By Pat Hagan, CruiseMates Singles Editor July 7, 2004
I recently cruised on Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the
Seas to check out its appeal for solo cruisers. I found it to be a beautiful
ship with endless activities, a variety of dining options, and a friendly staff
-- but it seemed more geared to families, particularly families with teenagers.
Not that there weren't singles onboard. I just had to look for them.
When I asked the maitre d' to be seated with other singles at dinner,
he told me that was not a common practice; and he had no way of making such
arrangements, because he had no idea who was "single." I explained
that "single" also meant "traveling alone," but I still
wound up seated with a couple on their honeymoon and another celebrating the
husband's recent retirement. A thirtyish single man on his first cruise
eventually joined us, and he told me that while he was having a good time,
he too had hoped to dine with others who were traveling by themselves.
On the first night, a "Singles Mingle" was held in one of the
lounges at 11:30 p.m., but it was poorly attended. I find this is often the
case when so many people are tired from traveling and tend to crash early.
But there are other ways to "mingle," and find out who's
alone…and maybe lonely.
Article continues below
Once the boarding photos are posted in the gallery, look for those with only
one person in them. However, this can be tricky. I once spotted a Brad Pitt
look-alike, who could not have appeared more alone had he been wearing a tee
shirt emblazoned, "I'm single. Let's mingle." So later,
when I saw him having a before-dinner drink at one of the bars, I hopped on
the next stool, gave him my most dazzling "Hi, I'm single, too," smile,
only to be blistered by the glare of his wife (Jennifer Anniston-not) who showed
up seconds later. Why she wasn't in the photo with him, I'll never
know, but the photo gallery is still a good way to spot lone travelers as long
as you proceed with caution.
The second night, a clever "Search for Singles" party was held
at midnight in the Dragon's Lair, which also serves as the ship's
Disco. With its cozy little caves encircling the dance floor, it is the perfect
spot for maybe starting a shipboard romance if the right person is "found" during
the search. The Dragon's Lair is definitely the place for solo cruisers
to hang out in the wee hours. It is for adults only, so there were no crowds
of teenagers hogging the dance floor; they have their own designated area for
partying which is likewise off-limits to adults.
On sea days, I noted singles gathering at the Pool Bar on Deck 11 and the
Sky Bar on Deck 12. (Lots of singles also hung out here each time we sailed
from a port). I met a few I knew from the posh Champagne Bar the night before.
As I always advise on the Cruisemates singles message board, get out of your
cabin and move about the ship. Singles have a way of gravitating towards each
other, especially those determined to enjoy themselves.
The Vintages Wine Bar is also a fun place for solo travelers. It's situated
in the dazzling 500-foot, 14-stories-high Royal Promenade, where special "happenings" are
scheduled each night (like the "Shaken, Not Stirred" Martini Bond
Hour with 007 trivia games and prizes). Ordinarily on RCI ships, I favor the
Viking Crown Lounges with their dazzling views, but that venue was too crowded
on the Mariner to meet people and make small talk. With all the families onboard,
it looked like a huge reunion without the picnic baskets.
I did spot a few singles at non-bar places, as well: deck parties, after-dinner
shows, and sports activities, including the nine-hole Mariner Dunes miniature
golf course.
As for the ShipShape Center, the only way to find out who's alone and
who isn't, is to become a regular there—or maybe ask the instructors
if they can point anyone out. But since sweating isn't my favorite thing
to do on a cruise I never hook up with anybody there.
Don't limit yourself to meeting singles onboard. The shore excursion
staff is usually cooperative in divulging who has booked a tour alone, especially
if it means they can sell another tour to another single.
Remember that Mariner of the Seas is one of RCI's Voyager Class ships,
and it is big: 138,000 tons and 14 passenger decks. With all berths filled,
it can accommodate 3,838 passengers. The week I sailed, I was told there were
nearly 3,600 onboard. Add that to 1,181 crew members, and things get crowded.
So if you aren't a really outgoing person, determined to have a great
cruise even if you wind up not connecting with anyone, then this ship is not
for you. Otherwise, you will—as I e cruise.
