What is this cheese platter I keep reading about?

[RainyJ]

I read a lot of tips and advice, and often a cheese platter is mentioned, so I'm wondering what is so special about it? I'm a big fan of cheese, but I've never thought of a cheese plate as being all that special.

 

[kcashner]

It is called "All Hands On Deck," and the quality varies A LOT even on the same cruise. Also, it has gone downhill over the years.

It consists of an assortment of 3-4 cheeses, some crackers (range from saltines to Club Crackers to some really nice ones), and there used to be a little bit of fruit (grapes or sliced apple) and a little cup of nuts. Most recently we haven't seen the fruit or the nuts. If you have a preference as to type of cheese, you can ask for it...trying to communicate the kind of crackers you'd like is a lot less successful.

This is a room service item.

 

[over50visits]

Called All Hands on Deck, from room service. Several kinds of cheeses, crackers, grapes, and celery. Lots of fun for a nice snack, perhaps with some wine.

Google "all hands on deck cheese" for some good pictures.

 

[sissy_ib]

I ordered it once from room service and it was the same cuts of cheese offered on the buffet and some Babybel cheese.

 

[TDC Nala]

They're not special cheeses or anything, just basic cheese plate cheese (brie, some cheddar, a couple of Babybels, another basic type I forget) but it's nice to get. Don't expect the Remy cheese cart or anything like that.

 

[MelissaE1]

It is called "All Hands On Deck," and the quality varies A LOT even on the same cruise. Also, it has gone downhill over the years.

That it has. It used to be amazing when we first started ordering it, going on 10 years ago. Now the selection, amount and variety of items is much less. We still order and enjoy it, but it's not the same.

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Also, be aware, it is not for 2 to share . . .we ordered 1 on our first cruise in 05 and I thought it would of been enough for the both of us . . .but DH ended up eating over 3/4 of it . . .

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I think people like it because:

a) it's delivered, and room service rocks;
b) cheese goes nicely with the wine you've brought on board;
c) it's delivered, and room service rocks (sorry did I mention that already?).

It's just a nice snack - not greasy, not heavy, and I know for me, I generally only have a couple of kinds of cheese in the house (old cheddar and marble cheese - occasionally I'll have feta or ricotta but usually only if I'm making something specific). It's nice on vacation to be able to order an assortment of something I don't normally keep at home.

 

[♥sassy♥tink♥]

This has become a "getting ready for dinner and the show" tradition for our family! There are 4 of us, so we order 2 of them at a time.

 

[EnchantedTikiGal]

Here's 2 of our All Hands on Deck from last month on the Wonder. We were pleased with it, but the kids wished there were more red cheese and cheddar, LOL.. Cause they won't eat "stinky cheese"

 

[AmandaRG]

It is a fun and easy thing to have. We have ordered it and it is an easy snack while getting ready if my kids are a little hungry.

There are heavier and messier things to order from room service, but they aren't as conducive to eating quickly and easily.

 

[DisneyBasket]

This is pretty much what ours looked like. We ordered a plate for a private few moments on our veranda at sail away on our special anniversary cruise, (Alaska, May 2011), and enjoyed it with some champagne. We didn't expect gourmet, and we were not disappointed! It was just a nice touch to have for the beginning of a special time for us. (Then we went up to Deck 10 to celebrate sailing under the Lion's Gate Bridge out of Vancouver). DH is not a "party person," so this worked well for us. I would order it again. We LOVED room service!!

 

[dreamcruiser]

Not having ever done this before, this looks pretty ok to me as a pre-dinner treat. I wouldn't want to have too much to eat before dinner anyway~
Might not be able to do justice to that tenderloin and creme brulee I plan on having again!!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I can't remember if we ordered it on the Magic last year, but I didn't can't remember/didn't know they did away with the walnuts? I loved to rotate: cheese on cracker, grapes, then a walnut. Guess it's another cutback since walnuts are costly.

 

[simbasmom2]

We love this with wine on the verandah! The smoked gouda is our favorite. We also order a fruit bowl, it goes nicely with this platter. We order atleast 2 servings at a time. They ask us on the phone how many will be eatting it. Otherwise the first time I would have been disappointed with the amount.

 

[mammacaryn]

We have only done room service later at night or for breakfast. I am curious, can you call room before the sail away party? Since we will have one of the big Aft balconies we will probably do sail away in our room, this could be a nice little snack to have while we hang out. Thanks!

P.S.
Is this listed on the actual room service menu?

 

[kcashner]

Yes, you can call room service between 1:30 and 3:30.
Yes, the All Hands On Deck was on the room service menu on the Magic in December. The menu does change from time to time.....

 

[AmandaRG]

Not having ever done this before, this looks pretty ok to me as a pre-dinner treat. I wouldn't want to have too much to eat before dinner anyway~
Might not be able to do justice to that tenderloin and creme brulee I plan on having again!!

We have late dining, so it works well for us, especially our girls. They don't need a meal but this works well for tiding them over. A bonus is, I don't have to worry about them getting it on their clothes.

 

[Weedy]

 

[RainyJ]

Thanks for the info and the pictures! We'll probably try it out--DS3 likes cheese and DS6 likes crackers, so it may do the trick since we were assigned late seating. And DH and I will eat the "stinky" cheeses