In my opinion, everyone should take ocean cruises. This is a great way to make new friends. One simple reason is all the passengers are in a good mood because you are all on vacation. It is usually happening in sunny weather. You see new ports every couple of days. What’s not to like?
Let us consider eight ways you can put yourself alongside people with the potential to be new friends. You might find there is a “dud” every so often, but you should have many more successes than disappointments.
- Ask to be seated at a large table in the dining room. This might be assigned seating for the entire voyage or freedom dining every night. You will meet people you have not seen before and chat with them through your four course dinner. You can decide if you want to go out for drinks afterwards.
- Play team trivia. This is my favorite activity. It’s a great leveler. Everyone knows something but no one knows everything. Some teams stay together for the voyage. Others form and reform on a daily basis. This is a very casual environment.
- Try dining at a table for two. You might do this in a specialty restaurant. Tables for two are often arranged in rows. The six inch spacing between tables is small enough to lean over and give a greeting, but wide enough to signal you prefer your privacy. It’s a change of scenery if you are dining at a large table most evenings.
- Book seats at the wine and food pairing luncheon. Wine is a convivial beverage. You sip and taste. You share thoughts with each other. You turn to the person on your left and ask their thoughts. Wine reduces inhibitions too.
- Join a shore excursion. Everyone shares a common interest – The desire to check out the latest port. Although seats on the bus tour tend to be static, walking around each site gives the opportunity to talk with new people. This can be fun.
- Visit a cocktail lounge before dinner. You might say “I’m not into the bar scene.” You don’t need to be! Seating will be in such high demand, you will grab an empty seat the moment one opens up. You are seated so close together “it would be rude” not to talk!
- Stand in line at the Purser’s office. There is always a need to stop by. There is always a line. It moves slowly. It is pretty easy to chat with the person ahead or behind. They might have the same issue as you do.
- Find an affinity group. Most ships have an active singles program. Service clubs have meetings onboard. There are sometimes religious services. Regardless of the group you choose, you will have something in common. These groups can be fun!
It is easier than you might imagine making new friends. Speaking for my wife and myself, some of these friendships have lasted almost twenty years!
cover photo Christmas markets cookies Bryce Sanders
Editor’s Notes:
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