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13 Ways to Meet People and Make Friends on a Cruise

Cruises feature exciting onboard activities that let you meet new people and try out new experiences. While destinations like Mexico, The Bahamas, the Caribbean or Hawaii offer exotic shore excursions, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy right onboard. Each one gives you the opportunity to bond with fellow guests by sharing a laugh, a family story or a game of trivia, all on the same night.

group of friends in front of ship

Venture forth and take advantage of the full cruise experience. Who knows, you might just make a new friend for life. Here are 14 fun onboard activities for guests of all ages.

1. CLUE: The Murder Mystery

The classic board game comes to life. There’s been a “murder” onboard the ship! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the revolver or perhaps Mr. Green in the kitchen with the lead pipe? It’s up to you to solve the mystery. CLUE: The Murder Mystery encourages plenty of problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. Plus, it’s just plain fun to travel around the ship searching for clues! Mingle and meet fellow cruisers in this game!

2. SportSquare

Onboard sports are ready to bring on the friendly competition. Whatever your interests or skill level, you’ll find something to enjoy at SportSquare. Meet someone new by challenging them to a game of foosball. Shoot some hoops on the basketball court. Or go for a hole-in-one during mini-golf. You never know who you’ll be up against or how much fun you’ll have.

group of people playing basketball

3. Club O2

Teens aged 15 to 17 can enjoy Club O2, the perfect place to unwind. At Club O2, your teen can hang out and make new friends, all while enjoying some independence. Popular movies, trendy music and great conversations await.

teens in club o2

4. Nightclub

Whoever thought you would dance so much on board a cruise vacation? Put your dance moves on display with today’s hottest hits and yesterday’s retro jams at Carnival’s very own nightclub. Get ready to make new friends and dance the night away.

5. Bingo

BINGO! Who will be the winner as you travel to your destination? Get out your board, grab your dauber, and get ready for the fun. Keep your fingers at the ready: You never know what the winning combination will be. Prizes and winning packages are bigger and better than ever. But you’re just in it for the thrill and the good company, right?

guests playing bingo

6. Piano Bar

Drinks and music: always a winning combination. Join your friends and make some new ones as you sing along to piano versions of popular songs. Call out your favorites and see who else joins in on the fun. It doesn’t matter how off-key you are. The Piano Bar is the ultimate place to let loose and let down your guard.

group singing at the piano bar

7. Teens’ Digital Play

The world of gaming is right onboard the ship, and it’s sure to be a draw for teens aged 12 to 17. Is your teen an expert gamer? Let them take the challenge to the next level at Teens’ Digital Play. Game controllers in hand, they’ll soon be lost in the latest game with their new gamer friends.

teen friends playing guitar video game

8. Dance Classes

Who says you can’t put a little salsa in your step? Thanks to the onboard Dance Classes, you’ll look like a pro when you give those hips a shake. Dance classes are fun for all ages and feature talented instructors ready to spice up your dance card. Grab a partner and get your move on!

9. Karaoke

Get up on the stage and show off your singing chops. Or at least, give it all you’ve got! Challenge your friends to a karaoke sing-off, and get ready to laugh and sing along. The night is just beginning.

group of friends singing karaoke

10. Casino Tournaments

Blackjack or Poker? Check and check. Come on down for a variety of casino games and get ready to bring your game. Casino Tournaments are all about beating the friendly competition and having a good time. Are you ready to place on top of the leaderboard?

friends playing a casino game

11. Video Arcade

From video games to pinball machines and from tabletop arcade games to slot machines, the Video Arcade will never disappoint. Hop on a gaming motorcycle or try your hand at the claw machine. Then, cheer on your new friends as they hit the high marks and win the prize.

friends having fun in video arcade

12. Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time

What could be better than story time? How about interactive story time when you’re surrounded by bright colors, fun props and tons of energetic fans? Bring your little ones or just come by yourself, and get ready for the world of Dr. Seuss. Classic, whimsical and off-the-wall silly stories are ready to entertain.

young girls participating in story time

13. Trivia

Quick! Who ruled England during Shakespeare’s time? Write it down and get ready for the next question. The more you know, the more chances you’ll have to win. Don’t know the answers? No problem. Join a team and put your minds together to solve the greatest trivia of all. Silly questions and lots of laughter expected.

guests on a cruise play trivia

Don’t hide away in your stateroom as you cruise to your next destination. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on thrilling events throughout the ship. Onboard activities are a fantastic way to meet new people, discover new cultures and cuisine, or just let loose on vacation. Happy cruising!

Note: Onboard activities vary by ship.