Quantum of the Seas Dynamic Dining Disaster

[Georgeny]

If one can't be bothered to spend 15 min making reservations or one does not want to wait to be seated, DO NOT BOOK a ship with DD. Because if you do, you'll end up like all the others complaining about it. We get it - you don't want to duplicate what you experience on land; fine, don't go a ship with DD. RCI is betting that not only will they still fill the ship with DD, but they'll do so with higher fares.

 

Getting a bit short there about the subject aren't you biker? Raising your voice and all. Does that mean I should desist with my discussion of the subject, wouldn't want to be a " complainer " after all?

 

If RCL fills the ship and does so with higher prices I am not going to be upset, I hold RCL stock I can live with it. But this is not complaining it's discussing opinions concerning Dynamic Dining concept, a totally new concept. That is why bull boards exist after all.

 

So please don't get frustrated. I am, after all, open to being incorrect which is why I am sailing her in a few weeks, to try it myself personally. In the meantime I offer my thoughts on the subject based upon my experiences to date.

 

George in NY

[Georgeny]

And guess what, you'll get to be seated - just a bit slower than if you had made reservations.

 

Very definite statement, and you know that how?

 

George in NY

[Biker19]

Very definite statement, and you know that how?

Because everyone is seated - the only question is the wait time.;)

[Biker19]

Getting a bit short there about the subject aren't you biker? Raising your voice and all. Does that mean I should desist with my discussion of the subject, wouldn't want to be a " complainer " after all?

 

Beating a dead horse is not much of a discussion.:cool:

[Tyron]

We had issues the first night at Chic but the remainder of the week it appears they're getting a grip on making things work.

 

The main problem is they're relying too heavily on technology. When/if the system is down, it can be disastrous.

 

The other night, the waiter took everyone's order via tablet and when he went to place the order it didn't save.

 

 

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[Biker19]

 

The other night, the waiter took everyone's order via tablet and when he went to place the order it didn't save.

Some of the waiters didn't even bother with the tablets -they went old school via pen and paper. Food came out just as fast or even faster.:cool:

[Tyron]

LOL! Yes a few went old school & things were 100% faster

 

 

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[Georgeny]

Beating a dead horse is not much of a discussion.:cool:

 

Let us remember, there is always a reason for the horse dying and there is still a benefit of beating one, great exercise :)

 

There are many positives to the Quantum I am sure, just not under this heading.

 

I shall cease and desist lol

 

Happy Cruising

 

George in NY

496 days at sea and never starved on any of them

[steveru621]

I did it in 15 min (dinner for 6 nights out of 8, plus 7 shows) - though I did have to redo some of it when RCI's IT system decided to take a dump and when we decided to change our schedule. If something was not available when I wanted it I just didn't book and took my chances on board (and it worked out fine).

 

The lack of information from RCI doesn't apply anymore - as they say, that ship has sailed. Everyone knows about DD - we are providing information for folks going forward. Being bitter about the past will not fix issues today.

 

LOL, so it didn't take you 15 minutes and you booked only 75% of your trip.

 

Now I understand. It used to take exactly one second to book traditional dining. It's an improvement to not know where I'll have dinner 25% of my cruise.

 

If you are willing to accept that, more power to you. I'll just get in my time machine and go back and accept DD without ever knowing that ship has sailed. Your rationalizations are great. You would be a great addition to RCI's PR department.

 

Just for the record, I don't hate DD, I've never tried it. I do HATE the process I'm subjected to that I never asked for.

 

At any rate, your responses are truly funny.

[bohemnartsn]

They were not shut out - they just chose not to wait till an opening became available.

 

One is going on a vacation to relax and paying handsomely for doing so, at least I do - Nothing less than a Grand Suite and have even done the R/S. I work hard enough back at home. Why would anyone want to waste a minute of time dealing w/ this B.S and yes I am doing the Oasis in Feb and that also started to become an issue even sailing in a Crown Loft Suite and being Diamond Plus. I for one am not the least bit interested in sailing upon any vessel that has D/D and this would definitely push me away from RCL until D/D gets flushed out to sea. :mad:

[Biker19]

I think I'll just save this text and copy/paste about once a week since folks do not seem to get the message.

 

If you do not want to wait to be seated for dinner, DO NOT book a ship with DD.

 

Biker, who thinks there'll be lots of other folks chiming in here with hate for DD.:cool:

[little britain]

I love Dynamic Dining. I have cruised on Quantum and experienced it. No more "same old, same old" dining room menus. There are restaurants to suit your palate. There were time I have sat in the MDR and looked at that menu and thought "I really don't want this because I really want to eat xxxxx"; now I can simply go to the restaurant that serves xxxxx.

Don't think of it as "no more MDR " rather think of it as you now have 3 or 4 MDRs.

Don't knock it until you have tried it. JMHO.

 

 

 

 

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[JL&Fam]

We look at our RCI calendar and see it filled with a nice variety of dining times and venues. Not going to miss the MDR one bit.

 

Bring on the WOW!

 

Jeff&Fam

[negc]

One is going on a vacation to relax and paying handsomely for doing so, at least I do - Nothing less than a Grand Suite and have even done the R/S. I work hard enough back at home. Why would anyone want to waste a minute of time dealing w/ this B.S and yes I am doing the Oasis in Feb and that also started to become an issue even sailing in a Crown Loft Suite and being Diamond Plus. I for one am not the least bit interested in sailing upon any vessel that has D/D and this would definitely push me away from RCL until D/D gets flushed out to sea. :mad:

 

If you do so, you will miss an exciting cruise experience on a fantastic ship. Deciding in advance that you won't like something before most people have even tried it and posted about their experiences, seems a very negative attitude for someone who has sailed as much as you seem to have done, but perhaps your definition of "hard work" differs from mine.

[ocav]

I think one of the things that has gone wrong with DD is that we are looking at it slightly wrong.

 

If everyone didn't rush to reserve the restaurants, then it would be Dynamic like its supposed to be. Because everyone has rushed to book every night it makes others feel like they need to do that also.

[bohemnartsn]

If you do so, you will miss an exciting cruise experience on a fantastic ship. Deciding in advance that you won't like something before most people have even tried it and posted about their experiences, seems a very negative attitude for someone who has sailed as much as you seem to have done, but perhaps your definition of "hard work" differs from mine.

 

Well I am a roofing contractor - anytime you want to see what work is, come on up to Upstate NY.

 

I actually prefer the interaction on a nightly basis w/ the wait staff as well as our table mates - we have made many a friend over the years on these sailings and often do things together aside from dinning while onboard and in ports.

 

I have found that whenever RCCL introduces something new, it is in their favor not the passengers.

[bohemnartsn]

I think I'll just save this text and copy/paste about once a week since folks do not seem to get the message.

 

If you do not want to wait to be seated for dinner, DO NOT book a ship with DD.

 

Biker, who thinks there'll be lots of other folks chiming in here with hate for DD.:cool:

 

I agree it is one thing to book the Quantum having knowledge of said issue. What about the people that booked their cruise a year+ in advance only to find out that the Oasis is going disaster dinning on March 15th? And when will it be added to the Allure? That is, if it works on the "O". But, again I sail in suites - so their will always be an allotment set aside for all suite guest, Diamond plus and pinnacle members. :eek:

[negc]

Well I am a roofing contractor - anytime you want to see what work is, come on up to Upstate NY.

 

I actually prefer the interaction on a nightly basis w/ the wait staff as well as our table mates - we have made many a friend over the years on these sailings and often do things together aside from dinning while onboard and in ports.

 

I have found that whenever RCCL introduces something new, it is in their favor not the passengers.

 

I fully understand and appreciate the hard work you do as a roofing contractor. My point was that you seemed to be claiming that the effort involved in making reservations for shows and dining on Quantum was equally 'hard work' and I wouldn't agree with that premise.

I think you should at least allow some time to see how well or poorly DD works out and what the experience has been for people who didn't make advance reservations but simply presented themselves at the restaurant and asked to be seated within a reasonable amount of time. Similar complaints were made when MTD was first introduced, but experience has shown that many of us have simply shown up at the MTD dining room without reservations and have been seated fairly promptly. I suspect that the same may be the case in at least some of the complimentary restaurants. In fact on the short cruises a few weeks ago, the only restaurant where that didn't work for us was the Italian restaurant and that is a "added fee" restaurant.

As far as adding new things that benefit the line and not the guests, how would that claim fit in with the new boarding process which saw us out of the parking lot, checked in at the terminal, and onboard the ship in approximately 10 minutes. Seemed to work in my favor in that case.:)

[bohemnartsn]

I fully understand and appreciate the hard work you do as a roofing contractor. My point was that you seemed to be claiming that the effort involved in making reservations for shows and dining on Quantum was equally 'hard work' and I wouldn't agree with that premise.

I think you should at least allow some time to see how well or poorly DD works out and what the experience has been for people who didn't make advance reservations but simply presented themselves at the restaurant and asked to be seated within a reasonable amount of time. Similar complaints were made when MTD was first introduced, but experience has shown that many of us have simply shown up at the MTD dining room without reservations and have been seated fairly promptly. I suspect that the same may be the case in at least some of the complimentary restaurants. In fact on the short cruises a few weeks ago, the only restaurant where that didn't work for us was the Italian restaurant and that is a "added fee" restaurant.

As far as adding new things that benefit the line and not the guests, how would that claim fit in with the new boarding process which saw us out of the parking lot, checked in at the terminal, and onboard the ship in approximately 10 minutes. Seemed to work in my favor in that case.:)

 

Oh, have not heard of the new boarding experience. But, in January when I sailed on the Adventure, mind you, I was sailing in the Royal Suite, My girlfriend and I waited with the concierge for 45 minutes to be escorted to the R/S. Of course they want to get passengers onboard ASAP, so that they can start making money at the bars. Have you ever boarded a ship and the bars not be open? Not wonder why you cannot gain access to your state room until 2:00 pm at the earliest upon embarkation? When, while underway all staterooms are clean by 11:00 am. RCL has everything planned out and treats it's passengers is if they were cattle - milking every dime out of them. Go on trip advisor and see what a comparable excursion would cost compared to what RCL charges. I love cruising did 15 years in the Navy. But, I am not going to allow a cruise line that I am paying handsomely, to take a vacation upon, to dictate terms to me. I might as well sail on Carnival.

 

Sorry, But, I work hard for my money and I try to spend it wisely - another words, when the place I am vacationing at tells me that I have to do this and do that - actually I Do Not have to do sh*t. I will vacation else where, if you want to be part of the herd that is your choice. But, I believe in free will and not in total control. :mad:

Dana

Edited December 6, 2014 by bohemnartsn

[little britain]

I think one of the things that has gone wrong with DD is that we are looking at it slightly wrong.

 

If everyone didn't rush to reserve the restaurants, then it would be Dynamic like its supposed to be. Because everyone has rushed to book every night it makes others feel like they need to do that also.

 

Absolutely 100% correct. Stop the frenzy of booking beforehand and just go to dinner where and when you want. Just like you do with MTD. Only now you have the choice of 4 restaurants instead of just one. It really is very simple.

 

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[Georgeny]

Well I am a roofing contractor - anytime you want to see what work is, come on up to Upstate NY.

 

I actually prefer the interaction on a nightly basis w/ the wait staff as well as our table mates - we have made many a friend over the years on these sailings and often do things together aside from dinning while onboard and in ports.

 

I have found that whenever RCCL introduces something new, it is in their favor not the passengers.

 

I agree 1000 percent with our comment!

 

George in NY

[Georgeny]

But, I am not going to allow a cruise line that I am paying handsomely, to take a vacation upon, to dictate terms to me. I might as well sail on Carnival.

 

 

Actually Carnival isn't bad at all. We have sailed the Pride from Baltimore several times in fact booked for May on that. We book suite 4237. My video of same. ( Usually I can book it early for like $2800 TOTAL ) The Miracle as well same design but dining room on miracle PURPLE GRAPE theme, is horrible.

 

 

 

The ocean suite next cat down not bad either good size room and balcony.

 

 

The difference is, suite offers no amenities other than priority boarding which we get anyway pass pax level. Had MDR traditional though don't look for anyone too formal at least not out of Baltimore. Shorts on formal night in MDR not that unusual.

 

Food better than RCL or Princess to my taste. Comedy club before dinner great. Casino been good to me you can see from second and I think third video. Best balcony on sea for me in that aft suite. Again just cabin size no other amenities.

 

So can't knock Carnival in my book. We sail them all and each has there own distinct pluses and minuses.

 

 

George in NY

Edited December 6, 2014 by Georgeny

[negc]

Oh, have not heard of the new boarding experience. But, in January when I sailed on the Adventure, mind you, I was sailing in the Royal Suite, My girlfriend and I waited with the concierge for 45 minutes to be escorted to the R/S. Of course they want to get passengers onboard ASAP, so that they can start making money at the bars. Have you ever boarded a ship and the bars not be open? Not wonder why you cannot gain access to your state room until 2:00 pm at the earliest upon embarkation? When, while underway all staterooms are clean by 11:00 am. RCL has everything planned out and treats it's passengers is if they were cattle - milking every dime out of them. Go on trip advisor and see what a comparable excursion would cost compared to what RCL charges. I love cruising did 15 years in the Navy. But, I am not going to allow a cruise line that I am paying handsomely, to take a vacation upon, to dictate terms to me. I might as well sail on Carnival.

 

Sorry, But, I work hard for my money and I try to spend it wisely - another words, when the place I am vacationing at tells me that I have to do this and do that - actually I Do Not have to do sh*t. I will vacation else where, if you want to be part of the herd that is your choice. But, I believe in free will and not in total control. :mad:

Dana

 

All I can say is that you will be missing a fantastic experience on a remarkable ship. You aren't the only person who works hard for your money. That describes me and thousands of others as well, so If you choose to vacation elsewhere that is certainly your prerogative but you needn't denigrate those of us who enjoy the cruise experience that RCI, and especially Quantum, offers by referring to us as a "herd". :rolleyes:

[bohemnartsn]

Actually Carnival isn't bad at all. We have sailed the Pride from Baltimore several times in fact booked for May on that. We book suite 4237. My video of same. ( Usually I can book it early for like $2800 TOTAL ) The Miracle as well same design but dining room on miracle PURPLE GRAPE theme, is horrible.

 

 

 

The ocean suite next cat down not bad either good size room and balcony.

 

 

 

 

The difference is, suite offers no amenities other than priority boarding which we get anyway pass pax level. Had MDR traditional though don't look for anyone too formal at least not out of Baltimore. Shorts on formal night in MDR not that unusual.

 

Food better than RCL or Princess to my taste. Comedy club before dinner great. Casino been good to me you can see from second and I think third video. Best balcony on sea for me in that aft suite. Again just cabin size no other amenities.

 

So can't knock Carnival in my book. We sail them all and each has there own distinct pluses and minuses.

 

 

George in NY

 

George,

 

Maybe I just got a real bad taste sailing on the Destiny (now renamed) In 2000 out of San Juan - the kids took over the ship, nothing was enforced. The food ok, but the J.R. suites were tiny and offered nothing and there was only one category higher than the J.R.'s and only one of those onboard.

 

W/ RCCL Grand Suites and above afford much more than the priority boarding you mentioned. i.e. the full use of the concierge lounge 24/7 including evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as numerous other perks that combined with what one pays for the additional sq. footage makes for a much nicer voyage all the way around. Dana

Edited December 7, 2014 by bohemnartsn

[Georgeny]

George,

 

Maybe I just got a real bad taste sailing on the Destiny (now renamed) In 2000 out of San Juan - the kids took over the ship, nothing was enforced. The food ok, but the J.R. suites were tiny and offered nothing and there was only one category higher than the J.R.'s and only one of those onboard.

 

W/ RCCL Grand Suites and above afford much more than the priority boarding you mentioned. i.e. the full use of the concierge lounge 24/7 including evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as numerous other perks that combined with what one pays for the additional sq. footage makes for a much nicer voyage all the way around. Dana

 

Dana,

 

That's why I mention the Carnival amenity level as it doesn't compare but neither does the cost. We LOVE the concierge lounge etc on RCL. Cost is not a factor when we cruise as much as having what we enjoy available to us. That said each line is different in many ways as are the ships.

 

The Carnival Pride from Baltimore is nothing like the RCL Explorer out of Jersey was yet it provides a few pluses for us. The convenience of sailing from Baltimore by driving, we drive day ahead and stay in a great area called White Marsh. Next day simple drive and best parking and pier setup ever. We know cruise will be very casual and accept that simply to enjoy that suite and balcony, it is unique. We have had high end aft suites on Princess ships which are not comparable size wise etc. The Pride is actually a thrown in between cruises cruise for us. We have sailed the RCL Grandeur from there as well, nice ship, again concierge lounge etc though small always nice but truth be told enjoy the Pride from there more.

 

What part of NY are you in? We are up near Bear Mountain Bridge area 35 north of City.

 

George in NY