Menu Surveys???

[sail7seas]

If HAL were to send you an e-mail survey asking what, if anything, you would like to see changed on the dinner menus, would you respond?

Is there anything you would you like to see added or eliminated?

[ANSalberg]

I can't think of a thing I'd change; actually narrowing down each menu offering to what I want to consume calorie-wise is a NIGHTMARE! And I KNOW dessert will be forthcoming [ groan]
Add to that I'm not cooking dinner- NOR am I cleaning up afterward -NOR did I have to figure out a daily or weekly menu -and you have ONE HAPPY Camper! Er sailor...
Looking backward on 20 cruises; Looking FORWARD to 62 days on the "Amsterdam " next fall.........
Anne

[mhshapiro]

I'd like to see at least one heart healthy choice on every dinner menu.

[snipboy]

More low-carb dessert options. I haven't cruised HAL yet, will in a few weeks, but on RCCL there were none.

snip

[Southbound]

Would very much like to see a return of flambe desserts on the dinner menus for all of HAL's ships. From what I've recently learned on this forum, they seem to be offered only on some ships and only on some sailings. That's one of the very few things I don't prepare at home and, based on our cruise experiences in the past, something we looked forward to enjoying on our three latest HAL sailings. Alas, none were offered on any of them. :(

[gooselace]

I agree with the request for more low-carb desserts, or, at the least, make available information on the carb and fiber counts of the present desserts. As has been mentioned elsewhere, sugar-free doesn't necessary mean low-carb.

[ekerr19]

We saw alot of new selections on the Noordam last week. I was surprised to see things I'd never seen before. The food was excellent as was the selection.

I don't think low carb dessert options would be a huge success for the line. Most people like to splurge a bit on dessert and from my experience, low carb dessert is not always the most tasty.

We found many low carb dinner options - they were even noted as such on the menu. I think this dinner menu had some of the broadest appeal of any we've seen lately, though there may be some who disagree.

[Roadwork]

I would like to see an "Always Available" section on the menu, that had a steak, and perhaps a chicken and a basic fish entree.

[Cruising Jake]

Always available - salmon, Caesar salad

Better - soups

Each night - a different pasta dish

[ekerr19]

I would like to see an "Always Available" section on the menu, that had a steak, and perhaps a chicken and a basic fish entree.
I thought it was already there... NY strip, chicken breast, salmon... :confused:

Am I wrong? My teen ordered an NY strip every night and my daughter loves the grilled chicken... they were pretty much against trying anything too different.

[sail7seas]

I'd like to see Salmon offered every evening...... it seems to me I remember it used to be. If I don't see something else I want to order, I'm always happy ordering salmon.

I'd like an 'interesting' pasta dish offered each evening with the option of having it on whole wheat pasta. I'd love to have a choice of a putenesca one night; a primavera another etc

I'd really like to see more attention paid to creating better salads.

A bread basket with whole wheat/whole grain choices.

Vegetables served as a side dish rather than as plate decoration. If they are serving green beans or whatever, it would be great if they actually put a portion of that vegetable on the plate. Seems in recent years, they put three beans on the plate and call it a serving of veggies.

[bookworm0911]

I think it's very important to have sugar-free desserts noted so that those with a diabetes/insulin problem will know. However, as for low-carb, high-fiber, etc., etc., written on the menu, come on- those on Atkins, SB, WW or other eating plans know exactly what they are choosing when they see something on the menu, without everything being labelled.

For those who choose to eat on a healthy diet plan, like myself, does anyone really have a problem in choosing between a 10 oz. ribeye/baked potato with sour cream/creamed spinach entree and grilled salmon/baked sweet potato fries/mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette without the chef's guidance written on the menu?

It's a cruiseship dining room, not an Elizabeth Arden Spa, for heavens sake. :rolleyes:

[Roadwork]

I thought it was already there... NY strip, chicken breast, salmon... :confused:

Am I wrong? My teen ordered an NY strip every night and my daughter loves the grilled chicken... they were pretty much against trying anything too different.
I now recall seeing the chicken as some kind of Healthy Choice selection. What I don't recall seeing is a steak. At one time you could order a NY strip anytime with no questions asked although it was not listed on the menu. There have been scattered posts about "charging" for anything not on the menu.
Now I am totally confused. :confused: Can you or can you not order a NY strip steak on any night?

[peaches from georgia]

.....What I don't recall seeing is a steak. At one time you could order a NY strip anytime with no questions asked although it was not listed on the menu.... Now I am totally confused. :confused: Can you or can you not order a NY strip steak on any night?
What we have seen on the menu is 'From The Grill' everynight with the beef choice being a 'sirloin steak' (on other than formal nights when there is a better cut). The once or twice DH or I have ordered it for lack of anything else on the menu we have wanted, it has been thin and quite tough. Not a strip. BUT I have my menus and will go back and check. Stay tuned.

[sail7seas]

I think it's very important to have sugar-free desserts noted so that those with a diabetes/insulin problem will know. However, as for low-carb, high-fiber, etc., etc., written on the menu, come on- those on Atkins, SB, WW or other eating plans know exactly what they are choosing when they see something on the menu, without everything being labelled.

For those who choose to eat on a healthy diet plan, like myself, does anyone really have a problem in choosing between a 10 oz. ribeye/baked potato with sour cream/creamed spinach entree and grilled salmon/baked sweet potato fries/mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette without the chef's guidance written on the menu?

It's a cruiseship dining room, not an Elizabeth Arden Spa, for heavens sake. :rolleyes:


I totally agree with everything you write.

I don't care about them making note on the menu about it being low carb or whatever else. I CARE ALOT about them OFFERING grilled salmon, baked sweet potato fries and a GOOD green salad w/ balsamic etc. I do not need the Chef to indicate to me what is a healthy choice. I need the Chef to cook those healthy choices well and to offer them nightly.

[Krazy Kruizers]

There used to be a time when chicken and some type of fish was offered every evening. That wasn't the case on our last 21 day cruise.

I don't like a lot of spicey sauces and nearly everything was listed with some kind of sauce. Of course I told our waiter to forget the sauces which he did.

Yes - I would definitely answer a survery concerning foods if HAL were to either e-mail me one or send it by snail mail.

[Cinder]

I'm just off the Maasdam and they had a caesar salad with sliced beef, salmon or chicken on top of the salad as the alternate every night. I would have prefered a simple broiled fish, steak or chicken with baked potato as the alternate.
I also noticed the menu cut down to one salad choice every night, and that was included in a "soup and salad" category rather than separate categories.
Every night there was a pasta choice, and also a vegetarian choice, and low carb was noted, as was "spicy".

[Krazy Kruizers]

And on that survey I would find a place to indicate - get rid of the meatloaf.

[willowtak]

On the Rotterdam thay had a flambe everynight in the Explorer's lounge.

[JohnR49er]

Seemed to be a good variety of choices. The always available chicken, steak and salmon would be a good idea. The menu at first seemed to indicate that, but it was listed on the bottom with the caesar salad. Those were the things that could be added to the salad as one of our table mates found out when she tried to order the salmon. Veggies as more than a decoration is also a valid point.

[twoatsea]

realizing this is just a fun post to open a discussion, my input is that hal has already sent us a survey - it's given onboard on the last nite. i hope everyone honestly (& sensibly) completes it & gives lots of comments (& turns it in).

[Sailboater]

If HAL wanted to do such a survey why shouldn't they use their "Mariner" email list (or snail mail list) that they use to send out special offers? We have already given them "permission" to send us mail about special offers and this could be couched in terms of ' a special offer to our loyal fans to assist us in creating .....' I would imagine a large number of recipients would be happy to respond. Since these are folks who have already experienced the line and are looking to book again I would think their opinions would be of more value to the line.

I'm with what seems to be the majority here (at least so far) that would like to see a "simple" option of chicken, steak and a fish entree with baked potato or fries available every night. That, of course, presupposes that the chicken, steak and fish are of sufficient quality to be prepared simply and still have good flavor without being tough or dried out.

The question of combining soup & salad as a single course is an interesting one. I wonder how many people really order both every night. Thinking back on my limited experience most of my table mates (and DH & I) generally had one or the other and rarely both. I wonder how many people really order an appetizer, soup, salad, entree and dessert every night. My guess is that a goodly percentage are ordering less and the lines are trying to figure out how to reduce the wastage without creating howls of disappointment by those who want the traditional 5 course menu but rarely order all items per night.

So I guess the answer to your question is Yes, I'd respond to an email or snail mail survey from HAL regarding dining options.

[houchin]

Being that a cruise takes place on the ocean I think jumbo shrimp cocktails should be offered every day.

[bepsf]

I dont know that I have a problem w/ the number and type of selections as much as the quality of the selections made available.

Although the presentations are lovely, the flavors of most entrees just don't live up to expectations - we have better dinners in mid-range restaurants at home. Appetizers and soups tend to be rather good tho - I've often thought I should just order a slew of appetizers...

Someone mentioned a lack of Flambe desserts - we had them on Amsterdam. They were done en-masse in a central area of the dining room, so perhaps weren't visible from where you were seated. Then again, the flavors were again lacking - a strong alchohol flavor rather than a caramelization of the fruit - so you weren't missing much (Oh, what I would have given for a decent Banana's Foster...) The Creme Brule's are also not right - they are waterier like a Flan, and are clearly not caramelized -- the sugar crust is laid on like a cookie instead of flamed or broiled on. Pastry selections tend to be better - and the ice creams are generally quite good!

In general, the chefs do basic selections rather well (except the meatloaf), but the more esoteric the selection, the worse the quality. I hope that this new executive chef takes the time to go back to basics w/ the chefs on board and teaches them how to really cook.

Meanwhile, I'm off to the Pinnacle....

[Southbound]

WILLOWTAK -- We're booked on the 12/22 14-day sailing of the Rotterdam and are delighted to learn flambes were served in the Explorer's Lounge. Do you recall what time it was available? Is this info posted on the daily schedule delivered to pax the prior evening (didn't see it when we were on the Volendam, Zui or "O" this past year)?

[tw1nk1es]

Actual sides of veggies would be wonderful. I admit to leaving the dining room one night and going to the Lido for broccoli. DH would love a bread basket.

[LizB1]

Would like to see a choice of veggies served continental style every evening as they used to do so that each person would have a choice of several instead of a very small portion of only one vegetable served with their meat/fish and potato. I really feel that, unless I eat a plate of veggies at noon in the Lido, I don't get enough. It was nice when the steward went around the table with a choice of several veggies and you could have as much of each as you wanted.

[Bookish Angel]

I'd like to see at least one heart healthy choice on every dinner menu.

Wonderful idea! Brings me to another question: is there more than one vegetarian entree per restaurant/buffet, such as a pasta bar, omelet station, etc.? Can one find yogurt and fruit at times other than breakfast? I am a healthful eater about 98% of the time and have been disappointed at the lack of healthful snacks on other ships.

[jascruise]

Reinstate Dover Sole.

Delete meatloaf and fish & chips.

[x lindsay x]

Wonderful idea! Brings me to another question: is there more than one vegetarian entree per restaurant/buffet, such as a pasta bar, omelet station, etc.? Can one find yogurt and fruit at times other than breakfast? I am a healthful eater about 98% of the time and have been disappointed at the lack of healthful snacks on other ships.

In the dining room I found that there were at least 2 vegetarian entrees each night. A vegetarian appetizer and soup were also offered every night. In the Lido Buffet there were great roasted vegtable sandwichs at the sandwich bar for lunch and a well stocked salad bar that was loaded with plenty of fresh veggies.

[gooselace]

However, as for low-carb, high-fiber, etc., etc., written on the menu, come on- those on Atkins, SB, WW or other eating plans know exactly what they are choosing when they see something on the menu, without everything being labelled.


It's a cruiseship dining room, not an Elizabeth Arden Spa, for heavens sake. :rolleyes:
I didn't mean to suggest that carb counts should be on the menu -- only that they should be available to those who request them for items labeled sugar-free, where it is not obvious what the other ingrediuents are. Several restaurants do this, either their their web sites, or in alist/menu that is available on request.

And I do plan to enjoy the food -- I know, or can make a fair guess at, the carb counts of most foods I enjoy. It's just that I read labels and SF items in the stores can vary as much as tenfold for a single, simple cookie. Same with SF ice creams -- some have 2 or 3 carbs per serving; others 16-20. That's a big difference to me.

And yes, I realize that a cruise dining room is not a spa. If I wanted a Red Door there's one in the mall here. But if Ruby Tuesday's, for example, can give me a list of the fat, cholesterol, fiber, calorie, and carb counts for all it menu items, it doesn't seem unreasonable for a cruise line to make available counts on some prepared items.

[sail7seas]

Actual sides of veggies would be wonderful. I admit to leaving the dining room one night and going to the Lido for broccoli. DH would love a bread basket.
They serve a bread basket each evening but on all of our recent cruises everything in the basket was white. I don't/won't eat white bread anything. Most fine restaurants these days include whole wheat/whole grain choices. Doesn't seem that should be such a big deal to do IMO

[x lindsay x]

They serve a bread basket each evening but on all of our recent cruises everything in the basket was white. I don't/won't eat white bread anything. Most fine restaurants these days include whole wheat/whole grain choices. Doesn't seem that should be such a big deal to do IMO
Most nights we had whole grain/wheat choices in our bread basket. The first night it was all white but all of the following nights we had at least two pieces of whole wheat bread or rolls mixed in. I guess it's just luck of the draw.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for sharing that. Now I know to request our dining steward pick up a basket with whole wheat to put on our table. :)

[ekerr19]

We also had mostly whole wheat/wheat choices for bread - in fact, most were too grainy for some of our tablemates, but we loved them.

As I mentioned, we had a wonderful menu - no meatloaf or fish & chips were anywhere to be found... I'm not sure if this is just a preference by the chef or because we were in the Med, but the meals were fabulous and the selection was extensive - even the veggies were in evidence, though I'd like to see them return to continental style as well.

[dakrewser]

We also had mostly whole wheat/wheat choices for bread - in fact, most were too grainy for some of our tablemates, but we loved them.

As I mentioned, we had a wonderful menu - no meatloaf or fish & chips were anywhere to be found... I'm not sure if this is just a preference by the chef or because we were in the Med, but the meals were fabulous and the selection was extensive - even the veggies were in evidence, though I'd like to see them return to continental style as well.
Wonderful! Glad to finally read that someone's cruise went well!!

-dave

[ekerr19]

Wonderful! Glad to finally read that someone's cruise went well!!

-dave
Dave-

I am currently uploading all my pics to Webshots, look for my review with pics in the next few days... it was the best cruise ever. I cannot say nearly enough about the crew, staff & officers - we also thought the menu and food to be the best we've had in a long time.

It was a fabulous time. :)

[MBeamTX]

I too would vote for reinstating the Dover sole, on Dutch or any other night. It was wonderful every time I had it.

Steak, chicken breast and salmon as "anytime" choices would be great, along with the ubiquitous baked potato.

I'd also second the notion of having more cooked vegetable choices, and not just reserving veggies for garnish on the dinner plates.

On my very first cruise, on the Maasdam in January 2001, we had a pasta appetizer choice every evening. I tried several and they were generally very good. I was disappointed to not see them offered on our subsequent 4 cruises.

Lastly - bring back the bittersweet chocolate mousse in an almond lace basket that used to be served in the Marco Polo restaurant. I still swoon in remembrance of it. Any dessert that has both chocolate and almonds is a winner in my book.

Less than one month to go .... yaay!

Happy cruising,
Susan

[teencruiser18]

I would rather not have calorie counts and such on the menu, as that just makes me feel guilty. Ignorance is bliss.

[gizmo]

Ruth might remember this one. Bring back the "Chocolate Moose Cake".
I don't need the waiters running around with antlers on their heads, just bring back this dessert.

[RuthC]

Ruth might remember this one. Bring back the "Chocolate Moose Cake".
I don't need the waiters running around with antlers on their heads, just bring back this dessert.Yes, I do remember. I remember being more than a bit embarassed about the "running of the moose" since we were not anywhere near Alaska. But that dessert! Ah, memories.

Sure, I'd participate in a survey if one were offered. Perhaps, since HAL reads this board, this thread will be considered their "survey" of sorts.
I easily remember the days when grilled steak, chicken, and a fish were standard options, along with a baked potato. I also remember when a selection of veggies were offered by the table steward.
I liked that idea as it was an opportunity to try something new while still having something I knew I liked.

[HeatherInFlorida]

First and foremost: Add a chocolate dessert every single night!!! I was crushed on the last night there was not one single chocolatey dessert when I wanted and needed it most! Their chocolate desserts are so fabulous. I could eat the first night's chocolate cake every single night!!!! There were at least 2 nights without a chocoate morsel on the menu:(

I agree with Sail ... their salads were disappointing. I had the caesar the first night and it was a wilted, wet disaster. I also agree about the vegetables. On Celebrity they brought the veggies to the table and you could have as much as you like. When I had green beans on the Oosterdam, I think there were 5 at most.

I'll have nothing to say when I finally review our cruise!!!:D

[gizmo]

Yes, I do remember. I remember being more than a bit embarassed about the "running of the moose" since we were not anywhere near Alaska. But that dessert! Ah, memories.


We had the Running of the Moose in the Caribbean !!! :D They can call it whatever they choose but just bring back that dessert .

[bkreader]

:eek: What?!! They've gotten rid of Running of the Moose? Even in Alaska? I LOVED the Running of the Moose! - Jane :eek:

[kruzkeen]

About 10-12 years ago on the Noordam I had wonderful sherbet (sorbet). It was not too sweet and had big blueberries or cranberries in it. I have never seen it again on other HAL ships. The sherbet on subsequent cruises is just like what one buys at the supermarket. It is too sweet and no tang or interesting flavor.