Lobster Galore & More on NCL
May 2008 — Say "lobster" to many cruise passengers and they respond like Pavlov's dog, salivating at the thought of the tender crustacean swimming in a sea of drawn butter.
Say "lobster" to the folks at Norwegian Cruise Line and they respond, "Could you really have too much Lobster?"
Apparently not, because NCL now offers "Lobster Galore" ... meaning that passengers who just can't get enough of it can indulge in a personal lobster-feast every night on a cruise.
Look for lobster offerings in the main dining room at least twice per cruise and a lobster dish on specialty restaurant menus every night. Keep in mind, though, that they don't all serve a whole lobster, or even the traditional broiled lobster tail, and this is not like an all-you-can-eat special at the local Red Lobster.
The star of the lobster dishes in the main dining room is, of course, the traditional broiled lobster at least one night; the second night, lobster will be a featured ingredient in a dish. Think of a seafood "platter" that includes your favorite sea critter and his pals.
Of course not everyone is fond of lobster. (Who would that be?) However, those who are will find it incorporated into this sampling of Specialty Restaurant dishes:
- Le Bistro - Maine Lobster
- Italian - Lobster Ravioli
- Steakhouse - Maine Lobster
- Asian - Szechuan Stir-Fried Maine Lobster
- Tex-Mex - Warm Lobster Taco
Keep in mind that there is a surcharge for dining in Specialty Restaurants, and there may be an upcharge for the lobster-themed menu items. Even so, the Specialty Restaurants are popular and you'll need to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Or, you can simply check the video screens in public areas when you're hungry to see which restaurants aren't busy and go to the one with the shortest waiting time. As a recent NCL cruise passenger related to me, that was the procedure he successfully followed. It may not be your first restaurant choice, but lobster will be on the menu.
What About "MORE"?
NCL proves once again that they offer something for everyone and this treat is a little something extra for passengers accommodated in suites.
When you pay more, you naturally expect more, and that even applies to snacks in the 2.0 version of NCL's "Freestyle" cruising. In this instance, it means you get what you want, when you want it. Instead of a tray of canapés delivered in the late afternoon, suite occupants receive a snack menu. Items like dried fruit & nuts, a soft pretzel, brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, potato chips, tortilla chips & salsa, veggies & dip, or assorted cheese & crackers can be delivered every day or day-by-day at 5pm or 10pm.
This menu of goodies is inspired! You may be thinking, who'd want chips & dip when they previously got caviar on toast points ... but, seriously, how many people crave caviar? Aside from me, my family isn't into it.
While fancy hors d'oeuvres may appeal to some passengers, there are probably more who either don't like them or simply aren't in the mood when they automatically show up. On the other hand, if your family is like mine, attacks of the munchies hit while watching late-night television. Brownies or soft pretzels would be just the thing to keep us satisfied during a movie.
It's not much, but it's a touch that shows passengers that NCL is thinking about them and the way they live. I guess this means I can avoid slipping those pre-packaged peanut butter crackers into my tote bag before leaving home ... if I can talk my husband into booking NCL's suites in the future.
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