How does Captain pick dining mates?

[WineDown17]

My husband and I are frequent cruisers, and always book a suite on X (CS minimum). We also got married on X, etc...

 

We have never been selected to dine with the captain- and that is perfectly OK.. This would seem to indicate that his criteria for choosing table mates are more than just loyalty/high $$ spenders and/or special occasions. (As it SHOULD be.. before anyone thinks I have an expectation- becuase I do not!! Please dont flame me!)

 

So that makes me curious if anyone knows how the captain DOES select who will sit with him/her...

 

The REAL reason I ask, is that it is my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary next year, and we are taking them on a 12 night European cruise. X was VERY gracious and will be having a champagne toast for them on the 1st formal night. But I know they would LOVE to be invited to dine with the captain. The have been cruising for decades and they would truly appreciate the honor of this invitation. This may also be their last cruise (lets hope not.. but it is possible), so it would make it that much more incredibly special...

 

Would love to hear from those "in the know".

 

Does anyone know anything we could possibly do to perhaps help get them invited to dine with the captain on that sailing? Or is it completely random?

 

Many thanks and Happy Cruising!

[judyfssw]

I would talk with the Captain's Club hostess as soon as you board and see if she can accomodate you. You might want to call the Captain's Club prior to sailing and speak with someone there.

Just a thought.

[GaryfmCol]

My husband and I are frequent cruisers, and always book a suite on X (CS minimum). We also got married on X, etc...

 

We have never been selected to dine with the captain- and that is perfectly OK.. This would seem to indicate that his criteria for choosing table mates are more than just loyalty/high $$ spenders and/or special occasions. (As it SHOULD be.. before anyone thinks I have an expectation- becuase I do not!! Please dont flame me!)

 

So that makes me curious if anyone knows how the captain DOES select who will sit with him/her...

 

The REAL reason I ask, is that it is my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary next year, and we are taking them on a 12 night European cruise. X was VERY gracious and will be having a champagne toast for them on the 1st formal night. But I know they would LOVE to be invited to dine with the captain. The have been cruising for decades and they would truly appreciate the honor of this invitation. This may also be their last cruise (lets hope not.. but it is possible), so it would make it that much more incredibly special...

 

Would love to hear from those "in the know".

 

Does anyone know anything we could possibly do to perhaps help get them invited to dine with the captain on that sailing? Or is it completely random?

 

Many thanks and Happy Cruising!

 

I can tell you it is a random invitation.

 

The very first cruise on the GALAXY we had an invitation

under the door. I figured they did that for new

first timer's staying in a Concierge Class cabin.

But, later invitations still came and, we've never had a suite.

 

We've never "asked" anyone.

 

Once we were sitting at our table for 6 on formal night, and, one

gentleman was a Brig. General in uniform. A hostess came by our

table and, asked if ALL of us would like to sit at the next Captains table?

Which we did..there were 10 guests at the table and, 6 of them,

was "our table". Also, we had an invitation to visit the bridge

several times.

 

Now, we have been cruising R.C.C.L. and, we've never had an invitation

for anything! Very strange. It is not that we know anyone with X,

we don't!

It just seems we had a lucky "invitation streak" and, it has run out.

 

We still do not understand the criteria.

But, it is OK..let someone else have our seats.

The only GREAT thing about that invitation is the free drinks

before dinner and, the free wine WITH dinner. :D

 

Also, once we had dinner with the officer in-charge of Human Resources.

She was from Kansas and, she was by far our favorite officer...WOW..imagine the stories she had to tell us? :D

[JanineM]

We were selected to sit with the Captain on our last cruise. We weren't in a suite, aren't big spenders, and weren't celebrating anything special.

 

However, we were seated alone, and we spent a lot of time chatting with the assistant head waiter and our servers. We suspect that we were "nominated" by the assistant head waiter. It was either that or the fact that I'm a pretty regular poster here on CC. One other couple at the Captain's Table also posts here frequently.

 

We were informed two days prior.

[WineDown17]

Wow- Some of you have had really great luck!! That is teriffic!

 

I will ask the Captain's Club before I leave (closer to sailing) as well as on board. Will see if that helps....

 

This is truly an interesting thread.. no commonalities yet- so my thoughts about it being random may be correct- or maybe random with a few "special cruisers" ....

 

Would love to hear about more captains table invitations!!

[Fblack]

We are Elite Members and have eaten at the Captains table 3 times. We never book an expensive suite. I believe the Captains Club Hostess has the most authority to select who dines with the Captain. I never ask her specifically, but always introduce ourselves early in the cruise. One time she just found us at dinner the first night and invited us then and there.

 

Also, since we eat at first seating, we usually eat with the Staff Captain since the real Captain eats at second seating.

 

We were also asked on our last cruise on the Constellation last April, but we declined. This was during the last leg of a long b2b and we had decided to eat a casual dinner that night. This would have been our 6th formal night and I did not want to dress up again. Plus she called about 4:00PM which was a bit late and obviously we were not her first choice.

[kitty9]

We usually book a PH or RS and have received an invitation for every one of our cruises except two, and we have a total of 19 cruises on X.

[sharke]

At the time we were invited to the Captain's Table we had only cruised two other times on Celebrity. We had been at the Anniversary party given one afternoon for those celebrating anniversaries - not a special one. Emma the Captain's Club hostess made the rounds at the party and spent a little time talking with us. Near the end she asked our room number. Lo and behold within an hour there was an invitation in our door for that very night.

Regarding requests - On one cruise we had table mates who were celebrating their 10th anniversary, had cruised with Celebrity many times and had never been asked to sit at the Captain's table. They really wanted to have that experience. Without their knowledge the next day we went directly to the Captain's Club hostess and explained the situation, asked if she could do anything to help. She made no promises to us but within days they were asked to the table and enjoyed every minute of it. So one just never knows but it doesn't hurt to ask. ;)

[Keith1010]

As noted above many times if you are in a Penthouse Suite you have a high chance of getting selected to dine at this table. Others who get invited might include someone in one of the other suites, or someone celebrating a very special milestone in their lives or just someone else picked randomly.

 

Keith

[BigAl94]

Why do people feel it's important to eat with the crew?

[Canadianhey!]

We have been picked once and we were still on the classic level booked in oceanview. Our tablemates who had never cruised X (normally princess cruisers) were also picked (they had a sky suite). Does it not say in the captain club that the Elite class may get an invitation to sit at the captains table. I was under the impression that there was just not many elite level cruisers on this cruise. The same cruise we also had one of the staff sit with us for one meal as well.

[dmk]

Why do people feel it's important to eat with the crew?

 

I have often wondered the same thing myself. Perhaps, for some people it makes them feel important. I have to say it didn't make me feel important. I thought conversations were very strained, stilted and alot of bragging going on.

[GaryfmCol]

I have often wondered the same thing myself. Perhaps, for some people it makes them feel important. I have to say it didn't make me feel important. I thought conversations were very strained, stilted and alot of bragging going on.

 

 

I agree...

but, you gotta remember..

It is the FREE booze and, FREE wine..all you want :D

[GaryfmCol]

I have often wondered the same thing myself. Perhaps, for some people it makes them feel important. I have to say it didn't make me feel important. I thought conversations were very strained, stilted and alot of bragging going on.

 

 

I agree...

but, you gotta remember..

It is the FREE booze and, FREE wine..all you want :D

[bububr]

If that was the case you weren't sitting with us:D .

 

Actually we have been invited on the last four cruises we have taken, we did have to turn down once because we were booked in Muranos, and they didn't have reservations available for the remaining days.

 

Does it make you feel important? Not for us, but it does make you feel special knowing that out of ALL the people on board you were asked for whatever reason to join the Captain or the crew to drink, dine and engage in conversation. Aside from that theres the GOOD wine and the TOPSHELF booze.

 

Would we do it again if asked?.....absolutely if we didn't have any conflicting plans, but we wouldn't cancel a previous engagement just to dine with the Captain or crew.

 

Aside from the suite holders, and Captains Club status I think it may have something to do with how you socialize with the rest of the ship. I talk to everyone, passengers as well as crew....and we follow the rules including dress codes, show up at all the events afforded to us unless we have made prior plans, and graciously thank our host/ess at these events.

This last time we were asked right after the bridge tour, actually during a sailaway on the bridge which we had never done before. While others were dressed in shorts and t-shirts we opted for blazers and slacks out of respect for the Captain and the event....next thing you know not only were we asked to sit at the main table, but we were asked if there was anyone we were travelling with or we had met that we thought would make the evening more enjoyable.

 

At times when we see a crew member from a previous cruise we always make an attempt to speak with them, especially at the Captains welcome party or the Senior officers party. Ocassionally someone will ask what our cabin # is and as well as invites we have recieved small gifts such as flowers and bottles of wine and champagne.

 

Lets face it, sailing was meant to be a social event, and many simply go as a 'vacation' and don't care to socialize, or be social...I think those that do have a better chance of being asked to attend a special event regardless of status or cabin selection.

 

IMHO

 

Dave

[oavcech95]

My husband and I are frequent cruisers, and always book a suite on X (CS minimum). We also got married on X, etc...

 

We have never been selected to dine with the captain- and that is perfectly OK.. This would seem to indicate that his criteria for choosing table mates are more than just loyalty/high $$ spenders and/or special occasions. (As it SHOULD be.. before anyone thinks I have an expectation- becuase I do not!! Please dont flame me!)

 

So that makes me curious if anyone knows how the captain DOES select who will sit with him/her...

 

The REAL reason I ask, is that it is my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary next year, and we are taking them on a 12 night European cruise. X was VERY gracious and will be having a champagne toast for them on the 1st formal night. But I know they would LOVE to be invited to dine with the captain. The have been cruising for decades and they would truly appreciate the honor of this invitation. This may also be their last cruise (lets hope not.. but it is possible), so it would make it that much more incredibly special...

 

Would love to hear from those "in the know".

 

Does anyone know anything we could possibly do to perhaps help get them invited to dine with the captain on that sailing? Or is it completely random?

 

Many thanks and Happy Cruising!

 

Oh, and just a question: They can invite you no matter what cabin or the captains club member profile. Oh and what the special thing to eat with the captain, I have never take a cruise so can someone tell me?

Thanks

[kitty9]

You meet in the Martini Bar and have a cocktail before dinner. You're then escorted as a group to the table, which is at the very back of the dining room near the window. The food you get is exactly the same as everyone else, nothing different at all. The only difference is you start with a white wine for the appetizers and salad and a red wine with dinner. Service is quite fast and efficient. The table you sit at is very large so if you're assigned to sit at the end of the table, it's virtually impossible to even talk to the captain.

 

BTW, it's an adults only event, and I'm not sure how those who cruise with children handle this, other than putting the kids in the club for that dinner.

[dmk]

I agree...

but, you gotta remember..

It is the FREE booze and, FREE wine..all you want :D

 

Ooh, you are so right!:D I forgot that part.:rolleyes:

[cavkc]

We were invited to the Captains Table when we sailed on Millennium in the PH, however all our other table mates were all celebrating a special wedding anniversary. One of the couples were in an Inside cabin, on their first ever cruise, but it was their silver wedding whilst onboard.

 

We were fortunate to be sat next to the Captain, as he only actually eats at the table one night per cruise.

[GaryfmCol]

If that was the case you weren't sitting with us:D .

 

Actually we have been invited on the last four cruises we have taken, we did have to turn down once because we were booked in Muranos, and they didn't have reservations available for the remaining days.

 

Does it make you feel important? Not for us, but it does make you feel special knowing that out of ALL the people on board you were asked for whatever reason to join the Captain or the crew to drink, dine and engage in conversation. Aside from that theres the GOOD wine and the TOPSHELF booze.

 

Would we do it again if asked?.....absolutely if we didn't have any conflicting plans, but we wouldn't cancel a previous engagement just to dine with the Captain or crew.

 

Aside from the suite holders, and Captains Club status I think it may have something to do with how you socialize with the rest of the ship. I talk to everyone, passengers as well as crew....and we follow the rules including dress codes, show up at all the events afforded to us unless we have made prior plans, and graciously thank our host/ess at these events.

This last time we were asked right after the bridge tour, actually during a sailaway on the bridge which we had never done before. While others were dressed in shorts and t-shirts we opted for blazers and slacks out of respect for the Captain and the event....next thing you know not only were we asked to sit at the main table, but we were asked if there was anyone we were travelling with or we had met that we thought would make the evening more enjoyable.

 

At times when we see a crew member from a previous cruise we always make an attempt to speak with them, especially at the Captains welcome party or the Senior officers party. Ocassionally someone will ask what our cabin # is and as well as invites we have recieved small gifts such as flowers and bottles of wine and champagne.

 

Lets face it, sailing was meant to be a social event, and many simply go as a 'vacation' and don't care to socialize, or be social...I think those that do have a better chance of being asked to attend a special event regardless of status or cabin selection.

 

IMHO

 

Dave

 

Yes Dave. I think your post is exactly correct.

I believe they do like the Social aspect and, formality.

 

On our first cruise we were NOT even Captains Club,

or, even Cruise Critic (yet). All we had was a Concierge Club

cabin...but, we made a good appearance and, passed out

our name cards to those we met. Plus, the night we were all

invited (our whole table) we were all dressed formal, with the

Brig. General in his U.S.A.F. uniform. I think they (X) liked that, and,

invited our whole table to the event. Plus, we were all talking

and, laughing and, enjoyed everyones company. I think the

hostess that invited us saw our table and, approached

us with that in mind.

 

I offered to buy her a glass of wine, if she joined us. (She declined :rolleyes: )

I think that influenced her, but, I had no idea what she was thinking

at the time.... When she was circulating the dining room, I truly believe

she was looking for some people to fill that table slot, when she

came upon our table...

(I remember she also asked for our cabin numbers..)

 

Another couple at that Captains table

was a DELTA Airlines DC-10 Captain, and, a banker from Wells-Fargo

and, his wife...we all got along well. The officer we had dinner

with that night was a Greek Engineering Officer, and, he did not speak much to us,

but, he smiled alot...I think he liked us all too.

 

We have not changed and, now, we are Diamond/Elite members, but,

no one at R.C.C.L invites us. Plus, I am a RCL stockholder now.

Even that cuts no ice with anyone at R.C.C.L.

 

Go figure....

[Sky Sweet]

I sometimes wonder if being selected to dine with the Captain affects a person's overall opinion of Celebrity.

 

Most people form opinions based on how a cruise line compares with its competition in terms of attributes that are important to them. Yet when a Captain makes you feel as if you are "family", I think that can be very influential.

[librarycin]

I thought conversations were very strained, stilted and alot of bragging going on.

 

This is what I'd be worried about! Well, I was thinking about strained conversation; what was someone bragging about? I guess I just don't understand what would be worth bragging... :confused: LOL! And I don't drink alcohol, so that wouldn't be the least bit of a draw for me... ;) Obviously, if I was ever invited, it wouldn't be all that exciting to me!

[bububr]

That is a possibility.

 

However, Having cruised X many many times and having been invited only a handful of times to the main table.....I have to say that in my case its irrelevent.

 

As I mentioned in a previous post, with the recent changes in X's policies including the dress codes, the new ships that we are simply not interested in sailing, and the abundance of families with small children sailing with X...we haven't booked anything past next weekend.

 

Personally I wouldn't care if I could eat, sleep and drive the ship with the Captain if the quality and consistancy of the line, its policies, the food and service begin to decline even futher than we have seen.

 

Although for some the anticipation about getting an invite could be a real perk for their vacation.

 

IMHO

 

Dave:eek:

[WineDown17]

First I have to say the judgementalism on this board is really starting to get pathetic. Must be a lot of miserable people out there.,

 

 

But to answer some folks question- It has traditionally been considered an HONOR to be asked to dine with the ship's captian..

 

Clearly traditionalism has largely gone by the wayside for many- but for a couple who has been cruising for decades, and celebrating their 50th, THEY would find it the honor it is meant to be....

 

Those who dont care? Dont reply to the thread. Its really that simple.

[BrendaJ]

I think bububr (Dave) hit it on the head - they look for people who adhere to the dress codes, who are friendly to the staff and passengers they meet on board, and seem to have a positive attitude about the ship and cruise line. I think they often choose people who would have no problem carrying on a conversation with a stranger (a lack of conversation has never been my problem - shutting up is more of a problem, many would say!) :D

 

We have always met very nice people at the Captain's table and have enjoyed interacting with those same people later in the cruise. Although some of the people we've met have been sailing in suites, had a special anniversary or have sailed on a large number of cruises, we've never booked anything better than Concierge Class and have just recently attained Elite status. We were actually asked on our very first Celebrity cruise, on which we'd booked the cheapest inside cabin and were upgraded to a verandah. We've had the pleasure on more than half of the Celebrity cruises we've taken (in fact, every time we've requested early seating, so that might mean something).

 

I must say, on Azamara, dressing for a hosted table was a challenge because, as there are no formal nights on Azamara, DH hadn't brought dress shoes, and I hadn't brought anything I would normally wear to the Captains table (in this case, it was hosted by the delightful Becky Field, the Cruise Director). We made do and attire at the table really ran the gamut that night. Becky made it very entertaining by choosing really interesting wines and spirits, and she is such a lot of fun to talk to. I really enjoy getting to ask senior staff questions about life on board - I've definitely learned some interesting things.

 

We've never had a bad time, and the photo is always nice memento of a pleasant evening.