Thanksgiving at Sea?

[Conniepo]

Has anyone ever celebrated Thanksgiving at sea? If so, how was it? I'm thinking of scheduling a cruise next year and am curious about how HAL handles the holiday.

Connie

[wander]

One opinion here. I have been sailing on HAL on Thanksgiving about 6 times.

For dinner, HAL does offer a full turkey dinner as one option - turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, etc. For several cruises I picked this option and overall it was fine. Except for the dressing it was as good (IHMO) as many family restaurants, but not like my mother's, my husband's or my cooking. They really do try however.

The dressing (stuffing) issue? They do try to do a fancy stuffing but I prefer good old sage dressing, no fancy additions. Twice Thanksgiving was a part of a 60+ day cruise with many of the same folks each year. We kidded about offering to make the dressing the way we like it, but of course we only talked about it.

For the first few Thanksgiving cruises I went with the Turkey option - after all it was Thanksgiving, but the last cruise or two I went with another tasty option and had Turkey when we got home. Just my thoughts.

[basiaZ03]

One opinion here. I have been sailing on HAL on Thanksgiving about 6 times.

For dinner, HAL does offer a full turkey dinner as one option - turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, etc. For several cruises I picked this option and overall it was fine. Except for the dressing it was as good (IHMO) as many family restaurants, but not like my mother's, my husband's or my cooking. They really do try however.

The dressing (stuffing) issue? They do try to do a fancy stuffing but I prefer good old sage dressing, no fancy additions. Twice Thanksgiving was a part of a 60+ day cruise with many of the same folks each year. We kidded about offering to make the dressing the way we like it, but of course we only talked about it.

For the first few Thanksgiving cruises I went with the Turkey option - after all it was Thanksgiving, but the last cruise or two I went with another tasty option and had Turkey when we got home. Just my thoughts.
Totally agree about the dressing (stuffing), and yes the turkey was good.

[kazu]

:DThey do great decorations too and what is really nice is HAL celebrates both Thanksgivings - Candadian and US. a very nice touch. We were impressed last year when we walked into the dining room and saw the cake and decorations for 'Canadian' Thanksgiving :)

[topspot]

This is first year we haven't cruised over Thanksgiving. You will find more children than on a "normal" HAL cruise. We cruise at this time because our DD is off from school. If you prefer less children on a cruise, this wouldn't be the best time for you.:)

[Conniepo]

This is first year we haven't cruised over Thanksgiving. You will find more children than on a "normal" HAL cruise. We cruise at this time because our DD is off from school. If you prefer less children on a cruise, this wouldn't be the best time for you.:)

Oh my - I forgot about the "children on vacation" issue! I love 'em but was looking for a nice quiet holiday option. Thanks for your input.

Connie

[Kween Karen]

I celebrated Thanksgiving aboat Amsterdam last year. That day happened to be my birthday too! I had a very nice day.......and I ordered the traditional Thanksgiving dinner which I found to be very tasty. They decorated nicely. It was a great day to be at sea.....though I missed my family.

[Loreto]

We sailed on our first HAL cruise when the Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated. I was impressed that there was a special meal on the menu, and the Canadian National Anthem was played. We sailed again for the US Thanksgiving ( fun but too many children) and recall a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner on the menu, as well as decorations. HAL did a nice job observing the holidays.

Karen

[Himself]

I did it a few years ago and loved it but my sister was ready to crown me for not being at her place on Thanksgiving Day.