May 21, 2024. First cruise; Vancouver to Alaska. (May 14 to the 21st.) I don't want to diss the cruise line desserts; just offering my "taste bud" opinion. As many have already said; most of the desserts have different colors/shapes, and familiar names--But; alas; they are virtually tasteless. Don't expect cheesecake to resemble a proper cream-cheese cake. Their version is the un-cheesecake. The creme brulee has the customary; brittle carmelized sugar topping. So far; so good. The "creme brulee" (custard) part? Do you like sugar? Lots of sugar? No? Avoid! Horribly sweet; no flavor. My blood sugar probably shot up eight points. Ugh. Whether you go to the buffet; or eat in the no-charge dining rooms--The desserts all taste the same. I've had tiramisu made by an Italian pastry chef. Out of this world. That's my standard. This one tasted like the "creme brulee"--Overly sweet; no flavor. Tiramisu? Pathetic. Not even close to being close. Oh well. Ending on a positive note: I can't recall the name of the following dessert: In one of the (several) buffet rooms; I spotted a chocolate colored "brownie-like" dessert in a baking dish. It had some walnuts on top; and the attendant spooned a good sized portion into a bowl--And ladled a light colored chocolate sauce on the side.
(1) It was a hot dessert. (2) It was delightfully moist. (3) The top had a thin; appetizing; "crunchy" crust. I took my first taste with a spoonful of some of the warm chocolate sauce....Oh! Delicious!!!! The dessert...the sauce...the walnuts...all came together perfectly. I couldn't get enough; but had to use some discipline. I was on the alert--The next day...Not there. I kept waiting/watching/hoping....But; 'twas not to be. Anyway; my wife and I were on the Ruby Princess. Overall; a decent experience. Too bad the desserts had to be so bland, and basically flavorless. Oh--One more thing. The chocolate mousse was basically a good chocolate pudding. It wasn't a stiffer; foamy; melt-in-your-mouth mousse. So--If you like dessert; don't set the bar too high. If you are watching your sugar intake; the taste bud reward isn't worth the insulin spike.
