Embarking on a two-week voyage through Norway and Iceland fulfilled a longstanding dream for many, promising breathtaking scenery and majestic fjords. Yet, the culinary journey aboard the cruise ship left much to be desired, characterized by repetitive meals and limited gourmet options among its 3,000 passengers.
The central hub for dining was the Lido Deck buffet, where patrons frequented for breakfast, lunch, and occasional dinners. Despite its initial monotony, the buffet’s familiarity grew on many, prompting comparisons to Stockholm syndrome.
Beyond the buffet, the ship offered exclusive dining experiences at additional cost, resembling upscale hotel cafes with classic dishes like shrimp cocktail and duck à l’orange. Themed nights occasionally introduced dishes such as beef Wellington and Mongolian seafood noodles, which despite geographic inaccuracies, appealed to the cruise’s diverse demographic.
Catering to a global clientele, culinary offerings erred on the side of caution, ensuring all meats and fish were well done. This approach, while safe, resulted in a lack of culinary nuance, particularly noticeable in staples like pizza, French fries, and creamy pastas where discerning between sauces became a challenge.
Surprisingly, amid these culinary limitations, the buffet occasionally featured “ethnic” dishes that provided a welcome departure from the norm. Standouts included Filipino specialties like pork adobo and beef tapa, prepared with authenticity that hinted at the skilled hands of Filipino chefs on board.
Reflecting on the experience, the cruise’s culinary operation demonstrated remarkable efficiency in accommodating vast numbers of guests while adhering to global culinary expectations. Despite criticisms of excess and mediocrity, the occasional introduction of Southeast Asian flavors offered a refreshing glimpse into culinary diversity amidst the cruise’s otherwise routine offerings.
Returning to shore, cravings for more authentic Asian fare lingered, yet a newfound appreciation for the ship’s culinary efforts, however pragmatic, remained.
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