Cruise Food
Explorer Dream
When people ask me what I love most about cruising, I rattle off my standard three responses sleeping, eating and not cleaning. Obviously there are many other things, but as a busy mum, this is the hat trick of desperate desires.
I do love my food and am a self-confessed foodie, so I was eager to try all that was on offer on Explorer Dream. Before cruising on this lovely ship, I knew that there were a number of different eateries, including speciality restaurants to sample. But it’s one thing to read about the dining options and expose them to my tastebuds.
Over the seven days I was aboard, I ate at nearly every eatery (did you expect anything less?). Instead of giving you a meal-by-meal, blow-by-blow account, I’ll try to give a brief rundown of the restaurants on board. Just as an FYI, when entering the included eateries, you must present your cruise card. A few times the kidlets forgot and it wasn’t an issue.
As there are so many to review, I thought I’d split it up into two parts.
Lido (aka the buffet)
Clean, bright and uncluttered, the Lido offers both Asian and Western options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s a cold/juice and hot drink station on either side and plenty of tables.
If you’ve ever eaten at a buffet, then you won’t be surprised by the different stations, and Explorer Dream is pretty standard on what you’d expect. The standard is high and I particularly loved having typical Asian breakfast items (such as congeee, steamed buns and noodles) instead of just toast, eggs and bacon.
The only suggestion I would make is to extend breakfast and lunch opening hours. I for one like to sleep in and have a later breakfast and a later lunch. A nice touch are coasters you can place on your table indicating whether you’re done eating or have popped up for a refill.
If you’ve ever eaten at a buffet, then you won’t be surprised by the different stations, and Explorer Dream is pretty standard on what you’d expect. The standard is high and I particularly loved having typical Asian breakfast items (such as congeee, steamed buns and noodles) instead of just toast, eggs and bacon.
The only suggestion I would make is to extend breakfast and lunch opening hours. I for one like to sleep in and have a later breakfast and a later lunch. A nice touch are coasters you can place on your table indicating whether you’re done eating or have popped up for a refill.
Lido Grill
Located at the back of the Lido buffet (and overlooking the Palace) is small ‘grill’ that serves up morning and afternoon tea. It’s a beautiful place to relax and munch while admiring the wake. This eatery services the gap where hungry people like myself either missed a meal or need a top up (doesn’t everyone have two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners?).
As well as light snacks such as hot chips, slices, cakes and biscuits, chefs cook hot meals such as burritos and sliders to order. Oh, and here’s a tip: at breakfast, the Lido Grill converts into a pancake station. Flipping great!
As well as light snacks such as hot chips, slices, cakes and biscuits, chefs cook hot meals such as burritos and sliders to order. Oh, and here’s a tip: at breakfast, the Lido Grill converts into a pancake station. Flipping great!
Dream Dining Room (Main Dining Room - Western)
This dining room oozes charm and romance. Located aft of the ship, Dream Dining Room has big chandeliers, round tables, warm wooden accents and breathtaking arched windows that fill the very big room with natural light.
It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast had the usual western offerings. Lunch and dinner meals included favourites just roast meats, grilled fish, vegetarian options and pastas.
I have to admit, I enjoyed every meal I had and often ordered a cheese platter after my meal. A few main courses were a little small, but that was easily rectified by ordering another dish to fill my tum. Deserts were delicious, in particular the apple pie and creme caramel. The waiters took your complete order at once (including dessert) rather than come back after the mains. Drink service was a little slow, but it was the very first cruise and there was a lot to adjust to. All waiters were extremely courteous and professional.
It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast had the usual western offerings. Lunch and dinner meals included favourites just roast meats, grilled fish, vegetarian options and pastas.
I have to admit, I enjoyed every meal I had and often ordered a cheese platter after my meal. A few main courses were a little small, but that was easily rectified by ordering another dish to fill my tum. Deserts were delicious, in particular the apple pie and creme caramel. The waiters took your complete order at once (including dessert) rather than come back after the mains. Drink service was a little slow, but it was the very first cruise and there was a lot to adjust to. All waiters were extremely courteous and professional.
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Pavillion (Main Dining Room - Asian)
I love, love Chinese cuisine, as was looking forward to many meals here. The room itself looks like a typical Chinese restaurant, mostly round tables to accommodate banquet-style feasting. For lunch and breakfast, the thinking is done for you, and the waiters bring out a set menu of dishes.
I warned my kids not to expect you typical Asian nosh that we get in Australia, but that this would be a lot more traditional. Some dishes we recognised, others we didn’t, but it was all about the adventure. There was plentiful Jasmine tea and boiled rice which accompanied spicy pork, saucy-lobster, steamed fish and Asian greens. The only course we didn’t enjoy was dessert. My palate is just not accustomed to Chinese sweets, but other diners seemed to love the dishes.
I’m cranky with myself I missed breakfast here as dishes include lots of delicious dumplings, buns and a congee station. Sigh. Until next time I’m aboard...
UPDATE: On my second cruise on Explorer Dream around New Zealand, I was are breakfast in Pavillion. The waitstaff when I arrived for breakfast was a bit confused, saying, "Excuse me ma'am, this is Chinese breakfast." I reassured them that I knew, and was keen to eat.
Here, you won't get you eggs, bacon or baked beans, but you will have a congee station with loads of different toppings and a fruit and danish buffet.
Next, a waiter will bring you a variety of dishes; from pork buns, sticky rice, dumplings and noodles. (The menu changes daily). I actually loved the meal, but I wouldn't eat there every day. For me, it was more of what I'd eat a at a lunchtime yum-cha in Australia.
