3/31/11 Sensation - with Chef's Table fiasco!

[Cruise4Music]

Whats sad is the people reading these boards think everything is rosie and shiny.

 

Example- most people post about the anytime dining and how great it is=- How many people do NOT write about their bad experiences.(not here at least)

 

IMHO I do not agree.

 

Most board post are negative in nature or troll post (see the daily smoking and dress guideline post).

 

Most folks who cruise do not post to Cruise Critic but those with an ax to grind are all over the place.

 

Makes for entertaining reading but not much real information.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I linked to this review from another review, talk about night and day between the two reviewers. Wheww

 

We should embrace our differences! :)

 

I must have missed that one. :D :p

 

...

 

It's where you typically wouldn't tread!

 

Tom two more posters started threads now complaining about their Carnival cruises during spring break .... some of your problems could be due to spring break??

 

Carnival was probably just trying to get thru the cruise as best they could.

 

Spring Break - yes it was (900 kids onboard). A vast majority of the little tikes were very well behaved. It was just some of the adults which needed TIME OUT!

 

I think that Carnival's product on the Sensation will be the same the following week, and the next.. and the next..

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I have only been Platinum for 2 cruises - and I found a great difference between the "services received" on the Dream and on the Glory. On Dream, they did service the Platinum line first at Guest Services. On Glory, I was totally ignored the 3 times I went on that line. I stood patiently, just observing how they took the 3-5 people on the regular line before me - even though I was there first. It annoyed me - not enough to ruin my cruise, but it took some of the "shine" off being Platinum. Bar staff on Dream acknowledged the Platinum card - some said they had never seen one before. No one acknowledged the card on Glory. And forget tendering - on Glory the perk of tendering first was totally ignored - I was sent back to the lounge to wait for an hour to get a number on the regular tender line in GC. I even used John Heald's name in vain - to no avail!:p Again - I really like the VIP boarding and laundry perks- being Platinum is worth it just for that! But they really should follow the same "rules" on all ships - and for those who have more than 25 cruises - they should totally go out of their way to make you happy and meet your needs.

 

Kinda makes you feel like the company likes to appear that they care, but can't seem to muster enough real care to follow it through to ensure consistency.

 

There have been ships where all of the perks fell into place along with often being recognized (by the card) and asked how many sailings we have with Carnival --- with faces that appeared actually interested in the answer.

 

There have been ships where we received NOTHING on the Platinum checklist save the slot/BJ tournament entry card. Even after calling guest relations the first night... and the second... later they did offer to send a bottle of champagne as an apology, but I declined - saying that I had no use for the bottle they would send (I find their "gift" champagne... not palatable). They never did manage to get any canapes, personalized stationery, or the gift to our room. Oh, we were already MILESTONE (as much as some don't like to hear that word) and were staying in the Owner's Suite (again, words some don't care to encounter). As much as those words don't matter to some people, occasionally they matter similarly to Carnival too! :eek:

 

Tom

[cespo]

Hi Tom and Cheryl,

 

Thanks for the review..sorry you had crappy tablemates on the Chefs table.

Just be glad they did not try to take Cheryls steam iron and flat iron again.....(i think that is what they were) like on the destiny..

It was great meeting the both of you.

 

Christine and John

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

In an earlier post I commented that I had gone back and corrected several spelling/grammatical errors. I wanted to have this thread posted while it was fresh in my mind. Unfortunately, my mind was not fresh - having only had 4-5 hours of low quality sleep the last night (my own fault for staying up too late as is usually the case onboard). At any rate, with cutting and pasting of the review - and several "preview posts" and re-reads, apparently issues with CC last night made me think that my changes were being integrated, when in fact they were not. I was close to zombie mode by the time I hit SUBMIT!

 

So - my apology for several GOOFS...! :o

 

Tom

[kerrytens]

I know this seems to be the opinion of most, and I'm in the minority on this one - but why should everyone be treated equally? Please don't misunderstand what I'm getting at here. There's a certain level of quality service every passenger should receive, or any customer of any business for that matter. After meeting that baseline of quality that is in line with the price of the product, why shouldn't those who pay more receive more? Whether they pay in the form of a higher cabin level (suite) or with a long history of purchases (milestone, platinum)... they deserve an enhanced level of service. You can't honestly believe that a first time pax in an inside cabin deserves the same experience as a 50-time guest booked in an owner's suite. I don't think the OP is wrong for noting that it should be part of staff training to recognize and acknowledge those who display a milestone status card.

 

I'm in the non-profit fundraising business. If I gave the same level of service and attention to a $10,000 donor as I did to a $100 donor, I'd probably be out of a job.

 

We live in a culture that seems to believe "fairness and equality" means that everyone gets treated the same. Instead, fairness should mean that you get what you're earned/paid for.

 

To the OP - thanks for the excellent review. I really enjoy reading good, balanced feedback that is expressed in a positive manner despite running into some negative situations.

 

*WILD applause!!*

More wild applause!!!!!

And I'm not even close to milestone/suite anything:o

Tom, great review. I really appreciated your point of view.

[Catrin]

I have been reading your reviews for years.... I remember your first time in that owners suite.. how long ago was that????

 

Anyway.... honest review as always. I am the same with you about dining... once was enough with others. I just use my week to regroup with my family.

 

I think you are lucky to live so close to the port.. for us, its 3 grand on flights .. before we can think of cruising!

 

Catrin

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi Tom and Cheryl,

 

Thanks for the review..sorry you had crappy tablemates on the Chefs table.

Just be glad they did not try to take Cheryls steam iron and flat iron again.....(i think that is what they were) like on the destiny..

It was great meeting the both of you.

 

Christine and John

 

Hi guys!! :) It's always nice to meet people from our roll calls. Some will talk up a storm, and then somehow not manage to show up (often with lame excuses). I try to make a point to be there, and I am glad that most do!

 

Regarding their confiscation of items. I have no problem when they remove something which is prohibited. I do have problems when they remove something which is not - in our case an extension cord, a fan twice, her flat iron once, etc... then when confronted with the fact that the items are NOT prohibited, they try to cover their own azz saying it is, or take you to the point of having to inform them that you'll get off the ship (and never return to Carnival) if they don't before they cave and give you what is allowed to begin with! (Whew - I must think in run-on sentences!) They quickly earn demerits for that crap... it's rather frustrating!

 

Tom

[Medtech2]

So I skipped from page one to the last page just now so do not know if anyone else brought this up....

I would be really worried that the woman who looked at the driver's license now knows the boy's address!

So glad you enjoyed the Epic also!

We have been on only 4 cruises--the first for me being my senior trip in high school, in, gasp, 1978, back when teens were allowed to book en masse. Really enjoyed that but as an adult it would drive me crazy to be near my unsupervised teen self....

Anyway, so far the Epic is my all time favorite....

So glad your positive experiences have outweighed the bad!

[KroozFoolz]

Thanks for writing and posting your review.

I always appreciate your contributions to this board.

[capndinghy]

I think Sir Thomas wrote a pretty accuate review. One has to be flexible when one is sjopping at WalMart instead of Nieman Marcus. I look forward to perhaps sharing a chef's table with him on a future cruise. But I must warn him I might say ##### now and them. Bur hey, I did quit smoking and had a fancy "title" in front odf my name. Oh, and I drive a humble

RAV4.

[Drew's Wife]

Tom,

Thanks for the review....always love reading them. I am really sorry about the women (I won't refer to them as ladies) at the Chef's Table. Such crude langauge and behaviour is never acceptable in any situation. Most times I will do my best to ignore these people, but I think where my child (even a teenager) was concerned, I would have blown a gasket. However, I'm sure you did the wise thing, by handling the situation the way you did.

I really appreciate the information about the Chef's Table. Drew and I had considered trying this on a cruise, but after finding out that they seat the women and men apart....well that cinches it....it's not even an option. When at a table for two, we sit across from one another, but when we are with a group, we will only sit next to each other.

Your description reminds me of the "Sunday after Church Lunch Bunch".:D We always had about 10 to 12 couples go out after Church and they would always sit like that!:confused: Well being that Drew and I are the "kids" of the bunch 58 and 68....we threw a wrench in their seating and now all these old coots have to sit next to their wives!;):D

[TheTravelista]

So true. I've said it before - I think people attack negative comments as they have a cruise booked and feel they need to defend their purchase. Human nature.

 

Agreed.

 

 

 

Let me begin by saying that I do not see the problem in mentioning the model name of your car, your room category or your loyalty level. If you had written that you drive a Corolla, you stayed in a 1A and it was your 2nd cruise, no one would have even mentioned it:rolleyes:

 

 

Couldn't agree more. As I was reading Tom's review I just knew that the mention of the car he drove, and the fact that he was staying in a suite and is also Milestone would ruffle feathers. Why? I have no clue but I guess the person on their 2nd cruise in a 1A is more relatable to the average Carnival cruiser :rolleyes:

 

 

Tom thank you for your review. I have no interest in sailing on any Fantasy class ship ever again but love to see your perspective on things so I always read your reviews. I notice you view things with Carnival very similarly to the way I do. But I have to admit that I am curious as to why you continue to sail with them so often? You've said repeatedly you love your NCL and Celebrity cruises and I haven't seen you as happy with your Carnival cruises as of late but you continue to sail with them from what I just read I think you have 3 more booked...are you hoping for a change? Or are these just cruises that you've had booked for a while and don't want to cancel?

 

I personally haven't been happy with Carnival lately but I do have one more booked and will be giving CCL a rest. I'm very much looking forward to trying RCI, NCL's and Celebrity's suite life. Perhaps Princess as well.

[2goinagain]

This is what I like about your reviews Tom. You tell all, the excellent, bad, mediocre, dissappointing and great parts of your cruise. Thanks.

Darlene

[1maggie1]

I appreciate any review. Nothing is ever totally perfect. We are cruising in June (first time in 19 years) and taking our teenagers. I would be REALLY mad about that incident at the Chef's table.

 

Are the inside rooms like that on the spirit class ships? I can't see one of my kids in a trundle bed!

[DGP1111]

I linked to this review from another review, talk about night and day between the two reviewers. Wheww

 

I'm gonna take a guess here, and say I, perhaps, "resemble that remark". :)

 

If not, my apologies for the error. :o

 

But if it did have a wee bit to do with my musings regarding another recent sailing, you'll probably recall an oft-used term "the Trio". Three people who were grinning ear to ear for the vast majority of an entire week, and all of them adding to that thread to advise others of some really fun cruise experiences. :D

 

Tom/Cheryl were 66% of that very positive thread experience. Having shared ship space with them more than once or twice . . . I can personally say I've seen them have an extremely enjoyable time on CCL vessels. I've also shared head shaking, in disppointement, with them as well.

 

I don't know that there is a Cruise Critic member who has experienced Carnival Sensation more times than these two.

I may actually be in second place, but their numbers blow mine out of the water. :)

Seems it could be reasonable to assume they've developed some expectation due to familiarity and experiences alone, even without regard to stateroom category.

 

Again, just a guess on my part (but occasionally I'm accurate by accident). :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I think Sir Thomas wrote a pretty accuate review. One has to be flexible when one is sjopping at WalMart instead of Nieman Marcus. I look forward to perhaps sharing a chef's table with him on a future cruise. But I must warn him I might say ##### now and them. Bur hey, I did quit smoking and had a fancy "title" in front odf my name. Oh, and I drive a humble

RAV4.

 

I considered purchasing a RAV4 several years ago - nothing wrong with that!

 

I shop at WalMart from time to time - not always the best selection, but I usually can save a few $ there. Who doesn't like a bargain?

 

Smoking - as long as it is confined to where it's "allowed".

 

Title in front of your name - pretty much meaningless.

 

Swearing - let me explain MY view in that regard: It all comes down to TIME and PLACE. I occasionally swear, so does Cheryl. We don't do it at work - or in public - or in front of the kids (well, they are both over 18 - but you get the idea). I have had to ask a couple of men playing blackjack to refrain from this activity when Cheryl is with me - but then only when one certain word is used, and used more than once... guess which one. I would not curse at dinner, nor expect any other civilized person to. If it got out of hand, I would call them on it.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I have been reading your reviews for years.... I remember your first time in that owners suite.. how long ago was that????

 

Anyway.... honest review as always. I am the same with you about dining... once was enough with others. I just use my week to regroup with my family.

 

I think you are lucky to live so close to the port.. for us, its 3 grand on flights .. before we can think of cruising!

 

Catrin

 

I tell you - flying adds another dimension to it. We have yet to fly to a cruise. When we do, it's going to have to be one which is over 7 days to make it worth the hassle. Taking two weeks off from work is a lot tougher than a week here and there. One day!!

 

So I skipped from page one to the last page just now so do not know if anyone else brought this up....

I would be really worried that the woman who looked at the driver's license now knows the boy's address!

So glad you enjoyed the Epic also!

We have been on only 4 cruises--the first for me being my senior trip in high school, in, gasp, 1978, back when teens were allowed to book en masse. Really enjoyed that but as an adult it would drive me crazy to be near my unsupervised teen self....

Anyway, so far the Epic is my all time favorite....

So glad your positive experiences have outweighed the bad!

 

I wondered about the address as well - but my guess was that it came down to simple control and nosey behavior.

 

Thanks for writing and posting your review.

I always appreciate your contributions to this board.

 

Thanks

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom' date='[/b']

 

Thanks for the review....always love reading them. I am really sorry about the women (I won't refer to them as ladies) at the Chef's Table. Such crude langauge and behaviour is never acceptable in any situation. Most times I will do my best to ignore these people, but I think where my child (even a teenager) was concerned, I would have blown a gasket. However, I'm sure you did the wise thing, by handling the situation the way you did.

 

I really appreciate the information about the Chef's Table. Drew and I had considered trying this on a cruise, but after finding out that they seat the women and men apart....well that cinches it....it's not even an option. When at a table for two, we sit across from one another, but when we are with a group, we will only sit next to each other.

 

Your description reminds me of the "Sunday after Church Lunch Bunch".:D We always had about 10 to 12 couples go out after Church and they would always sit like that!:confused: Well being that Drew and I are the "kids" of the bunch 58 and 68....we threw a wrench in their seating and now all these old coots have to sit next to their wives!;):D

 

Hi guys!

 

As others have pointed out, manners are not as important to some as others... and that's becoming more common.

 

CONGRATS on making Platinum!

 

...

 

Tom thank you for your review. I have no interest in sailing on any Fantasy class ship ever again but love to see your perspective on things so I always read your reviews. I notice you view things with Carnival very similarly to the way I do. But I have to admit that I am curious as to why you continue to sail with them so often? You've said repeatedly you love your NCL and Celebrity cruises and I haven't seen you as happy with your Carnival cruises as of late but you continue to sail with them from what I just read I think you have 3 more booked...are you hoping for a change? Or are these just cruises that you've had booked for a while and don't want to cancel?

 

I personally haven't been happy with Carnival lately but I do have one more booked and will be giving CCL a rest. I'm very much looking forward to trying RCI, NCL's and Celebrity's suite life. Perhaps Princess as well.

 

Convenience and familiarity I suppose are factors. Carnival is the biggest, so they offer the most sailings. We started cruising with them and have had some great times onboard. I suppose I think that we can still experience that - occasionally we see it's only wishful thinking. It's not, as is apparent here, always (totally) within the control of Carnival. Over the last couple of years we have tested the waters elsewhere and have liked what we found. As my signature indicates, our loyalty to Carnival is winding down. We have 2 more booked - the Inspiration is SOLELY because of the bands/music aspect, that should be a blast. We are in a "lowly" ocean view for that one - and even it was $2,500 for 4 days... YIKES!!! The Valor - there is an interesting story... Cheryl and Claudia (Casino host/manager) have a couple of things in common that they love to talk about - shoes being foremost. They enjoy chatting with each other, and do so on Facebook frequently. We have sailed with her easily 3-4 times. Just a few weeks ago Claudia told Cheryl that she was being moved to the Valor. We already had Memorial day week off on our schedule (with no plans). So that afternoon, we took the plunge. HERE IS THE KICKER... Claudia just learned that she is being moved again TWO WEEKS before we sail. The cruise, because it is next month, is already paid in full - and we would lose a chunk of $ to cancel now. I doubt that Carnival cares why we booked, or why we might want to cancel in this instance!

 

OH WELL !!! :rolleyes:

 

 

Tom

[halos]

. Drew and I had considered trying this on a cruise' date=' but after finding out that they seat the women and men apart....well that cinches it....it's not even an option. When at a table for two, we sit across from one another, but when we are with a group, we will only sit next to each other. [/b']

 

 

When we did the Chef's Table on the Liberty in Dec, my DH and I were seated next to each other. I guess they have changed things(??)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

This is what I like about your reviews Tom. You tell all, the excellent, bad, mediocre, dissappointing and great parts of your cruise. Thanks.

Darlene

 

:)

 

I appreciate any review. Nothing is ever totally perfect. We are cruising in June (first time in 19 years) and taking our teenagers. I would be REALLY mad about that incident at the Chef's table.

 

Are the inside rooms like that on the spirit class ships? I can't see one of my kids in a trundle bed!

 

I can't say we have encountered a triple before which (unbeknownst to us) meant one would be on the floor (or similar). As someone else pointed out - hopefully the deck plans will show the details for that room.

 

We REALLY like the Spirit class ships - they were the best class Carnival built. Before it's sole focus became packing more and more guests per sq. ft. !

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Seems it could be reasonable to assume they've developed some expectation due to familiarity and experiences alone, even without regard to stateroom category.

 

Again, just a guess on my part (but occasionally I'm accurate by accident). :)

 

Yes, Don - you are well known for shooting in the dark!

 

Uh... NOT !! :D

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

When we did the Chef's Table on the Liberty in Dec, my DH and I were seated next to each other. I guess they have changed things(??)

 

I think it's the norm, but you could certainly change seats. It's not cast in stone.

 

Two that I have pictures from -- and I spy someone else from this thread in one of them!!

 

(BTW - the dent in my forehead in the first one was thanks to a panel falling/jumping out at me when I opened the cabinet next to the TV after we entered our SUITE for the first time on that 2/27/10 sailing !)

 

 

 

 

 

 

... and I obviously have only ONE shirt to my name... ;)

 

 

Thanksgiving, 2010:

 

 

Tom

[big_duck]

When we did the Chef's Table on the Liberty in Dec, my DH and I were seated next to each other. I guess they have changed things(??)

 

I think it is up to the individual chef. I've done the CT on the Splendor twice, under different Chefs. The first time the seating was not structured, the second time was the male side female side thing.

[halos]

 

... and I obviously have only ONE shirt to my name... ;)

 

 

 

 

Tom

 

 

LMAO!!

 

Did you (or anyone else) have any entertainment while at The Chef's Table??

They actually sent a magician in to entertain us while we were waiting for the first course when we did it on the Liberty. It was fun :)

 

Also, did you know they offer something similar on NCL?

It is not 'The Chefs Table', it's a 'Dinner with the Captain', so it's less about the food prep/chef (no galley tour or creating a your own batch of chocolate melting cake), but you get a 7 course meal with the Captain & The Hotel Director complete with wine pairing.

 

I think it is up to the individual chef. I've done the CT on the Splendor twice, under different Chefs. The first time the seating was not structured, the second time was the male side female side thing.

OK. :)

 

I hope to do it again on The Spirit next year :)