POLL- Do U ATTEND the Captain's Welcome Aboard Party?

Kuki · #1 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 10:24 AM

Normally the evening of Day 2 on a cruise is formal night, and the night of the Captain's Welcome Aboard Party, with a few free drinks and some finger foods served in either one of the large lounges or the ship's atriums, and in some cases the opportunity to have a picture taken with the Captain.

Do you normally attend the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party, or do you prefer to use that time napping, or relaxing on deck, etc?

We used to attend these quite religiously for the chance to "get a look at" many of our cruisemates for the week. Seems to me that lately we seem to be relaxing through it quite a bit, and not quite making it.

#2 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 11:09 AM

Kuki,

We always enjoy the Captain's Cocktail Party! It's nice to meet the ship's officers, mingle with your new cruisemates -- and hey, free drinks! Who could pass that up!

Dean

pamda · #3 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 11:48 AM

Almost never.

Watered-down drinks (even if they are free) and a not too-exciting program.

The only time I can remember doing it was on my mom's first (and only) cruise. Because she was (still is) kind of elderly and had trouble walking, we were allowed to "cut the line." My mom was tickled beyond belief.

PEB · #4 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 03:08 PM

We never attend the Captains welcome aboard party! We just have no interest in attending it.

Cindy · #5 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 04:13 PM

We always attend - afraid we might miss something.

ArkJudy · #6 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 06:01 PM

Only two cruises so far -- and attended both. First one on Carnival was great, live band, dancing, captain was very sociable. Second on RCI was dull, band played, no one danced, captain barely spoke. We'll see whether the tradition of attending will continue at future cruises, but if there's dancing, we'll be there!

#7 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 06:40 PM

Never. I've just been through a long enough line boarding the ship and don't want to do another one. Find them very boring.

Carole

Donna · #8 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 06:44 PM

Always attend. Good time to get any "news" about the cruiseline, their future plans, meeting the officers and staff, and of course a free cocktail :-)

suzanne · #9 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 06:51 PM

Once again....interesting to read about! Dh is so looking forward to the Captain�s party. I hope he isn�t disappointed. His mother�s side of the family has a long tradition in ships. The first records they have date back to the late 1500s. His uncle has three freight ships that go between Portugal and Hamburg. His other uncle is the captain for a ferry that runs between Germany and Sweden. I know he would be thrilled if he could exchange three words with the Captain.

Suzanne

sue · #10 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 09:06 PM

I was at one and found it boring.I don't drink so what else is there to do? Next on the Navigator if my husbands wants to go, maybe we just relax on our balcony .....

ErnieMCC · #11 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 09:15 PM

We do... if we know the Captain... generally walk through the receiving line, say hello and walk through the lounge and out and back to our favorite pre-dinner cocktail spot. But that's us.

April · #12 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 11:11 PM

50-50-- but I have learned that you can ask for a specifc drink-- if I go I do this-- no more free watered down drinks for me-- well maybe the cheap champagne--lol
Cosmo is a large glass preferred or a French martini
Cheers
April

#13 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2002, 11:27 PM

We love to attend these parties! I love to dance, and if I am going to all the trouble to plan, and dress up for the evening, I want to get as much mileage out of it as possible!

!

#14 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 12:07 AM

The official 'party' was in the Pharoah's Lounge, but we snuck into a side bar and were still served free drinks (straight from the bar) and appetizers. Out in the Fountain Cafe, people were packed like sardines. I think they thought the bar was for special people!

We had a blast, but never saw the captain or the crew. Just the bar and the food.

Denise

Raven · #15 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 12:34 AM

We attended on our first cruise but haven't gone to one since. There always seems to be something else going on that's more enticing - even a nap...lol.

#16 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 10:17 AM

Always attend-thru the back door if available Regards Jack

Phyllbo · #17 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 10:39 AM

We went to one on the Mille. Seemed like we went into the theater, listened to a little talk, had a free drink and left. Not very exciting. Maybe other ships do it differently, but we wouldn't make any effort to attend another.

Phyll

Fran · #18 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 06:15 PM

Right up there with formal night, makes cruising special. Our 1st cruise on RCI Splendour, actually met the captain but was disappointed on our second, Carnival, he didn't attend! But as to watered down drinks, they sure weren't either time. My hubby assured me the ship was not rolling on the way to the dining room! lol!

Carole and Johnny · #19 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 08:30 PM

First cruise - yes.
Other cruises, no.
Like the Champagne waterfall, we wanted to experience it. We did, and now it is out of our system. :o)

CruzNut · #20 (**permalink**) August 4th, 2002, 10:55 PM

Usually do - particularly on Princess because they hold the party on several decks in the atrium area. You can go and get your picture taken and a hand shake from the captain if you want to - or NOT. Always ask for a regular drink - don't like most of the ones that they pass around. It's also a good way to meet other passengers.