BetsyS.

Crew News - Thanks for your answer. Glad you enjoyed it. I tried making a souffle at home once, but I opened the oven to take a "peek'" and it flopped! Will have to order a souffle on my next HAL cruise.

Crew News - Your souffle looks good. What flavor is it?

Roy - Thanks for all your reports. The HAL picture of you is great! Happy Thanksgiving! 😊

If people think that the Yum Yum man only worked at dinner time, that is not the case. Years ago on the Veendam, the Yum Yum man cooked breakfast in the Lido. I never cut in front of the line, but when he saw me waiting my turn, he started cooking my breakfast. One day when he handed me my plate, the woman in front of me said "You didn't order yet." I said I had the same thing every day.

like traveling - I'm sorry you and your dad tested positive. I hope you both will be better soon.

The Dutch Cafe on deck 3 has the best pea soup and hot chocolate. There are window seats with a great view. I never tried the grilled cheese, but I wish I had. They have lots of good food and beer as well as a variety of non alcoholic drinks. The Crows Nest on deck 12 is big and has great views. They have alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. There are maps, puzzles, travel books and a small area with books to borrow. On port days when many people leave the ship, there are more quiet areas than on sea days. On sea days, you can still find a quiet area.

Bandits wife - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 My favorite foods on Niew Statendam were pea soup in Dutch cafe and in Rudi's Sel de Mer it was the Dover sole and Crepes Suzzette. I recommend booking a reservation in Rudi's asap.

LMaxwell - I agree with you. I have been on 4 HAL ships and ALL the crew take pride in their work. They go above and beyond.

Shippmates - I agree. I have a peanut allergy and on the Niew Statendam in August the waiters in MDR brought me dinner menu for the next night and I chose what I wanted. I told waiters that on a few nights I would be at a specialty restaurant. When I arrived at those restaurants, the stafff knew in advance about my allergy.

Safe travels to everyone and for those who are sailing - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊

I recommend the Dover Sole at Rudi's Sel de Mer. It was a big piece and the waitress deboned it at the table. The Crepe Suzette was a big portion. Delicious meal and great service. This was on the Niew Statendam in August. I agree with others who said to book dining reservations on first day onboard. I booked Rudi's Sel de Mer on the phone from my cabin. I bought Rudi's cookbook at dinner.

DFD1 - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊

Roy - Thanks for all your wonderful reports and great pictures. The sunrises are beautiful! Congratulations on your 5 stars! Safe travels home and I'm glad you are renewing your passport.

birdie16 - I'm sorry you're sick. I hope you both will feel better soon.

When I was walking by the Photographer's display on the Niew Statendam, I asked the photographer when the next gala night would be. She didn't say when they all would be, but she said when the next one would be a few days in advance if you asked.

Thanks for posting this picture! 😊

Crew News - Thank you for posting the pictures! I am very impressed with HAL's laundry service! 😊

Atexsix - I agree with you that having medical help onboard is important. My stepfather left 2 meds on the kitchen counter even though we both had checklists and went over the lists as we were packing. The medical team on the Niew Statendam gave my stepfather enough meds to last for 24 days. We were on our way to Greenland and the doctor said that Greenland has NO ER! Those poor people. The medical team was top notch. It's peace of mind knowing that HAL has excellent medical centers.

Andi Land - I'm sorry you didn't have a better experience. You said passengers complained to crew. They should know that crew is doing their jobs. The place to complain is on "Let Us Know" on Navigator app. I didn't complain on the app, but I did mention crew who went above and beyond. I got a phone call from a supervisor thanking me for the feedback and crew members thanked me also. I hope your next cruise will be much better.

The Niew Statendam has a big screen by the pool where they showed movies. Maybe they will show games there.

Cruising and Diving - Thanks for the picture! You both look great! 😊

Roy - Thanks for all your excellent reports and great pictures. I'm glad you are doing walks in the morning. Have a wonderful week.

I ordered a half portion of chicken parmesan and it was the perfect size for me. My stepfather wanted the veal meatballs as an entree, but it was an appetizer. The waitress brought him an entree size portion. All our food was delicious and the service was great. I like the fact that the daily specials are posted on the wall outside the restaurant.

USN59-79. I agree with you. I have seen entertainers board a ship at various ports.

I was on the Niew Statendam in August. I got butter in the Lido, but I had to ask for it every time. In the MDR, butter was on the table.