Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with an entire family, meeting new people is one of the major advantages of taking a cruise. Unlike other forms of transportation, you actually have time to spend with fellow passengers on a cruise ship. The very nature of these trips creates a social atmosphere where people talk to each other, mingle, and even develop lasting relationships. In order to make the most out of your experience at sea, remember these tips for meeting people when on a cruise.
Be social.
Everything about a cruise is conducive to meeting new people. There are hundreds of passengers onboard the same ship, traveling to beautiful destinations, enjoying fun activities, and looking to have a great time. But you still need to get out of your comfort zone and be sociable in order to make new friends. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with random strangers, ask to join in on a game, or invite some passengers to hang out. You might get turned down a few times, but it’s the only way you’ll have a chance of meeting some really great people.
Engage in some friendly competition.
Cruise ships are overflowing with games and fun activities. If you’re a single traveler in need of a partner or a couple searching for some competition, don’t be afraid to ask fellow passengers to join in. Everyone loves some friendly competition, and there’s no better way to break the ice with strangers. If you don’t feel comfortable asking just one person, then include an entire group. After the game, you could even suggest grabbing some food or drinks to cool off.
Take a tour while in port.
The sheer amount of people on any given cruise can make meeting someone feel impossible. If you’re more comfortable mingling in smaller groups, take advantage of tours at ports of call. All cruise lines host activities onshore to get people off the ship and into the local culture. You could go on a sight-seeing tour, indulge in some local delicacies, or partake in a cooking class all while meeting fellow cruisers. Just be sure to sign up for the tours before they fill up.
Participate in classic cruise activities.
Cruise providers encourage passengers to interact with each other in order to create a friendlier and cohesive atmosphere. Many cruise lines host fun competitions, quirky activities, and other events to get people out of their cabin and intermingling. Whether you show off your moves in a dance-off, try your luck at bingo, embrace your inner surfer on the simulator, or belt one out at the piano bar, you’re bound to meet like-minded people who are there to have a great time. So check your cruise’s schedule to see what kind of special activities are being hosted.
Have a drink at the bars.
It might sound tacky and all too predictable, but bars are an excellent place to meet people while you’re on a cruise. Everyone’s already there to have a good time anyway, so all you have to do is join in on the fun. You can kiss the nerves goodbye since any social awkwardness is easily extinguished with a few drinks. Check your cruise’s itinerary to see if there are any special events such as trivia or game night at the bars. These special events make it even easier to meet other passengers.
Let loose and have fun.
Spending your entire vacation looking for friends onboard is a surefire way to ruin the trip. Although meeting awesome people can really enhance a cruise, you want to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. Don’t forget to let loose, have fun, and enjoy your time at sea – that’s what it’s all about. After all, fellow cruisers will be more willing to hang around with someone who’s already enjoying themselves. In other words, let the party come to you!
It’s time to put those excuses to rest and finally plan that dream cruise you’ve always talked about. Head on over to CI Azumano Travel to get in touch with some of the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable travel planners. With decades of combined experience and leading expertise, the Cl Azumano Team can customize the perfect cruise trip to meet your expectations. For the moments you want, only work with the experts that know.