Returning Guests Complimentary Cocktail Party

We have only done this on Princess, but we will be doing it on the next NCL we take next year.

We did not fancy joining 100's of others for a glass of wine and a cheese biscuit

I go to the repeaters cocktail party on lines that have them (Carnival now only does this for platinum members ,  they give gold members a coupon for one free drink on the last night of the cruise)  On RCI and Celebrity I get free Diamond level cocktail parties every night before dinner .

Celebrity puts on a good spread (not just give cheese biscuit and box wine like NCL)  they had Sushi, sandwiches, shrimp and all kinds of good stuff.

Yes we do take advantage of the cocktail specials, but generally only on Princess in the before dinner Exclusive Elite Lounge for elite and platinum guests where hors d'oeuvres and half priced cocktails are available, this is much appreciated and we hate to miss one. The half price cocktail charge doesn't just apply to the cocktail offered during a given evening but includes all cocktails offered at half price during the course of the cruise. What we really like on the larger Princess ships is that this occurs in one half the Skywalkers Lounge high above the rest of the ship in the stern rendering a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding sea.

We try to avoid the so called Captain's party for repeat cruisers since those include almost the entire guest list in attendance in a lounge capable of only holding one third of us. Ship's real Captain is almost always a no show, Staff Captain is the big man and the one you meet. Plus, no hand shaking allowed.    

Very disappointed with carnival like JusMe said.  Carnival only does it for their Platinum members and makes the rest of us feel subpar.  They need to be more attentive in that manner to their loyal customers.  I would definitely attend as it gives you a good opportunity to mingle with past guest and make friends, etc.

Count me among the disappointed Carnival gold cruisers, who no longer get an invite to the past guest party.  I always enjoyed these gatherings, not just for the food and drinks. It was afterall only about 45 mins long.  It was just the fun atmosphere of it.  I still enjoyed my Carnival cruise last month without the party, but it was missed.  I am a ways yet to platinum, and I really don't hold out much hope of getting there anymore.

For several reasons, after 7 Carnival cruises, my next cruise is booked on another cruise line.

We did it once years ago. Now, never. Not worth the effort.  Though it is funny watching the PlatinumDiamonds flaunting their status. As if it means anything.

Nope.  We can't stand the attitude that some fellow passengers give off at these events... plus, those we tried did not have a non-alcohol option.  Why bother.

That sounds good to me.  My only complaint abut these parties are that I am no longer hungry for dinner.