BruhnSisters

PS. this is my favorite previous "joke of the day": Q: What happened when the blue ship and the red ship collided at sea? A: Their crews were marooned.

Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions! The posters on Cruise Critic are very helpful. I'm think I'm going to order the marinated lobster appetizer. For dessert, I might order the apple tarte tatin with cinnamon gelato. Mmmmmmmm. Two months away . . .

Hello Wonderful Cruisers - My sister and I will be boarding the gorgeous Koningsdam Thanksgiving week for a coastal cruise. Confession One: I put up a daily "joke of the day" paper on the outside of our cabin (using magnets just above the mail holder). Any clean and short Thanksgiving or Cruise puns or riddle suggestions are welcome 🙂 I know some cruisers are not fond of door decor . . . but I do get many positive comments from families that walk by and giggle, as well as the cabin attendants. Confession Two: Yep, I'm going to bring some little plastic ducks to hide . . . along with a note attached that says "keep or hide, you decide" and the "no pools, hot tubs or gift shop" rule. I think there will probably more kids onboard (and "children at heart" adults) and they will bring some simple smiles. Rudi's Questions: I'm very excited to eat at Rudi's the first night we board. I've been one time before and LOVED the Coq au vin so I'm going to order that again. For the appetizer do you suggest: HOT SMOKED SALMON or MARINATED LOBSTER??? For the dessert do you suggest: CRÊPES SUZETTE or PROFITEROLES??? Thanks for your suggestions and input. Happy Cruising to all!

All of your replies are so fun to read!

Hi John. I hope you will post about Friday too. That was our “rock and roll” day onboard . . . from ocean motion . . . not music. Lol. I ate in Tamarind that evening.

If you were on death row (unjustly of course) in the brig of a Holland America Ship . . . what would you request as your last meal? You can mix and match restaurant locations. My meal: Lido: Fresh Baked Croissant and a Poppy Seed Roll Dutch Cafe: Pea Soup Rudi's Sel de Mer: Coq Au Vin Canaletto - Tiramisu (with Irish Coffee from the Dutch Cafe) Thanks for joining the fun, if you wish!

Food on the Koningsdam over New Year's was fantastic overall.

Jacqui - It was delightful to briefly meet you at the meet and mingle. I continue to pray for a speedy recovery for you . .. also for peace in the midst of this whole ordeal. Much love from San Diego.

I adore the Tamarind! Love elegant atmosphere, professional and warm service and not snobby. My faves are: Jewels of the Sea Soup Duck Sorbets Mmmmmmmmm!

Very sorry you have to make that long drive. We get the best rental car rates with Costco. Hope this cruise will be EXTRA relaxing once you are onboard.

Jacqui - Thank for taking us along with your delightful posts! I look forward to hopefully meeting you in person soon. I was on Koningsdam last week with my sister. We had a small balcony room on the 8th desk. We heard some stomping from line dancing on the deck above, but that just meant the guests were having a great time! The ship was pretty packed, but we still found quiet spots to read and relax. Spent this week back at home. I'm boarding the ship again solo on Thursday! (My hubby does not have sea legs, and my cruising sister has her son's family visiting from out of town.) I have an inside cabin this time, but I'm happy as can be and feel very spoiled to be able to sail! Can't wait for more Dutch Pea Soup . . . mmmmmmm!

Just got a fun guarantee upgrade on an upcoming cruise from an obstructed verandah to an unobstructed one on the navigation deck. It will be fun having lido snacks available just one floor up!

Thanks everyone for your informative replies!!!! Now I have ideas for new foods to try on board, and new lands to dream of possibly seeing one day! Our society is so informal now, it is wonderful to have a classy place to dress up for dinner, and also for listening to live music.

Very helpful! Thank you Curtis 🙂

I think I'll try that! Yummy!

Crystal - Plain black pants and skirts are so versatile!

Betty - That pea soup is indeed awesome!

Oooooooh . . . . I forgot about the yummy Apple and Bacon Pannenkoek! I'm glad you still sparkle! I do dress nice at dinner . .. but only travel with one small roll on suitcase, so I take fewer clothes now.

1. Where is your favorite place to cruise (or top place on your wish list)? 2. Name your three favorite cruise foods at sea? 3. Do you dress less "sparkly or formal" on cruises now than in year's past? My Answers: 1. Copenhagen (tied with Half Moon Cay) 2. Croissants, Jewels of the Sea Soup (Tamarind), Tiramisu 3. Less Sparkly (I like packing lighter, but kind of miss dressing fancier most nights.)

Thanks very much for your reply! Please tell me more about the spa pass. Do they have changing rooms and lockers? Do you turn in your room key when you check in? I have booked it for my upcoming 5 night cruise.

Crews News, you are such a fantastic resource and a true treasure on this board!

My next trip on the gorgeous Koningsdam will be December 17th! I feel very grateful and excited that I can take this cruise with my Sister. 1. If you have sailed on this ship recently, do you know the names of the current cruise director, piano playing singers in Billboard or the lead singers for B.B. Kings? 2. Anyone have current pictures of Mexican Riviera dinner menus? 3. What are your favorite TASTES, SIGHTS and EXPERIENCES on HAL ships? From my previous trips I loved the: Pea Soup at the Dutch Cafe, watching the sunsets and waves while walking on the promenade deck, renting a retreat cabana for a day, and listening to the incredible musicians in the evenings! Thanks for any info you'd like to share 🙂