Not everyone finds it easy to make new friends. Some people see a stranger as a friend they have not met yet. That’s me. It might not be you. The strategies vary depending on if you are a couple traveling together or a singleton; however, it is easy to make new friends, especially on sea days.
10 ways you can meet interesting people:
- Mealtime. When you head into the dining room, ask to be seated at a large table. Regardless of if it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will be walked over to a big table that will gradually be filled with other diners. If you meet people you like, get contact info or stick with them.
- Quizzes. Cruise ships have plenty of them, especially British ships. Teams form early in the voyage, yet there are always people sitting alone who would appreciate someone joining them for the next half hour.
- Singles gatherings. Cruise ships do this often. They often take place at cocktail time. It’s a place to show up and talk about what you have been doing for the day.
- Affinity groups. On various voyages we have seen gatherings for classic car enthusiasts, Rotary members, Bible study groups and military veterans. Pick the group that aligns with your interests and show up.
- Sit on a bar stool before dinner.The singles bar strategies that work on land work at sea too. Assume many people stop for a cocktail before dinner in one of the lounges. Order one yourself and see who sits down next to you.
- Show up at the buffet restaurant for lunch.You are standing in line waiting to order your burger or pasta. Maybe you are in line at the gluten free station. It’s easy to make conversation. This strategy works at breakfast too.
- Attend the unveilings at the jewelry shop.The shops onboard need to generate foot traffic. The art gallery might have a “champagne” reception. The jewelry store might do something similar. It should attract a small crowd.
- The next time you stand in line at the Purser’s Office. This might be called the hotel reception desk. People show up to ask for help accessing the Internet or breaking larger bills into smaller bills. There is always a line. Generally speaking, it moves slowly. This gives you time to talk with the person ahead of and behind you.
- Find a lounger by the pool. These are very popular. If you find an empty one, good for you! When the crowd is international, I would look for books and magazines with English language titles. This way you know the person on the next lounger speaks English.
- Pay for one of the onboard scheduled activities. This might be the behind the scenes tour of the ship or the ship or the kitchen tour. It might be the late night scotch tasting or the wine and food pairing. You are with a group of like-minded individuals. Starting a conversation is easy!
There are many ways to meet new people and make friends on a cruise ship. If you connect, you can see each other again. If not, you have plenty of other venues, places to try your luck!
cover photo Christmas market cookie friends, credit Bryce Sanders
Editor’s Notes:
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