How to Meet Singles on a Cruise

You booked a cruise vacation, and you're just chomping at the bit to get to the docking area. The next few days on board is a time to relax and take your mind off work or school and maybe have a shot at meeting a guy or girl on a cruise -- for the week.

Cruise Venues

Survey the landscape for potential singles during the embarkation. This is your first broad look at the passengers for your cruise, so it's not too early to start sizing up the potentials while waiting on line.

Attend the singles night. This is usually the first or second night of the cruise, and it takes place at the disco. Spot a single you'd like to get to know and strike up a conversation. Initial conversations are easier on cruises because it's not the typical bar scene. Everyone knows you're single, so there isn't anything to hide. Just have fun; it's a vacation.

Check out the pool scene. You can easily spot the singles; they are usually with family. Casually take a swim when your scope enters the pool and start up a conversation. Once you have a conversation going, ask your new friend to join you at the pool side bar for a drink. If you are under the drinking age -- no big deal -- find an activity, such as the water slide or wall climbing if the cruise offers these amenities -- basically anything to generate some fun together, which keeps the conversation flowing.

Hit the casino. The casino is the great alternative to the disco, even if there isn't any intention on playing the games. Everyone plays it cool here, so after the evening entertainment is over, head on over to this venue and hang for awhile.

Walk up to the deck party. Look out for the upper deck party at night (see your itinerary for the event time), which tends to be a fan favorite.

Exercise in the fitness room. The fitness center is an underrated cruise venue. It has a casual and intimate atmosphere due to the limited amount of people, so it lends itself to making easy conversation.

Stage II

You met someone worth your time through any of the cruise venues. Your half way to a new boyfriend or girlfriend for the week -- don't get cocky, just maintain the confidence.

Insider Tip for Guys -- By day four, your new lady friend may be getting bored because she's been confined to the ship for the last 96 hours. This means your work is double the norm in order to entertain her and keep her interested.

Insider Tip for Ladies -- When your new boyfriend smiles and keeps you company, give him some compliments and tell him he's a great guy. This bolters his confidence.

After the traditional "get to know you" conversations are out of the way and the flirting banter is done, it's time to maneuver into second gear. Here are 10 things you can do to keep things popping:

1. Obtain the cell phone digits for texting

2. Agree to meet at a cozy bar for a drink

3. Have dinner together -- many cruises offer specialized restaurants

4. Take walks on the deck (skip the Leonardo DiCaprio routine)

5. Explore the ship

6. Play bingo

7. Go dancing

8. Attend the late night entertainment

9. Eat late night pizza

10. Sign up for an excursion, such as a "booze cruise"