I doubt any of us need to make new friends. I certainly don't. If it happens, it happens and it is fun. On my cruise last month, we were reacquainted with a nice couple we spent time with on the Encore in 2021. Our only common ground was that we drank and enjoyed listening to Alexa work her magic on the piano (Encore OL). We gathered each night for the privilege. Imagine my surprise when DW spotted them on the Spirit on the 16 day HI-AK itinerary. We saw them later and chatted a bit. Reminisced. It was fun, but certainly not something any of us "needed."
Sure. I can chill just about anywhere on the ship. I'm not a "totally unsociable grumpy old man." Well, I am old. I'm also not "sociable" if anybody really knows what that means. Grumpy? Never on a cruise ship unless they run out of Guinness or the band sucks (not really then, I just find another venue). Why would you be grumpy on a cruise ship? Why would you want to "waste a half hour." You really need my coaching friend. Hopefully we'll meet up on a ship before it's too late!