THE LOVE BOAT - CRUISE SHIP FACT OR FICTION

Most of us remember the television series, 'The Love Boat', watching
week after week as people meet and develop relationships on a cruise
ship.  While this show was fiction, you can be sure that love boats exist
and people do meet and fall in love.  More and more, people are leaving the
bar scene behind, looking for something real, something that will
last.

Today, single people of all ages can choose to take a cruise and meet
other single people in their preferred age group or type of interest.
With thousands of people taking this type of cruise, you will discover
that this is an excellent way to make new friends and perhaps a special
romance.  Picking up on the interest shown by the public for love boat
type cruises, the cruise line industry has taken notice and done
something about it.

You will find cruises designed for young people ranging in age from the
late teens to late twenties, cruises for older singles, single
parents, cruises for people who are widowed, gay lifestyle cruises,
upscale singles cruises, Christian cruises, ethnic single cruises,
you name it, there is probably a singles cruise to meet the need.
Considering cruises are affordable, offer wonderful destination
choices, and are available in short or long voyages, this is truly an
amazing way to meet other singles.

Since the cost of cruise ship cabins are generally based on double
occupancy, you have two primary options.  First, you could spend a
little more money for single occupancy or you could look at the singles
cruise as an adventure and room with someone you do not know.  Since
single occupancy rooms are scarce, this is not a viable option.  For the
latter, cruise ship staff is usually really good at putting people
together who share the same interests.  In fact, most singles cruises
will have each passenger complete an in-depth questionnaire so
accommodation matching is possible and successful.

Although the information requested could vary from one cruise line to
another, you would generally be asked about preferences based on age,
ethnics, smoking and alcohol habits, sleeping and rising patterns,
entertainment, space and storage issues, price, bath time
requirements, and even snoring or talking during sleep.

If you decide to take advantage of a love boat cruise and have every hope
of meeting someone special, remember that the cruise ship is merely a
tool.  Therefore, you ultimately have the responsibility to get out and
make yourself known.  For example, only stay in your cabin to dress and
sleep.  If you want to read a good novel or work crossword puzzles, go out
by the pool or find a table in the bar.  No one is going to know you exist
if
you are constantly tucked away in your cabin.

Even if you do not work out seriously, hit the gym.  Singles are always
hanging out in the gym and if you prefer a hard-body opposed to a doughboy
(or girl), then this is a great place to meet.  Although the cruise shipís
crew has to be careful in upholding high levels of professionalism and
integrity, keep your eyes on the crew as well.  After all, many of them are
single too and looking for love.  Just be sure you respect their position
and if sparks do fly, meet only during off business hours.  If the cruise
line has strict guidelines about the crew not mingling personally with
passengers, then phone numbers could always be exchanged and contact
made after the cruise has ended.

If you love adventure and are even open to moving to another country,
then take time to learn all you can about the different ports of call.  By
knowing about the country and customs, you will be more versed in
conversation.  Just because you are taking a singles cruise does not
mean you will meet your soul mate onboard.  However, when you are on the
ship, get involved with a number of different activities.  Even if you
are not good at playing pool or ping pong, find someone interesting who
is and ask for a free lesson.  Cruise ships offer classes, tours, and
activities to please every passenger.  Therefore, get involved with a
few things you enjoy and then step outside your box to try something
different.

Scout out the various bars and nightclubs onboard the cruise ship,
stopping by for a glass of wine or champagne, or a single cocktail or beer
before dinner each night.  Now, you certainly do not want to look like a
lush but often, this makes you appear approachable.  Many good
conversations begin at the bar and who knows, you might meet someone for
a romantic interlude or simply make a great friend - it is a win-win
situation.

Finally, get out and mingle.  Remind yourself that the majority of
people on the singles cruise are there for the same purpose as you.  Put a
smile on your face and then start by introducing yourself.  By making
numerous friends, if nothing romantic develops you will find you have a
much better time on the cruise.  Besides, people are generally
attracted to a person who is friendly and not hiding in a corner.
Thousands of people meet the love of their life on a cruise ship every
year "who knows" it could be your turn.