Cruises... The Original Social
Network
Long before Facebook, Twitter,
Internet blogs and message boards, social networking was alive,
well, and thriving at sea.
by Raye & Marty Trencher
Cruise Traveler Magazine
Cruises... The Original Social Network
Long before Facebook, Twitter, Internet blogs and message boards,
social networking was alive, well, and thriving at sea.
Today, social networking on the Internet has
become a popular way to "virtually" meet others. But honestly,
Raye & I prefer the real thing.
Raye & I have been cruising for over 40
years. And over time have meet hundred's of people onboard.
Most, we never kept in touch. But some of our fellow shipmates
became lifelong friends, often traveling together. Real
friends, not virtual ones.
Back then, and even now we don't "tweet"
each other; we call, chat and actually get together once in a while.
Even take another cruise together. And, have on occasion met in Las
Vegas, or hiked the Smoky Mountains with our fellow cruise
travelers.
We've sort of created our own social circle.
When it comes to cruising, social networking
begins on day one.
Today, most cruisers have the option of
dining on their own, at a time of their choosing and sitting with
anyone they wish, or no one at all. But for a vast majority of
our cruising days, we sat a table with complete strangers when the
cruise began, and by the end of the cruise, developed long standing
friendships.
Today, even with an open seating option we
meet different people for dinner every night. We can even arrange to
dine with "friends" we met earlier in the day by the pool. And, when
we take a shore excursion where the ship makes its port of call, we
interact with fellow guests, on the bus or at the attraction.
Cruising by its nature is a social way to
travel. No matter if you are on a cozy ship with fewer than 400
guests or sailing on the world's largest cruise ship,
Allure of the Seas with over 6,000 guests, you cannot avoid
meeting someone.
A cruise is not for someone who wants to
"hide away" for a week. Cruise ships are not just a floating
resort these days, they're a destination unto themselves. The number
and variety of social activities onboard is staggering.
Cruise ships have many
ways you can meet fellow passengers.
Take part in a talent show,
try karaoke, learn ballroom and disco dancing.
Visit the piano bar where you can sing along,
Attend enrichment classes and demonstrations
such as cooking, wine tasting, ice carving,
napkin folding, or glass blowing. Some ships
even have free cooking, needlework, crafts, and
computer classes.
Into group sports?
Onboard tournaments include basketball,
miniature golf, shuffleboard, and ping pong.
Take a scuba diving or snorkeling lesson in the
ships pool.
Workout? There are aerobic classes,
yoga, spinning or pilates. On some ships you can go ice
skating, and rock-wall climbing.
All of these activities involve groups of
people. All interacting with each other in one way or the other. A
great avenue for real social networking.
Finally, a cruise is also an ideal way to
bring friends and family together and share the experience. Or plan
a cruise with a group of friends.
But you don't have to bring your own "social
network" with you.
Give yourself a week onboard, and you will
have found new friends....perhaps for life.
Cruising really is the original social
network.
What to find the best travel social
networking sites.
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