We celebrated our 100th day with HAL on this cruise. We started sailing with them about 10 years ago and they, along with Oceania have remained our favorite cruise line.

Unfortunately as the fares have decreased, so has some of the quality that we have come to expect.

First is the food. They still have all the glitzy items, Escargot. lobster etc. But some of the overall quality is gone. The Dover Sole is almost inedible and the pastries and any baked goods have really suffered. They are not using butter in their cookies or piecrusts, just shortening. The muffins are made in a steam over and raw in the middle and slightly brown outside. Since we were on 30 days, we saw all the menus at least twice. I can remember specific entrees I loved the first time, ordered again and were delivered incredibly overcooked. Read more