Wow. You really had bad first experience. I am sorry for that. My experience has been different (also on RC ships). I usually meet people by engaging them first. Sharing dinner tables, sitting at the bar, standing in lines and joining in ship activities all provide opportunities to meet people. The meet and mingles haven’t been stellar, but I have met a few this way. On port days I try to join a walking tour group and have met a lot of solo/independent travelers this way. You could also use your particular cruise forum to organize your own stay of meet-up; such as card players, board game players, wine drinkers, book exchange people, what ever your interests are. If you get that “weird” feeling look to the people smiling and laughing which will probably make you smile as well. Then remember sometimes you are your own best company.