Captain’s cocktail party

Friday 18^th October

Cocktail parties are held at various times during a cruise. There is a general one that everyone is invited to (once at 5:15 for those on early sitting for dinner, and then repeated later for those on late sitting). There is another for those who have travelled a lot with Cunard. Being at Platinum level, I was invited to this, as were Gold (a lower level than mine) and Diamond members. Generally I do not attend the parties. I can’t be bothered getting dressed nearly an hour early, then standing around chatting to strangers. A glass of champagne or wine does not tempt me that much.

This time I heard that one of the dancers was taking Gary (Dance Host) to the party. I had not realised that ladies travelling alone were allowed to take a partner. I confirmed it with the purser and saw that Martin was sitting in the Queen’s Room reading. I asked if he or Jeff (both Dance Hosts) would like to come to the party with me. It seemed to me a toss-up between some free booze but having to listen to some speeches. Martin said he would be happy to come. Evidently on previous cruises, attendance at all the cocktail parties had been mandatory and it got rather boring, but this cruise they had not attended any.

It was strange to be all dressed up in formal clothes ready for a 5:15 event! There was quite a long queue waiting to go in. When we reached the top of the queue I said that I was not interested in having my photo taken, and we were shown through the ropes. Then I realised that meant we did not get to shake the Captain’s hand. Oh well! We stood and chatted about various things, including me learning more about Martin’s girlfriend back in Vancouver. The speeches were not too long. We did not see the canapes at all. Martin managed to get a second drink while my one and only glass of wine affected me so much that later on my tablemates kept laughing at/with me all through dinner. (They thought I should prolong the effect with the Melon and Midori soup, an alcoholic sauce with my main course, and the Grand Marnier souffle for dessert.)