maimeo

Um...it is a hotel banquet room

We have cruised HAL many times. The food is what I would call "high end commercial". Since they have to prepare so much food for so many people, you would not get Michelin quality. Also, they tend to make foods on the non-spicy side. When traveling with my daughter-in-law who is Indonesian, she requested Sriracha for her meals. I also understand Sambal Oelek is available.

Some family members (myself included) are also intolerant of some foods; gluten is only one of the problems. I found that the Lido for breakfast and lunch was perfect since each item can be made to your needs. They are exceptionally accommodating.

We nearly always eat in the MDR and found the food very good for the most part. We also eat in the Pinnacle Grill from time to time. Now that they always have grilled chicken and steak every night, I can easily request a nice dinner that meets my needs and is tasty!

Just ask.

2015 (this is DW of DAKrewser)

I have found that the Lido staff will help even when you are not using a walker cane or anything else :-)

You will be required to attend the muster on each leg of a B2B

It's a cloth bag with a drawstring and can hold about a day's worth of clothes for 2 adults plus another couple extra pants or shirts depending on the bulk of the pieces. You can stuff it full :-)

I agree with all the posts so far. My DH and I always chose second seating so that we can do the late afternoon activities and aren't rushing to dinner at reboarding times. We usually have a snack in the afternoon.

Sometimes (on HAL) we go to afternoon tea. Sometimes there is a cook-out on deck with hambergers, tacos, etc. And the Lido often has some foods out all the time or ice cream in the afternoon. Room service is also a good option. In Alaska on HAL ships they used to do pea soup on deck in the afternoon! Not sure they still do.

Afternoon snack is always possible!

My husband and I as well as our daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren will be on the Nov 29 sailing of the Nieuw Amsterdam. Which one are you considering?

We have never had a problem on HAL getting a 2-top that is comfortably away from others just like any nice restaurant. We eat at the late seating in the dining room. On the first day of the cruise we visit the dining room to see where our table is and request a change if we are not happy. Even at the first dinner, you can talk to the Maitre-d and may be able to change for the rest of the cruise. Many people don't go to the MDR the first night but do a specialty restaurant instead.

In the past, Gala (read Formal) Nights were not just about guests' dress code. The dining room got dressier with white covers on the chairs. The menu was more upscale with lobster, steak, classic dishes. Photographers set up backdrops for taking portraits. A more festive atmosphere.

It will be interesting to see how that plays out before and on our next cruise in November (Nieuw Amsterdam Eastern Caribbean).

Any comments by recent cruisers would be helpful.

Sambal Olek is spicy but not super spicy. It also adds a nice flavor and some sweetness. It can be added to food while cooking or in cold sauces like remoulade or just put on food like ketchup. Very versatile. It is gluten free and contains no onions or garlic. A go-to condiment in my house!