Nancy Norris
Articles for Single Cruisers
 TrvlJrnlst@aol.com

A singles cruise guide to how and where to meet other singles onboard.

            Wouldn’t it be nice if the daily newsletter cruise lines deliver to our cabins had a classified section where one could post such ads? That was how I felt the first time I found myself traveling alone on a cruise. Now being a realist, I wasn’t looking for my soul mate, but a male companion to share a dance, a cocktail, or conversation didn’t seem like too much to hope for. On my quest to solve my dilemma, I have discovered there are ways to meet other solo travelers, short of wearing a sign around my neck.

            First, I have learned that “attitude” is the most important factor in meeting others. Be positive! Be upbeat! Be happy! I know I sound like a cheerleader, but everyone is on a cruise to have a good time and we naturally seek out others that heighten our cruise euphoria. Be approachable; Smile and be the first to say “Hi”; ask questions. Right now you may be thinking, ‘Easy for you to say’, but I am really not a natural extrovert. Through much practice I have overcome my initial anxieties and now have a “cruise persona” that takes over the minute I step aboard.

            Once you have armed yourself with the “proper attitude”, head for the open decks and begin to explore your options. Personally, I am not fond of the organized “singles party” that many cruise ships offer the first evening, but try it for yourself – it may be just the ice breaker you need. So, where do I go?

          One of my first and favorite spots is the hot tub. Confined space, captive audience, relaxed atmosphere – what more do you need?

          Next, lounge at the pool. Take some time to scope out the scene. Select a spot next to someone you find interesting, or position yourself close to the pool bar where there will be lots of traffic.

          Visit the Internet cafe or the library. Browse, plant yourself in a comfortable chair, people watch, ask for a reading recommendation. Computers at sea are notorious for having their problems. If you are computer savvy, offer assistance. If you are a neophyte, ask for help getting online, or checking your mail.  As a side note: I love the coffee shop/bookstore on the RCI Radiance. It is a perfect place to catch up on news, enjoy a good cup of coffee, browse for books, AND meet people.

          If you’re not the cerebral type, spend some time in the fitness center. The state of the art equipment aboard many of the cruise ships today is a magnet for health conscious, physically active individuals. Besides, an early morning workout is a great way to start the day! A few laps around the jogging track and who knows whom you might “run into”.

          Don’t leave the sports deck too soon. Sign up for group golf lessons. Even if golf is not your game, it is a great way to have some fun, meet others, and learn a new skill. I am still in contact with cruise friends I met trying to improve my golf swing.

          Head for the Sports Bar. I am a sports enthusiast, so this is a natural for me. But, even if you do not follow the sports scene as avidly as I do, don’t miss the opportunity to mix and mingle with potential companions. It is especially fortuitous if you happen to be cruising while playoffs or championship games are taking place.

          Speaking of bars, make yourself visible at “happy hours”. This seems to be the best time to connect with others in the lounges. It is also early enough in the day, that you might be able to line up a perfect dance partner for an evening at the disco, or at least scope out some possibilities.

          Take some time to try your luck in the casino. I am not a gambler, but dropping a few coins in a slot machine, playing a few hands of blackjack, tossing the dice at a craps table (take the gaming lessons offered onboard if this is all new to you) can payoff big time! Not only might you meet someone, but you also have the chance to win some money for your effort.

          Make friends with the entertainers and bartenders. If you are just looking for conversation and companionship, they can be great to hang with, and often become allies in your quest for unearthing other single cruisers.

          As for making friends with the cruise staff, don’t forget about the maitre’d. If anyone onboard knows who else is traveling solo, he’s your man! If you want to make sure you are sitting with other single passengers at dinner, let him know.

         Get involved! Participate! Go on shore excursions that require passenger interaction. Attend the dance classes or wine tasting events. Take those gaming or scuba lessons. Try something new!

          My final suggestion comes from an elderly woman I met on a cruise a few years ago. It is a tip I have not yet used myself, but it may just work for you. On the first day of a cruise, she posts a note in the game room: “Looking for a Scrabble mate, or bridge partner.  If interested in the position, please meet me ............” Then, based on the ship’s scheduled activities, she posts a time to meet, shortly before a game is scheduled, in the game room. This worked so well for her that she now cruises regularly with one of her male scrabble partners. If you try this, let me know how it worked! In fact, if you have found successful ways for meeting others that I have not mentioned, please e-mail me with your ideas. I would love to post an addendum to this article sharing readers’ techniques.

Happy sailing,

Nancy
TrvlJrnlst@aol.com