Which food on which ship do you remember most??

[CGTNORMANDIE]

7 hours ago, mjmiller said:

honestly, it wasn't the food.  It was the surrounding circumstances...

 

We turned Diamond on Carnival on that particular cruise.  We had a Diamond invite to tour the galley and take a picture with the captain.  I believe that was all the invite said.  Typical galley tour... stiff photos with the Captain...  Follow the people in front of us to leave... Turned a corner, and there was a section of the MDR, set impeccably.  We enjoyed free flowing beverages, whatever we wanted, fantastic service, and one of the better meals we've had in a MDR. 

 

I'm sure the food didn't nearly measure up to some of the fab meals y'all have enjoyed, but the surprise, the service, the setting... it all added up to an experience I don't think I'll forget.

Nothin wrong with an impromptu surprise feast!  It’s always a shock when you find out that the galley can excel beyond the usual menus.  I find the same thing happens when I’m invited to dine at the Captain’s Table.  The Chef really “kicks it up a notch.”

[rkacruiser]

The special evenings/dinners on HAL as well as on Carnival offer a dining (and wining) experience that one does not get if one does not spend the treasure to enjoy them.  Narratives about the food and wine being served, the service provided, and the companionship of fellow cruisers are as interested in such an experience as you:  a cruise highlight for me.  

 

My experience at such a dinner on a Carnival ship was the most surprising.  The venue was next to the Galley, but was on the lower deck of the lounge for the Night Club. Maybe 12 or 14 guests seated at a long rectangular table; plenty of room between place settings.  The Executive Chef as well as the Sommelier appeared before each course to describe their creation and the wine being served.  The evening was exquisite.  And aboard a Carnival ship!

[rkacruiser]

There have been a few of those specials dinners that they have been in so much excess as to the richness of the food and the wines served that I have left those dinners, somehow finding my way back to my stateroom, and then collapsing.  Sometimes, in digestive agony.  

 

I have learned that if I am going to experience a multi-course dinner:  at least for me, a few bites of each course will be approved by my digestive system than consuming the entirety of each course.  

 

Such practice leads to such a waste of well prepared food.  While the opportunity presented itself to book such dinners in the last 2 years, I have resisted the temptation to do so.  Maybe my digestive system communicated with my brain/common sense:  Don't you dare let him book such a dinner? 😀

[CGTNORMANDIE]

12 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

There have been a few of those specials dinners that they have been in so much excess as to the richness of the food and the wines served that I have left those dinners, somehow finding my way back to my stateroom, and then collapsing.  Sometimes, in digestive agony.  

 

I have learned that if I am going to experience a multi-course dinner:  at least for me, a few bites of each course will be approved by my digestive system than consuming the entirety of each course.  

 

Such practice leads to such a waste of well prepared food.  While the opportunity presented itself to book such dinners in the last 2 years, I have resisted the temptation to do so.  Maybe my digestive system communicated with my brain/common sense:  Don't you dare let him book such a dinner? 😀

After 2 days onboard my appetite diminishes.  I find myself snacking instead of having breakfast or lunch.  Gorging on a gourmet dinner with wine pairings now seems out of my wheelhouse.  Those days are long gone.  Give me a mixed grill, a glass of Chablis and a taste of dessert any day.

Edited February 21, 2021 by CGTNORMANDIE

[rkacruiser]

My dining pattern as recently been:

 

Breakfast:  a full MDR experience occasionally, something similar in the Lido rarely, room service with a continental breakfast more often than not with a full breakfast as a "treat" once in awhile.  Otherwise, a very light breakfast in the Lido of juice, fruit, a pastry or croissant, and coffee.  

 

Lunch:  a MDR lunch is rare.  As is a Lido lunch at lunch time.  A light lunch at mid-afternoon at the Lido/Dive-in/etc. is what I prefer.  Returning from a shore excursion, a room service order is most welcome at times.  

 

Happy Hour:  I'll admit to snacking on too many of the goodies offered.  Yet...

 

Dinner time:  there is still room in the tummy for attempts at a 4 course dinner.  

 

While my Mother would surely disapprove, but there are times during such dinners that "cleaning my plate" for that particular course is not a "world class idea".  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

OK RK...here is my regimen...Onboard MSC YC.  We are early risers.  DW cannot function until she has had a cup, and most times two cups, of coffee.  So we have room service delivered...usually around 6:45 AM.  Then we try to get out by 7:30 for a good walk up on a top deck.  If the weather is bad we will “walk the ship”.  Then around 8:30 AM we will head for the DR.  The YC DR has a nice breakfast menu and if you want something special...just ask.  Their croissants are a must!  I will usually have an egg or some smoked salmon, juice, etc.  

 

Lunch depends on the menu.  Sometimes in YC DR, sometimes on deck poolside and once in a while we’ll go for pizza in the buffet or dessert, gelato, ice cream, etc. wherever.  Then more walking and exercise in the afternoon...followed by a nap.  

 

Cocktails before dinner followed by a nice slow meal with wine and dessert.  Dinner is always in the YC DR.  Again we walk the ship after dinner and usually take in an entertainment.  DW heads for cabin to read and then to bed.  I head to the Casino for an evening of fun on the machines with a drink or two to in between then to bed.  I always take a late night stroll on deck whenever possible.  

 

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

 We are early risers.

 

Not me unless I must be.  Too many years of arising at 5:00 A. M.

 

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

The YC DR has a nice breakfast menu 

 

Yes. their menu is good.  Discovered Ranchero Potatoes late during my cruise.  Darn it.  

 

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Their croissants are a must!

 

Two food items that I made a judgement as to quality and preparation when I cruise:  croissants and soups.  If both are good, usually whatever enters my digestive tract will be most acceptable.  For an Italian ship such as MSC, I would add pasta dishes to croissants and soups.  And, the YC Chef on Meraviglia did not disappoint.  I never would have thought that I would enjoy a pesto sauce served with a pasta.  

 

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Cocktails before dinner followed by a nice slow meal with wine and dessert.  Dinner is always in the YC DR.  Again we walk the ship after dinner and usually take in an entertainment.

 

All of my dinners were in the YC DR because I enjoyed the service, the ambiance, the food, and sometimes being able to dine with other guests with whom I had met.  The menu of some of the specialty restaurants were attractive, however.  Particularly, Butcher's Bloc.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Not me unless I must be.  Too many years of arising at 5:00 A. M.

 

 

Yes. their menu is good.  Discovered Ranchero Potatoes late during my cruise.  Darn it.  

 

 

Two food items that I made a judgement as to quality and preparation when I cruise:  croissants and soups.  If both are good, usually whatever enters my digestive tract will be most acceptable.  For an Italian ship such as MSC, I would add pasta dishes to croissants and soups.  And, the YC Chef on Meraviglia did not disappoint.  I never would have thought that I would enjoy a pesto sauce served with a pasta.  

 

 

All of my dinners were in the YC DR because I enjoyed the service, the ambiance, the food, and sometimes being able to dine with other guests with whom I had met.  The menu of some of the specialty restaurants were attractive, however.  Particularly, Butcher's Bloc.  

I do believe I would make an exception with the Butchers Block.  I would prefer a better dining atmosphere in BB than is currently offered on most MSC ships.  When I eat steak I want a steakhouse ambiance and decor...think dark woods and leather banquettes.  

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

I do believe I would make an exception with the Butchers Block.  I would prefer a better dining atmosphere in BB than is currently offered on most MSC ships.  When I eat steak I want a steakhouse ambiance and decor...think dark woods and leather banquettes.  

 

Really am not able to respond with any experience with Butcher's Block other than what I observed by walking by the venue and reading their menu.  HAL's PG is considered--I think--a steakhouse, yet, does it have the decor and the ambiance that you want?   Rudi's Sel de Mer on the Nieuw Statendam offers more of the truly upscale dining experience in both decor and ambiance as well as with the menu and service.  Even the "pop-ups" of Sel de Mer on their other ships offers an excellent menu and preparation in the PG venue that I have experienced.  

 

Once dined at a New York very upscale steakhouse where President Carter dined; yes!  That was an experience.  Have yet to patronize a Ruth's, but have been a patron of Fleming's.  Fleming's decor, ambiance, service, etc.--probably would meet your expectations for such a dining event.  

 

 

[CGTNORMANDIE]

8 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

Really am not able to respond with any experience with Butcher's Block other than what I observed by walking by the venue and reading their menu.  HAL's PG is considered--I think--a steakhouse, yet, does it have the decor and the ambiance that you want?   Rudi's Sel de Mer on the Nieuw Statendam offers more of the truly upscale dining experience in both decor and ambiance as well as with the menu and service.  Even the "pop-ups" of Sel de Mer on their other ships offers an excellent menu and preparation in the PG venue that I have experienced.  

 

Once dined at a New York very upscale steakhouse where President Carter dined; yes!  That was an experience.  Have yet to patronize a Ruth's, but have been a patron of Fleming's.  Fleming's decor, ambiance, service, etc.--probably would meet your expectations for such a dining event.  

 

 

I have never been able to cruise on a HAL ship but my investigations tell me that I would enjoy both the PG and Rudi’s...especially on the newer ships.  The decor and ambiance would definitely meet my expectations.  I was disappointed when I saw the decor on MSC...looked like a cafeteria.  You can tell a comfortable dining room when you see attention to details...warm ambiance, cozy seating, color coordination and quality of china and utensils...even the art on the walls.  If you are going to pay extra money to dine then it better be special.  (I always look to see if the dining chairs have arms...LOL.  This tells me if that the room was designed to relax, linger and enjoy.)

[CGTNORMANDIE]

12 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

I have never been able to cruise on a HAL ship but my investigations tell me that I would enjoy both the PG and Rudi’s...especially on the newer ships.  The decor and ambiance would definitely meet my expectations.  I was disappointed when I saw the decor on MSC...looked like a cafeteria.  You can tell a comfortable dining room when you see attention to details...warm ambiance, cozy seating, color coordination and quality of china and utensils...even the art on the walls.  If you are going to pay extra money to dine then it better be special.  (I always look to see if the dining chairs have arms...LOL.  This tells me if that the room was designed to relax, linger and enjoy.)

Now I remember the name of the specialty restaurant on MSC...Eately.  It looked like a high school cafeteria.  Why would anyone want to dine in such a setting?  Fortunately the Butchers Cut took off.  I would still like them to put it in a nicer setting.

[rkacruiser]

2 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Now I remember the name of the specialty restaurant on MSC...Eately.

 

I recall reading about Eately.  I also wondered about it.  Maybe the concept and menu would be more attractive to a non-North American clientele?  

 

15 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

I have never been able to cruise on a HAL ship but my investigations tell me that I would enjoy both the PG and Rudi’s...especially on the newer ships.  The decor and ambiance would definitely meet my expectations.

 

As you probably know, the Pinnacle Grill concept began as the Marco Polo Restaurant in the ships built to accommodate it.  An Italian oriented menu, with a steakhouse "touch".  Interior restaurants; small, intimate; quiet, with service at good as, if not better, as the MDR.  (Just no memory if there was a different wine list offered.)  

 

Some Executive V-P of Food and Beverage in Seattle decided to change the name, I suspect.  The menu changed; the service level changed (primarily due to inadequate training of either and/or the Manager of the PG).  And, of course, the PG's Chef had significant influence as to what was presented on my plate.  Just as has been true with the Executive Chefs on HAL ships for a very long time:  some are excellent; some are good; some ought to seek a position with McDonald's.  

 

When the newer ships were built and the PG's position in the ship was changed, it seemed to provide tiers of seating (all on the same level), but some had window views, then there were 2-3 tiers away from that closer to the interior.  The last tier of seating overlooked the atrium with whatever noise, music, and "other guest observers" one might encounter.  That last tier of tables were the last to be booked.  But, I did have one, once.  

 

After that occasion, I made it a point to inform the Manager of the PG when when I made my reservation that I would not accept a table in that last tier of tables.  

 

I don't think I am alone in my thoughts about having the PG being so "open" to the Atrium on the newer ships.  Thankfully, Rudi's Sel de Mer is a self-contained, enclosed restaurant as on the Nieuw Statendam.  It is intimate, quiet, and does provide the quality dining experience that one would want in such a situation. 

 

The few "pop-ups" of Rudi's that I have experienced on other HAL ships, the seating seems to be restricted to only the first 2-3 tiers of seating in the PG.  That has been quite satisfactory.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Food Quiz...
 

OK...who knows what a Coulibiac is...Without Googling!!  This can also be known as a Coulibec!  😀

[rkacruiser]

8 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Food Quiz...
 

OK...who knows what a Coulibiac is...Without Googling!!  This can also be known as a Coulibec!  😀

 

Professor CGT:  I don't know.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Professor CGT:  I don't know.  

It is a Russian fish recipe that resembles beef Wellington.  Salmon filets are quickly sautéed underdone in butter, lemon, dill, salt and pepper then wrapped in puff pastry, decorated, egg washed and baked until golden brown.  The salmon comes out cooked to perfection.  Usually served with a cream sauce with hard boiled eggs...Deeelicious!  

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

It is a Russian fish recipe that resembles beef Wellington.  Salmon filets are quickly sautéed underdone in butter, lemon, dill, salt and pepper then wrapped in puff pastry, decorated, egg washed and baked until golden brown.  The salmon comes out cooked to perfection.  Usually served with a cream sauce with hard boiled eggs...Deeelicious!  

 

Sounds delicious!  

 

More often than not on a menu for a gala/formal evening:  Beef Wellington is offered along with one/two other of my favorites.  So hard to choose.  

[Seamus6]

okay don't laugh but I have great memories of dinners at the Main Dining Room on Carnival Pride.  I think they are colored by the impressions of my mother and sister. 

Right before my Dad's health seriously declined, my husband and I took my parents and sister for a Caribbean cruise on the Pride mainly since it left from Baltimore and my Mom didn't have to fly which she was terrified of.

In case you haven't heard of the Pride, I'm not surprised; it is an old ship in the second smallest class in the Royal Caribbean fleet.  It had dated decor and compared to other ships not much available onboard.

My Mom an Sister though they had woken up in First Class of the Grand Titanic  (I'll have to post another tie-in with the Titanic later).

Since we are all cooks and foodies and have many theme dinners, they were in heaven with the food onboard.  I had been on a few other ships by then and was still impressed by the food and service on this dumpy little ship!

A few years later, Ken and I were married on the same ship (My parents and sister attended but didn't sail) and though it wasn't quite the same, we made new memories and were treated quite well by all the staff.

[rkacruiser]

On 5/10/2021 at 5:40 PM, seamus69 said:

okay don't laugh but I have great memories of dinners at the Main Dining Room on Carnival Pride.

 

You will hear no laughter from me!  I have sailed on Carnival Pride out of Baltimore on a 7 day Caribbean cruise and enjoyed a wonderful cruise.  It was my second Carnival cruise (first was Carnival Freedom--a Spring break cruise; my friends thought I had "lost my mind" in booking it; it was very good and I booked 3 more Carnival cruises).  

 

Carnival cruise #3 was on Miracle with my traveling companion (sister ship to Pride).  She can be a finicky eater.  As I found on my first two cruises, cruise #3's cuisine, menu choices, and MDR service, she had nothing about which to complain.  

 

I have consistently reported good things on CC about Carnival's Steakhouses.  Cuisine, including preparation and presentation, table and wine service, ambiance:  they have been better than some dinners that I have had in the Pinnacle Grill of a Holland America ship.  Admittedly, they are a "step up" from the MDR of Pride, Miracle, etc.  But, breakfast, lunch, or dinner on any of the 4 Carnival ships on which I have sailed, I have been mostly pleased.  Has there been a disappointment or two?  Yes, the Caribbean Pepper Steak that I ordered on Carnival Liberty is an entree I would not recommend.  

[Seamus6]

On 5/16/2021 at 4:52 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

You will hear no laughter from me!  I have sailed on Carnival Pride out of Baltimore on a 7 day Caribbean cruise and enjoyed a wonderful cruise.  It was my second Carnival cruise (first was Carnival Freedom--a Spring break cruise; my friends thought I had "lost my mind" in booking it; it was very good and I booked 3 more Carnival cruises). 

 

Glad to here people others have enjoyed the Pride as well.

 

For early next year, I was also looking today to maybe book RC Enchantment of the seas , another small older ship (that's all that will fit into Baltimore Harbor) so we don't have to fly and fewer people on it.

 

Then maybe we'll look back into medium to large ships again after that.

 

[rkacruiser]

I have thought about the OP's question for some time.  It is very difficult to single out one ship, one cruise, whose culinary offerings were so exemplary that they exceeded all of those on my other cruises.  

 

If I must choose one ship during two cruises it ought to be Royal Viking Sky.  My first night's dinner sailing from New York, I ordered a sirloin steak.  It was the best steak that I have ever eaten.  Was it the cuisine?  Was it the excitement of me starting my first long anticipated trans-Atlantic crossing coupled with a North Cape Cruise?  

 

Whatever.  The Sky's cuisine remained at a high level throughout the cruise.  With a genuine highlight being a Midnight Buffet held in the Main Lounge as we sailed by the North Cape.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

I have thought about the OP's question for some time.  It is very difficult to single out one ship, one cruise, whose culinary offerings were so exemplary that they exceeded all of those on my other cruises.  

 

If I must choose one ship during two cruises it ought to be Royal Viking Sky.  My first night's dinner sailing from New York, I ordered a sirloin steak.  It was the best steak that I have ever eaten.  Was it the cuisine?  Was it the excitement of me starting my first long anticipated trans-Atlantic crossing coupled with a North Cape Cruise?  

 

Whatever.  The Sky's cuisine remained at a high level throughout the cruise.  With a genuine highlight being a Midnight Buffet held in the Main Lounge as we sailed by the North Cape.  

Hi RK,

Royal Viking was famous for their service and cuisine.  They were a luxury line with top notch food and service.  You were very fortunate to have sailed when you did.  Royal Viking flourished from 1972 to  1984.  Once it was sold to NCL things went down hill from there.  Savor the memories RK.

Edited May 21, 2021 by CGTNORMANDIE

[BklynBoy8]

The Food that I remember and like quite awhile ago was on HAL was there Bread Pudding w Topping Sauce.

 

On the QE2 in the early 80's we use to enjoy the Midnight Buffet in the what was known as the Columbia Restaurant. So many stations in the different parts of the restaurant was setup.

 

Cheese station, Bread station, Seafood in Ice Carvings, Flambe stations like Banana Foster, Beef Carving Board, etc........... + Desserts.....

 

[CGTNORMANDIE]

6 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

The Food that I remember and like quite awhile ago was on HAL was there Bread Pudding w Topping Sauce.

 

On the QE2 in the early 80's we use to enjoy the Midnight Buffet in the what was known as the Columbia Restaurant. So many stations in the different parts of the restaurant was setup.

 

Cheese station, Bread station, Seafood in Ice Carvings, Flambe stations like Banana Foster, Beef Carving Board, etc........... + Desserts.....

 

Best desserts:  The French Line...bar none.  Every night was a new experience.  Nobody made a better creme patisserie, bavarois, pate’ choux and pate’ feuillette’.  
 

Best Buffet:  HAPAG Lloyd...onboard TS Bremen.  Quality surpassed quantity...Beluga Caviar, giant shrimp, fresh Maine lobster, prime beef, etc. etc.  A close second was onboard Regency’s MS Regent Sea...again the emphasis was on quality...including a perfectly roasted 175 pound pig.  

Edited May 25, 2021 by CGTNORMANDIE

[rkacruiser]

On 5/25/2021 at 9:51 AM, BklynBoy8 said:

The Food that I remember and like quite awhile ago was on HAL was there Bread Pudding w Topping Sauce.

 

 

It's still there.  Ir is a staple at lunch time in the Lido Restaurant.  Warm pudding along with warm vanilla sauce.  On my most recent HAL cruises, a chocolate version of the pudding was also available.  Never tried that.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

33 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

It's still there.  Ir is a staple at lunch time in the Lido Restaurant.  Warm pudding along with warm vanilla sauce.  On my most recent HAL cruises, a chocolate version of the pudding was also available.  Never tried that.  

Ahhhhh...reminds me of my grandmother’s bread pudding...yummmmm.