10 Super Easy Ways To Start A Conversation On A Cruise

Thinking of ways to start a conversation on a cruise can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Cruises offer a unique opportunity to meet diverse people from all over the world, making your trip more enriching and memorable. Here are some creative and effective conversation starters to help you connect with fellow passengers and make new friends on your voyage.

If you need some additional guidance on developing your social skills, here are some Practical Strategies to Help Achieve Social Skills Goals.

1. Ask About Their Cruise Experience

A great icebreaker is to ask, “Is this your first cruise, or have you cruised before?” This question is an excellent way to gauge their interest and experience in cruising. It opens the door for them to share their stories or valuable tips. Be sure to follow up with your own experience, this provides the back and forth to make starting a conversation less awkward. Conversations about cruising experiences often lead to animated discussions about favorite destinations and memorable moments.

2. Comment on the Ship or Weather

Talking about the beautiful ocean view from deck 14 or how you are happy to be in the sunny weather is a natural way to start a conversation. You might say, “Have you seen the view from deck 14?” or “It’s snowing where I'm from so I love this sunshine!” These comments are relatable and can easily lead to more in-depth discussions about the trip.

3. Start A Conversation About Onboard Activities

Cruises are packed with activities. A simple “Have you tried the rock climbing wall yet?” or “I heard there's a wine tasting event tonight; are you going?” can be a great way to find common interests. Activities on board are designed to bring people together, making them perfect conversation topics.

4. Share Travel Tips to Start a Conversation on a Cruise Ship

Sharing travel advice or asking for recommendations can spark a meaningful exchange. You might ask, “Do you have any tips for visiting the next port?” or “Did you know that you can meet the captain tonight?” Conversations about destinations can reveal hidden gems and enrich your travel experience.

5. Talk About Dining Experiences and Drinks

Food is a universal subject that everyone enjoys discussing. You can start with, “What do you think of the buffet?” or “Have you tried the Italian restaurant on deck 5?” Such questions can lead to conversations about favorite dishes and culinary experiences on board.

Drinks are also a great way to open up conversations. If you see someone with a vibrant colored drink, ask, “What is the name of your drink? It looks delicious!” or ask what bar or bartender they got the drink from. Many times cruisers have tips about their favorite drinks, bars, and bar tenders!

6. Compliment Their Outfit or Accessories

A simple compliment can go a long way. “I love your sunglasses, where did you get them?” or “That is a great cruise t-shirt!” Complimenting someone's style is a friendly gesture that can break the ice and lead to a pleasant conversation and many times people make t-shirts for their cruise, so taking the time to notice their t-shirt is a great way to break the ice.

7. Ask About The Itinerary

Finding out what someone is going to do at the next port or what shore excursion they did yesterday can be an excellent way to connect. Try asking, “What are you doing at St. Lucia?” or “Are you going on a shore excursion in Nassau?” This can uncover common ground and provide a foundation for an engaging conversation. This also can lead to invitations to join group activities or share a taxi ride.

8. Mention the Entertainment

Cruise ships often feature fantastic shows and performances. You can ask, “Did you catch the comedian last night?” or “What did you think of the band at the pool?” Discussing entertainment is an easy and enjoyable way to keep the conversation flowing.

9. Engage in Trivia and Games

Joining trivia games or other group activities is a fantastic way to meet new people. You might say, “Do you want to join our trivia team?” or “I'm looking for a partner for the ping-pong tournament; interested?” These activities naturally foster interaction and teamwork.

10. Use Social Media and Roll Calls

Joining Facebook groups or Cruise Critic Roll Calls related to your specific cruise can help you connect with fellow passengers before you even set sail. Engaging online can make it easier to meet in person once on board. Mentioning these platforms, like “Are you part of the Facebook group for this cruise?”, can be a good conversation starter.

For more detailed tips on making friends on a cruise, check out my guide 7 Simple Ways To Meet People On A Cruise or read about other passengers' experiences on Quora.

Keep the Conversation Going

When you have a conversation with someone on day 1 of the cruise, you will most likely run into them again later in the cruise. When you do see them, say hello and follow up on your previous conversation. You can ask “How was the snorkeling in Nassau?” or “Thanks for the drink recommendation, it tasted great!”. Don't feel embarrassed if they don't remember you or you don't remember their name. There are lots of people onboard, reference your last conversation or ask for a reminder if you need to.

You Can Do It!

Striking up conversations on a cruise ship doesn't have to be daunting. By using these simple yet effective conversation starters, you can easily make new friends and enhance your cruise experience socially. Remember, everyone is there to enjoy the journey and you already have several things in common, so don’t hesitate to say hello and start a conversation. Happy cruising, and remember we are with you from Shore To Cruise