Appearance of the menus seem very casual.

[Litewait]

to cater to both the old cruiser and the new. I probably wouldnt be so upset if they hadnt cut items to add stuff from the Lido. Thats an insult to any cruiser. You can change up a menu and add new items but they didnt. They tried the "new and improved menu" and simply took stuff from the lido buffet and put it on the dining room menu. It's a complete joke. Their dija items will get little play so the cost will be negligiable. The marketing/dining design team needs some help.

Change it up, give me something new.. Don't drop an entire course and then add something I can go get anytime.:rolleyes:

[COLOR="Red"][SIZE="3"]Where in any of my posts does it say that I care what others are having for dinner??. What your having is not the issue it's the menu over all.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[discjoker]

[quote name='babyher']


PRAISE THE LORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/QUOTE]

Amen! ;)

[DEBnGAB]

[quote name='Silverscreencruiser']Actually, they are taking away. Look at zydecocruiser's menus and compare them to the "new" menu. There used to be six main dishes a night. Now there are five, plus a "comfort food."

Things like duck, ribs, salmon, beef stroganoff, and veal parmigiana have been replaced by meat loaf and pot roast. In addition, some of the existing cuts are cheaper. Rack of lamb has been replaced by rack + leg (cheaper cut). [B]Pork chops replaced by a pork steak[/B].

There are cutbacks, no mistake about it.[/quote]

Yes! I saw that too because I loved the Center Cut Pork Chop with the sage sauce.

[dwayneb236]

I'm a cruise, I'm not insulted at all.

[discjoker]

[quote name='DEBnGAB']dsicjoker..this isnt an attack but if you havent sailed Carnval, how do you know this if you have yet to experience and compare Carnival now and then? (in bold) Much has been cut over the years....[/QUOTE]

No attack taken ;).

I was making comparisons between these menus and previous 7 day menus which have been posted for quite some time. I really don't see a huge difference between them.

And in terms of the overall experience, they must be providing a quality experience (as perceived by the majority) or they wouldn't be in business and would be losing tons of cash. They are able to stay in business and fill ships all while keeping their prices as low as they ever have been. That says it all I guess.

[Litewait]

[quote name='Silverscreencruiser']Actually, they are taking away. Look at zydecocruiser's menus and compare them to the "new" menu. There used to be six main dishes a night. Now there are five, plus a "comfort food."

Things like duck, ribs, salmon, beef stroganoff, and veal parmigiana have been replaced by meat loaf and pot roast. In addition, some of the existing cuts are cheaper. Rack of lamb has been replaced by rack + leg (cheaper cut). Pork chops replaced by a pork steak.

There are cutbacks, no mistake about it.[/QUOTE]

Thank you Silverscreencruiser!

[Rockportgirl]

[quote name='Silverscreencruiser']
Things like duck, ribs, salmon, beef stroganoff, and veal parmigiana have been replaced by meat loaf and pot roast. [/quote]

They still have duck, ribs, salmon, lobster, filet mignon, shrimp, snapper... (I don't consider beef stroganoff and veal parmigiana exactly gourmet)

My point is, the "cutbacks" don't warrant 15 threads about how terrible the new menu is. Cruise or don't cruise, but if you choose to cruise, quit complaining.

[ccruisequeen]

I thought this thread was about the appearance of the menu itself-- not the content. So far, the appearance of the menu is rather plain, but plced in a nice presentation binder & it could improve.

I see Prime Rib, Lobster, Lamb, & Duck, as well as chicken tenders, meatloaf & burgers with mushrooms.

[DEBnGAB]

[quote name='discjoker']No attack taken ;).

I was making comparisons between these menus and previous 7 day menus which have been posted for quite some time. I really don't see a huge difference between them.

And in terms of the overall experience, they must be providing a quality experience (as perceived by the majority) or they wouldn't be in business and would be losing tons of cash. They are able to stay in business and fill ships all while keeping their prices as low as they ever have been. That says it all I guess.[/quote]

To that end, the experience certainly isnt horrible :p but seeing how things have changed over the years is sad. I am certain that is where most of these posts are coming from. Cost cutting is a reality, understood because its happening all over but Chips and Salsa as an app?

I hope you enjoy your first Carnival cruise! I see you sailed Celebrity..going to check into that line next. Saw some good specials this winter.

[discjoker]

[quote name='Rockportgirl']
My point is, the "cutbacks" don't warrant 15 threads about how terrible the new menu is. Cruise or don't cruise, but if you choose to cruise, quit complaining.[/QUOTE]

Agree 100%.

I guess the question to those who are carrying on like it's the end of the world is, "how much extra are you willing to pay on your cruise fare to not have cutbacks"? Pretty simple question. I would guess the majority of those people wouldn't be willing to pay more.

[discjoker]

[quote name='DEBnGAB']

I hope you enjoy your first Carnival cruise! I see you sailed Celebrity..going to check into that line next. Saw some good specials this winter.[/QUOTE]

Thank you! And you will love Celebrity. I sure did. It was a leaps and bounds step up in almost every way (from NCL which we cruised for our 4 previous cruises).

We were going to go on another one but chose Carnival instead because we are cruising with our 3.5 year old daughter and have heard nothing but wonderful things about Carnival's kids program.

[DEBnGAB]

[quote name='discjoker']Thank you! And you will love Celebrity. I sure did. It was a leaps and bounds step up in almost every way (from NCL which we cruised for our 4 previous cruises).

We were going to go on another one but chose Carnival instead because we are cruising with our 3.5 year old daughter and have heard nothing but wonderful things about Carnival's kids program.[/quote]

My daughter (now in college) loved Camp Carnival! It is good choice for kids!

[bguppies]

[SIZE=4][B]LOVE[/B][/SIZE] the comfort food additions to the dining room menus....

I see myself choosing those at least 50% of the time.....

I don't get my panties in a twist over the font of the dining room menu...:rolleyes:

Bill

[monakayk]

[COLOR=Purple]:confused:OK---guess I missed all the threads about the menus....but can someone give me a link to view the menus?

Thanks[/COLOR]

[ccruisequeen]

[quote name='monakayk'][COLOR=Purple]:confused:OK---guess I missed all the threads about the menus....but can someone give me a link to view the menus?

Thanks[/COLOR][/quote]
[url]http://johnhealdsblog.com/menus/2011-08-15/Didja%20menus/[/url]

[url]http://johnhealdsblog.com/menus/2011-08-15/Didja%20menus/[/url]

try these

[bougiet]

[quote name='Litewait']The complete Home Towne Buffet Menu!! All you can eat for $10 bucks!! I have seen the dining experience continually go down hill since I started cruising in 2002 ( 17 with Carnival) This latest menu thing is the bottom of the barrel for me. I am paying for a dining experience not burgers and fries, meatloaf or pot roast in the main dining room. I am paying more to cruise this year and getting less. May have to rethink my vacation plans. I know this sounds petty to many, but if you have been with Carnival for 10 years this is just the latest in a downhill spiral.:([/quote]

You do not have to eat the meatloaf, burgers, fries or pot roast. Order something else as they have many more dishes than that. A few additions of food and that ends your cruising with Carnival? Interesting.

[babyher]

This thread is a riot



I know there are people out there that would have their tables changed if they had to sit with people who weren't dressed as formally as them .

Now there will be people who will have their tables changed if their tablemates order meatloaf and burgers :)

[AmberTeka]

I am delighted that Carnvial is doing a gourmet hamburger on there menu. I ask those who object to stop and think of the last pricey steak house where they dined..and was not a fancy burger on the menu..and not for kids either?
My Son-in-law is an expert cook. He does Indian Curries..Thai noodles..Phillipino Tampas(sp) which are the best egg rolls you will ever eat...tonight he is cooking a tomato based bean soup..which is, I think,from Brazil. But take him out..Birthday..Daughter's birthday..and if there is one on the Menu..he will order hamburgers. He says cooking a really ood hamburger...is difficult. So.even foodies...can celebrate the new change. Also for those who diet..like me..a hamburger with fries..and not the fast food type..is a real treat..a vacation sort of food.

Again...the Fried Chicken. If you grew up in the South..and you were invited to most anyone's home for Sunday Dinner..from not so rich..to stinking rich..Fried Chicken was on the menu. And it is hard to cook. Most people serve it half raw. They don't know how to get a scald on it..then lower the temperature until the inside is really done..it takes fussing and a gift. I admit...I don't even try t fry chicken anymore. Now that my Mother has passed on..I doubt that I will ever get it that good again..but Publix..a Florida Supermarket..does Fried Chicken..pretty good.

Hamburgers and Fried Chicken, whatever their origin, are now American Representative Foods. So much of our culture is bound up in our foods...as The FRench and the Italians know so well..............I am glad to see this Americana on the Menu. Ditto The Apple Pie.
_

[AmberTeka]

[quote name='Silverscreencruiser']Actually, they are taking away. Look at zydecocruiser's menus and compare them to the "new" menu. There used to be six main dishes a night. Now there are five, plus a "comfort food."

Things like duck, ribs, salmon, beef stroganoff, and veal parmigiana have been replaced by meat loaf and pot roast. In addition, some of the existing cuts are cheaper. Rack of lamb has been replaced by rack + leg (cheaper cut). Pork chops replaced by a pork steak.

There are cutbacks, no mistake about it.[/QUOTE]

Many Americans will not touch Veal. How often was that ordered? Ditto Duck. The Pork ribs were good..the Beef...ordered them once. Beef STrognoff...ever tried it? get real. Not Carnval's best dish. I AM BETTING..THE DISHES ORDERED THE LEAST..WERE THE ONES CUT. NOT A LOT OF FOLKS..EAT LAMB EITHER.

As to long time cruisers..My DH and I sailed the Old NC Lines back in the 1970's. I still have menues from The StarWard and the Sunward. The ships did not have stablilizers. Often My DH and I were the only ones at meals. (He was Coast Guard, I had an Iron stomach)...Entertianment..was the Horse Racing Game. Maybe a few singers and dancers..Nothing like the productions of today. Cabins..and there were no balconys..were tiny..tiny. Most of the activities consisted of drinking and smoking. The "casino" had three slot machines. GET REAL. THE CRUISES OF TODAY..ARE A TOTAL HOLIDAY. A MILLION TIMES BETTER. That said..the Food was stupendous. Huge Lunch Buffets with craved Ice decorations....huge Midnight buffets that we never went too....Breakfast..a basket of baked goods were on the table when you arrived..then anything you wanted to order..Dinner...meats were the same..but a server came around with four vegetable choices..nice. STILL.......TODAY IS BEST. There is so much to do..and We ever go away from a meal hungry.
We have on our record..since 2005..Freedom 2 times, Glory 3 times, Legend 2 times, Dream 1 times, Freedom booked for Feb. HAL..Westerdam 2 times..Volondam 1 time Princess..Crown 1 time, Star 1 Time. Crown booked for December. NCL.. The Jewel 1 time. Celebrity The Xenith 1 time. I like Princess the best. Carnival and Hal have the best food. The Jewel had the best specialty Restaurants. Plus the children's buffet at noon...really good brownies. Hot dogs. Mac and cheese. Celebrity..best activites...food not good. NCL..Best Stage Productions. Carnival Second best. Princess..best...just feel good to be on this ship...playing Trivia..meeting nice people vibes...

[AmberTeka]

[quote name='discjoker']Thank you! And you will love Celebrity. I sure did. It was a leaps and bounds step up in almost every way (from NCL which we cruised for our 4 previous cruises).

We were going to go on another one but chose Carnival instead because we are cruising with our 3.5 year old daughter and have heard nothing but wonderful things about Carnival's kids program.[/QUOTE]

Tastes are different. We found the food on Celebrity to be not so good. And we enjoyed the cruise. The Activities Staff..were just wonderful. They made the cruise. Breakfast was our favorite meal..because they had boiled egges on the buffet..which I love..and little cups of peanut butter for DH...which he loves on whole wheat toast.

In the Cova Cafe...they did have the best cookies I have eaten on any cruise line The pastries and cookies were free..but the coffee was pricey. I went every morning.and oh..those cookies. Some were filled..some were wafer thin..some almost like cake....They had a pastry chef on The Old Xenith..who knew his business. The other food...We don't eat Osso Bucco. I am not even sure what it is..but I think it is veal..and we don't eat that.

[discjoker]

[quote name='AmberTeka']The other food...We don't eat Osso Bucco. I am not even sure what it is..but I think it is veal..and we don't eat that.[/quote]

The ossobuco was my favorite dish on the cruise...so incredibly delicious.

[CruiserGuyWPB]

"Many Americans will not touch Veal."

I am American and love veal and will order it anytime I see it on a menu.:D

[swimmom32]

[quote name='discjoker']I am at a loss as well...don't get it. I think I might need to step away from the Carnival board for a bit...turning me off a little. My first Carnival cruise is coming up in November and I worry that the ship will be full of complainers and people who expect Caviar on a Cheese Whiz budget. YIKES.[/QUOTE]

funny thing is alot of the people complaining can't or won't spend money on another cruise line that is more expensive...we can cruise on Princess or royal or NCL however, we liked our last carnival cruise and are sailing on the Liberty in November and cant wait for the new menu.. I dont care for Snobs either and well its Our vacation and it doesn't revolve around food.. so for now we will stick what works for us....

[CheepWrent]

[quote name='AXiDMonica']They look EXACTLY like the versions posted. It is not "nit picky", OP. I am with you. Branding is one thing, but when you "dumb" things down this far... I don't know.

MDR is supposed to be a more upscale experience. (Yes, there is dancing and singing, but that's the "fun" element and that's where it should stop.) The funky font all in lowercase is not doing it for me. What a change... :([/QUOTE]





I so agree with this!

[CheepWrent]

[quote name='Silverscreencruiser']Actually, they are taking away. Look at zydecocruiser's menus and compare them to the "new" menu. There used to be six main dishes a night. Now there are five, plus a "comfort food."

Things like duck, ribs, salmon, beef stroganoff, and veal parmigiana have been replaced by meat loaf and pot roast. In addition, some of the existing cuts are cheaper. Rack of lamb has been replaced by rack + leg (cheaper cut). Pork chops replaced by a pork steak.

There are cutbacks, no mistake about it.[/QUOTE]




Smaller portions as well! Be ready to ask for multiples!