My First “Live”- Zuiderdam May 11, 2024 TA

[mawvkysc]

 

[mawvkysc]

Dinner service is getting better but we do see that the other serving teams are more efficient. 
 

Clam chowder had a nice amount of tender clams in it. Not too rich either.
 

The arugula  farro salad was tasty but just has a few leafs of arugula. If you’re wanting greens go

for the Caesar salad. 

 

The cod was delicious. Mild, flaky yet moist. 
 

Hubby had his favorite Red Velvet Cake ever. The no sugar added almond cake was very good too. You wouldn’t know it was nsa. It’s very moist and has a nice texture. 
 

 

 

 

 

[mawvkysc]

Suzanne O Davis was the main show tonight. She has a great personality and interesting info and banter between songs. Somehow I just didn’t get into her singing. Maybe it was her arrangements of the songs. 
 

I wish the shows were scheduled so that we could see one before late seating. I’ve seen that done  before. The only entertainment we can enjoy before dinner is 3rd Ave West. After dinner its already late. We’ve never done buffet for dinner on a cruise but maybe it’s worth a try. 

[mawvkysc]

Day 4:

Edited May 14 by mawvkysc

[Mary229]

9 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

Dinner service is getting better but we do see that the other serving teams are more efficient. 
 

Clam chowder had a nice amount of tender clams in it. Not too rich either.
 

The arugula  farro salad was tasty but just has a few leafs of arugula. If you’re wanting greens go

for the Caesar salad. 

 

The cod was delicious. Mild, flaky yet moist. 
 

Hubby had his favorite Red Velvet Cake ever. The no sugar added almond cake was very good too. You wouldn’t know it was nsa. It’s very moist and has a nice texture. 
 

 

 

 

 

You could do as I do and order double salad.  They bring it on a single plate. 

[Moriah]

On 5/11/2024 at 11:10 PM, mawvkysc said:

Someone asked for library pictures. There is also a leave a book/take a book section. 

 

Thank you so much for the library photos!! It looks awesome!!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

It's a really nice ship.

[mawvkysc]

6 minutes ago, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

It's a really nice ship.

Very. I haven’t heard how many are on board yet. It feels bigger than what  imagined following your blog though. (Not a complaint )

[BetsyS.]

mawvkysc - You said you liked gin drinks. Have you ever had sloe gin? 

When I turned 21 (many moons ago), the first drink I had was a sloe gin fizz. 

If you don't mind "fruity" drinks, you might like it if you haven't tried it.

        Thanks for all your updates! 😊

[mawvkysc]

Lido breakfast today due to time change. Getting a crepe was fun. 
Went to the coffee chat. Very interesting as the world cruise executive chef is still on board, the  new one taking over and the fleetwide executive chef as well. Our menu is somewhat specific to this journey as it’s a TA. It’s not the Caribbean menu or the one for Europe.  
 

North so far has been  rebroadcast. I hope they do it for the port talks. 

 

Although overall I prefer MSC’s lunch lido better, I have to say that the lido sandwiches here are the best I’ve ever had. So delicious. 

Husband will go to the Beatles matinee show band performance. I want to do something outside. It is in the mid sixties. Plus I’m a little weary of 50s/60s themed entertainment. Don’t get me wrong I love that music, but I’ve been listening to it my entire life. (Even in the womb 😆)Even with the demographics on this  cruise somewhat more recent themes would be good too. I was a teen in the 80s but thoroughly enjoy music from well into the 2010s. So teens from the 60s should like and know 70s-90s music. 

Random thoughts:

I love that HAL trusts us with the towels 😉 

 

There are very few guests on mobility scooters. Fewer than on my other recent cruises. 

 

 

 

[mawvkysc]

We saw a ship! How exciting. 

[KarefreeKaren]

15 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

Suzanne O Davis was the main show tonight. She has a great personality and interesting info and banter between songs. Somehow I just didn’t get into her singing. Maybe it was her arrangements of the songs. 
 

I wish the shows were scheduled so that we could see one before late seating. I’ve seen that done  before. The only entertainment we can enjoy before dinner is 3rd Ave West. After dinner its already late. We’ve never done buffet for dinner on a cruise but maybe it’s worth a try. 

If you change to anytime dining, you would be able to go to the first show and then to dinner.  This is what I prefer to do as the dinner service at that time is very quick…

Just a thought.  Enjoy your cruise!  

[mawvkysc]

@KarefreeKaren Do you mean that you go to dinner around 8:15? The first show is at 7:30. 

[oakridger]

2 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

@KarefreeKaren Do you mean that you go to dinner around 8:15? The first show is at 7:30. 

I’m doing that tonight. On board with you!  I have been going to Lido for lunch after the rush and MDR a little after late seating. Service was good and my trout on day one was delicious!

[mawvkysc]

I bought a bouquet.  I love it. There is a box to pack the vase when we leave. 

[mawvkysc]

[mawvkysc]

The chowder and salad were good. The prime rib was tender but what made the entree was  the sauce, horseradish mousse and the veggies. Pear crisp was fine. Our servers have 10 tables. That’s a lot. 
 

.The comedian was funny. 
 

On this ship a milkshake is not included in either beverage package based on what the bartender told my server. I know this is inconsistent across the line. 

Edited May 15 by mawvkysc

[KarefreeKaren]

8 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

@KarefreeKaren Do you mean that you go to dinner around 8:15? The first show is at 7:30. 

Yes, that’s what I enjoy doing if I want to see the show.  I’ll head out quickly when the show ends or just before it ends.  

[mawvkysc]

Day 5:

We lost another hour

Edited May 15 by mawvkysc

[mawvkysc]

Day 5:

We are more than halfway across the ocean.  Mid to high 60s again. It’s great weather. Never any more than a mild rocking of the ship so far. We’re disappointed 😂. We like a little action. 
 

Found out there are only 1905 guests on board. I have  met a lot of solo cruisers. The only time things feel slightly crowded is lido meals but even that’s not bad.

 

Walked a mile again on the promenade. Now relaxing on the steamer chairs. Pads were back on them  today. 
 

My gin tasting continues. Had a martinez (not martini) from Ocean bar. I really like it too. It’s mellow! 
Those pretty little glasses seem to make the drinks taste better. 

Edited May 15 by mawvkysc

[Zyc]

That is a great picture, blue sky, blue ocean, a wide open walking deck and a fine looking drink.  Glad you are having a great cruise.

 

[oakridger]

I’m onboard too and had a wonderful meal at Pinnacle Grill tonight!  The waiter was very busy so service wasn’t “speedy” but was certainly within what I consider a good and relaxed pace. My lobster bisque was hot and very tasty!  I had the halibut with leeks, asparagus and mashed potatoes. The halibut was cooked perfectly and moist!  The potatoes were not my favorite due to it probably sat under a heat lamp too long before serving but the asparagus was cooked enough but not mushy!  I tried the chocolate soufflé for the first time and will order it again!  I really enjoyed the meal and service by Julian.    ~Nancy

[mawvkysc]

@oakridger thanks for your input! I’m looking forward to PG! 

[mawvkysc]

I had my first big food disappointment. I made a special trip to the MDR for lunch just to have the strawberry rhubarb pie. The filling had ZERO flavor. It was so strange. There didn’t appear to be any strawberry and rhubarb is distinct and tangy normally. 
 

Swimming was fun because it was like a mini wave pool. There is not a chair hog problem per se. It’s just that people leave and forget to remove the towel and put it in the bin. 
 

After dinner we went to Rolling Stone Lounge. The band is so good. Dancing was a lot of fun!

[mawvkysc]