SFBayAreaShipLover

This is HAL choice. We don't need to be. Negative toward them. HAL has there own marketing ways and so many repeat folks including my partner and my self. It really looks lot cleaner and nice with out all that food stuff and BBQ,s dragged out in deck.

There big difference between Hal and carnival, princess

I have found in HAL on last 2 crises that the wait staff was more than helpful when asked to assist getting food to the table... I would often get my food for my self and drinks for parter and I, and steward more than happy to help carry them.

I agree that lines are faster and less food wastage.

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We're on the HAL's Eurodam leaving June 23, 2018 for a seven day, round-trip out of Seattle to Alaska.

 

I'm just glad to hear about these meetings. I have to admit I was a little hesitant about booking this cruise in the first place because I wondered how gay-friendly it would be. Finding this board has set my mind at ease.

 

Again, thank you for your replies.

HAL is very gay friendly, enjoy. Which ship you be on

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Thank you! And are these meetings in the daily schedule (I assume there is a daily schedule on-line or printed up for each day?)

Yes they mostly. Some cruise directors have it added to the paper. But after few days someone will asks to have one.... what ship you going one,

They had them one the Amsterdam last

Month

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Hello! I am brand new to cruising. I recently booked our very first cruise; a three-generation, week long cruise to Alaska on Holland America for June 2018. I had not heard of FOD/LGBT meetings until I read about them on this thread. Now I'm wondering if they have them on HAL and how does one find out about them on a specific cruise?

 

 

 

My son is gay, 25 years old, and I would love for him to have this social opportunity on our vacation. Thanks for reading and for any information.

Indeed they ideally have them, depending on length of cruise they well have them more of them, typ after the first get togeather we automatically get together in same spot. They will have them in one of the lounges at cocktail time typ

Age range well very....

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Sorry meant to type "Atlantic" ports

We have gone last3 years and weather has been great. Sure little rain and heavy for part of one, but they sailed around the hurricane and skipped cobo once. But every one had great time

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I think it's time for a poll. Raise your hand if you've eaten BBQ and didn't die!!

Folks, perhaps it's time to step back and be glad there are folks watching out for our safety and health.... and that why I actually feel safer eating on board ship then restaurants on shore in the US. Yes the VSP rules are complicated and the F&B managers need to understand it.

Didn't do well is an understatement. Any score less than 86 is a "fail" and warrants immediate corrective action.

 

Like many of these reports, the written description doesn't really cover the infraction, and unfortunately, HAL and the Amsterdam have not submitted a Corrective Action Report since this inspection in December, and these CAR's really show the detail of infraction and the actions taken.

 

I have seen many BBQ's on ships, and have set up quite a few. I suspect that the main problem was the open roof, combined with a possible lack of covering for the food, both in the prep (cooking) area and the serving area. It would also appear that the person in charge of the BBQ did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge of food protection measures like what kind of materials are allowed, how the presentation stations should be covered/protected, and how time controls are used for food safety in a service like this. The handwash sink is a secondary concern.

 

If you read the Amsterdam's report, you will see the detail that the inspectors get to with regards to both operation and construction of the food areas on the ships. There are a couple of mentions of "slotted fasteners" in equipment. Standard slotted or Phillips head screws are not allowed on food equipment that meets USPH requirements, because you cannot clean the slots or "crosses" in the screws. There are special fasteners that must be used, and this adds to the cost of the equipment bought, if it must meet USPH standards.

 

I'm not sure the statement that all cooking must be done in "designated/certified kitchens" is correct (not doubting the poster, just the person supplying the information). Provided the equipment used meets USPH construction standards, and the food preparation and service meets USPH operational standards, I know of no reason that an outdoor BBQ would not be allowed, though the USPH is working on a revision to the VSP, that hasn't come out yet.

I totally concur. Didn't realize there was more to the report. Slotted screws a big no no..

This sounds like the inspectors were really looking for something to write up and enforce. Simple solution is to provide a portable approved hand washing station. And roll out counter refrigerator. Having refit cruise ship galleys and shore side restaurants, I would trust food from a modern cruse ship vs shore side restaurant for cleanses.

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We're looking forward to it, our 4th Atlantis Mexico cruise in a row

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Hope you get underway soon...... I'm sailing on her on Oct 5th... Perhaps,bent blade

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We're looking so forward to the Mexico cruise on the Golden Princess, sure a upgrade from carnival ships. Any others from the San Francisco area going?