, when a bird sings.
Stay positive, travel, go places, try foods, meet people ,feel young, remain allert and happy.
Life, destiny, God (?) assigns surprizes like a wheel chair or an oxygen tank, it’s OK, people can still travel, smile, enjoy and be part of the human race.
Go to Hawaii, Panama Canal, Alaska, etc, stay in safe routes but active.
My best wishes and warmest feelings for you and all those who share a similar life.
Luis P.
Luis, thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. It means a lot to read your words. I plan to continue on my adventures. My bucket list is long and I know that I will always be welcome aboard a Princess ship.
FREEPORT BAHAMAS BEEN THERE 5 TIMES LOVE THAT PLACE THE BEACHES, PINA COLADAS,SWEET TASTING LOBSTERS,COUNCH FRITTERS AND THE SNORKELING, AWESOME!! SOMEDAY I’LL NEVER GO BACK HOME ONE WAY TICKET!!!
Gloria Walsh, you have just given me renewed ‘strength’. My husband of 47 1/2 years died 3/12/12 of a heart attack ~~ exactly 5 weeks before he was to run his 2nd Boston Marathon. We loved traveling and cruising Princess. (Married when I was 18 & he 23). Not having many ‘single’ friends had made me consider cruising alone ~ although with a little fear, I must say. I know my husband would want me to continue to travel, so I think you have given me the ‘nudge’ I needed. I must might HAVE to book me a cruise and give it a try!! God bless you and oh, how exciting it would be to see and meet you on board:) Barbara
Barbara, I am so sorry for your fresh loss. It is a difficult time indeed. Be encouraged on your journey though. I hope you do cruise solo and honor the memory of your precious one. All the best to you and I hope to meet you someday.
Gloria, you are a true inspiration for so many women! And your heartfelt replies shows your love and caring for others. We love to cruise Princess too. If my husband passes before me, which is likely as he is much older, I will remember your strength and words of encouragement to go it alone! I know he would want me to. I recently lost my dear Mother, age 91, and she loved to cruise too, especially Princess. I miss her every moment.Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement.
Chris, enjoy your cruising time with your dear one while he is still here. Be encouraged that, while this journey is one none of us would like to be on, life does go on and our spouses would be happy to know that we honor their memory by doing something we enjoyed together. I hope I have an opportunity to meet you on a Princess cruise someday.
Dear Gloria,
I have only recently come back from an Alaskan Cruise/Cruise Tour. I was fortunate to have my husband with me, but we went with a group of friends, 3 of whom have lost husbands in the last couple of years to cancer. They had a wonderful time away, Felt they could mix in or nor mix at all depending on how they felt. All felt their husbands were there in spirit and egging them on. I know if I was in the same situation I would not hesitate to cruise alone. Princess sure do look after you. Thank you for your inspirational story.Janet, Australia
Hi Janet, Thank you for your kind comments. I am so happy to read your friends went with you. I hope that you all enjoyed beautiful Alaska and the wonderful care Princess gives its guests. One day I will enjoy an extended tour going to the lodge at Denali–though my late husband and I enjoyed the park on its 100th birthday many years ago. But, I think traveling by train through the beautiful Alaska landscape would be a real treat and because it has been so many years since I have been to Denali, it would be a new experience. (Note to self, add the extended tour to bucket list!!!)
Hi Gloria, Your story could be my own. I lost my darling husband very unexpectedly 20 months ago. We too had an ocean-going boat which I was forced to sell recently, a very sad day for me as we loved boating and fishing together. My husband and I had also had been on a Mediterranean cruise the year before his death and we both loved it. I booked a cruise on the Sun Princess around Australia last July with my mother, but she became ill and I had to do it alone. Like you, I found friendship with many solo travellers on board. Last month I did a Northern European cruise alone, and while I will always miss my husband terribly, it is becoming easier and you are right, cruising is an ideal way for women to travel. It would be even easier if the cruise lines would introduce lower fares for solo travellers.
Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. What an encouragement you tried solo travel, though. While the pricing is per cabin, I think that Princess makes it up in other rewards. When I consider the costs associated with owning a 34′ boat, I realize that I can take a couple of cruises per year for about 5 or 6 months of ownership costs–not a bad deal after all. Consider also that your costs counts as two cruises in the captain’s circle. But who knows, the marketing department of Princess Cruises might look at the entire solo travel industry–especially with baby boomers and seniors–and decide to market some special opportunities to us. Meanwhile, enjoy your cruising experiences and maybe we will have a chance to meet some time.
Gloria, I lost my husband at sea(fisherman) built new boat finally got out
of professional fishing and had sea change into child care am now I travel as a single person cruising is a reasonable price but as soon as you put land trips it doubles in price for singles am heading to Seattle for cruise in sept early then to San francisco and sailing back to Australia October may god look after and protect everyone whom travels on the waters of the world peace to all
Sylvia, I am sorry for your loss–especially since your husband was a fisherman. I hope you will continue to enjoy your travels on the sea. Yes, I agree the land trips can be expensive. Comparitively speaking, cruising is a bargain even at full price for solo travelers. I hope you enjoy both Seattle and San Francisco as both are beautiful cities. Maybe I will have a chance to meet you some time. Meanwhile, happy cruising.
I too went on a cruise last Nov 2011 found it very fine regarding cuisine and hospitality but as I am also widowed incredibly lonely at night when all the couples are dancing
Wd love to cruise agn but cld not bear the lonliness of the nights again
I by the way live Melbourne Australia
Jill, I am sorry that you had unbearable nights. I specifically don’t go to the clubs because I know that was thing Larry and I would have done together. I will go to the theatre for one of the shows, but not put myself in a position to experience an untold amount of grief. It is simply not worth it when there are many other things one can do. Stepping out into new experiences is a good thing. I hope you will try another cruise and change your perspective. Best wishes to you.
I also went on princess last Nov 2011 from Sydney cruisung around pacific islands cuisine excellent service excellent.
But I am also widowed and was on my own found the nights terribly lonely all couples dancing just too heartbreaking for words
Wd love to go again but he nights bad
Hello Gloria, my wife and I experienced our first cruise as a 40th wedding anniversary April 27th 2009 it was a present from our Son and his wife, well we total enjoyed it that we were planning our second cruise for our 4`st but Joanne did not make it she died suddenly 10 month after the cruise, I new I had to continue what we both enjoyed so I went on my first cruise Summer of 2010 and now I have sailed on cruise as a solo traveler, I meet many of nice couples at the dinner table on every cruise, they are like my new family. I still look on the dating sites for a lady that enjoys travel by a cruise and trying to find her is next to impossible. I took one lady and on the middle of the cruise she was crying, she said she was missing all of her TV programs and would never cruise again, I enjoy my cruises with princess very much.
Hi Peter, I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you decided to continue on cruising, though. Your precious one would be so happy that you are doing so. Princess does such an exceptional job hosting guests and as another person pointed out, solo travelers are treated well by Princess. I hope you find someone to share your love of cruising.
I found your story both touching and inspiring. I am independent and have cruised solo five times. I love the time on my own and other times meeting fellow cruiser from around the world. Princess is great and treats solo travelers equally. I also find it to be a safer way to travel for a single female. Enjoy your future cruises.
Hi Linda. How great you have cruised solo five times. Life goes on for those who have lost our mates and thus, as the one left behind, it is beneficial to us to continue to enjoy activities such as cruising. I hope your future cruises are enjoyable and perhaps we will have an opportunity to meet one day.
My husband and I enjoyed more than 30 cruises prior to a major auto accident in August, 2011. He’s now confined to a nursing home. In April I went myself on a very familiar Eastern Caribbean cruise. It was great – my dinner mates and the entire crew were wonderful. In September I’m going myself to the Western Caribbean, an itinerary I’ve always loved. Cruising alone is different, but not to be afraid of it. Safe, and everybody you meet is kind and caring.
Marilyn, I am glad you have discovered that cruising solo is a great way to enjoy your life. I am sorry to read of your husband’s accident, but I am sure he would want you to continue to enjoy cruising. Maybe we will meet on a cruise some day.
Thank you Gloria and everyone for sharing your stories. It has given me inspiration to carry on and continue to travel now as a widow. My husband died unexpectedly in April after our last cruise in December. I will be ready for a change of scenery and to mentally “get away” in a few months. I know my first solo cruise will be tough at times, but I feel it will be the first step out as a single, and that is something I may as well get used to. We both enjoyed cruising and have always felt it was the perfect way to travel. My husband would want me to travel safely, and I feel I can do that on a cruise. Again, thank you all for your heartwarming stories.
Oh Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. But, I am inspired to read that you are stepping out and enjoying cruising solo. Bravo for you. Yes, there will be some rough spots and I might add that three years after Larry’s passing there are still rough spots, but I know he would be so proud that I have continued my passion for the water. One never knows when a “grief burst” will hit, but you just have to walk through that valley and experience it to move on. Be encouraged as you travel and I agree cruising is a perfect way to do so. Princess makes it even better! Maybe we will meet on a cruise some time.
Dear Gloria, I understand how you feel. I also lost my huband suddenly in Jan. 2012. We had a booked Alaska trip for our 50th anniversary in June. My family members and I went thru with this trip and as Bitter Sweet as it was I am glad we did go. We had a lovely time. It was a surprise to see your blog and to know that there are other people in the same situation as myself. You have given me the encouragement to keep traveling! Thank you!
Oh Mary Ann, such a fresh loss. I am truly sorry. I am so glad to read that you went ahead with your cruise plans. Bravo for you. I am encouraged by your story and I hope you will continue to enjoy cruising and traveling. May be we will meet sometime. I am ready to go back to Alaska again–perhaps next summer.
Yes, I love to sail, Princess Cruise lines have always been my best experiences-until, the last in July to Alaska, had looked forward to trip, however, the experiences not as good as previously; the Sea Princess was too small to accommodate all the passengers, felt like we we’re squeezed in like sardines, long lines for dining, and very rushed waiters (felt sorry for them) seemed like more staff and space was needed for all activities, everything seemed too commercialized-and previous activities were no longer available, AND, then the neurovirus, my husband and myself have been recovering for over a week after arriving home-so much for sanitation precautions-AND, what ever happened to the ” Flaming Alaska” dessert I remembered??? I think your company goofed on this trip-will try another cruise line hereafter.
i am also a widow. Would love to venture out alone on a cruise but the fare charged by the cruise lines arer a bit of a punishment for singles. Why
Betty, yes the fares are double for the solo traveler but that is because it is based on the room and not the individual. There are some benefits with Princess to that, though. Your single cruise counts as two, therefore, you reach the different captain circle levels much more rapidly. At the elite level, they offer some nice additional “perks”. I look at the pricing in terms of how many months of moorage, insurance, maintenance, and payments my own boat would have cost me and at nearly $2,000 per month, I can do, on average, two cruises a year. Also, compare cruising, which includes your meals and entertainment to land travel and you will see that it really is quite reasonable. I hope you can enjoy some future cruises.
Betty, if you look on the Princess web site under the customer care tab, there is a link to FAQs and in this area there is a description of hosted “single cruises”. Take a peek and see if there is something that will suit your travel needs.
First of all I have to say you are such a beautiful Lady. The picture post is great. I lost my husband of 52 years, six years ago. I also have taken three cruises since his death, and have three more booked. The only problem that I find is getting a cabin mate. I can not afford the price of booking for one. I hope that you have many more happy days ahead of you. Maybe I will run into you on one of cruises.
Betty, thank you for your kind comments. I am sorry for your loss as 52 years is a long time and a huge loss. I am glad to read you have taken some cruises since his passing. Have you contacted Princess to see if they have other solo travelers who would enjoy sharing a cabin? Princess is so helpful with everything, I am sure they would be willing to help with this. I hope I have a chance to meet you on a cruise one day.
Betty Jean, if you look on the Princess web site under the customer care tab, there is a link to the FAQs and in that area, there is a discussion about hosted “single cruises”. Perhaps there will be something there that will suit your travel needs. All the best to you.
Gloria:
I enjoyed reading your story. It was inspirational. I have often wondered what it would be like to take a cruise on my own. I have cruised with Princess several times, but did share the adventure with my best friend. And yet, I still want to cruise by myself. You have motivated me to try. Thank you.
Sandra, I hope you are encouraged to cruise solo. Yes, it is different than sharing with your best friend, but you can still enjoy cruising by yourself. I have a friend who has said to me a number of times, “You are a gutsy lady. I could never do this by myself. You eat by yourself, you sleep by yourself and then you would be in a cabin by yourself.” My reply to her is, I eat by myself, sleep by myself, and live in my house by myself everyday. Does it really matter if I do this at home or enjoy venturing out on a cruise? I don’t see the difference. So, be encouraged and step out. You won’t know how it works until you try. But worse, if you don’t try, you might never know you could have had the time of your life!!
I did not know that there were any single fares. I always thought you had to pay for two since the room was good for two. how do you get around that?
Eileen, the booking price is per cabin not individual. If you are on a hosted single cruise, you would be matched with someone else and be sharing a cabin. Thus, it would constitute a single fare the same if you were to travel with a companion and share the space. Otherwise, solo travel is paying for the entire cabin i.e., two fares. You can also check out cruise critic and see if there are any cruise fares for singles only.
Hello Gloria,Thank you for you lovely story,my husband passed away this year & i thought my cruising days were over. You have given me the courage to think perhaps cruising by myself may be possible,
Regards Noelle
Hi Noelle, I am so sorry for your fresh loss. I hope you will consider trying a solo cruise. Book it, try different venues and don’t push yourself. Be kind to yourself leaving some down time to work through your grief. One person wrote that for her going to the clubs made it difficult to watch all of the couples dancing. I specifically don’t go to the clubs because Larry and I liked to go dancing. I know I will be overwhelmed by grief. I choose other entertainment and I try to venture out for new experiences. Also, I give myself permission to enjoy my own company. I wish the best and perhaps I will see you on a future cruise.
I also lost my husband and thought I would never cruise again. I had started reading a review before my husband passed away and was told we needed to join them. With Joe’s health problems, I told him our cruising days were probably over. After Joe passed away, I started reading the review again and their plans for a Super Bowl cruise. I thought about it and decided to book it. I had a good time, but, did have my moments. They were doing a Halloween cruise and I booked it when I got home. I enjoyed the company of this group and booked the Magic with them this past March. I am so glad I didn’t give up on cruising. Breeze is booked for early next yr. I am so glad I didn’t give up on cruising. This group has become like a second family. Glad you didn’t give it up either. It is different, but, like someone told me, “Joe would want me to continue traveling”.
Gloria!
I am a travel agent reading your inspirational words to all those “single” women and want to thank you. I wish there was a way, we could connect as I always have women that want to cruise but don’t have a mate and don’t want to pay the single supplement. I am hoping they lean towards building the new ships with single cabins to assist those on limited incomes especially after losing a loved one.
Thank you again for taking the time to post your thoughts….Best wishes
Shirley, I am sorry for your loss. I am glad to read you have found a group of people to cruise with, what a blessing. Yes, Joe would want you to continue traveling and I can’t think of a better way to do so than on a cruise. There is something magical about the water. Hope you continue to enjoy cruising for a long time to come.
Cyndi, thank you for your kind words. I understand how difficult it can be for some persons to be able to afford the cost of solo travel in a “couple” world. However, as I pointed out to another person, owning my own boat was costly. It cost nearly $2,000 a month for moorage, insurance, maintenance, and the payment. Now that I no longer have that expense, on average, I can afford 2 cruises per year. Also, when one considers that meals and entertainment are included in the cost, comparing that to land travel one realizes it is a pretty good way to travel. Perhaps as a travel agent, you can start a group of solo travelers and connect them up–it’s a thought.
Cyndi, if you look on the Princess web site under the customer care tab and click on the FAQs there is a discussion on hosted “single cruises”. Perhaps you can help clients book a cruise suited to their needs, using this tool.