THE CANETTO

[Calgon1]

We tip. But then, the service and the food has always been excellent.

[Lurline63]

Interesting, as we had excellent food and service in Canaletto on Maasdam last summer. I guess it comes down to luck as to who's on duty.

We tip, as well.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Maasdam

I ordered the veal dish which I have had on other ships.

When I cut into the meat -- tons of water poured out. The crust was soggy and the meat so tough that if I threw it against the window -- I think I would have broken it.

Service was terrible. We were the second set of people to be seated at 5:30. Several other tables of 2 were seated after us. We waiter over 15 minutes before our waiter even came to the table to give us menus and/or ask us if we wanted any drinks. Another couple we had met on this cruise came in 15 minutes after us. They were long gone by the time we ordered dessert.

And then we were told that this ship doesn't do the cotton candy.

Comment card at the end -- we gave Canaletto a low grade.

[Judi]

That's truly a shame, KK. We only experienced Canaletto on the Oosterdam in 2010, but it was so good that we ate there 3 times. We tried to make reservations last year on Veendam but it was booked solid.....or so we were told. Then again, we were told by the Maitre d' at Pinnacle that they shouldn't let travel agents "give away" dinners there because they don't have enough tables per cruise to equal the chits that passengers have. I told him then, and I repeat it now, that is not the TAs' responsibility but HAL's. He just looked at me and huffed!

We plan on going to Canaletto's at least twice next month....assuming the first night is good.

[Beryl]

Judi, we loved Canelleto on the Veendam last year and were fortunate to get a reservation. We would have eaten there again if space had been available. The food and service were both excellent! The food in the Pinnacle Grill was very good too but the service was the pits ... and that equalled no tip!

[Krazy Kruizers]

That's truly a shame, KK. We only experienced Canaletto on the Oosterdam in 2010, but it was so good that we ate there 3 times. We tried to make reservations last year on Veendam but it was booked solid.....or so we were told. Then again, we were told by the Maitre d' at Pinnacle that they shouldn't let travel agents "give away" dinners there because they don't have enough tables per cruise to equal the chits that passengers have. I told him then, and I repeat it now, that is not the TAs' responsibility but HAL's. He just looked at me and huffed!

We plan on going to Canaletto's at least twice next month....assuming the first night is good.

Strange -- I never heard of a TA giving away dinners for the Canaletto -- just the Pinnacle.

Our Canaletto experiences on the Amsterdam and Noordam were great.

[Lurline63]

KK, what a dreadful experience for you in Maasdam's Canaletto! I hope you'll give it a try again on a different ship. And, thank you again for letting us know about the cost on Westerdam. By the way, do you (or anyone) know if HAL's new vegetarian options extend to Canaletto?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Not yet.

I wish I could a copy of the different menu where there a couple of new choices on the ships that are charging for the Canaletto.

But no one has posted the slightly different menu/

[Judi]

I said the maitre d' "at the Pinnacle." He was pompous and arrogant in our opinion.

For the most part, we've had superb meals in Pinnacle. There have been a few that didn't meet our expectations, but all in all, we've been pleased.

I do think food /restaurant likes/dislikes is quite subjective. What we think is great might not please anyone else.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry Judi -- I misunderstood.