You don’t need to be part of a large group to enjoy a cruise. In fact, cruising can be a safe and enjoyable way to travel solo. However, if you’re an extrovert, you might be wondering what opportunities you'll have to meet other travelers while on board.
I've taken multiple solo cruises — from a short Bahamian getaway to a weeklong voyage to Alaska — and while I prefer traveling with my loved ones, I can attest that cruising alone gives you the chance to meet new people and form friendships that you might not otherwise encounter in your daily life.
Making friends on a cruise is easier than you think. However, you must be willing to put in the effort, whether that means attending an event you'd typically avoid or striking up a conversation with a stranger at the bar.
Here are 8 ways to embrace your social butterfly and meet people on a cruise ship.
Join your sailing's Facebook group
Most cruises have an unofficial Facebook group started by other guests, giving you a dedicated space to ask questions about the itinerary, ship, or even arrange activities like bar crawls or slot pulls.
These groups are a great way to break the ice and begin connecting with fellow guests before your sailing. While onboard, many passengers will continue to utilize the group to coordinate meet-ups, inquire about events, and share tips and experiences.
To find your group, all you have to do is search your ship name and sailing date. Here are a few examples:
- Utopia of the Seas May 4-8, 2026
- Ovation of the Seas July 17-24, 2026
- Star of the Seas Aug. 2-9, 2026
Request to sit at a large table during dinner
The Main Dining Room has tables for two, which are ideal for solo travelers who prefer to dine alone. However, there are also larger tables that can accommodate 6, 8, or even 10 passengers.
If you’d like to sit at a shared table, visit the maître d' on embarkation day. While shared tables aren’t guaranteed, you can make your request, and the crew will do their best to seat you with other passengers.
Another option for those who want more flexibility is My Time Dining. If you meet guests you’d like to dine with during your cruise, you can request the next available table during the dining room’s operating hours.
Book a specialty restaurant with a shared table
Two specialty restaurants — the Chef's Table and Izumi Hibachi — have shared tables that encourage conversation among guests. While the meals aren't included in your cruise fare, they could be worth the extra charge if you want a more interactive and social dining experience.
Even if you don't walk away with a new lifelong friend, the culinary experience is leagues above the standard fare in the dining room. At Izumi, for example, you can enjoy a lively Teppanyaki meal, complete with fried rice and your choice of protein prepared right in front of you!
The Chef's Table is the ultimate food experience on any Royal Caribbean ship. The six-course meal includes a wine pairing that's carefully selected to complement the savory appetizers, flaky fish, and decadent dessert.
Read more: Guide to Izumi Sushi and Hibachi restaurant
Visit Adventure Ocean
If you aren't sailing alone but are worried about your children getting bored or feeling "stuck" with mom and dad, encourage them to visit Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth program.
The age-specific activities are supervised by trained staff, so you can have peace of mind while enjoying some much-needed adult-only time.
After "graduating" from Adventure Ocean, pre-teens and teens can enjoy dedicated spaces just for them, including Social020, Social100, and the Living Room.
Finally, young adults shouldn't overlook the Hyperlink events, which target guests between the ages of 18 and 25. Activities range from trivia to "frat" games and nightclub meet-ups.
If they don't make a friend on the first visit, there are plenty of opportunities to try again. Just like in school, it is nearly impossible to make a solid connection in homeroom.
Start a conversation at the bar
People (myself included) tend to get chattier after a drink or two. While I might find myself feeling reserved, I'll typically begin warming up to new people halfway through a drink.
Royal Caribbean ships have the perfect bar for everyone, whether you like singing along to tunes at the pub or relaxing with a glass of wine at Vintages.
Starting a conversation can be as easy as asking someone what drink they ordered or bonding over a favorite song.
Join a trivia team
Trivia is a popular cruise ship activity and is offered multiple times throughout any sailing. Themes range from music to Harry Potter, geography, logos, and general knowledge.
Royal Caribbean’s activities team allows players to form teams, which is a great way to bridge gaps in knowledge among team members.
If you show up alone, try seeking out a smaller team to join. Even if you aren't confident in your knowledge, trivia competitions are an easy way to break the ice and introduce yourself to others.
Hang out in the Suite or Crown Lounge
Talking to cruisers in the Crown Lounge is a great way to meet like-minded travelers who also enjoy cruising. It's easy to strike up a conversation about your favorite ship, destination, or Cruise Director!
The more you visit, the more chances you’ll have to mingle with others. Consider stopping by in the morning to use the upgraded coffee machine, as well as at night for a cocktail before dinner.
The Suite Lounge has a similar vibe, though it's accessible by all guests staying in a suite, not just dedicated loyalty members with at least 80 cruise points.
Read more: Inside Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge: Perks, Access & What to Expect
Speak up during excursions
While there are plenty of chances to meet new guests on the ship, it's just as easy to connect with fellow passengers on shore excursions.
Since you'll be together for a few hours, whether on a bus during a panoramic sightseeing tour or on a boat for an afternoon snorkeling excursion, you have ample time to strike up a conversation about a shared experience. Perhaps you saw a sea turtle grazing on the ocean floor or enjoyed marveling at a historic landmark in Rome.
During a snorkeling tour in St. Thomas, my partner and I happened to sit next to two couples who had either resided or were currently living in North Carolina, just like we do!
