When we were in Grenada this past summer, we basically did our own thing. We didn't do much of the "sundowners" on our boat or others, and we didn't do a single Happy Hour at a bar while there. We weren't anti-social, per se, we just didn't immerse ourselves into any of the groups.
We are now in Guadeloupe, with a handful of American boats and a few other English speakers. All of a sudden, our social calendar has suddenly filled up. "Come over for drinks" has become a common expression for us to hear, and to utter.
We are enjoying the company of those around us, and I am doing my baguette deliveries after my runs (I am down to 2 from 4 since two boats left this morning). The only conundrum is what to do about dinner. Sundowners tend to start at 5:30 or 6:00, the time I normally start thinking of making dinner, and if we are having a good time, the visiting can go on until 9:00, or sometimes later. This makes the question of dinner a serious one. Do we eat before we go? Do we wait until after, and possibly scarf down a peanut butter sandwich or cereal (it can't be heavy or it won't sit well)? Sometimes the snacks with the drinks are quite substantial (I usually do pizza so that people can have something solid in their bellies, and we can enjoy any left overs), but other times they really are appetizers in the true sense of the word. While we are in a French island, it is pretty much a guarantee that a baguette and soft cheese will be part of the offerings (a baguette I may well have delivered that morning!)
We have a compromise; a "solid" snack before we go, with the option of the cereal or sandwich when we return if we need it. This seems to work. Besides, going without being hungry cuts down the temptation to overindulge in potentially high-calorie foods (well, in theory, anyway, as I will snack if it is in front of me, whether I have eaten or not; Ken is more disciplined. One of the reasons I like my morning runs!). Of course, situating oneself away from the food can also make overindulging less likely.
While this isn't much of a big deal once a week, if you are doing this multiple times a week, it can do a number on eating patterns.
The other thing that concerns some cruisers is the alcohol consumption. Some boats do a BYOB thing, so that everyone is their own bartender, and the amount of alcohol consumed is at the discretion of the individual. When it isn't BYOB, it still is easy enough to say "water, thanks" after a drink or two. We actually prefer visiting with BYOB, as a little rum goes a very long way.
We enjoy hosting breakfast or brunch on "Silverheels III". One, this usually doesn't involve alcohol, unless you do mimosas, which can be a good thing with some people (some people can go a little overboard on someone else's booze, and not being big drinkers, watching others get progressively drunk isn't always that enjoyable). It is also an easy meal to prepare, and can easily be catered to vegetarians and other dietary concerns. Plus we have good coffee. There is also no ambiguity as to whether there is food or not.
The social life of cruising is lovely, but it does have some considerations.