Based on food alone what is your favorite cruise line?

[rbtan]

On 3/13/2019 at 4:29 PM, Peckishpixie said:

I am taking my 28 year old son on a cruise and he is very particular about food. He is also a parkour champion, so he eats an utterly ridiculous amount of food in a day. (some days I am so jealous)  I mostly go on Holland and Cunard and their food is great. I especially loved the culinary cruise on Holland. I am curious if there is something better out there. I once saw my child cry because a pork roast was so yummy, so I would love to give him that gift again. 

What line do you think has the very best food that will make my son bounce in his seat with glee?

For us it was on Cunard's Queens Grill. Food used to be very good on Celebrity(Solstice class) Really went down hill after 2017. In most cases no better than Princess. Alternative rest.(Murano/Tuscany/Qsine) still excellent ,but pricey. Overall best food  for us now is Oceania. Especially Marina/Riviera. Alternative restaurants outstanding. Some of the best Cuisine at sea. Alternative rest. are included in fare except Privee/Le Reserve, which is a food & wine tasting menu for about $100pp.

[rbtan]

On 6/29/2021 at 2:02 AM, BklynBoy8 said:

Never tthe pleasure to sail on the other Qxs..

Their design was different from QM2. More like standard cruise ships, though the food is quite good. Cunard has gotten quite costly over the last several years, but food quality has been good.

[BklynBoy8]

5 hours ago, rbtan said:

Their design was different from QM2. More like standard cruise ships, though the food is quite good. Cunard has gotten quite costly over the last several years, but food quality has been good.

The other queens are fashioned after the Vista Class design like HAL...

Cunard has become costly for more than last several years. That goes back to the QE2 when we started to sail. Most costly is the 4th July Mini Cruise that has been constant conversation.

Unfortunately the food has varied over the decades with mixed opinions. Depends on the cabins you are booked in and the restaurant you are assigned. And the buffet area since the older Kings Court has mixed opinion.

But like us for the last 40 years we return to Cunard especially QM2 as a home away from home.

[rkacruiser]

On 7/5/2021 at 11:47 PM, BklynBoy8 said:

Most costly is the 4th July Mini Cruise that has been constant conversation.

 

I have considered that cruise for some time.  At this stage of my life, I would attempt to book a Princess or Queen's Grill stateroom.  What would you think the service/cuisine would be in their Restaurants?  As well as the stateroom service?  Would it be equivalent to a trans-Atlantic crossing?  

 

[BklynBoy8]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

I have considered that cruise for some time.  At this stage of my life, I would attempt to book a Princess or Queen's Grill stateroom.  What would you think the service/cuisine would be in their Restaurants?  As well as the stateroom service?  Would it be equivalent to a trans-Atlantic crossing?  

We have done quite a number of these sailings with mixed ports besides the typical Boston and Halifax that have always been included. As in the past said, we prefer Club Britannia Class for our bookings with the option of hoping the upgrade Fairy pays a visit.

 

Next year 2022 will be Boston, Halifax and our favorite Bar Harbor.

 

I must admit it is not anything near a TA. Sort of a party cruise or some will say a sailing to see if you would like to sail on the QM2. In 06 we used this cruise to try out QM2 for the first time.

 

TA is straight ocean sailing and NE/CAN mix of Port and At Sea Days.

 

Many say this sailing is very overpriced and would prefer rather take another trip. But we were limited in time in the past and took this.

 

Granted  we do like this sailing for a short time but enough to be able to cruise.

 

You do get excellent service in cabin and restaurant like a typical sailing.

 

Of course Princess & Queens Grill are very nice step up from Britannia. In Club Britannia we do experience Pre Grill Menu like Princess. 

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

You do get excellent service in cabin and restaurant like a typical sailing.

 

Of course Princess & Queens Grill are very nice step up from Britannia. In Club Britannia we do experience Pre Grill Menu like Princess. 

 

Thanks for your response.  

 

The most recent deck plans of QM2 that I have seen shows the Club Britannia section of the Restaurant quite a distance from the entrance.  And, it's in two different sections on both sides of the ship.  Am I wrong in what I have seen?  This arrangement does not appeal to me if I am going to pay a premium price.  Booking a Grill level stateroom seems to be more what I would enjoy than Club Britannia.  

 

YC on MSC Meraviglia was an eyeopener for me.  

[BklynBoy8]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

The most recent deck plans of QM2 that I have seen shows the Club Britannia section of the Restaurant quite a distance from the entrance.  And, it's in two different sections on both sides of the ship.  Am I wrong in what I have seen?  This arrangement does not appeal to me if I am going to pay a premium price.  Booking a Grill level stateroom seems to be more what I would enjoy than Club Britannia.

Hi RKA......

From the land awaiting Elsa to hit......

 

I totally agree with you about the placement of the cabins for CB on Deck 12 and 13 which are the newest cabins added on the last refit on the Sun Deck which was the Sport Arena - Area.

 

BTW... the last time we were booked on guarantee we were placed in a cabin on Deck 13 - 13002. We were able to shake hands with the Captain on the bridge....lol. Not really but that close. So you can imagine us going to our meals from Elevator Bank/Stairway A all the way to Elevator Bank/Stairway D the other end of the ship. And 10 decks down by elevator, Deck 2.

 

About the Dining Rooms, their two on each side of the Deck 2. The Port side is the largest and the Starboard was in the past part of the Britannia Restaurant changed after Deck 13 was added.

 

Granted the walk to the restaurant is quite a stroll. Deck 12 cabins are located by Elevator B. Close to those that would like to be near the Indoor Pool - Pavilion. But the food was great especially the Pre Grill Menu (close to the Princess Menu).

 

If we can afford or visit from the Upgrade Fairy for Princess we for this sailing. But it is quite $$$ for the 4th cruise. Would prefer Princess for another type of sailing to another location and days.

[rkacruiser]

18 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

So you can imagine us going to our meals from Elevator Bank/Stairway A all the way to Elevator Bank/Stairway D the other end of the ship. And 10 decks down by elevator, Deck 2.

 

Well, if nothing else, such an excursion would help one work up an appetite.  

 

If I remember correctly, my stateroom was not far from Stairway D/Elevator Foyer area.  I only went to the disco at the stern of the ship once.  It was almost a situation where "one can't get there from here".  I still don't know how I found my way to the venue other than I recall having to walk through the upper level of the Britannia Restaurant to do so.  QM2 is a lovely liner.  But, I found, as a newbie to her, not easy for this cruiser to "navigate".  

[BklynBoy8]

3 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

"Well, if nothing else, such an excursion would help one work up an appetite."  

If I remember correctly, my stateroom was not far from Stairway D/Elevator Foyer area.  I only went to the disco at the stern of the ship once.  It was almost a situation where "one can't get there from here".  I still don't know how I found my way to the venue other than I recall having to walk through the upper level of the Britannia Restaurant to do so.  QM2 is a lovely liner.  "But, I found, as a newbie to her, not easy for this cruiser to "navigate"."  

WOW RKA,

Thought by the time the sailing was over you were a confirmed Cunarder - Navigator".....lol

Granted being on every new ship takes time to become acustom to with deck plans. I alway look at the plan everyday a week before the cruise. Now it's a piece of cake.

 

Yes my DW and I agree about the Work Out did help after the meal if we went back to the cabin.

 

I know from the core of the ship to the Queens Room and G32 on Deck 2 is very tricky. Deck 3 is thru the restaurant as long as the doors are open. Seems always. You use to go thru the Photo Area now the Single Solo Cabins and the other side is the Art Gallery if you don't come use Elevator D outside the Qx Rm.....

 

I know we felt strange going thru the restaurant Deck 3 while people were still eating. Food looked good.

 

 

 

 

[rkacruiser]

20 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

I know from the core of the ship to the Queens Room and G32 on Deck 2 is very tricky. Deck 3 is thru the restaurant as long as the doors are open. Seems always. You use to go thru the Photo Area now the Single Solo Cabins and the other side is the Art Gallery if you don't come use Elevator D outside the Qx Rm.....

 

This was a most confusing area for me.  The path to go from point A to point B through this area just didn't make sense to me.

 

20 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

Granted being on every new ship takes time to become acustom to with deck plans. I alway look at the plan everyday a week before the cruise.

 

Me too.  Even on ships on which I have sailed, I will be reviewing deck plans prior to my cruise in order to refresh my memory.  My cruise on MSC Meraviglia, being as large as she is, would be a challenge and I studied extra hard.  Surprisingly to me, I found her easy to find my way about.  

 

Thinking about your trek from your stateroom in the Britannia Restaurant, I began to recall my "treks".  Maybe the longest was from the Commodore Club for pre-dinner drinks to the Restaurant.  I tried the Golden Lion Pub for such a cocktail time and did not find the vibe to my liking for that time of the day.  Then, alternated between the Chart Room and the Commodore Club for the rest of the trip--although--may have tried the Winter Garden and Sir Samuels if they were open at that time.  I know I visited those two lounges, but I don't recall the time of day for certain.  

 

Loved the Winter Garden's decor!  So different for a modern cruise ship!  I know it's no more and replaced by the Carinthia Lounge.  

[rbtan]

16 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

This was a most confusing area for me.  The path to go from point A to point B through this area just didn't make sense to me.

 

 

Me too.  Even on ships on which I have sailed, I will be reviewing deck plans prior to my cruise in order to refresh my memory.  My cruise on MSC Meraviglia, being as large as she is, would be a challenge and I studied extra hard.  Surprisingly to me, I found her easy to find my way about.  

 

Thinking about your trek from your stateroom in the Britannia Restaurant, I began to recall my "treks".  Maybe the longest was from the Commodore Club for pre-dinner drinks to the Restaurant.  I tried the Golden Lion Pub for such a cocktail time and did not find the vibe to my liking for that time of the day.  Then, alternated between the Chart Room and the Commodore Club for the rest of the trip--although--may have tried the Winter Garden and Sir Samuels if they were open at that time.  I know I visited those two lounges, but I don't recall the time of day for certain.  

 

Loved the Winter Garden's decor!  So different for a modern cruise ship!  I know it's no more and replaced by the Carinthia Lounge.  

Only thing I disliked about the Winter Garden was it's "fake" everything look. At least on Celebrity you had real grass on the Solstice ships.

[BklynBoy8]

On 7/10/2021 at 4:24 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

This was a most confusing area for me.  The path to go from point A to point B through this area just didn't make sense to me.

 

 

Me too.  Even on ships on which I have sailed, I will be reviewing deck plans prior to my cruise in order to refresh my memory.  My cruise on MSC Meraviglia, being as large as she is, would be a challenge and I studied extra hard.  Surprisingly to me, I found her easy to find my way about.  

 

Thinking about your trek from your stateroom in the Britannia Restaurant, I began to recall my "treks".  Maybe the longest was from the Commodore Club for pre-dinner drinks to the Restaurant.  I tried the Golden Lion Pub for such a cocktail time and did not find the vibe to my liking for that time of the day.  Then, alternated between the Chart Room and the Commodore Club for the rest of the trip--although--may have tried the Winter Garden and Sir Samuels if they were open at that time.  I know I visited those two lounges, but I don't recall the time of day for certain.  

 

Loved the Winter Garden's decor!  So different for a modern cruise ship!  I know it's no more and replaced by the Carinthia Lounge.  

First, I am not sure what Cunard's thoughts were towards Winter Garden. I know I liked it as a quiet place to sit and read for those Quiet Times sometimes ones wishes to find on a cruise. I did not thing it was "fake" in anyway but unique. Yes gentle waterfall sounds and birds calls made it a gentle quiet surroundings. Not for everyone.

 

One thing I find about the QM2 is the quite certain paths most decks had to navigate straight thru the ship.

 

I agree the only bars near the Main Dining Room are the Chart Room & Golden Lion on separate decks. And Commodore way in the front and several deck aloft, a true hike. Granted Casino Bar is in the middle - midship but no where to lounge.

 

 

 

[endymion6942]

Norwegian Cruise Line.

[rbtan]

1 hour ago, endymion6942 said:

Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL is known for the worst food in the main dining room.(read polls on it) The alternative rest. are excellent. The restaurant in the Haven is among the best at sea. For us...the QM2 Queens Grill. was our favorite. the ability to go "off" menu was fun. Overall, the Riviera has the best food(in our opinion)in the Grand dining room. The food in Le Reserve(Bourgeoise menu)was the best we ever had at sea.

[BklynBoy8]

2 hours ago, rbtan said:

NCL is known for the worst food in the main dining room.(read polls on it) The alternative rest. are excellent. The restaurant in the Haven is among the best at sea. For us...the QM2 Queens Grill. was our favorite. the ability to go "off" menu was fun. Overall, the Riviera has the best food(in our opinion)in the Grand dining room. The food in Le Reserve(Bourgeoise menu)was the best we ever had at sea.

Ditto about the QM2 our favorite line and ship. Either Princess or Qxs is fine for Off the Menu. We even got off the Menu in the Club Britannia if you get the right Restaurant Captain in your section.

 

Heard of good food on Celebrity but not NCL. Even Princess is suppose to be sort of ok.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

8 hours ago, rbtan said:

NCL is known for the worst food in the main dining room.(read polls on it) The alternative rest. are excellent. The restaurant in the Haven is among the best at sea. For us...the QM2 Queens Grill. was our favorite. the ability to go "off" menu was fun. Overall, the Riviera has the best food(in our opinion)in the Grand dining room. The food in Le Reserve(Bourgeoise menu)was the best we ever had at sea.

Thank you RB for letting us know about your dining experiences.

 

Oceania wins again.  Looks like I’ll have to try it out in the not too distant future.  The menus look divine.  I also hear that Silversea has great food.  Maybe Lois will let us know about Silversea?  

[rbtan]

6 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

Ditto about the QM2 our favorite line and ship. Either Princess or Qxs is fine for Off the Menu. We even got off the Menu in the Club Britannia if you get the right Restaurant Captain in your section.

 

Heard of good food on Celebrity but not NCL. Even Princess is suppose to be sort of ok.

For Princess, it's better on the Royal class ships. The Star in Jan. 2020 the food was the worst we ever had on a ship. The Ultimate balcony dinner was superb, so I know they are capable. Oceania spends more money per pax on food than any other line.

[clo]

17 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Thank you RB for letting us know about your dining experiences.

 

Oceania wins again.  Looks like I’ll have to try it out in the not too distant future.  The menus look divine.  I also hear that Silversea has great food.  Maybe Lois will let us know about Silversea?  

Here's Oceania's escargots that are the best I've ever had or made.
 

[rbtan]

9 hours ago, clo said:

Here's Oceania's escargots that are the best I've ever had or made.
 

On our fist trip in 2018, about8 of us were at a table for 8 in Jacques. Normally we do a table for 2.I decided on the seared Foi Gras. When it came out, I let some of the tablemates try a bit. Needless to say the entire table ordered it(on top of their apps) Truly decadent. I'm glad we did not have any "PETA" fans at the table. We don't tell others what to eat, & I don't like being lectured by others on what to eat. If PAX are curious I'll tell them what it is. Everyone that dinner had a splendid time.

[clo]

3 hours ago, rbtan said:

On our fist trip in 2018, about8 of us were at a table for 8 in Jacques. Normally we do a table for 2.I decided on the seared Foi Gras. When it came out, I let some of the tablemates try a bit. Needless to say the entire table ordered it(on top of their apps) Truly decadent. I'm glad we did not have any "PETA" fans at the table. We don't tell others what to eat, & I don't like being lectured by others on what to eat. If PAX are curious I'll tell them what it is. Everyone that dinner had a splendid time.

If people would bother to truly educate themselves about foie, but noooo. Ah well, more for us. And IIRC it was @Paulchiliwho suggested that if the particular prep wasn't just seared I might be successful by oh so politely asking for it just seared. 

 

[CGTNORMANDIE]

44 minutes ago, clo said:

If people would bother to truly educate themselves about foie, but noooo. Ah well, more for us. And IIRC it was @Paulchiliwho suggested that if the particular prep wasn't just seared I might be successful by oh so politely asking for it just seared. 

 

Seared foie???  I’m drooling!!!  Looks to me like you got it with a wine reduction…mmmm.

Edited September 26, 2021 by CGTNORMANDIE

[clo]

4 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Seared foie???  I’m drooling!!!  Looks to me like you got it with a wine reduction…mmmm.

Here's one I fixed at home for the two of us.

 

[rbtan]

8 hours ago, clo said:

If people would bother to truly educate themselves about foie, but noooo. Ah well, more for us. And IIRC it was @Paulchiliwho suggested that if the particular prep wasn't just seared I might be successful by oh so politely asking for it just seared. 

 

Droooool!

[rbtan]

7 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Seared foie???  I’m drooling!!!  Looks to me like you got it with a wine reduction…mmmm.

Richard makes it with a wine & pear reduction. Glad I don't count the calories!

[clo]

2 hours ago, rbtan said:

Richard makes it with a wine & pear reduction. Glad I don't count the calories!

Everything in moderation including moderation!

A chef friend recommended serving it with grilled peaches which is glorious. And other fruits off season.