Invitation to Captain's table?

[RSLeesburg]

Not that I am expecting an invitation, but was curious about if we did get invited are there any tips? Would you dress more formally (even if its not formal night)? I saw a photo on one posting with people in tuxes - would I be out of place in a suit? This will be our first cruise, so have no idea :)

[xxoocruiser]

Not that I am expecting an invitation, but was curious about if we did get invited are there any tips? Would you dress more formally (even if its not formal night)? I saw a photo on one posting with people in tuxes - would I be out of place in a suit? This will be our first cruise, so have no idea :)

 

A suit would be appropriate. However the odds of actually being invited to dine with the Captain Table are astronomical. In fact on most of the RCCL cruises I've been on in the past years the Captain's table in the MDR remained empty the entire time.

[Hlitner]

We have been fortunate (or honored) to have dined with 4 different Captains (3 cruise lines) over the years. They all had one thing in common in that they all happened on formal nights. Of course that meant wearing a tuxedo or suit. The norm on most ships is that the Captain only dines with passengers on a few nights and traditionally these were the formal dinners. However, not that some lines (such as Oceania) have eliminated formal nights the rules are changing. When we were on Azamara we were invited to dine with the Hotel Manager and this line has only smart-casual. All the men at the Captain's table did wear jackets (I had a blazer) but it would have been OK to come in just a nice shirt and slacks.

 

Hank

[RSLeesburg]

Thanks. I doubt very much that we would get invited, but figured it would be better to ask than get invited and not know what to do...lol. I have heard that because we booked a GS, we would get invited to cocktails with the captain and officers. Also, I just read that Radio was invited to Captains Table on GOTS, so thought maybe this captain does this on each cruise, so you never know :D

[Keith1010]

It's always hard to know whether one will get invited to dinner If you do I hope you will go.

 

We like to get dressed up on Formal nights.

 

Keith

[RSLeesburg]

Do people get invited and not go? :eek:

[pris993]

Years ago, we were on the Statendam in a suite, got an invitation that we declined. So it does happen.

 

We have been invited to the Captains table a number of times on Celebrity since. Once we had a great time on RCCL.

 

It is an enjoyable evening.

 

If you are interested you might mention to the Matre'd or the ship Host or Hostess that you are interested. Generally one or other of these folks select who is invited. Some folks probably think this is not proper, but I see nothing wrong with it. Sometimes we have been invited because the Matre'd or host knew who us.

[Keith1010]

Do people get invited and not go? :eek:

 

It might happen but not too often.

 

Keith

[GORDONCHICK]

Do people get invited and not go? :eek:

 

Some people have no interest in it and don't go. If you don't want to, please decline so someone else can be chosen.

[Essiesmom]

Have not sailed Royal, but on Celebrity, it occurs on formal nights, second seating. the 'Captain's table' is occupied at early seating, but hosted by another senior officer. Ibelieve the choices are made by the social hostess. EM

[Porthopper101]

Years ago, we were on the Statendam in a suite, got an invitation that we declined. So it does happen.

 

We have been invited to the Captains table a number of times on Celebrity since. Once we had a great time on RCCL.

 

It is an enjoyable evening.

 

If you are interested you might mention to the Matre'd or the ship Host or Hostess that you are interested. Generally one or other of these folks select who is invited. Some folks probably think this is not proper, but I see nothing wrong with it. Sometimes we have been invited because the Matre'd or host knew who us.

.

 

My pride would never ever allow me to ask to be seated at the Captian's table. On our last cruise we had the honor to sit with the Commodore and the Captain.

 

M

[Hlitner]

Do people get invited and not go? :eek:

 

Yep. We have turned down an invite to dine with a Captain and another one to dine with a hotel manager. Why? In both cases we were eating at great tables where everyone had a great time and we did not feel like giving this up for the oft formality of the Captain's table. I should also mention that once, on the Celebrity Silhouette, we ended up at the Captain's table because another couple cancelled at the last minute. The Captain's Club hostess came over to us about 6 pm, while we were in the Elite Cocktail party and asked if we would dine with the Captain that evening (we had 1 1/2 hours notice before the pre-dinner cocktail get together). And that night actually turned out to be possibly the best dinner we have ever had on a cruise ship (and we have spent more then 3 years on ships). The Captain of the Silhouette was Captain Demitrius, who is one of the funniest (and nicest) officers we have ever met. The table was an absolute riot and nobody wanted it to end. Trust me when I say that if Captain Demitrius ever lost his job at sea he could easily take over the Tonight Show (we told him this).

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

I should have added an old Cruise ship story (oft told here on CC). Many years ago a British lady (probably a Dame) was asked to dine with the Captain on a Cunard Liner. She quickly responded, "Sir, I never dine with the hired help."

 

Hank

[sail7seas]

We love dining with Captains at their table or in specialty restaurants or at the Mariners (on HAL) Brunches...... anywhere, anytime. We've had Captains come to our table in MDR when we had a table for four but only the two of us were seated there. We've even had lunch in Lido with two different Captains. :) That was REALLY fun and some GREAT stories from those experiences.

 

I don't know why initially we were invited and can't say why now other than we are high day repeaters but it's always a wonderful experience. No one ever answered when I asked how we often are invited.

 

We've dined with Chief Engineers and Hotel Managers, Guest Relations Managers and Beverage Manager (lunch) and on more than one cruise line. They are such interesting people, who have been so many people, seen such sights, been to so many amazing places....... and they are almost always wonderful hosts.

 

IF you ever have the chance, by all means dress respectfully (gents - put on a tie and jacket) and bring your best manners but certainly look forward to a lovely evening.

 

We dined with Captains on Celebrity everytime we cruised that cruise line, Princess and many Captains on HAL and treasure each of those experiences.

 

What I always have found interesting is how alike the flow of the evening is from one cruise line to the other. We always meet first for drinks and are introduced to the Captain, if we've not met before as well as the others with whom we'll be dining. We are then escorted to 'the table' after most everyone is already seated in Main Dining Room. We don't always dine from same menu as rest of dining room and there are often 'treats.' It is tradition the Captain (host) always buys wine. Normally white for first course and red for entree. Wine steward will ask each guest if they are having wine and if they wish to remain with the white when they start to pour the red, of course, that is fine.

 

I do not wish to sound like a braggard and if I do I am sorry but the question was asked, some do not have the same viewpoint and I wanted to share our opinion about the opportunity to dine with Captains.

It's not like it's any secret about which I should be keeping silent. It's out in public in front of a whole shipload full of crew and guests. :D

 

 

 

They are fascinating people and wonderful hosts!

[sail7seas]

I should have added an old Cruise ship story (oft told here on CC). Many years ago a British lady (probably a Dame) was asked to dine with the Captain on a Cunard Liner. She quickly responded, "Sir, I never dine with the hired help."

 

Hank

 

 

Legend has credited that to Lady Astor. :rolleyes:

[sail7seas]

Have not sailed Royal, but on Celebrity, it occurs on formal nights, second seating. the 'Captain's table' is occupied at early seating, but hosted by another senior officer. Ibelieve the choices are made by the social hostess. EM

 

 

Every time we dined at Captains' Table on Celebrity, it was the Social Hostess who invited us.