Suggestions/Advice

[mwoody1967]

Just a little background on me. I'm 40, been married for awhile,have two teenagers and admittedly a private person. Wife, kids, and I are going on the Glory in August and my wife wants me to "loosen" up a bit and try to meet some new people/couples and not be so "private". Any suggestions on how to do this and what does the Carnival Glory have in ways to help me to meet new people and "think out of the box?"

[KatSt]

I would suggest that you go with an open mind, have a few drinks and join in on some of the activities. We always start talking with other people at different activities. Also, if you have dinner with other guests, you may just hit it off and have things in common.

 

Cruising is lots of fun, so just enjoy.

[TakeMeAway1001]

You sound alot like my DH. DH can't understand what I see in the CC boards, nor how I can just meet people I have only talked to online before. I like to chat and hear about others, I especially like talking to locals on our port days. DH on the other hand would be content just conversing with DD and I on the cruise or other military people. DH is not rude by any stretch, he is just very quiet. Whenever we go somewhere crowded he can be found surveying the scene, afraid to let his guard down (it's the Marine in him). I don't really have any suggestions, nothing I have tried with DH has worked, maybe someone on here can offer some suggestions. I just wanted you to know your not alone :)

 

I should have mentioned coming on here and posting is a huge start, I don't think I could convince DH to do it :)

[cruisingwiththekids]

When in August are you cruising? You might want to look in the Roll Call for your sailing and get a sense for the ages of other people on your sailing or what they are interested in. We'll be on the August 16th sailing of the Glory.

[imlulu]

I'm not shy. To me vacation is vacation. I do not go with any intent to spark up a conversation with a stranger and become friends. I just enjoy!

 

I spend time by myself dozing in the sun or in the cabin. I enjoy quiet time. I just do not need to be a social butterfly on vacation. I just need to relax.That is just me.:D

[mwoody1967]

Yes, your husband and I sound alot alike. I have the same habit of whenever I go somewhere to "size up the scene". My wife does not understand how I can keep to myself, and sometimes I do wish I was more open. I am not rude either, but I am more than comfortable sitting at a table just having a conversation with my family than I would be sitting around a pool trying to strike up a conversation with someone on vacation. She is hoping this will be a break through for me and I will open up and meet some new people. I'm going to be open minded and give it a shot.

[mwoody1967]

Our cruise is August the 9th. Where is the thread to find out this roll call you are talking about to see who is sailing at the same time?

[pungo3]

Our cruise is August the 9th. Where is the thread to find out this roll call you are talking about to see who is sailing at the same time?

GO here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=329 and look for your dates. Enjoy. Cruising is wonderful and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make new friends!!!

[TakeMeAway1001]

Here you go :)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=722233

[TakeMeAway1001]

I forgot to mention DD (16 on cruise) is just like DH, I figured if they won't break of their shell they can entertain one another ;) DD has already said she didn't want to invite a friend, she just wants to hang out with us the whole trip. I fibbed and told her the Camp 02 meeting the first night is mandatory and then if she doens't like it she doesn't have to go. I figured that would at least get her in to see what they have to offer.

Hopefully the link to your RC will help you by letting you see others cruising with you.

[old sole]

Request a large table in the dining room (10-12). It seems to me they try to match up similar people; newlyweds with newlyweds, families with families, similar age people, etc. I'm not sure about that, but it sure seems so. We always dread that first night sitting with strangers, but you all have the ship in common so conversations are easy to get started. The advantage of the large table is chances are good at least one tablemate will be a 'talker' and you can join in as you feel comfortable. If it's just you and another couple it's a little riskier.

[mwoody1967]

Got the link, and thank you.

[Muumuu]

Just a little background on me. I'm 40, been married for awhile,have two teenagers and admittedly a private person. Wife, kids, and I are going on the Glory in August and my wife wants me to "loosen" up a bit and try to meet some new people/couples and not be so "private". Any suggestions on how to do this and what does the Carnival Glory have in ways to help me to meet new people and "think out of the box?"

 

I am just like you, very private. Where hubby is very outgoing. I have to force myself to mingle and I do do it as after wards I acknowledge that I have enjoyed myself. Can't help it I am just so shy.

[travel girl23]

Request a large table in the dining room (10-12). It seems to me they try to match up similar people; newlyweds with newlyweds, families with families, similar age people, etc. I'm not sure about that, but it sure seems so. We always dread that first night sitting with strangers, but you all have the ship in common so conversations are easy to get started. The advantage of the large table is chances are good at least one tablemate will be a 'talker' and you can join in as you feel comfortable. If it's just you and another couple it's a little riskier.

 

I second this motion. We always ask for a large table and have met some of the nicest people that way. It's always fun to run into your tablemates around the ship or ports. I think you have cleared the first hurdle by coming to CC and asking.

(Aside to Kristen, I am married to a Marine vet and our son is a Marine; yep, I'm a Marine wife and Mom.) Travelgirl

[mwoody1967]

When asking for a large table for dining reservations, how far in advance should one do that?

[gottacruisesoon]

Sign up for an excursion. last time we did this and were paired up with another couple for the jeep ride. Come to find out the people were really nice and they live less than an hour from us. Our kids are about the same age ( grown up) and both the hubbys love fishing. We had such a nice time, they were very nice people and the rest of the time on the cruise we saw them at things we did and it was great.

[EngIceDave]

I'm a very similar guy.

I am early 40's and a bit anti-social.

I own my own business and when in a situation regarding that, I can talk it up to no end. When at some form of racing, I can talk it up as well about the racing.

 

I cannot find it in myself to talk about the weather.

We all know politics and religion is out of the question, right?

So what the heck do I have to talk to you about?

Funny thing is, people who know me find it hard to believe I am anti-social because when they see me, I am "on"

 

Now, to answer your question, dining is when you'll be most social because after the first port day you can talk about your excursion or how much you lost in the casino.

First night is awkward.

As time goes by you'll become more friendly with them, hard not to (unless they're total a-holes).

 

Otherwise, do your own thing.

Tell your wife it's a vacation, not a working vacation

You'll be nice and open at dinner, elsewhere if possible, but you're not going to turn into a social butterfly overnight, and not after 40 yrs

[Drew B]

Are you a gambler? I find that the blackjack table is a GREAT place to meet new people. And if you talk to them the first night, chances are good you will see them there again on the second night. And the third, and the fourth and the fifth...

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

I would suggest going to karaoke or dancing clubs to meet people and open up a bit. I used to be very shy as a child and today I'm very outgoing. It took my humanities teacher to get me to come out of my shell and now I'll strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Now I sing karaoke in front of crowds so I've come a lonnnng way baby.:p

[old sole]

When asking for a large table for dining reservations, how far in advance should one do that?

 

They don't take this request at the time of booking anymore. When you board, your S&S card will have your assigned dining room and table # on it. Go find your assigned table and if it's not what you want ask the Maitre'd to change it for you. They will be set up in one of the dining rooms that first day handling table change requests - times will be listed in Capers , the daily news sheet (they won't necessarily be set up in your dining room, but will handle it for both). I've always found them very accomodating.

[mwoody1967]

Hmm, karokee? That might be pushing it a bit for me, but the club thing I might be able to handle, and definetly gambling. I love that. Like the one poster also said, my inner circle of friends can't believe I am normally quiet because once I get to know you, as they say, I open up and talk alot. It is just that I have a hard time opening up, especially the first time I am in a situation like that. I am going to give it a try though and see what happens. A few drinks might help me do just that.