Be Careful RCL

[Paul65]

Where I live, you would look very odd dressing up in a nice restaurant. Typical attire in the nicer steakhouses, etc, is a button down shirt or polo, linen or cargo shorts, and sandals. We refer to it as "Key West casual." I realize we are rather unique in this way though. Like you said, it's just how my town is. Our food doesn't suffer because of it.

 

But, that is dressing up compared to what a lot of people would prefer to wear. :D

[Aquahound]

But, that is dressing up compared to what a lot of people would prefer to wear. :D

 

Yea, that is certainly true, especially here. :D

[MAZANDSTEVE]

I don't see it quite the same.

I look at the dinner menu every afternoon. That gives us a chance to decide if we want to dine in the MDR or elsewhere that evening.

We can always find something, even if we end up with a salad at the WJ.

 

We have our favorite restaurants and they always get it right.

If we go elsewhere and it isn't as good, we usually try and give it second chance. They don't get three strikes, only two.

 

***

 

 

We looked and it sounded ok, but didnt taste ok.

The thing is, yes you can go somewhere else to eat if you do not eat the food at MDR, But who wants to run around different places to find something good to eat, not me. The food on the menu is the right idea, they just need to learn how to cook it and with taste.

[Tranquil Waters]

We looked and it sounded ok, but didnt taste ok.

The thing is, yes you can go somewhere else to eat if you do not eat the food at MDR, But who wants to run around different places to find something good to eat, not me. The food on the menu is the right idea, they just need to learn how to cook it and with taste.

 

So you are looking for RCI to find chefs that can cook as well as their copywriters can design/write a menu? :D

[MAZANDSTEVE]

So you are looking for RCI to find chefs that can cook as well as their copywriters can design/write a menu? :D

 

 

 

Yep!! ;) not much to ask for, a chef that can cook. :)

[Tranquil Waters]

Yep!! ;) not much to ask for, a chef that can cook. :)

 

I did also notice on my last cruise that the descriptions/titles of the dishes seemed a far cry from what showed up on the plate. :eek:

[Jimnbigd]

I know what you mean. The MDR on the Voyager of the Seas last March was good but nothing was really excellent like I've had in the past. As for the OP, I wonder if the head chef (whatever he/she is called) was out that week -- that can make a big difference. It is not only RCCL. I was on the Carnival Ecstasy last January and the food was mostly poor this time. I hope Cruise Ships don't go the route of airlines. I remember when airlines served pretty good meals. Now, well, nothing. To the cruise lines -- I would rather pay a little more than have poor quality meals -- So, WAKE UP.

[Cruzface]

I actually don't think that BakinCakes' comment is that far off-base. Of course they are out to save money as much as possible, but it is certainly possible that the appearance of the passengers and the actions of the cruise lines could affect each other. If they see that many of the passengers are not longer dressing up, it might make them think that many of the passengers no longer care about an elegant dining experience. And as the dining experience becomes less elegant, fewer and fewer people dress up. I can see the two feeding off each other in a subtle way. That doesn't have to mean that someone consciously says, "because the average passenger is dressing more casually, we are going to reduce our costs in the MDR."

 

Game, set, match.

 

Found the following on another thread:

 

This article was based on the New Norwegian Epic, but compares it to the other cruise lines as well overall. I thought I would post it since I have seen many posts in the past with people on here saying the same thing happening on Royal. I have never had a bad meal yet in the Main dining room, but sometimes it has been less than perfect.

 

Here is the article from the Palm Beach Post this past Sunday:

 

Specialty restaurants on cruises add up quickly

Many of the travel writers who participated in the recent introductory sailings of the Norwegian Epic had good things to say about the food. As far as I can tell, none of them pointed out that the culinary highlights of the Epic are specialty restaurants imposing (in many cases) not simply a cover charge, but ala carte prices for many of their menu items. These, of course, were free of charge to travel-industry guests (including myself) on the recent introductory cruises.

 

From both New York and Miami, the Norwegian Epic conducted two-night sailings to nowhere for both travel agents and travel writers. On board the ship were several open bars, and, of course, those many extra-charge specialty restaurants that supplement the fewer no-extra-charge dining rooms. For these introductory sailings, of course, the specialty restaurants billed nothing extra to the many travel journalists who delighted in their meals. At the places specializing in steaks, French cuisine, Japanese seafood, Brazilian churrascarias and the like, we ate for free.

 

In contrary fashion, I took a meal at one of the Epic’s main dining facilities, the always-free-of extra-charge Manhattan Room, and it was disappointingly dull, a condition that numerous other travel journalists who ate there have confirmed to me. It was almost as if the cruise line was stinting on its main dining-room offerings in order to persuade people to use the specialty restaurants.

And this is a phenomenon that is not confined to Norwegian Cruise Line. On Celebrity Cruises, on Carnival on MSC, it generally is felt by experienced cruise travelers that the quality of meals served in the general, large, open-to-all dining room has greatly declined in recent years. Even on such a fine ship as the Celebrity Solstice, meals in the main general dining room were totally undistinguished and dull on my recent cruise aboard that ship. It was only when you went to the extra-charge specialty restaurants that one ate well.

 

Although in some restaurants the cover charge enables you to order one set menu for no extra charge, numerous other menu items carry a specific extra charge (as, of course, do all drinks). It would easily be possible, I soon saw, to run up quite a restaurant bill on the Norwegian Epic if you were a normal-paying passenger.

 

I have the impression that all the major, popularly priced cruise lines have cut back on the preparation of the meals served in their main dining rooms in order to send passengers to the profit-making “specialty” restaurants. And I am willing to bet that those specialty restaurants now account for a large part of the cruise ship’s income, just as bars, casinos, spas, shops and port excursions do. You pay an extra price to enjoy good food (as should have been pointed out in the initial reviews of the Epic). There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Last edited by jmraggs; Yesterday at 10:51 AM.

[Paul65]

Game, set, match.

 

Hmm. Don't know about that. Even if I put all my faith in the opinions of one travel writer, as you seem to have done, I don't think the article really disputes the fact that the passengers' willingness, and perhaps even desire, to have a less formal dining experience may have played a roll in the changes.

[Stags14]

Guys, we pay say an average of $800pp for a cruise (7 day, @$900 w/tax). And you want a dinner every night that's worth at least $50pp. That's $350/$800 - almost 50% of your fare - and it doesn't include breakfast, or lunch. You can't be serious. They still have fuel, manpower energy costs, docking fees, etc...

 

Cruise costs have gone down because nobody could afford really expensive vacations, so they had to widen their customer base - I'd say for what we pay - the food is dam good. Oh, but guess what... if you DO feel like paying the extra money for superior food - you can go to a specialty restaurant. I really don't understand the problem... and I honestly haven't noticed the food to be horrible. Then again, I'm on vacation and usually have had a few cocktails before dinner :D

[Aquahound]

Game, set, match.

 

Game, set, match......when it comes to food?

 

Ha!

 

Rookie. ;)

[Tranquil Waters]

Game, set, match......when it comes to food?

 

Ha!

 

Rookie. ;)

 

To say the very least...... :D

[cr3boys]

We were so turned off by the food in the MDR, that were afraid to even try the specialty restaurants. We just couldn't see how they could really be that much better. It was also the principle of it, why should we pay RCCL any more money just to get an edible meal. Don't they have a responsibility to do this anyway?? I wonder if they are aware that there are so many complaints about their food.

 

We were pretty shocked at what people wore to the MDR. It didn't bother or offend us, it was just interesting to see complete disregard for a dress code. We made our boys follow the rules and wear pants and collared shirts, but there were literally adults in workout clothing and ball caps. I had heard about this, but you have to really see it to believe it:eek:

[Stags14]

We were so turned off by the food in the MDR, that were afraid to even try the specialty restaurants. We just couldn't see how they could really be that much better. It was also the principle of it, why should we pay RCCL any more money just to get an edible meal. Don't they have a responsibility to do this anyway?? I wonder if they are aware that there are so many complaints about their food.

 

We were pretty shocked at what people wore to the MDR. It didn't bother or offend us, it was just interesting to see complete disregard for a dress code. We made our boys follow the rules and wear pants and collared shirts, but there were literally adults in workout clothing and ball caps. I had heard about this, but you have to really see it to believe it:eek:

 

There really aren't that many complaints - most pax are more than satisfied. I'd say the majority of the people who complain about the food are members of this board and have posted in this thread. Absolutely nobody I personally know has complained about the food - I really don't understand what everyone is expecting to get with the low fare costs. I am always more than satisfied with the food, then again I don't really expect too much in the way of how the food tastes when I have far better food at home.

 

There is no dress code - they suggest attire, but there is no enforced dress code. Personally, it doesn't bother me whatsoever if people come in jeans/nice shirt/nice shoes, etc.. but workout clothes and a ball cap is kinda pushing it. That's definately one of those 'see it to believe it' situations. Line should be drawn there... pants and a decent shirt should be minimal for all nights.

 

That said - I've never seen anyone not dressed up for formal nights... however, if you do see someone who isn't up to "code" you also must consider that we are all traveling, it is very, very possible that they are missing their luggage. So don't judge (not saying u are, just saying), and enjoy your meal.

[bionicman97]

Game, set, match......when it comes to food?

 

Ha!

 

Rookie. ;)

 

Just wait till someone comes back and says they are serving hamburgers as a main dish in the MDR.

 

Someone here is going to have a stroke :eek::eek::D

[Cruising89143]

:cool: This thread compares to the current thread regarding Walmart Cruises. Having sailed with RCCL since 1993, and having noticed that the food has gone way down hill, I can attest that curise experiences in general have declined. I have stated previously that I would pay more for a cruise if RCCL would restore the quality of food in the MDR. What we get in speciality restaurants now, is what we used to get in the MDR on a nightly basis. RCCL has granted me my request, but the catch is that I would have to eat at Chops or Portofino's every night. I enjoy the MDR experience; have a relationship with my waiters; have the opportunity to set at a table with other people and comparing our daily experiences. RCCL has lowered it standards because it has lowered prices to that more people can afford to cruise. The people who now curise who couln't afford to cruise before, are getting exactly what they pay for. They have no idea what things were years ago. To them this is fantastic. If they only knew. A poster previously stated that if we wanted great food, go to France or Italy. We used to get food just like that right here in the MDR.:cool:

 

I agree that the food used to be MUCH better but as you stated, we paid for it in the price of the cruise. Today cruises are dirt cheap but people still expect to eat like they are at the Ritz. You get what you pay for. Want gourmet food, move up to Seabourn or Regent but be prepared to pay for it.

[cr3boys]

People did look very nice on Formal nights, I guess those "extreme under-dressers" opt to dine elsewhere on those nights.

 

I agree that jeans and a nice shirt should be acceptable, maybe RCCL should just do away with all semblance of a dress code suggestion. I think many people dress like they would going to a restaurant at home, we tend to try to look nice anytime we go out to eat. Others would think nothing of going out to eat in workout clothes, on or off a cruise ship.

 

No big deal though...to each his own I guess!!!!

[Cruising89143]

I never cruised during the "Golden Age" of cruising, so I guess I've never had the expectation the the MDR would be an impressive experience. When I think of a vacation experience with good food, a cruise is probably at the bottom of my list. Maybe I was spoiled by living in France and having daily school lunches that were better than many meals that I've had in the MDR, but the quality of the food on the ship is never a selling point when I talk about cruises. Quantity? Yes.

 

When I started cruising the food was the best thing going when it came to a cruise. The lounge acts were cheesy. Casinos small and there was no such thing as a lido dining room or room service. You ate three meals a day at a certain time. There was also the midnight buffet. There were no balcony cabins.

 

Our first cruise was in 1986 on NCL and the cabin was 110 sqaure feet for a great price of $3000.00 for two people for a seven night cruise. The cruise lines were not spending money on entertainment or innovative ships like today. You cruised to relax and eat along with visiting ports. Good or bad cruising has evolved. I for one am happier with cruising today than twenty years ago. Ships are larger and offer more amenities, dining options are more varied and entertainment is 200% better. Some folks just need to realize that things change and you have a choice. Change with it or move on.

[Cruising89143]

Where I live, you would look very odd dressing up in a nice restaurant. Typical attire in the nicer steakhouses, etc, is a button down shirt or polo, linen or cargo shorts, and sandals. We refer to it as "Key West casual." I realize we are rather unique in this way though. Like you said, it's just how my town is. Our food doesn't suffer because of it.

 

All of this sounds good to me. Bring it on.:)

[nursemommy7578]

my cruise this past May on the Majesty was fantastic! I found the food plentiful and tasty! We thoroughly enjoyed every meal in the MDR. We eat at upscale restaurants often, and I was impressed with the quality of food onboard.

 

was it because it was my first cruise? maybe

was it because it was a smaller ship? maybe

 

as a previous poster mentioned, I didnt have to shop/cook/clean!

 

i've got a B2B coming up next May on Freedom of the Seas and I am going in with no expectations. I'm sure all will be fine even if its not 5*.

we are going to be on VACATION...we will make the most of it!

[Caliterp07]

This thread reminds me of the dominoes commercials. You know the ones where they say something along the lines of, "We heard your responses and we want to offer NEW and IMPROVED pizza!"

 

And then I think to myself, "Man, I liked the old pizza just fine. What does that say about my taste buds?"

 

Same thing with RC. I like their food just fine. For what I'm paying for the trip, I think it's a great deal. But then all these people complain about how horrible it is, and how it sucks now compared to before, and I feel like I must not be on board with the rest of the population!

[cgrout78]

I know one thing my husband was kind of bummed about was on our last 2 cruises (with Carnival) he could have Salmon every night (that was their "alternative" menu). The fish choice on the everynight menu for RCI is cod I believe. Not a huge deal to me, but he was a little disappointed.

 

Overall though, I'm sure that we'll both find plenty to eat. I'd like to try Portofino's one night, but DH is a pretty finicky eater and don't really want to waste the money on food that I know he won't eat. He's a farmboy and all about plain meat, potato and bread ;)

[bionicman97]

This thread reminds me of the dominoes commercials. You know the ones where they say something along the lines of, "We heard your responses and we want to offer NEW and IMPROVED pizza!"

 

And then I think to myself, "Man, I liked the old pizza just fine. What does that say about my taste buds?"

 

Same thing with RC. I like their food just fine. For what I'm paying for the trip, I think it's a great deal. But then all these people complain about how horrible it is, and how it sucks now compared to before, and I feel like I must not be on board with the rest of the population!

 

I am right there with you and that quote put a smile on my face.:D:D

[Paul65]

This thread reminds me of the dominoes commercials. You know the ones where they say something along the lines of, "We heard your responses and we want to offer NEW and IMPROVED pizza!"

 

And then I think to myself, "Man, I liked the old pizza just fine. What does that say about my taste buds?"

 

Same thing with RC. I like their food just fine. For what I'm paying for the trip, I think it's a great deal. But then all these people complain about how horrible it is, and how it sucks now compared to before, and I feel like I must not be on board with the rest of the population!

 

Actually, it's the people who complain about how bad the food is who are out of step with the rest of the population. If you look at the overall ratings on Cruise Critic, you'll find that passenger ratings of dining on the Royal Caribbean ships all fall in the range of a 4.0 - 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5+. The ratings of most Princess and Carnival ships are in the same range. Rating higher than a 4.5 are pretty much dominated by the truly upscale cruiselines. So, the average person does not think the food sucks, just that it is not as good as an upscale cruise line.

 

Since I can't afford a trip on an upscale line, and I'm not sure that would be my "speed" anyway, I'm OK with what RCI offers.

[Cruzface]

Game, set, match......when it comes to food?

 

Ha!

 

Rookie. ;)

 

I don't get it....