Were you invited to dine with the captain?

[KruzPrincess]

I don't understand why anyone would want to dine with the captain. People say it's a privilege, but, after all, isn't he essentially just a driver in a fancy suit? Would you want to have dinner with a bus driver?

Ok, a cocktail party is maybe a bit different, I'm just talking about dining with him.

Maybe some people just like to be elitist?

 

Personally, I don't have a desire to dine with the Captain, but I do go to the most traveled events if I'm invited. I think it's fun and the food is very good. The times I've had meals with staff are usually interesting. Some of them have good stories to tell. Some not so much. I'm kind of a cruise nerd, so I like hearing the stories.

[KarateMan]

It happens a lot on many lines still to this day.

 

P&O UK still have senior officers hosting tables from the Captain down. My first cruise with them I had the Executive Purser hosting my table for 14 nights.

 

That being said on the most luncheons I have dined with a Captain on one occasion.

 

There is also a lot of privately hosted parties in private crew quarters of senior officers. Some cruise lines do this as a PR system and randomly select passengers new and regular to join them for cocktail parties in their cabins. It just enhances the cruise experience.

 

Princess still have many perks but I would prefer not to mention them as when you get the letters of invitation it clearly states to keep such things confidential.

[partybarbie]

In 2000, we were invited to have dinner with the Staff Captain, Stefano Ravera. He's the Captain on the Ocean Princess now.

 

Eight years ago, on the old Regal Princess, the MTP cocktail party was held in the officer's private lounge. We got to take a "secret elevator" that went to a private area by the bridge where the officers stay.

 

DH and I did get to have lunch with "Captain Andy" Procter. I had made the MTP, and we also announced our engagement. We met his wife too, and they were such a beautiful couple and quite charming.

 

Anyway, nothing that exciting lately, although we usually do make the cut for MTP. I really enjoy meeting the people that work on the ship as their jobs and stories are always so interesting.

[satxdiver]

Back at the start of the year we were on the Royal and having dinner in Alfredo's (pizza) with our DS, DIL and 6 y/o GD. At the next table was the captain and his DW having dinner as well. So I suppose we were at least near the "captain's table". :D

 

A year or so ago after cruising through the canal, we decided to have dinner in the HC. So who was sitting at another table near us? The captain of course so again we were near the "captain's cable". :D

[Iamcruzin]

The closest I came to eating dinner with the Captain was when we participated in the Chef's Table. He joined us for champagne and appetizers during the galley tour.

[Hlitner]

We have dined with the Captain on several cruise lines (HAL, RCI, Celebrity, Orient, Azamara) but never on Princess. In fact, we have always had the impression that Princess Captains do not socialize to the extent we have found on many other cruise lines.

 

That being said, we are reminded of the old tale of cruising which supposedly happened on the original Queen Mary. A lovely British Dame, when asked to dine with the Captain responded, "Sir, I never dine with the hired help."

 

Hank

[ggprincess2004]

In 2000, we were invited to have dinner with the Staff Captain, Stefano Ravera. He's the Captain on the Ocean Princess now.

 

Eight years ago, on the old Regal Princess, the MTP cocktail party was held in the officer's private lounge. We got to take a "secret elevator" that went to a private area by the bridge where the officers stay.

 

DH and I did get to have lunch with "Captain Andy" Procter. I had made the MTP, and we also announced our engagement. We met his wife too, and they were such a beautiful couple and quite charming.

 

Anyway, nothing that exciting lately, although we usually do make the cut for MTP. I really enjoy meeting the people that work on the ship as their jobs and stories are always so interesting.

 

Captain Andy is retired now, but I agree, quite charming. He was the charming gentleman who married DH and me on the Grand. What a great guy!

[ggprincess2004]

I don't understand why anyone would want to dine with the captain. People say it's a privilege, but, after all, isn't he essentially just a driver in a fancy suit? Would you want to have dinner with a bus driver?

Ok, a cocktail party is maybe a bit different, I'm just talking about dining with him.

Maybe some people just like to be elitist?

 

I don't know, perhaps characterizing a captain as a driver in a fancy suit reflects an elitist attitude. He's a gentleman or she's a gentle lady with a whole lot of specialized training and responsibility for each and every soul on his/her vessel. And with lots of travel under those bars, probably the possessor of some great tales to tell!

[bhopal21]

I guess we must be missing something as neither of us has any desire to dine with the captain.

 

We just go on a cruise for the voyage and to relax; not for the captain, the cruise director or the food.:D

 

Mike:)

[Shogun]

Hi All

I for one am happy to have ships Captain, bus driver or astronaut join me for diner l like to have an interesting conservation and hopefully leave better educated and just may be a better person learning from the experience of others.

 

Yours Shogun

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile app

[billco]

I don't understand why anyone would want to dine with the captain. People say it's a privilege, but, after all, isn't he essentially just a driver in a fancy suit? Would you want to have dinner with a bus driver?

Ok, a cocktail party is maybe a bit different, I'm just talking about dining with him.

Maybe some people just like to be elitist?

Depends on the bus driver. Here is a link to a bus driver's blog:

 

Vickie's Adventures Day to Day

http://vickieandbernietravel.blogspot.com/

[ggprincess2004]

Hi All

I for one am happy to have ships Captain, bus driver or astronaut join me for diner l like to have an interesting conservation and hopefully leave better educated and just may be a better person learning from the experience of others.

 

Yours Shogun

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile app

 

Very well said!

[shredie]

74 Pinto. ;)

 

LOL! I wouldn't want to dine with the captain because I'd probably knock over his wine or spill something all over myself. :D

[backheidi]

My sister and I were invited to a cocktail party with the Captain on our recent Alaskan cruise and this was only our second time sailing with Princess. First time invited on any of my cruises, and probably should have went but had others with us not invited!

[cdngrl]

LOL! I wouldn't want to dine with the captain because I'd probably knock over his wine or spill something all over myself. :D

 

exactly, I'd have crumbs on my 'shelf'.

some captains would be interesting I think. others seem to have a hard time making conversation when encountered around the ship.

I don't usually know a captain when I see one. I rarely look at his face as I'm counting the bars on his shoulder to see if he is indeed the captain.

no most traveled for me yet. I figure i'll just keep going on cruising and eventually it will happen.

[CruisinChris]

Some time around 2005-6, my mother and I hit it off with a Captain at the Elite cocktail party and we were later invited to dine with him - which we did in the MDR at our table (table for 4, late, no one else seated with us). We were "chaperoned" by the Captain's Circle Hostess. We were also invited to the bridge on this cruise for sail away from Grenada. This was on Sun Princess, our favorite ship.

[JimAOk1945]

I think I need to clarify my question (Post #1). Perhaps a little back story is in order.

 

On one of our Royal Caribbean cruises, we were invited to dine with the Captain and his wife. Three other couples also received invitations and were present at the table. On another cruise, we received an invitation to dine with the Chief Engineer. Three other couples were also invited and were present at the table. Both dinners were very enjoyable.

 

I just wondered whether this type of event also occurred on Princess cruises. Although we cruised with Princess a few years ago, I don't recall whether or not we saw anything like this in the MDR.

 

Thanks for all your kind replies.

Edited July 1, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[Colo Cruiser]

I think I need to clarify my question (Post #1). Perhaps a little back story is in order.

 

On one of our Royal Caribbean cruises, we were invited to dine with the Captain and his wife. Three other couples also received invitations and were present at the table. On another cruise, we received an invitation to dine with the Chief Engineer. A three other couples were also invited and were present at the table. Both dinners were very enjoyable.

 

I just wondered whether this type of event also occurred on Princess cruises. Although we cruised with Princess a few years ago, I don't recall whether or not we saw anything like this in the MDR.

 

Thanks for all your kind replies.

 

 

No, on Princess they don't host tables that we have ever seen.

 

The most travelled luncheon would be the only opportunity to sit at a table with an officer.

Edited July 1, 2014 by Colo Cruiser

[satxdiver]

I guess we must be missing something as neither of us has any desire to dine with the captain.

 

We just go on a cruise for the voyage and to relax; not for the captain, the cruise director or the food.:D

 

Mike:)

 

I agree whole heartedly. If we were ever to get an invite which would have about the same odds as winning the power ball lottery, I would most likely decline. I too value my time alone.

 

Reminds me of the story of LBJ then US VP outside the home of astonaut Gus Grissom wanting to talk to Mrs Grissom who refused to come out or open the door. It was in Houston and when contacted, Gus said that his wife did not want to talk to LBJ period. end of story!

[PescadoAmarillo]

I think I need to clarify my question (Post #1). Perhaps a little back story is in order.

 

On one of our Royal Caribbean cruises, we were invited to dine with the Captain and his wife. Three other couples also received invitations and were present at the table. On another cruise, we received an invitation to dine with the Chief Engineer. Three other couples were also invited and were present at the table. Both dinners were very enjoyable.

 

I just wondered whether this type of event also occurred on Princess cruises. Although we cruised with Princess a few years ago, I don't recall whether or not we saw anything like this in the MDR.

 

Thanks for all your kind replies.

 

No. I've experienced what you are talking about on RC and there is nothing comparable on Princess. However, there might be personal invitations extended for meals or drinks, either in the public rooms or officer's quarters...rare but not unheard of, even these days.

[JimAOk1945]

I don't understand why anyone would want to dine with the captain. People say it's a privilege, but, after all, isn't he essentially just a driver in a fancy suit? Would you want to have dinner with a bus driver?

Ok, a cocktail party is maybe a bit different, I'm just talking about dining with him.

Maybe some people just like to be elitist?

 

Have you had the opportunity to speak with a Captain? Or take a tour of the bridge when you have the opportunity to ask questions?

Edited July 1, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[JimAOk1945]

I agree whole heartedly. If we were ever to get an invite which would have about the same odds as winning the power ball lottery, I would most likely decline. I too value my time alone.

We value our time alone as well. However, in my experience, an opportunity to ask questions and gain knowledge of this particular [ship/cruise related] type is rare. We enjoyed having dinner with the Captain and Senior Chief Engineer on two of our past cruises.

Edited July 1, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[smtcan]

We enjoyed dinner hosted by the Chief Engineer and his assistant at the captain's table on Celebrity. The Captain hosted the early sitting dinner that evening. It was a good experience, cocktails first, then we were escorted into the dining room. The service was impeccable and wine flowed freely. Each lady received a rose. I wondered what I would do without a vase in the cabin, but when we returned there was a vase with baby's breath waiting. We later received a photo of the group at the table. The conversation was very interesting, as were all the people at the table. I have no idea why we received an invitation. We were in an inside cabin, and the other guests were either at a high loyalty level or in a large suite. We suspected it might be mistaken identity, but we didn't complain.

[bhopal21]

Have you had the opportunity to speak with a Captain? Or take a tour of the bridge when you have the opportunity to ask questions?

 

We have, several times over the years and found that the first officer was most always in charge on the bridge and far more open to questions with a few exceptions.

 

Mike:)

[Pam in CA]

Have you had the opportunity to speak with a Captain? Or take a tour of the bridge when you have the opportunity to ask questions?

It's called the Ultimate Ship's Tour and is $150/pp.

 

I was invited to the Bridge on my Celebrity cruise as part of a CC group. We spent a few minutes on the Bridge with the Captain but it was crowded and hard to see or hear. We were hustled out after about 10-15 minutes. On the UST, there will be just 12-14 of you and you'll have 30 minutes or a lot more on the Bridge with the Captain. The UST is very much worth the money but it's not for everyone.