Changes in Recent Years?

[WeLoveCruising]

We are 4 star Mariners who used to sail HAL very frequently. However, our last cruise was in 2011 on the Noordam. Shortly after that cruise, my young adult son was diagnosed with cancer, and we spent the last few years helping him fight it. Sadly, my son passed away a few months ago. We are devestated.

 

My husband and I are booking a much needed trip, a HAL cruise. We've seen a lot of changes over the years, having cruised HAL from the mid 90's up until a few years ago. I'm wondering what recent changes, both positive and negative, have occurred?

 

Here are a few things I"m wondering about specifically, but of course also want to hear about everything!

 

-Dining. Is the As You Wish still the same? If we go with open seating do we just arrive between the set hours? I recall there being off hours you can reserve, or just show up during other hours? We've requested fixed Main dining, table for 2, but I understand this might not be guaranteed, with which case I would opt for the open.

 

-Any big changes with the menus or food? I think the Master Chef's dinner is gone. Is there still a Le Cirque night in the Pinnacle? Has it been replaced with anything else? I'm familair with Caneletto. (We are going on a Vista ship so no Tamarind).

 

-We are big movie watchers - has the TV system been updated at all? I am wondering if technology has caught up and there is more "on demand" programmimng vs the 2-3 looping movies usually played. Are there still DVD players in the rooms? We watch Neftlix, etc but that wont work at sea. (we must sound incredibly boring!!)

 

I didnt notice a Mix floorplan on the Oosterdam, which is what we are booking. I assume that there is no Mix on that ship? Is BB King on every ship or only some? I saw an announcement about it being on 5 ships, none the Oosterdam, but it looked like an older announcement.

 

Anything else I should know? We just love HAL, and love being at sea, we are so looking forward to going, spending some time together.

 

Thanks

[take us away]

So sorry about your loss! Welcome back to cruising and your much needed vacation!

 

I can offer the following to your questions.

As you wish dining is mostly the same. If you do not get regular seating, just ask for a table for 2 in open seating. If you speak to the maître d, you may be able to keep the same table.

 

The Lido may have changed since 2011 as do not remember when they converted to more separate stations like Asian, pizza, pasta in addition to salad and dessert stations as well as the hot food line. Breakfast has eggs benedict, waffle, juice, fruit stations. The Dive-in out on the Lido deck is burgers and hotdogs, and an excellent chicken sandwich. Some people love the fries with the dive-in sauce. They still have the taco station out by the pool.

 

Le Cirque is still offered in the Pinnacle and after a few changes like shared plates, Canelletto has settled back into what they had before. The menus are mostly the same but portions are a bit smaller and things like quinea are now served. Items come and go over time but the soups are still wonderful and the Pinnacle is still quite good (except I think that they no longer have the wonderful onion soup).

 

Sorry to say the TV system is still the same.... maybe someday. Anyway, you can still get movies from the front desk and there should be a booklet of the DVDs in your cabin. There is also a website that has a lot of facts like the movie listings but we cannot name the site. The movie shown in the theater is repeated the following day in the cabin.

 

BB King is not on all ships but it was on the Noordam in Dec so should be on the Oosterdam as sister ships. They used the Queens Lounge on the Noordam.

 

The service is still stellar

[Krazy Kruizers]

So sorry for the lost of your son.

Yes -- changes -- more cutbacks in crew. We have noticed that dining room has poorer quality of meats -- when that happened, we stopped eating in the main dining room.

New menu for Pinnacle, Le Cirque and Canaletto.

[Krazy Kruizers]

　

The Pinnacle Dinner is $29 per person. You can book the dinner either online, through Ship’s Services at 1-800-541-1576 or once you are on the ship.

　

Starters:

 

TOMATO BROTH WITH SPICY LEMONGRASS CHICKEN with flavors of kaffir lime and cilantro

LOBSTER BISQUE

crème fraîche and aged cognac

SHRIMP COCKTAIL

brandy horseradish cocktail sauce

CAESAR SALAD

heart of romaine, grated parmesan cheese, garlic

croutons, anchovies and house-made dressing

BEEFSTEAK TOMATO AND BASIL

sliced red onion, pesto, extra virgin

olive oil and balsamic reduction

* STEAK TARTARE

seasoned finely-chopped Double R Ranch beef

accompanied with parsley, cornichon, capers and red onion

JUMBO-LUMP CRAB CAKES

sweet chili-mustard sauce

* OSSETRA MALOSSOL CAVIAR $45

served on ice with crème fraîche and buckwheat blini

 

THE GRILL

DOUBLE R RANCH STEAKS

served with your choice of hand-crafted sauce:

sun-dried tomato ° master chef ’s green peppercorn ° béarnaise ° horseradish-mustard ° hollandaise ° maitre d’ garlic butter

* 7OZ. PETITE FILET MIGNON

* 10 OZ. FILET MIGNON

* 23 OZ. PORTERHOUSE

* 12 OZ NEW YORK STRIP STEAK

* 18 OZ. BONE-IN RIB EYE STEAK

 

* GRILLED COLORADO LAMB CHOPS

spiced apple chutney, fresh mint sauce

* DOUBLE-CUT KUROBUTA PORK CHOP

marinated in rosemary, garlic and pepper vinegar with scallions

ROASTED JIDORI CHICKEN WITH PORCINI MUSHROOMS

cider vinegar jus, forbiden ric

e cake with quinoa and apricot, mâche salad and toasted pistachio nuts

 

SEAFOOD

* BROILED ALASKAN KING SALMON

with lemon garlic herb splash

KING CRAB LEGS $20 (some ships have removed this item as they are no longer King Crab Legs)

your choice steamed or broiled served with drawn butter

* CEDAR PLANKED PACIFIC HALIBUT WITH SHRIMP SCAMPI

roasted garlic and cilantro butter

WEST COAST STYLE SEAFOOD CIOPPINO

tomato braised clams, mussels, shrimp, Alaskan crab and halibut

 

 

THE VEGETARIAN INTRIGUE

BAKED-STUFFED EGGPLANT

ragoût of zucchini, onion, eggplant and tomato on creamy polenta

WILD MUSHROOM RAVIOLI

in pesto cream sauce

ROASTED PUMPKIN RISOTTO

mascarpone cheese and Swiss chard

 

SHAREABLE SIDES

wilted spinach - sautéed mushrooms - baby carrots - grilled asparagus

Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and pancetta - classic whipped potatoes - shoestring fries with truffle aïoli

INDIVIDUAL SIDE

jumbo baked Idaho potato

Holland America Line only serves sustainable seafood

 

THE FINALE

NOT-SO-CLASSIC BAKED ALASKA

Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream with Bing cherries jubilee

WARM GRAND MARNIER CHOCOLATE VOLCANO CAKE

the ultimate chocolate experience

PINNACLE SOUFFLÉ

vanilla soufflé with base of mixed berry compote and finished with molten Drambuie cream truffle

LEMON-BRÛLÉE TART

blueberry whipped cream

CREAMY HOMEMADE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE

served with fresh berries

FRESH BERRIES

with a Sabayon sauce

PREMIUM ICE CREAM AND SORBET

[Krazy Kruizers]

New Le Cirque Menu -- $49 per person

 

Appetizers

Lobster Salad “Le Cirque” -- poached lobster with haricots verts and citrus

Yellowtail Snapper Crudo -- broad beans and pea mojito

Caesar Salad -- interpretation of the classical salad

Wild Burgundy Escargot -- Gruyere gnocchi, pickled enoki, bottarga

 

Soup

Garden Pea -- cheese dumplings, Idiazabal crisp

Chilled Yogurt & Melon -- with shrimp

 

Main Courses

Seabass -- peaches, capers, Bourbon vanilla, chicken oysters

Rack of Colorado Lamb -- artichokes, lemon forte, courgettes, piment d’argile

Chateaubriand -- horseradish flan, sweet and sour baby beets

Spaghetti Primavera -- cream, garlic, Parmesan

Chicken -- wheat berry, plum, Arbois sauce

 

Desserts

Crème Brule ‘Le Cirque’

Chocolate Souffle’ -- traditional chocolate souffle’ with vanilla gelato

Strawberry Pavlova -- Earl Grey Chantilly, strawberry consomme, basil

Pineapple -- Malibu rum, coconut, Bourbon vanilla

Assortment of Sorbets

[Krazy Kruizers]

Canaletto Menu -- $10 per person - You can pre-book on HAL’s site, order through Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 or book once on the ship.

“Spartire” is the Italian word for sharing. It is a concept that is part of everyday life in Italy, especially when eating with friends and family. Our menu is designed around this authentic Italian experience and offers a variety of dishes to enjoy and share. The right amount of food is always important so we suggest ordering two small plates, one pasta and one large plate for every two people at your table.

Buon Appetito!

Small Plates:

*Salumi -- prosciutto, coppa, grissini, shaved pecorino, assorted olives

Veal & Sage Polpettina -- glazed cipolin onions, rustic tomato sauce

Zuppa Di Pesce -- mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, cod, vegetables, tomato saffron broth

Canaletto Salad -- Boston lettuce, roasted beets, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, raspberry vinaigrette

Duck & Chicken Liver Pate -- spiced duck preserve, rustic toast, kumquat marmalade

*Seared Beef Carpaccio -- rosemary aioli, shallots, sea salt, cracked pepper

Eggplant Caponata -- golden raisins, pine nuts, mint

Vermouth Braised Clams -- spicy chorizo, garlic, basil

Pasta

Pappardelle -- shrimp, artichokes, lemon-herb emulsion

Spaghetti -- Bolognese or pomodoro

Potato Gnocchi -- braised beef short rib, mascarpone, butter roasted carrots and celery

Rigatoni -- Italian sausage, Kalamata olives, spicy tomato sauce

Ricotta Ravioli -- braised leeks, oven-dried tomatoes, arugula-pine nut pesto

Large Plates

Sauteed Veal Piccata -- lemon angel hair, capers, kale crisps

Braised Chicken Cacciatore “Al Formo” -- caramelized carrots, soft parmesan polenta

Roasted Pork Loin Saltimbocca -- seared escarole, cannelini beans, Marsala glace

*Grilled Lemon-Thyme White Sea Bass -- roasted fingerling potatoes, shaved fennel, orange-olive salad.

*The US Food and Drug Administration advises that eating uncooked or partially cooked meat, seafood, shellfish, milk, poultry and/or eggs may increase your risk for food borne illness if you have certain medical conditions.

Dolci

Trio of Tiramisu -- espresso, lemon and amaretto

Limoncello Crème -- Tuscan lemon liqueur

Torta Cacao -- walnut praline, vanilla bean gelato

Gelato -- strawberry, vanilla bean, pistachio, giandula

Selection of Italian Cheeses

　

　

The Canaletto is pleased to offer authentic Italian wines and varietals, each telling a story of it’s special region of Italy. In addition we offer a selection of beer including an Italian favorite Peroni, mixed drinks, sofa and water. Please speak with your beverage staff to enhance your dining experience.

Cocktails -- $6.25

Americano -- campari, sweet vermouth, soda water

Bicicietta -- campari, white wine, soda water

Bellini -- prosecco, peach puree

Frangelico Tuscan Mule -- frangelico, ginger ale

God Father -- amaretto, scotch

God Mother -- amaretto, vodka

Negron -- campari, sweet vermouth, gin

Rossini -- prosecco, strawberry puree

Aperol Spitzer -- aperol, prosecco

Wines Glass Carafe Bottle

5 oz. 15 oz. 25 oz.

White

Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie $5.50 $15 $22

Pinot Grigio, Danzante $6.75 $18 $27

Moscato, Zonin $8.50 $23 $34

Rose

Salento Rose $5.50 $15 $22

Red

Primitivo Di Puglia $5.50 $15 $22

Pinot Noir, Pavia $5.50 $15 $22

Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo $5.50 $15 $22

Sanglovese, Santa

Cristina Antonori $8.50 $23 $34

Melini Chianti

Borgeri D’Elsa $8.50 $23 $34

Select Wines

Bottle

25 oz.

White

Pinot Grigio, Ruffino $44

Chardonnay, Feudi De Pisciotto $39

Red

Batasiolo Barbera D’Asti $39

Merlot Feudi Del Pisciotto ‘Valentino’ $39

Chianti Castiglioni Frescobaldi $45

Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG Antinori $74

Guado AL Tasso Bolgheri DOCG Superiore $89

Sangiovese, Brunello Di Montalcino, Castello-Banfi $114

Solaia, Antinori $329

Digestive -- $5.95

Served in a souvenir Holland America Line glass

Limoncello

Amaretto

Frangelico

Sambuca

Grappa di Alexander

Cognac

Hennessey V.S. Glass -- $7.95

Courvoisier V.S.O.P. Glass -- $7.95

Remy Martin V.S.O.P. Glass -- $10.95

Couvoisier Napoleon Glass -- $10.95

　

　

A 15% service charge will automatically be added to your beverage purchases. A corkage fee of $18 applies for wine and champagne brought to the restaurant or bars for consumption.

[GeezLouise1]

I didnt notice a Mix floorplan on the Oosterdam, which is what we are booking. I assume that there is no Mix on that ship? Is BB King on every ship or only some? I saw an announcement about it being on 5 ships, none the Oosterdam, but it looked like an older announcement.

 

Condolences on the loss of your son.

 

BBKing is indeed on the Oosterdam ( enjoyed them last week!). They were excellent.

[kazu]

Awww, sorry to hear about your struggle and the loss of your son.

 

You are right - you need a break and a get away and a cruise is a great way to go.

 

I think you have most of your answers, so I will just add that Le Cirque (from what I have experienced) has improved. And of course, as 4* Mariners, it and you PG dinners and lunches are 50% off.

 

If you haven't done a PG lunch, I'd give it a shot as well. It's a nice way to enjoy a sea day. You have to wait until you get on board to book.

 

BBKing is only on some ships - but it is on Oosterdam.

 

2011 is a few years ago, so if you happen to like Adagio, you will find that it is now a duet instead of a quartet (I can't remember when that changed so I hope that is not "old news" to you).

 

If there is a Cellar Master Dinner or Master Chef's Table (not to be confused with Master chef's dinner) on your cruise, I would give it a very strong consideration. Ours have been very good and we enjoy going (no * discount though).

 

I hope this helps a bit and you can take a bit of joy out of your planning and anticipation.

 

May your cruise give you joy, solace and peace.

[sail7seas]

So very sorry about the loss of your son.

I hope you can find some peace in your happy memories.

 

A cruise sounds like a great idea...... :)

 

What I have observed as the biggest change in recent years in HAL is lower numbers of crew. They are as wonderful as ever but with lots of work to do.

[elycelynne]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Here are a few other points:

 

There is no Mix on the Vista or Signature class ships. Those ships have actual piano bars. I believe that it's only on some of the older ships that used to have dedicated piano bars and HAL did some remodeling to incorporate the Mix concept.

 

At least for Caribbean itineraries, there is no longer a "travel guide" -- Just the excursions manager and the shopping guide. I used to like the travel guides because they would talk about things other than pushing HAL's shore excursions or "recommended" stores. I don't know about other itineraries -- They may still have someone in that position.

 

No more HAL Cats on the Vista ships, and no Crow's Nest guitarist either. The HAL Cats have been replaced by "The Band", which plays instrumental dance music in the Ocean Bar. Also a reduction in the number of evening "audience participation" games and events like karaoke, due to the fact that the BB King band now occupies The Queen's Lounge just about every night.

Edited October 3, 2015 by elycelynne

[prescottbob]

The short answer to your query's:

 

(As You Wish): You can either show up or, preferably, call earlier in the day for a specific time & table size.

 

PG & Canaletto is available. Keep your eye out for the Cellar Master's dinner option if available and if so inclined.

 

(Menu): The menu (MDR) has changed somewhat with less options (daily) and a fixed menu. I personally like it. Presentation is always good, quality & temperature control can be 50-50 at best (IMHO).

 

(DVD's): Nope, same old HAL. Were boring also & like to view a flick in the afternoon (sea days specifically) with a room service cheese platter or two. HAL remains to have the DVD player under the TV. One still needs to check out DVD's at the front desk, bring your own or view the available movies being played on the channels.

 

(Mix):I recall a piano bar with an adjacent sports bar (adjacent to the casino). I recall a small area for champagne & martini tastings. However, I may be wrong on this and I'm sure recent cruisers will correct me.

 

The Oosterdam was a nice ship. I think you'll enjoy your journey.

 

Be well.

 

Bob

[blizzardboy]

I too am sorry for your loss. Welcome back!

The new data plans HAL is phasing in offer different levels of service, one that includes the ability to stream Netflix etc. Take a look at the "Sticky" on this Boardregarding HAL experimenting with data plans for more info. I've since seen other articles about Carnival Corp implementing new data plans as they update ship-board equipment.

[WeLoveCruising]

Thanks everyone

 

We've heard from other friends who have sailed that the trend continues to be more cutbacks. We know the HAL we sailed in 2011 isn't the same as the one we sailed in 1994. There's still so much we like, which I know does exist.

 

Sail, I know we both had major losses since we last spoke. I'm so sorry for yours as well.

 

My son loved sailing on HAL, his first cruise with us was when he was only 5 years old. His last was the one with us on the Noordam in 2011 when he was in college. We took his best friend, who is like a second son to us, as well. I'm glad we had the chance to make those memoires. I still have those.