Scientists work long shifts to get science done at sea, sometimes under extreme weather – I type this as we try to avoid the path of a storm and the upcoming Cat 3 hurricane Gilma. Being able to focus on complex work while trying to stay grounded on a noisy and ever-moving platform can be challenging. A good night’s sleep often becomes a faraway dream, only possible when you’re back on land. Under these conditions, having comfort food during meal times is essential for anyone onboard to perform their best work. And oh, boy! This can be done so well at sea thanks to our skilled cooks.
We certainly do not have the same entertainment and luxury staterooms found on vacation cruise ships; however, the meals do not disappoint. As you’ll see below, they could be easily served on a Caribbean cruise line trip. In fact, meal quality is often a hot topic among scientists, especially when you are a first-timer on the ship. So, I am here to give you an overview of what we eat on a day during a cruise. I’ll also type a few words from our fellow crew members who will tell us what it is like to work at the ship’s galley (a.k.a. kitchen).
Let’s start with meal times. Food is usually served during breakfast, lunch and dinner and only during certain time windows. Because it’s a short timeframe, it’s a courtesy to let people who are starting or finishing their workday eat first. Aboard RV Kilo-Moana, breakfast is served between 7:15-8:15 am. Lunchtime happens between 11:15-12:15 pm and dinnertime lies between 5-6 pm. If you can’t make it, a plate can be made upon request. The chefs will also accommodate any dietary needs, which should be communicated within a month of the trip.
Now to the yummy part, the meals themselves! Today, August 25, the day started with a complete breakfast including fresh fruits (not possible at the end of a month-long cruise), eggs benedict, and other savory treats.
Not forgetting a batch of fresh cookies and pastries for the sweet tooth:
Here was my breakfast plate:
Who am I fooling here? I had a pastry and a cookie after this.
For lunch, we had chicken sandwiches, fish, steak and pasta on the menu.
And of course, a complete salad buffet:
Finally, the top chefs treated us very well during dinnertime, with tuna poke, stuffed chicken and veggies:
When in Hawaii, poke is a must-have
And we wrapped up the day with the much-deserved chocolate mousse cake:
yum!
Let’s meet the crew that makes it all happen:
- Can you tell me your name, and how long you have been working on the KM?
- My name is Rah, and I have been working here at Kilo Moana for 7 years.
- Where are you coming from?
- I am originally from Philadelphia, my family is from Panama and I am living in Tampa.
- So when it’s time to start the cruise, you fly from Tampa to Hawaii!
- I fly from Tampa to Hawaii, work three months on and three months off, then return.
- How does your work shift look like?
- I work from 4 am to 12 pm, and then from 3 pm to 6 pm.
- How do you come up with a menu?
- It depends on the crew, and what they’re eating. It also depends on what I already have, and just years of experience on a boat. Also, I’ve worked with a lot of experienced chefs.
- During a long cruise, what runs out first?
- Vegetables!
Dennis (left) and Rah (right). Sam is missing in the pic.
Apart from amazing meals, there is an unlimited selection of snacks that are always in hand, including any of your favorite chocolates and ice creams.
If you ever join a science cruise, expect great food. I have been on a bunch of cruises aboard different ships and this has been a common theme so far. The hospitality and camaraderie of the RV Kilo Moana, especially the galley’s crew with their delicious meals has made our work easier under choppy seas.