Who doesn’t have a secret dream about meeting their soulmate on vacation?
Let’s face it, lots of people go on vacation hoping for a little romantic action. Some even believe the Las Vegas motto: what happens on the ship, stays on the ship.
Unless you’re on a cruise specifically themed for singles, making a love connection will take a some work on your part.
Here are a few ways to meet people on a cruise.
Double occupancy
Singles who cruise often have to bring a friend to share the room to keep the fare low. Otherwise, they pay double rates to have a cabin to themselves.
Despite the fact most people on the cruise have partners, you can also find groups that cruise with people who are single.
Next, when you meet someone, ask where they’re from, if they’re here with family or spouses.
Finally, if you enjoy talking — great! Maybe you made a new friend. If you’re just looking for some romance, thank them for talking and move on to another person who looks interesting.
Singles gatherings
Additionally, ships schedule daily solo and singles events like meet and greets. Singles meet up and share a drink or meal and get to know each other.
Not to mention it’s a great way to make new friends, you could meet your next roommate to share a cabin with on your next trip.
By the same token, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a connection with someone else.
All in all, singles events bring a bunch of eligible people together in one place at the same time.
On board events
Fortunately, there’s tons of stuff to do on board cruise ships.
All you need to do is turn up at events and just have a friendly chat with another passenger.
In other words, give them a compliment, talk about the great weather, ask where they’re from, or say where you’re from.
Likewise, you can keep it simple. Just say “hi” and introduce yourself.
Excursions
If you participate in an excursion where you are able to chat with the other guests, you may find someone who shares a similar interest or hobby, like cooking or SCUBA diving.
In addition, taking a tour gives you an opportunity to get to know the other participants over a few hours.
Then again, you may meet other people you can get together with again back on the ship, or perhaps someone from another ship.
Singles cruises
Singles cruises are also a fantastic way to meet other singles.
Fortunately, some travel agencies host singles cruises several times each year. They arrange several daily events on board, group meals and excursions as a group to help singles meet and mingle.
In addition, some singles cruise focus on a specific age group. Consequently, it’s easier to meet someone your own age.
Solo cruisers can pay extra for a single cabin, or get matched with a roommate to get the lower double occupancy rate.
In fact, one woman found she wasn’t single for long on her singles cruise.
Crew members are off limits
Ever notice that the cabin door is always wedged open while the cabin attendant is inside? Crew members are required to keep doors open when cleaning rooms.
Indeed as cool as they are, crew can’t hang out with you. The cruise line strictly forbids crew members fraternizing with guests.
Unfortunately, there are grave consequences. If an employee is caught hooking up with a guest, the behavior voids their contract.
As a result, security removes them from the ship immediately and left at the next port without fare home.
Ultimately, most crew members won’t risk losing their job to hook up. (Never mind that they hook up with each other. That’s mostly overlooked.)
Safety
Stay safe while getting to know new people. Simply stay in public areas if you’re not sure of them yet.
Equally important, be careful not to give out too much personal information at first. Your new friend might be genuine, or might be scamming.
Most of all, be respectful of other people’s wishes.
Of course, if they don’t seem interested in talking, or tell you “no” or “not interested” just move on. Even if you got a “yes” before, ask for consent before hugging, kissing, touching or engaging in sexual activity.
Unfortunately, inappropriate behavior shouldn’t have to be addressed. But it still happens a lot. No means no, simple as that.
Above all, if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or behaves inappropriately, contact security immediately.
And condoms. Bring them. Use them.
