Dress for Captain's Cocktail Party

[cruisesR4me]

We are going casual on our next cruise. Plan to eat in the Lido on both formal nights. Does this mean we should not attend the captain's cocktail party if my husband will be in khakis and a polo shirt that night?

[RuthC]

The dress code for the evening extends throughout the public areas. This includes the show lounge, and the other public lounges.

If you arrive at the Captain's Party underdressed, most likely you will not be asked to leave. It is up to you whether or not to do so.

[rotaryscotty]

RuthC is right on target:
I would suggest avoiding the Captain's party.

What you will miss:
a couple of free drinks
shaking hands with the captain
photo opportunity with captain, which eventually will be for sale in the lobby
If you can survive without the above then avoidance is advised.

Happy sailing!!

[sail7seas]

You know that he would be dressed inappropriately like that.
HAL describes formal at the lowest possible level and that requires jacket and tie for the gentlemen.
You know the expectation in advance so it is your choice if you wish to honor and respect what is expected of you.

We would not attend dressed that way but that is just us.
You probably would be permitted to enter.

[serendipity1499]

Originally Posted by rotaryscotty

RuthC is right on target:
I would suggest avoiding the Captain's party.

What you will miss:
a couple of free drinks
shaking hands with the captain
photo opportunity with captain, which eventually will be for sale in the lobby
If you can survive without the above then avoidance is advised.

Happy sailing!!

Agree with Ruth & Scotty..We would not attend unless we were properly dressed.

Actually HAL's new formal dress code, states only a jacket & tie is requested...So if DH plans on taking a Jacket & tie & you have on a nice outfit on you might want to consider it..

Most likely the Captain will not shake your hand either as they are becoming very health conscious..

For the past several years most of them don't shake your hand but might bump elbows (the new hand shake)

Also the free drink is usually only Champagne or Orange Juice..

Agree, you won't miss anything by skipping it..

Cheers... Betty

[Nasmas]

I've only been to one of those and it was totally not worth it. Stand in line for warm champagne? I don't think so. You certainly won't miss anything by not going, which I dont' think I would go casually dressed

[sail7seas]

Originally Posted by rotaryscotty

RuthC is right on target:
I would suggest avoiding the Captain's party.

What you will miss:
a couple of free drinks
shaking hands with the captain
photo opportunity with captain, which eventually will be for sale in the lobby
If you can survive without the above then avoidance is advised.

Happy sailing!!

HAL doesn't do it exactly that way anymore.
They now have Captain's Toast.

There is no longer the long line to shake hands and have photo with Captain.

Now, guests enter the lounge, they are offered champagne/beverages, CD takes the stage and introduces the Captain.

He makes some remarks and then introduces some of his Officers as well as Future Cruise Consultant on the stage.

Cellarmaster comes on the stage with 'ceremonial' oversized champagne bottle. When he pops the cork, confetti flies and stewards dressed in black tails and pass trays with glasses of champagne.

It's fun but not like in the past. The former Captain's Welcome Aboard Party is one Tradition many miss on HAL ships.

[Some Captains are very generous and make themselves available for about 15 or so minutes prior to scheduled time for his Toast. They will arrive at the Lounge and are happy to pose for photos with anyone who has their camera and want a picture. I commend them for doing this. Not all do it.]

[Krazy Kruizers]

It's now the Captain's Welcome Aboard Toast.

No standing in line to have several pictures taken -- one of which would have been with the captain -- being introduced to the captain by the hostess (which HAL no longer has) -- maybe having another picture taken with the HM.

Now you are served warm champagne, warm white wine or red wine or iced water. They pour the drinks are poured early so that the wait staff can quickly get to everyone -- some people are lucky and will get a second drink.

On our last few cruises - we haven't even gone to this toast.

[cruisesR4me]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I guess we will not attend the party. We used to enjoy getting dressed up on cruises, but after 20 some cruises we now have found it is easier to pack without the formal wear. I always liked the captain's parties but don't want to feel out of place and under dressed. Our last several cruises have been on RCCL. Their captain's party extended into their indoor mall so attending that in more casual clothes was not a problem. BTW, will the returning guest brunch be casual? I hope so, I like to hear the updates on the cruiseline's future plans that they usually announce at the returning guest parties.

[JessWright]

The Captain's Reception, which is now held in the lounge, as stated above, can also be seen on TV in your cabin at a later time. It is always a nice thing for new passengers. Although a regular cruiser, I still go from time to time. And yes, I do wear a tie and jacket, but no more suits. There is the weight problem on planes. After paying $25 because my luggage was 8 lbs over the 50 lb limit, I keep my weight well below the limit. I do carry a small luggage scale that helps, in case I buy too much.

[sail7seas]

Originally Posted by cruisesR4me

Thank you all so much for your replies. I guess we will not attend the party. We used to enjoy getting dressed up on cruises, but after 20 some cruises we now have found it is easier to pack without the formal wear. I always liked the captain's parties but don't want to feel out of place and under dressed. Our last several cruises have been on RCCL. Their captain's party extended into their indoor mall so attending that in more casual clothes was not a problem. BTW, will the returning guest brunch be casual? I hope so, I like to hear the updates on the cruiseline's future plans that they usually announce at the returning guest parties.

Mariner's Brunch is 'smart casual'. Your DH will be fine in his dockers and polo jersey.

[boca7]

What party, according to what I read I made a big mistake on trying Holland again after a bad cruise a number of yrs ago. Booked on Eurodam 10/17 & guess I`ll have to endure it.

[bonsat]

Originally Posted by boca7

What party, according to what I read I made a big mistake on trying Holland again after a bad cruise a number of yrs ago. Booked on Eurodam 10/17 & guess I`ll have to endure it.

don't worry boca. you will have a wonderful time. once you are on board, everything is very elegant and festive. and the people are far less judgmental than the typical cruise critic posters.

bon voyage!

bonnie in delray beach