Pinnacle Grill Brunch?

[sail7seas]

Each of the four Disney ships has a Northern Italian specialty restaurant called Palo. They offer brunch on 4 day and longer cruises, usually on a sea day. On a 7 day cruise it is usually offered twice, and on a longer voyage 3 to 4 times.

 

The demand is high enough that you can usually only reserve brunch one time during your cruise.

 

If the economics would work for HAL, I think the setting of the Pinnacle Grill would be perfect.

 

 

It is clearly a bountiful display.

Seeing it is so enjoyed on Disney, then why not sail Disney? :confused:

 

HAL is not likely to provide anything that remotely resembles that on a regular basis.

That is simply not going to happen.

IMO

 

[SilvertoGold]

The way Disney handles it is to require reservations for specific times. brunch runs from 10am to 2pm. Reservations can be made for 30 minute increments, ie: 10am, 10:30am, 11:00am, etc., with last seating at 1pm. Each time has a limited number of guests, hence they can avoid overcrowding and lines.

 

You are seated at your table by the maitre d' and the then the waiter comes by, explains how the brunch works, what items you can order from him/her to have the kitchen prepare, and then you escorted to the brunch buffet area where the different menu items are described to you.

 

The whole process is very smooth, without overcrowding or a rushed feel. When well managed it really is an upscale experience and a delightful way to enjoy your mid-day at sea.

 

That is very impressive! Organized, gracious and very well thought-out!

 

I would take this brunch over a lunch in the Pinnacle any day! What a great idea for an alternative.

Edited April 21, 2013 by SilvertoGold

[SilvertoGold]

 

HAL is not likely to provide anything that remotely resembles that on a regular basis.

That is simply not going to happen.

IMO

 

 

 

Any particular reason?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

It is clearly a bountiful display.

Seeing it is so enjoyed on Disney, then why not sail Disney? :confused:

 

HAL is not likely to provide anything that remotely resembles that on a regular basis.

That is simply not going to happen.

IMO

 

Sail, actually on the contrary HAL would do this and it actually has been brought up for discussion among those at the top. Now is it something that could happen in the near future that is totally unknown? I think it is a fabulous idea and I for one have talked with Hotel Directors and Pinnacle Grill Managers about this. When it was discussed it was talked about in having it much like what is offered for the Suite Lunch and offering Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Mary's and chargin a small fee probably in the range of $20.00. In one conversation the Pinnacle Manager went as far as to tell me how they would set it up in the Pinnacle Grill so this has definitely been talked about. Who knows something like this may be rolled out when the new ship comes out maybe before ;). I definitely would like to see something like this and like mentioned previous Celebrity does a great job with theirs and I was quite impressed.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Mimosas and Bloody Marys -- one more reason we would not pay for that type of brunch.

[Typhoon1]

Several years ago on the Westerdam, a brunch was held for Suite guests only. It was quite nice, featuring many items not normally seen by cruisers.

[cruisin'girl]

It is clearly a bountiful display.

Seeing it is so enjoyed on Disney, then why not sail Disney? :confused:

 

HAL is not likely to provide anything that remotely resembles that on a regular basis.

That is simply not going to happen.

IMO

 

Why do you think this wouldn't happen on HAL? It sounds like it is successful on other competing cruiselines. I'm confused on why in your opinion HAL wouldn't or couldn't do anything like it.

[Northshorecruisers]

Several years ago on the Westerdam, a brunch was held for Suite guests only. It was quite nice, featuring many items not normally seen by cruisers.

 

I went to the Suite lunch last time we were on Oosterdam and it was held in the Crow's Nest. Some new foods I hadn't seen offered and it was done very, very well.

[Typhoon1]

I went to the Suite lunch last time we were on Oosterdam and it was held in the Crow's Nest. Some new foods I hadn't seen offered and it was done very, very well.

 

On the Westerdam, it was in the Pinnacle. I would love to see them offer that option to all cruisers for a nominal fee.

[sail7seas]

Sail, actually on the contrary HAL would do this and it actually has been brought up for discussion among those at the top. Now is it something that could happen in the near future that is totally unknown? I think it is a fabulous idea and I for one have talked with Hotel Directors and Pinnacle Grill Managers about this. When it was discussed it was talked about in having it much like what is offered for the Suite Lunch and offering Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Mary's and chargin a small fee probably in the range of $20.00. In one conversation the Pinnacle Manager went as far as to tell me how they would set it up in the Pinnacle Grill so this has definitely been talked about. Who knows something like this may be rolled out when the new ship comes out maybe before ;). I definitely would like to see something like this and like mentioned previous Celebrity does a great job with theirs and I was quite impressed.

 

Actually, we've had similar conversations. :)

 

It's just my opinion, but I seriously doubt we will see anything like that in the near future.

 

I'll be very happy to be proven wrong. I'm not sure we'd go as that is way too much food to interest me. It is more of a turn off when I see such excess but I know plenty of other people feel differently judging from all those seated and eating in the photos posted here.

 

I just don't think they will offer anything resemblilng what has been pictured. Maybe on a MUCH smaller scale?

 

It is absolutely not that I don't think (KNOW) HAL Chefs can do all that and more. I just don't think they will.

 

 

Edited April 21, 2013 by sail7seas

[lovetocruise2020]

Not everyone wakes up early enough to dine in MDR or PG (930)? Thats early and I am on vacation.

 

Yes we would gladly pay.

 

I like having upscale options that I can choose to pay (or not) for.

 

We do a Sunday Brunch almost every week.

[lovetocruise2020]

Carnival is now doing a made to order (ala carte) brunch on sea days. Lovely.

[sail7seas]

Carnival is now doing a made to order (ala carte) brunch on sea days. Lovely.

 

 

Doesn't HAL do a made to order brunch everyday?

You can order whatever omelette you want, eggs any style, whatever bread/rolls/bagels, breakfast meats, fruit, melons and berries, whatever beverage in the MDR, Lido and Pinnacle.

 

What makes Carnivals made to order (a la carte) brunch different than that? I'm really curious.

 

[localady]

Sail, actually on the contrary HAL would do this and it actually has been brought up for discussion among those at the top. Now is it something that could happen in the near future that is totally unknown? I think it is a fabulous idea and I for one have talked with Hotel Directors and Pinnacle Grill Managers about this. When it was discussed it was talked about in having it much like what is offered for the Suite Lunch and offering Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Mary's and chargin a small fee probably in the range of $20.00. In one conversation the Pinnacle Manager went as far as to tell me how they would set it up in the Pinnacle Grill so this has definitely been talked about. Who knows something like this may be rolled out when the new ship comes out maybe before ;). I definitely would like to see something like this and like mentioned previous Celebrity does a great job with theirs and I was quite impressed.

 

I would just love that offering at the Pinnacle. Such a great option for days at sea! It would be lovely to have had that offered. :)

 

HAL did sponsor a brunch many times in the MDR of the NA in Europe last Fall, they called it a "Commonwealth Brunch".

We weren't from the Commonwealth so we weren't included.

Edited April 22, 2013 by localady

[Steamboatin]

Personally would look at this subject matter in a totally different way.

 

My question to myself would it be worth $20 to get away from kids and Mickey Mouse and his friends.

 

Now that may be something for me to consider.:D

 

Now of course this would not apply to a HAL vessel. It would only apply to a Disney vessel naturally understood.

 

But on a Disney vessel certainly a question I would ask myself.

Edited April 22, 2013 by Steamboatin

[legalslave]

In 2002, I was on the Star Princess first run to the Mex Riviera out of Long Beach. That was her first year sailing. Their Italian specialty restaurant, Sabatini's, had a fabulous daily brunch. I think it was $15 and we very much enjoyed it. I don't recall exactly what was offered. I do remember there were a lot of seafood items, which I love!

 

Now, if HAL were to have a brunch for a fee in the Pinnacle, I would pay for it as long as it had oysters, as pictured in one of oysterdam's photos!!

 

Diane

[PASSENGERES]

Pinnacle offers lunch from Noon until 1 PM on some sea days and some port days -- $10 per person.

 

In the mornings they have breakfast for people staying in the Pinnacle Suites and Neptune Suites. On Sea days it is usuallt from 8 - 9:30 and on port days from 7:30 - 9.

 

There are some sea days -- depending on the itinerary -- the Pinnacle is closed for lunch due to the Pinnacle Suites and Neptune Suites having a special lunch.

 

I believe there must be a high percentage of passengers who do not occupy Pinnacle Suites and Neptune Suites, and for those passengers it might be a good idea to offer a nice Brunch, say, once per cruise, at a reasonable price. If breakfast is available daily to Suite passengers, and sometimes a special lunch as well, it is easy to understand why a Brunch at additional cost would not be appealing. JMO.

[kazu]

On the old Rotterdam, the suite lunch was very similar to the presentation shown in these pics,. It was a very nice affair with excellent food. I think it would be great if this was offered on board, especially on longer cruises with a lot of sea days.:D

 

Since the PG is $10 for regular lunch and $25 for dinner a half way point would seem a reasonable price to me:D

[NYteacher]

We went to a brunch like this aboard two NCL cruises. They are called "best of" brunches and feature favorite dishes from all their different dining venues.

 

Obviously HAL doesn't have so many different restaurant choices, but could offer a HAL favorites selection. It is done by reservation and they limit the reservations by time increments.

 

I would enjoy something like this aboard HAL.

[sail7seas]

I believe there must be a high percentage of passengers who do not occupy Pinnacle Suites and Neptune Suites, and for those passengers it might be a good idea to offer a nice Brunch, say, once per cruise, at a reasonable price. If breakfast is available daily to Suite passengers, and sometimes a special lunch as well, it is easy to understand why a Brunch at additional cost would not be appealing. JMO.

 

 

The Suite Pinnacle Breakfast is the same menu as that offered every day in MDR for all. The setting and service in Pinnacle are lovely but all on the ship have the same choices.

 

[NYteacher]

I would also like to add that I love luxurious buffets for the opportunity to try new foods. I have had lapband surgery and can physically eat very little at a time. Buffets offer choices, even trying a teaspoon of something can be wonderful.

[Cruising-along]

I think if HAL offered this it would be wonderful. Maybe on the longer cruises. We would definitely be interested.

 

With all those choices it would be easy to still eat healthy, just using common sense. With lots of seafood choices, veggies and fruits, it really wouldn't be difficult, we don't have to eat it all. :p And it is healthier to eat your biggest meal in the middle of the day instead of in the evening.

[Boytjie]

On our RSVP charters we have had brunches (buffet style) in the MDR the last two years; last year there was one on Valentines Day and this year there were two - the first day at sea and on Valentines Day.

 

The photos are reminiscent of the brunches we had been to. There were selections of breakfast and lunch items. Last year they were actually preparing some items right there (e.g. waffles) but not so this year.

[geoherb]

Princess used to offer a brunch at its Italian specialty restaurant: Sabatini's. It was a wonderful cold seafood buffet and then you ordered your main dish. All the while they were serving mimosas bloody marys. I think it was $15. We did it on the Star Princess on a cruise to Alaska in 2003. They discontinued the brunch shortly thereafter.

 

I enjoyed our lunch at the Pinnacle Grill on the Westerdam in December. We may go back if it fits our schedule next month on the Veendam. (I hope someone posted the menu in this thread. I did not read all the messages.)

[peaches from georgia]

I think if HAL offered this it would be wonderful. Maybe on the longer cruises. We would definitely be interested.

 

With all those choices it would be easy to still eat healthy, just using common sense. With lots of seafood choices, veggies and fruits, it really wouldn't be difficult, we don't have to eat it all. :p And it is healthier to eat your biggest meal in the middle of the day instead of in the evening.

When we go out to Sunday brunch I think I eat very healthy- smoked salmon/cold jumbo shrimp/a few oysters, salad, fruit, a slice of lamb or beef, and sometimes a hot veggie. This is my main meal of the day and then eat very lightly for dinner since I'm still not very hungry after brunch. No need to pig out at a brunch and still worth the extra cost for what I enjoy but wouldn't be offered at a normal breakfast and lunch.