Will I Meet Other Teens on Board?

Almost everyone is scared that they will head off on their cruise vacation and end up not meeting anyone. Imagine� spending the entire week hanging out either by yourself, with your parents, or with that annoying little bro that's more concerned with hitting the buffet than hitting the disco. Sounds like a nightmare, huh? I know that everyone cruise I've ever been on, I've been through the exact same thing, and ya know what else? It's never happened!

I'm not exactly the most outgoing person in the world, so it's weird for me to just walk up and start talking to someone that I don't even know. Some people can do that, which is great!, but if you aren't one of those people (or even if you are!) here a couple tips for hooking up with other teens on board.

� Check out the Teen Activities - You might not know it, but most major cruise lines have activities and activity schedules just for teenagers. They vary, from dances in the disco to limbo contests to ping pong tournaments. These activities are fun because you get the chance to meet and hang out with other teens. I admit - sometimes the stuff they plan is kinda lame, but if nothing else it'll be good for a laugh! (Bonus: Your parents and annoying little sibs can't come to these, no matter what!)

	Article continues below

� Go To the Disco - I'm not a dancing queen, but I think the disco is always fun! You can go dance with some hot guys (or girls) and have a blast in general. A lot of teens head to the disco at night, which is what I think is one of the best parts of the cruise! Some ships even have teen-only discos, which are especially awesome for two reasons: 1) You don't have to worry about your parents coming in and seeing you if you decide to get a little freaky on the dance floor; and 2) You don't have to worry about you and your new-found friends seeing your parents if they decide to get a little freaky on the dance floor! (Ha ha)

� Hang Out in Places Everyone Goes - No, I don't mean the bathroom! The pool, the buffet (hey, everyone has to eat), the hot tubs, the gym� I think these are all excellent places to meet other teenagers. They're all public places that a lot of people go to, and you're bound to meet someone somewhere along the way. On my last cruise, I made a really great friend because it was a girl that was my age who happened to be assigned to my same dinner table!!

Overall, I think it's pretty easy to make friends and have a blast when you go on a cruise. Everyone is in the same boat as you (he he) when they first board the ship. Everyone wants to meet new people and have fun! The best advice I can give you is just to be friendly, smile a lot, and HAVE FUN!