'Twas the Week Before Christmas - Live from the Eurodam

[MisterBill99]

I was able to find the fonts that HAL uses on their menus, so these should be pretty good representations of what you'll actually see on the ship.

 

This first set I put together is the major menus for the day. It's both lunch and dinner for the MDR and the Lido. Is this a good format, or would you prefer to have them as separate files: Lido Lunch, MDR Lunch, Lido Dinner, MDR Dinner?

Nice job! I would like to see as few files as possible. So either do all of the menus for a specific venue for the week, or just do everything in one file. Most people are going to want to see all of them, and it seems that there is no way to see multiple files on one page in Evernote so we'd need to click from within this thread.

 

BTW was the first lunch menu just posted for embarkation lunch in MDR?

 

Also, it appears that my cruise (3/4) will be the "B" menus, so I am looking forward to seeing those :).

Edited December 24, 2016 by MisterBill99

[POA1]

In a break from our normal tradition, we did not have lunch in the MDR on embarkation day. We let DFIL pick, and he chose the Lido.

 

My guess is that what you see is the embarkation lunch. Someone told me that they got rid of the fixed embarkation lunch menu. Perhaps someone who partook in the MDR lunch the first day can clue us in.

 

I'll "package" the files two ways. One will be by day, very similar to what you see in the previous post. The second will be all of a particular meal in a series for a particular venue. In other words, all the series B MDR lunches in a single file. It is possible to embed multiple PDFs into a single Evernote note, but it's a little bit confusing for people viewing on a phone. (The Institute of Cheer is all about user accessibility.)

 

I have to take each of the 124 MS Word documents and output a PDF file. Then I have to package a bunch of files together to make something useful. It will take me a little while, but I should be able to get to it over the next few days.

 

We've also got to get through the photos and write up our trip reports. The live from suffered a bit from the slow Internet speeds, and there's some catching up to do.

Edited December 24, 2016 by POA1

[MisterBill99]

I have to take each of the 124 MS Word documents and output a PDF file. Then I have to package a bunch of files together to make something useful. It will take me a little while, but I should be able to get to it over the next few days.

I'm not sure how you're creating the PDF files, but PDFCreator lets you merge multiple print files into a single PDF.

[POA1]

I'm not sure how you're creating the PDF files, but PDFCreator lets you merge multiple print files into a single PDF.

Acrobat Professional. That's how I merge the files, tag them, and control the display options.

[rubytue]

In a break from our normal tradition, we did not have lunch in the MDR on embarkation day. We let DFIL pick, and he chose the Lido.

 

My guess is that what you see is the embarkation lunch. Someone told me that they got rid of the fixed embarkation lunch menu. Perhaps someone who partook in the MDR lunch the first day can clue us in.

 

We had MDR embarkation lunch. Main choices were a hamburger, a steak sandwich, a kale roll (rice and beans + a piece of kale - no tomato sauce), and something else I should have ordered, but forgot what it was. Appetizers included black bean soup and chicken wings.

 

I know that's not a lot of info, but perhaps enough to narrow it down.

Edited December 24, 2016 by rubytue

[POA1]

We had MDR embarkation lunch. Main choices were a hamburger, a steak sandwich, a kale roll (rice and beans + a piece of kale - no tomato sauce), and something else I should have ordered, but forgot what it was. Appetizers included black bean soup and chicken wings.

 

I know that's not a lot of info, but perhaps enough to narrow it down.

That sounds like it matches the menu I got from the ship. Thanks!

[POA1]

Welcome home - and Merry Christmas!

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

 

Thanks and a Merry Christmas to you, too.

[LMaxwell]

Great thread. Enjoying it. Thanks for scanning so many documents; just what I was looking for.

[POA1]

Lido Market Late Night Snack Menus

 

Here's a link to the late night Lido snack menus. I don't recall what order they were presented in. Most nights the snack menu was served from 10:30 PM - 11:30 PM. The bars and lounges with entertainment were usually running until 11:30 - or at least the entertainment was. That means we were usually engaged in our core research until midnight at a minimum. That made it impractical to hit the late night buffet. (We would have probably checked it out, but our definition of late night and the Lido's definition were not in sync. The late night snack might make more sense to people who eat early, but we typically eat at 8:00, so eating again at 10:30 is too soon.)

 

http://www.evernote.com/l/AFjBOkpsEGdAt42xI9dF61KCn-2EjnQBBjY/

[POA1]

Thanks for taking us along and thank you even more for the amazing new desktop picture of the Eurodam on my desktop. Felt like I was there!

 

Hoping we have an opportunity to cruise together one day. Appears we have a similar love of wine, food, and the EBP! If that wasn't enough in common I'm a telecom engineer that has been accused (frequently) of not using (or having) a filter and a pretty twisted sense of humor :)

 

That would be great - especially for science! :D

[POA1]

The Wine Packages Brochure:

 

The selections will occasionally change based on stock and availability, but the list should be fairly representative. When I post the MDR wine list, you'll see the package selections again. Typically, the MDR list is the most current because it can be printed on the ship, whereas this brochure is printed commercially.

 

http://www.evernote.com/l/AFivN13ZUC5GZb9yC58rzMsJfO5TDdOg6W0/

[MisterBill99]

Lido Market Late Night Snack Menus

 

Here's a link to the late night Lido snack menus.

So I know you didn't make it to these but for others, do they typically have a lot of people showing up? I'm guessing the answer is yes, since they seem to put a lot of work into these (unless they just give the leftovers to the crew afterwards). We've only sailed on HAL once, in Alaska several years ago (on Ryndam, obviously now gone to P&O), have sailed on Royal and Celebrity exclusively for the past 5+ years. This is so much nicer than anything that those two lines do. We were on Anthem OTS twice this year, and their buffet closed at 9pm every night, leaving you to not very appealing choices at the Promenade Cafe or not very good pizza, or a patisserie that you had to pay for.

Edited December 25, 2016 by MisterBill99

[POA1]

So I know you didn't make it to these but for others, do they typically have a lot of people showing up? I'm guessing the answer is yes, since they seem to put a lot of work into these (unless they just give the leftovers to the crew afterwards).

 

From what I understand, the late night snack is pretty well attended. I do know that some of the staff eat there, in the Lido. Typically it's the American staff (entertainment) and some of the European staff. The Filipino and Indonesian crew have their own mess with menus that are more along the lines of what they'd normally eat.

 

To be honest, we almost never hit the late night buffet. And, while I'm being honest - we're at a bar during that time period. I've talked to a fair number of people who rave about the late night extra meal. I never really looked at the menus until today. You're right. They look pretty good. (Hey! I learned something from my own posts. Imagine that.)

[POA1]

Great thread. Enjoying it. Thanks for scanning so many documents; just what I was looking for.

I'll pass along your comments to the Institute of Cheer's Department of Scanning Things. It's their tireless work, often under harsh conditions, that helps to provide all the hand crafted PDFs, which, by the way, are gluten free.

[POA1]

The Lincoln Center Stage occupies the space that was formerly the Explorer's Lounge. It's divided into two sections. The first one (as you approach from forward) has theater style seating and is where the stage is. There are small tables between the seats if you need a place to rest your beverage. Prior to performances, there is beverage service. Once a performance begins, a curtain is drawn and it's all about the music. Tip: Grab your cocktail at Pinnacle bar ahead of time.

 

 

The group consists of two violinists (left,) a violist, and a cellist (right.) The pianist is in the rear. The dark haired violinist and the cellist are sisters. I didn't get a chance to write down their names. My error. I forgot to take my little notebook.

 

There are signs in the hallway asking for quiet during performances. I advise getting there at least 15 minutes early, especially if you are seeing them perform around dinner time. You do not want to be stuck in the second room, which is closer to the dining room. It winds up being overflow waiting area for open seating dining passengers who are waiting for their tables.

 

 

While most people heed the signs asking for quiet during the show, not all do. The gentleman seated in the window, for instance, is afflicted with a condition that requires him to speak constantly - and loudly at all times. Or else he will die. DW would not allow me to take a picture of the "Quiet Please. Performance in Progress" sign to show the man on my camera screen. He also failed to respond to some shushing from a couple seated near him. Fortunately, his table was ready about 15 minutes into the performance. I'm not sure how he managed to chew, swallow, and talk at the same time during dinner.

 

During this particular show, the group did a classical arrangement of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." The blonde violin player had what would have been the lead guitar part. Until now, I have never had the occasion to use the terms "shred" and "violin" in the same sentence. But this young woman shredded the "Stairway to Heaven" solo on her violin. (I feel terrible about not getting the performers' names. They deserve huzzahs, snaps, and props all around.)

 

The back room has a very good sound system and you can hear the players well (annoying - but now Internet famous guy notwithstanding.) There is a wall between the two rooms. There is an opening, but most of the seats won't have a sight line to the stage.

 

It was my fault that we were relegated to the cheap seats. It was formal - strike that - gala night, and between shirt studs, suspenders, cummerbund, and tying a bow tie, I lost precious minutes.

 

If you like classical music, chamber music, or music in general, go see the Lincoln Center Stage group. Do it early in your cruise. Once word gets out, their shows are standing room only.

Edited December 25, 2016 by POA1

[POA1]

This post is for Sppunk. Proof that I ordered a Wang Wang. As you can see from the Belvedere and soda with lime on the right, it was me taking one for the team, not Huskerchick.

 

 

I made it a few sips in before the sugary sweetness started making my lips stick together. I had to use a double Maker's Mark on the rocks as a solvent.

 

 

We received the standard cautionary statement when ordering the Wang Wang. "It's strong. Don't have too many." Etc. Etc.) Ironically, all you get with a 90 proof, straight liquor double is, "Enjoy your drink."

 

So, we can check off the Wang Wang on our list of requirements. We took a lot of photos from different angles. We'll recycle them in the future so as not to have to order another. More for you, my friend. More for you.

 

Speaking of more... We started to notice this happening on the last day of the cruise.

 

 

Someone else must be going to town on the Maker's.

Edited December 25, 2016 by POA1

[blizzardboy]

We're home and all unpacked. Now for some very serious advice.

 

If you are cruising out of Port Everglades, you must download and use the mobile passport app from US Customs and Border Patrol.

Thanks for the suggestion. Did you notice how long the Global Entry line was?

I too have enjoyed your Guide to the Galaxy via the Eurodam. Three weeks from now I'll be waking up thinking about having breakfast at the Pinnacle followed by a double Bloody (singles are too thick!) at the Sea View Bar. You have "wetted" my appetites!

Merry Christmas!

Dave aka blizzardboy

Edited December 25, 2016 by blizzardboy

[POA1]

Thanks for the suggestion. Did you notice how long the Global Entry line was?

I too have enjoyed your Guide to the Galaxy via the Eurodam. Three weeks from now I'll be waking up thinking about having breakfast at the Pinnacle followed by a double Bloody (singles are too thick!) at the Sea View Bar. You have "wetted" my appetites!

Merry Christmas!

Dave aka blizzardboy

 

We didn't see a standalone Global Entry line, Dave. There was a regular line (long) and a Mobile Passport line (just us.) It's possible that they let Global Entry people into the Mobile Passport line, but I really don't know. We have both. DFIL only has mobile. I don't recall seeing the Global Entry kiosks at all. I'll ask my wife later. (Because waking her at 5:30 AM would probably ruin Christmas.)

 

A very Merry Christmas to you, too.

Edited December 25, 2016 by POA1

[POA1]

One of the Culinary Arts demos in the Culinary Arts Center / Queens Lounge. We met the Culinary Hostess, Easlin. She's very nice. Our full extent of culinary demo experience was taking these pictures. There was a guest sushi chef onboard.

 

 

 

 

Photos are from the end of the class. I just happened to walk through on my picture taking rounds.

Edited December 25, 2016 by POA1

[blizzardboy]

This will probably be my last report before Fort Lauderdale. We're in the Pinnacle tonight, so we took care of of our MDR waiters and wine steward last night. We took care of our room stewards this morning, and we've been taking care of the bar staff as we go. All our thank you notes and tips have been delivered.

 

We'll pack most of our stuff this afternoon so we can enjoy the evening. We'll break protocol and change after dinner tonight so I can can pack my blazer and get our luggage out in the hall. (Boo.) Seven days is just too short.

 

You are a man after my own heart. You "research" greatly mirrors my own and taking care of the staff is an absolute necessity in my book.

You are also correct in that seven days isn't enough. Might I suggest our Surf-n-Turf Plan? 7 days on board then 7 days on the island of your choice. We're heading to San Juan after out HAL shorty next month. It seems they have an abundance of research material and casinos to boot! The Renaissance La Conchas Resort Casino Marketing Director has requested our presence and made it worth our while to "pay" a visit. We are indeed blessed!

[blizzardboy]

We didn't see a standalone Global Entry line, Dave. There was a regular line (long) and a Mobile Passport line (just us.) It's possible that they let Global Entry people into the Mobile Passport line, but I really don't know. We have both. DFIL only has mobile. I don't recall seeing the Global Entry kiosks at all. I'll ask my wife later. (Because waking her at 5:30 AM would probably ruin Christmas.)

 

A very Merry Christmas to you, too.

When we disembarked last January at FLL last January, there was the long line and a short one (5 or 6 people) they told me was the Global Entry line, hence our application for the program.. I think you are probably correct in thinking the Mobile Passport and GE line is one and the same.

[maraena]

Thanks for the suggestion. Did you notice how long the Global Entry line was?

I too have enjoyed your Guide to the Galaxy via the Eurodam. Three weeks from now I'll be waking up thinking about having breakfast at the Pinnacle followed by a double Bloody (singles are too thick!) at the Sea View Bar. You have "wetted" my appetites!

Merry Christmas!

Dave aka blizzardboy

 

I can answer this one! Global Entry was to the far right - further right of the mobile passport line. (I say this because I thought it was the GE line but they scooted me over one.) Once you flashed your card, they sent you to it but it wasn't as well labeled as the mobile passport line. There was no one in the line when we went through around 8:30AM.

 

I also looked at the mobile passport line and it was very small when we hit the global entry line. I think there were maybe 5 people in it (possibly 1 family but I think it might have been 2 families). Considering the app is free, it would be a strong substitute for GE. Of course, once the mobile passport becomes more well-known it will fill.

[POA1]

Thanks Maraena!

Edited December 25, 2016 by POA1

[POA1]

De Librije Night in the Pinnacle Grill

 

First, a link to the menu again so that you don't have to scroll back to find it.

 

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s88/sh/e774ccc5-f497-463e-a5d1-4c5decb6cda0/c9bc042912c1af942cbbe3a3b8151f93

 

You can tell it's going to be a good night when you are greeted by this many glasses.

 

Each course is paired with a wine and it's a regular glass not just a tasting pour. We had Dodie, the same Pinnacle wine steward as we had in the Pinnacle Grill on the Nieuw Amsterdam in 2014. That means that - even if your wine got ahead of your food - you'd be topped off. (Theoretically, your food could get ahead of your wine, but that's only something we've read about.)

 

They have a special cocktail for De Librije called Gin and Jonnie, after Jonnie Boer, the chef / owner of De Librije. It's base liquor is Hendricks Gin and there are ligonberries in the drink. The mixer is a sparkling infusion made with peppers and other botanicals. The cocktail is mild and quite pleasant. (It's covered under the SBP.) As a bonus, you'll get another glass; and you know how important it is to have lots of stemware in front of you.

 

Your bread choices are two: a baguette or mini multi grain rolls. The butter is honey infused.

 

 

[POA1]

The amuse bouche gave a strong start to the meal. From left to right: duck mousse lollipop, tomato covered in cheese mousse, and cauliflower puree in a silver egg.

 

First courses:

 

Maine Lobster with Avocado

 

Oysters on the Beach

The oyster "shells" are foie gras pate. There's a foam of Oloroso sherry and ginger. This was our consensus pick for this course, as long as you like oysters and foie gras.

 

Second courses:

 

Lobster Bisque Foam with Alaskan King Crab and brioche croutons.

 

Dark Beer Pork Belly

Both were very good. We'd give a slight edge to the pork belly.