Christmas ? Gone Cruising
Expect to be greeted by festive ship decorations, delightful crew gingerbread house displays, and over the top table settings.
December 24, 2013
Puerto Vallarta
“Is tomorrow Christmas Day?” an Aussie acquaintance asked. “No, it's Christmas Eve,” I corrected her. “Are you sure,” she asked still in doubt.
“My goodness, we've lost track, haven't we?” another passenger quipped. “Well if you are not sure, check the elevator. The carpet will show you what day it is, “ I volunteered. To some who do not know, Holland America Line makes sure that the carpets on the elevators are changed daily and it spells what day of the week it is. Last year, somebody made a mistake of forgetting to change an elevator carpet on time. I swear, it was like a sudden mass hysteria and confusion at a Walmart greeters convention.
Holland America Cruise Line's Christmas dinner menu has festive options for every course, from appetizers to dessert.
It's funny how, as soon as we get on board the ship, we forget a lot of things. Apart from the date, we also forget to think. We just suddenly would rely on the daily newsletter. If it says on the newsletter that today’s wear is formal,then that's what we wear. Most ladies are well prepared for these formal nights. If the cruise is seventeen days, then they bring seventeen ball gowns plus three other formal dresses in case one does not fit well. The guys on the other hand will bring one pair of pants. “Don't worry, I will turn it inside out after one week!”some of them will say.
When we left San Diego last December 20, there was an official Christmas tree lighting ceremony coupled with the singing of Christmas carols. But since San Francisco, our ship has been well decorated and has the Christmas colors everywhere you look. Fresh poinsettias have replaced the once fresh orchids that dominates all the tables at the Lido Restaurant. It is at the Lido restaurant where I met two Filipino cooks whose families, and properties were affected by the devastating typhoon Haiyan last November.
I felt really sorry for them and I tried to cheer them up as best as I could by saying “As long as everybody is alive and not hurt, you will be okay.|” They agreed and nodded their heads, after all what can they do in their situation. As they sweat their way out everyday cooking for all the passengers, they never expressed themselves anymore other than that first day encounter.
Medallions of Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine Demi-Glace, William Potatoes are just some of the options for dinner.
So tonight, I will hand them a Christmas card with a few bills and my daughter's calling card. The money may not be enough or too little but my daughter's card may go along way toward a new hope and a new beginning for them. Whether I am on land or in the water, it does not matter, my values do not change. Christmas still means sharing. For people who do not have a lot, small things are treasured more. It also means a lot to know that somebody cares.
Dessert will include several decadent holiday treats, including eggnog cheesecake with raspberry cremeux, spiced cream, etc.
I may be far away from my daughter and her husband and my two grandsons, but she knows that this cruise is a once in a lifetime experience for me and I know she understands that. I will be missing my two grandsons reaction as well as my daughter Charelle's expressions when they open their Christmas presents, but I hope that they will enjoy the holidays even if Mommy is not around. They also know that I care and that I love them dearly!
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year Everyone!
P.S. Our Christmas meals on board the ship was one fabulous experience. Just reading the menu makes me feel like I'm putting on weight already. This was our dinner menu for our International Christmas Eve. I did not include the other items that are available regularly:
Cocktails
Snowflaketini (vodka, passion fruit syrup, cranberry juice)
Christmas in a Glass (Prosecco, gingerbread syrup)
Menus are infused with holiday favorites and seasonal drinks with hot chocolate, eggnog, or cranberry as specials during Christmas sailings.
Appetizers
Caribbean -Fruit Melange
Scandinavia- Salmon Sampler Asia- Ming Thai Crab Cakes
Soups and Salads USA -Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Germany-Lentil Soup
Mexico-Gazpacho
Spain-Tomato Salad
Entrees
Italy -Seafood Penne
Canada-Maple Rainbow Trout with Cranberry Sauce
Norway- Crackling Pork Belly
England- Roasted Prime Rib
Austria- Roasted Goose Mediterranean- Roasted Vegetable Risotto
Dessert
France-Chocolate Yule Log
Australia- Fruit Pavlova
USA- Southern Pecan Pie
Some of the best holiday cookies and desserts are those created by top cruise line chefs.
These are the best cruise ship desserts on the high seas. See which one is perfect for your next culinary indulgence!
Canada- Bread Pudding
Sliced Fruit Plate
Assorted Cheese Plate
Holiday Christmas Cookies and Petit Fours
Frozen Treats
Vanilla Ice cream
Mango Sherbet
No Sugar Added Butter Pecan Ice Cream
On Christmas morning, egg nog lattes as a specialty coffee choice, turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas.
Eggnog Ice Cream
Cookies 'N Cream Frozen Yoghurt
No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream
Belgium- Dame Blanche Sundae
Espresso Drinks
Recommended Cordial of the Day
Comments
Happy New Year to you and Bert! Thanks for bringing back pleasant memory on the HAL, particularly its tasty food. An ice storm hit our many cities and left people in the dark for a long time. We are fortunate not to have power only 3 1/2 days. We used our fire place for heating and cooking. Many didn't have for more than one week! However, the weather crisis is nothing in comparison with flood, tornado, earthquake or Tsunami etc... May God bless you for being kind and generous to the Filipino staff whose family suffered the hurricane. A healthy and happy 2014 to you! Kim From Kim Landhuis, on Jan 1, 2014 at 05:29 p.m.
Merry Christmas and can I have all the desserts and cocktails please? forget about main entrees. Enjoy and have a fun holiday. Julie From Julie Lee, on Jan 3, 2014 at 12:24 a.m.