CGTNORMANDIE

23 minutes ago, BklynBoy8 said:

In the local English Pubs in NYC Bubble & Squeak is made a bit different.

 

Bubble & Squeak is a sausage accompanied by a Mashed Potato type of cake patty. Not like potato pancake. I is also openly mashed with the Sausages laid upon it. I do expect to try it the next time on board B&S.

 

Cumberland Sausage is something new to me.

 

I know there are other dishes like Toad in a Hole and Bangers and Mash...

Toad in the hole is a traditional English dish consisting of sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy and vegetables.

Bangers and mash is a traditional dish of Great Britain, consisting of sausages served with mashed potatoes.

 

They have many dishes with sausages.

 

I know there are very few sausages on their Breakfast Menu now a days compared to the old days. There were two americans and three english sausages on the QE2 in the past compared to attached menu.

CU_BR_Breakfast.pdf 344.92 kB · 2 downloads

Your bubble and squeak sounds like bangers and mashed minus the onion gravy.  What you describe is not bubble and squeak.  I would be shocked if a Cunard ship did not have a proper British banger at breakfast.  Back in 2008 we crossed from Southampton to Fll on RCI Jewell Of The Seas and they had a pile of bangers for breakfast every morning as they had been cruising out of Southampton.  I was in hog Heaven!  

4 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

What is Bubble and Squeak?  How does a Cumberland Sausage differ from other Sausages?   Your choices to try are also ones that I would select.  The Golden Lion Ploughman's Lunch is another one that I think I would enjoy.  

 

It's been a very long time since I have read a Pub Lunch menu.  Thank you for posting it.  

Bubble and squeak is basically left over veggies from a boiled dinner…boiled potato, cabbage, etc.  Call it a British frittata.  A Cumberland sausage is a British banger.  A thicker sausage usually made with meal…like oat meal as a filler to supplement the pork.  The original Cumberland sausage came in a long coil.  The flavor is like a well spiced but mild sausage…a true delight.  They are some of my favorites.  The ploughman’s lunch would suit me too as well as the steak and kidney pie.  I love steak and kidney pie.

6 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

As I recently mentioned clams on another forum questions I had another dish that I never saw on a Cunard ship.

 

First time we sailed on the QM2 I did pick on the embarkation night menu Meatballs & Spaghetti. Odd to select this but wanted to see how they made it. Coming from Brooklyn - Bensonhurst Italian area, I must admit it was really great.

 

But back to the original item, clams. Except most likely on another line, I never saw Ling w White/Red Clam Sauce on the Menu. I also prefer Angel Hair as a preference. But wonder if in the right restaurant that may even take requests, would I be able to request it.

 

It is said the the QM2 has a very stocked full of goodies stockroom on board from A to Z. Soup to Nuts.

 

Interesting.

MSC makes all kinds of pasta with clams, shellfish and muscles.  If you are in the Yacht Club you can also request a special Italian dish.

Booking a suite on the new MSC ships can be confusing.  There are suites available in the Aurea and Fantastica experiences but they don’t come with a lot of perks.  If it’s perks then you want to book the Yacht Club.  Ironically the YC does not offer real suites rather a bigger balcony cabin with a slightly bigger bathroom.  There is a Royal Suite and another type of suite but they are few and twice the price of a regular YC cabin.  The list of YC perks is too extensive to list here.  Just Google MSC YC and read up on the YC experience.  You will be impressed.

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

CGT

I think this will be the new Flu......

 

I think masks will be with us for the next 3-5 years. We booked for 9/2022 and already getting ready not just on board activities and cabin but how we will act in the Restaurant and Buffets.

 

We go to the Met Op in NYC and we just got their C19 regulations for the Fall when they are opening up.

It's like going to a new Opera House even before you enter the building. Which is where the Vac Check takes place. No Have - No Go In.

 

As you may have heard in NYC yesterday....August 16th Vac proof must be shown to enter any restaurant or you will be turned back. Sept 13th enforce will take place with plenty to owners.

 

A New World...... 

More like “A Brave New World”…Aldus Huxley…lol.  

1 hour ago, BklynBoy8 said:

CGT

After the number of times we've been on the Mary.... she is a piece of cake to navigate for sure.

 

The idea is to get to the pier early that day. Check In and board at 12 when they open the ship. Drop of carry on in cabin. Head to Kings Court/Golden Lion/Carinthia Lounge for Embark Nosh.

 

By 12:30 you have started the cruise and not 5 or 6 when she leaves the pier.

Thanks for the tip BB.  It’s been 43 years since we sailed on Cunard from or to NY.  It will probably take another couple of years but that’s what bucket lists are for!  I’m sure the QM2 will be there when we are ready.

5 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

We too will be taking the next sailing after a 5 year break in 2022.

 

Also going up the hill and hitting 70 this September but have had Senior Moments for several years.

But keeping and thinking Young at Heart and Mind.

 

Once we see the QM2 again we will put all this aside. 

Remember BB…”It’s not how you feel…it’s how you look”…LOL.  Cruising will not be easy in the next year or so.  The Covid will be with us until we perfect the vaccines and therapeutics.  Cruise ships might very well become the safest way to vacation.

4 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

We are looking forward to trying the Golden Lion for Embarkation lunch the next time instead of heading to the Kings Court Buffet on the QM2.

 

We are also not so attracted to the theme alternate dinner in the Kings Court due to it's cuisine. Verandah yes for Steaks. 

You certainly know your way around the QM2 BB.  The QM2 is definitely on my bucket list.  My step brother is a retired airline pilot.  He was able to book the Windsor Suite on. European cruise a few years back.  The pictures were fantastic…what an experience!  It will be a pleasure to check out the current deck plans to see where you are going.

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

If I have chosen open dining, this is an ideal time for a specialty restaurant visit.  Food, service, and often a discount on both food and wine is an extra added attraction.  I have experienced this situation in both HAL's Pinnacle Grill as well as in the Steakhouses on Carnival.  Carnival's have been the best experience each time that I have done this.  

 

You can get great discounts in the specialty restaurants on the first night.  They are desperate to fill those empty seats as most inexperienced pax choose other nights to dine there.  I have heard of 25-30% discounts.  I’d go for that anytime!

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I appreciate your recommendations.  I am starting to become better acclimated to being the "senior" senior citizen that I have been for longer than I, guess, wanted to admit.  Just had my annual physical exam this morning and the initial reports are good.  

 

Since January 31, 2020, there has been a mental adjustment, due to change in my physical condition, that I have had to make.  My doctors are getting the physical situation under control.  I am working on the mental side.  And, I feel that I am making some progress.  Day by day.  With some days being days that I backslide.  

 

Your recommendation for some excellent Italian cuisine is just what I like!  Thanks.  

Hi RK,

I can tell you from experience that you never know what is around the corner.  I have gone through health care hell for the past four years.  Add the Covid on to that and you’ll see I’ve drawn a Royal Straight Flush in healthcare.  The good news is that I can now see a distant light at the end of my very long tunnel.  Once you hit your 70’s you can expect to have one issue or more.  More good news…the medical technology is awesome.  Make sure you get back to Boston and get to the North End for a great Italian meal.  I am looking forward to going on a cruise in 2022 after a 5 year hiatus.  Count your blessings and keep on cruising!

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

When I sailed from Boston, I recall that a restaurant was still there.  Name?  Don't recall.  Did consider it for the one evening's dinner when I was there, but chose a different restaurant which was very good.

 

I recall dining in a restaurant atop a tall building in downtown Columbus, Ohio that was also a Stouffer's restaurant.  (That was a really long time ago!)  Cuisine was excellent.  

 

I suppose the brand "Stouffer's" exited the restaurant/hotel market place when the Company was acquired by different owners.  Too bad, because it was quality at the time when they existed.  I am glad that the brand remains, at least, in their frozen food preparations.  Have yet to taste any that I don't enjoy.  Their Green Pepper Steak is a real favorite of mine and hard to find at times.  I still associate the name of "Stouffer's" with quality.  

 

 

If you get to Boston in the near future just google Italian restaurants.  There are at least 50 in the North End area and the Seaport.  Rino’s is my favorite but that is all the way over to East Boston.  You’ll love the North End…very old Boston…it is very handy to Black Falcon Terminal.    I would say at least 25 of those restaurants are memorable and that does not include the bakeries and pizzerias.  

On 7/31/2021 at 5:45 PM, rkacruiser said:

Does anyone remember dining at The Top of the Sixes in New York City?  It was a Stouffer's affiliated restaurant, as I recall, when they were in the hospitality/restaurant business.  I remember staying at the Stouffer Madison Hotel in Seattle several years ago.  

Stouffers had another “Top Of” restaurant in Boston.  It was called “Top Of The Hub”.  I actually worked there around 1968.  It was at the top of The Prudential Tower.  I imagine it was similar to the Top Of The Sixes.  The food was very good.  I remember featured dishes like lobster stuffed with lobster and Chateau Briand Jardinier with Pommes Duchess.  The steaks and filet mignon were top quality.  I should know…I cooked them all.  The Top Of The Hub finally closed last year.  

22 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

I suspect you are looking at a date too far in the future, the full train schedules are not loaded into the system that far in advance.

 

If you look at the schedule for next week you can see what's available.

 

For example, there is a Frecciargento from Rome Termini at 6:12 that arrives to Genova Piazza Principe (the closest to the cruise port) at 10:45, then a Frecciabiana at 6:57 that arrives at 11:50.  These trains run seven days a week.

Thank you EC.

We are considering a few days in Rome and then meeting the ship in Genoa.  I’ve looked at the train schedules and nothing arrives in Genoa in the AM except the overnight train.  Does anyone have any better idea?  We don’t mind sharing transport and are not looking for a personal car ride which is astronomical.  Ideas??

On 7/27/2021 at 10:34 AM, thesnoopster2 said:

Hydrogen is actually bad for the environment right now.  Yes the end product is wonderful, but it often takes more fossil fuels to produce hydrogen than it saves as the end unit.  Hydrogen has been studied and worked on since the 80s and still isn't ready for the prime time yet.  I like the idea of hydrogen, but realistically last I checked into it, it isn't environmentally friendly when you look at the life span of creation of the hydro cells, transportation, and then using it as a fuel.  

Same reason why Hummers are more environmentally friendly than a Prius.  A Prius battery is mined in Canada, sent to Asia to be processed, sent back to US and then back to Japan to be installed in the Prius.  Then afterwards, that battery needs to be decommissioned.  Yes you save gas/fossil fuels while you drive, but the before and after you own the vehicle makes it worse than the hummer.  

Correct…the only problem is how to produce the hydrogen.  The best way would be hydroelectric from a dam, solar farm or geothermal steam power.  All of these are possible and should be explored.  You are so 100% right about electric car auto batteries…they require too much trouble with transport and disposal…not to mention power drain on the grid.  

11 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

CGT

I do agree with you in some points but we like to attend the first evening to get to know the Maitre D of the restaurant/section of the restaurant and the waiters. As if you were invited to dinner and not show up. Granted I again agree with you but would leave the Alter Rest's for during the sailing.

 

As I said once before, we had an experience once on the first night being in a core area that was too confusing and bulk of tables/people. Next night we moved to another area a bit quiet and it was Smooth Sailing the rest of the trip. We even watched the other area and we moved at the right time. Others wanted to and it was too late.

I always advise the Maitre D or the waiters that we will not be dining.  Sometimes I call and sometimes I go down in person.  I once had an experience on RCI Jewel where we were seated next to the kitchen doors and had a steady stream of waiters going and coming.  I had to have 4 of us moved.  They told me that it would be impossible.  Fortunately I was in the Royal Suite.  The next evening we had a table next to the Captains Table…lol.  This is when, on future cruises, I decided to visit the MD before the first dinner.  If I were on the QM2 it would be different…but on the mass market lines I prefer to stay away the first night.  

12 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I wonder how many of our honorable members of Congress are well versed in the history of the United States and understand what the Monuments that we have truly represent and mean.  Just as an example of what I am thinking-----

 

How many have visited Ellis Island?  Do some of them even know that Ellis Island exists?  Do they know what that site means to our history?  

Amen RK…Congress continues to disappoint.

20 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

Maybe but also it can be different since the first night is very busy and you hope they produce good quality.

 

By the other nights they have settled down in the kitchen. Also the hustle and bustle of new passengers boarding.

 

I always gauge the sailing from day 2 on. 

So many things are going on the first night.  You have crew changes as some of the crew go onshore and are replaced with new crew members.  Same for the galley crew.  And who knows how many are hung over from shore parties.  I just avoid the MDR on first night…too much chaos.  First night is a great time to try one of the specialty restaurants.  They usually are willing to give you a discount as many pax don’t choose to go on first night.

On 7/27/2021 at 5:13 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

All of Heidi13's comments, I can support!  

 

I'll add that a longer cruise allows one to become more than superficially familiar with fellow guests and crew members.  That can add another dimension to a cruise that is sometimes difficult to develop on a short and/or port intensive cruise.  

 

With one trans-Atlantic crossing (really wasn't a cruise) on QE2 when there were labor problems on the ship being the exception, I am never ready to disembark after a long cruise.  There is so much to experience; to do; I can't do it all.  

I agree.  My days on a transatlantic are so busy I rarely have time for a nap!

On 7/27/2021 at 7:42 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

I was aware of the reason for the subsides provided by the Federal Government.  Your comment about the lack of innovations related to these subsidies is something that I have never read. 

 

Makes sense in 2020-2021:  if I am getting a paycheck for not working, why should I seek employment?  

 

 

Yet, S. S. United States is an example of American design, engineering, and construction excellence.  Is that not worthy of the attention of the National Park Service?  

You would think the SSUS would rate monument status.  Unfortunately the current Congress sees it differently.

7 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

The problem I see, is similar to the Queen Mary, where no work was done for decades below the waterline, and she is now requiring millions in repairs.  The battleship Texas has rotted out her bottom, and is flooding.  The best way to preserve a ship like this is to either fill in land around it, or build a concrete barge around the hull to keep it from the water.

Great idea…take it one step further and raise the ship up to street level.

25 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Are you sure?  I thought Pacific Princess was the ship that was used for background shots for the TV show.  

Pacific Princess came later.  Pacific Princess was used as the mainstay but the pilot was shot using the Sun Princess ex Spirit of London.  

2 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

The store where I have found my Guava Juice also has Passion Fruit Juice.  I'll buy a bottle when I next shop there.  I think I would like that.  

You will definitely enjoy passion fruit juice.  It also is a great mixer for Tiki drinks!  

12 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

The entire engine room and propulsion plant was going to be replaced.  Steam propulsion is so inefficient, that only ships that can burn their own cargo (LNG tankers) even consider using it.  The power that the SSUS had was needed to push her well beyond hull speed to her maximum speed, and no one needs or wants that these days, even Cunard has scaled back the QM2 speeds.  

 

NCL bought the SSUS mainly to maintain a monopoly on US passenger ship bottoms.  But the CEO of Genting Group (that owned NCL at the time), KT Lim, has a fascination with the SSUS.  NCL's plans to rebuild the SSUS never really got off the ground, both due to massive losses from the US flag Hawaiian trade, and also lawsuits by the SSUS Conservancy regarding the power plant, which the Conservancy wanted to remain.

 

KT Lim's fascination with the SSUS continued after NCL sold it, and Genting sold majority share of NCL.  Genting still owns Crystal cruises, and Crystal actually went and did a feasibility study on rebuilding the SSUS.  Aside from the major costs involved with installing a new diesel electric power plant, and bringing the ship up to SOLAS standards, the major sticking point was that the entire stern would need to be redesigned to have two rudders (SSUS only has one, and SOLAS requires two for passenger vessels), or for two azipods.  

Thank you CKP.  As always you are the ultimate authority on marine engineering.  As a member of the SSUS Conservancy I disagree with the idea of retaining the turbines.  After nearly 70 years, and 42 years laid up, how would anyone think the turbines could be used??  

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Spirit of London was changed to Sun Princess around 1974/75. When I started in Aug 75, she was already Sun Princess. Of the 3 ships, she was my favourite, known by the crew as the "Fun" Princess.

Yes she was to become Sun Princes and the first boat used in the TV series Love Boat.