HAL Limiting to a single entrees??? Say it ain't so!!

[Roboat]

Recently there have been several posts of HAL guest being refused a second entree. :eek:

I am booked on 10/16 Western Caribbean on the Zuiderdam and I would definitely change cruise lines over this if I had a choice without penalty. Please tell me it was only because of the uncertainty of the route due to the storms.

Note: I do not encourage ordering more than one entree. I rarely do it. But the option to have the occasional rack of lamb AND the grilled shrimp is - FOR ME - one of the top luxuries of cruising. Everyone has their own favorites. If they were to eliminate room service or shore excursions, that wouldn't bother me, but would surely bother many people.

Dining decadence is my cruise thing, and I have the physique to prove it! :D

Say it ain't so, HAL!!

Are other cruise lines doing this? Can anyone save the gourmands? Revneal - prayfrus!

[ekerr19]

Roboat-

I've not heard anyone being "refused"... :confused:

[sail7seas]

I have not heard anything like that when on the ships. The only place I heard it was here when (I think) it was one person who wrote it. I do not recall anyone else posting they also had seen it.

[Tatka]

Roboat-

I've not heard anyone being "refused"... :confused:
Looks like during last week cruise second entree was almost "refused" on couple of occasions.:o

[doliver]

One of my wife's co-workers was on last week's west. Crib. cruise, I'll see if I can get clarification.

Doug

[grandma bev]

Sorry to tell you but it's true. Saw it on the Holland America website.

[peaches from georgia]

Sorry to tell you but it's true. Saw it on the Holland America website.
Just wondering where you read that on the website. I read the Dining section and didn't see it stated, but could have missed it.

[NJsharon]

Sorry to tell you but it's true. Saw it on the Holland America website.
Hmmm... where are you seeing this, I don't see it on their website anywhere?

I hope it's not true, it's fun to try a few things & share stuff!

[grandma bev]

Just looked quickly at their website and can't locate it. I read on Cruise Critic board about it in several posts, which made me go to the HAL website to begin with. One post said their waiter was very embarrassed about the policy and it was true. Don't have time to look more, but I'm sure you can find that post. Will try further later today,

Bev

[knighthawke]

Hmmm... where are you seeing this, I don't see it on their website anywhere?

I hope it's not true, it's fun to try a few things & share stuff!


I've google searched everything...incluiding HAL's website extensively.......and see NO indication of this. Hmm..maybe grandma needs new glasses ;)


Unless I see this in writing from HAL.....its a false rumor. Its true some guests sometimes get told "NO" on second entree, but its because the waitors are new and do not know better.

[peaches from georgia]

Bev-

Yes, I, and I'm sure others, have read the post(s) about limiting to one entree.

It's your reference to having read the new policy of one entree only on the HAL website that we are asking about, as no one else seems to be able to locate it there. :confused:

One reason a 2nd entree could be refused on a particular occasion is that they are running short on that item. I know they ran short of prepared lobster tails for the lower level main seating when we were on the Maasdam. In that case I'm sure anyone on upper level asking for 2nds would have been refused and rightfully so.

[grandma bev]

I can't locate it again!!! Do you suppose I'm having a "senior moment"? Guess it's possible. :-)

[Roz]

I read everything under Dining on the HAL website and didn't come up with anything remotely saying you're limited to one entree.

What if you don't like your entree? Are you saying you can't ask for another one?

I've personally never ordered more than one entree, but I can see if I were sailing with friends, I might want to order an extra one to share. Especially if it were something I wasn't familiar with, like eel a l'orange (just kidding!).

Roz

[jhannah]

The only reason I can see for refusing a second entree is as stated above ... they're running short because of heavy ordering on earlier seatings. Until we see something official from HAL, let's not get all worked up over what appears (at this point) to be a rumor.

[grandma bev]

Got curious and phoned Holland America. Was told,and I quote, "The only place that would be a problem would be in the alternative restaurants". Guess it was really a "senior moment"!

Bev

[peaches from georgia]

Thank you for checking, Bev. I can understand that an additional entree in the Pinnacle would require paying an additional fee, though I can't imagine anyone being able to eat more than one serving. You wouldn't go into a land restaurant and expect to receive the filet and the salmon entrees while paying only for the filet and I wouldn't expect it in the Pinnacle either.

[Tatka]

I guess the easiest way to resolve it is to call them...I am at work and can't do it from here but maybe somebody will volunteer ?:D

[ekerr19]

Actually, I can understand limiting it due to the new dinner seating times. Imagine those poor folks that have 8:30 pm and the kitchen is out of many things... I'd be upset. That is one of the reasons we don't want 8:30 seating (also, it is just too late, IMO).

I'm sure I'm going to hear about it - but I've never really understood the need to order two entrees (unless, of course you didn't care for something you initially received). I think they should go back to serving the whole lobster tail in order to avoid this. I think it is one of the reasons why people order two - that and the crab legs - the skimpy portions of lobster and crab.

[Cruiseoften]

Thank you for checking, Bev. I can understand that an additional entree in the Pinnacle would require paying an additional fee, though I can't imagine anyone being able to eat more than one serving. You wouldn't go into a land restaurant and expect to receive the filet and the salmon entrees while paying only for the filet and I wouldn't expect it in the Pinnacle either.

Peaches, I personally can't see going into any restaurant on land or sea expecting to receive two entrees for the price of one. Different story if there's something wrong with what you ordered......in that case I would expect to receive another entree.

DH is a big eater but in all our cruises I've never known him to ask for 2 entrees - have to say he does have all the courses, right down to dessert, followed by cheese and crackers with his coffee.

[Tatka]

Do they limit only main dishes or appetizers too?

I can skip main entree all together but I usually order several escargots or shrimp cocktails..and sometimes soups.:)

[lipoppop]

I can live with one entree but if HAL says only one appetizer I am in trouble.

Caviar and escargot have been served at the same meal and I have ordered both. If I could only have one I would have my wife order one; I would order the other and then send her to the Lido!

This is a joke. Please do not jump all over me.

[dexter]

Check the post below titled 8/7 review by Paticakes. It talks about limits on entres.

[doone]

Unlimited food on a cruise, I guess that's a selling point.

[Jacqueline]

I am JUST back from 13 nights on the Westerdam. We had multiple appetizers many nights (I just love the spring rolls !) and multiple entrees including lobster and crab. The head waiter brought the kids entrees off the kids menu in addition to the things that they ordered off the adult menu. We had extras we did not even order delivered to our table. They know that my side of the family are big eaters, with dinner being the hightlight. Yes, we also had cheese in addition to one or two desserts a piece.
For the record, I dont eat breakfast (coffee and one danish) and had a small lunch. But we really enjoy pulling out all the stops at dinner.
To make it easier on the staff- since our table was far from the kitchen we ordered the extras at the same time as we placed out orders. They seemed happy that we were enjoying ourselves.

[Jacqueline]

Another note- if you order surf and turf you get one small sad half of a lobster tale (off a lobster the size of a large shrimp). Ordering the lobster tail itself is better- it looked like it was off a two pound lobster. Huge. The filet mignon was the same size whether in a combo or by itself.
The lamb chops were excellent. I would order doubles if you really love them.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I can live with one entree but if HAL says only one appetizer I am in trouble.

Caviar and escargot have been served at the same meal and I have ordered both. If I could only have one I would have my wife order one; I would order the other and then send her to the Lido!

This is a joke. Please do not jump all over me.I am so with you on this!!! It's always the appetizers I get 2 of :). In fact on our last cruise our waiter always brought me a shrimp cocktail along with whatever I ordered "just in case" I didn't like what I ordered:D . His decision, not mine.

It's always possible that certain passengers are "discouraged" after awhile from ordering more than 1 entree. We were on a Cunard ship once where one couple at our table ALWAYS ordered at least 2 and sometimes 3 EACH! None of us could believe it. So in a case like that I would see nothing wrong with the waiter "suggesting" that possibly they were running short or some such thing.

Before I would believe this urban legend, I'd have to see a heck of a lot more than a few posts complaining about it. And I have a feeling we would see dozens of complaints and wouldn't have to do a "search" to find one:D

[ekerr19]

Jacqueline-

Sounds like you had a great time - maybe they are just limiting entrees on the Zui?

Personally, I have no problem with anyone ordering anything they want. I also eat little during the day in order to enjoy my dinner. My biggest concern is hearing those who are seated at 8:30 pm did not always have the entire menu available to them. HAL needs to remedy this, IMO.

We've order an extra entree on a couple of occasions, never had a problem doing so - our stewards have often bring the kids "special" selections they thought they might like, as well.

Maybe it just depends on the ship...

[Esme]

Asked an F&B Manager about this and he said "If people ask a second entree they can have this, will be served as second entree as soon they finish the first one." Now that's on the ship he is on - not the ones mentioned in previous posts. Maybe every ship is different.

I guess they found that people were ordering 2 and then not eating one because they had pigged out on the Appetizers, soup and salad.

One entree is plenty for us. Look at the waste at the Buffet in the Lido :eek: People pile their plate with everything they can see and then finish half of it. :( Sure you've paid for it, but why waste it.

[anngie]

The problem with ordering 2 entrees that we have always encountered is that when people do order the 2 entrees the other people at the table have to wait until those entrees are consumed before the waiter will bring the dessert menu. My husband and I can only eat one entree and I guess we just don't understand how people can eat so much.
We have had this problem many times when people order several appetizers.
The waiters will not bring the next courses as long as people are eating the appetizers. I guess that is one reason that we don't eat in the dining room every night of a cruise.

[sail7seas]

Anngie.....I understand what you are saying but it's a shame for you to miss going to the dining room because of it.

While I am sure you enjoy socializing and meeting new folks to dine with, seeing as you end up by not going to the dining room and the two of you are eating alone anyway...you might be folks who should consider requesting a table for two. You could enjoy going to the dining room but not have to be "put out" by folks who eat so much more than you wish to have. (I can fully understand that....who wants to sit through 5 courses if you are only eating 2 ?)

[elmorejj]

The only time I ever ordered extra for the main course was Dutch night when I would order the whole Dover Sole and a side of Bami Goreng, now they don`t serve either so lets me out of extras!!! Now, when mussels are on the menu for appetizer, I want two servings!!.....jean :cool:

[Jacqueline]

The only time I ever ordered extra for the main course was Dutch night when I would order the whole Dover Sole and a side of Bami Goreng, now they don`t serve either so lets me out of extras!!! Now, when mussels are on the menu for appetizer, I want two servings!!.....jean :cool:

We had both of these offered on our cruise on Dutch night all of two weeks ago.
BTW-We also abhor waste and never order food that we do not intend to eat.
I know my kids get bored when we order four courses and they are just having one but dining and conversation rather than speading thru the meal are part of the whole experience.

[sail7seas]

We had both of these offered on our cruise on Dutch night all of two weeks ago.
BTW-We also abhor waste and never order food that we do not intend to eat.
I know my kids get bored when we order four courses and they are just having one but dining and conversation rather than speading thru the meal are part of the whole experience.

Yes, of course, the conversation and not speeding through your meal are part of the whole experience. BUT, it is only pleasant if you are dining with people who are interesting conversationalist; folks you enjoy being with. It can be torture if you are foced to dine with folks for 2 1/2 hours every night and you really do not enjoy anything about them. (and they may well feel the same in return).

That only happened to us maybe once or twice in all of our cruising, but it was enough to convince us we would meet all the folks we wanted on the ship at the pools, at the lounges, walking about......and now enjoy dining alone.

[dakrewser]

but it was enough to convince us we would meet all the folks we wanted on the ship at the pools, at the lounges, walking about......and now enjoy dining alone.
We've always found that tables for 2 are situated in such a way that you can converse (sporadically) with nearby tables if you desire, or not if that's your wish. On the Volendam last fall we were close to two other "2-tops" and would enjoy pleasantries with both couples between courses while not feeling the need to "push" a conversation at other times.

[sail7seas]

Absolutely, Dave.


I am immeasurably grateful at our good fortune that DH and I (after 35 years of marriage and 38 years of 'knowing eachother'), we still have not run out of conversation. We are truly each other's best friend and we always have the best time with eachother. Our stewards are always so pleased to serve us as they can clearly see we are happy and enjoying ourselves. What is sadder than to look around a restaurant and see so many couples eating in silence?

But....we are friendly people and enjoy chatting and having a smile/laugh with others and always get to know the folks in our area. We always find some we enjoy alot and chat with them every evening.

[jazzsea]

no rules have been changed about ordering more than one entre.

There was a sailing in Alaska that had some food shortages and certain entres were limited.

Every once in a great while food will arrive at the ship that is not acceptable to the chef. It doesn't happen ofter but it does happen.

Not to worry.

[Peggy Sue]

We really enjoy the dining experience each evening. I have been known to order surf/turf on formal nights..but ask for it on one plate, which they had no problem doing for me on the zuiderdam. Other than that, we do not order multiple courses.

We really enjoy our table for two... Love to spend quality time with my husband and we are never at a loss for conversation. We too found tables to be close enough to have light conversation with fellow diners, but it wasn't intrusive.

we typically do not order 5 courses, and enjoy our table for two because we control the flow of our meal.

I applaud the cruise lines for reducing the serving size. When indulging in a multicourse meal, there is more than enough food .. even with the smaller portions, it's a lot more than the average person normally consumes at home!

I hate to see waste. I like that food options are available to us, at any hour of the day if we so desired. After all, that is part of the cruise experience, but we all should only take what we know we can eat..if we want more, it certainly is available!

I can only imagine what the thin/trim crew must be thinking about the passengers consuming so much food during the cruise! I know when I stop and think about what I've consumed from sun up to sun down...it is amazing..but oh so good! I always blame it on the sea air....

Peggy Sue

[jhannah]

When indulging in a multicourse meal, there is more than enough food .. even with the smaller portions...Absolutely! My DW and I have commented how even though we're eating more courses than we usually do, the portion control helps keep us from gaining 20 pounds on a cruise! BTW, neither of us has ever ordered a second entree.

[anniecat]

last week on the Amsterdam, our tablemates started the week off right with two entrees, three appetizers and soup, salad, and two desserts each...nothing but helpful smiles from the wait staff. this continued all week. They even brought extra appetizers for the 4 year old when they saw she loved the muscles and crab and escargot :)
no problems getting whatever we wanted at the 8:15 seating (upper main)...and mostly the food was excellent (although not the gourmet quality that we get at home in Carmel)
anniecat

[Krazy Kruizers]

I searched and searched everything on HAL's website - including press releases and couldn't find anything about 1 entree being allowed to be ordered.

A couple of times husband ordered something, it was dry or something, and he couldn't eat it. He was able to order something else. If that rule were to apply, then we would be stuck eating something that he didn't like.

[Orcrone]

last week on the Amsterdam, our tablemates started the week off right with two entrees, three appetizers and soup, salad, and two desserts each...nothing but helpful smiles from the wait staff. this continued all week. They even brought extra appetizers for the 4 year old when they saw she loved the muscles and crab and escargot :)anniecatWas the ship listing by the end of the cruise?:rolleyes:

[Tatka]

I searched and searched everything on HAL's website - including press releases and couldn't find anything about 1 entree being allowed to be ordered.

A couple of times husband ordered something, it was dry or something, and he couldn't eat it. He was able to order something else. If that rule were to apply, then we would be stuck eating something that he didn't like.

I don't know....if something is really bad at any restaurant on land you always can change it... (at least in my experience) .

[Roboat]

last week on the Amsterdam, our tablemates started the week off right with two entrees, three appetizers and soup, salad, and two desserts each...nothing but helpful smiles from the wait staff. this continued all week. They even brought extra appetizers for the 4 year old when they saw she loved the muscles and crab and escargot :)
anniecat
Anniecat - thank goodness! I can continue my training in hopes of making the October Caribbean Power-Gorging Finals! :) :)

For those of you who sniffed that they have NEVER ordered more than one entree and just can't imagine what would possess some poor soul to do so... well, I just say, "Hey, are you gonna eat all of that Creme Brulee?" ;)

[sail7seas]

Tatka.....I agree. If your order in any restaurant arrives cooked improperly, the food is not fresh, there is something wrong with your meal etc, every restaurant will bring you another selection.

[jollycruiser]

On our cruise on the Oosterdam the first thing our waiter said after greeting us was "please feel free to order more than one entree any night you would like". He actually encouraged us, we never did, but he made it clear we could have anything and as much as we would like.

[Roboat]

On our cruise on the Oosterdam the first thing our waiter said after greeting us was "please feel free to order more than one entree any night you would like". He actually encouraged us, we never did, but he made it clear we could have anything and as much as we would like.
More beautiful words have never been spoken.

BTW, did you guys see you can get caskets from Costco now? :)

[jhannah]

BTW, did you guys see you can get caskets from Costco now? :)But if you purchase the cruise line's burial at sea package, you cannot smuggle your own aboard and must make your selection from their stock!

[Missy Chrissy]

Sailed the Z this past week. We were refused any extras on the appetizers, entrees, salads, but were offered a second dessert. :mad:

[Roboat]

Sailed the Z this past week. We were refused any extras on the appetizers, entrees, salads, but were offered a second dessert. :mad:
Oh geez! :eek:

I hope the "rationing" was linked to the hurricanes and resulting concerns about revised itineraries and provisioning. Was there any mention of that? Did they offer any explanation?

[Roboat]

But if you purchase the cruise line's burial at sea package, you cannot smuggle your own aboard and must make your selection from their stock!
:D :D :D :D :D !!!!!

[fb0075]

Just off the Westerdam, and had double appetizers and double salad every nite--I might also say that the portions are so small--especially salads that the doubles are still small---but this is done to control wastes---and for people that eat more they shouldnt feel bad in any way for ordering more than 1 of anything!
Now if this limit is TRUE--that would be another of the cost cutting that SHOULDNT be accepted--first coffee, then ice cream,etc. This would not acceptable at all !!!
I cant imagine going on a cruise and not having enough to eat--I also,dont eat anything all day and only eat in the evening---
fRANK

[Jacqueline]

Frank- I couldnt agree more with your entire post. We were very much the same.
Having an early dinner also meant no hd or snacks beforehand..

[HeatherInFlorida]

--that would be another of the cost cutting that SHOULDNT be accepted--first coffee, then ice cream,etc. This would not acceptable at all !!!
fRANK:eek: NO ICE CREAM????!!!! Please say you're being hypothetical!!! They can't have cut out the ice cream!!! Take away my entree, my salad, my soup, even my appetizer, but NO ICE CREAM????!!!!

[lknick]

Now if this limit is TRUE--that would be another of the cost cutting that SHOULDNT be accepted--first coffee, then ice cream,etc. This would not acceptable at all !!!I don't understand your reference. Although gourmet coffee is charged for on Vista class ships, no HAL ship charges for regular coffee or ice cream. Are you sure you aren't thinking of RCCL when it comes to ice cream as they do charge on that line?

[sail7seas]

This is the first I've heard of charges for ice cream. I think you may be mistaken.


There was no charge on Maasdam last month for ice cream and, in fact, the ice cream bar was open even more hours then it ever has been in the past.

[HeatherInFlorida]

This is the first I've heard of charges for ice cream. I think you may be mistaken.


There was no charge on Maasdam last month for ice cream and, in fact, the ice cream bar was open even more hours then it ever has been in the past.
Phew!!!

[localady]

Happy to report that the ice cream flowed for free during our entire trip on the Ryndam 3 weeks ago!! Even better, they never ran out of waffle cones and most days offered hot fudge !!!;)

Wish I could say I didn't know this from first hand experience, but I really enjoyed the mid afternoon treat after long days on excursions and walking all over the towns:cool:

[Jacqueline]

No fear. The Ice Cream was a hypothetical. Plenty for free.

[fb0075]

Yes,ice cream is STILL free on HAL---HALLELUJAH---
But not on Princess and RCCL----I was referring to things that were once free that have been taken away---and BTW can you get a free cup of coffee on HAL other than in lido?
fRANK

[Giorgi-one]

fb0075:

Totally agree with you on portion size. Everything including entrees were small but the almost empty soup bowls made the least sense. I complained about this on other posts and was told that everyone likes small portions. I tried to explain the difference between a 200 lb man and a 90 lb women, but to no avail.

[sail7seas]

fb0075.....


On all of the ships other than Vista Class, Java Cafe has complimentary coffees that are wonderful. There are always homemade cookies /sweets to enjoy with your coffee.

[fb0075]

Sail---
Yes and that is why we love HAL so much--also,love the coffee outside theater BUT I was told that this had been discontinued at the first of the year--
CMON SAIL---tell me what the CV is supposed to be like--my curiosity is boiling!
FRANK

[RISKMGR]

I am sad to hear that HAL would even consider limiting the food ! Why can't they estimate the quantities necessary for a trip. All the other cruises I have been on had no problem with this!

I hope that this is not pennypinching by Carnival. Next thing you know, you will have to pay for lounge chairs !

[peaches from georgia]

I am sad to hear that HAL would even consider limiting the food ! Why can't they estimate the quantities necessary for a trip. All the other cruises I have been on had no problem with this!

I don't think any post has quoted anyone from HAL who has said they are limiting or even considering limiting the food. You make it sound like fact. Can any ship run short on certain foods? I have no doubt all ships from all cruiselines at one time or another have had it happen. But there certainly has been no proof that HAL is saying 'no more seconds'. :rolleyes:

[sail7seas]

Sail---
Yes and that is why we love HAL so much--also,love the coffee outside theater BUT I was told that this had been discontinued at the first of the year--
CMON SAIL---tell me what the CV is supposed to be like--my curiosity is boiling!
FRANK
Java Cafe was as great as even on Rotterdam in March and on Maasdam in July. I have not heard about them being closed but, in truth, it would not shock me. I am almost expecting that when each ship goes for it's "steel" Excellence changes, we shall see Windstar Cafes on all the ships. This is just speculation on my part, but it is what I think eventually will be the case on all the ships.

Chocolate Volcano.... :) To my taste, it is soooo wonderful. What surprises me is how few folks mention the Grand Marnier Whipped Cream that is served with it. Too good to be true!!! IMO, it should be illegal.

When the cake is perfectly prepared, it should be just barely fully baked along the edges of the ramekin in which it is served. It is very rich, deep dark bittersweet chocolate and the center should be moist but not runny. There are alot of eggs in it with extra egg yolks, as well as alot of butter and that is what makes it so moist and dense. There is little flour by comparison. It takes just a minute for it to be overcooked and, if it is, it tastes dry and not nearly as good as when it is perfect. It also is not as good if it is barely undercooked. It can safely be microwaved but only if the chef stands at the oven door and watches it for every second. If you are served a dessert that tastes dry, it is not properly prepared.


The recipe for Choclate Volcano Cake was posted on CC months ago.......A Chef had previously given me the recipe and what was posted was almost identical to what the Chef gave me.


Now........I am drooling for a serving of Volcano Cake w/ Grand Marnier Whipped Cream. :)

[sail7seas]

fboo75........ I have to admit that I sat here and scratched my head trying to figure out what you meant by CV? :) You would laugh if you heard some of the guesses I made while trying to figure out what you were referring to.

[Krazy Kruizers]

fboo75

You mentioned that you had been told that the free capaccinos HAD been discontinued at the begining of the year. Do you mean that they will be discontinued at the beginning of 2005? There were still available in the Java Cafe on the Maasdam this pasy May.

But I do expect that the Java Cafe on the "R" and "S" class type of ships will be replaced by the Windstar Cafe like on the Vista class ships.

[fb0075]

That was nowhere near what was served to us on the Westerdam----this was a 2 inch thick chocolate mess swimming in melted butter!
Was informed when questioning about coffee that it was no more---after seeing what has happened in the last couple years, that didnt surprise me---Princess still serves free coffee and cookies on 5th floor but Deluxe coffees are $$$---Celebrity is the same --so if HAL is still serving for free, I am afraid its not for very long!

SAIL---cmon tell me what CV conjures up in your mind!!!

FRANK

[sail7seas]

Volcano is not a high cake....it is close to being a pudding cake as it is so moist.

Do not picture a layer cake when thinkin Volcano.

[Krazy Kruizers]

CV

Chocolate Volcano??

[Cruising Illini]

We receive the dinner menu one night in advance due to my husband's special diet and if we order something that is NOT on the menu there is a charge. We can change the method of cooking -- broiled not fried, no spices, etc. but the item must already be on the menu. Usually this has not been a problem and the menu is varied enough to take care of him. We asked for the "missing" Dover sole but were told there would be a charge if that was prepared. We have still been able to order special deserts, birthday cakes, etc. and no charge but have alway tipped our area head waiter for this special request.

[fb0075]

This is ABSURD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to believe that the person who told you this was sooooo misinformed and a quick complaint to Matrie D would have sufficed!
FRANK

[doone]

Fb0075, this is correct information. If you want to order something that is NOT on the menu, you are charged. I am not sure what the charge is, but say you want shrimp cocktail and its not on the menu, you certainly can get it, but you will be charged a nominal fee for it. This is new, we experienced this on the Rotterdam last March.

We did not find this to be a hardship at all, the menu was varied enough and we like having different things each night.

[hallie]

I found out towards the end of the 7/30 Westerdam cruise that you could get complimentary cappuccino in the dining room. Also got a double order of the fancy cookies there each night after we requested it.

[sail7seas]

Yes, it is true we can order complimentary espresso and cappucino in the dining room and it is wonderful IMO

[jascruise]

On 8/7 Maasdam, second entrees were presented with no problem. Don't know if they would have balked at additional lobsters, though.

However, there was no rack of lamb, and the only grilled shrimp was in a pasta dish.

[fb0075]

Well, I am certainly not disputing your word--BUT that is something that I have never seen or heard---most of the time if we order off the menu i.e. last week on the Westerdam,it was just 1 of those nights --and I asked for spagetti--went and asked and came back "no problem"---I can understand if their is no lobster that nite anywhere on the ship and someone would insist on that---but I have still NEVER seen this or LIMITS on any food items--
FRANK

[Slinkiecat]

BTW-We also abhor waste and never order food that we do not intend to eat.
I know my kids get bored when we order four courses and they are just having one but dining and conversation rather than speading thru the meal are part of the whole experience.
Since I can't eat much, I just eat more slowly and enjoy the conversations of my tablemates who enjoy extra courses.

slinkie

[Jacqueline]

Frank- You sound like my dad ! He just loves that aspect of the cruise dinner. I can only imagine what would happen if he had an Oliver Twist moment.

[tankerjo2]

A dozen + cruises and we have never had a problem with anyone at our table chowing down in a manner that slowed or disrupted the flow of our dinner or service. Eating is part of the fun so if it is 2 appetizers or an extra entree we could care less. What does slow things is the couple who wander in 10 or 15 minutes late.

[RevNeal]

I'm not always fond of the soups ... I'm not a "soup" person ... and so I've been known to order a second appetizer IN PLACE OF a soup. This happened the very first night on the Statendam; once my waiter realized what I was doing he never had trouble when I did it again on subsequent evenings, but the very first time it threw him and he brought both appetizers at once. After that when they would bring everyone else their soups, they would bring me my second appetizer. One of my fellow dinner mates leaned over once and looked at the spring rolls in front of me and said:

"funny looking soup."

"Yes ... it's all dried up." I replied. :)