Cruise Ship Hook Ups are Difficult, Pro Tips to Make "It" Happen, and Best Practices to be Intimate!

[@andrew117_]

When is “story time with Brandon?” That needs its own channel. 😂

[@ernestwinata7908]

Make your own story 😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hahaha I imagine those stories would pay much better than this KZbin video! 😂

[@murphsan84]

They absolutely would 😂 ​@@TheWeekendCruiser

[@keithmcdonald5524]

I was here to ask the same!! 😅

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

It seems that we are all here for the same reason.

[@meadsummer6547]

Am I the only one who was hoping for "Story Time with Brandon"???

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahah things to consider for future videos!

[@jjk9275]

I just found this channel so I'll stick around for that lol

[@Tom-rd9qp]

Why did I think this was going to be on American, European, USB “hookups” on cruise ships? Tastefully done, Brandon!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha, I def have talked more about USB hook ups on this channel than this kind of hook up! haha

[@KN-op3et]

I had a successful meet-up with people on cruise ships for friendships (not hook-ups). And all of this advice is very valid. My experiences: Long cruises have a higher chance that you will have enough repeat interactions to become friends, etc. and also go to the same places at the same times to become a "regular" and get to know other regulars. Remember, you're practically anonymous so be yourself and take chances with just being your best self with people vs playing any "games."

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

This is all very true. Those tips can absolutely be used to be friendly and get to know other guests in a plutonic way! Sometimes it might even help to be upfront and let them know you are just looking to meet folks as friends. Takes the pressure off and no one is assuming.

[@jjk9275]

Good point. I've noticed the longer cruises, at least for me, tended to skew to an older crowd or more couples/families. Nothign wrong with that, but each cruise has a unique vibe and crowd. 3-5 day ones seem to be the sweet spot IMO

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@jjk9275 100% longer cruises have a more senior demographic. There is a direct correlation to the cruise length and the age of the crowd.

[@BetterNeurodivergentTravel]

I hope this video is a smashing success! Such an under-covered topic (or maybe I am not very adventurous on KZbin consumption 😂) Very educational for viewers (appreciate you included the tips on being considerate and safe too).

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Aww thank you! It's interesting, I did research other KZbin videos for this topic (I normally never do that) but wanted to see how they handled the "language". To your point, not a lot of videos and the ones there talked more about how easy it is. Was glad I was able to put this in a Weekend Cruiser appropriate format of educational and helpful. If I can do those two things on any subject, glad to do it! Thank you!

[@erikh9991]

Now that I am older, the only way I would go anywhere solo to meet people is a cruise. I know bad things happen everywhere but it seems less likely on the ship.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I feel the same way Erik. Here on a cruise, it feels like you are part of a community and know their are cameras everywhere. It does feel much safer.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Brandon, what an excellent video for people of all types and all persuasions to watch and learn everything that they should know if they are thinking about hooking up on a cruise ship.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Mitchell! Tried to keep it pretty balanced and am very pleased with how it turned out.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Reply removed :-)

[@bethgintx]

OMG! This might be my favorite vlog of yours! “Not story time with Brandon”. I had a great laugh with this one. I do hope it helps someone out though.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Haha thank you! Glad you enjoyed and that was my favorite line in the video as well! I laughed a few times in editing at it. 😂

[@MattCellaneous]

Out of all your points, the sharing the room one is the most salient. Because honestly it doesn't seem like it would be that hard to stay up late, drink too much and be somebody's bad drunken decision. If you're willing to take what you can get, I don't think it would be that hard. However, the double occupancy room thing is a real roadblock. Now take this all with a grain of salt. I'm A very happily married man who desires No one other than my beautiful wife and have only ever gone on a cruise with her.

[@tremainekennedy9417]

I had my own room. Lol. And situations still never presented to themselves. Lol.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

As one other person commented earlier, "I am not in the game anymore but still know how to play!"

[@MattCellaneous]

@@TheWeekendCruiser 😀 precisely

[@937553]

"Hey do you want to come see my suite room" it always works, they will say YES.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That's a good one! "come see my suite, I promise it is huge!"

[@GRANDPRIXDUVAL]

i have hooked up on my last two solo cruises but have never able to do it with a roommate. Having the drinks package, being super friendly and having a open schedule helped me ALOT. He is right about the schedules being solo and not playing ANYTHING allowed me to always “go with the flow” which leads to random incounters.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I think that is definitely one of the keys, be flexible and go with the flow! The scheduling issue is a real issue!

[@lindawolf481]

Great video. Thanks

[@davidlylejones]

10:42 Speaking of protection… please consider PrEP and DoxyPEP as applicable! (Especially for certain cruises! 😉)

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Good call out! There are many more options these days!

[@GaryMeolaJr]

All great advice ! I often solo cruise on a gambling comp. Very hard to "hook" up. Usually the time schedule and time limitations are the biggest challenges. I feel the group dynamic issue is another issue with finding others who want to hook up. Cruises go by so fast!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

So true! Thanks Gary!

[@paulstrzykalski2596]

I always had a good time.

[@Its-tee-time]

This is the content that none of us knew we needed! I was thoroughly entertained by your approach to such a taboo subject. Too bad I'm happily married, so no hooking up for me.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you for that! I did try to make it engaging and entertaining without it being story time! Love cruise ship education, even the more "not talked about" topics.

[@scottnewton3048]

This was fabulous, didn’t expect this content from you Brandon!’ It was a great laugh but all very true especially the consent piece.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thanks Scott!! I like to keep you all guessing! Being on weekend cruises, I really do get this question a lot, so figured it was time to educate folks on the challenges because I really don't find it easy.

[@scottnewton3048]

@@TheWeekendCruiser I have a couple of times on 7 night cruises but was looking to do it. Now I just go with the flow, with no expectations. This was definitely a hot topic. 😜You said "make sure you come prepared" pun intended? LOL Sorry had too!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@scottnewton3048 hahaha no pun intended on that one! I am not that witty!

[@thabanim.khumalo3980]

Our children‘s Name? Jewel, Liberty and Harmony. He calls the secrets;-)

[@ballyhigh11]

You win the internet today!😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahahhaha this is amazing! I do hope you have taken them on their ship!

[@omardeveraux1418]

This was a serious message but a cute video. I like how you made it flow.....glad I was able to see it.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed! Def a tough subject but I did my best!

[@omardeveraux1418]

@@TheWeekendCruiser 😀😀😀.....no problem, and you did well! Keep it up.....I'll be watching you lol. Have a good day!

[@thomassickler9751]

Not going to lie I clicked wanting “Story time with Brandon”

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahah glad I got that out of the way early on! Hope you still enjoyed the video!

[@BarryDMoss]

I never go on a cruise with any expectations of hooking up. They have singles bars for that.

[@DjLaRoc]

You missed one huge advantage a person can utilize if he or she is looking to hook up. Start flirting long before you get on the ship in a Facebook group designated for your sailing. This gives you time to break the ice build familiarity and sexual tension plus you can start to gain a rapport, which gives you a leg up and also the ability to cultivate multiple options. If I was a player, that’s what I would utilize.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That is a REALLY good call out. Weekend cruises are very short. If you can find a way to extend that time frame ie: Facebook Groups you will be helping solve one of the issues. Thanks for mentioning this!

[@DjLaRoc]

@ don’t mention it I’m no longer in the game but I still know how to play lol 😂😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hahaha life skills!

[@jeffreylevin9616]

This is great. Hope i get lucky whenever my next cruise is going to be. I got to find a pineapple magnet.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

They have take the internet by storm this past year. Plenty of them out there.

[@RSbz]

on apps. just have to disable Wifi location services and/or go outside to "see" satellites. if Maps app is right, dating apps are working right.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I think what most people do on the ship is go straight into airplane mode and use the wifi gps only. Sometimes the satellite gets it right but I find this to not be often. It's also a floating target at that point because if I log in at 10:00 and you log in at 10:20 we are already pretty far away. Luckily, at sea, not many others but you do get all cruise guest mixed in.

[@GrantMcLeod-u2r]

I have heard that cruise personnel are not to "fraternize" with cruise passengers. That is serious, though I am sure it can go on. Also, conversely, cruise passengers are taking a big chance "fraternizing" with crew personnel. One could be taking "big chances" ~ and if it goes wrong, end up arrested. You could include this topic in your next Hook Up video ~!!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

All very true! I know guest who have been banned from a cruise line for this behavior. Not sure I am looking to make a "hook up series" but would be interesting to directly approach this specific topic.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

All very true! I know guest who have been banned from a cruise line for this behavior. Not sure I am looking to make a "hook up series" but would be interesting to directly approach this specific topic.

[@Derek-Adams]

I’ve been a serial cruiser since the late 80’s. I don’t see this on cruises anymore (especially since the pandemic) but a Friends of Dorothy group could always be found on the Daily Activities. A pretty sure-fire way to get a little somethin-somethin 😅 And if someone comes on here and asks me what Friends of Dorothy is …

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

They do have LGBT+ events on just about every cruise now I feel like. On MSC Seashore this weekend, they had an early seating at 6pm and a late seating at 9pm for the LGBT+ hosted by a member of their entertainment staff. Many people went to both!

[@kfranklin6257]

Interesting perspective. Doesn't resonate with my personal experience having cruised many times or that of several people I know. Though traveling solo may be a significant factor in why I find myself turning down multiple opportunities on every cruise.

[@njk901]

Having your name announced because they are looking for you would be the ultimate ‘walk of shame’. LOL

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

And in some cases, the start of your divorce! 😬

[@nellietuiasosopo5694]

No lie for a split second i was like ooooh we finna get juice from Brandon. Good thing you let me know straight away 😂😂!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahhaa down Nellie! ;-) Yeah, I don't like to lead people on, so wanted to be upfront in what to expect. Hope you still watched the video though!

[@jjk9275]

fish?

[@ChetLugsdin]

When you mentioned about the "Hot Tub", immediately I had flash backs of my first encounter on a cruise ship 😂Experience not gonna lie was amazing, but never doing that again 😅

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha live and learn!

[@joethecomputerguy1]

I do more than 12 cruises a year all solo. I've never hooked up on a cruise. I had a timeshare earlier in life. I used to hook up all the time. Agree, the dynamic is much different.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That makes sense to me. On land, I think schedules are more flexible to be able to figure it out.

[@humlakullen]

Sooo…. Do you come here often:-)?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahha story of my life.

[@FraserAtSea]

I got a fright when I saw this title - I was worried where you were going to take this topic, Brendan! Great video :)

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Aww thanks Fraser! Def a sensitive topic but I did my best with it!

[@FraserAtSea]

@ yeah, I get that. Well done, mate!

[@teddy7684]

Story time with Brandon

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahah you never know!

[@allensingleton9162]

I like that loft state room

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

same here! I could live in it for much!

[@JulesLoesch]

I have walked in on my friend and his new hookup, I am like I gave you 3 hours my room now 🤣

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha

[@eugenerowley1717]

Great video!!! Loved the “not story time with Brandon” lol.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Haha that was my favorite kind of the video! I kept laughing when I was editing it 😂

[@rhondalyn100]

What a *refreshing* and *transparent* video! Hooking up on a cruise ship will never be in my cards (not interested) but this is great information to those who might be of that persuasion. Excellent tips and advice! You rocked this one! 🙂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you Rhonadalyn! These comments always mean a lot to me. Thank you.

[@RedNekLvr22]

I had two different crew members trying to hookup with me on Grindr on my last cruise. That was uncomfortable. They were cute, but it was odd. Needless to say, i didnt do anything with those two.

[@ballyhigh11]

Not trying to pry, but did this happen to be on a certain grey and red ship? I only ask as I know that line encourages their crew to be more relaxed and to interact with passengers, which I've always enjoyed and sets them apart from other lines. I just wondered how much 'interaction' they would tolerate! On many other lines crew/pax hookups are strictly forbidden and usually lead to instant dismissal.

[@davidlylejones]

@@ballyhigh11Hookups between crew and sailors are forbidden on that line too. But I have had a member of the kitchen crew message me quite a bit, and chats are fine (though many crew include a line in their profile about not being willing to interact with sailors to even chat on the apps). Knew his flirtation couldn’t go anywhere due to his crew status (and I wasn’t interested in the least), but I took it as a compliment.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

It can be very uncomfortable. As mentioned, crew are off limits and could result in their dismissal from their career and your removal from the ship. Not worth the risk. With that said, some people think the juice is worth the squeeze.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Yeah, it is forbidden on all cruise lines. They are more social but only in common areas where everyone is.

[@adamsaldana5462]

I don't know. I'm 3 for 4 at this point.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Did it seem easy or did you have to jump through some of the hoops?

[@prestone9717]

This makes me think of Dennis Reynolds from It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia 😂 "The implication"...

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Aww I know the show but not the reference! Scared to look it up though! :-x

[@carolatchley3797]

A seeker needs to have a little more "couth" than someone on a FB page for a recent cruise. A man in our group was point blank asking is anyone was a pineapple or unicorn. He straight out said he wanted a hook up. Instead of attracting people he ended up being ostracized.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Oh wow, that is pretty forward! I have certainly ran into folks like this through the years and I always go "this can't really work with people..." but I have come to learn that every blue moon, it actually does work which is why they keep doing it. In sales, you would call this the law of numbers. Ask enough people and eventually you will find a buyer.

[@stpetefl]

Wrong!!! I have no problems hooking up with guys ! From the exertions to the dance floor! Have fun. Relax! Enjoy!!! ❤️🏳️‍🌈☀️😎

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

That's what it is all about! Relax and enjoy!

[@stpetefl]

@@TheWeekendCruiserYes! 😉🏳️‍🌈❤️

[@danielgross9792]

Thanks for the good video, Brandon!

[@danielgross9792]

Do you have a lot more RCCL cruises planned? My host convinced my mom and I to try Celebrity.

[@Jon_T19]

Significant others really do put a damper on cruise ships hookups, 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahah depends on the relationship!

[@Jon_T19]

@@TheWeekendCruiser That's true!

[@jaystevens9012]

few years ago... last night of cruise... met a girl at the bar, she grabbed me, told me a few graphic things.. took me to her room... did her thing.. send me off on my way haha

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I mean, that sounds pretty simple! I don't believe that is the norm though lol

[@battery781]

What if you’re trying to hook up with your wife but she says she has a headache?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Then you didn't do a good job warming her up to the idea. 😜🫣🥳

[@battery781]

@ ha! I was wondering if you would read the comment! Love your channel by the way!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@battery781 of course! I think I make videos just to get the comments sometimes 😂 I love responding to these and respond to everyone!

[@QueenKayKay47]

Area people not scared of STD's?????

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Queen Kay Kay, I think people today take more of a logical approach to hooking up as there is a lot more awareness and options. Not a doctor or psychologist but with protection the likelihood of a transmission is greatly reduced. As another commenter pointed out, medicines have also come a long way in helping prevent the spread such as PreP (Pre-exposure Prophylactic) or Doxycycline a post "high risk" proactive treatment. Should they not be using any measures to prevent spread, then I agree, they are not scared of STDs as we all have education and knowledge of STDs these days.

[@QueenKayKay47]

@TheWeekendCruiser REDUCED, but not a 100% guarantee. And I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that MANY of these folks hooking up randomly are not using anything🤢

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@QueenKayKay47 If that is true, then they are not scared of STDs or it doesn't bother them enough to make different decisions.

[@RickBerg-b9k]

Blah, blah…blah….

[@laurahurst5161]

What channel has Brandon Story Time? Asking for a friend.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Haha late night convos in the NYC suite is the best place to get those! 😂

[@tedcoates402]

Congrats! You sure tiptoed through those tulips. Does your mother watch?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hahaha she does! I was actually with her today and almost warned her 😂 I hope I said what I needed to say, without saying it

[@m.e.c.5837]

Grindr. Tinder. Solved.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

These work well if in port and you have an international cell phone plan. If you stay in airplane made or at sea, the GPS may not be accurate.

[@m.e.c.5837]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Grindr at port then trade numbers for WhatsApp at sea. Haha. That's what I do.

[@javamon]

Pro Tip: Avoid Holland America! 😋

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha, I don't know... you might get surprised! There is plenty activity for all!

[@charleyfrancis8671]

Has NOT been my experience.....

[@dara_the_cruisingcatlady]

ADVICE: don't bring your spouse 😂. Unless you're pineapple people.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hahaha I will list that as a pro tip next time. 😂

[@CruiseDude1]

"No more beating around the bush!"🤣

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hahaha I was wondering if anyone would see the innuendo there! Glad you get my humor as always! 😂

[@andrewwaters2498]

The dorm room sock in the door is a complete must!!! 🤣 Great video Brandon! Like most things that are "spontaneous", it has a higher chance of happening when you aren't expecting. That's not saying don't plan, but also don't expect it!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hahaha next time I walk the hallway I am going to guess if people's door decorations are saying "we are busy" or if it is truly a door decorations!

[@SteveR100AU]

Pffft who needs to hook up when you have 24 hr unlimited buffet lol

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

hahaha that's the great thing about cruise ships, lots of choices!

[@Feralyank]

I am astonished at the elementary drivel.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I prefer to call it practical advice and education. :-)

[@Frank-in-PalmSprings]

Brandon, how do I say this…. I think we use the term “hook up” to mean very different things! It seems you are talking about meeting up or short-term dating; most people use “hooking up” to mean doing the deed. I’ve sailed about 40 cruises (mine are usually 10 days+}. As a fellow member of the alphabet mafia, I have hooked up plenty of times! If traveling alone, no issue; if traveling with friends, they are happy to find something else to do for a few hours. 😉

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Frank! I think both words work, maybe a regional difference? To me someone has a hook up by hooking up. You have some good friends!

[@billybenson3834]

Impulse control is non existent, it's all about the self gratification.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Judgement free zone 😃

[@DR-zj4od]

All the ways to contract STD's in one video. Your next video should be on how to keep it in you pants, do the right thing and date first, and where to get medical help to cure your STD's...

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Agree or not, hooking up happens. Might as well educate people on how it works including the need to pack protection and where to buy protection on the ship. All mentioned in this video. Education, not judgement, is how you reduce STDs.

[@fletcherprince]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Not the content I subscribed for. I'm out.

[@murphsan84]

​@@fletcherprinceWell bye 😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Fletcher, I totally get it. I took a risk by making this video. To me, the content is relevant and extremely helpful to people looking to go on a cruise. Cruise ship guests are not all one flavor. They have many interests, objectives and ways of enjoying their cruise vacation and I try to make content for them all. As always, I took great care in the word choice and approach to this video to educate cruisers without offending and apologize it still did not land well with you. I understand your decision and wish you well. 🤗

[@Leo-vk6qm]

@@fletcherprince Bye Felicia.

[@samueldotson2809]

Good afternoon

[@hellosaysdrew]

As soon as I heard "This is not story time with Brandon" - IM OUT

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Aww sorry about that! KZbin doesn't appreciate the stories as much as we do!

[@leslierurup3570]

@hellosaysdrew 😂😂 But, judging from the others joking about the same disappointment....hope springs eternal!😂

[@az55544]

cruise ships are vulgar to begin with. you've leveled up. congrats.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hi there, which part of the video did you find vulgar? I tried to take great care in the word selection and to present the topic in a way that would not offend but would be educational and helpful as well. Though, I don't always get it right. Any advice on how to make better videos on this topic? (genuine question).

[@davidlylejones]

@@TheWeekendCruiserYou weren’t vulgar in the least. People are simply puritanical and judgmental. I thought you handled this topic with incredible amounts of tact and put out really important disclaimers (consent, protection, consideration of others, etc).

[@karlsmith7016]

Are you super rich or something? How do you afford so many cruises?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Great question Karl! Here is the video I made on this exact topic as I get this question a lot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqrPnYKZp9F9p6c

[@SteveKxyz]

. Too much effort. All sounds a bit desperate and predatory. I would expect a travelling companion to say "No!".

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Judgement free zone Steve... ;-) Talking to people at trivia is not predatory 😂

[@paticiagarcia3671]

This comes off as a cautious perspective from an extremely gay man. Others might be different from this perspective

[@Michael-rx6ji]

I never saw this channel and I was going to ask if this is from a gay man's perspective. It seems pretty obvious after watching it for 3 minutes or less. Will definitely be my last watch of the channel also 😊

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Patricia, I am a little confused on your comment. Are you saying that meeting fellow guest is easier than I discussed? Feel free to share your thoughts if you have had a different experience. Also, "extremely gay" is considered offensive, which I am sure you did not intend, as there are no levels of being gay. You either are or you are not. 😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey Michael, welcome to the channel! I thought it was a pretty well rounded video but apologies if it didn't reflect the experiences of all sexualities. Would you be able to share any insight on what I missed or how I could have presented the topic to be more inclusive? Genuinely always trying to learn how to make better content and recognize I am often limited by my own perspective. Thank you.

[@leslierurup3570]

​@@Michael-rx6jibye!!

[@calboy2]

girl, i've gotten laid on every cruise i've been on...maybe you need to deepen your voice a little

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

It's probably more a personality difference than a voice difference...

[@WestCoastCultured]

I never find any single hotties on a cruise my age or a little older. I just see Karens and old, drunk men. 😂😂😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I think the single hotties are an endangered species that only comes out during odd hours 🤷

[@Harmony977]

Very cool video and funny especially the pet about telling your friends you did not fall over board lol😂 « Announcement « “This is not story about Brandon …sure“ lol That said solo groups are great for friendship mostly but all it takes is one ( whether you welcome it or not) out of that 120 😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you Harmony! You are right, it only takes one! Luckily, I have not been paged on the ship for that reason but def know others that have!