Explorations Cafe - Is there a charge for food?

[brewersfan]

Does anyone know if there is a charge for the pastries/goodies in the Explorations Cafe on the Oosterdam? This looks like a nice area to hang out; with the library, puzzles, views, etc. Thank you.

[catl331]

Does anyone know if there is a charge for the pastries/goodies in the Explorations Cafe on the Oosterdam? This looks like a nice area to hang out; with the library, puzzles, views, etc. Thank you.Pastries are free when you buy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate drink.

[fsdj1097]

Be sure and try the Cinnamon Rolls to enjoy with your coffee-du-jour! The specialty coffees are very reasonably priced and the Cinnamon Rolls are delicious.

[Hawaiidan]

I guess they are not....

[fsdj1097]

I guess they are not....Pastries are free with a drink purchase,

[brewersfan]

Does anyone know what the cost of the pastries are without a drink purchase?

[catl331]

Does anyone know what the cost of the pastries are without a drink purchase?I don't think they're for sale. Here is a price list that I copied down in Dec 2009. Note that there are no pastry prices.

First price "tall", second "grande". These do not include the 15% service charge.

Espresso 1.20 1.70 Iced coffee Amer. 1.60 2.10
Americano 1.60 2.10 Ice cof. Latte 2.10 2.60
Latte 2.10 2.60 Ice cof Mocha 2.35 2.85
Caramello 2.55 3.05 Creamcicle 2.55 3.05
Hot Choc 2.10 2.60 Ital. sodas 1.25
Tazo Chai Tazo Iced Latte 1.85 2.00
Latte 1.85 Specialty water 2.25
Tazo Prem. Tea 1.60 Extra Espresso shot .45

[Cruisergal1208]

I have enjoyed an afternoon snack from the Cafe without buying a beverage. The variety of pastries is very good.

[Krazy Kruizers]

i have seen people ask for a pastry without buying either a coffee or a tea -- the worker never said anything -- just handed them the pastry

[sansterre]

i have seen people ask for a pastry without buying either a coffee or a tea -- the worker never said anything -- just handed them the pastry

Ditto.

[RoupMom]

I've even been the "receiver" of such pastries and other goodies without a beverage purchase.

[brewersfan]

Thank you for all the answers. Looks like I will be enjoying the pastries for no charge. Did you all enjoy this crows nest/explorations cafe area? It really looks like a nice place to relax.

[sunnygidget]

We enjoyed the cinnamon rolls very much and never bought a drink, (since we don't drink coffees) but they go quick in the morning.

[sbtw13]

we also received baked goods without a drink purchase-- and actually before this thread never realized we were supposed to make a drink purchase!

[Cruisergal1208]

Not only do they have pastries, they also have little finger sandwiches when there is a Tea Service being served in the MDR. Like cucumber on small round. They have a delicious energy bar too.

[fsdj1097]

Thank you for all the answers. Looks like I will be enjoying the pastries for no charge. Did you all enjoy this crows nest/explorations cafe area? It really looks like a nice place to relax.

We love the Crows Nest as a place to relax or to meet for trivia. They have wonderful lounge chairs that overlook the bow of the ship. The Explorations Cafe has internet access as well as the library. In the evening they have live music and dancing.

[kazu]

This is just one of the nice touches of HAL. We don't do the pastries but really appreciate this touch :D:D:D

[GeriatricNurse]

Does anyone know if there is a charge for the pastries/goodies in the Explorations Cafe on the Oosterdam? This looks like a nice area to hang out; with the library, puzzles, views, etc. Thank you.

Pastries are free when you buy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate drink.

Pastries are free with a drink purchase,

Well, another HAL inconsistency! :confused: On my recent HAL cruise onboard the Maasdam, I had whatever pastry that I wished everyday from the Explorations Cafe, with NO charge WITHOUT having to purchase ANY beverage! ;)

[sansterre]

Has anyone ever had to pay for a pastry. Once, I asked for a brownie (must have been during that long wait between meals!) and expected to pay for it, but they told me there was no charge.
I don't think there is any charge ever.

[canadarocks]

Well I know when I first started cruising with HAL, I certainly read on this site that you did indeed have to purchase a beverage to get a pastry. Great to learn that at least sometimes (and maybe always! :)) that is no longer the case!!

Good to know there's always something new to learn here on CC! (once I wade through all the tipping and how to dress threads!! :rolleyes: ;))

[realnurse2]

In 8 cruises with HAL I have never been charged for food from the Explorations cafe even when I don't buy a beverage. I love the cinnamon rolls that are available in the morning and sometimes take it back to my stateroom for an afternoon snack.:)

[brewersfan]

Does anyone know if plain old hot tea is available in this area at no charge?

[kakalina]

They only serve specialty teas there and there is a charge. Their hot chocolate is wonderful.

In 26 cruises we've never paid for pastries on any HAL ship in the Exploration Cafe wheather we purchased a drink or not. Oftentimes I will stop by for a brownie as their's are much better than those served in the Lido.

[Arwen]

Pastries are free when you buy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate drink.

Are you kidding? (obviously you are not), but that is a surprise! We have done eight cruises with HAL and like the Explorations Cafe and never realized that the pastries are complimentary when ordering a drink. Thanks! :D

[jaspersmycat]

Well, another HAL inconsistency! :confused: On my recent HAL cruise onboard the Maasdam, I had whatever pastry that I wished everyday from the Explorations Cafe, with NO charge WITHOUT having to purchase ANY beverage! ;)

Not a HAL inconsistency but different people's opinions.

[SwissMyst]

Yes, you can buy the pastries at the Exploration Cafe. They throw in a free coffee or tea along with the pastries. :p

[Bescotti]

On the Veendam in January I heard a passenger ask for a pastry and was told he had to make a beverage purchase to receive one - otherwise he could go to the Lido for free desserts.

[tcook052]

Are you kidding? (obviously you are not), but that is a surprise! We have done eight cruises with HAL and like the Explorations Cafe and never realized that the pastries are complimentary when ordering a drink. Thanks! :D

I'm with you as I also hadn't came to this realisation, though only fter my second HAL cruise. I don't know why I hadn't thought to ask, just assumed everything including pastries and drinks were available for sale only.