Match making cruises are a fun way for people to not only enjoy great cruise vacation benefits, but also to meet up with other travelers who enjoy spending time on the water.
About Match Making Cruises
Simply put, a match making vacation seeks to pair up individuals with similar interests, beliefs, and goals so they can find companionship that lasts long after debarkation. To find a truly great match, however - one that will lead to a fulfilling relationship based on more than a vacation - it is important to understand the different types of cruises available and how to find one that meets your expectations not only of a fun getaway, but also for a lasting relationship.
Types of Cruises
Most match making sailings are aboard popular liners, often hosted by mainstream lines such as Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean Cruises. These ships offer a wide range of activities and options for newfound friends to enjoy together, giving them the opportunity to learn more about one another than what surface appearances may present.
Not every match making voyage is meant to create romantic relationships, however. Many cruisers opt for meet-and-greet cruises as a way to hook up with other cruise aficionados or to find new friends who enjoy the same hobbies or lifestyle. In this case, while longer voyages are still preferable for individuals to mingle with a number of like-minded passengers, a shorter party cruise may also be a great option. Party and dinner cruises, in fact, also give passengers the opportunity to meet more local people instead of people who may have traveled great distances to board the cruise ship.
Popular Themes
The best match making cruises incorporate meaningful themes that can connect passengers with more than just a love of cruising. Frequent themes include:
- Singles Cruises: These voyages are geared toward younger passengers often looking for a long term match.
- Gay Cruises: Gay themes target gay and lesbian passengers open to a more liberal lifestyle.
- Religious Cruises: Specific churches and faiths often sponsor voyages to encourage matches with similar spiritual beliefs.
- Hobby Cruises: Sailings focused on a specific type of music, favorite movie series, golf, scrapbooking, writing, photography, naturalism, and other hobbies help passengers find friends who enjoy the same activities.
The key to making a meaningful match is to choose a cruise that coordinates well with your personality. Individuals who embark on a specialized theme cruise are likely passionate about that theme, and that common ground can be a great foundation for a future relationship.
Benefits of Match Making Cruises
Cruise vacations are naturally congenial, but match making voyages offer a lot more than simply good companionship. Just like dating websites that seek to match up couples based on detailed profiles and background information, match making vacations work to bring together compatible individuals. In addition to a common theme, other benefits include:
- Organized events for the participating group, including themed parties, mingle mixers, and shore excursions.
- Group memorabilia such as door signs, shirts, photographs, and other mementos.
- All-inclusive benefits such as included dining, entertainment, and travel arrangements so participants can concentrate on their new relationships.
Non-Romantic Matches
Not all match making vacations are organized for romantic, individual relationships, however. While many theme voyages bring together new friends, special themes bring together businesses, media personalities, and investors for profitable matches. A company, for example, may offer a discount cruise for merchants who carry their products, while using some time during the voyage to pitch their newest gadgets to the retailers. Businesses may also woo investors on a luxury cruise, while journalists, photographers, and reporters are often invited on voyages with popular celebrities in order to enhance their images. While these specialized matches may not lead to romantic interludes or lifelong friendships, they can lead to highly profitable ventures for everyone involved.
Finding the Perfect Match
Finding the right match making cruise for you is more complex than simply choosing the right theme. It is important to also investigate the hosting cruise line to be sure it is compatible with your travel expectations - if the vacation isn't enjoyable, it is unlikely that you will find a meaningful match on board. The cruise destinations should also be intriguing, and the on board amenities should allow you to relax and truly involve yourself in the match making process.Specialized tour groups often host theme cruises and match making voyages, and both professional and hobby associations frequently plan coordinated voyages. Cruise travel agents should be able to provide a list of upcoming voyages and their themes, as well as be able to assist with timely cruise reservations (specialty cruises often sell out quickly).
Match making cruises are great opportunities to meet people with similar interests, lifestyles, and aspirations. By taking one of these theme voyages, not only can passengers enjoy a refreshing seagoing getaway, but they may find something even more refreshing: a new friend that will be the best souvenir of all.
