Dining With The Captain
One of the many privileges of going on a cruise is the pleasure of meeting and dining with the captain. Dining with the captain can prove to be an interesting experience, as it would be an experience filled with an exchange of stories, travels, and good memories. You can get to know a man who has spent a lot of time on sea, and you may actually forge a great friendship for the future. Just some of the other perks you may get to enjoy are free-flowing wine, great tasting cocktails, and even photo opportunities with the captain.
However, not everyone gets this privilege and it’s something you should ask your cruise director beforehand. Some cruise liners allow certain guests to host a dinner table for the cruise captain each night at sea, while some have Captain’s Dining Rooms where they allow lucky guests to join. There are certain limitations as well to this opportunity, such as the size of the ship and the number of guests on board.
With some cruise liners, you have to pay for the experience by booking table with the Captain. It costs slightly more than regular tables throughout the cruise, but for many it is worth the cost. Do not take it personally if you are unable to get a booking with the captain at one cruise; remember that he is a man of heavy responsibilities and it is the cruise liners who do their best in trying to accommodate the passengers who wish to dine with the captain.
Furthermore, being able to dine with the captain entails qualifying for certain characteristic traits. Because it is a special privilege, guests must be of good moral character, sociable, pleasant, and easygoing. Cruise staff are always on the lookout for guests who qualify for these. If you are one of the lucky passengers chosen to dine with the captain, it is imperative that you do so with utmost respect for the man who controls the cruise and keeps you safe at sea. Dress accordingly, be proper, and practice only good manners.
It must be remembered that not all cruises always permit a dinner with the captain. He is also a very busy man and may prefer to dine in private. A case in point would be the Disney Cruise Lines; aboard one you will come across many opportunities to meet and talk with the captain. However, due to the large number of people who want to dine with the captain, not everyone gets to. To avoid disappointing anyone, the captain chooses to dine in private while giving everyone equal opportunity to meet him elsewhere aboard the ship.
Veteran cruisers have also found a way to dine with the captain once you’re on board. Try making friends with the staff, and inquire about how you may be able to get a seat with the captain for dinner. Even if you don’t get it, at least you’ll be able to make friends with people on board.
