0106

Thank you for the factual review of Rudi’s. I would have been extremely disappointed if I had paid for the meal you were served. Seems like the bread and dessert were the only two courses that met the high standards I expect. I hope you order the Dover sole in Club Orange and it is as delicious as you remember. Sorry you had to get off the ship and wait so long for customs. Hope the process is better on your next turn around. When we departed the Zuiderdam in February after our Panama Canal cruise , we went through customs on the ship. I look forward to seeing pictures of the tree lighting. I saw this unique tree made from sand in West Palm Beach last weekend.

@soccermom4 Have you downloaded the Navigator app? You can view daily breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for the Lido and MDR there.

On the Oosterdam in November the Executive Pastry chef made crème brûlée during her cooking demonstration. Recipes and samples were distributed. When you are on the ship, send a message on the Navigator app, ask your server and if you see someone in a chef’s hat, ask her.

Forgot! Also, ask for a copy of the Indian menu for the MDR. Food is delicious and there are several vegetarian options.

I’m not a vegan but primarily eat vegetarian. On the Oosterdam in November, I ate in the Lido for breakfast and lunch. I was able to find things I really enjoyed in in the Distant Lands section. I made some unique breakfasts using the Asian choices. Really liked the miso soup and congee, I would add things like tofu and spinach. For lunch in addition to the Distant Lands choices, there is also an excellent salad bar and pasta bar. The Dive In has a portabella mushroom and a Beyond Meat burger. Don’t be afraid to ask for vegetarian items off the regular menu in the MDR at dinner. If I saw a vegetable or side that I liked on the menu, I ask for a double portion without the meat. Sometimes I ask for the sides from two different entrees. I think it helped that we had fixed seating. On the first night, I told the waiter I did not want any meat. He often suggested things that could be easily modified. The service was extraordinary, he went out of his way to make sure I was well fed.

@rafinmd Sorry about your Bah Humbug Covid situation. I agree with @dfish Here is some information I found when I researched a similar situation for my Dad that may be helpful to you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people who contract COVID-19 can have detectable virus for up to three months, but that doesn't mean they are contagious. When it comes to testing, the PCR tests are more likely to continue picking up the virus following infection. "PCR test can stay positive for a long time," Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said in March. "Those PCR tests are very sensitive," she added. "They keep picking up dead virus in your nose for sometimes for weeks, but you can't grow that virus in the lab. You can't spread it but it can be positive." The CDC notes that tests "are best used early in the course of illness to diagnose COVID-19 and are not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to evaluate duration of infectiousness." For those isolating due to a COVID infection, there is no testing requirement to end isolation, however, the CDC recommends using a rapid antigen test for those who choose to take one. Arwady said that guidance is likely related to determining whether or not someone has an "active" virus. "If you did want to get a test done, please don't get a PCR. Use a rapid antigen test," she said. "Why? Because the rapid antigen test is the one that will look to see...do you have a high enough COVID level that you are potentially infectious? Now, a PCR test, remember, can pick up up traces of the virus for a long time, even if it's not potentially transmitting."

https://www.hollandamerica.com/content/dam/hal/inventory-assets/activity-types/dining/club-orange/Club_Orange_Benefits.pdf?ICID=HECIV072419345

A moldy room should not be used by passengers. Perhaps, it could be used for toilet paper storage.😉 Seriously, what is the best way to request a different room. I think if I walked in a room like that I would immediately go to guest services. Does anyone else have a more effective approach?

I can only imagine how long it took to upload. If we had tried to upload a video when we were on the Oosterdam we’d still be on the ship.🤣 Glad you are enjoying Club Orange. We got it on the Rotterdam for our cruise in February for the cabin upgrade but it seems that you are enjoying the CO dining room too. Looking forward to hearing about your visit to Ensenada tomorrow. Thanks for your updates.

Hi Jacqui- Hope you had a wonderful “quiet” day onboard yesterday.🌞 How were the mariachi? Wishing you good luck with jackpot bingo; you deserve to win the free cruise lottery!😉 Tina

Here is a possible “quote of the day”.

Hard Candy Day brings back fond memories of time spent at my grandparents house. There was always a candy bowl, I believe the preferred brand was Brachs. There was always ribbon candyand cut rock. I hope everyone has similar memories to cherish this holiday season.

Thanks for the posting the recent signage. They should change the rules on website. This makes me consider other cruise lines with adults only pools.

The Seaview Pool is supposed to be adults only. Now you if HAL would only enforce the rules they publish. From the HAL website Guests must be 18 or older to use our SeaView Pool and 16 or older to use the fitness center, hot tubs and steam rooms. The MDR lunch menu is the same everyday except for the “catch of the day”. We dined there once in November only because we were trying to pass some time on a sea day. We ordered one small plate (calamari-it was good) which was delivered at the same time as our large plates- 1/2 Croque Monsieur with tomato soup ( very good) and a club sandwich ( not good). The next day we ordered room service for lunch and the club sandwich was much better. I hope you are enjoying the warm weather. Happy cruising! Tina

We love maple syrup! @grapau27 I recommend next time you are on a ship, try a drop. Make sure it is REAL maple syrup. Elf is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Four main food groups. It’s good in coffee And on spagetti Finally…on a different note.

1 t shirt 2 pair of jeans 3 pair yoga pants 2 pair athletic shorts 2 short sleeve dress shirts 2 long sleeve dress shirts Roll it tight!

I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful island of Madeira on the Oosterdam in November. We took a “free” ship’s tour called Botanic Beauty. I love our visit the Funchal Farmers market. Black scabard fish being cleaned. Too bad we didn’t get to taste them . I hear they are delicious. We didn’t ride the sleds but enjoyed watching. Our Lady of Monte Next the cable cars to the gardens. I hate heights but the views were incredible. The gardens were lovely Looking back at the city as we departed in the evening.

@kochleffelIt is easy to make your own super fine sugar. All you need is granulated sugar and a food processor or blender. Simply give granulated sugar a spin in your food processor. For every cup of super fine sugar needed, process a cup plus 3 teaspoons of granulated sugar. With just a few pulses, you'll have your very own homemade version.

Cabins in the aft of the Navigation deck are my favorite because I like to be close to the Lido too. I have never been bother by noise from above in this section of the ship. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you for the picture of the Bigelow tea @Seasick Sailor I also drink lemon tea and was on the Oosterdam with Gerry. We had fixed seating in the MDR. After the 1st night my waiter knew to bring me a pot of lemon tea at the end of my meal. About half way through the cruise, he said that there were no more lemon tea bags. I reluctantly accepted green tea. The next night, he approached my table with a twinkle in his eye. He said he found some lemon tea bags and hid them for me. Every night he gave me one for my after dinner tea and one so I could have lemon tea in the morning. This is the kind of extraordinary service I have come to enjoy when I sail on a BHB. Gerry, don’t drink all the I Love Lemon tea on the Rotterdam in January. Save some for me. I board on February 4 @kazu So happy you made it to San Diego! Enjoy your cruise.

One of my favorite commercials is about herding cats. I think it’s because as a teacher, I was always herding cats.

No dog should run loose in a neighborhood. That being said, I have two friends that have adopted pit bull puppies from a shelter and they are the sweetest dogs. They are loyal and affectionate. Unfortunately, some owners train pit bulls to fight or to be guard dogs, because of this they have a bad reputation. I believe that it is how you raise the dog. I hope @durangoscots can weigh in with an opinion on pit bulls.

Thank you! Problem solved.

@pirate cruiserI like to view the menus so I can schedule my specialty dining. @Crew NewsI truly appreciate all the useful information you provide on your blog. When I click on the link”Dining for Specific cruises”. This is what I see. There is no way for me to view any sub menus.