Networking On A Cruise: This is How I Network.

How to Network on Any Cruise Ship:

Cruises Aren’t Just Vacations — They’re Networking Gold

Most entrepreneurs picture networking at conferences, masterminds, or hotel ballrooms. But here’s the secret: cruise ships are some of the best business networking environments you’ll ever step into. On Virgin Voyages, you’re surrounded by ambitious, adventurous professionals — many of them entrepreneurs, creators, and executives — all in a relaxed setting where conversations flow naturally. Instead of cold introductions and stiff handshakes, you’re building relationships over cocktails, shared excursions, and unforgettable experiences.

That’s networking that actually sticks.

Shift Your Approach: Networking Can Be Natural

Forget stiff handshakes and awkward business card exchanges. On a cruise, networking works best when it’s casual, human, and authentic. Think about it: everyone is already relaxed. Conversations happen over dinner, on an excursion, or while waiting for your latte. The key is to stop “networking” and start connecting.

Those conversations almost always turn into deeper ones — about business, goals, and even collaborations. But it happens naturally, because we connected as people first.

On a cruise, people can spot “business mode” from a mile away. Instead of leading with what I do, I lead with curiosity. I ask questions, listen, and connect over shared experiences — like which theme night outfit they’re planning or what excursion they’re most excited for.

The business talk comes later, but it feels real because the connection came first.

Ask questions. Share stories. Listen more than you talk.

On a cruise, networking works best for us when we ditch the “pitch” and focus on connection. You don’t need a stack of business cards — you need curiosity, presence, and good follow-up.

When people are out of office, they’re more open, creative, and curious. Conversations start with “Where are you from?” or “What do you do back home?” and can easily evolve into collaborations, referrals, or partnerships. The key is to approach networking as relationship-building, not transaction-chasing. Read more here: https://www.theooomindset.com/blog/how-travel-expands-your-perspective-as-a-ceo

This how I network.

Best Places to Network on Virgin Voyages:

Restaurants & Shared Dining: Rotate where you eat. Every meal is a chance to meet someone new, and sharing food creates instant rapport.

Pool Deck & Lounges: Informal conversations often lead to deeper business discussions later.

Shore Excursions :Bonding through shared adventures (snorkeling, exploring, hiking) makes business conversations natural afterward.

Entertainment Nights :Scarlet Night and live shows are relaxed settings where you meet people outside the usual work context — and connections formed in fun settings often turn into trusted business relationships.

Cafés & Work-Friendly Lounges: Perfect for pulling out a laptop, sparking conversations with other entrepreneurs who are mixing business and leisure.

Pro Tips for Networking Like a Business Owner

• Have a Digital Business Card or QR Code. Make it easy to share your info without handing out paper.

• Lead with Curiosity. I tend to ask about their journey, industry, or goals before talking about yourself.

• Plant Seeds, Don’t Pitch. Try Focusing on building trust — the business will follow.

• Set a Networking Goal. I Aim for 2–3 meaningful conversations per day.

• Balance Work & Rest. Don’t spend the entire trip “on” — people will connect with your authenticity more than your hustle.

  Yes, I pack business cards (or a digital contact card), but I don’t push them on people. Instead, I focus on creating memories together: exploring a new island, laughing over dinner, or sharing tips about travel hacks. Those experiences make follow-ups effortless, because you’re not just another contact — you’re someone they shared an adventure with.

  Here’s How We Networked:

  Cuisine & Experience: It's a Korean BBQ restaurant. The main event is the tabletop grilling of premium meats and seafood, which is done by the servers for you.

• The Vibe: The atmosphere is high-energy, social, and interactive.

• Communal Dining: Unless you have a large party (often six people), you'll likely be seated with other guests at a table with a shared grill. This encourages meeting new people.

• "Forced Fun" (in a good way): The meal typically kicks off with a Korean drinking game (like the 3-6-9 game, or Sam Yuk Gu), often with a complimentary shot of Soju (or a non-alcoholic equivalent). This is intended to be a fun icebreaker to get the table chatting and the energy up.

• Design: The decor is often described as a blend of modern aesthetics with traditional Korean elements, sometimes with a nod to K-Pop or a 70s nightclub, making it very unique.

• The Food: It's family-style Korean BBQ with various side dishes and shared plates. Popular items include Short Ribs, Pork Belly, Squid, Octopus, and various small bites.

• Dress Code: Virgin Voyages is famous for having a "come as you are" policy with no formal night. For Gunbae (and the other specialty restaurants), they generally ask you to avoid swimwear and bare feet, but you'll see everything from resort casual to people dressing up for a night out.

In short, Gunbae is generally considered one of the most memorable and fun dining experiences on the ship, focused more on socializing and interactive dining than a quiet, intimate meal.

 We played the game and wouldn't you know it - Tanya won - she must be an accountant and it is a math game. The winner get's 2 shots and Chase came to the rescue and took one for her. 

We were seated to strangers - it's by design - and got to meet new people. One of them owned her own travel business and that's just how easy conversations start, people let their guards down. 

Follow-Up: Where the Real Networking Happens

The most important part of cruise networking? What you do after the ship docks.

• Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram while memories are still fresh.

• Send a short message: “Loved our chat at dinner — let’s keep in touch.”

• Add value right away (introduce them to someone, share a tool, or send a resource).

The best partnerships come from relationships nurtured after the initial connection.

After the cruise, I don’t just send a generic “great meeting you” email. I reference the little things we bonded over — like the time we both got lost in Aruba’s side streets or the neon outfits we wore to Scarlet Night. It shows I was really present, not just collecting names.

Build Your Network, On Purpose

For entrepreneurs, Virgin Voyages offers something special: the chance to expand your network while living the freedom lifestyle you worked so hard to build. Networking at sea isn’t about handing out business cards at the bar — it’s about making meaningful connections in environments that inspire creativity and trust. That’s the essence of being Out of Office On Purpose: working smarter, building relationships intentionally, and living the life you actually want.

For me, networking on a cruise isn’t about pitching or selling. It’s about connecting — human to human, entrepreneur to entrepreneur. And honestly? It’s way more fun that way.

Cruises remind me that business and life don’t have to live in separate boxes. The conversations that matter most often happen when we’re out of office, in a new place, surrounded by fresh energy.

That’s why I network differently. On the dance floor, at the pool, or over sunsets. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.