albingirl

Haha, now I'm totally confused. Not that it's unusual for me lol.

When I saw the title of European menus, I immediately thought of all the menus in Europe that have pictures of the food. Very helpful, I might add. My Italian and Spanish language skills are weak sad to say. But, my love for the food is far from weak!

I just got in from an insanely expensive lunch. Prices are going up up up on everything everywhere. I don't consider those new prices unreasonable. However, I'm probably less likely to bother with specialty dining anymore. People are starting to hit the wall on all price increases in general. The Wall Street Journal has been full of stories about these changes that cause people to make choices. I can easily stick with MDR or club orange.

I think I was a bit crazy to say a pastrami sandwich was my favorite food. Of course it's not! There's a gazillion things to love, including Rudis dover sole, bread pudding, Dutch cafe quiche, and prime rib once a year only. And breakfast in club orange is divine, so elegant and fine. That rhymes!

Our favorite cruises were during the Atlantic Adventure era. The Maasdam 42 day transatlantic to Europe, and the Veendam 49 day transatlantic to Europe. There were people who went on these fall crossings every fall and they were magnificent. Wish they'd bring those cruises back.

The Rotterdam was often overlooked as a favorite ship for many. We loved her. Something special there.

Everything with us is auto pay now. So, we don't really get much mail anymore, but I have a neighbor just put it in a bag for when we return. As far as plants go, I only have succulents now and they survive 4 months at a time without water. I know, amazing. They just look thirsty when I return. I love a long cruise because it's heaven to see parts of the world I've only imagined before. It's humbling, too. Who knew there were that many people and cultures in the world.

Ah, but on some ships it's like the Wizard of Oz. You hear the voice but who is that never before seen person?

A skirt is just as, if not more, comfortable as shorts. That would be my go to on the ship if you want to be casual. You can go anywhere and feel like you are dressed up enough. Secret to my success.

I met Marty and Gail on an Atlantic Adventure and he told me to buy the FCD! So, I do. Every single time. Thanks Marty!

I buy some FCD on the ship and it's the same every time. Quite painless. I wondered for the longest time why I was doing this, but I'd just grab a beer and go. Vaguely, I thought there would be some benefit down the road. As far as the consultants go, they seem a bit stand-offish to me really, and I'd rather do my own searching for my perfect cruise. This does sound crazy, I know, but I do alot of research before I plunk down my cash. Obviously, I don't do any research on FCD, since I have very little knowledge in that direction, lol. I just do it.

I love threads like this one. Gives good information to figure out our next moves. Thanks everyone.

I suppose they are for real. But, they are always last minute and for places I have no interest in visiting, at least right now. Plus, add all the stuff that makes life bearable, like HIA, gratuities, port charges, taxes, and a cabin that's decent, well, that deal went right out the window. I have a friend who travels and stays in hostels, and I can guarantee you that I will never do that. Traveling bare bones is so not me, haha!

Oh, remember the recipe cards from the cooking demos. So much fun! Loved all that humor too! I saved them too...too precious to toss. Remember Amanda, the hostess? We would share a blue moon later on. She was very talented and it was a loss when HAL discontinued those cooking show!

That depends on when the staff lines up the chairs.

Do it. Club orange is wonderful. Don't tell anyone. It's a secret.

It's all crazy, isn't it. I usually buy Fcc on my way out the door, like 300.00 last time. Tell me why..I don't know. But, it shows up sometime in the future, and it's like HIA, such a mystery sometimes. But it all works out in the end. Someone recently commented that I must be a newbie on cruising. Nah, it's been like a thousand years. Lol.

Haha!

Agree. But, you can just be unruly and ask for triple meat lol! Love it smothered in mustard like I am in a NY deli!

Yes! Just ask..

Pastrami sandwich with double the meat. I only get it once a cruise, since it's terrible for me, but it's a hands down favorite. Everything else is great...I'm not cooking.

Old thread with a happy ending. Good for you!

I'm looking forward to booking another. I've found the staff to be more relaxed, maybe since they don't have that hectic turnover. Also, the passengers seem to enjoy the long, lazy days. There is something quite magical about all those days at sea. It's a very different vibe.

Disagree. It might be that you are going to the MDR at a very popular time. I'll bet if you went quite a bit later, the dining room would be half empty.

How could anyone really tell? Just because the staff is busy does not mean that's an indicator of being understaffed.