Being Invited to Dine with the Captain?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I read on Facebook that a friend who is a frequent HAL cruise (4*) is currently on a Celebrity cruise and they are so excited because after 43 cruise (most have been on HAL) they were finally invited to dine with the Captain. Needless to say I am thrilled for them. We had the same great experience on a 7 day NCL cruise this past April and were so honored to be invited to dine with the Captain which makes that cruise one of the best we have ever had. Now this friend is not someone who books low end cabins on a few occaisions they have even been in the Penthouse so my question........... Why is it the HAL seldom does this? I know I have read here that some have been invited to dine with the Captain but these have been on longer voyages and actually I have not heard of anyone recently reporting this. This is such a gracious gesture I am surprised that HAL does not do this more often. Especially to invite their loyal repeat passengers.

[solocanadian]

Must be an NCL thing. My late husband & me were invited to the Captain's Table in the main dining room as well to attend the Panama Canal passage from the Bridge. We also attended a private cocktail party in the Captain's quarters with a few other Canadians who were continuing the cruise to New York. We were on a 21 day cruise from LA to NY. There were many other perks involved. This was the most impressive cruise we shared together. A very memorable time.:D:D:D

[andeesue]

Sounds like a wonderful gesture... I recall my first cruise in '97. I was a guest of my parents on the Veendam (who had cruised often before with HAL). An officer (sorry, don't recall which one) joined our table of 6 one evening for dinner. He bought wine (several bottles) for the table and offered great conversation. Since then, I've never had this expereince.

[solocanadian]

All due respects to Hal, I was seated at a table of 8 that consisted of 2 couples, a son of one of the couples and me, a relatively new widow. The company was so self centered and boring I asked to be moved. It was explained to me that I was put at this table because an Officer would be seated there several evenings and that he would buy the wine. A very generous offer on Hal's part but I declined to stay there. Told the Matre'd I'd rather pay for my wine than put up with those people. I was promptly moved the next evening & enjoyed the company of my table companions & gladly paid for my own wine. This was a 21 day Panama Canal cruise a year after my husband has passed away.:)

[kazu]

Good question. Years ago on NCL, we were invited to the captain's table. It was very nice. A few years ago, we had a table for 6 on HAL and two spots were always empty - until the third night - turned out an officer was assigned to our table and did buy our wine. he joined us for probably 6 nights of our cruise.

When we did our South America cruise on the Rotterdam, we were also invited to the captain's table (that seems so long ago now). That dinner was not in the MDR, it was in the King's Lounge, if I recall correctly (or was it the Queen's lounge).

Both experiences were very, very nice.:D Haven't seen anything like it since.

Perhaps the Captain still does do it and just has a different room? i think it probably would depend on each captain?

Too bad they didn't do it more. It really does make the cruise special. I'll never forget the delectable food at the captain's table. It was not the regular MDR food and it was without a doubt delicious. :)

Experiences that I will never forget and would relish to have again or to have other cc'ers enjoy :)

[taxmantoo]

On our Zuiderdam 10-day Panama sailing last October, we had late seating in the Upper Dining Room at a table for 2. A few days into the cruise, on the second formal night, the head Maitre d' stopped at our table one night to chat.

The next day, we received an invitation to drinks with the Captain in the Explorations Lounge followed by dinner at his table on the last formal night. We were with 3 other couples we did not know. The table was set up in the Lower Dining Room. Pictures were taken and laminated copies of the menu were signed by the Captain for each couple and delivered to our room the next morning. A great evening.

We heard later that the Hotel Manager was also hosting a table on the same night in another part of the Dining Room.

[tjcox9]

In January, we were invited to a Q&A with a few other passengers near the end of the cruise. Someone asked about the Captain's table and the HotMan stated that was not done anymore on any ships because it really doesn't work with open seating.........

That begs the question then, how it managed to occur last fall on the Volendam when we were invited to cocktails and dinner with the Captain on one formal evening. We've been invited before, however, not since they started open seating and the Captain's table is set up in the dining room used for open seating.

It seemed a curious response since we've been there, done that, since open seating was implemented.

[Harry1954]

We have been on many HAL cruises including half of the current world cruise, are 4 star, and have never been invited to captain's table. I finally asked recently how folks get picked and got a funny answer from the officer that made no sense. DW could care less about this, but I just find it fascinating that this goes on but there is no rhyme or reason that is obvious.

harry

[Randyk47]

I read on Facebook that a friend who is a frequent HAL cruise (4*) is currently on a Celebrity cruise and they are so excited because after 43 cruise (most have been on HAL) they were finally invited to dine with the Captain. Needless to say I am thrilled for them. We had the same great experience on a 7 day NCL cruise this past April and were so honored to be invited to dine with the Captain which makes that cruise one of the best we have ever had. Now this friend is not someone who books low end cabins on a few occaisions they have even been in the Penthouse so my question........... Why is it the HAL seldom does this? I know I have read here that some have been invited to dine with the Captain but these have been on longer voyages and actually I have not heard of anyone recently reporting this. This is such a gracious gesture I am surprised that HAL does not do this more often. Especially to invite their loyal repeat passengers.


It does appear that HAL captains or senior staff host fewer Captains Tables than other cruise lines. Occasionally you hear of one on longer cruises and not knowing exactly what "longer" constitutes I'll have to say we've been on a hand full of 12-14 day HAL cruises and never seen a Captains Table much less been invited to one. Our one and only Captains Table was on our one and only 12-day Celebrity cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. :)http://www.klugsplace.com/Images/CaptainsTable_smf.jpg

[Krazy Kruizers]

we have noticed on several ships -- both long and short cruises -- while we were dining in the pinnacle grill -- a few captains and hotel managers (and other officers) did invite a couple of the passengers to dine with them -- usually in a back area where most people aren't even aware of this going on

[kazu]

We have been on many HAL cruises including half of the current world cruise, are 4 star, and have never been invited to captain's table. I finally asked recently how folks get picked and got a funny answer from the officer that made no sense. DW could care less about this, but I just find it fascinating that this goes on but there is no rhyme or reason that is obvious.

harry

I think the Captain's table is related to the Upgrade/upsell fairy - no rhyme or reason and no one can figure it out ;);)

[arzz]

We have been invited to dine at the hotel manager's table as well as the captain's table -- do not know how or why it happens but it does seem to be selected and arranged by the maitre d.

At the mariner's brunches (lunches) I think it is function of number of days as well as whether one is receiving a medallion.

It is a unique experience and I always feel that it is quite the honor.

[Spinner2]

A couple of years ago on the Maasdam we were asked by the Dining Room Manager (with whom we frequently chatted; he stopped by our table fairly often) if we'd be interested in an invitation to dine with the Captain. Of course we enthusiastically said yes and the next morning an invitation appeared in our cabin mail. We met the DRM in an adjoining lounge and were taken to a private room for cocktails; we met the Captain, the Guest Relations Manager and 2 other couples there. After visiting for a few minutes were led in and down the stairs to a table in the center of the lower level, where the open seating portion of the dining room is. We had a lovely evening, and the following evening the Captain, passing through the lounge on his way somewhere, spotted us having pre-dinner drinks. He sat down with us, shared a few interesting things that had happened that day and went on his way.

It was a memorable evening that we enjoyed so much! And we have no idea "why us" as we were not suite passengers and if I remember correctly, were not even yet 100-day Mariners. I got the impression, but it's only an impression, that the Dining Room Manager was asked to invite guests that he thought would make a congenial group.

[Kyana]

This is a blast from the past. Our first HAL cruise in 1993 and at that time the Captain hosted a dinner preceeded by coctails for (S) guests in the room next to where the JAVA CAFE used to be. The Captain Frans Consen, the hotel manager Hans Dernisen were our hosts and one of my favourite Chefs Wuffy (Wolfgang W) explained each course. A very special meal with specially chosen wines made this an evening I always treasure. my wife and both my sons attended.:):):):).

[sail7seas]

We sailed Celebrity about 5 or 6 times and for some unknown reason, every time we sailed with them we were invited to dine with the Captain. Their tables are larger than when HAL Captain hosts a table and they usually have about 16 guests.

We've had the pleasure of dining with a number of HAL Captains for some unknown reason and it's always such a delight. We feel honored and very much enjoy when the opportunity arises.

We have also dined with HAL Hotel Managers but some are personal friends so it is more of friends dining with friends than an 'official' capacity. Chief Officers and Chief Engineers also host tables from time to time and /or dine privately.

HAL Captains used to host far more tables than they do these days. Through all the years we've sailed with HAL, we've seen fewer and based on some experiences we witnessed, I'm not surprised.

We were present when on more than one occassion the table turned into a complaint fest with several guests tellilng the Captain all their displeasures about the ship, crew, itinerary etc It was so uncomfortable to listen to.

We've also seen people come dressed very inappropriately. Jeans and sneakers to dine with the Captain on formal night???? :eek: Yes, we have seen this.

There are other examples but maybe they got tired of these sort of things they don't host as many tables as in the past?? I don't know; just relating what I've witnessed.

That is not to say that Senior Officers, including Captains, don't still host as they do.
And KK is correct that some guests dine privately with some of these Officers out of the main dining room.

[sail7seas]

This is a blast from the past. Our first HAL cruise in 1993 and at that time the Captain hosted a dinner preceeded by coctails for (S) guests in the room next to where the JAVA CAFE used to be. The Captain Frans Consen, the hotel manager Hans Dernisen were our hosts and one of my favourite Chefs Wuffy (Wolfgang W) explained each course. A very special meal with specially chosen wines made this an evening I always treasure. my wife and both my sons attended.:):):):).


:) Some years ago, we enjoyed dinner with Captain Consen and it was such a fun night. What a fabulous host and storyteller. We treasure our memories of dinner with him on Ryndam. Very gracious. MY DH loves his humor. :)

[tjcox9]

It was a memorable evening that we enjoyed so much! And we have no idea "why us" as we were not suite passengers and if I remember correctly, were not even yet 100-day Mariners. I got the impression, but it's only an impression, that the Dining Room Manager was asked to invite guests that he thought would make a congenial group.

Once, on the Veendam cruise of 30 days, we were approached by our asst dining room waiter. He said he'd been asked to identify "happy people" to have dinner with the Captain. We and the other couple at our table and two other couples were then invited to a lovely evening with the Captain. That was about five years ago, but gives some credence to Spinner2's comment above.

[JORAY]

On our last two HAL cruises of 68 & 35 days on the formal nights, officers would set down at tables and host the table. I could see about 8/10 officers at tables during the late seating and the captain & HM also had tables during formal nights.

On the last one we had officers four times -- Staff types from Ch. Engr to front office staff -- There were 6 of us at a table for 8 people so there was space.

Ray

[kazu]

HAL Captains used to host far more tables than they do these days. Through all the years we've sailed with HAL, we've seen fewer and based on some experiences we witnessed, I'm not surprised.

We were present when on more than one occassion the table turned into a complaint fest with several guests tellilng the Captain all their displeasures about the ship, crew, itinerary etc It was so uncomfortable to listen to.

We've also seen people come dressed very inappropriately. Jeans and sneakers to dine with the Captain on formal night???? :eek: Yes, we have seen this.

There are other examples but maybe they got tired of these sort of things they don't host as many tables as in the past?? I don't know; just relating what I've witnessed.

That is not to say that Senior Officers, including Captains, don't still host as they do.
And KK is correct that some guests dine privately with some of these Officers out of the main dining room.



Sail, this is really a shame. I really don't understand why people use these types of occasions to complain. it is very inappropriate - just as it is at a meet and greet.

This is a time to be elegant and gracious. Truly a shame :eek:

[coka]

It has taken me 31 cruises with NCL to finally figure out all the rhymes and all the reasons. Yes, the rhymes vary and the reasons differ. The bottom line within all of that...they appreciate that you selected them for your cruise vacation.

If not that, then I just chaulk it up to the annual meeting of the cruise dons...the head honcho with the cotton balls in his cheeks saying in a slow raspy Italian voice, "HAL...you get da fresh flowers everywhere and da wash cloths on silver platters...NCL...you get da officer visibility and dinners with passengers of ya choosing..."

coka

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have been invited to dine at the hotel manager's table as well as the captain's table -- do not know how or why it happens but it does seem to be selected and arranged by the maitre d.

At the mariner's brunches (lunches) I think it is function of number of days as well as whether one is receiving a medallion.

It is a unique experience and I always feel that it is quite the honor.

are you saying that those people who have a large number of days get to sit at a table at the mariner's brunch hosted by someone?

this has not been the case on our cruises the last few years -- no tables have been hosted

on several cruises we had the most days -- well over 600 days

[Krazy Kruizers]

A couple of years ago on the Maasdam we were asked by the Dining Room Manager (with whom we frequently chatted; he stopped by our table fairly often) if we'd be interested in an invitation to dine with the Captain. Of course we enthusiastically said yes and the next morning an invitation appeared in our cabin mail. We met the DRM in an adjoining lounge and were taken to a private room for cocktails; we met the Captain, the Guest Relations Manager and 2 other couples there. After visiting for a few minutes were led in and down the stairs to a table in the center of the lower level, where the open seating portion of the dining room is. We had a lovely evening, and the following evening the Captain, passing through the lounge on his way somewhere, spotted us having pre-dinner drinks. He sat down with us, shared a few interesting things that had happened that day and went on his way.

It was a memorable evening that we enjoyed so much! And we have no idea "why us" as we were not suite passengers and if I remember correctly, were not even yet 100-day Mariners. I got the impression, but it's only an impression, that the Dining Room Manager was asked to invite guests that he thought would make a congenial group.

on our cruises the last couple of years we have never seen or met the dining room manager -- i couldn't even tell you the name of any of them

[Krazy Kruizers]

This is a blast from the past. Our first HAL cruise in 1993 and at that time the Captain hosted a dinner preceeded by coctails for (S) guests in the room next to where the JAVA CAFE used to be. The Captain Frans Consen, the hotel manager Hans Dernisen were our hosts and one of my favourite Chefs Wuffy (Wolfgang W) explained each course. A very special meal with specially chosen wines made this an evening I always treasure. my wife and both my sons attended.:):):):).

how well i remember those suite dinners -- they were so great

on the s class ships we had them in the hudson and half moon rooms -- a few years ago when we did a 23 day pan american / ecuador cruise we had a suite dinner by the lido pool

on the r class ships the odyssey or marco polo was closed down one night for the suite dinners

those were the days

[LAFFNVEGAS]

This is a blast from the past. Our first HAL cruise in 1993 and at that time the Captain hosted a dinner preceeded by coctails for (S) guests in the room next to where the JAVA CAFE used to be. The Captain Frans Consen, the hotel manager Hans Dernisen were our hosts and one of my favourite Chefs Wuffy (Wolfgang W) explained each course. A very special meal with specially chosen wines made this an evening I always treasure. my wife and both my sons attended.:):):):).
Now that would have been fun :D I have sailed with Frans many times and have gotten to know it quite well, he is quite the character (and I mean that in a very good way) the last cruise with him on the Statendam we had gone to the Captain's Toast on th first Formal night and had not yet run into Frans, we were setting off to the side but down front and he is into he middle of his opening introduction and he spots us and suddenly says "oh my friends Tom and Lisa" then he explains to everyone we are his friends and he has not seen us in a while. It was really funny.
Then many years ago we were on the Zaandam for a 10 day cruise and Hans Dernison was the Hotel Manager and that was a cruise that that when they did the Suite Brunch it was actually quite different they held it in the very back of the Main Dining Room by the aft windows and kind of had assigned table. They would ask you name when you entered and then took you to a table. We were seated with Hans, actually I was seated right next to him and really enjoyed talking with him. If I am not mistaken his wife was the Future Cruise Consultant on board.

Kyana, I have to admit that would have been one very special Captain's table with some very entertaining hosts;)

[Cruz'n Couple]

We were invited to dine at Captain's Table about 10 years ago! Was delightful--cocktails beforehand, and then a lovely dinner (on lower level) with Captain, Hostess, and 3 other couples.

But, never knew why we were invited. We were booked in an inside cabin (so no Suite passenger!). Guess it was because we knew how to "Behave at the dinner table" as my Mother always used to admonish us!!!!!!

[arzz]

Yes Krazy Kruizers it was my impression on my last three cruises that we were invited to sit with Captain or Hotel Manager at the Mariner's brunch based on our days on board.

On the Prinsendam last summer we were invited to the Captain's quarters for a small reception before dining with the Captain. On the Amsterdam in December and the Westerdam in February we received invites to a pre-brunch reception where medallions were awarded, those with the most days were recognized and photographed with the Captain and Hotel manager, then brunch at a hosted table.

We had other invites last summer, origin and reasons unknown but we felt quite privileged to be so treated.

[sail7seas]

arzz, That is similar to our experience.

On Westerdam, Eurodam and Maasdam all our recent cruises, we were invited first to a lounge for drinks, a small speech from the Captain and all people receiving Medallions got them and those already holding them had photos taken with Hotel Managaer and Captain. (Those photos were delivered to our cabin before we left the ship.)

We then were escorted to the dining room and were seated at hosted tables most of the time. A few exceptions but that is the usual pattern.

[LoyHAL]

On our recent Volendam cruise around New Zealand, we were tickled to receive an invitation to dinner with the Captain [Peter Bos] on the last formal night.

It was so special and really made the cruise one of our best. Captain Bos was delightful and I think everyone at the table had a wonderful time. BTW, we were all appropriately dressed and on best behavior! :)

Someone asked the Captain how he selected those to invite. He said he starts with the passengers with the most days and works down through the list. As it was the last formal night, we must have just 'squeaked in' with our newly awarded 200+ days! [YAY!]

Perhaps each Captain is allowed his method of selection?

LoyHAL

[kazu]

On our recent Volendam cruise around New Zealand, we were tickled to receive an invitation to dinner with the Captain [Peter Bos] on the last formal night.

It was so special and really made the cruise one of our best. Captain Bos was delightful and I think everyone at the table had a wonderful time. BTW, we were all appropriately dressed and on best behavior! :)

Someone asked the Captain how he selected those to invite. He said he starts with the passengers with the most days and works down through the list. As it was the last formal night, we must have just 'squeaked in' with our newly awarded 200+ days! [YAY!]

Perhaps each Captain is allowed his method of selection?

LoyHAL


guess we don't have to worry about an invite on the Prisendam. There will be a lot of repeat cruisers with a lot more days than we have:eek: (we will just hit 200 when we complete it) we'll just have to enjoy the ship anyways :)

[peaches from georgia]

On our recent Volendam cruise around New Zealand, we were tickled to receive an invitation to dinner with the Captain [Peter Bos] on the last formal night.

It was so special and really made the cruise one of our best. Captain Bos was delightful and I think everyone at the table had a wonderful time. BTW, we were all appropriately dressed and on best behavior! :)

Someone asked the Captain how he selected those to invite. He said he starts with the passengers with the most days and works down through the list. As it was the last formal night, we must have just 'squeaked in' with our newly awarded 200+ days! [YAY!]

Perhaps each Captain is allowed his method of selection?

LoyHAL
Number of days often has nothing to do with it. The first time we sat at the Captain's table was our first HAL cruise. And we know others who also were first timers.

[serendipity1499]

Sail, this is really a shame. I really don't understand why people use these types of occasions to complain. it is very inappropriate - just as it is at a meet and greet.

This is a time to be elegant and gracious. Truly a shame :eek:

Kazu..This isn't the first time that I've heard of people complaining about problems to the Officers, including the Captain at a Meet & Greet...

I had heard about one Meet & Greet where people complained & embarrassed the organizer & it concerned me..So in order to avoid a repeat of this, before we left on our cruise I posted a note on our roll call which simply said:

Quote I also have a personal request, only because of an incident which occurred on another cruise during a Cruise Critic Meet & Greet Reception...

This is a Social Occasion only for us to get to know each other as well as the Ship's Officers..On board problems or complaints should be addressed in private with the appropriate Department Head & not at this meeting.

Thanks everyone...Now we must get back to our packing! Unquote

I've done that on every Meet & Greet I've organized & it worked..

We've been invited twice to Join the Captain for dinner on HAL & both times had a delightful evening..On several occassions we've had other Officers join us on a Formal Night, especially when there was a single lady at our table..

On our last Noordam Cruise we & our Friends were seated at a table for eight just for the four of us..The Chief Engineer joined us with his two Sisters from Holland on the formal nights & on the non-formal nights his two Sisters were at our table..What a delightful group they were & we all had such fun..Of course we were the last to leave the dining room & yes the wine flowed when the Officer was with us..But we all had such a good time each night..

Cheers...:)Betty

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes Krazy Kruizers it was my impression on my last three cruises that we were invited to sit with Captain or Hotel Manager at the Mariner's brunch based on our days on board.

On the Prinsendam last summer we were invited to the Captain's quarters for a small reception before dining with the Captain. On the Amsterdam in December and the Westerdam in February we received invites to a pre-brunch reception where medallions were awarded, those with the most days were recognized and photographed with the Captain and Hotel manager, then brunch at a hosted table.

We had other invites last summer, origin and reasons unknown but we felt quite privileged to be so treated.

well there certainly haven't been any tables hosted by anyone on any of our cruises since 2008

we get the invitations to the pre-lunch cocktails for the medal holders -- sometimes pictures are taken -- sometimes they aren't

the worse was ryndam october 2010 -- not the captain, nor the hotel manager, nor the cd showed up at the cocktail party -- just a couple of people from the front office who walked around talking to people

on princess we were invited many times to the captain's quarters for cocktails and then dinner

it has been very disappointing the last few years not to have any hosts at the high mariner tables

we have talked several times about not going to them -- think that will be happening in the future

[kazu]

Kazu..This isn't the first time that I've heard of people complaining about problems to the Officers, including the Captain at a Meet & Greet...

I had heard about one Meet & Greet where people complained & embarrassed the organizer & it concerned me..So in order to avoid a repeat of this, before we left on our cruise I posted a note on our roll call which simply said:

Quote I also have a personal request, only because of an incident which occurred on another cruise during a Cruise Critic Meet & Greet Reception...

This is a Social Occasion only for us to get to know each other as well as the Ship's Officers..On board problems or complaints should be addressed in private with the appropriate Department Head & not at this meeting.

Thanks everyone...Now we must get back to our packing! Unquote

I've done that on every Meet & Greet I've organized & it worked..

We've been invited twice to Join the Captain for dinner on HAL & both times had a delightful evening..On several occassions we've had other Officers join us on a Formal Night, especially when there was a single lady at our table..

On our last Noordam Cruise we & our Friends were seated at a table for eight just for the four of us..The Chief Engineer joined us with his two Sisters from Holland on the formal nights & on the non-formal nights his two Sisters were at our table..What a delightful group they were & we all had such fun..Of course we were the last to leave the dining room & yes the wine flowed when the Officer was with us..But we all had such a good time each night..

Cheers...:)Betty

Thanks Betty, that is a great tip because i do do meet and greets.

I was so embarassed on the Zuiderdam when people started to hit the HM with all kinds of silly complaints. It's not the place or time.

I'm going to take your quote (with your permission) and use it in the future.

thanks again - it's a really, really good tip :)

Jacqui

[kazu]

arzz, That is similar to our experience.

On Westerdam, Eurodam and Maasdam all our recent cruises, we were invited first to a lounge for drinks, a small speech from the Captain and all people receiving Medallions got them and those already holding them had photos taken with Hotel Managaer and Captain. (Those photos were delivered to our cabin before we left the ship.)

We then were escorted to the dining room and were seated at hosted tables most of the time. A few exceptions but that is the usual pattern.




Sail, we went to the medallion ceremony and it was very, very nice. The only problem - when we went to the Mariners' luncheon we had to fight to find a table. Fortunately, fellow cc'ers had saved us a spot. There were all kinds marked 'reserved'. i only found out after, that that was where we were supposed to go. no one told us when we left the reception that we were supposed to be at those tables.

Oh well, there were a lot of 'bumps' on that cruise - now I found another one ;)

[aliaschief]

We were invited dinner guest of Hotel Manager Doug Hernandez on a MS Maasdam repositioning cruise. It was one of our most memorable evenings at sea. What did we talk about? LAFFNVEGAS (Lisa) for one. ;) I was very surprised on how many of the Cruise Critic regulars he knew.

I agree with making a statement on Roll Call's that Meet & Greets are not gripe session. One lady on a past M&G got all over the Captain because she had the aroma of bacon being cooked in her cabin. :eek: I asked the Captain if he could pipe some of that tantalizing aroma into our suite.

[pammypoo]

Back when HAL had dentists on board, my husband (a dentist) hosted tables on formal nights. I enjoyed meeting new people, but my husband who is shy, hated it. No matter how hard the staff tries, there is always a chance that the officer will have to deal with "difficult" people, so these dinners were always considered a duty, fortunately, sometimes (frequently) they turned into a pleasure.
My guess is that the end of hosted tables is a cost cutting measure. Even though it is house wine, both red and white were kept flowing ( and it is amazing how much some people will drink when they are not paying.) Also, if a tablemate complained about the quality of the wine, the wines were upgraded. I would not be surprised if the cost to HAL came to thousands of dollars per ship each formal night. It can really add up!

[esther e]

how well i remember those suite dinners -- they were so great

on the s class ships we had them in the hudson and half moon rooms -- a few years ago when we did a 23 day pan american / ecuador cruise we had a suite dinner by the lido pool

on the r class ships the odyssey or marco polo was closed down one night for the suite dinners

those were the days

Indeed those were the days. I forgot about that till you mentioned it. What a wonderful evening.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We were invited dinner guest of Hotel Manager Doug Hernandez on a MS Maasdam repositioning cruise. It was one of our most memorable evenings at sea. What did we talk about? LAFFNVEGAS (Lisa) for one. ;) I was very surprised on how many of the Cruise Critic regulars he knew.

I am not sure if I should laugh :D or be afraid of what was said :eek: But I am guessing it was not too bad ;)

[aliaschief]

I am not sure if I should laugh :D or be afraid of what was said :eek: But I am guessing it was not too bad ;)

He likes you!:)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

He likes you!:)
Oh Good, that is a relief :o ;)

[midgecruiser]

Never been invited to the Captian's table on HAL. We have cruised on Celebrity twice and invited to the "Hotel Director's" table both times. It really was a wonderful experience and made those cruises even more special. On one of the cruises we asked our dining room steward how it was that we and another couple from our table were invited and he said that they (the steward's) nominate us and from there the Manager's make the final choice. I would think that some kind of screening would have to take place to avoid the dreaded tennis shoes on formal night or whining that could take place instead of a fun easy going dinner with good conversation. JMHO. Anyway, we had cocktails in a lounge before being seated from dinner. The pictures were delivered to our cabins the next day. Still waiting for that special dinner on HAL ;).

Wendy

[Copper10-8]

Yes Krazy Kruizers it was my impression on my last three cruises that we were invited to sit with Captain or Hotel Manager at the Mariner's brunch based on our days on board.

...................

You're right on with that bit of info!

[feathersandnananose]

We were just on our second cruise last December (Mexican Riviera), but had assigned late seating and ended up at a table for eight, though there were just 3 couples assigned. It was kinda weird with two empty chairs every night, but...:)....The two extra seats were taken by an officer and his wife on the two formal nights. Yes, they supplied the wine, but even more importantly, they were interesting and charming and made the dinners extra fun.

So, the lesson: if your assigned table isn't full, you might get lucky!!!

Barb (the "feathers")

[serendipity1499]

Thanks Betty, that is a great tip because i do do meet and greets.

I was so embarassed on the Zuiderdam when people started to hit the HM with all kinds of silly complaints. It's not the place or time.

I'm going to take your quote (with your permission) and use it in the future.

thanks again - it's a really, really good tip :)

Jacqui

Oh Jacqui, I'm so sorry you were embarrassed:o...I probably would never organize another meet & greet again if it happened to me...

You certainly may use the post..It took me a long time to word it so that it was written in a diplomatic way & would not offend any one... Everyone seems to accept it without rancor, whenever I post it..At least I hope so..;)

Cheers...:)Betty

[cruisinjudy]

We have been invited to two Captain's tables on Celebrity although it was with another officer, not the captain. Oh HAL we have had officer hosts at our regular table on a few cruises.

[jhannah]

Only once have we dined at the Captain's table. That was in 2002 on the Rotterdam. It was a wonderful evening. Our whole regular table was invited. Does that happen often? I'm thinking that we were seen having such a great time together with such lively conversation that the Maitre d' thought we would be a good match.

[mariner]

Been invited every time since started cruising in 1969.

I think the main thing is you can carry on a conversation without hogging it and won't bitch that your tour was cancelled because of rain.

I have no idea why the invites. Always nice getting. But the table can be tedious and not the swank occassion you might imagine.

[iceman93]

I have no idea why the invites. Always nice getting. But the table can be tedious and not the swank occassion you might imagine.

Exactly. I don't quite have your track record, but I'd say that we've had dinner with the captain on 75% of our cruises. It's no big deal, really. Yes, sometimes the conversation has been engaging but equally often some bore will dominate. And I've had captains who were so engrossing I would have loved talking with them at dinner every night and others who you could have replaced with a cardboard cutout and not missed a thing.

[mariner]

A hot wife also helps!

[Copper10-8]

A hot wife also helps!

Brilliant!;) Yes, it does! And, incredibly, they (plural) usually find themselves on each side of the Capt. :)

[mariner]

The captain seemed to usurp his authority over the security officer in our recent MAASDAM cruise

[Copper10-8]

The captain seemed to usurp his authority over the security officer in our recent MAASDAM cruise

It's good to be the King!;)

[mariner]

Especially with 3 names!

It cost him on the wine though. My boys take care of me.

[Copper10-8]

especially with 3 names!

It cost him on the wine though. My boys take care of me.

jrd

[Hlitner]

There is an old cruise line legend about an elegant lady that used to cruise on the the original Queen Mary. When invited to dine with the Captain she quickly replied, "Sir, I do not dine with the hired help!"

That being said, we have dined with 5 Captains (on 3 cruise lines) our of more then 60 cruises. With one exception there was no reason we got invited. About two years ago we were invited to dine with the Hotel Manager on a Princess cruise and politely turned down the invite because we enjoyed our regular tablemates. The Hostess (who did the inviting) was surprised and said she had never had anyone say no.

Hank

[mariner]

That's the one Copper.

[serendipity1499]

Brilliant!;) Yes, it does! And, incredibly, they (plural) usually find themselves on each side of the Capt. :)

:D:D

I should know better than to be drinking tea while perusing this board..Thank goodness, I was sitting back & the keyboard is OK..:eek:

cheers....:)Betty

[kazu]

Oh Jacqui, I'm so sorry you were embarrassed:o...I probably would never organize another meet & greet again if it happened to me...

You certainly may use the post..It took me a long time to word it so that it was written in a diplomatic way & would not offend any one... Everyone seems to accept it without rancor, whenever I post it..At least I hope so..;)

Cheers...:)Betty

Thanks Betty very much. :):)

[Gerd]

...


Hello all,

I understand the contents off this thread because I also did not see during my latest cruises the "designated" Captains table to be always used on a formal evening.

So maybe HAL followed this old tradition in the past much more, but they still do it.
And by the way, Anna and myself did even have two times the honor to be invited.

Captain Hans van Biljouw ones invited us on his table on a formal evening during a cruise onboard the Ms Volendam.
This was during our 25. Wedding anniversary cruise, and the evening was an enormous pleasure and fun for us.:)


The second invitation was even more exiting.
Because Captain Halle Thon Gunderson came to us around 11PM in the Ocean bar while mentioning that he would like to have a drink with us.
Instantaneous we (and two more couples on our table) pleased him to just sit down. But his answer was, "well, I was thinking about to have I seat not here in the bar, but in my cabin".
This night was really gorgeous, because he was not only a very good speaker all about HAL and his family, but while he was drinking water (and regularly checking the bridge), he served us –in person- a very good Champagne……:)



Happy cruising

G E R D




Our marvelous cruises : :)

MS Ryndam – Wayfarer – March 1997
MS Noordam - Transatlantic Island Hook - April 2001
MS Volendam - Southern Caribbean - April 2002
MS Volendam - Westfarer Caribbean - April 2004
MS Prinsendam - Windmills & Waterford – September 2004
MS Westerdam - Western Caribbean - April 2005
MS Statendam - Hawaii Circle - September 2005
MS Rotterdam - Vikings and Czars – July 2006
MS Veendam - Southern Caribbean – March 2007
MS Volendam – Panama Canal – April 2008
MS Noordam – Mediterranean Enchantment – September 2009
MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Inaugural Cruise - July 2010
MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Empires - July 2010

169 days - 39'247 Nm :

http://www.hollandamerica.com/images/3starMariner.gif


Future Cruise : :p

14 days MS Ryndam – North Cape Splendors, June 12

http://ticker.nauticalcities.com/001/9b8a15a4519e8fb26c1ad9d9cc11dcb2.png (http://www.nauticalcities.com/cruiseships/)

[sansterre]

Yes Krazy Kruizers it was my impression on my last three cruises that we were invited to sit with Captain or Hotel Manager at the Mariner's brunch based on our days on board.

On the Prinsendam last summer we were invited to the Captain's quarters for a small reception before dining with the Captain. On the Amsterdam in December and the Westerdam in February we received invites to a pre-brunch reception where medallions were awarded, those with the most days were recognized and photographed with the Captain and Hotel manager, then brunch at a hosted table.

We had other invites last summer, origin and reasons unknown but we felt quite privileged to be so treated.

We also had something similar last December on the NA.
There was a reception in the Showtime Lounge for 3 and 4 star mariners and those reaching a goal. We then proceeded to the back of the ship where we were seated first in the dining room. We took a table set for 9 as I recall. A server came over and mentioned to me that I had sat down on a chair that was reserved. Sure enough, a napkin was over the back of the chair. He asked if I would mind moving to a vacant chair as this was reserved for an officer.
Of course, I moved right away and sat between two other couples, jealous that my husband and others would get to chat with the officer. The mariner lunch came and went without anyone filling the seat. :(
In our many cruises we have been invited to dine with an officer only twice:
1. on our very FIRST HAL cruise 15 years ago. Four of us (with another couple who were on their 2nd HAL cruise) and were asked very politely by our head waiter if we would consider dining with the captain the next night.
2. About 10 years ago DH and I were invited to dine with the first officer at a large table in the dining room. This invitation came from the dining room manager.

[tip]

Unlike Hyacinth Bucket and many others who have posted, I have no desire whatsoever to be asked to dine at the captain's table!

[hpf]

Thanks Betty, that is a great tip because i do do meet and greets.

I was so embarassed on the Zuiderdam when people started to hit the HM with all kinds of silly complaints. It's not the place or time.

I'm going to take your quote (with your permission) and use it in the future.

thanks again - it's a really, really good tip :)

Jacqui
Hi Jacqui; I just emailed Betty asking for her permission as well. I think it is a super idea.:)
Helen

[hpf]

...


Hello all,


Captain Hans van Biljouw ones invited us on his table on a formal evening during a cruise onboard the Ms Volendam.
This was during our 25. Wedding anniversary cruise, and the evening was an enormous pleasure and fun for us.:)

Happy cruising

G E R D


Oh Gerd, you were fortunate. On our 45th Anniversary on the Volendam during an Alaskan Cruise our TA had purchased a bottle of wine for us and told me before our cruise so we would get it. Well I had to ask about it. after our meal was almost over they did produce us with the bottle. There was about a half of a glass left after filling everyones galss at the table but they did not offer either my DH or myself the rest of the bottle.
We were not impressed at all.. So this year we are celebrateing our 50th aboard the Eurodam and I wont even bother pre-ordering a bottle before our cruise.
And by the way we have been on a number of cruises from 7 days to 21 and have never even had an officer sit with us. We all thought it could be because we were ll haveing too much fun without anyone else.
Have had the the DM come by and talk with us for a few min. different times though.
Always enjoy our cruises no matter what trivial things might happen.
Helen

[serendipity1499]

Hi Jacqui; I just emailed Betty asking for her permission as well. I think it is a super idea.:)
Helen


Helen...I just replied to your e- mail..

Anyone is welcome to use the quote & my permission isn't required..

In fact I'm honored that you think it's worthwhile...

Thanks Helen & Jacqui

Hope you have a wonderful Cruise & a fun group at your Meet & Greet..

Cheers....:)Betty

[Littleone15]

we have noticed on several ships -- both long and short cruises -- while we were dining in the pinnacle grill -- a few captains and hotel managers (and other officers) did invite a couple of the passengers to dine with them -- usually in a back area where most people aren't even aware of this going on

Remember sometimes that although it may look like the officers (not so much the captain) have 'invited' guests to dine with them, they could be dining with family or friends. My BIL works on a HAL ship, and we dined with him twice, once in the Tamirand, and once on formal night in the MDR, not to mention a couple nights we had cocktails in the bars. I'm sure many people wondered how we were chosen to sit with him, as we got a few looks, lol.

On our cruise, there were many family/friends of staff on the ship. He's not an officer that the guests would know of, and unless you know the difference in the amount of stripes on their uniform - therefore their rank - I think they all look the same when in their formal uniform. He said he's had people comment to him, "Hey, if you're down here, who's driving the ship, hahaha". He never gets tired of that one :rolleyes: . He didn't wear his nametag on formal night either.

[Koshlong]

On our Veendam repostioning cruise last fall, people we met who were on their FIRST HAL cruise (usually NCL) were invited to dine with captain.............they were amazed. They weren't in a large suite...they had either a BB cabin or a verandah (can't remember). Interestingly, they've booked another, longer HAL cruise for this summer.

Public relations, I guess.

[sandydownunder]

Last year I did a B to B on Norwegien Gem. On the Transatlantic Crossing, Dinner with the Captain was advertised at $150 per person (I think I remember that correctly, it may have been $125). I was appalled as it was a money making venture for NCL. They did say special food and wine would be served. I was going to write to the Hotel Manager and innocently ask if the money was going to charity to try and embarrass them but I just let it go. Passengers were discussing the pros and cons. I heard only a very small few took up the offer (4-6 if I was given accurate information). Fancy the Captain going along with it. Maybe he had no choice. He was a comodity that could be bought and sold by the company.

Sandra

[sandydownunder]

"commodity." Two m's My mistake!
Sandra

[kazu]

Last year I did a B to B on Norwegien Gem. On the Transatlantic Crossing, Dinner with the Captain was advertised at $150 per person (I think I remember that correctly, it may have been $125). I was appalled as it was a money making venture for NCL. They did say special food and wine would be served. I was going to write to the Hotel Manager and innocently ask if the money was going to charity to try and embarrass them but I just let it go. Passengers were discussing the pros and cons. I heard only a very small few took up the offer (4-6 if I was given accurate information). Fancy the Captain going along with it. Maybe he had no choice. He was a comodity that could be bought and sold by the company.

Sandra

now that is amazing! Maybe it was like the Master chef's dinner on HAL - but at that price??????:eek:

[lorekauf]

Last year I did a B to B on Norwegien Gem. On the Transatlantic Crossing, Dinner with the Captain was advertised at $150 per person (I think I remember that correctly, it may have been $125). I was appalled as it was a money making venture for NCL. They did say special food and wine would be served. I was going to write to the Hotel Manager and innocently ask if the money was going to charity to try and embarrass them but I just let it go. Passengers were discussing the pros and cons. I heard only a very small few took up the offer (4-6 if I was given accurate information). Fancy the Captain going along with it. Maybe he had no choice. He was a comodity that could be bought and sold by the company.

Sandra
I think there is more of that going on then you know. I'm sure they have to do a lot of that.

[Randyk47]

Last year I did a B to B on Norwegien Gem. On the Transatlantic Crossing, Dinner with the Captain was advertised at $150 per person (I think I remember that correctly, it may have been $125). I was appalled as it was a money making venture for NCL. They did say special food and wine would be served. I was going to write to the Hotel Manager and innocently ask if the money was going to charity to try and embarrass them but I just let it go. Passengers were discussing the pros and cons. I heard only a very small few took up the offer (4-6 if I was given accurate information). Fancy the Captain going along with it. Maybe he had no choice. He was a comodity that could be bought and sold by the company.

Sandra

So much for the honor and privilege of being invited to dine with a senior officer. Guess I'd decline and would have to fight the feeling of being a bit, actually a lot, put off by the whole notion of paying for the opportunity.

[GmaPajama]

We've never dined with the Captain, nor with any officer, but would consider it a great honor to do so.

The last time we had a large table in the MDR (Maasdam, 03/09) an extra place was set twice. Our servers told us it was for an officer, but no one showed up and the setting was eventually cleared away. We've since switched to a table for two seating (which we truly enjoy) but that does preclude us from having an officer join us at dinner - at least at OUR table.

A fee for that opportunity? I think not!

[peaches from georgia]

Paying to eat with the Captain takes nickel and dining to a whole new level. I guess paying to feel special is not totally new though.

[sail7seas]

That is so degrading and insulting to these highly educated, well trained, experienced, responsible , entertaining gentlemen that I am embarrassed for them.

For their company to be disrespectful to them takes ugly to a whole new level IMO

We've had the honor of dining with a number of senior officers through the years and all of them are fabulous hosts and very interesting people. We always feel privileged to be asked and are appreciative for their hospitality. The stories they share, the places they've been, the people they've met....... they are fascinating people.

For a cruse company to degrade them in that way says very little for the character of that company. IMO

[Randyk47]

That is so degrading and insulting to these highly educated, well trained, experienced, responsible , entertaining gentlemen that I am embarrassed for them.

For their company to be disrespectful to them takes ugly to a whole new level IMO

We've had the honor of dining with a number of senior officers through the years and all of them are fabulous hosts and very interesting people. We always feel privileged to be asked and are appreciative for their hospitality. The stories they share, the places they've been, the people they've met....... they are fascinating people.

For a cruse company to degrade them in that way says very little for the character of that company. IMO



I agree! Wish I'd said that in my previous posting.

[arzz]

I am entirely with Sail on this issue.

It is the Captain and senior officers upon whom we all depend to keep us safe through out the voyage. To lower their experience, abilities and intelligence to a paid performance position at the dining table ... well the words that come to mind I would not print here. Shame on NCL for putting their officers in that position.

[jhannah]

Isn't there a certain word for paying to enjoy the pleasure of someone else's company? ;)

[Copper10-8]

Isn't there a certain word for paying to enjoy the pleasure of someone else's company? ;)

Good point! There's a whole district dedicated to that in good ol' Amsterdam. They have a lot of lights there in a certain color, a color that seems to attract male cows;)

[ironin]

Isn't there a certain word for paying to enjoy the pleasure of someone else's company? ;)

Dinner?

Lobbying?

:D

[crusinbanjo]

We have been invited to dine at the hotel manager's table as well as the captain's table -- do not know how or why it happens but it does seem to be selected and arranged by the maitre d.

At the mariner's brunches (lunches) I think it is function of number of days as well as whether one is receiving a medallion.

It is a unique experience and I always feel that it is quite the honor.

Also a function of cabin, Mrs Banjo & I booked the penthouse suite on the Prinsendam last summer. We were invited to the Captain's table at the Mariner luncheon. This being only our second HAL cruise, we assumed that the only reason was the PH suite, or possibly because we are just really nice passengers! :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Also a function of cabin, Mrs Banjo & I booked the penthouse suite on the Prinsendam last summer. We were invited to the Captain's table at the Mariner luncheon. This being only our second HAL cruise, we assumed that the only reason was the PH suite, or possibly because we are just really nice passengers! :)

we have cruised quite a few times in the penthouse -- rarely are we asked to dine with captain at dinner and as i mentioned on previos posts -- no hosts at our tables on any ship the last few years at the mariners brunch

[sail7seas]

Being 'really nice passengers' would hold a lot more sway than Penthouse. :)

[CowPrincess]

That is so degrading and insulting to these highly educated, well trained, experienced, responsible , entertaining gentlemen that I am embarrassed for them.

For their company to be disrespectful to them takes ugly to a whole new level IMO

>SNIP<

For a cruse company to degrade them in that way says very little for the character of that company. IMO



IMHO it is no different than other companies' expectations of other staff members. Medical research foundations, hospitals, arts organizations -- heck, even rock bands..... for an additional amount of money you can have cocktails and a chat with a world-renowned medical researcher prior to a public presentation, meet the rock band backstage prior to the concert, meet an archeologist who discovered a new dinosaur species.

And, from a totally different perspective, (again IMHO) everyone employed by a company has a responsibility to that company's bottom line.

[sail7seas]

Yes, I understand that, Cow Princess. For enough money, it seems some were able to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House or have cocktails with a President of the U.S.

But this particular thread is about dining with Captains so I focused on that particular profession/position.

But your point is well made. Every employee should be concerned with a company's bottom line but not at "ANY" expense. IMO

[Randyk47]

Being 'really nice passengers' would hold a lot more sway than Penthouse. :)

Kind of a mute point if the captain or senior staff aren't hosting tables which seems to be the case with a few exceptions. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Last year I did a B to B on Norwegien Gem. On the Transatlantic Crossing, Dinner with the Captain was advertised at $150 per person (I think I remember that correctly, it may have been $125). I was appalled as it was a money making venture for NCL. They did say special food and wine would be served. I was going to write to the Hotel Manager and innocently ask if the money was going to charity to try and embarrass them but I just let it go. Passengers were discussing the pros and cons. I heard only a very small few took up the offer (4-6 if I was given accurate information). Fancy the Captain going along with it. Maybe he had no choice. He was a comodity that could be bought and sold by the company.

Sandra

there is no way that i would pay $125 or $150 per person to dine with the captain

[Storylady]

On our recent Volendam cruise around New Zealand, we were tickled to receive an invitation to dinner with the Captain [Peter Bos] on the last formal night.

It was so special and really made the cruise one of our best. Captain Bos was delightful and I think everyone at the table had a wonderful time. BTW, we were all appropriately dressed and on best behavior! :)

Someone asked the Captain how he selected those to invite. He said he starts with the passengers with the most days and works down through the list. As it was the last formal night, we must have just 'squeaked in' with our newly awarded 200+ days! [YAY!]

Perhaps each Captain is allowed his method of selection?

LoyHAL
We also were invited to join the Captain Bos at his table during the Holiday Cruise around NZ on the Volendam. And we agree that Captain Bos is a delight. My camera failed to take a good picture of the table which was very sad for us. Dust from Wellington ruined the focusing mechanism.

I think the reason we were chosen was because we were 200 day/ 4 star Mariners on a cruise that didn't have very many Mariners aboard. We just got lucky.

On our Prinsendam trip, BA to Ft Lauderdale, we were invited to the Captains Living Quarters for champagne before dinner. And later we received an invitation to join the Hotel Manager at the Captain's Table one night during the cruise. Not sure why we were invited as there were lots of Mariners on board, but I suspect it was because we were 4 star.

So don't give up, it could happen to anyone that is 4 star Mariner on your next cruise. Your chances are better if there aren't many Mariners on board.

[erewhon]

We also were invited to join the Captain Bos at his table during the Holiday Cruise around NZ on the Volendam. And we agree that Captain Bos is a delight. My camera failed to take a good picture of the table which was very sad for us. Dust from Wellington ruined the focusing mechanism.

I think the reason we were chosen was because we were 200 day/ 4 star Mariners on a cruise that didn't have very many Mariners aboard. We just got lucky.

On our Prinsendam trip, BA to Ft Lauderdale, we were invited to the Captains Living Quarters for champagne before dinner. And later we received an invitation to join the Hotel Manager at the Captain's Table one night during the cruise. Not sure why we were invited as there were lots of Mariners on board, but I suspect it was because we were 4 star.

So don't give up, it could happen to anyone that is 4 star Mariner on your next cruise. Your chances are better if there aren't many Mariners on board.


Sorry to read of your camera problem.
Where in Wellington was there so much dust.??

[arzz]

Storylady we feel your pain -- DH donated a camera to the very fine sand in the air at Bondi Beach in Australia a couple of years ago!

[Copper10-8]

Just a heads up; besides ship's upper management (Capt/HM/CE/CO/SEH) who have all, at times, hosted tables on formal night, there are additional ship's personnel who host tables on a regular basis, some as often as twice a week (so on both formal nights). Included in, but not limited to, among these are the positions of ship's (pax) doctor, future cruise consultant, port & shopping ambassador, asst. housekeeper, security officer, etc.

In all those (latter) cases, the involved crew member lets the DRM (Dining Room Mngr) know that he/she is interested in hosting a table and is then placed at a table of six or eight by the DRM. He (the DRM) sends out the table assignments (table # + guest's names) via e-mail to the crew members, sometime during the daytime of the formal night. The tables are almost all of the time, the same tables the particular guests are assigned to on non-formal nights so there is no "hand-picking" guests involved here. If guests assigned to a particular table are interested in something like that, the DRM would be the person to relay that interest to sometime during the early part of the cruise!;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We also were invited to join the Captain Bos at his table during the Holiday Cruise around NZ on the Volendam. And we agree that Captain Bos is a delight. My camera failed to take a good picture of the table which was very sad for us. Dust from Wellington ruined the focusing mechanism.

I think the reason we were chosen was because we were 200 day/ 4 star Mariners on a cruise that didn't have very many Mariners aboard. We just got lucky.

On our Prinsendam trip, BA to Ft Lauderdale, we were invited to the Captains Living Quarters for champagne before dinner. And later we received an invitation to join the Hotel Manager at the Captain's Table one night during the cruise. Not sure why we were invited as there were lots of Mariners on board, but I suspect it was because we were 4 star.

So don't give up, it could happen to anyone that is 4 star Mariner on your next cruise. Your chances are better if there aren't many Mariners on board.

i am not holding my breath - well over 600 days and nothing

so sorry about your camera

[dadecitycruiser]

We just got off the Zuiderdam (3/3-3/13) and were invited to the Captain's table for dinner on the last formal night. The invitation was extended by the Head Waiter upstairs. In discussing it with our regular waiter it seems they get "nominations" from the waiters based on how you dress and (I hate to use this word) behave. They want chatty people but not loud. I was they only one who wore a tux so you don't have to dress to the nines either, jusr properly for the night.

They might look to Marinar status to trim the list but we onlly have 5 trips counting this one so I doubt it counts for much. Othersd at the table had less. Far less.

Our waiter "placed" two of the four couples so I am thinking it helps to have a waiter who is well connected as well. Maybe even more than anything else.

DCC


PS: It was an excellent meal and the Capt. was the same one who performed our Renewal of Vows on a cruise 7 years ago. We didn't remember his name but recognized him as soon as we saw him. Quite the coincidence.

[StanleyWho]

Our first cruise ever last year on the Eurodam, found a lovely spot in the Lido most mornings, only to have the Captain sit on the next table, now we tell all our freinds we dined with the Captain evey morning.

[Storylady]

Sorry to read of your camera problem.
Where in Wellington was there so much dust.??

Wellington is called Windy Wellington and it was living up to its name the day that we were there. We were on Mt Victoria checking out a movie location from Lord of the Rings. Lots of dust, dirt in the air.

Cannon (Cannon Powershot) ended up having to replace the lens mechanism. Fortunately, the camera was under warranty.

Moral of the story is be careful with cameras where the lens retracts. The camera will tell you that it is a lens error. And our manual said that dust, dirt, sand can cause it.

[erewhon]

Storylady,
Thank you for your reply.
Sorry that you had such a bad time in Wellington.

[WINEMANVISALIA]

We should start a passengers table and invite the Captain to eat with us :>))

I read on Facebook that a friend who is a frequent HAL cruise (4*) is currently on a Celebrity cruise and they are so excited because after 43 cruise (most have been on HAL) they were finally invited to dine with the Captain. Needless to say I am thrilled for them. We had the same great experience on a 7 day NCL cruise this past April and were so honored to be invited to dine with the Captain which makes that cruise one of the best we have ever had. Now this friend is not someone who books low end cabins on a few occaisions they have even been in the Penthouse so my question........... Why is it the HAL seldom does this? I know I have read here that some have been invited to dine with the Captain but these have been on longer voyages and actually I have not heard of anyone recently reporting this. This is such a gracious gesture I am surprised that HAL does not do this more often. Especially to invite their loyal repeat passengers.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We should start a passengers table and invite the Captain to eat with us :>))
You know that is such an excellent idea that I just emailed the Captain and invited him to join us in the Tamarind on Sunday evening :D

[kazu]

You know that is such an excellent idea that I just emailed the Captain and invited him to join us in the Tamarind on Sunday evening :D

I hope you made it clear that he's buying ;):D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I hope you made it clear that he's buying ;):D
Actually we already made pre paid reservations, I just asked if he wanted to join us :) Although I think he tends to eat later than our reservations are for :o

[kazu]

Actually we already made pre paid reservations, I just asked if he wanted to join us :) Although I think he tends to eat later than our reservations are for :o

Let us know if he does - that would be fun!:)
Jacqui

[COLLEYBERRY]

A character in one of my stories got to dine with the Captain. She accompanied a fellow passenger(who only had to spot pirates off the stern of the ship before anyone else to get the invite) :D
None the less she had a wonderful evening.. food ,wine and conversation were excellent.;)
Ah the wonderful thing about an imagination it can take you anywhere you want to go.:):)