wolfpackmom Posted June 6, 2013 #1 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I am sailing with 15 members of my husband's family next week, and I could really use a cache of questions for our dinners together. A few in this group tend to talk about their jobs a lot, and I would really like for them to open up about different things that are a little more interesting. In the past I have asked questions like "what was your favorite class in high school" or "what is your best family vacation memory" but I could use a few more ideas. I would love to hear some of your suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Golfer Posted June 7, 2013 #2 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Ask them about past cruises or future ones... Anyone that cruises will be more than willing to talk your ears off about likes and dislikes of cruising...:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner22aa Posted June 7, 2013 #3 Share Posted June 7, 2013 You will have lots to talk about. I don't imagine you will all be doing the same thing together every day. If you went to bingo and they went to a ships lecture ask them about it and the other things that they did. Talk about yours as well. Talk about the ship, the ports, the food or anything else that is about the vacation. Enjoy the trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandlockedCruiser01 Posted June 12, 2013 #4 Share Posted June 12, 2013 Basically, look at it this way: people love to talk about themselves. It's just human nature. So ask them questions. I'm sure they'll ask you some back. * How did you pick [your ship's name]? (first night's dinner only, obviously) * What excursions do you have planned for the next port? * How was your excursion today? * How did you sleep last night? (if the ship had a late stay in a party port, possibly just for younger people) * What do you have planned for tomorrow's port? * How was your last cruise? And so on, and so on. One question I never ask about is "what do you do?", although I answer back if someone asks first. After all, I cruise so I can be LandlockedCruiser01 (replace with my real name, obviously), not "the IT guy". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capncarp Posted June 13, 2013 #5 Share Posted June 13, 2013 For a real rip-snortin' lively discussion, sex, religion, and politics are sure-fire starters. Ending the conversation without bloodshed may be problematic...:rolleyes: Discoveries aboard ship--great buys in the ship's store or such--that you can share with your tablemates, is a nice ice-breaker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted June 27, 2013 #6 Share Posted June 27, 2013 I hope you post to let us know how the table discussion went. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Geegitz Posted July 3, 2013 #7 Share Posted July 3, 2013 The Holy Roman Empire is neither Holy nor Roman or an empire. DISCUSS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jean s Posted July 10, 2013 #8 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I try to steer far far away from conversations about politics and religion. If someone starts one of these conversations I try to politely change the topic. Folks who cruise often love to travel on land also so I usually just ask about their other travel experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buggbob Posted July 11, 2013 #9 Share Posted July 11, 2013 Pets -- everybody talks about their pets. Every dog is a Rin Tin Tin, every cat is Garfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTurnaround Posted July 16, 2013 #10 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I have some very random question suggestions, there was no train of thought or theme here! What are some of their dream vacations What is their favorite room in their house, why Have they ever been on a nightmare of a vacation If they could move to a different country would they do it and where would it be What is the one technology they couldn't live without Favorite family memories are always good and can go on forever Pets Funniest thing their kids have ever done Most fun thing they've ever done with their spouse/family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlaGrl4Evr Posted July 21, 2013 #11 Share Posted July 21, 2013 Ask others at the table, how many of them plan on removing their tips and then giving $ in person. Make sure to tell them to do this on the last evening of the cruise. Tell them about all those rum-runners that you smuggled onboard. Share that you brought speakers for your balcony and you will turn the volume up if they want to hear your great music selections, heck, invite them over for shot or two. Brag about the new gold studded shorts and matching top that you plan on wearing to elegant night. and.... lastly, pull out a zippy bag and ask how many of them would mind sharing their leftovers. If this doesn't get the conversation going, nothing will. :D . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlaGrl4Evr Posted July 21, 2013 #12 Share Posted July 21, 2013 No.... seriously, just go and have a great time and let the conversation flow naturally. If someone turns it into a hot-topic, then perhaps gently try to steer it back to something that everyone at the table can relate to, such as ports of call, ship activities etc..... Have a great time. :):) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPlayWithString Posted July 22, 2013 #13 Share Posted July 22, 2013 The Holy Roman Empire is neither Holy nor Roman or an empire. DISCUSS! I read that in Mike Meyers as the Jewish Mom in my head. I think I'm getting a little verklimpt.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kangaand2roos Posted August 1, 2013 #14 Share Posted August 1, 2013 i read that in mike meyers as the jewish mom in my head. I think i'm getting a little verklimpt.:d rotfl!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPlayWithString Posted August 2, 2013 #15 Share Posted August 2, 2013 *takes a bow* I'll be here all week...don't forget to tip your waitress and please, try the veal!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffy116 Posted August 14, 2013 #16 Share Posted August 14, 2013 If you like them and want to have a pleasing conversation, ask about their pets, excursions, what they are having the most fun doing on the cruise. If you don't like them, start the conversation by saying "I smoke, I drink heavily and tip heavily. I don't wear underwear and I don't believe in washing my hands after using the bathroom. I practice a pagan religion and I have a pentagon etched in ashes on my balcony. I have a voodoo doll of each tablemate in my cabin, just in case. I'd like to have a hair from each of your heads, please. Pass the bread basket" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPlayWithString Posted August 14, 2013 #17 Share Posted August 14, 2013 :eek::D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffy116 Posted December 8, 2013 #18 Share Posted December 8, 2013 Pets, excursions, favorite foods, past vacations, favorite places to vacation. We were stuck with a couple that gave us a complete history on their investments when we asked where they were from. When we tried to switch the subject to our children, they launched into the investments of their grown children. I was almost at the point of chewing my own tongue off to get out of spending anymore time with them. Thank goodness it was only at breakfast ONE morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffy116 Posted May 7, 2014 #19 Share Posted May 7, 2014 If you like them and want to have a pleasing conversation, ask about their pets, excursions, what they are having the most fun doing on the cruise. If you don't like them, start the conversation by saying "I smoke, I drink heavily and tip heavily. I don't wear underwear and I don't believe in washing my hands after using the bathroom. I practice a pagan religion and I have a pentagon etched in ashes on my balcony. I have a voodoo doll of each tablemate in my cabin, just in case. I'd like to have a hair from each of your heads, please. Pass the bread basket" Best suggestions on this thread! Love each and every one of them. The only things I could add is that you are a chair hog, push every button for every floor when you get on the elevator and tend to miss the public toilets on board, making the area around the toilet a bit slippery, so they need to be careful. I wish I had thought of these on one particular cruise when we were seated with two couples who pretentious snobs. Oh why didn't I have your suggestions then??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8335GOULR Posted August 11, 2014 #20 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Great topic! I am laughing because it reminds me of a cruise we took some years back where our table mates asked us not to dine with them anymore. It seems the Maître D might not have met their expectations when he matched us up. (Single mother and 11 year old, grandmother and 8 year old.) Of course, we chose to show up each night! I continued to attempt polite conversation. I would have enjoyed having this list of suggestions.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinman66 Posted August 12, 2014 #21 Share Posted August 12, 2014 If you like them and want to have a pleasing conversation, ask about their pets, excursions, what they are having the most fun doing on the cruise. If you don't like them, start the conversation by saying "I smoke, I drink heavily and tip heavily. I don't wear underwear and I don't believe in washing my hands after using the bathroom. I practice a pagan religion and I have a pentagon etched in ashes on my balcony. I have a voodoo doll of each tablemate in my cabin, just in case. I'd like to have a hair from each of your heads, please. Pass the bread basket" Id like to have you at my table You would be fun I also find good talking points are best off personal bases Such as Most memorable trip Most weird thing seen on holiday Discussion on various holiday destinations Shore tours for upcoming ports Ask advice on things gets good conversation Why they picked that cruise in particular They all work well And keep off all forms of religion and politics especially ship board politics Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalgaryMac Posted September 4, 2014 #22 Share Posted September 4, 2014 We were matched with another couple for our meals on the Disney Fantasy. Although I don't think that we had a lot in common, we had a blast with them! I think that as someone suggests here - just let it happen. The most common topics I think were 1) what did we do during the day, 2) experiences around the house, 3) future vacation plans, 4) highlights of past vacations, 5) the food...... At anat rate, don't worry - be yourself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirleygallegos60 Posted September 9, 2014 #23 Share Posted September 9, 2014 (edited) If this were my husband's family, I'd be saying. ... ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR EVER LOVIN MIND!?!?! ;) Edited September 9, 2014 by shirleygallegos60 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westward Posted January 27, 2015 #24 Share Posted January 27, 2015 So we're English and we love to chat to American people and I always opt for a large table at dinner. Are there any taboo topics we shouldn't discuss? Obviously Politics and Religion could top the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunnerpup Posted January 31, 2015 #25 Share Posted January 31, 2015 I like to ask : "What do you do in your spare time?" I avoid asking it as a job question as employment doesn't really tell much and while not offensive in itself...it's not really showing interest in the person. These questions let you feel out their willingness to talk etc. You will then have a green, yellow or red light on which to continue the conversation. Once you have that...and set your internal filter to match it....you can let the conversation flow naturally. :) Sent from my SGH-I337M using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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