1st HAL cruise..HAVE QUESTIONS....

[monakayk]

My upcoming cruise with the DD on HAL-Oosterdam for Jan. 29th will be the 1st time we have cruised with HAL. So I have some questions concerning the ship and HAL cruise line: :confused:

 

Can anyone tell me about the entertainment on the Oosterdam Mex. Riv. cruise? What are the shows, etc.?

 

Does anyone have the menus for the Oosterdam or similar menus from other ships they can share?

 

What is served for room service breakfast? Are hot items for breakfast offered?

 

Anyone have photos of the HH-Cat. cabins they could share?

 

What toiletries are available in the cabin bathroom?

 

What does it cost to use the "thermal suite", seawater hydrotherapy pool & heated tiled lounges?

 

Is FREE Champagne served during the Captain's welcome--1st formal night or a Champagne waterfall presentation done?

 

Is there late night dancing (classic Rock/70's-80's) in one of the lounges? About what time does it close up?

 

Can anyone explain how the Anytime Dining works with HAL?

 

Is Afternoon Tea served? Where/what time/ what food is served?

 

Any other info concerning HAL or the Oosterdam would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[maxout]

There are photo's of an HH cat cabin on the Noordam (very similar) here on Joanie's site, Just keep scrolling down, you'll find 'em...

 

http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Noordam/index.html

 

Elemis products are featured in all cabins and include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and hand soap.

 

All kinds of hot items available for breakfast from room service and you can write in just about anything else on the MDR Breakfast menu (at least on most days YMMV) and they will bring it.

 

Open seating is the official designation for "anytime dining" you can either choose to make reservations for particular times or table size (some times may be blocked out for advanced booking) or just show up and you may or may not have a wait depending on the time you've chosen or if you wish a particular table size.

[IRL_Joanie]

I can hopefully answer some of your questions regarding the staterooms and ship itself Here: http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Oosterdam/index.html

 

Yes there is a wonderful breakfast menu that you fill out the night before, and yes, it does have hot foods. You can also write in items.

 

Maxout we were posting at the same time:)

 

Joanie

[monakayk]

Thanks to the two previous posters for the cabin links and what RmServ. Breakfast offers.

 

Anyone else out there able to answer my other questions, please?:confused:

[Buckett]

Hi Mona, I have sailed on the Oosterdam 3 times and have another cruise on her booked for April. I will answer your question about the Thermal Suite. DH and I have done it every time, and just love it! It is so nice to nap on one of the heated ceramic chairs, and watch the ocean go by. Also very relaxing at the end of the day to sit in the thalassotherapy tub. If you plan on using it a lot, it is worth it to buy the week long package, and even cheaper to buy as a couple. It was either $40 a day, $150 for the week, or $250 for a couple for the week the last time we went. We used it pretty much every day so buying the couples week long package was well worth it. :D

[sail7seas]

Every cabin has Elemis shampoo, conditioner, bath soap, face soap and moisturizer. For the moment, most ships have individual small sizes that the stewards replace as they are used up. I've heard the ships will be converting to dispensers mounted on the shower walls for shampoo and body wash. Maasdam is supposed to get the dispensers at her April dry dock.

 

 

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Elemis products include:

1.7 ounce bottle - Pure Shine Shampoo - infused with the aroma of Lime, Basil, and Grapefruit.

 

1.7 ounce bottle - Pro-Vitamin Conditioner - a citrus experience that replenishes with conditioning Vitamin B5 Panthenol.

 

1.7 ounce bottle - Sharp Shower and Bath Gel - an aroma-therapeutic blend of Mint, Charmonile, Wild Marjoram, Nettle and Thyme in a Mineral rich Sea Salt base.

 

1.7 ounce bottle of Vitamin Rich-Body Lotion - infused with Vitamin-rich Wheat Germ, Carrot and Sweet Almond Oil.

 

For the Face: Citrus Soap Slice - pure Glycerin soap is lightly infused with the aroma of Grapefruit, Basil, Clove and Lime.

 

For the Body: pure zest cleansing soap - infused with nature's own Lime, Clove Leaf, Lavender and Rosemary Extracts in Palm Oil.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Cabin Breakfast Menu

Preferred Time Frame

6 AM - 6:30 AM 7 AM - 7:30 AM 8 AM - 8:30 AM 9 AM - 9:30 AM

6:30 AM - 7 AM 7:30 AM - 8 AM 8:30 AM - 9 AM 9:30 AM - 10 AM

Juices

Grapefruit; Orange:; Cranberry; V-8; Prune, Tomato

Fresh Fruit

Half Grapefruit; Sliced Bananas; Diced Oranges; Mixed Fruit; Seasonal Melons; Stewed Prunes

Low Fat Yogurt

Plain; Fruit

Breads

English Muffin; White Toast; Wheat Toast; Rye Toast; Danish; Croissant; Blueberry Muffin; Bran Muffin; Bagel

Preserves

Assorted Jams; Marmalade; Honey; Butter; Margarine; Cream Cheese

Cereals

Corn Flakes; Special K; Mueslix; Raisin Bran; Granola; Fruit Loops; Frosted Flakes; Rice Krispies; Shredded Wheat

With: Milk; 2% Milk; Skim Milk

Eggs & Meats

Two Eggs: Scrambled or sunnyside up or over easy

Omelet: With Cheese or With Ham and Cheese

Eggbeaters: Scrambled or Omelet with Cheese or Omelet with Ham and Cheese

Meat: Ham or Sausage or Bacon

Beverages

Regular Coffee; Decaf Coffee; Tea; Hot Chocolate; Milk; 2% Milk; Skim Milk; Half & Half

 

If you can wait until the main dining room opens -- usually 7:30 on port days and 8 on sea days, you can write in anything you want like Eggs Benedict. Waffles, Chocolate croisonts, etc.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Anytime Dining -- simply means that you chose where and when you want to eat.

When you booked your cruise your TA should have asked you a few questions -- like -- Do You want fixed dining -- Do you want Open Seating?

Fixed dining is at 5:45 and 8 PM on the upper level of the dining room.

Open Dining is from 5:15 - 9 PM on the lower level of the dining room. If you do have Open Dining you can make reservations for times between 5:15 - 6:15 PM and 7:30 - 9 PM for any size table or time you want and you can make reservations for up to 3 days at time. The time between 6:15 - 7:30 -- you just show up.

The other dining options under the "Anytime Dining" are:

Lido -- buffet -- nearly the same menu as the main dining room -- 5:30 - 8 PM.

Canaletto -- Italian -- located in the Lido -- 5:30 - 9:30 on most ships -- FREE -- can not make reservations until you are on the ship.

Pinnacle Grill -- $20 per person -- JMO -- we love it.

Or Room Service -- you can order anything from the main dining room menu for dinner for whatever time you want -- as long as you order within the first hour of the dining room opening.

I'll post those menus.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Pinnacle Menu

 

The Beginning:

French Onion Soup King Louis XV - beef broth with aged cognac & caramelized onions, baked with gruyere croutons

Spicy Chicken Coconut Soup - fragrant coconut milk & lemon grass

Lobster Bisque - crème fraiche & aged sherry

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail - brandy horseradish cocktail sauce

Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad - sliced purple onion, balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing

Baby Arugula Salad - tossed with sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and a warm bacon dressing topped with smoked bacon & chopped egg

Caesar Salad - crisp romaine tossed with very own Caesar dressing, grated parmesan cheese, garlic croutons and anchovies, prepared tableside

Dungeness Crab Cakes - spiral shaved cucumber & sweet chili-mustard sauce

Pinnacle Ocean Platter - carpaccio of lightly smoked salmon, accompanied with hot smoked salmon, sea scallops and wasabi cream

 

The Grill:

Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, Bone-In Rib Eye Steak, Porterhouse - served with our own hand crafted sauces: sun-dried tomato; Master Chef's green peppercorn bearnaise; horseradish mustard; hollandaise; maitre d' garlic butter

Colorado Lamb Chops - spiced apple chutney & fresh mint jelly

Grilled Veal Chop - marinated overnight in a savory blend of rosemary, garlic & pepper vinegar with scallions

Chicken Breast - stuffed with spinach & garlic herb cheese & served with lemon garlic beurre blanc sauce

Filet Steak Diane - pan-seared medallions of beef tenderloins & enriched with mushrooms & cognac

Filet Mignon Burger - a half-pound of freshly ground beef, fin herbs & truffle-infused

 

 

Sea Food:

Broiled King Salmon - troll caught (for sustainability) in Alaskan waters, quick seared & broiled, served with your choice of lemon garlic herb splash or sesame-soy kalbi

Broiled or Poached Lobster Tail - on a bed of wilted spinach & arugula, mustard seed & "mangochurri" pesto sauce or melted butter

Cedar Planked Black Cod with Shrimp Scampi - roasted garlic & cilantro butter

Pinnacle Signature Skewers:

Beef Delight - beef tenderloin marinated with parsley, onion, thyme, rosemary & marjoram

Tantalizing Lamb - lamb loins marinated with herbs, garlic, cumin, honey, coriandor & red chilies, served with yogurt sauce

Chicken & Turkey Temptation - with onion confit & tomato coulis

Deletable Seafood - shrimps & swordfish, seasoned with lemon, paprika, garlic, mustard, cayenne & dill

Vegetarian Zen - array of mixed vegetables seasoned with herbs de provence

 

 

Side Dishes:

Creamed Spinach, Sautéed Button Mushrooms, Sautéed Onions, Asparagus, Scalloped, Whipped, Jumbo Baked or Shoestring Potatoes and/or Basmati Rice

The Finale:

Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska, Warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, Velvet Soufflé – Chocolate or Vanilla, Creamy Homemade Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate And Raisin Bread Pudding, Pinnacle Crème Brulee, Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Berries, Premium Ice Cream or Sorbets and/or the Assortment of International Cheeses.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Canaletto Menu

 

 

 

ANTIPASTI e ZUPE:

Our chef’s selection of antipasti, cucumber and olives

 

Insalata Canaletto – Seasonal greens and tomato, cucumber and olives

 

Minestrone – A flavorful tomato broth consisting of white beans, pasta shells, fresh vegetables and thyme

 

Zuppe Di Pesce – Assorted seafood simmered with vegetables, tomatoes, flat parsley and saffron

 

PASTA, CARNE, PESCE e POLLO

Penne Alla Vodka – A deliciously light combination of our Pomodoro sauce, cream and vodka

 

Linguini Frutti Di Mare – Linguini pasta and clams, mussels, shrimps and scallops tossed in garlic, onions and cherry tomatoes

 

Baked Meat Lasagna Pomodoro – Baked with meat and tomato sauce and gratinated with four cheese sauce.

 

Veal Milanese – Breaded veal scaloppini with porcini mushrooms, spaghetti and vegetables

 

Chicken Marsala Scaloppini – Tender Scallops of chicken breast glazed with Marsala wine. Served with linguini pasta tossed with tomato and roasted garlic

 

Cod Putanesca – Marinated in lemon, oregano and olive oil, quickly sautéed and coated with a flavorful herbed tomato concassee with kalamata olives, capers and chopped parsley, served with grilled cheese polenta and balsamic glace

 

Spaghetti with Meatballs – The classic way to eat spaghetti; home made meatballs braised in a tomato and meat sauce served over olive oil tossed spaghetti

 

DOLCI

Trio of Tiramisu – Italy’s most famous dessert: presented in three flavored variations, espresso, lemon and Amaretto

 

Limoncello Crème – Refreshing crème topped with Tuscan lemon liqueur

 

Mille-Feuille of Madagascar Chocolate – With walnut praline and ice-cream

 

Gelato – A refreshing and full-flavored selection: strawberry, mango, vanilla and lemon (different Gelato on the Nieuw Amsterdam - strawberry, pistachio, vanilla bean, Gianduia)

 

 

Suggested Cocktails:

 

Limoncello Cocktails -- $6.50

Limoncello Martini (Vodka & Limoncello)

Limoncello Cosmopolitan (Vodka, cranberry juice & Limoncello)

Limoncello Bellini (Peach Nector, sparkling wine & Limoncello)

Venetia (Liomoncello & Vodka & tonic water)

Limoncello Sunrise (limoncello & orange juice & granadine)

Limoncello Drop (Limoncello & Vodka & Midori)

Limoncello Cooler (Limoncello & cranberry juice

 

Wines listed below can be bought by the bottle ($22) or by the glass ($5) -- THESE PRICES AND CHOICES MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME!!

 

Pinot Grigio Dalle Venezie IGT

Muller Thurgan Trentino DOC

Salentto Rose IGT

Primitivo Puglia IGY

Pinot Noir Pavia IGT

Nero D'Avola Merlot di Sicilia IGT

Montepulcian D'Abruzzo DOC

[larsenbiz]

We just came off of the Nieuw Amsterdam and there were dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower. There was still bar soap & lotion provided.

 

We purchased the Thermal Suite package for the week and it was $200. It seems that the price varies. The last time we did the Thermal Suite (in May on Zuiderdam) it was $179.

 

As for the music in the evening...We spend time in the Ocean Bar listening to a jazz trio playing standards. There is usually a band in the Queen's Lounge and music in Northern Lights. I wouldn't count on rowdy night life if I were you, though.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Northern Lights -- evening dancing -- sounds like it is just right for you.

There is afternoon tea everyday -- usually from 3:30 - 4:30 -- on some ships -- 3 -4 PM. Cookies , cakes, mostly pastried. Check your Daily Program for the times and place -- now called the Explorer.

Yes free champagne is served during the Captain's Welcome Aboard Toast held in the show lounge right before a show -- again check the Explorer -- we had a surprise on our last cruise -- it was not held on the first formal night like we have had on all our other cruises. Sorry -- no champagne waterfall like Princess.

All 7 day cruises have pretty much the same menus. Check out these links for the menus from our 7 day cruises -- we did back-to-back cruises so they did differ slightly:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1299916&highlight=

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1299912&highlight=

[monakayk]

Thanks EVERYONE for posting links/copy & pasting to those menus!

 

BUCKETT,

Since you have sailed on the Oosterdam.....can you tell me (by reviewing) the menus on the links below(which were posted) that are more similar to what you had in the MDR on the Oosterda on your Mex. Riv. cruise?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1299916&highlight

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1299912&highlight

 

Both of those menus look great, but just wanted to know which was more similar since we will be going on the Mex. Riv. Did they serve Escargot on the Oosterdam? Also can you tell me which night (port of call) was the Mex.Deck-Pool Party? What type of food (if any) is served or is it just dancing and having fun?

 

What was the entertainment? Any dance/musical shows? What did you think were the best shows? What nights were the formal nights?

 

Thanks again to all for this info.

[PepperDad]

Can anyone describe the way the video reservation works for the DVD? Do they have a good selection? New stuff or all old? Is there a charge to rent a movie?

 

Thanks

 

Ed

[RuthC]

Can anyone describe the way the video reservation works for the DVD? Do they have a good selection? New stuff or all old? Is there a charge to rent a movie?

There's no charge to borrow a DVD; you can take up to two at a time. There will be a catalog of available titles in your cabin. There's a large selection ranging from relatively new releases to very old classics to choose from.

When you make your selections, just call the Front Desk and they will be delivered. When finished, call again for pick up. You can also pick up and return them to the Front Desk yourself.

[SDchick]

There's no charge to borrow a DVD; you can take up to two at a time. There will be a catalog of available titles in your cabin. There's a large selection ranging from relatively new releases to very old classics to choose from.

When you make your selections, just call the Front Desk and they will be delivered. When finished, call again for pick up. You can also pick up and return them to the Front Desk yourself.

Thanks! That sounds pretty easy. :)

[cpayne]

A previous poster indicated you could order any dining room menu item from room service within the first hour the dining room opens.

 

Outside of this "hour", what items are available via room service? Are there just cold items such as salads and sandwiches or are hot items offered?

 

Thanks.

[dpm321]

My upcoming cruise with the DD on HAL-Oosterdam for Jan. 29th will be the 1st time we have cruised with HAL. So I have some questions concerning the ship and HAL cruise line: :confused:

 

Can anyone tell me about the entertainment on the Oosterdam Mex. Riv. cruise? What are the shows, etc.? - Ships dancers and singer a couple of nights, usually a magician and/or comic and another musical act. Also movies every day.

 

Does anyone have the menus for the Oosterdam or similar menus from other ships they can share? - Menu changes every day. There is plenty of variety..no worries.

 

What is served for room service breakfast? Are hot items for breakfast offered?

 

Anyone have photos of the HH-Cat. cabins they could share?

 

What toiletries are available in the cabin bathroom? - Very small amounts of shampoo, lotion and soaps. Replaced as necessary. Hair dryer in dressing table.

 

What does it cost to use the "thermal suite", seawater hydrotherapy pool & heated tiled lounges?

 

Is FREE Champagne served during the Captain's welcome--1st formal night or a Champagne waterfall presentation done? - Free sparkling wine (not French champagne) and still wines are provided during the welcome.

 

Is there late night dancing (classic Rock/70's-80's) in one of the lounges? About what time does it close up? - Depends how you define late night. There is a disco which is the last to close and there are a couple of older style dance bands or music in the other lounges. On HAL the crowds usually disperse pretty quickly after the last show but there are usually a few you can party with.

 

Can anyone explain how the Anytime Dining works with HAL? - You can make a daily reservation in the morning by phone or in person, or just show up in the main dining room. If you eat after 7 PM there is not usually a wait of more than 5 to 10 minutes. Also if you are willing to accept any size table (great opportunity to meet people) you usually get right in.

 

Is Afternoon Tea served? Where/what time/ what food is served? - Afternoon Tea is served every afternoon in the dining room every afternoon.

 

Any other info concerning HAL or the Oosterdam would be greatly appreciated. -

Thanks!

 

Hope that helps. If you have more, just repost. Have a great trip.

[sarahc78]

Lots of good information in this thread. Thank you all for posting.

[bakerintn]

Here is a room service menu that I found here on CC:

 

 

There is part that is available 24-hrs. It really is a nice room service menu.

 

Available 24 hours:

 

Smoked Atlantic Salmon - pickled red onion, capers & cream cheese

Mesclun Garden Greens - tomato, cucumber, alfalfa sprouts & blue cheese crumbles

Triple Decker Club Sandwich - sliced turkey, ham, bacon, tomato & lettuce served on toasted bread of your choice

All American Hamburger - broiled 1/4 pound beef patty on a sesame bun with dill pickle & coleslaw - add cheddar or Swiss cheese

Open faced Omelet - ham & cheese or vegetables

Selection of assorted cheese with crackers

Apple tart with whipped cream

Chocolate cake with raspberry sauce

A plate of chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk

Fruit salad - selected fruits in season

 

 

Available from 12 noon until 10 PM:

 

Appetizers & Soups:

Bay shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce

Smoked Atlantic Salmon

French onion soup baked with Gruyere cheese

Soup of the day

 

Salads:

Mesclun Garden Greens

Chef salad - mixed greens, ham, salami, swiss cheese, turkey, hard boiled egg - choice of Italian or blue cheese dressing

Caesar salad - tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons & parmesan - add bay shrimp or grilled chicken breast

 

Sandwiches & Burgers:

All are served with a choice of potato salad or potato chips

 

Triple Decker club sandwich

Broiled California chicken breast sandwich on multi=grain bread with avocado & honey mustard sauce

Grilled tuna melt - tuna salad & Swiss cheese on rye bread with pickle spears

Thai Vegetarian wrap - eggplant, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts & cilantro rolled with rice & green curry sauce in a tomato tortilla

Steak sandwich - sirloin steak on sourdough bread sauteed with onion & bell pepper

All American Hamburger

 

Entrees:

Seared salmon steak - dill-lime fusion, broccoli florets, carrot batonnet & country mashed potatoes

Penne Primavera - tossed in marinara sauce with Italian roasted vegetables - add grilled chicken breast

 

Pizza:

Margarita (tomato sauce & cheese)

Pepperoni

Vegetarian (mushroom & bell pepper)

 

Desserts:

Apple tart

Chocolate cake

Creme caramel surrounded in berry compote

Fruit jello

fruit salad

Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce

Selection of assorted cheese with crackers

[luvcdays]

Can anyone please tell me which nights will be the formal nights on the 7 day cruise that departs on a Saturday? Thank you.

[kathy_bc]

I saved all my newsletters, so I can answer some specifics.

 

The formal nights are on Day 2 (Sunday) and Day 6 (Thursday)

[kathy_bc]

 

What does it cost to use the "thermal suite", seawater hydrotherapy pool & heated tiled lounges?

 

It was $250 for a couple. We did not buy the pkg this time, because we didn't like the location of the thermal suite. Was not private. The first day, they had the blinds open on the glass walls, so we were kind of shocked when we walked out the pool deck, and walked right by and could see in to the people in the thermal suite. After that, they put the blinds up, but you still could see in from the glass door. Too open, for my tastes.

 

On the Volendam cruise we did buy the package (it was $150 for a couple), and it was at front right side of the ship. Very private. LOVED it. A great way to hang out and see the Alaskan sites in the vacant room! :)

[monakayk]

Thanks Everyone for all the great info and for posting the Room Service Menu. Looks like HAL ships have really great food offered/service for Room Service.

 

:confused: By chance....anyone here have some recent Oosterdam menus for the main dining room? If not...can anyone recall what some of the main Entrees that are served? Appetizers...Desserts?

 

Thanks!