If You Order Room Service Breakfast........

[sail7seas]

Do you find you have more control over what/how much you have for breakfast if you have Room Service than go to Lido where everything is so tempting?

[Marbella]

Really enjoyed our early morning coffee/tea in our cabin with a couple of the fabulous croissants. The few times we ordered a hot breakfast, it was excellent--actually the eggs were better than in the lido.

[Sandifer]

I have not yet sailed on HAL. What kind of breakfasts can you order? Any chance of Eggs Benedict? How about bagels, lox and cream cheese?

[FlorenceItaly]

and it was delivered to me. This was on the Oosterdam in March. Room service was superb. I had some sort of breakfast delivered each morning, and the order was always perfect!

Marie

[Tricia724]

S7S....you hit the nail on the head. We usually have breakfast in the cabin about half of the time.....always on shore days and sometimes on sea days....mostly for convenience and because I like to relax and ease into the day.....but also for control. When I order in I have a fruit cup and either cereal or scrambled eggs. If I go to the Lido, I have fruit....lots and lots and lots of fruit....scrambled eggs....maybe bacon or sausage....maybe a waffle....maybe a pastry or two....etc. Way too many choices, and when I'm hungry, I always eat too much. In the cabin I eat my smaller portions and savor my second cup of coffee and am satisfied.

I love the Lido, but it is definitely hazardous to my health!

[elmorejj]

We always have breakfast in the cabin, for my part it is definitely to control the amount I eat. I have coffee and a roll, DH will have juice, eggs and bacon and toast. I cannot function until I`ve had my coffee! If I just have a small b/fast, then I can enjoy lunch later on. I don`t eat b/fast at home, so see no point in eating it aboard ship!.....jean:cool:

[Randyk47]

We have first breakfast in the cabin and that's coffee, juice, and croissants. The coffee and juice is to get Mrs. K awake and functional, though I certainly don't mind it. The croissants are more for me so I can wait until Mrs. K is ready for second breakfast, she's not an early morning person to start with and normally isn't ready for breakfast until 9 - 10:00 AM. I think this does impact our Lido breakfast later in the morning though as we don't fill our plates totally and rarely go back for seconds. We actually can get off a cruise with little to no weight gain. :)

[K&RCurt]

We also had coffee and croissants from room service. I wake up early and neither of us is "ready for public" without our morning coffee.

I THINK it contributed to eating less at our "second breakfast" but it's hard to say. As our normal breakfast is coffee and either toast or a bagel, an omlette, smoked salmon, fruit salad, bacon, sauage, danish....etc is WAY more than normal. Would we have went for seconds or really pile up our plates if we didn't have the room service? I can't say for sure.

[cruisequeen10]

I have never ordered room service. Always went to the buffet or dining room. On the next cruise in July, I am going to try room service for breakfast and see how it is.

[fridayeyes]

I like to have a teensy breakfast. Two prunes, a slice of cheese and my coffee. I'm a 'second breakfast' person, too, and then it's usually a few eggs or yogurt with berries.

The first breakfast will come via room service. My consideration for others prevents me from leaving my cabin before I've had my coffee. ;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have much more control over how much I eat if we order room service the night before because I'm full when I fill out the card:) .

But even if I order it in the morning, I would eat less. When we go to the Lido I take more than I need or even want.

[michmike]

as someone else mentioned, keep in mind that you can write in things that are not on the menu and will receive them. Wife likes oatmeal and that isn't listed as an option but it always comes if you write it in.

I enjoy getting coffee, danish and juice first thing in the morning and then having a leisurely bfast later in the lido, then we generally do a lighter lunch.

[MumsTheWord*]

Room Service Breakfast is one of our favorite things about being on a cruise. There's nothing like relaxing in bed in a fluffy white bathrobe amidst a giant tray of yummy breads, omlettes, fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, juice, a giant pot of coffee, and one of tea as well...
Ahhhhh...lifestyles of the perfectly pampered....

I'm afraid we probably eat more via room service because we can linger longer while waking up slowly. It's also nice to spend the first few moments of the day alone with my sweet spouse instead of the masses in the Lido...

[ugminer]

As for me, I have never had room service in my life. I'm just way to cheap.:o Can hardly wait to indulge myself for the first time. 2 weeks and counting for one of many firsts:D

[calteacher]

If you order musceli (know that is spelled incorrectly) for room service, is it the same musceli as served in the Lido, or is it just a package of dry ingredients (like instant oatmeal)?

[boomerSexyK]

We like to order room service 1st thing in the morning. A giant pot of coffee and a few croissants. Nothing better than sitting on our verandah, sipping back that first cup of java for the day and watching the world wake up off the ship or on sea days just watching the ocean slipping by. Sometime we do the breakfast in our room as well, but usually like to get up to the buffet to get my eggs a little warmer that they are in room service. Also to meet some of our fellow cruisers. Last year on the Constellation there was a great little restaurant on the aft of the Lido deck that served omlettes and great waffles, and a lot quieter than the buffet. Our weight doesn't seem to change very much when we are onboard, so don't worry too much about that. We enjoy a good-sized breakfast a very light lunch and usually don't over-do dinner, so I guess it evens out.

[sarahjane]

Do you tip the room service guy based on what he brought, or just "per trip?" I mean, would you tip the same if he just brought a pot of coffee as you would if he delivered a whole big breakfast? What would you consider an adequate tip for either one? I am never quite sure on that one, as we don't have a bill to figure a percent.:confused:

Here's something interesting I just thought of...In all the cruises we've been on, we have NEVER had either breakfast OR lunch in the main dining room. Based on your experience, would you recommend we try it or not?

Alaska on Westerdam in 8 days!!!:D

sarahjane

[FoxyTerrier]

I love the Sunrise Parfait that they serve in the dining room. I have tried to get that for Room Service, but they always tell me "no". I will try again on the next trip.

Sometimes the breakfast I order depends on what we will be doing for the day. If we are getting off the ship late morning and not returning till mid-afternoon I usually have a bigger breakfast either Room Service, Lido or Dining Room. Then a light snackish lunch upon return as to not spoil dinner.

If a sea day a light breakfast and an early lunch in the Dining Room.

I try and avoid the Lido as much as possible, not for food quantity, as I much prefer the restaurant feel in the Dining Room or the privacy in the cabin. I've never eaten dinner in the Lido or for Room Service. I also hate it when I do go to the Lido and can't find a table - very annoying.

[CCCM]

I love room service for breakfast. I am a morning person, DH is not. So this is a good compromise. I eat alot more when we go to Lido. Eat alot healthier when we order in. I love eggs benedict, so one morning I am going to try writing it in and see what happens.

On the last cruise (3 night) we did not get it. With this being the first week long cruise for DD, she has one thing on her agenda. Room Service! Breakfast in bed and a late night cheeseburger and fries.

I tip for the trip (not so much what is being brought). Sort of like I tip per drink (from my bartending days).

[LHC]

Dd and I did not use room service last cruise, but on upcoming one we are planning more afternoon excursions so possibly we will try it...I am a morning person as is she, so most of the time we love to get out and see people.
LHC

[CrusinCouple]

a sunshine parfait?

[Aussie Gal]

We prefer to eat in the dining room for breakfast or order room service. We never go to the Lido at breakfast as we do not like Buffet breakfasts. We prefer to be waited on and only go to the Lido at lunchtime.

When ordering both in the dining room or for room service we only order what we need and therefore we do not order too much.

Jennie

[RuthC]

I'm certain I make wiser food choices when I eat breakfast in the Lido, rather than have room service.

When I do order room service I see all those wonderful foods listed and just can't decide. So I make more check marks than really necessary. That omelette sounds good! Sure, put some cheese in it! Oh, and how about some bacon! Haven't had sausage in a while, either; put a couple of links on the plate, please.
Now, when can I schedule that next heart attack? :rolleyes:

If I go to the Lido I ponder the choices as I get dressed; I can make decisions based on what's good for me, and when I'm likely to have lunch. By the time I get to the Lido I'm focused on getting exactly what I decided on.

[fridayeyes]

The sunshine parfait is fruits, granola and yogurt served layered in a parfait glass. :)

Sounds yummy.

[HALOnlyCruiser]

I really admire all of you and your will power to eat "right". I figure I'm too old not to let myself have a spluge or two for a week's cruise. The last four cruises have been just me and my teen-age daughter. I am up way early (especially in Alaska) and as soon as the continental breakfast bar opens, I enjoy my HAL-only treat....Bircher's muesli. Then I take a cup of coffee up to the Crow's Nest (Honest, I return the cup to the Lido!) until I think either a) the quiz has been put out in the library or b) it's safe to blast my DD out of bed. Then we go up to the Lido so she can eat, I can have another bowl of muesli, and we can work on the quiz. Great way to start the day! We do have room service, but usually just on the days we have an early shorex, or on disembarkation day.

[jlynnek]

I have to have my coffee first thing in the morning. We normally have room service for breakfast most days...coffee, juice, fruit, cereal or yogurt. That's more than I ususally eat for breakfast. Way too much food in the Lido and too hard to find a table. On the last two cruises, we ate in the Pinnacle Grill a couple of times. Had no trouble getting a table. But I did eat too much (yummy Eggs Benedict).

[babyher]

I actually enjoy getting up and going to the Lido and getting breakfast.
Even if I just feel like a cup of coffee and a danish or roll. I like strolling on deck or sitting and watching the ocean with my breakfast. That I can do , but getting up every morning and going downstairs to make coffee before getting ready for work takes every fiber of my being *LOL*

Plus we usually travel with a large group and I will normally bump into one or more of the group and we chat about our plans for the day or where we will be meeting up later.

My wife is still sound asleep though so I will just bring her back a plate.

[Scrumpy]

If I didn't have room service breakfast, I wouldn't have breakfast at all. I have lousy eating habits. At home, I'm lucky to get two meals a day, often only one. (I'm trying, though; I really am!) I usually skip lunch, have shrimp cocktail via room service late afternoon, then a nice dinner.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We haven't ordered room service for breakfast in a long time.

And we don't over indulge when we do go to the Lido.

[VABeach]

Usually, what I eat depends on what activities I'll be doing for the day. I always order room service for my first breakfast. It gives me coffee and something light to eat while I get up and showered. Then, I either go to the Lido if it's a shore day and I'm in a hurry, or I go to the dining room if it's a sea day and I want to relax. Mmmm, I love eggs benedict, and crassonts, and fruit, and bacon, and waffles, and man, when is my next cruise???? :D

[shelwin24]

I loved the room service in the morning! I would order coffee and muffins, museli, and juice and sit out on the balcony and enjoy.

[csg99]

we didn't order room service too often before our 11/05 Westerdam cruise. With the Code Red measures being taken, service was slowed down in the Lido, and the dining room was very busy. We ordered room service breakfast most mornings (writing in the items we like that aren't listed on the hang card) and enjoyed it so much, I imagine that will be our pattern in the future. Breakfast on the verandah is an almost surreal experience to those of us who eat on the run most days while heading to work.

[silverpenny]

Just how much do you tip for breakfast room service???

[sail7seas]

We always give the steward at least $3 -$5 depending upon how big a tray he had to deliver. :) If we ordered only coffee and cereal, we probably would tip about $3. On most of our recent cruises, it has been the same steward every morning. He often tells us the first day that he will be taking care of us for the whole cruise. Even still, though he brings our breakfast every morning and knows that every morning we tip him, we have to have the money out and in hand or he is out the door before we can give it to him. They Never linger or hang around trying to 'seek a tip'. Never have we ever felt they were expecting it even though they know we tip daily.

[RuthC]

Just how much do you tip for breakfast room service???
I usually tip $2.00 for one tray of breakfast. I have never ordered just a cup of coffee---if they're coming anyway might as well go whole hog!

[sail7seas]

Every time I say that dirty word "exercise" I wash my mouth out with chocolate.


I told my DH about your while we were walking today, Ruth, and he started to howl. I think he just about stopped traffic he was laughing so hard. :) Thought it was great!!

[mrblack]

I always order room service for breakfast and eat in the dining room for meals. I find it helps me limit my eating to reasonable amounts. I didn't know though that if you write in something you will get it. i will try that for eggs benie next time! Good tip! Thanks!

[sarahjane]

I really admire all of you and your will power to eat "right". I figure I'm too old not to let myself have a spluge or two for a week's cruise. The last four cruises have been just me and my teen-age daughter. I am up way early (especially in Alaska) and as soon as the continental breakfast bar opens, I enjoy my HAL-only treat....Bircher's muesli. Then I take a cup of coffee up to the Crow's Nest (Honest, I return the cup to the Lido!) until I think either a) the quiz has been put out in the library or b) it's safe to blast my DD out of bed. Then we go up to the Lido so she can eat, I can have another bowl of muesli, and we can work on the quiz. Great way to start the day! We do have room service, but usually just on the days we have an early shorex, or on disembarkation day.

HALonlycruiser, tell me about the Bircher's muesli. I have had so many "interpretations" of muesli, both good and bad! I don't guess I really know the characteristics of an authentic muesli!!

thanks
sarahjane

[HALOnlyCruiser]

Hi Sarajane:
The Bircher's Meusli on HAL is in a pan at the end of the fruit section (or before the fruit section...it's there someplace:))
It's cold, and a mixture of yogurt, oats, and fruit (usually whatever is left over from the day before.) It sounds disgusting, but I love it! Sometimes it's a little too soupy, but it's great stuff. Swiss meusli, I think, is usually like a dry cereal, containing oats, wheat germ, non-fat dry milk, and dried fruit.
When do you leave for Alaska?

[sarahjane]

I agree that most people find meusli disgusting. I guess it's an acquired taste;) . For those of us with distinguished palates:D .

Anyway, we leave for Alaska in ONE WEEK!!! yikes! Time to start thinking about that packing list.

happy sunday all!
sarahjane

[HALOnlyCruiser]

Sarahjane:
One week to sailing! I am excited for you! As the Expedia commercials (which I just love) say: "Enjoy Getting Ready!" Bon Voyage and fair winds!

Cindy

[gizmo]

Do you find you have more control over what/how much you have for breakfast if you have Room Service than go to Lido where everything is so tempting?

The thought never crossed my mind that I would have to control myself in the Lido. It makes no difference if I have room service, go to the dining room or the Lido. I guess want I am saying is , if I went to the Lido, I don't feel like I have to control myself just because there is a lot of food available. I eat the same way regardless. On a given morning it wouldn't make a difference if I ordered room service or went to the Lido. I would order the same thing. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I understand what you're saying, Gizmo ... but what that means is that you are a person in control to begin with. Some of us aren't:o and when presented with too much food tend to overindulge.

I think that's what Sail meant with her question ... it would apply really to people who tend to overeat a bit on a cruise (or maybe even always:) ), but by ordering room service might be more selective and not just check every box.

That's one reason it's dangerous to go to the grocery store hungry ... in a way it's a giant buffet.:D .

[oceanlov1]

I find I order the same exact from room service or the lido and even more boring is I usually eat the same breakfast every morning, but it sure is GOOD!!!!!!!! Can't wait for the next cruise.
One of my favorite things about cruising is room service breakfast. Just thinking about it now makes me happy........lol. Bagel, cream cheese,lox, sausage, cereal, banana, coffee...........

[sail7seas]

That's one reason it's dangerous to go to the grocery store hungry ... in a way it's a giant buffet.:D .

:) That is great, Heather........ a giant buffet.

Giz.....I am reasonably slim and certainly can exercise self control. My question was an innocent one pointing out how tempting it can be to see so many choices. I never would dream of ordering french toast for my room service breakfast but I can imagine on a given morning, if I were to walk by the buffet and see a fresh batch of french toast sitting there looking all golden and luscious, I might be tempted.

I guess I'm only human!!! :)


I have total admiration for a person who never has temptations. More power to them!!!
Must be fantastic to have such an iron will and firm control of oneself at all times.