My first-ever solo cruise changed my life…
The Golden Girls of cruising.
Upon reserving her first-ever solo cruise, Debbie, 59, was nervous.
She was contemporary off a breakup and prepared for a change — but feared a journey by herself would have the other impact and finally make her really feel lonely.
“From the moment I booked the cruise to the moment I stepped on the ship, I was on edge,” the UK resident told Jam Press. “Everyone was telling me I’d meet people and make friends, but I was so nervous.”
“I was worried about what I’d do if something went wrong and I was on my own – who would I talk to?”
A courageous choice to ebook a solo journey changed three ladies’s lives. Photo Gallery – stock.adobe.com
It wasn’t until she met two other cruisers in the same boat as her, no pun meant, that she realized this journey was going to change her life.
While boarding one of the cruise’s switch buses, the 59-year-old met Cath, a 66-year-old widow from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, who was determined to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband and son.
“When I met Cath, we hit it off straight away,” Debbie explained to Jam Press. “Neither of us knew what we were doing — it was the blind leading the blind, but we were so relieved when we met each other.”
“The bus was full and there were only two seats,” Cath chimed in. “Debbie sat next to me and that was it – our friendship was made.”
The trio, Debbie (L), Donna (C), and Cat (R) dwelling their best lives on their cruise. Jam Press/Marella Cruises
That solo cruising bond only additional grew when the duo met Donna, 58, another solo cruiser who had booked the journey after her kids moved out, leaving her with no on else to trip with.
“I overheard Debbie at reception asking about booking up for the solo meet-up, so I shouted, ‘I’m here on my own too’, and that was it,” the Hastings, England resident told Jam Press.
From that level onwards, we just caught together like glue. “We’ve got the same sense of humour. “We call ourselves the Witches of Eastwick because we’re always cackling,” Donna added.
Donna (L), Cat (C) and Debbie (R) on one of their cruise excursions. Jam Press/Marella Cruises
After making unforgettable recollections together, the trio exchanged numbers to keep in contact.
“We can go months without speaking but then we’ll get on the phone and an hour later we’re still laughing. We pick up exactly where we left off,” Donna identified.
And not only did Donna discover two new BFFs on her “Eat, Pray, Love”-esque trip, but she also discovered love.
“I wasn’t looking for anything but I met someone, another solo traveller, and we just clicked,” she said of her and her man, Alan, 61, who she’s already been on two cruises with.
And of course, Donna’s new beau acquired her besties’ stamp of approval: “Cath and Debbie approve. You never know what could happen, so take the leap!”
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