Koningsdam Buffet: FIrst 72 hours

Does anyone know if HAL still has the policy that for the first 72 hours of a cruise all food service is "hands-off" for passengers? Specifically on the MS Koningsdam? I love HAL and I'm aware they began the procedure as a way to curtail spread of illness I have to admit it is one of the few things about HAL that drive me crazy. We haven't sailed with them since '14 in Alaska and on that particular cruise the entire system just seemed a disaster for passengers and crew alike. Looking at Koningsdam this winter and was just wondering if they still have this policy in place. Thanks in advance and happy cruising everyone!

On our last few cruises -- several different ships -- Code Orange was not in place for the first 48 hours.

Hal pretty much serves everything now in the lido marketplace. I haven't seen code orange for a while.

Thank you for the replies! As I said I love HAL but the whole hands off thing just imploded on Oosterdam in Alaska. I appreciate how quick you guys where and the attention! Smooth seas guys!

We have done 2 cruises on the Koningsdam and almost everything is served by the crew. There are only a few things you can grab yourself.

We just got off the Zuiderdam and everything was served in the Lido and I thought it was very well done.

I think it's a good idea to be served. When I think about all the guys I see leave the restroom without washing their hands, I shudder to think they're handling the serving tongs that I have to pick up!

As others mentioned, the servers now serve almost everything to you for the entire cruise, not just the start... though this has been in place a while and I think has made it more efficient and streamlined.

It solves some major problems I have with buffet-style:

-No more waiting behind someone who is slow as molasses

-No more concern of where hands have been touching the serving tools and the food itself

-Glass encasements are more encompassing so people aren't breathing their hot germs onto the food.

-Items don't run out as often. The staff keeps better track of what's needed and you can request as much as you'd like, but I find people usually take what is given and thus there isn't the one person taking all of something and having to wait around for a refill of whatever is now gone by someone who probably had bigger eyes than stomach.

I haven't had any issues with having absurd wait times or not getting what I wanted.

Also note, some dry/cold food items are still self-serve. The rolls/breads, the cheese plates, pre-plated appetizers, sandwiches at lunch, cereals in the morning, desserts are all "grab and go".

It is normal to be served in the Lido now. I don't really think about it.

Sandra

Long may it continue

Not being able to serve yourself and not touching the serving utensils is the absolute best way to prevent the spreading of germs through cross contamination. So happy that HAL has moved forward with this to all of their ships.