QuattroRomeo

The "brown building" offerings look unbelievably good!!

I wouldn't worry about bringing slacks if you don't think they would get worn much. Nice jeans are ok- but no shorts at night in dining rooms. And top it off with a collared shirt (like a polo), for the gents, and for yourself a scarf and cardigan, would be fine. Alaska cruises tend to be a little more casual. Don't stress now- just go and explore and enjoy!!

1 hour ago, Btimmer said:

We got off of the Noordam a week ago and there is a reasonable selection of deli sandwiches in the LIDO.  They normally make up a veggie, tuna, and a deli meat sandwich plus they'll make you a custom sandwich.

 

Regarding the Dive-In premade burgers, I had one.  One and done.  I ordered mine fresh after that and those are just fine. 

Thank you, I was wondering about deli sandwiches , as we quite like NY Deli on the Pinnacles!

(Hope you are feeling better, I enjoyed your review)!

6 hours ago, chiragsanghavi said:

Haven't tried dutch treats. but ordered room service in noordam recently (July 2023). Panini and Cheese Quesadilla were great.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Happy first Bon Voyage!!🚢🍾🍾🍾

57 minutes ago, GatorMomInNC said:

I was on the Noordam a few months ago (and will be again in a few weeks).   The Dive In had burgers and hotdogs; there was a taco bar in the Lido (that was great).   There are pastries and such at the coffee bar.   The buffet is open late (midnightish) with some limited food (sandwiches, pre made salads, IIRC).  

That sounds alright! Any favourites?

8 hours ago, RD64 said:

Just this morning at Explorations I had a “sugar bomb”. A doughnut type pastry - small, round, dusted in sugar and cinnamon - very good. But as someone mentioned, there are just various pastries - the same you will find in Lido. BTW - the bomb was good.

 

Lido has sooooo many food options - and everything is excellent. One thing however, Divein does have some pre-made burgers available - from what I have heard they are not the best.

Thank you! A sugar bomb treat with coffee sounds alright to me. But I hope Dive-In is still good; as long as they don't mess with my Backflip chicken burger, I'll be fine!

11 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

Count me as someone not particularly enamored with the Dutch Cafe offerings, though it is nice to have food/snack delivery on this lower deck. So it has been a good addition to the newer larger ships and well executed for that. Bravo HAL for celebrating your Dutch heritage. After we tried several menu items, it was back to the Lido for us for any mid-day snacking.

 

We personally like the ready made Grab and Go sandwiches, and never lacked in finding plenty of other good things to eat at the Lido Buffet - small plate appetizers; salad bar; distant lands, custom made sandwiches; ice cream; cookies; desserts; and did someone mention potato chips? I understand the make your own nacho/taco bar is making a comeback on some ships too.

 

It is easier to get to the Lido on the smaller ships like the Noodam, so it pretty much can serve all snacking needs, including access to the Dive-Inn and their wonderful french fries. Along with speciality coffees at the Explorations Cafe.

 

I do miss the extra fee Gelato Bar on the larger HAL ships - that was an excellent product for the price.

Thanks, OlsSalt! It sounds like I will just "serve all snacking needs" at the Lido! (Love that phrase🙂). Plus the great fries at Dive-In. 

There are so many great things mentioned already, so I will just add a small thing I like: the rolled hand towels in the washrooms! Plus the flower (usually an orchid).  It just adds a little touch of elegance, that is far superior to paper towels or blow dryers!

Of course everyone has their favourites, but I think it's great that HAL gets 2 mentions!

We have been on the Noordam, but many years ago; can someone with more recent experience comment on the food offerings at Explorations Cafe and Lido sandwiches?

No advantage, unfortunately. I've done the beverage card and just adding some shipboard credit. Using OBC , I found, was better. It was a nuisance having to get them to scan the separate card and keep track of the remaining balance.

It seems that it is picking up 3 participants somehow.. have you cleared your cart like a million times already trying to fix it?!

Velvet and how! Beautiful scenery. And the basalt formations are so interesting to look at!

Something strong...!

Pet peeve is the bedding and bed. We hate the too hot duvet - prefer sheets and a light blanket, which is getting harder for the steward to find. (Last cruise, the blanket he found had a hole in it).

Also, 2 twin beds make a king, not a queen size bed. Except on ships! The beds are too narrow. 

Glad to see cake is still involved!! And that pooch looks like a real sweetie..

Yikes.The sandwich 'presentation' reeks of employee sabotage to me; no crew member would serve themselves that mess! Perhaps the waiters are too scared to say anything let alone return it to the kitchen..the Food and Beverage Director and Executive Housekeeper clearly have insufficient, if any, quality controls in place. Maybe the General Manager is in the dark. You have every right to be disappointed with the cruise ship facilities. 

I am very glad you are enjoying the ports, tours and the port bakeries! Your beach glass "excursion" description was fun to read!

16 minutes ago, YVRteacher said:

Would now be a good time for me to tell you that there are toenail clippings on the carpet in the new cabin?

 

There are toenail clippings on the carpet of the new cabin.

 

Would this also be a good time to tell you that when I went to the Cruise Next desk today to register for the Behind the Scenes tour she told me it was full?

 

Would now be a good time for me to tell you that the room steward said that since I am back to back I don’t get the Diamond Latitudes coupon book for the two free meals and the laundry.

 

Would now be a good time to tell you that there were no chocolate covered strawberries and Flow Water boxes delivered today? Nothing.

☹️

What?? No cake??

At least there are lots of reindeer..

💤🫢😲

Ps all of these bakery offerings jusf look too too good!

That's some darn-good story telling!!

Lovely contrast in that last photo; beautiful landscape shot! And I just love the "3 Icelandic heads" popping out of the waterfall pool- great catch!

Trying to get the glitter out?!...