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sldispatcher

By sldispatcher,
in Oceania Cruises

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Iamthesea

Iamthesea

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I personally am hoping that they really do not add as much salt to their food as other Cruise Lines! Maybe I will not gain 8 to 10 pounds in a week just from water retention. I never add salt to my food at home, and therefore every time I eat in a restaurant I can guarantee that I will gain at least a half a pound and definitely have a problem with my ankles swelling up terribly on a cruise ship.

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I found that although there may be a dish or two that is too heavy on the salt, it's the ship's water that causes my ankles to swell. I read this about the purification system and the salt on another cruise forum. So a couple of cruises ago, I decided to test this theory and stopped drinking the water that was served at the table during meals and instead asked for the bottled water. I also use bottled water in the stateroom when taking meds, etc. Worked like a charm!:)

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LHT28 Holiday Sharing Rare

LHT28

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I found that although there may be a dish or two that is too heavy on the salt, it's the ship's water that causes my ankles to swell. I read this about the purification system and the salt on another cruise forum. So a couple of cruises ago, I decided to test this theory and stopped drinking the water that was served at the table during meals and instead asked for the bottled water. I also use bottled water in the stateroom when taking meds, etc. Worked like a charm!:)

different strokes I guess ;)

 

I drink a lot of the water in the dining venues but watch the foods I eat plus have the low sodium options for food & it is a great improvement for my legs & the swelling

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ORV "Live from...." Rare

ORV

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This forum is no stranger to controversy when it comes to food or otherwise.

 

Assumptions are frequently made without all of the information. Opinions are strong. Experiences can vary from table to table.

 

I’ve got my hip weighters on, flame retardant suit on, and face mask.

 

Main Dining Room

 

Grade = Inconsistent with a leaning towards Good to Great

 

Makes no sense does it?

 

The food items have tended to be delivered well presented for the most part and good temperatures. Only tonight did we run into problems with food temp being off target. Hot soup served luke warm. Entrees could have been 20 degrees warmer on arrival. The MDR did seem a bit busier than it has been. However, the fish soup had small crunchy items that turned out to be shells or ground bones that were in every bite. Additionally, more than one bite revealed a small bone about 1 inch long. I decided against going the Indiana Jones route and not risking further adventures into eating that one. Alternatively, the salad with red apple, pancetta, and almonds was very tasty as was the steak diane, veal rack, and Lobster Thermidor.

 

The inconsistency hit again with a foul up with the dessert order. A missing cheese plate. However, the small cookie and petit fors plate ordered for the first time was said to be wonderful.

 

Tomorrow night is Red Ginger and a much needed change in the food flavor line up.

 

Okay, so the MDR overview. Inconsistent service is probably the biggest area that I can see. Sometimes the orders are taken spot on. Other times there have been long pauses between seating and order taking. Courses come out, but at times, they have been helter skelter as well.

 

The staff, is also nowhere near as warm as one might expect, but at the same time that may be what Oceania is attempting to create. Efficient, unobtrusive service. I believe some of that is due in part to the cultural background of the staff that hails a good bit from an eastern bloc of countries. Some of it is due to expectations set by other cruise lines in how they want their staff to interact with guests.

 

For me, it points out how challenging it is for any service industry to find someone who can do their job efficiently AND be warm and ingratiating at the same time. We’ve probably all had good staff, great staff, and never-want-to-sit-at-their-table again staff.

 

The relative cruise newbies have commented more than once that there is just not the same level as experienced with a talented waiter on the Celebrity Infinity.

 

The night before, the sommelier made all the difference because of his fun, smart attitude about his job. The wait staff last night was efficient, but weren’t going to win any Dale Carnegie awards. Tonight, it looked like one too many tables had hit this different group’s section.

 

So overall, the MDR experience is a few notches below the prior Oceania cruises based on recollection. Now immediately the crows will start crowing about “cutbacks”, etc. I see no apparent cutback in staff. In fact, it seems like there are more white jackets than ever before. Dining managers were involved everywhere trying to keep things going.

 

Ingredients are still of high quality and often unusual combinations of flavors that work well. Many of these dishes would not be served in the MDR on any other cruise line. You would be paying extra in a specialty restaurant for them.

 

At the end of the day, the meals are real bargains and you really can’t start the argument about “well I paid so much for that meal”…blah blah blah. As mentioned yesterday, you really are getting more for your money from the get go IF you can see it. No way you could get away staying and eating this cheaply in shore side major cities in the US or Europe at the least.

 

The problem is the marketing. Over promising must be met with over delivering. All cruise lines do it to some degree or another. But when you send out two brochures a week promising the best food and the best rooms, you MUST back that up 99.9% of the time or you will be overtaken like Vikings raiding a distant land. (hint hint)

 

With that aside, I am not saying that our experiences have been bad in the MDR. The point is that there is room for some mild improvement. Could be training. Could be turnover. Could be new crew after the Europe season.

 

With all of that said, let me close with some reassurances so that the parrots don’t start squawking and the rest don’t start worrying if they made the right choice.

 

1. The MDR has great things waiting for you. Try some of the options that might not first appeal to you.

 

2. Your own cultural/regional bias towards how much “flavor” (which usually means salt) needs to be added to a dish to make it acceptable. Personally, I’m usually appalled at how much salt is in our regional cooking when I return from a cruise. If you are used to needing saltier food, you’ll probably have to add it to the food on MARINA. Easier to add it than remove it.

 

3. I find many of the descriptions of the food items to be so over the top that it is hard to imagine the real dish. Aim for the ingredient/protein you want for the night and then just let it be a taste adventure.

 

4. The MDR is a fine establishment onboard and in regards to food types/ingredients and preparations, way above the most recent experience on Koningsdam or Celebrity. If you need a super seasoned sauce or gravy on everything from broccoli to the bread, you will probably have a different opinion. There are cruising options out there for you where the sauces are designed to overpower the dish to cover up the fact that you would need an NCIS team to discover the true quality of the ingredients.

 

5. Go take a peak in the Terrace to preview most of the dishes if you are a visual person and need to see what’s coming. Although the final presentation is not always the same (i.e. the lobster thermidor was still in its house in the MDR, it was served in flaky crust in the Terrace), you can get a general idea.

 

 

Well, this was long winded and it wasn’t meant to be. Food is extremely subjective. Each should make up his or her own mind.

 

Tomorrow is Harvest Caye. I love private island stops. Love ‘em!

 

Cabana rental made a few months back so will attempt to report on that for anyone interested and if anyone still reading along.

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

 

Good observations. My take is supervision.

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Iamthesea

Iamthesea

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different strokes I guess ;)

 

I drink a lot of the water in the dining venues but watch the foods I eat plus have the low sodium options for food & it is a great improvement for my legs & the swelling

 

I find the brown gravy's and sauces tend to have the most salt added. I too am careful about what I eat. ;)

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Robjame

Robjame

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I find the brown gravy's and sauces tend to have the most salt added. I too am careful about what I eat. ;)

 

Thank you to the original poster for taking the time to write these superb reflections and opinions, along with sharing the appropriate pictures.

Our first cruises on Oceania are coming up so this thread is very exciting.

 

Can you ask for sauce or dressings on the side or are items prepared without the opportunity to change?

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LHT28 Holiday Sharing Rare

LHT28

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Can you ask for sauce or dressings on the side or are items prepared without the opportunity to change?

it depends on the dish but if it can be served on the side just ask & they will do it

 

Sorry to the OP for hijacking the thread :o

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blambition

blambition

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Also sorry to OP for hijacking the thread, but I do appreciate the information. I will go and talk to the maître d' and ask for a low sodium request for dining at dinner meals. At lunchtime I will just use my good judgment. I think I will be a happier camper if I use this option. I am sure that the food will have plenty of flavor, even with less salt! And I plan on drinking plenty of bottled water, although I have to say I do want to drink coffee drinks and I will lose control over the water they use to brew the coffee. I am sure just cutting down on salt where I can will help.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

 

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Iamthesea

Iamthesea

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Did Oceania provide bug spray in your stateroom?

 

I am continuing to enjoy your blog and will keep reading up to the time we board on Wednesday. Thank you so much for taking time out of your cruise to tell us all about your trip.

 

Can I assume that there has been no talk or hint of a stomach problem, lately?

 

V - I don't drink coffee, so that has not come into play. ;)

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sldispatcher

sldispatcher

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Let’s cut to the chase and put a quick and dirty Harvest Caye report in. Reflections of the day will follow.

 

My comparator will be Half Moon Caye. As many of you are experienced cruisers with years under your belts of such things, you’ll probably get the gist right away.

 

Beach and water – Advantage Half Moon Caye by a good bit

Island Services and activities – advantage Harvest Caye

Cabana Structure – advantage Harvest Caye by a mile

Island Employees – advantage Harvest Caye in a big way

Cabana Supplies – slight edge to Half Moon Caye for the water floats, etc., but really close

Island Food – advantage Harvest Caye

Cost – advantage Harvest Caye

 

Overall winner: Harvest Caye

 

That is the quick and dirty. Details coming in a bit.

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Iamthesea

Iamthesea

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Let’s cut to the chase and put a quick and dirty Harvest Caye report in. Reflections of the day will follow.

 

My comparator will be Half Moon Caye. As many of you are experienced cruisers with years under your belts of such things, you’ll probably get the gist right away.

 

Beach and water – Advantage Half Moon Caye by a good bit

Island Services and activities – advantage Harvest Caye

Cabana Structure – advantage Harvest Caye by a mile

Island Employees – advantage Harvest Caye in a big way

Cabana Supplies – slight edge to Half Moon Caye for the water floats, etc., but really close

Island Food – advantage Harvest Caye

Cost – advantage Harvest Caye

 

Overall winner: Harvest Caye

 

That is the quick and dirty. Details coming in a bit.

 

We loved Half Moon Caye, but agree that their bungalow is not spectacular. However, the food (lunch buffet) was free with our HAL visit. I understand that there is a cost for the food on Harvest Caye. :confused:

 

No bug spray in room. Not sure that would be that needed.

 

Not a single hint of a stomach issue.

 

Mosquitos and Zika ;) Last February, Oceania supplied a small bottle to all guest. It was left in our stateroom.

 

Great that the ship appears to still be free of whatever got it on the last cruise.

 

Thank you!

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sldispatcher

sldispatcher

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Early awakening this morning with excitement for Harvest Caye. By 645, I was topside and watching the sun trace the edge of distant cumulonimbus clouds with a neon orange yellow ink right at the top edges. The extra was sent down below to paint the horizon’s edge in the east. As though that was not enough, there was light bleed in the form of a fan of soft but vibrant gold rays emanating from those same colored edges and reaching westward. The ocean was quite still, the blue of the big O was still lit, and the ship was lollygagging through the water as though it was a couple of Evinrude motors pushing in the back.

 

Breakfast was very quiet in the Terrace at 7am even as we approached Harvest Caye. We rotated 180 degrees and backed gracefully into our area adjacent to the pier. The air was noticeably cooler by 5 degrees or more than the previous morning in Guatewhatwerewedoingtheremala and the humidity seemed appreciably lower.

 

In my ignorance, I finally noticed today the complete absence on this trip of that quintessential port bird: the seagull. Thankfully, they are not there and the cerebrally challenged who like to try and feed them from the boat. I don’t mind seeing them, but the passenger behavior they caused on a recent Norway cruise made me not miss them at all.

 

Well, there was one old female gull that must have made it, but it turns out that was a passenger who obviously forgot her broom at home. My group, and those standing in line at Jacques, were so appalled by her behavior. Luck would have it that we were dining in Red Ginger at the same time. Her actions of rudeness continued into Red Ginger and were thoroughly witnessed. It is not my general nature to do so, but I will be posting a picture of this traveler that I was able to snap at Red Ginger. IF you see her on a future cruise…..run, don’t walk, in the opposite direction. I feel for her cabin stewards, wait staff, and anyone else that has to deal with this unpleasant person. Picture coming soon.

 

Enough about tough old birds……

 

Harvest Caye was extremely well done. My lackluster attempt to use words to describe the place will be followed by a few hints regarding the cabanas, services, and facilities.

 

The pier is covered by a white canopy and is quite the long walk. We were essentially the first of 5 off of the ship this morning. We were met with some of the warmest work staff you would meet anywhere. Carts were lined up ready to shuttle people towards the entrance. The natural setting of mangrove trees provide an area to see the occasional manatee, iguana, birds, and other wildlife. Once at the entrance, we were welcomed and escorted to guest services where we turned in our cabana ticket and quickly were given another ride to that area on the northeast end of the island.

 

All of the facilities are spotless. The walking paths and cart paths are very well marked. By the time the cart had arrived at Cabana #2 (actually the first in the row, but more on that later), the cabana concierge was waiting for us. On the way, we passed a beautiful pool area framed on one end by the Landshark bar and grill. Next was the small, but well done nature center for butterfly and bird lovers. Scores of beach chairs were off to our right with yellow padding and white framework. Clamshells were lined up in the back. Everything was nice and neat.

 

Landscaping was thoughtfully done and one would imagine that in 2 – 3 years, the entire area will be quite lush and full of flowering plants and tropical filling in so many of the spaces.

 

Continuing along, there was a lagoon area for electric boat and kayak rentals to go exploring. Looming large is the very white “Flighthouse” where the zip line course is located. Just past this is a bar area that marks the termination of the open beach area and beginning of cabana row.

 

The cabanas are very well constructed with beautiful woods and adequate inside furnishings. A large buffet type table had a phone, Bluetooth enabled Polk audio system, a refrigerator and towel rack. Some water and towels WERE stocked in the cabana. An L shaped sofa, bar stools, and couple of sitting chairs rounded out the furniture with a coffee table in the middle. No gaudy colors here. Drapes looked like natural fabric and the doors were all French style with multiple exits to the porch. On one side of the porch was a clean bathroom and indoor shower.

 

The air conditioner and large overhead fan were on when we arrived. The concierge showed us around and also gave a quick talk on how to work the phone system for requests. Outside were 4 beach wicker loungers with soft towel coverlets. Down below was an outdoor shower, a hammock, two Adirondack style chairs and then closer to the beach were a set of 6 loungers with two large umbrellas.

 

Whew!

 

Now to the details:

 

#1. They appeared to assign them as you checked in. Keep that in mind. The longer you wait to check in, the further out your cabana will be. That would not be bad until you get to cabana 9 or so. They sit much further back from the water, the food service, and had quite a bit more shells in the sand in the water in front of them. However, you are further away from the noise. Pick your poison. They probably would honor a request. I cannot guarantee that is how they are assigned, but it sure seemed like it to me.

 

 

#2. With a cabana, you get shuttle service all over the place included. It is needed. They will take you and wait for you or arrange to pick you up whenever you want to set a time. Also, at the end of the day, we were driven from our cabana back to the gangway of the ship.

 

 

#3. The butler that comes with it was friendly, efficient and made life simple for us. The one food item we tried, the shrimp and pineapple quesadillas arrived hot and well made. The cabana menu is simple with limited items, but well worth it.

 

#4. A fresh fruit tray was provided complimentary on arrival.

 

#5. As mentioned above, water and towels were in the cabana. No water toys though. If you need a raft or something, you will want to take care of that up at the entrance. Just let your driver know.

 

#6. Food at Landshark Grill was quite tasty if you want something more than what the cabana menu offers.

 

#7. Those that tried the beverages from the cabana menu rated them as high quality.

 

#8. All items ordered in the cabana or rentals can be charged directly to the ship stateroom.

 

#9. An envelope was provided in the cabana for tips for concierge staff.

 

#10. A tip is included at checkout at the end of the day.

 

#11. The wifi was extremely fast compared to the ship and complementary in the cabana.

 

#12. US style plugs were in the cabana if you needed to charge something.

 

#13. Don’t hesitate to call the cabana services using the phone for a request. Friendliest, most accommodating people you will meet anywhere.

 

#14. Says up to 6 people for use of the cabana, but you could squeeze a couple more in. There would just not be beach loungers for everyone.

 

 

From an Oceania cruising perspective, the cabana experience at Harvest Caye is a natural extension of service onboard. In fact, it was a notch or two above in terms of friendliness and warmth.

 

Tonight was Red Ginger, where an old fashioned feeding frenzy took place. 7 people in a family style dining atmosphere. More on that tomorrow.

 

The only thing that I didn’t realize was that gull was going to be on the menu…..or should have been.

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blambition

blambition

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I know that you rented a cabana, but if you hadn't had one are there free lounges on the beach? It has been many years since I have been on a private island port. Most likely it was Royal Caribbean's private port. Since we got hooked on going to Bermuda, Alaska and Canada/New England Cruises we really haven't been down to the Caribbean in most likely 20 years!

Thinking back I remember things like palm trees, hammocks and barbecues. I actually don't even think they offered snorkeling back then. If you can please elaborate on what they offered on Harvest Cay. Thank you so much for all the detailed info you have posted, and we are loving the beautiful pictures!

I know that it is taking your time away from your vacation, to do for us, and I really appreciate your effort!

 

 

 

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sldispatcher

sldispatcher

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Zip line, boat rentals, a pool, an ocean, a beach, shops with local goods (no Diamonds International) restaurant, kiddie area

 

Directly from Oceania's website:

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Caribbean-cruises/port-harvest-caye-HAR/

 

HC, according to the google search, is really meant to be a launching site for an ever growing list of mainland Belize shore excursions. A few were offered

 

 

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Gogie

Gogie

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Zip line, boat rentals, a pool, an ocean, a beach, shops with local goods (no Diamonds International) restaurant, kiddie area

 

Directly from Oceania's website:

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Caribbean-cruises/port-harvest-caye-HAR/

 

HC, according to the google search, is really meant to be a launching site for an ever growing list of mainland Belize shore excursions. A few were offered

 

 

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If you aren't really "beach people" (don't care to lay in the sun or swim) and you don't want to bother with an Oceania excursion is it worth your while to get off the ship in Harvest Caye? We don't mind walking around and exploring, but we don't much care for laying in the sun - we'd rather walk in sunshine. Our upcoming cruise is more of a relaxation cruise for us. We've done many cruises in the past and we've always filled them with daily excursions but this time we want to limit our formal excursions and spend more time just relaxing and wandering about.

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blambition

blambition

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Thanks sldispatcher, I had actually written my post to you before you posted your last informational post, I just hadn't pushed the send button! I appreciate you answering my question.

We will look into the idea of a cabana, if we find friends to share with us!

 

 

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