So, how did your cruise work out?

[Elliott]

Returned from a Transatlantic cruise on the RCI Jewel May 2012. Had a grand trip to Europe with a cabin mate that I found on Cruisemates. Would not have been able to afford this cruise if I did not have a cabin mate...

[aerospace]

Just got back from 30days(Panama canal and then Alaska) with the same roomie.

#1 Tip, find out if they snore even if your a sound sleeper! Dude was somewhere between a bear and a jetplane, and then gasped as if dieing. I don't snore so it didn't occur to me to ask, information that you should share if you know though!

Although I could have afforded it alone I probably would have only done the alaska portion solo. Would never cruise with this person again but I don't regret it. Fantastic trip, just ignored each other for the most part.

Will my next trip be solo? Probably, though if cost was a big issue I'd consider it. Just do some due diligence and ask questions beforehand. Worst case scenario there are 1999 other people to make friends with.

Happy sailing!

[ljjones]

Interesting info: Most people snore sometimes (obviously some much worse than others) including women, esp post menopause.

SO, I always suggest that for "those" nights when the other person is snoring, bring Earplugs...generally work great (also read that those nose strips help the snorer). Anyone w/ experience with these? (I can vouch that earplugs work - get the good ones though).

[snorklr45]

I had a husband for 17 years who snored loud enough to rattle the walls at night (not exaggerating). I got used to it so a snorer would not bother me. Guess I'm lucky. But for those less fortunate, I would highly recommend breathe right strips. If that isn't good enough..Silicone ear plugs baby!!

[misterjp]

I just found the site and was checking out some threads and thought I would throw in my .02..

Rather than the whole talk on the phone thing, just use facebook chat with video. Don't wanna be facebook friends ? Use Skype. I think it would help you get more comfortable with someone you'll be spending a week or so with.

Just a thought.

JP

[Trip]

Misterjp....welcome to Cruisemates! That's a great idea for savvy computer users...Rather than just relying on emails, you can get a better sense of the person, face to face. Getting everything on the table,and seeing how the other person reacts to questions, & comments could be a make it, or break it moment.

[cruisejunkie2]

I am curious if anyone here found a cabin mate to share a cruise with that was a member of the opposite sex? A lot of nice people on this board but how comfortable is it sharing a cabin with someone you don't really know that is opposite sex?

I have had roommates that were male (I am female) and sharing a home was no problem, but a 265 sq. ft. cabin is another story. Been on 9 cruises so I know I love them and yes, I do spend time in the cabin. I am debating on whether I could be comfortable with a male that I don't really know. 7 Day cruises are easy, but how about a longer cruise?? 30 nights? that is a long time to be sharing a cabin with someone you didn't know.

So how about it folks? let's hear from you!

[gbrad]

Out of 25 cruises (in 6 years, yes, that many per year), mostly on Carnival, I've had 12 different roomies, all but 3 have been repeat cabinmates

I have been physically intimate with 3 of my cabinmates (oh don't get all huffed and bow up on me, you're all thinking it)
, one was my wife (married at the time, first and only cruise with her), one my intended, (apparently "un" intended) and another simply because we both wanted to (and "could")
We parted friends, and have stayed that way
Doing the math? 2 of the latter were of the former

Why is this?
Mostly, because I'm polite, informed, intelligent, an excellent conversationalist, easy to look at, experienced, and quite witty (I enjoy making folks laugh)
You can take a break and "barf" now

I'm not conceited, nor arrogant, and of course have little worry about most of the folks that will read this (while many of you have been correcting grammatical errors/posting concerns about being thrown overboard/mega decibel snoring/ etc...
"I" have been on 4 cruises "this" year, another in Sept, and 4 booked for next year!

The "I would never share a cabin with someone I don't know" type:
they usually fall into two category's :
1. really beautiful people, totally faithful, probably Catholic, perhaps bi polar, quite possibly in ineffective therapy

B. Insecure, selfish, low self esteem.
Living vicariously through online posts

Come on people!
Get out there and take a walk!
Seriously, when is the last time you really "actually" heard of a bad thing happening to someone whom answered a cruise mate post?

Gals: lighten the F up! Yes, you have "ONE" of the treasures, just like every other gal on the planet (yours isn't better by the way, although you might be)

Guys: Respect the gals, just because they post on this site, doesn't mean "it's" available to the highest bidder
And gals, yes, you are all beautiful, ask your girlfriends, they will concur

Thankfully, I just really like to cruise, and there are "few" that cruise as much as I do, so no arguments from the "casual" cruiser, dig?

A very frustrating site this is!
I get many responses that echo "I don't think I'm up to your standards"
?? Wow, you can't breathe? Talk?

"I'm not that active" ?
Meaning? What? You can't get out of bed without help? (not interested if I have to pay full fare)

Fun people have already quit reading this
YOU should try being FUN (your life doesn't have to suck)

[Elliott]

Originally Posted by Trip

We have a great community of people looking for Cruisemates, and, over the years it has gotten to be quite a popular to find companions.

I was wondering how you fared if you made a connection here, and, also, if you might share some tips you learned along the way, to make new posters aware of the process...thanks

In May, 2012 did a Transatlantic cruise with cabin mate from Cruisemates. Just got back from a two week Alaskan cruise in August, 2012 with a Cruisemates mutual friend. Both good trips, could not have afforded the cruises with out a cabin mate... Cheers, Elliott

[Dimmie]

Last January, my intended cruise partner had to work at the last minute and cancelled only 4 weeks before our sail date. I connected with a great guy to share the expenses with, not expecting anything more than a way to save some money. To my surprise, we really got along and spent quite a bit of time hanging out... strictly as friends. We both agreed that we would cruise together again if the opportunity ever presented itself. Some people we met on the cruise remarked how "brave" we were to try this, but my answer was, "it's a cruise! What's he going to do... rape me and swim home?"
... take a chance! You might really enjoy yourself!

I think the key is to exchange phone numbers and at least talk on the phone a few times to make sure you feel comfortable with each other. It was a great experience, though, and i'm currently advertising for another cruise mate for another cruise.

Dimmie

[Dannyboy]

Originally Posted by aerospace

Just got back from 30days(Panama canal and then Alaska) with the same roomie.

#1 Tip, find out if they snore even if your a sound sleeper! Dude was somewhere between a bear and a jetplane, and then gasped as if dieing. I don't snore so it didn't occur to me to ask, information that you should share if you know though!

Although I could have afforded it alone I probably would have only done the alaska portion solo. Would never cruise with this person again but I don't regret it. Fantastic trip, just ignored each other for the most part.

Will my next trip be solo? Probably, though if cost was a big issue I'd consider it. Just do some due diligence and ask questions beforehand. Worst case scenario there are 1999 other people to make friends with.

Happy sailing!

Your cabin mate concealed the offensive condition that directly affected your entire cruise.

This was deliberate and outright dishonest in every aspect of a share basis.

Cruise mates should have a questionnaire for each person to complete in order to post on this section.

Let the Cruise mates and publisher design a questionnaire.

The subjects are countless:
Smokers, existing diseases, prescription drug no prescription drug users, identifying a casual drinker from drunks, snorers, night owls, morning people, foodies, chewing tobacco so on.

General rules can include:
Identify what is aggressive behavior, disrespectful actions, respect of religious views and conduct with practice, political preference and identifying a debate from an argument.

The questionnaire should address all physical and mental disabilities including and not limited to medical conditions and mobility.

Maybe you might think twice before taking on a cabin mate.
Are you really saving money or spending money to be trapped in a cabin with somebody you are miserable with.

[bonnyprincecharlie]

Your comments are right on concerning cruisemates and prequalifying them. The preparation of a list of qualities is a good ideabut unfortunately not all people are honest. I also think that lists can be limited in effectiveness at getting the truth. Commiting to a cruise with a cruisemate is like getting married; it is an act of faith and hope. However, instead of a lifetime you are making a commitment of only a week or two or whatever the cruise length is. This can be like Hell though if you have the wrong cruisemate.

[ednotmilkman]

I agree about bringing the "good" earplugs. These are the soft ones that don't hurt your ears. And to make them even better roll them tight between your fingers, stuff them in as far as you possibly can, then make sure you have a small pair of needle nose pliers to pull them out in the morning if the string attached to them breaks ! Hopefully your room mate will not wear earplugs so they can wake you if the fire alarm goes off. Another smart thing to bring is a little headlamp if you have to get up for "nature calls" in the middle of the night without bothering your mate by turning on any lights in the room.

I'm not looking to cruise right now, so you have not heard much from me, but I'm still dreaming of the Pride of America cruise around HI with several extra days on land before or after.

Edwin

[aspengal]

Not a cabin share as CruCon on this sail had singles rates only $75 more than doubles, including full cabin OBC. 7 or 8 of us, all solos, combined our dining reservations( thanks to CasinoJoan), and had a great time. Thanks to Cruisemates for this opportunity.

[JoeinBalto]

Being new here thank you for the post and everyone who responded with advice and stories. It was good to see that there were no cruise from hell responses. Look forward to making new friends and many more years of happy cruising. Still learning to navigate the site and figure it out

[gbrad]

The first on my back to back on the Dream:
We met the very first time the night before we set sail
Although we have different cruising styles, we managed quite well, and I hope that she posts here to let everyone know that I didn't rob her, rape her, or kill her (because that happens almost all the time)

The second leg joined me on board after having met for a few hours before, and we talked on the phone a good bit
We actually did a good many things together, ate together, and had a overall very good cruise (she wants to go on the Princess Feb 23rd if she can get the time off)

And, to those wondering, no, no we didn't

[Sistersolo]

Just got back from my fourth cruise with a "stranger" from Cruisemates. This time we had e-mailed several times back and forth and spoke once on the phone, but met at the hotel we'd booked for the night before the cruise. (It was LA to Hawaii and back, and we both needed to fly across the country to get there, her from Tenn. and me from NH.) Anyhow, aside from being about the same age and both having husbands who don't like sea days, we had virtually nothing in common but it didn't matter. We got along OK, and had dinner in the MDR most nights along with 2 couples. Other than that we each did our own thing. So, while I doubt we'd ever choose to cruise together again, I certainly have no regrets about having done it this time.

[aroundTheworld]

Originally Posted by aerospace

Just got back from 30days(Panama canal and then Alaska) with the same roomie.

#1 Tip, find out if they snore even if your a sound sleeper! Dude was somewhere between a bear and a jetplane, and then gasped as if dieing. I don't snore so it didn't occur to me to ask, information that you should share if you know though!

Although I could have afforded it alone I probably would have only done the alaska portion solo. Would never cruise with this person again but I don't regret it. Fantastic trip, just ignored each other for the most part.

Will my next trip be solo? Probably, though if cost was a big issue I'd consider it. Just do some due diligence and ask questions beforehand. Worst case scenario there are 1999 other people to make friends with.

Happy sailing!

aerospace, u failed to mention your behavior on the b2b2b 30 day cruise with your cabin mate, you were unfriendly, disrespectful of their space(hung your dirty underwear, socks and other clothing in the shower stall's entrance) and most importantly, you were uncommunicative thru-out the whole trip and now your only complaint of me = he snores (which is from sleep apnea)! first off, I did not hide the fact nor did not deceive you about my behavi

I too, would be glad to file a questionaire for seeking cabinmates....

I stand by my remarks! Jim

[Paul Motter]

Anyone who snores should definitely mention it before the cruise regardless of the reason why (what difference does that make?)

Do you make it clear that you expect people to be communicative, as in sharing meals, etc? Do you discuss dividing up the bathroom spaces?
I certainly would.

It seems to me that if you were "clear" about everything before hand you wouldn't have any complaints.

[ednotmilkman]

Reporting in again after a 7 night cruise on RC Brilliance from Puerto Rico. This was with "hytenjr" who I met in San Juan two nights before the cruise. We talked on the phone about 3 or 4 times after we found out through cruisemates that we wanted to share the room. He had worked in P.R. 15 or so years ago so wanted to go back and see some people before the cruise. We got along great including haveing dinner every night in the MDR (main dining room) with 3 other couples, one older married, one young and aughta be married, plus 2 girlfriends about my age.

I got sick with a bad sinus infection the 2nd morning of the cruise, so I didn't even get off the ship for 3 of the 4 remaining ports, but still made it to the MDR for at least an hour even if I only ordered a couple of courses. It was still a successful trip when you consider I read 3 books while staying in the cabin 20 hours on some days ! And now I have an excuse to go back sooner.

If you didn't mind college dorms back when you had to share the bathroom, or have no problem with hostels like that today, the main thing about deciding to take a chance and go with a new person is, can they talk to you easy enough on the phone, and of course you need to be open the same way, so there will be no suprises and unrealistic expectations on board.

As an old hand at this, I EXPECT and will not complain when other person snores, and likewise I EXPECT and will not complain about any woman taking 2/3 of the space in both the closets and the bathroom. I may tease you about it is all. My only problem among all my cabinmates was one who complained to me after several days that I just didn't seem to be enjoying his company ?? Well, what could I say to that...... I didn't because he was too quiet and rather inactive on board and in ports. I just went my own way alone while he worried about what was wrong with me?

[lorsin]

I also tried for a cabin share, this was put into over 60's ladies, which was fair enough, but I had trouble finding it to see if I had any replies, by the time I did find it, a friend of my daughters, had mentioned it to her mum, who is now a good friend and my cabin mate, so I went back on site to say I had a cabin mate, as I felt I should not leave the message out there to confuse people. But a dedicated area for this, then sub sections, eg, male; female: age; etc, would make thing a lot easier. Perhaps new post for cabin share, cleared every 4 months or so?

[gbrad]

Just returned from the Breeze, back to back

Had a new cabin mate for the first leg and a return cabin mate for the 2nd leg
Both were fabulous, as was the ship, the Breeze is my new fave ship

Again, no robberies, rapes, or killings, maybe it doesn't happen all the time?
This is getting easier

[Paul Motter]

We appreciate the feedback - I will give a try to going in and cleaning out old posts - the problem is that this area is NOT the reason CruiseMates exists, in fact we were not even sure we wanted to have a place where people could seek roommates, due to the possible liabilities - therefore, we decided just to put the board up and let it run on its own, without much intervention .

I understand YOUR perspective, but the truth is that the people who come in here seeking roommates are not a "target market" for us. Maybe if some of you spread out and visited other areas of the site and got more involved with the rest of the community it would help us care more about this area.

[CruisingTime]

I've given a lot of thought as to whether or not to post this response, I intend it to be helpful to others plan cruising with "unknown" roommates.

It is very important to know what is important to you in a cruise and make sure that your potential roommate and you are on the same page. Some things are obvious, heavy/light drinkers, early/late risers, relaxation/active etc.
If you're a lady and don't want your room mate to bring strange men to your room before you ever even leave the port it would be wise to set ground rules. If you don't want practical jokes played on you by strange men in your room with the blessing of your roommate, it's best to set ground rules that you are both comfortable with. I didn't want to ruin her cruise by being a "prude" but I sure as heck wasn't going to ruin my cruise by rooming with someone that appeared to be solely on a man hunting mission. I packed my bag and got right back off the ship before the ship departed, lost my cruise fare but kept my inner peace.
I have since booked 3 short cruises as a solo and 1 with my DH for the rest of 2013. For 2014 I'll consider room mates once again but will be much more careful in the future. Admittedly there wasn't a lot of thought that went into the process for my failed cruise this year, a cruise is a cruise..... right? Just going to be a lot more careful and smarter about cabin mate choice in the future.

[SailBelle]

Recently returned from a 5-day Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Triumph with a cabin mate I found on CruiseMate, and had a fantastic time! In fact, it went so well we're thinking of taking another cruise together--next time, to the Mediterranean

[gbrad]

Once more on the Breeze, a back to back with a gal I'd met online a couple years ago, and then met her in person (briefly) on a cruise this spring.
We met at the hotel in Miami, chatted a bit, slept, and got ready for the cruise in the morning
Onboard quickly (I'm Platinum), cabin ready quickly
Met some friends right off and spent a good share of time as part of a new "group"

We ate most if not all evening meals together, attended some functions together, spent some time in the piano bar, but for the most part, it was like cruising with a relative (one you like), we were pretty independent
Although our cruising personalities are different, we got along very well in my opinion
Granted, we are both very experienced travelers and I think that may have contributed to the success of our sharing, as it's often a matter of tolerance

She seldom drank alcohol and most often was in the room when I came in at night, and I don't think I ever woke her coming in
Would cruise with Aviva again without thinking twice

And for those whom care, "no, we didn't..."

[Paul Motter]

Thanks Gbrad - I see you have a lot of success stories - which says as much about you as it says about your roommates.

I have seen people in here who just can't seem to find anybody to take a cruise with - and it is always the other person's fault.

[YvetteChica]

I'm a mature female who started actively looking for cabin mate last week this past August for Carnival cruise out of NYC (my hometown). Caught ad by first-time F cruiser, also NYC resident. She was much younger than myself. But I emailed her anyhow. Things moved pretty fast as I was eyeing an Oct. 8 cruise. After two emails, we chatted on phone coupla times. Few days later, we met at Barnes & Noble, where we sealed the deal for Oct. 8 Carnival Splendor sailing. She was thrilled that she too would benefit from my past-guest discounted fare. It turned out to be a glorious cruise! Though younger, our high energy levels were totally in sync. She fit my very specific parameters which I outlined in my email reply to her ad (i.e. non-snorer, non-smoker, social drinker, independent, upbeat, clean & respectful). I pride myself (as former journalist) in being a quick study of character. And I wasn't wrong. She was everything a cabin buddy should be. We did all our excursions together. It was fun showing a "newbie" cruiser the ropes around the ship. After a few days, she let loose and went on her own exploring. Met for dinner, show, comedy clubs afterwards. I think it's important to trust your instincts, whether on phone or in-person. Be upfront (before signing up for cruise) as to what your deal-breakers are (for me, No. 1 dealbreaker was "non-snoring, non-smoking" factors). It worked out well that she too lives in NYC like me (so, for example, she shared the same dry ironic sense of humor a la Saturday Night Live). We laughed up a storm. Humor is important to have on a cruise, as stuff happens, and laughter can save the day. I am very happy to have met my cabin mate on this site. It's my first time, and I'm already looking for next March/April.

[EvaAnders]

I have found a companion from match.com. We went for a river cruise trip with blountadventures to Caribbean islands. It was my first trip but he have gone with some friends whom he found form cruise mate.