Things Cruise Lines don't do well . . .

[Ephraim]

Actually, the risk with meat relates more to the origin of the meat. The same is usually true of eggs as well.

 

And while I might not agree with the tone of some of these messages, there is a different in food based on your continent of origin. North American food is sweeter than European foods and certain foods are different from country to country. Canadian chocolate is different from American chocolate, for example. To me, European yogurt is so much better than North American yogurt (though we have one company in Montreal that produces a Mediterranean yogurt that is simply out of this world!) In Southern Europe they use a lot of UHT milk, which is different in taste from American milk and very different from Canadian ultra-filtered milk. Even the usage of HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) can change foods. HFCS can give me heartburn. Some people like more savoury foods, others like sweeter foods.

 

Just because something is DIFFERENT doesn't mean that it is better or worse. We all have preferences and different views of comfort foods. Some people insist on Heinz ketchup and yet Consumer Reports has rated Hunt's as the better (and tastier) ketchup.

 

Cruise lines are in fact using frozen homogenized pasteurized egg product to make scrambled eggs. Doesn't that sound delicious. Generally there is something added to prevent the eggs from changing colours in the metal containers. That's usually because of USDA food safety rules that egg product is used... but they also need the additive to keep the eggs from going greyish/green, sometimes called silvering.

 

Here is the USDA's description of how egg product is created: "The processing of egg products includes breaking eggs, filtering, mixing, stabilizing, blending, pasteurizing, cooling, freezing or drying, and packaging." Generally the pasteurizing is done to kill the salmonella.

 

I do wish that the cruiselines were more adventurous and took on food in foreign ports and adjusted menus accordingly. There is a lot of beautiful tasty food around the world but instead we get offered "continental" fare. Fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season. Tasty green tomatoes in Spain. (But can a cruiseline serve them? Or will passengers balk at the green colour?) In Valencia we had oranges that were so tasty. Strong espresso.

 

Supermarket strawberries are grown for their ability to be shipped and withstand bruising. They aren't grown for flavour, which explains why they don't really have much of a flavour. They look great, but that's where it ends. They do look good dipped in chocolate, though. (That is, if I liked chocolate.) The real foodies on here will understand what I mean.

[GlockMan9c]

 

---Like many Americans you seem to have trouble adjusting to things that are not exactly like what you have at home. Might it be easier for you to just stay home and watch the videos instead? You could save a lot of money that way - and the popcorn would taste just the way you like it.

 

You are in America. I would watch the American comments if I was you.

[PescadoAmarillo]

Celebrity doesn’t seem to have great beef.

Au contraire! 12 Celebrity cruises, 11 Princess cruises and I can tell you that Celebrity has by far the best and most beef entrée options of the two (and better than RC and NCL too).

 

What bothers me is the steady increase of non-commissionable fees, surcharges, taxes, etc. Used to be, you'd get a price quote, and that would pretty much be the price you paid. Now, you better figure adding an extra 20 to 25% to the quoted price due to all the extras.

Is there anyone around who has figured out just what is buried in “non-commissionable fees”, and why that figure continues to grow? As with the fuel surcharge, I believe it is a way for the cruise lines to manage TA commissions.

 

I wish they'd put a separate menu for 'real' drinks that don't use sugared up mixes. I'd rather just have plain (real) lime juice in my marg, not some kind of orange mix...but maybe people prefer them this way.

Maybe some people do, but I don’t like it either. I have a hard time paying $6.75 plus tip for a drink that starts with a sugared and artificially flavored drink mix, particularly one out of a milk carton. I think the mojitos have the freshest ingredients of all the drinks, but even then I wonder if their sugar syrup is truly just sugar and water.

 

BruceMuzz has also posted that he/she (it’s gotta be a he) won’t travel on US airlines. That has to be tough for someone who lives in the US.

[deppong]

Enough with Bruce! He isn't worth the time it takes to type his screen name. My gripe is why do all of the other 2999 passengers have to be on my ship on my cruise. I paid about 1000.00 for a cruise and I want to take it on my cruise ship with my waiter and my room steward and no one else! How rude of some people to book the same cruise as I did. LOL:D

[Ula]

Supermarket strawberries are grown for their ability to be shipped and withstand bruising. They aren't grown for flavour, which explains why they don't really have much of a flavour. They look great, but that's where it ends. They do look good dipped in chocolate, though. (That is, if I liked chocolate.) The real foodies on here will understand what I mean.

 

Ack, I am a strawberry farmer and I so agree. The problem with current releases is the fruit has very low sugar content. We are field testing two new varieties. My comment as always do these at least have flavor?

I was once gifted chocolate covered strawberries on a cruise. I was going insane trying to figure out how to get the chocolate off to just taste the berry for texture and flavor.

On cruises I tend to stay away from the scrambled eggs, they just do not look good. I also attempt in my mind to try and not over indulge the three meals a day so eat the Oatmeal. But I think all the bacon and sausage with it defeats that purpose.:D

What I personally would like to see Princess do better, is when things are not going as they should, they would communicate the problems better. That would take away a lot of frustrations.

[FritzG]

On the Diamond Princess in January I had some great salad dressings, especially the low fat red pepper basil dressing. I started ordering a salad at both lunch and dinner just to try the different dressings. They all tasted homemade to me. I hate commercial dressings and make my own at home so I can taste the difference.

 

Also the cookies they served on deck in the afternoon with glasses of cold milk were warm, soft and chewy. I didn't try cookies anywhere else onboard.

[dot73]

People from different parts of the world have different palates and preferences. Even people from different parts of the country will have opposing views of certain foods. For example, a person from Ontario or Illinois (just examples, don't flame me) may love the lobster served on board, but a person from Newfoundland or Maine will find the same lobster totally tasteless. HAL makes the best bread pudding but no cruise line can touch Princess' souffles, IMHO. I can't stand the coffee, but those souffles will always lure me to Princess. On the cruises I've been on (7), I have found things I don't care for, but have always found other things that I loved. Since I can't find a cruise that is "perfect" for me, I avoid the things I don't like, and totally enjoy the things that I love. As long as people don't get personal, I love these types of discussions as this one. Cruising with so many different people from so many different areas of the world is an education that you cannot get from any school or book. Just my opinion.

[zacc]

How about a cheeseburger,at the pool,that is not cooked to death(with the juice squeezed out)and the cheese actually melted!

I'm confused!?! With the wide variety of wonderful food choices available on a cruise why would you even want a cheeseburger!?!:rolleyes:

[jpg1747]

No one is going to do everything exactly the way I like it done. I don't expect it, either. One of the things I like so much about cruising is that if a particular dish doesn't suit me, I can get something else. Ordering exactly what I want and getting it (almost) made to order is another reason I prefer eating in the dining room instead of at the buffet. I've scanned the buffet before going to the dining room and it just doesn't look appetizing to me. Plus, I prefer being waited on, rather than carrying a tray and trying to find a table.

[Ephraim]

Ack, I am a strawberry farmer and I so agree. The problem with current releases is the fruit has very low sugar content. We are field testing two new varieties. My comment as always do these at least have flavor?

I was once gifted chocolate covered strawberries on a cruise. I was going insane trying to figure out how to get the chocolate off to just taste the berry for texture and flavor.

On cruises I tend to stay away from the scrambled eggs, they just do not look good. I also attempt in my mind to try and not over indulge the three meals a day so eat the Oatmeal. But I think all the bacon and sausage with it defeats that purpose.:D

What I personally would like to see Princess do better, is when things are not going as they should, they would communicate the problems better. That would take away a lot of frustrations.

 

In Quebec we have a lot of farmers that offer subscriptions to their organic produce. It's easier for them as they presell the majority of their vegetables and easier for us because we get healthy organic produce that is really fresh. We get a box of whatever is fresh that week, no choice of what is included, but there is a box for exchanges.

 

I don't like chocolates, so I stay away from the chocolate covered strawberries. I'm trying to remember the name of the variety that they use for supermarkets, Santa Clara or Santa Clarita, I think that's the name of the variety.

 

You should try the strawberries when they are in season in Israel, around February. Sweet, tangy, juicy and tasty. They are so plentiful that they scoop them up in the farmer's market using dust pans as shovels.

 

Sometimes I wonder if they use better strawberries for frozen than they sell in a supermarket.

[NavySis]

People from different parts of the world have different palates and preferences. Even people from different parts of the country will have opposing views of certain foods. For example, a person from Ontario or Illinois (just examples, don't flame me) may love the lobster served on board, but a person from Newfoundland or Maine will find the same lobster totally tasteless. HAL makes the best bread pudding but no cruise line can touch Princess' souffles, IMHO. I can't stand the coffee, but those souffles will always lure me to Princess. On the cruises I've been on (7), I have found things I don't care for, but have always found other things that I loved. Since I can't find a cruise that is "perfect" for me, I avoid the things I don't like, and totally enjoy the things that I love. As long as people don't get personal, I love these types of discussions as this one. Cruising with so many different people from so many different areas of the world is an education that you cannot get from any school or book. Just my opinion.

Good post. I agree with you about food from different parts of the world. I grew up in Buffalo and since moving to AZ I haven't found any good chicken wings. People here say they are good, but I don't l like them because I am used to chicken wings from Buffalo.

[balanceok]

This post was not intended as a slam on the cruise lines. It was intended to poke a bit of fun at a group that is so good at doing so many complicated things, but just can't seem to handle a couple of very simple things.

 

It was intended in good fun, nothing else.

 

:confused:

[vowsatsea]

Why are there people out there that think that everyone should be pleased with everything when they're on a cruise? If we all liked, and were satisfied by the same things, and no one had a problem with anything, then there would only be one cruise line. That one cruise line would make everyone happy, and there would be no competition. It's natural to point out what cruise lines do not do correctly, so that we can all pick a cruise line and ship that fits our preferences. Isn't that what this whole cruise board is about?

[Colo Cruiser]

Just to address the scrambled eggs, why don't you just go to the egg "station" and have them prepare you scrambled eggs? Sure, you have to wait a minute or to but they are "real" eggs (they crack them in front of you) and you can have them made any way you want them. An alternative is to go to the dining room for breakfast. Why complain? You CAN get your eggs the way you want them.

 

Here I thought they filled the old shells with the egg substitute so that it looked real??? :eek:

[newmexicoNita]

Perhaps I'm reading too much into your comment or perhaps you are taking the OP too literally.

 

I felt the post was a good natured way to generate conversation. Oh well, live and learn I guess.

I thought the same as you and yes, no matter how much most of us love cruiing, it is the best vacation one can hope for, there are a couple of things land resorts do better: the scrambled eggs is one, normally room service is very limited (doesn't bother us, we rarely order it) and they keep the slot machines tighter than anywhere esle we have played. Sometimes communication is lacking as well. These are things that comet to mind only if I stretch it. I am sure there are a few others. And no Bruce, I don't think I should stay at home, just mentioning things in a very light and fun way.

 

Nita

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

I'm confused!?! With the wide variety of wonderful food choices available on a cruise why would you even want a cheeseburger!?!:rolleyes:

 

On the contrary, at around 2 P.M. it is a great, quick thing to eat. I LOVE the trident grill, the burgers, sausages and fries really hit the spot sometimes. Remember, somebody else is still cooking it for you. :)

[emerald777]

Brownies! Every cruiseline I've been on has had the driest, blandest brownies! I commented last time that they should just make them with boxes of Duncan Hines! At least those are usually moist and tasty!

[cruisesusie]

Good Bagels !!

[smoosh21]

Having cruised for 20+ years, I agree there are some things cruiselines don't do well and I must agree baking is at the top of my list. We have found a way to have some great pastries - especially when cruising in Europe, we simply buy some in port. I am always amazed when other passengers ask us what we are bringing back and we tell them local bakery items -- their response is, "you don't like what's served on board.." That's right we don't, I am a good baker and like something other than "cream" or creamy desserts. We have found some great pastries in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Israel and Turkey. It is part of the fun of checking out the port of call.

 

We have found in a limited quantity some very small almond cookies on some ships. When we do we ask our waiter/head waiter to bring them for dessert to us in the diningroom.

 

I agree on this. Most of them to a really good job of baking fresh bread and rolls, but their desserts leave something to be desired. I understand that it is hard work to cook for 2000+ people, but I would rather have them put a little more into the taste, over the presentation for the desserts.

[Pam in CA]

People from different parts of the world have different palates and preferences. Even people from different parts of the country will have opposing views of certain foods. For example, a person from Ontario or Illinois (just examples, don't flame me) may love the lobster served on board, but a person from Newfoundland or Maine will find the same lobster totally tasteless. HAL makes the best bread pudding but no cruise line can touch Princess' souffles, IMHO. I can't stand the coffee, but those souffles will always lure me to Princess. On the cruises I've been on (7), I have found things I don't care for, but have always found other things that I loved. Since I can't find a cruise that is "perfect" for me, I avoid the things I don't like, and totally enjoy the things that I love. As long as people don't get personal, I love these types of discussions as this one. Cruising with so many different people from so many different areas of the world is an education that you cannot get from any school or book. Just my opinion.

That is so true! Many love the lobster onboard but if you've lived in New England and been able to get fresh-caught lobster, they're like night and day. Plus, you don't get real drawn butter. Another thing that gets me is the "maple syrup" used on cruise ships (and elsewhere.) It's corn syrup and to my taste, disgusting compared to Grade "A" Light Amber Vermont maple syrup. But many people love and use Aunt Jemima, etc.

[mjmalino]

Good post. I agree with you about food from different parts of the world. I grew up in Buffalo and since moving to AZ I haven't found any good chicken wings. People here say they are good, but I don't l like them because I am used to chicken wings from Buffalo.

 

I honestly think that the buffalo wings is a good example of how the further away from where they are known for, the less delicious they are. Let's face it, Arizona is a long way from Buffalo, but those who have spent their entire lives in Arizona don't know what a real authentic buffalo wing tastes like. I have similar issues with buffalo wings, philly cheesesteaks, and GOOD pizza. I grew up 2 hours for Philadelphia and New York (about 6 hrs from Buffalo) and let me tell you, the best pizza in California is Papa Johns!!

[mjmalino]

and they keep the slot machines tighter than anywhere esle we have played.

 

Nita

 

I have actually heard that the slots are the loosest the first couple of days in an attempt to lure passengers to the casino the remainder of the cruise.

[jpg1747]

On the contrary, at around 2 P.M. it is a great, quick thing to eat. I LOVE the trident grill, the burgers, sausages and fries really hit the spot sometimes. Remember, somebody else is still cooking it for you. :)

 

 

Oh yeah, that 4:00 chili dog and fries hit the spot and was the perfect snack between an early lunch and a late dinner.

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

Oh yeah, that 4:00 chili dog and fries hit the spot and was the perfect snack between an early lunch and a late dinner.

 

Yup, and how often do you get to do that!

[zacc]

On the contrary, at around 2 P.M. it is a great, quick thing to eat. I LOVE the trident grill, the burgers, sausages and fries really hit the spot sometimes. Remember, somebody else is still cooking it for you. :)

Just having fun with you!! (Actually I love to grab a slice of pizza from time to time!)