The link to the video version of this post is below:
As a solo cruiser, you’ll find many opportunities to talk to fellow cruisers, crew members, and residents of the places you visit. Here is a compilation of ideas about how to start a conversation – assuming you really want to:
- If you really want to talk to your fellow cruisers, try to get a big, fixed dining table for dinner. This way you’ll have the same people to talk to (or not) every day. Eventually you’ll find things in common to talk about, and maybe you’ll become friends – if that’s what you want.
- I have found cruisers to be a friendly lot. Go ahead and say hi to as many of them as you like. It doesn’t matter whether they’re alone, a couple, or in a big group. Some of them won’t want to talk for whatever reason, and that’s fine. Don’t blame yourself. Keep going until you find someone that will talk, and keep talking until one of you has to go somewhere else.
- If you haven’t booked your cruise yet, consider Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). They have a good supply of dedicated solo cabins on their newer ships, along with a dedicated solo lounge, a crew member dedicated to solo cruisers and their needs, reserved tables in the dining room, and reserved seats at the shows. This prepackaging of everything can make it easier to meet and talk to other solos and those who have your interests at heart.
- Talk to your cabin steward. You’ll see them a lot, and they’re used to crazy Americans and their gift of gab. It may be worth getting to know them.
- The above is also true of your waiters if you happen to be dining in the main dining room. They’re not just experts in what’s on the menu; they have lives outside the MDR. Maybe you’re interested in hearing about it, and/or they’re interested in telling you about it.
- Say hi to as many people around the ship and in port as you can. You’ll eventually find someone who wants to have a conversation with you.
- Concerts on music themed cruises are great places to start conversations (while in line or before the show – obviously don’t talk during the show). Clearly you both like the act enough to see them live, so start with something like, “I think (biggest hit) is their best song. What do you think?”
- Trivia sessions are good for finding people to talk to, especially if you’re fond of the theme. There can be opportunities for solos to join groups as a third/fifth wheel. You can also go talk to the winner(s) about the questions you missed.
- Go attend as many events as you can stand. Where there are people, there are opportunities for conversation, and can friendship be far away?
- If there are singles mixers available on your cruise, plan to attend them. I haven’t heard much good about them, but you never know…
- Perhaps you’re like me and sometimes say a lot without saying anything. One of my favorite T-shirts during the pandemic was one that said, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”. There was a double meaning there – it’s one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands, and it’s what we were all reminded to do during the pandemic. Sometimes people wanted to talk about this message with either of its meanings – great. And some people took the advice on my shirt to heart and stayed far away – and that’s fine too.
- Compliments are always appreciated. If you see someone with an interesting T-shirt (as I explained above), go ahead and say, “nice shirt”. Maybe they want to talk about it. If on formal night, or some other theme night, you see something that appeals to you, go ahead and mention it to them. There’s a good chance they put in an effort in order to be noticed. Give them the notice they wantBe careful about complimenting specific body parts unless you’re in serious flirt mode, but you probably know that.
I hope your attempts at conversation go well and you get what you want out of it!