Bells during dinner?

[Dena]

I read the "Just back from Prisendam" post and Steve (who was dining with the captain) said they rang bells at 10:45 pm and it meant the dining room staff wanted to close things down. You would think that if the Captain wasn't ready to finish, they'd accommodate him though.

 

I remember reading something else about bells (chimes really) on these board. I understand they ring chimes when its is time to go to dinner. I also heard they ring them when it is time for the early seating people to leave dinner. Now I see they ring them when it is time for the late seating people to leave and obviously, at 10:45, it isn't done to remind them the show is starting, but it is a "subtle?" way of saying, "get out." This seems a bit quirky, but I guess it might be more polite than taking all the plates, silverware, and coffee cups away. And it looks like one is given ample time for a long, leisurely meal - so it probably isn't even an issue for most people.

 

Sometimes I've read complaints (not on the HAL board) of service being bad because it took at least an hour to be served dinner and dessert. I'd feel the opposite way. I'd feel that service was poor it the waiters tried to rush me out in under an hour (and this happened once when DH and I showed up for Princess Anytime Dining at 9. It said the dining room was open from 5:30 to 10 for dinner and I assumed as long as you were seated by 10 it was okay - obviously they wanted you out by 10). When dining with friends, dinner usually takes over 2 hours, sometimes 3. Of course the last hour is just conversation and maybe an after diner drink - this could easily be moved to another venue on a cruise ship. I guess, ideally, a perceptive waiter will tailor the service to the speed of the diners (within the time constraints available). How much time does HAL generally allow one for dinner?

[sail7seas]

EVERY one of our HAL cruises we have been late seating. Have dined with captains and other officers and we have been the only ones left in the dining room but NEVER heard anyone ringing bells or in any other way suggesting we should leave.

 

I really have a hard time imagining anyone making any indication to the Captain that he and his guests should leave the dining room.

 

Maybe someone was simply 'playing' with the bells and the intention was misunderstood by "Steve". Who is Steve?

 

[jhannah]

We have experienced the chimes during early seating. They need to get reset for the second seating, so have to gently remind those of us who hold back for conversation that we should continue elsewhere. It didn't bother me in the least. They have a job to do. After late seating, the stewards probably need to get to bed since many of them will be assigned to the Lido early the next morning. But I'm sure if the Captain is entertaining guests the chimes won't be sounded. S7S is correct ... a crewman would never suggest to the Master of the Ship that it's time for him to leave. ;)

[Copper10-8]

The "bells" you are hearing is actually the sound of a xylophone played by one of the yum-yum guys or "bell-boys". I, too, have never heard them played at the conclusion of dinner.

[sail7seas]

But I sooo love hearing them announcing dinner is ready!!!

 

Such a signature item on HAL ships. I always enjoy seeing the Yum-Yum guy in his great uniform calling us to dinner.

 

[Dena]

What is a Yum-Yum Guy. Is this a term unique to HAL.

[sail7seas]

Yes, the Yum-Yum guy is unique to HAL.

 

He is a steward dressed in what we all think looks like the old "Philip Morris" uniform who is doorman for the dining room. Before dinner, he walks the lounges playing a small xylophone and his chimes call us to dinner.

 

After dinner, he has a table set up in the doorway and he hands out after dinner mints, candied ginger, figs........ He is always a very personable, friendly lovely fellow and makes loads of friends among the guests.

 

Most loyal HAL Mariners would revolt if they were to discontinue having the Yum-Yum at the dining room.

 

[Copper10-8]

What is a Yum-Yum Guy. Is this a term unique to HAL.

 

It's one of the names given to HAL's door men who normally stand at the entrance to the dining room doors (both floors). Not exactly sure where the name came from, maybe someone else knows, but I'm pretty sure the name is unique to HAL. They announce dinner is about to commence before and at the conclusion of same, hand/dish out mints, figs, etc. on your way out of the diningroom. They are dressed in traditional bell-boy uniform complete with flat hat. I have a pic somewhere, see if I can find it during lunch break

[jhannah]

Not exactly sure where the name came from, maybe someone else knows, but I'm pretty sure the name is unique to HAL.

Yes, it's unique to Holland America Lines. I believe the name began as a reference to the guy who handed out the yummies (yum-yums) after dinner ... and it stuck.

[debjo]

For Copper10-8...

I was just about to "ask" if anyone had a picture of the "Yum-Yum Man" and then I read your post! I look forward to seeing it...hope you can locate it.

 

Debjo

[jhannah]

 

Here he is!

[Dena]

I look forward to seeing the Yum Yum Guy for myself one day.

[Grumpy1]

EVERY one of our HAL cruises we have been late seating. Have dined with captains and other officers and we have been the only ones left in the dining room but NEVER heard anyone ringing bells or in any other way suggesting we should leave.

 

I really have a hard time imagining anyone making any indication to the Captain that he and his guests should leave the dining room.

 

 

On the other hand, at 10:45 everyone should be out of the dining room. they have to get it closed down for the night sometime. Perhaps the bells are done with the Captain's approval to give him a graceful way to end the evening... "Well, look at the time... the conversation has been so delightful, I didn't realize it was getting so late... etc"

[sail7seas]

:) Yes, Grumpy, it would be a graceful exit for the Captain.

 

:) Now I am REALLY grateful we haven't heard the chimes ending our dinner. I'd feel as though he gave a 'signal' to please get him free from who he is 'saddled with'. ;) :redface

 

[Copper10-8]

[ATTACH]24305[/ATTACH]

 

Here he is!

 

Great pic, Jim! One more with the whole musical scene!;) They cover a lot of ground while playing too. Have seen them all the way in the Casino bar area by the shops. Some know a whole bunch of different tunes and will take requests! Jim's explanation about their nickname makes a lot of sense. I wasn't sure if "yum yum" means something in Indonesian. Will ask around

[sail7seas]

Great pic, Jim! One more with the whole musical scene!;) They cover a lot of ground while playing too. Have seen them all the way in the Casino bar area by the shops.

 

By this, you must be referring to Vista Ships. The Casino Bar and shops are rather close to the dining room (upper level) on the "S" and "R" class etc

 

We see the Yum-Yum come to Ocean Bar on the "S" etc ships.

[AlohaPride]

This is one of the main reasons my DH and I chose HAL. I'm a HUGE history fan, and we both LOVE going places that seem to be set in the past. The tradition behind the events on HAL was the deciding factor. I'm really excited to meet the Yum Yum Guys! :o

[Sayyadina]

After dinner, he has a table set up in the doorway and he hands out after dinner mints, candied ginger, figs........ He is always a very personable, friendly lovely fellow and makes loads of friends among the guests.

 

 

I finally got my pictures up from my cruise, and have a picture of one of our favorite crew members, who was a yum-yum guy (never heard the term before). Brata, holding a pineapple:

 

http://community.webshots.com/photo/551679299/2803801300075923361dFHKAd

 

What a sweetheart.

[sail7seas]

I've yet to meet a Yum-Yum guy we didn't love!!! :)

 

 

I also really, really love the uniforms the doorman wears: blue jacket with military styling and white trousers. They are usually guys that are tall and lean and they look great in that uniform. ;)

 

[Copper10-8]

I've yet to meet a Yum-Yum guy we didn't love!!! :)

 

 

I also really, really love the uniforms the doorman wears: blue jacket with military styling and white trousers. They are usually guys that are tall and lean and they look great in that uniform. ;)

 

 

Now see, I've never been able to find out what the job(s) of the guys in the blue uniforms is/are and where they are normally stationed. It's not the diningroom with the yum yum men;) . I usually only see the blue man (group) during the crew farewell in the show lounge

[sail7seas]

John.....:) I'm not specifically sure of their exact duties either but can say they seem to help out in many areas when/where needed.

 

One time I was sick and my cabin steward wanted to make me more comfortable by changing the bed and getting the bathroom freshened etc. He wanted to be in and out in a flash and came with another cabin steward and the darling steward in his blue jacket and white pants. The three of them raced through the cabin and had it sparkling fresh in minutes.

 

Other times I have seen him helping back-to-back guests who have to go to another cabin move on turn around day.

 

I've seen them on the gangway and I've seen them toting luggage aboard that has arrived in a port of call......seemingly catching up with guests who had to sail without their luggage.

 

I've seen them deliver roses to (my) cabin. :)

 

I think they have general duties and there are probably dozens of other things they do I have no clue about.

 

[Copper10-8]

John.....:) I'm not specifically sure of their exact duties either but can say they seem to help out in many areas when/where needed.

 

One time I was sick and my cabin steward wanted to make me more comfortable by changing the bed and getting the bathroom freshened etc. He wanted to be in and out in a flash and came with another cabin steward and the darling steward in his blue jacket and white pants. The three of them raced through the cabin and had it sparkling fresh in minutes.

 

Other times I have seen him helping back-to-back guests who have to go to another cabin move on turn around day.

 

I've seen them on the gangway and I've seen them toting luggage aboard that has arrived in a port of call......seemingly catching up with guests who had to sail without their luggage.

 

I've seen them deliver roses to (my) cabin. :)

 

I think they have general duties and there are probably dozens of other things they do I have no clue about.

 

 

Sounds good to me, S7S, thanks!:) I'm sure they belong to the Housekeeping Dept. just wasn't sure if they had a specific assignment. I'll see if I can find out in 32 days;)

[sail7seas]

..... ;) and I'll do the same in 38 days!!! :)

 

[Copper10-8]

..... ;) and I'll do the same in 38 days!!! :)

 

 

Deal!;)

[WNYCRUISER]

With respect to covering a lot of ground, I have had the occasion (several times) of finishing my before dinner cocktail in the Crow's Nest with the Yum Yum man playing his tunes. Now that was quite a distance on a Vista ship!