Playing with friends?

[Duckets]

Well I just started on this game today, and I got to say, better than I expected. I got my brother playing it as well, but our issue is this. We were both in the same starting area (docks at Port Royale) and didn't see each other :/. Is there something I'm missing, such as multiple servers? Is there a way to play together with friends and family, or is this the hands were dealt? It would be nice to play along with someone, makes the experience a lot better in my opinion.