Where would I get unbiased information on cruise ships and their suitability for a single traveller? There are some horror stories out there. I presume readers here are well over fifty (correct me if I'm wrong) so you might know the ropes so to speak. I must say the thought of being trapped with hundreds of people I might not like is daunting but getting lost travelling on my own is even more frightening.

Shazza

I'm very distressed at being thought of as over fifty, I am sixty-seven and loving every minute. Can't say that either my wife or I would fancy a cruise, we are far too active and like to be in charge of our own entertainment and dining However, I do recognise being organised suits some people … rather like Butlins on water.

I rather think you will find your operators who run trips especially for single people like yourself Shazza. If they don't they should.

I will look around the web and see what I can find.

Thank you kindly Graham, that was exactly what I was looking for. I am still hoping that there is someone out  there who has actually been on a cruise and would have hands on info re the pros and cons.

I liked the idea of the 'singles' cruise the ad shows as being for a more eclectic age range. I like being with young people as some of the oldies can be a bit embarrassing when they try to act younger than they really are! One of my coach tours I found a bit OTT when it came to the apres ski evenings. Mutton dressed as lamb. lol

Anyway, thank you. I'll go to my local travel agent on Monday and see what they can offer however they won't give me the sort of personal info that I'm seeking. I'm not in the UK btw so I'll have to find something similar here.

This is a nice clean easy to read style of website, modern and unfussy. I'll explore it further when I have time.

Shazza

Ah yes, well I'm a long, long way from the UK. I'm Australian.

There was a big scandal here some years ago when a lady called Diane Trimble met her death in dreadful circumstances whilst on a P&O cruise. Being a woman I am nervous of being accosted by strange men. Call me a nervous Nellie if you like but I really would like to speak to a woman who has actually been on a cruise alone and has returned all in one piece. Ha Ha Ha.

Shazza, anyone who takes the ferry between the New Zealand North Island and the South Island takes their life in their hands, and worse still, there is no duty free available.

Don't be concerned over my age, I am continually being frustrated by supermarket checkout operators who want proof of my age before they will sell me wine or beer. It's really no fun having a pensioner's ways wrapped up in a teenager's body … or should that be the other way around?

I love Australia, my wife and I visit on average about four times a year, usually around the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Your country is so alive, so vibrant, so go ahead and so exciting. If we were a few years younger, we would move over the ditch, but now it's a little too late other than for holidays.

Goodness Gracious Me! HA HA HA.

Thank you Mr C I have found a cruise company that doesn't charge a single person excess fee. I'm still nervous though and until I get some feedback from an independant source I think I'll put the whole idea on hold.

I do have friends I could ask but I'd rather go it alone. This is all a bit too hard. I wanted to force myself to do something challenging but I don't think I'm ready for the challenge yet, after all that.

Thank you Mr M you're very funny. I like people who make me laugh!

Yes Oz has a lot going for it. It can appear rough and brash, rude even but there's a great deal of mateship across ages, cultures and nationalities. You have to accept that Aussies will say it as it as and there's not a skerrick of subtlety. What you see is what you get. It confused me at first but I'm used to it now.

Nice meeting you both, I'm not good at 'chatting' on forums so you might not see me too often.

Shazza

Hello Hazel.

No, I'm in Victoria.

I will try to pop in when I can. I need to feel my way a bit.

Shazza