Just off the OASIS and was in the Diamond Lounge for early morning coffee and in pop the executive chef checking on the continental layout. Since we were the only couple in the Lounge that early, he pop by to say hi and we kind of corner him into a 30 minute discussion on MDR menu. Here is his take on why it has to change.
Crew shortage in both kitchen and serving staff, many just did not return back to the ship
Gratuities that are now shared among the crew may help
The kitchen and serving staff are all very new, large menu mean inconsistency in cooking
More cruisers are using MTD, hard to keep a large menu hot and consistent
Reduce waste since majority of item are pre made and not cook to order, too many items
Return to the old days with theme menu, since we were in the Diamond Lounge, he said dont you remember when there were no classic items
Cost, cannot keep serving two or three entre during lobster night, each ship is a business unit and food is a large cost driver
Many things have change during his 28 years with Royal, no more midnight buffet, ice sculptures, chocolate buffet, lunch menu and buffet in MDR, Windjammer theme stations. Bottom line, it has to do with cost
Interesting conversation from an insider.