Deciding whether to take the plunge on a first solo cruise (MDAS)

YawningDodo

DIS Veteran
Joined
Sep 16, 2014
So I've been planning to do a Disney cruise within the next couple of years, but now that MDAS photos are popping up on the internet I'm finding myself sorely tempted to bump that plan up in my schedule. I'm eying the January 7 or 21 cruise from Miami and I can't quite figure out if I'm trying to talk myself into it or out of it. I think a big block in my mind is the idea that I shouldn't spend so much money, though I do have the financial ability to cover it. Another stumbling block is that I'm not going to have the vacation time; I've taken unpaid days before and logically I know that my boss is very reasonable and probably wouldn't say no, though it's more unpaid time than I've taken in the past. And, too, if I'm not taking more than a couple days to visit family at Christmas, it feels weird to take a week just to myself.

But I could afford it if I wanted to, and I'm a total Marvel nut. Doctor Strange is my favorite and that there's an entire hour show devoted to him (even if it sounds like it's kid-focused) is kind of amazing. I'd almost certainly be going alone -- there's a slim chance I could talk my housemate into joining me, but even if she were available I'd be half tempted to take it as a solo trip just to have the time to myself.

I'm a little scared that it wouldn't be as much fun as I have built up in my mind, that maybe it wouldn't feel worth it in the end. I've traveled alone before, and I enjoy my alone time. I just also know that sometimes it can feel a little like you're going through the motions if you're not sharing it with someone, and I'm worried it'll be too weird if I go to character meets solo, particularly because it'll be face characters for Marvel, or that it'll be awkward sharing a table with strangers at dinner (though I'm given to understand that DCL is pretty good about matching tablemates by demographic). I've never set foot on a cruise ship in my life and I worry that there's etiquette I don't know about. That sort of thing. And I don't know how long I have to decide, because I don't know how fast cruises generally fill up, or when I should expect to see the prices rising.

Also, I saw that MDAS allows guests to wear costumes. For those sorts of events, how early in the day do you get into costume? How elaborate do people generally make them? I dabble in cosplay, so if I do this thing I'm likely to go a little overboard.
 
My only thought- on Disney a solo traveler pays almost the same price as 2 people in the cabin- there’s a slight difference because you only pay port fees and taxes for 1- but if the price was the same I’d go ahead and invite another person even if you cover their fare. It just seems a waste to pay for an extra slot that someone doesn’t use (just how I’d feel- for others it’s still totally worth it).

If it wasn’t for the price issue, I’d have no problem traveling solo. I’ve had to do it many times for work and extended trips for a few days of sightseeing and I’ve always enjoyed it. Don’t feel weird at character meets or other events, no one would even notice you were solo. There are lots of times on cruises when people split up and do their own thing. You’ll find plenty of other people to talk to in lines and events.

If you have the vacation time, use it; that’s what it’s there for and there’s no reason to feel guilty. I hoe you have a great time!
 
So I've been planning to do a Disney cruise within the next couple of years, but now that MDAS photos are popping up on the internet I'm finding myself sorely tempted to bump that plan up in my schedule. I'm eying the January 7 or 21 cruise from Miami and I can't quite figure out if I'm trying to talk myself into it or out of it. I think a big block in my mind is the idea that I shouldn't spend so much money, though I do have the financial ability to cover it. Another stumbling block is that I'm not going to have the vacation time; I've taken unpaid days before and logically I know that my boss is very reasonable and probably wouldn't say no, though it's more unpaid time than I've taken in the past. And, too, if I'm not taking more than a couple days to visit family at Christmas, it feels weird to take a week just to myself.

But I could afford it if I wanted to, and I'm a total Marvel nut. Doctor Strange is my favorite and that there's an entire hour show devoted to him (even if it sounds like it's kid-focused) is kind of amazing. I'd almost certainly be going alone -- there's a slim chance I could talk my housemate into joining me, but even if she were available I'd be half tempted to take it as a solo trip just to have the time to myself.

I'm a little scared that it wouldn't be as much fun as I have built up in my mind, that maybe it wouldn't feel worth it in the end. I've traveled alone before, and I enjoy my alone time. I just also know that sometimes it can feel a little like you're going through the motions if you're not sharing it with someone, and I'm worried it'll be too weird if I go to character meets solo, particularly because it'll be face characters for Marvel, or that it'll be awkward sharing a table with strangers at dinner (though I'm given to understand that DCL is pretty good about matching tablemates by demographic). I've never set foot on a cruise ship in my life and I worry that there's etiquette I don't know about. That sort of thing. And I don't know how long I have to decide, because I don't know how fast cruises generally fill up, or when I should expect to see the prices rising.

Also, I saw that MDAS allows guests to wear costumes. For those sorts of events, how early in the day do you get into costume? How elaborate do people generally make them? I dabble in cosplay, so if I do this thing I'm likely to go a little overboard.
I can't help you make up your mind on going solo, time from work, etc. But what I can help with is the MDAS stuff, we just got off the ship for the first one and were not Marvel fans but really enjoyed that day. The nighttime deck show was awesome! Passengers were in costume all day and some were so elaborate that I had trouble figuring out if they were cast or guests. It sounds like you're a pretty big Marvel fan so I say go for it, I think you'll absolutely love it!
 
My only thought- on Disney a solo traveler pays almost the same price as 2 people in the cabin- there’s a slight difference because you only pay port fees and taxes for 1- but if the price was the same I’d go ahead and invite another person even if you cover their fare. It just seems a waste to pay for an extra slot that someone doesn’t use (just how I’d feel- for others it’s still totally worth it).

If it wasn’t for the price issue, I’d have no problem traveling solo. I’ve had to do it many times for work and extended trips for a few days of sightseeing and I’ve always enjoyed it. Don’t feel weird at character meets or other events, no one would even notice you were solo. There are lots of times on cruises when people split up and do their own thing. You’ll find plenty of other people to talk to in lines and events.

If you have the vacation time, use it; that’s what it’s there for and there’s no reason to feel guilty. I hoe you have a great time!

I'd seen that and considered the possibility of covering my housemate's fare if she did her own airfare -- but she has even fewer vacation days than I do and is already skipping out on traveling home for Christmas because of it. She seemed interested when I already brought it up, but I really don't know if it's at all feasible for her. My other go-to traveling companion, my mother, has already said in the past that she wouldn't want to do a Disney cruise.

I can't help you make up your mind on going solo, time from work, etc. But what I can help with is the MDAS stuff, we just got off the ship for the first one and were not Marvel fans but really enjoyed that day. The nighttime deck show was awesome! Passengers were in costume all day and some were so elaborate that I had trouble figuring out if they were cast or guests. It sounds like you're a pretty big Marvel fan so I say go for it, I think you'll absolutely love it!

I'm glad to hear people really got into it! I'm leaning more and more toward going for it, though I think I may wait and see how I really feel after we get back from Disneyland, since I'm worried I might just be getting overexcited with the current trip so close on the horizon.
 


It's not just Disney that charges double. Most other lines do as well - unless it's one of the few that have the indoor solo coffins (or the upcoming Celebrity Edge which actually is making some of their Infinite Balcony cabins solo cabins!!!!).

I cruise Disney solo pretty much all the time and love it. It's worth it for me because of the service and everything else. I don't do the themed cruises though as I am not really into Marvel and I 100% do not do Star Wars.
 
I have never done a solo cruise, but do travel solo often for work, and sometimes add on a few extra days for sight-seeing, etc. There are several people on these boards who cruise solo and seem perfectly fine in doing so. For myself, even though I enjoy seeing places that I've never been to and that I may not return to ever again, it is (for me) a bit "hollow" feeling not to be sharing it with someone...to see something beautiful and not have someone there to enjoy it with and talk about it with; to not have anyone there years later to reminisce with about the experience, etc. and I don't really like to "chat" very much with people I don't know. My family has done SWDAS, and while there are some SW-themed activities throughout the week, they are primarily centered on one day. So, the MDAS will likely be similar. I've often told my DH that I will likely need to find a "cruise buddy" when I retire, if he no longer wants to cruise, (or doesn't want to cruise as often as I want to cruise!) because I would prefer no to cruise alone. For me, an entire 7n cruise by myself would not likely be my first choice of vacations. Now, if I enjoyed chatting with people or if I was looking to meet someone, perhaps that would change my perspective.

If you decide to go, solo or with a friend, I hope you have an awesome time!
 
It's not just Disney that charges double. Most other lines do as well - unless it's one of the few that have the indoor solo coffins (or the upcoming Celebrity Edge which actually is making some of their Infinite Balcony cabins solo cabins!!!!).

I cruise Disney solo pretty much all the time and love it. It's worth it for me because of the service and everything else. I don't do the themed cruises though as I am not really into Marvel and I 100% do not do Star Wars.

Yeah, that's part of what's kept me away from a cruise in general. I've looked over cruises with solo cabins (I believe Norwegian has them) and I'm sure they'd be very enjoyable, but DCL just draws my attention in a way the more general cruises don't. I've always been more of a sightseer than a relaxer on vacations and it just seems like DCL has more things to keep me busy that are relevant to my interests than a general "enjoy this floating bar and casino." I could be wrong; I could go on a cruise with another line and absolutely adore it, or I could find that DCL isn't as fun for me as I expected.

I have never done a solo cruise, but do travel solo often for work, and sometimes add on a few extra days for sight-seeing, etc. There are several people on these boards who cruise solo and seem perfectly fine in doing so. For myself, even though I enjoy seeing places that I've never been to and that I may not return to ever again, it is (for me) a bit "hollow" feeling not to be sharing it with someone...to see something beautiful and not have someone there to enjoy it with and talk about it with; to not have anyone there years later to reminisce with about the experience, etc. and I don't really like to "chat" very much with people I don't know. My family has done SWDAS, and while there are some SW-themed activities throughout the week, they are primarily centered on one day. So, the MDAS will likely be similar. I've often told my DH that I will likely need to find a "cruise buddy" when I retire, if he no longer wants to cruise, (or doesn't want to cruise as often as I want to cruise!) because I would prefer no to cruise alone. For me, an entire 7n cruise by myself would not likely be my first choice of vacations. Now, if I enjoyed chatting with people or if I was looking to meet someone, perhaps that would change my perspective.

If you decide to go, solo or with a friend, I hope you have an awesome time!

I have some mixed feelings about solo travel. In the pro camp...I'd much rather travel alone than with someone who doesn't mesh with my traveling style. I've been to WDW any number of times by myself (I worked there in the College Program and spent most of my days off alone in the parks), and I'm mostly comfortable doing things alone. Sometimes, in the midst of planning a joint trip to Disneyland and another joint trip to WDW a couple years ago, I've found myself fantasizing about simply taking off on my own without asking anyone along. I love my friends, but I recharge by being alone and there's a definite appeal to just not having to worry about what anyone else wants to do. My housemate is much more of a non-solo traveler; we travel well together and enjoy each other's company, but I know if I travel with her we will spend most of our time together. That's not necessarily a bad thing; it just means that the trip's going to be very different depending on whether I approach it as "me time" or as a shared experience. But yes, I have sometimes felt like an experience was lacking because I did it alone. The January itineraries are only five nights, not seven, which I think is a fine length for a first cruise when I'm so unsure of things.

I'm not one to arrange a meet up with someone I don't know well just in order to not be alone on a trip; that sounds extremely stressful (I'm an introvert and the whole appeal of a solo vacation is not needing to be "on" for anyone). I'm happy enough to strike up conversations, but if I go alone I'll be perfectly content to keep to myself most of the time. I'm leaning more and more toward taking this trip (going to bring up the question of taking unpaid time with my boss today, float that by and see how she reacts), though it feels unreal that I'm even considering it. I'm just going to have to decide whether I approach it with the deliberate intent of making it a solo, all-me trip, or if I do like I did for my WDW 2015 trip. That time, I simply announced to my potential traveling partner (my mom, that time) that I was going to take such-and-so trip, regardless of anyone else, and she could simply choose whether or not to come with me.
 


I don't mind traveling and exploring on my own. I find cruises to be a little different though. I haven't done a solo cruise, but I have done a cruise with my 13 year old son which was almost like a solo cruise. Alaska was great we did excursions and spent time a lot of time together in port. I also did a lot of shopping and exploring on my own. We also did a 4 day Bahamas cruise and I was bored to death. If I do another cruise with just my son it would have to be to a cruise with lots of ports or lots of activities on the ship. I ate alone in the MDR twice I found it a little awkward. Disney is such a family affair. You don't see a lot of solo travelers.

I prefer cruising with my husband, but if he can't go and there's a cruise I really want to do I won't hesitate to go alone or grab one of my teens to go with me. If it's something you really want to do go for it.
 
I don't mind traveling and exploring on my own. I find cruises to be a little different though.

I think that's the crux of it, why I'm so uncertain. When I've traveled solo, it's been about the adventure -- about exploring a new place. The closest I've come to a trip that was focused on solo relaxation was a long winter weekend in Yellowstone years ago, when I took a wildlife coach tour (actually had a lot of other solos in the vehicle) and a dogsledding tour a few miles up the road at Chico. The dogsledding tour was mildly awkward because it was set up for people to take sleds in pairs (or two adults and a child), but then again being on the guides' sled meant I was on the lead sled and got to talk to the guides about their dogs all day. I'm imagining a cruise will be like that trip in some ways...I had a lot of fun on the "excursions" I'd set up for myself, but dining was mildly awkward and I had a few moments of downtime where I felt out of place (though that wasn't helped by Yellowstone being a ghost town that time of year -- maybe it'll be easier to browse shops and hang out in lounges when I can disappear into a crowd). It was the times when I didn't have a planned activity that were harder.
 
Actually, a real question for everyone: How difficult is it to add a person to an existing reservation? In other words, if I book this as a solo cruise, is it going to be a headache to add a friend to my cabin later?
 
I don't have any experience with MDAS but I consider myself a confirmed solo traveler. Amongst my various solo trips I have completed over 10 solo cruises (8 with Disney including a 2 transatlantic cruises) and I'm really comfortable with it. I have no issues on cruises or in the parks meeting characters or doing character meals. No one really bats an eye or more importantly is that I really don't notice what other people are thinking. As far as sharing dinner with strangers well you could have great tablemates. Personally I had a bad experience once with my tablemates on my second Disney cruise and ever since then I had always requested and received my own table (I don't mind eating alone). As far as cruise etiquette there really isn't any but I would suggest that you at least follow the dress codes rules for the meals in the MDR as a starter although don't let that stress you out too much because I have witness adults wearing shorts at every dinner seating including formal nights. If you are interested in wearing a costume I say do it. I often wear a full pirate costume for the Pirate Night celebrations and receive a lot of great comments from guest and crew.

I guess what I'm really saying is that if you are a fan of Marvel don't worry so much about the cruise and just go. You only live once so you might as well enjoy it while you can.
 
I'm imagining a cruise will be like that trip in some ways...I had a lot of fun on the "excursions" I'd set up for myself, but dining was mildly awkward and I had a few moments of downtime where I felt out of place (though that wasn't helped by Yellowstone being a ghost town that time of year -- maybe it'll be easier to browse shops and hang out in lounges when I can disappear into a crowd). It was the times when I didn't have a planned activity that were harder.

My two cents...

I spent a lot of time alone on the ship, even though I traveled with 8 other people. Never felt awkward being alone. Lots of other people were too. Stood at the railing watching the Pirate Deck Show alone, etc. No problem.

You are right the Main Dining Room will be the most potential for awkwardness, but look at it this way, go the first night, see who they pair you up with, and if you like them, great, same group every night. If you don't hit it off, you can get a solo table at Cabanas every night, where it is still a sit-down dinner with a selection of entrees from each of the three dining rooms. Or if you have the money and the inclination, you can try a night at Palo or Remy.
 
I have not found the MDRs to be all that awkward (other than the solo dump table night 1 before I got changed to my own table - which I now request). It’s not like people are that focused on others - well, other than what they wear of course (sarcasm). I took my nook with me but really never felt the need to read at all.

And Palo is AMAZING solo!! Talk about being pampered!!
 
As far as sharing dinner with strangers well you could have great tablemates. Personally I had a bad experience once with my tablemates on my second Disney cruise and ever since then I had always requested and received my own table (I don't mind eating alone).

I have not found the MDRs to be all that awkward (other than the solo dump table night 1 before I got changed to my own table - which I now request). It’s not like people are that focused on others - well, other than what they wear of course (sarcasm). I took my nook with me but really never felt the need to read at all.

And Palo is AMAZING solo!! Talk about being pampered!!

So same question for both of you -- if you don't like your tablemates, is it easy to make a request to be moved to another table? It sounds like I'd be spinning the roulette wheel if I let DCL group me with other travelers, but it could be nice to have a regular set of people to chat with each evening. Or it could be a nightmare. Anchors Away makes a good point about escaping to Cabanas or one of the upscale dining rooms if it's just too much, but I'd like to experience each of the MDRs if I can, particularly on MDAS since it has the comic book menu and all.


My two cents...

I spent a lot of time alone on the ship, even though I traveled with 8 other people. Never felt awkward being alone. Lots of other people were too. Stood at the railing watching the Pirate Deck Show alone, etc. No problem.

You are right the Main Dining Room will be the most potential for awkwardness, but look at it this way, go the first night, see who they pair you up with, and if you like them, great, same group every night. If you don't hit it off, you can get a solo table at Cabanas every night, where it is still a sit-down dinner with a selection of entrees from each of the three dining rooms. Or if you have the money and the inclination, you can try a night at Palo or Remy.

I try to remind myself that outside of the MDRs, no one will probably notice I'm alone. People never noticed me in WDW unless I went out of my way to strike up a conversation, and when people do notice a solo I've found they tend to assume you're simply separated from your group. You make a fair point about the dining situation, too; the most awkward parts of the trip are avoidable if I end up not enjoying the MDR experience.
 
Honestly INSIDE the MDRs I don’t think anyone noticed. I didn’t look around to see if people were looking, but I never got that “being watched” feeling.

I did not have an issue changing (which I did night 3 as I had Palo night 2), but I did present it as “I realize I might have to change my dining rotation” and was super polite about it. I’d gone to Cabanas earlier thinking I would go there each night and try to get a Palo reservation the last night - or just do Deck food if necessary that night - but I discovered that the Cabanas menu was as if they looked in my brain and picked my least favorite things off each MDR menu. So I went to ask. They were able to move me to a table by myself that was not super close to the other table - but I had the same head server which was nice because I was able to convey it was not the service team. When I said that he laughed and said they had actually already discussed that they predicted I would either request a change or just not come back. The two guys got along famously - but they were both conservative and into finances and real estate; I’m very liberal and into Theatre and artsy stuff and pretty much allergic to numbers. Lol.

So basically it *should* be possible, especially if you have second seating - just present it as you understand if they need to change your rotation. If they have to do that, you might miss the rotational menu in one but unless it’s a 4 or 5 night cruise you should be able to hit each of them once even if they change your rotation.
 
Also, remember that Cabanas is not open the first or last night.
 
The ones I'm looking at are five nights, so it's possible I might miss a dining room if my rotation changes (that's part of the reason I've been leaning against a Palo or Remy reservation, too; I'd like to experience the regular MDRs on my first go if I can), but I think it may still be worth it to spin that wheel and see how it turns out. Good to know about the limitations of Cabanas, too. I can make that decision a little later, when I actually make the reservation.

Boss says it's possible to take the unpaid time; I'm just going to have to get my request in as early as possible and we'll verify that it doesn't create any conflicts (it shouldn't; January's not a particularly busy time for me). Looking like if I'm ready to get serious about this, I need to pick a cruise date and turn in that absence request, maybe even this week so I can hopefully have confirmation and be ready to book when we get back from Disneyland.

Edit to add: I'm surprised to see on the DCL site that some of the 5 night MDAS cruises have pirate night listed on the itinerary. I had assumed that Pirate Night was a specialty thing and MDAS would take the place of the pirate celebration. It's listed as taking place on the evening of the Cozumel port day; I'm curious as to whether I can expect that to be accurate (i.e. whether I'll be packing two costumes).
 
Last edited:
I think that's the crux of it, why I'm so uncertain. When I've traveled solo, it's been about the adventure -- about exploring a new place. The closest I've come to a trip that was focused on solo relaxation was a long winter weekend in Yellowstone years ago, when I took a wildlife coach tour (actually had a lot of other solos in the vehicle) and a dogsledding tour a few miles up the road at Chico. The dogsledding tour was mildly awkward because it was set up for people to take sleds in pairs (or two adults and a child), but then again being on the guides' sled meant I was on the lead sled and got to talk to the guides about their dogs all day. I'm imagining a cruise will be like that trip in some ways...I had a lot of fun on the "excursions" I'd set up for myself, but dining was mildly awkward and I had a few moments of downtime where I felt out of place (though that wasn't helped by Yellowstone being a ghost town that time of year -- maybe it'll be easier to browse shops and hang out in lounges when I can disappear into a crowd). It was the times when I didn't have a planned activity that were harder.
It was mainly the dining that was awkward. My son hates the MDR and was out of there as soon as I gave him the ok. Even when the four of us cruise together I spend a great deal of time on my own. We're not one of those families that wears matching shirts and does all the activities together. I rarely see my kids on a cruise. The only thing I hate is eating out alone. I've always been that way. My dh and I will spend a good hour or so in Cabanas eating and talking at lunch and a couple hours at dinner eating and drinking wine. I always consider meal time to be a social time. I was raised in a family that ate dinner together every night and I try to keep that tradition. The eating alone thing I hate, but that just me many people don't mind it.
 
Actually, a real question for everyone: How difficult is it to add a person to an existing reservation? In other words, if I book this as a solo cruise, is it going to be a headache to add a friend to my cabin later?
As I understand it, you'd be better off booking the friend up front and dropping them off later on (before PIF). This will lock them in at the current $$ rate rather then the potentially increased future rate.
 
So same question for both of you -- if you don't like your tablemates, is it easy to make a request to be moved to another table? It sounds like I'd be spinning the roulette wheel if I let DCL group me with other travelers, but it could be nice to have a regular set of people to chat with each evening. Or it could be a nightmare. Anchors Away makes a good point about escaping to Cabanas or one of the upscale dining rooms if it's just too much, but I'd like to experience each of the MDRs if I can, particularly on MDAS since it has the comic book menu and all.

It's very easy to request your own table. I usually tell my TA that I want my own table and the first day that you board the ship I visit the location identified for dining changes (check the daily navigator that they give you when you check in) just to confirm I have my own table.
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!







Top