Are cruises a good way to meet people?

Are cruises a good way to meet people? Hmm, that’s a tough one, isn’t it? I mean, I went on a cruise last year – a Mediterranean thing with my sister, actually, and I was shocked at how many people I met. I’d always pictured cruises as being, you know, couples on romantic getaways or families with screaming kids. And there were definitely those, but honestly? So many more opportunities to connect than I ever expected.

It’s not like a singles’ bar, obviously. Lots of people were there with partners, but the whole shared-experience thing is a HUGE leveler. You’re all doing the same stuff, eating the same food (sometimes surprisingly amazing food, I must say!), waiting in line for the same ridiculously slow elevators. It’s just…easier to start a conversation, you know? Like, I struck up a friendship with a woman from Canada – we bonded over the hilariously bad karaoke night, of all things! We’re still friends on Facebook, even.

And get this – I read somewhere that some cruise lines are really targeting solo travelers now, with special events and meet-ups and such. I didn’t personally experience that aspect, my sis and I were a pair, but it totally makes sense. They know people want that connection, the chance to make new friends on a trip. Plus, it helps them fill cabins, right? It’s a win-win, I guess.

So, would I recommend a cruise for meeting people? Yeah, probably! It’s not a guarantee, of course. You still gotta put yourself out there, make eye contact, say hello – you know, the whole social awkwardness dance. But the environment just… lends itself to it. It’s easier than trying to meet someone at, I don’t know, a grocery store. Much easier. I mean, who’s going to strike up a conversation about the price of avocados?