Hor'ds

[mariner]

Is HAL still offering hot & cold hor'ds during cocktail hour?

[sail7seas]

No......they no longer serve hot and cold hors d'ourves.

Our Maasdam cruises, August 5 and August 12, were the first they stopped serving the hot hors d'ourves. A Steward now makes a pass through Ocean Bar (and I assume other lounges), carrying a tray of boring, dismal, unappetizing cold nibbles. In 14 days, they never tempted me to sample a single thing.

Then again, who needs the deep fat fried delicious, fattening, fresh, treats we used to be offered???!!!

I also never saw a plate of crudite.....a thing of the past. As recently as our Ryndam cruise in April, 2006, the bartenders used to see to it I got my celery, radishes and olives. Gone, fini, over.

[SanDiego Single]

I think you can still get them delivered to your room. NOt sure if this is a suite perk or not.

[WNYCRUISER]

No......they no longer serve hot and cold hors d'ourves.

How disappaointing! We always enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail and hors d'ourves in the Crow's Nest! May just have to change my plans!

[Sea King]

Hot nibbles are "out" as before dinner snacks at the bars.

Better for the waist line

You can still see them at Mariners' party, suite welcome aboard and VIP parties

Have seen Crudite though .. you sort of have to ask for it

The cold treats are IMO still a nice treat with a before dinner cocktail

Have no fear: the pre-dinner cocktail hour remains alive and well

[elmorejj]

I guess another one bites the dust (little extras, that is).......jean:cool:

[duck tune]

Wow! I am really surprised to read this. Our June 2 - 9 Zaandam cruise included the hot hor'ds in the Ocean Bar pre dinner. Never dreamed they would stop this little extra. Yes, it will be better for the waist but still was a nice gesture. What's next? :confused:

[sail7seas]

Sea King is correct when he/she says:


You can still see them at Mariners' party, suite welcome aboard and VIP parties


We saw some variation of the old hot hors d'ouerves at each of those events.
we saw Bitterballen, chicken tidbits and friend shrimp.... the only ones I really miss are the jalepeno poppers. I used to allow myself one or two of those per cruise as a treat. I like them.



[/B]

[Orlandocruiser]

How disappointing:( ! I always enjoyed those little lovelies with my drink. Maybe I won't have as many pre-dinner drinks - would serve them right for cheaping out.

[sail7seas]

I don't think it's a cheapout as you call it :)

I think it is more in keeping with how many people are more careful about what they eat.

All of those nibbles were deep fat fried. Perhaps they were wasting them everynight when people chose to forego eating fried foods? Or perhaps, people asked they stopped offering fried foods and asked for something different.

Or maybe, because they served the same things for so many years, they simply thought it was time for a change?

[Krazy Kruizers]

The hot appetizers were on our June cruises on the Statendam. Guess they are gone now. Usually that kind of a change is fleet wide. Since we don't like deep fried foods and rarely eat them - no loss to us. But we always asked and were able to get the crudites. Hope they still have them in the Neptune Lounge.

[SanDiego Single]

I love the items under the big glass dome!!!

[mariner]

We're so sorry to hear they're gone.

I think S7S is right. Last cruise, noticed plenty were left on the plates when people left the bar.

We always enjoyed them and remembered the days when (there were plenty of servers) they would roll the cart up to the table.

We once had a supervisor who thought Mariner loved the meatballs. Mariner did, but not to the point the supervisor reacted. Every night, there was a special plate of meatballs at our table, whether they were part of the nightly hor'ds or not.

Our waistlines are always last on our list when we board ship. We always figure we can repent for our overindulgence at the gym when we get home.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Often we take the olives back to our suite and make martini's.

[earl_m]

If I am not mistaken but I think on the Ryndam last april
before supper, they pass around a few plates of hor oeurves in the crow nest.

[zaandam_2]

this is very dissappointing. they were just the right things to have with a martini before late seating dinner. what's next to go? the yum-yum man?

[sail7seas]

If I am not mistaken but I think on the Ryndam last april
before supper, they pass around a few plates of hor oeurves in the crow nest.

The change I described began on the Maasdam August 5, 2006 cruise.... which was the first since the ship returned from her roundtrip transatlantic. The steward passing a tray with cold nibbles is what they are now providing for cocktail hour.

The way things change so quickly in the world these days, last April is old news. ;) We also had hot hors d'ouerves on Ryndam on the April 2, 2006 cruise.

[sail7seas]

The hot appetizers were on our June cruises on the Statendam. Guess they are gone now. Usually that kind of a change is fleet wide. Since we don't like deep fried foods and rarely eat them - no loss to us. But we always asked and were able to get the crudites. Hope they still have them in the Neptune Lounge.


:) KK.........Neptune Lounge still has the crudites.

[Copper10-8]

we saw Bitterballen, chicken tidbits and friend shrimp....
[/b]

Can't beat those bitterballen!:)

[gizmo]

I don't think it's a cheapout as you call it :)

I think it is more in keeping with how many people are more careful about what they eat.

All of those nibbles were deep fat fried. Perhaps they were wasting them everynight when people chose to forego eating fried foods? Or perhaps, people asked they stopped offering fried foods and asked for something different.

Or maybe, because they served the same things for so many years, they simply thought it was time for a change?



Disagree.

I don't believe for one second they were wasting them everynight. I have always seen people enjoying them.

As far as serving them for so many years, I think people looked forward to them.

It is a cheapout ? Yes. It is just another cut.

This was something that made Hal unique and a cut above other cruise lines.

Another moronic decision. :rolleyes:

[SanDiego Single]

I am not certain it was the money that it costs to put out tiny little pieces of food. Seems like a cut that just wouldn't save all that much money.

[gizmo]

I am not certain it was the money that it costs to put out tiny little pieces of food. Seems like a cut that just wouldn't save all that much money.

That is why is falls into the moronic category.

;)

[Tinknock50]

I never ate them anyway, but I will check when I am on the Zaandam to see if it really is fleetwide.This is usually in the Explorers Lounge ,right and I suppose the Ocean Bar?

[elmorejj]

I for one really liked them, especially the shrimp, bitterballen, mini quiche etc. So what are the cold nibbles? something on a cracker or what? It can be an expensive thing, when you multiply all of the snacks, times number of ships sailing. Guess I`ll have my pre dinner cocktail in my suite, where I am sure I can order some hot snacks.......jean:cool:

[sail7seas]

I for one really liked them, especially the shrimp, bitterballen, mini quiche etc. So what are the cold nibbles? something on a cracker or what? It can be an expensive thing, when you multiply all of the snacks, times number of ships sailing. Guess I`ll have my pre dinner cocktail in my suite, where I am sure I can order some hot snacks.......jean:cool:

We have never ordered hot snacks for our cabin in the past and aren't about to start now. We drink socially in the lounges rather than alone in our cabin.

I'm not positively sure the hot hors d'ouerves are still available to be ordered delivered to your cabin. They may tell you -- No.....cold ones only??? I simply don't know if they are gone from cabin delivery as well.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The last number of cruises we have been on we have not been impressed by the appetizers in the bars (I am not including Amsterdam as nothing was allowed to be served because of ebing in Code Red). We haven't seen shrimp or quiche served in the bars in well over 1 1/2 years. Nothing but fried, fried, fried spicey stuff. And their meatballs have gotten too greasy and spicey for DH who loves spicey foods - can't get them at home.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have never ordered any appetizers for our suite either.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hope some suite passengers who will be cruising soon will be able to tell us what we can get in the Neptune Lounge - hopefully everything won't be taken away from there as well.

[sail7seas]

We had good nibbles in the Neptune Lounge. Plenty of crudite, like usual. The usual cold snacks; the small toasts with shrimp etc The munchies there were good, all day. They had a sun dried tomato wrap with a nice filling small sandwich I liked. Had a few of those; also good sweets (a lemon/cheesecake type square that was wonderful); delicious cookies.

We weren't disappointed in any way with Maasdam's Neptune Lounge.....including Diana Palmes as a really great concierge.(lovely young woman---we liked her a lot. She was our concierge last summer on Maasdam and we remembered eachother). The lady who covered for her on break was Rochelle. She was our concierge on Volendam last January and it was nice to see her again. She remembered us right away :) and we remembered her immediately, as well. ;)

[Toad]

Do they still have peanuts in the lounges? Used to be mixed nuts, then peanuts.... next goldfish?

[doninla]

Last week on the Volendam we were served appetizers every night in the Ocean Bar before dinner. I did notice that most people were not served. Do you think tipping the waiter makes a difference?

[Copper10-8]

Do they still have peanuts in the lounges? Used to be mixed nuts, then peanuts.... next goldfish?

Yep, we saw them (the nuts) at the Captain's reception and Mariner's party on Prinsendam

[sail7seas]

Last week on the Volendam we were served appetizers every night in the Ocean Bar before dinner. I did notice that most people were not served. Do you think tipping the waiter makes a difference?

Were they the hot, fried hors d'ouerves we're all used to or did they pass a tray of cold nibbles?

Wasn't a tipping thing......trust me; NOT a tipping thing, at least not in regards to DH and me.

There were NO hot hors d' anywhere in Ocean Bar for the full two weeks we were there. They eliminated them starting with the August 5 cruise.

[peaches from georgia]

It seems to me it is a cost-cutting measure for several reasons. We are in the OB before dinner and pax are always asking for more of the hot hors d'oeuvres. A few fried hot appetizers while on vacation are a treat for most people and they will be missed. It was signature HAL and these things are beginning to add up to too much disappointment.

[WCB]

We beg to differ with the comment of the opinion that the hot appetizers being a health issue for HAL passengers.

We sailed the 35 day Voyage of the Vikings this summer, and we noticed the majority of lounge guests enjoying those hot treats, including us. We have enjoyed this special service for years on HAL cruises. However to state that HAL is saving our waists and not money is ridiculous. Coming from the food service industry, the cost in terms of man hours to produce these treats is significant, thus leading to money saved for HAL.

We will miss this perk, as well as the specialty coffees served during the day. We are afraid that HAL is falling in line with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess with the nickel and diming!!

We will continue to sail with HAL next year on the World Cruise, and hope the hot appetizers will be included. These little added extra touches separated HAL from the rest of the pack.

WCB

[sail7seas]

Okay, Okay .........The majority has convinced me. :) ;)

I'll get in line with the rest of you and call it a cost saver.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hope that others who return from their recent cruises on the various ships will jump in and say what happened on their ships.

[Copper10-8]

Hope that others who return from their recent cruises on the various ships will jump in and say what happened on their ships.

Only hot hors d's we saw on Prinsendam were at the captain's welcome aboard reception, at the VIP party and at the Mariner's party. Now having said that, they did serve something hot called "late night snacks" in the Ocean Bar around 11:30-Midnight on a nightly basis.

[gizmo]

Only hot hors d's we saw on Prinsendam were at the captain's welcome aboard reception, at the VIP party and at the Mariner's party. Now having said that, they did serve something hot called "late night snacks" in the Ocean Bar around 11:30-Midnight on a nightly basis.

I would love to see "late night snacks" being served in public areas.

NCL did this in the casino on the Norway years ago.

On one Hal cruise a long time ago, little sandwiches appeared in the Crows Nest late at night. They were a big hit. I never saw it on any other cruise.

I would have no problem with Hal replacing the late night buffet and serving late night snacks in the public areas.

[sail7seas]

They served late night snacks in the Crows Nest on our April 2, 2006 cruise in place of a late night buffet on at least 3 or 4 nights of our 14 night cruise.

We never wanted anything as we have 8:00 dinner so weren't hungry for anything more to eat so I'm not sure what was on the trays they passed but I'm sure it was cold finger food type things......may have been little finger sandwiches???

[ekerr19]

Hope that others who return from their recent cruises on the various ships will jump in and say what happened on their ships.

We had the hot appetizers on the Noordam in late July. This was in the Crow's Nest. There were fried shrimp and a few other things - one thing I did not recall (and do not miss) were the bittenballen.

I wonder why we still had them on board the Noordam? It was the same as it always was - the cart, the little plates and the server... :confused:

[hugger]

We are going our first HAL cruise in upteen year's - Veendam on the 4th of NOvember. One of the reason's that we decided to try HAL again was that Princess has cut out so many of the little extra's since Carnival took them over. Sad to see that HAL is now facing the same changes :(

A thought I had - can you go to the Lido and get appetizer's to go?
That is what we now do on Princess go up to the Horizon court and make a plate of goodies to have with our before dinner cocktail's.
Certainly, not as nice as having someone bring it to you though.

[sail7seas]

Maasdam still had hot hors d'ouerves in late July, also.

They stopped them beginning with the August 5 cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Lido doesn't have any appetizers.

They serve salads, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, hamburgers until 5 PM.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Maybe dropping the appetizers was one of the items that was on the agenda when some of the hotel managers met in Vegas in June????

[Copper10-8]

They served late night snacks in the Crows Nest on our April 2, 2006 cruise in place of a late night buffet on at least 3 or 4 nights of our 14 night cruise.

We never wanted anything as we have 8:00 dinner so weren't hungry for anything more to eat so I'm not sure what was on the trays they passed but I'm sure it was cold finger food type things......may have been little finger sandwiches???



Same thing with us! Second seating dinner so not hungry. They did have little sandwiches, chicken wings (or something like that), bitterballen (great stuff) etc. Also remember them surving slices of pizza in the Crow's Nest around the same time in the past

[andigene]

On the Volendam to Alaska 8/9/06 - 8/16/06 we had horsdoerves on 1 night at the Piano Bar, I believe, and they consisted of a deviled hard boiled egg cut up and a tiny piece of something with a dot of ketchup on top. I thought it was meatloaf (ewww) and sure enough, it was! Meatloaf was offered at the lunch buffet in full slices the following day!

[andigene]

Forgot to add that that was for 4 of us, and both were served as cold bites.

[Krazy Kruizers]

UGH!! Meatloaf as an appetizer??

[sail7seas]

UGH!!!! Meatloaf as an entree.

[earl_m]

UGH!!!!! meatloaf as anything!!

[Copper10-8]

Oh, I don't know, meatloaf with brussels sprouts and ketchup, yummie! Beats an MRE any day

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thankfully on our last couple of cruises, meatloaf wasn't anywhere - not in the Lido or the dining room.

[SnorkelBear]

I like Meatloaf. His latest album is quite good. I also like some of his older stuff. "Dashboard Lights". A classic. How many shows did he do? I wouldn't put ketchup on him though. He's a big guy and he might beat me up.

[doone]

I am with the majority here, I have always enjoyed those appetizers in the Crowe's Nest before dinner. I am also disappointed HAL has discontinued them. I have always felt that serving these before dinner in the different lounges has set HAL apart from the other cruise lines and it was truly something we all obviously enjoyed. With some of these changes on HAL, I am beginning to feel more like a passenger than a guest onboard.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am going to send an e-mail to HAL and tell them just how disappointed I am. Maybe, just maybe if they get enough e-mails, they bring them back!!

[booboo29]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am going to send an e-mail to HAL and tell them just how disappointed I am. Maybe, just maybe if they get enough e-mails, they bring them back!!

Great idea Doone!! I think I will join you on that. The appetizers were a nice touch. We have only gone for drinks before dinner a few times, but I enjoyed a little treat now and then. It also made me have to jump on the internet and find out what bitterballen really was:D

Frank and Jennifer

[Waxer]

We had hot appetizers in the Crow's Nest on Zuiderdam every night. They were really good. I don't remember all the details, but there were two or three different platefuls, mostly hot crispy salty and spicy things.

Also, my Mom (who is extraordinarily social) got hot appetizers in the Sports Bar two nights -- but I think that's because the bartenders there really liked her :) as apparently she's the only one who got them. Thank you, HAL, for making my Mom's first cruise so special.

[Krazy Kruizers]

There are a lot of people who enjoy having something other than peanuts with their cocktails - mainly because they don't like to drink on an empty stomach.

[sail7seas]

KK....They do pass a tray of cold nibbles so anyone who is looking to have some food with their drink, can select from what they offer on the tray.


Also.......I FORGOT TO MENTION that they had several glasses with some cheese sticks served in them for anyone who wanted to munch on those. We always sit at the bar so I don't know if they had them on all the cocktail tables. Probably......If not, I'm sure anyone could ask for some if they wanted.

[gizmo]

By cold nibbles do mean rabbit food or hor's?

[AlexandNessa]

We would be very disappointed if they eliminated the hot appetizers that you can get when in a suite. We travel with family and friends and like to order champange and hot hors on one formal night for our small group.

Do any recent suite guests have any input as to whether these are still offered as a perk?

[Krazy Kruizers]

On our Statendam cruises in June we didn't have any choice of appetizers - either hot, greasy things or peanuts.

There were no crudites - we asked.

[BumperII]

Hey folks, not to worry,

We just did the Statendam b2b Vancouver to Seward. In the space of 14 days, we were offered twelve (count em 12) complimentary glasses of champagne or wine, on two occasions, choice of coctail, and during four of the "events" they did offer the hot Hor D' ovres. We are just now comming down after the best cruise vacation we have ever been on.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Since I suffer from stomach problems and really need to eat something that isn't greasy, it appears that we won't be stopping by any of the bars for pre-dinner cocktails.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Since I suffer from stomach problems and really need to eat something that isn't greasy, it appears that we won't be stopping by any of the bars for pre-dinner cocktails.

[newmexicoNita]

How disappaointing! We always enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail and hors d'ourves in the Crow's Nest! May just have to change my plans!
This is one thing I was looking forward to on our upcoming HAL cruise. It appears all the lines are cutting back as much as they can. Oh well, we will still have a great experience. NMnita

[SnorkelBear]

I like Meatloaf. His latest album is quite good. I also like some of his older stuff. "Dashboard Lights". A classic. How many shows did he do? I wouldn't put ketchup on him though. He's a big guy and he might beat me up.

I guess I was the only one that thought this was funny. You know Meatloaf, the singer/songwriter. Come on, not even one little chuckle out there. Laughter burns up a lot of calories. The more you laugh the more salty, greasy, spicy snacks you can have on the cruise, if they serve them. Those sound like they would be my favorite. Three of the four food groups nicely tucked into one snack. Schweeeeeet!

[middle-aged mom]

We would be very disappointed if they eliminated the hot appetizers that you can get when in a suite. We travel with family and friends and like to order champange and hot hors on one formal night for our small group.

Do any recent suite guests have any input as to whether these are still offered as a perk?

Hi Alex and Nessa:

We just recently returned from a cruise on Zaandam in an "S" suite (August 18-25). There was a lovely selection of cold hors d'oeuvres on hand in the Neptune Lounge every evening. In addition, when we ordered some hors d'oeuvres for a get-together in our suite one evening, a beautiful presentation of both hot and cold items was offered. If you order for 8 or fewer people, there is no charge for these hors d'oeuvres. We ordered for 8, and the amount of food was way more than enough for all of us, and very delicious.

[middle-aged mom]

I guess I was the only one that thought this was funny. You know Meatloaf, the singer/songwriter. Come on, not even one little chuckle out there. Laughter burns up a lot of calories. The more you laugh the more salty, greasy, spicy snacks you can have on the cruise, if they serve them. Those sound like they would be my favorite. Three of the four food groups nicely tucked into one snack. Schweeeeeet!

Yes, dear Snorkel Bear, I did truly grasp and enjoy your allusion to the rock singer, Meat Loaf. Believe it or not, I do occasionally tear myself away from these boards and devote some time to my family, so I don't always have the opportunity to reply to all your witty posts.:) I tend to enjoy virtually all food in all its various permutations, so a cruise ship is a dangerous place for me.:rolleyes:

[SnorkelBear]

Mom,

You are just gonna have to try harder. Now I have to cope with the knowledge that you put your family above replies to my witty posts. At least you have your priorities straight. God bless.

[HoneyGV]

The hot appetizers were on our June cruises on the Statendam. Guess they are gone now. Usually that kind of a change is fleet wide. Since we don't like deep fried foods and rarely eat them - no loss to us. But we always asked and were able to get the crudites. Hope they still have them in the Neptune Lounge.

I've never had the Neptune refuse anything that was asked for if it wasn't brought up from the Pinnicle staff automatically.

[HoneyGV]

I love the items under the big glass dome!!!

I love operating the remote control!:D

[Copper10-8]

I guess I was the only one that thought this was funny. You know Meatloaf, the singer/songwriter. Come on, not even one little chuckle out there. Laughter burns up a lot of calories. The more you laugh the more salty, greasy, spicy snacks you can have on the cruise, if they serve them. Those sound like they would be my favorite. Three of the four food groups nicely tucked into one snack. Schweeeeeet!

Little chuckle;)

[SnorkelBear]

Thanks Copper. Every little chuckle helps.

[MBeamTX]

I love operating the remote control!:D

I can't tell you how long it took me to figure out that the dome was actually supposed to be raised for you to get at the food. I thought it was some sort of Darwinian test - if you couldn't figure out how to get your hand in there and then get it out with then food intact, then you didn't deserve to eat it. :D

Well, I supposed I could tell you how long ... Let's just say it was an extended blonde moment for a lifelong brunette.

Happy cruising,
Susan

[Copper10-8]

I can't tell you how long it took me to figure out that the dome was actually supposed to be raised for you to get at the food. I thought it was some sort of Darwinian test - if you couldn't figure out how to get your hand in there and then get it out with then food intact, then you didn't deserve to eat it. :D

Well, I supposed I could tell you how long ... Let's just say it was an extended blonde moment for a lifelong brunette.

Happy cruising,
Susan

Funny one!:D I've seen people do yoga moves to get the food out

[HoneyGV]

UGH!!!!! meatloaf as anything!!

Ok...how about SPAM...a staple of Hawaii?:D

[kakalina]

I guess I was the only one that thought this was funny. You know Meatloaf, the singer/songwriter. Come on, not even one little chuckle out there. Laughter burns up a lot of calories. The more you laugh the more salty, greasy, spicy snacks you can have on the cruise, if they serve them. Those sound like they would be my favorite. Three of the four food groups nicely tucked into one snack. Schweeeeeet!

Snorklebear: You are not alone, Meatloaf Aday is one of my favorites. Looking at your posts here I feel that "Two out of three ain't bad". Chuckle, snort. You always put a :) in my day.

[AlexandNessa]

Hi Alex and Nessa:

We just recently returned from a cruise on Zaandam in an "S" suite (August 18-25). There was a lovely selection of cold hors d'oeuvres on hand in the Neptune Lounge every evening. In addition, when we ordered some hors d'oeuvres for a get-together in our suite one evening, a beautiful presentation of both hot and cold items was offered. If you order for 8 or fewer people, there is no charge for these hors d'oeuvres. We ordered for 8, and the amount of food was way more than enough for all of us, and very delicious.

Thanks for the feedback. We do this once a cruise, and I would surely miss the tradition! :)

[newmexicoNita]

This is great if you have as suite, but most of us do not. I guess if you are willing to pay the extra you certainly should have perks the rest of us do not get. NMNita

[sail7seas]

Nita.......Make friends with someone running a cocktail party in their suite. ;)

[newmexicoNita]

Nita.......Make friends with someone running a cocktail party in their suite. ;)

ok, are you going to be on my cruise? you can be my friend!!! LOL of course maybe we will bet upgraded; we do have a guaranteed G catagory: I still believe in the tooth fairy as well.

[sail7seas]

I don't know which HAL cruise you are on. ;)

We don't usually run cocktail parties in our Suite.

[newmexicoNita]

I don't know which HAL cruise you are on. ;)

We don't usually run cocktail parties in our Suite.

oh well, it was worth a try; we will be on the Amsterdam Nov 29th, less than 3 months now. You would think this was my first, not my 21st cruise and think I knew little about cruising instead of a TA that has been selling cruises for 7 years. For some reason everything is different when it is your vacation. LOL

Nita

[sail7seas]

Of course, this one is different. You've never been on HAL before. You certainly can't know first hand about the food or anything else until you're there yourself. Otherwise it is only second hand (or even more removed) information, at best.

Your own opinions can only be formed by experiencing it for yourself.

[happy cruzer]

Is they or is they not hot hors d'oeuvres on the ship?

I just recieved my cruise docs. yipppppeee zipppppeeee dippppppeeee

on page 34, under shipboard meals it lists "hot hor d'oeuvers during the cocktail hours".

I like the sound of that - both the "hot" and the hourS.

And I did read the review of Viking cruise and I thought it mentioned hot hor d'oeuvers one day?

Any one have a guess?

[sail7seas]

Is they or is they not hot hors d'oeuvres on the ship?

I just recieved my cruise docs. yipppppeee zipppppeeee dippppppeeee

on page 34, under shipboard meals it lists "hot hor d'oeuvers during the cocktail hours".

I like the sound of that - both the "hot" and the hourS.

And I did read the review of Viking cruise and I thought it mentioned hot hor d'oeuvers one day?

Any one have a guess?


No guessing about it. I was there. :)

The last day of the Viking cruise was the last evening there were hot hors d'ouerves on Maasdam. We embarked Maasdam the day the "Vikings' disembarked. We were aboard for two cruises. The first night of our first cruise was the first night there were NO hot hors d'ouerves served in the lounges on Maasdam.

Some were served at a few cocktail parties we attended and there were hot munchies at the Mariners Party(s). None nightly in the lounges. There was a steward passing a tray with some cold nibbles.

[happy cruzer]

Hi, I read the following fro WCB's daily report from the 2006 Massdam voyage that is still going on, it was the Sept 7th one:

We went to the Crow's Nest around 7:15 for a drink and hors'deurves. That is another nice Holland touch....the hot snacks in the bars. We were hoping to spot some whales like last night. The nice bartenders in this lounge have the best seat on the ship. They are on a constant look-out for animal life. And when they yell "whale", you have to run fast to see them, because they're gone in a flash.

I didn't want to post to their thread in case their internet minutes were costly so I added to this one. Sail you are the expert, maybe I am misinterpreting their post and maybe someone on another ship might jump in too?

Thanks!

[sail7seas]

I have posted we were there. We were on Board for two cruises.

You either accept what I said as true or not.

I was there.

I have eaten more of those hot hors d'ouerves than I can count.

You asked. I responded.

You do not have to believe a thing I write.

Did they change since we left on August 19? Possibly.


Happy Cruising.

[sail7seas]

I have posted we were there. We were on Board for two cruises.

You either accept what I said as true or not.

I was there.

I have eaten more of those hot hors d'ouerves than I can count.

You asked. I responded.

You do not have to believe a thing I write.

Happy Cruising.

[sail7seas]

I'll do even better for you.

I'll send an e-mail to the ship and ask one of the Officers what hors d'ourves or cold nibbles were offered in Ocean Bar last night.

If I hear back from him, I will post his response.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'll be anxious to hear what is happening as well.

It may affect all ships.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'll be anxious to hear what is happening as well.

It may affect all ships.

[RuthC]

Hi, I read the following fro WCB's daily report from the 2006 Massdam voyage that is still going on, it was the Sept 7th one:

No, that cruise did end in early August---the day sail boarded (just as she posted). I know because this was the first year out of several that I didn't take it, but was well aware of it.

WCB is posting his reports well after the fact. IIRC he made that clear in his first post on the thread.

[happy cruzer]

I understand - thanks everyone!

[sail7seas]

As it is certainly possible that they changed back to serving hot nibbles on Maasdam since we left on August 19, I have sent an e-mail to the ship to inquire. If I hear back, I'll post the response.

Maybe they got complaints, maybe lots of people wanted the hot hors d' returned to the lounges and they started to offer them again.

I can only speak for when I was there.

[ardfinnantoo]

ok it has been 24 hours and i can't wait anymore. am i going to get hot hors d'oeuvres on my cruise or not?

[happy cruzer]

hee hee I'll be ok if it's rabbit food.

But if there is no afternoon tea or late night snacks/buffet, I'll probably starve.

thanks for the laugh ard, I needed it this week.

[ardfinnantoo]

anytime happy cruiser.

just waiting for others to chime in

[ardfinnantoo]

anytime happy cruser

just waiting for others to chime in with what they know.

[ardfinnantoo]

oops!!!!!!!!!!!!!! still learning

[ardfinnantoo]

sail7seas

have you heard anything about the hors d'oeuvres?

thanks in advance

[sail7seas]

No.......I haven't heard anything. The person I e-mailed to often does not answer sooner than about a week.

[Vic The Parrot]

No more "horse-dervs" ???


Guess they now expect us to bring cans of Planters and Pringles for our enjoyment ....



:rolleyes:

[boot]

We just got off the Zaandam last week and had pre-dinner drinks in the piano bar every night. The waiter brought us a dish of hot munchies every night and always asked if we wanted more.

[gizmo]

Boot,

Thanks. That is good to hear.

I am also waiting for Sails to get back to us and see what kind of answer she got since they disappeared on her cruise.

[Vic The Parrot]

Maybe they ran out of Monterey Jack cheese, and ground beef on those voyages ??



:D

[Krazy Kruizers]

It does seem strange that the Maasdam stopped them for a couple of weeks.

[sail7seas]

It does seem strange that the Maasdam stopped them for a couple of weeks.

I have gotten 'the word'......

From the most reliable of sources.........

Hot hors d'ouerves are being discontinued fleetwide. There will be cold canapes offered in the future......as I stated was the case for our two weeks on Maasdam.

Fine by us. We don't need the greasy, fried food.

[sail7seas]

I was advised they will be offered at cocktail parties and at Mariners parties and at Welcome Aboard.

I will have to reread to be sure I am correct but I think the e-mail also said that hot hors d'ouerves will also be available to Suites, upon request.

[kakalina]

This is very, very disappointing. In my newest Know Before You Go it still states that they will be available in the lounges in the evening. Interestng to see how this works. My source in Seattle informs me that there will be no change. Hmmmmm.

[sail7seas]

Well, Kakalina........Looks like this may be one of those cases where the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. :)

To reiterate, I was on Maasdam for 14 days. We went to Ocean Bar every evening before dinner except for evenings we were invited elsewhere.

On not one of those nights were hot hors d'ouerves, visible, offered or available. Believe me (to quote Kryos ;) ) , if they were there, I would have known.

This is an 'eye-witness, on the spot report'....not a word of mouth, not rumor, not speculation......

[happy cruzer]

We just got off the Zaandam last week and had pre-dinner drinks in the piano bar every night. The waiter brought us a dish of hot munchies every night and always asked if we wanted more.

Thanks for the Zaandam update! that's in the piano bar, I do note. It will give me enough hope that I will definitely go scouting around on the Volendam in November to see what I can find. (Any chance for a cruise review? even a short one would look good over on the Members review page, thanks for your time here.)

Sail, I agree it may just be a matter of timing, ship, location on the ship, and inconsistency of policy.

kakalina, my Know before you go says the same.

Only lots of eye witness reports and time will tell.

[gizmo]

I am disappointed also. We always looked forward to them.

I can't agree with them being greasy.

All the ones I have had that happened to be fried, were by no means greasy. They were excellent especially the shrimp.

Not all were fried, for example the quiche. :)

[sail7seas]

....the meatballs were not fried either. I agree, Gizmo, most of the time they were not greasy. We had, for the most part, stopped eating them anyway so we really don't care.

I think Volendam has already stopped serving them and know about Maasdam....we'll be hearing the reports from all the ships.

Of course, only people who go to the lounges for a drink before dinner will know what is (or is not) being served. Those having their beverage in their cabin wouldn't know.

[Operator]

Operator will be in Suite SXXX on the Maasdam leaving Norfolk 11/8, and will be happy to provide eyewitness reports on this development, including the availability of hots on request to Suites. Op & Spouse did enjoy hots en suite and in the Ocean Bar on several occasions last year, and so can provide a comparison. Surely there will be more trip reports between now & then, but at least we'll have another data point...

-Operator

[jagmanss1]

I was advised they will be offered at cocktail parties and at Mariners parties and at Welcome Aboard.

I will have to reread to be sure I am correct but I think the e-mail also said that hot hors d'ouerves will also be available to Suites, upon request.



Sail, Could you please reread the e-mail to confirm for suite pax as we will be on our first cruise with HAL on the Zuiderdam in a SA Suite on the rotterdam deck and were looking forward to the hot & cold hors d' ouerves to be delivered, will they still have them in the Neptune lounge at least?

Thanks for any info.....

[kryos]

Last week on the Volendam we were served appetizers every night in the Ocean Bar before dinner. I did notice that most people were not served. Do you think tipping the waiter makes a difference?
I think you have to order drinks to get served a plate of the appetizers. That drink could be a Coke ... but you had to order something since the waiter would leave the little plate of appetizers along with your drinks.

At least that's the way it was on the Amsterdam last January.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[sail7seas]

Sail, Could you please reread the e-mail to confirm for suite pax as we will be on our first cruise with HAL on the Zuiderdam in a SA Suite on the rotterdam deck and were looking forward to the hot & cold hors d' ouerves to be delivered, will they still have them in the Neptune lounge at least?

Thanks for any info.....

Hot hors d'ouerves were never available in the Neptune Lounge. They were always served in the Bars, such as Ocean Bar, Crows Nest etc

I reread the e-mail and it says that "S" Suites (and, of course, "PH" ) can still order them for delivery to their Suite.

[sail7seas]

I think you have to order drinks to get served a plate of the appetizers. That drink could be a Coke ... but you had to order something since the waiter would leave the little plate of appetizers along with your drinks.

At least that's the way it was on the Amsterdam last January.

Blue skies ...

--rita

I don't know the date of the quote you brought forward, Kryos, but I think it may be about a week or so old because if Volendam has not yet stopped serving the hot hors d's they will stopped very soon.

In regard to that quote, Being served anything on HAL has never depended upon tipping. Most people who tip above the automatic amount, do not do so until the last night of the cruise. The bar stewards, who deliver the hors d's, don't know in advance who will or won't give additional tips above the automatic.

[RuthC]

I think you have to order drinks to get served a plate of the appetizers....At least that's the way it was on the Amsterdam last January.
That's most unusual. Whenever I've cruised the receipt of appetizers was never contingent on ordering a drink. It was only a matter of letting the steward know we wanted a plate of them.

[kryos]

That's most unusual. Whenever I've cruised the receipt of appetizers was never contingent on ordering a drink. It was only a matter of letting the steward know we wanted a plate of them.
Oh, I guess you could specifically ask. I never did. But normally the steward won't just bring them over until he brings your drink order over. Then he includes a plate of four hot appetizers with the drink orders. But, yes, I'm sure someone not choosing to drink could ask the bar steward for just appetizers. I honestly never thought to try that.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[rkacruiser]

I have friends just off the Zuiderdam in Vancouver last Saturday(9/23). They were in the Crow's Nest and had the steward bring them a plate, probably from the pantry, of hot hors d'oerveres. Drinks were not ordered.

I really don't understand the inconsistency of this from ship to ship/cruise to cruise. Can anyone give me a reasonable explanation?

[rkacruiser]

Double post. Sorry!

[srzpoo]

I'm 66 and i have never heard of these. Please, someone educate me. On my cruises I thought I had tried everything once but like the old saying "live and learn" HELP!!!!! Thanks :confused: :confused: :confused:

[NoNoNanette]

I'm 66 and i have never heard of these. Please, someone educate me. On my cruises I thought I had tried everything once but like the old saying "live and learn" HELP!!!!! Thanks :confused: :confused: :confused:

I believe that's raw veggies and dip, srzpoo. I'm certain that I'll be corrected if I'm wrong. :)

[kakalina]

NoNO is right, right. Also the 'amuse" is the pre appetizer served mostly in the PG

[gizmo]

I'm 66 and i have never heard of these. Please, someone educate me. On my cruises I thought I had tried everything once but like the old saying "live and learn" HELP!!!!! Thanks :confused: :confused: :confused:

pieces of raw vegetables (as celery or carrot sticks) served as an hors d'oeuvre often with a dip

aka "rabbit food";)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have often seen people stop in the Ocean Bar or the Crow's Nest, not order a drink but ask for a couple of plates of both hot and cold appetizers as well as some peanuts.