Problem with Dynamic Dining

[time4u2go]

If you read the link I posted earlier it clearly says 7 complimentary eateries, 4 full service and 3 casual. 18 options total.

The link you posted was just a generic description of DD, in particular on Quantum class ships. The updated deck plans for Oasis do not show Chic. So it looks like there will only be 3 complementary full-service restaurants for non-suite guests: The Grande, Silk, and American Icon Grill.

Edited October 8, 2014 by time4u2go

[printingchick]

I definitely think the issue of empty chairs during traditional dining was the catalyst for this change. But RCCL created the problem when they instituted specialty restaurants and drew people away from the MDR. Specialty dining is a big money draw so that is not going away any time soon. RCCL had to come up with a solution to the half empty MDR.

 

We cruise as a family of 6 and tried MTD last cruise. It worked out fine. I made a reservation for 6:30 EACH night, prior to the cruise. In essence, we had traditional dining, but at MY TIME. We had the same table each night, same wait staff. For us, interacting with the wait staff makes for a fun cruise. When I think back to some of the best times on our 7 previous cruises, dinner time always comes up on top of the list.

 

I think RCCL has defined the problem, I just don't think the solution was that thought out. Perhaps Quantum will be the guinea pig and changes can be made as other ships come on line allowing some form of traditional dining to still exist for those who want it. I think that most couples will now opt for a table for 2 rather than sit with 8 different people each night. More like hometown restaurants. Large groups traveling together who can plan ahead and claim a large table each night with a reservation will be less affected.

 

We have stayed away from NCL because of Freestyle Dining. I hope we won't have to look to other cruise lines down the road. But I am willing to try it out before making that decision.

 

I concur!

[cruisingram1]

Isn't The Grande formal? Or at least semi-formal? That's leaves two non-paying options if you don't want to "dress" for dinner.

[time4u2go]

Isn't The Grande formal? Or at least semi-formal? That's leaves two non-paying options if you don't want to "dress" for dinner.

 

Yep.

[RocketMan275]

Isn't The Grande formal? Or at least semi-formal? That's leaves two non-paying options if you don't want to "dress" for dinner.

 

True, Grande is formal. But, you still have many more options with DD if you don't dress for dinner. With traditional dining, your only options were the Windjammer, specialty or room service. Under DD, you still have those options but you also have the two non-paying venues that don't require formal wear.

 

To me, getting rid of formal night is worth all the hassles of Dynamic Dining.

[cruisingram1]

Don't get me wrong. I'm perfectly happy to do away with formal dress. But not happy if it brings the count to two if you want a full service meal that does not have a surcharge. RCCL keeps saying we will have 18 options for dinner. But for me (non suite and lowly platinum) there are only two if I want a waiter to serve my food. So TWO menus options. For seven nights. To me that's a downgrade.

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

[quote name='ehfl']That's not how it works. That's not how any of this works.[/QUOTE]


Lol! Thanks!!


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[SherriZ366]

[quote name='TM38Rob']I'm tired of the pro-Dynamic Dining people attacking people who prefer the option of Traditional Dining. It's great if it works for you, but it's not for everyone. Don't tell someone they should wait and try it first before being against it, unless you plan on paying for their cruise.

In attempting to try it, the OP has been unable to get reservations for the times and restaurants of their choice. Why should they have to wait until they get onboard before maybe getting a desired reservation?

Before DD, there are 3 choices: First Seating, Second Seating, or MTD. It's so easy to do when booking a cruise over the phone. "I'd like the 6pm seating, please." Now I'm done, one less thing to plan or worry about. When I get on the ship, I'll sometimes go the MDR to locate my table. Either way, I'm seated as soon as I arrive or the doors are opened to the MDR. As a solo, I have the same people to sit with each night and the same waitstaff. I look forward to meeting with these people as we get beyond the icebreaker stuff. After a busy day in port or around the ship, I like getting served a glass of water with multiple refills. Then I like to eat some bread while looking over the menu. The assistant waiter knows I have the soda package from day 1, so he brings me a Coke without constantly asking for my seapass card. Since the menu changes each night, I can order more than one appetizer, entree and dessert if I desire. (I actually had a thin tablemate with a high metabolism order two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts every night and take photos of them before eating.) Then we all do it again the next night.

With DD, your only tablemates are your roommates or people you are traveling with if you make a reservation. Then you may have to make adjustments if there are conflicts with your Entertainment reservations (that by itself was a major PITA!) If you don't have reservations when you arrive, you will have to wait in a line with no guarantees a table will be ready for you when you get to the front of the line.

If you then decide you don't want to wait for a table, you can go to the Windjammer, but you lose out on the wait service. First, I would have to go back to my room to get my Coke Freestyle cup. Then I would have to juggle that with my plate of food from the self service buffet and a cup (not a glass) of water. If I want a refill on my soda, I have to wait 15 minutes whereas it would be refilled as many time I want in the MDR.

I can go on and on. The point is, people who eat outside the MDR (Extra $$$ specialty restaurants, Windjammer) and/or do the MTD have nothing to lose and more perceived "choices" with complimentary specialty restaurants whereas people who prefer Traditional Dining have a lot to lose, especially the choice of Traditional Dining. So stop attacking us.[/QUOTE]I'm tired of the pro-DD attacking my posts in favor of Traditional dining. We like having the same waiter, same table and if we are traveling without our normal traveling couple, the opportunity to be at a table with tablemates that we can get to know. I like having the kind of service you describe. Even when we have done MTD, we have recreated Traditional at a different time.

There are rumors that FR (for which we have 4 cruises booked) will be getting DD. We will try it by reserving the same restaurant for same time every night and arranging for the same table and wait staff. But if we don't like it, we will change booking to ships with traditional. Right now, the reservation system is still having problems but I hope they clear that up. From posts I have read from folks booking dining on QU or AN, it looks like it can be a a lot of work. Booking Traditional dining is so simple -- book cruise, request late seating and link reservations if we are traveling with friends or family. Edited October 9, 2014 by SherriZ366

[cooncat]

If this DD goes fleetwide, as I said before on previous treads about this, RCI is going to loose the single cruiser who likes the traditional dining room and eating with the same people every night of the cruise. I for one, don't like eating alone and don't think of that as a good time. I could stay home to do that. Also, if the only ships that won't have it are the older smaller ships, that won't do anything for me. One thing I like/liked about RCI are the newest, largest and most innovative ships in the industry.

Too bad.

[cooncat]

Additionally, there is too much advance planning on these cruises these days, you have to carefully plan out which day you want to see which shows, now with the DD you will have to plan which day and time and place you want to have dinner.

[RocketMan275]

[quote name='SherriZ366']I'm tired of the pro-DD attacking my posts in favor of Traditional dining. We like having the same waiter, same table and if we are traveling without our normal traveling couple, the opportunity to be at a table with tablemates that we can get to know. I like having the kind of service you describe. Even when we have done MTD, we have recreated Traditional at a different time.

[/QUOTE]

Don't you think those pro-DD posters should also be allowed to state their opinions against traditional dining? Do not the opinions of those who do not like having the same waiter, same table and the same table mates at every meal matter as well?

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='clarea']I see many empty chairs at traditional dining anymore. Just a guess, but I suspect that on some ships they have problems handling all the folks who want My Time in a timely manner. By eliminating traditional, it will free up many seats that go unused in the space that is currently reserved for traditional.[/QUOTE]It would be easier for us to recreate traditional late if the ship was all MTD than if DD was instituted. We have done this 2 times and it worked out fine but there was a lot of pre-cruise work with help from the Concierge.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='RocketMan275']Don't you think those pro-DD posters should also be allowed to state their opinions against traditional dining? Do not the opinions of those who do not like having the same waiter, same table and the same table mates at every meal matter as well?[/QUOTE]Pro-DD folks should state their opinion but should do it WITHOUT ATTACKING me and others who like traditional dining. Edited October 9, 2014 by SherriZ366

[cooncat]

Sheri and Rocketman, I agree with both of what you are saying. But there are those of us, who prefer the traditional dining, getting to know your tablemates and wait staff. If this indeed goes fleetwide, I as a solo cruiser may have to switch to Princess. I love the quality and quantity of entertainment on the RCI ships. I love the innovations of the RCI ships and I sure would hate to switch when I go back to cruising. I just hope it doesn't go industry wide.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='cooncat']Sheri and Rocketman, I agree with both of what you are saying. But there are those of us, who prefer the traditional dining, getting to know your tablemates and wait staff. If this indeed goes fleetwide, I as a solo cruiser may have to switch to Princess. I love the quality and quantity of entertainment on the RCI ships. I love the innovations of the RCI ships and I sure would hate to switch when I go back to cruising. I just hope it doesn't go industry wide.[/QUOTE] I would hate to switch too as we are D+ with a nice point level. We like the innovations and the vibe of RCI ships. Also FR (our favorite ship) is in Port C -- 4 1/2 hours away. I am looking at Tampa cruises (are you near there?) as they are only another hour drive and they would be later in a DD switch if it goes fleet wide.

I have also been looking at Celebrity as we have wanted to try a Solstice Class ship. We also get Elite class privledges. May try Princess again but haven't sailed with them since 2002 -- watched the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) christen Royal Princess online and was intrigued.

We have similar concerns to yours as a solo cruiser when we are not cruising with our regular cruising couple as we will on FR in August, 2015 as we would like to be at a big table with folks to meet. We have never had a bad table on RCI except for one where our tablemates spoke no English but the headwaiter scouted out a table for us and had us moved. Edited October 9, 2014 by SherriZ366

[cooncat]

My concerns with Celebrity is the entertainment and if I will get bored or not. I love the traditional shows, the piano bars and the games. I know the offer the Love and Marriage game,etc. I've only taken a few cruises as you can see by my profile and my status will transfer to Celebrity. But, I do love the RCI ships. I live in Tampa and don't mind the drive to Ft. Lauderdale, my favorite port. My problem with Port Canaveral is that it's that user friendly for the car driver, unless there are gas stations closer to the beach.

I've never tried Princess and wouldn't mind trying the Regal or the Royal.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='cooncat']My concerns with Celebrity is the entertainment and if I will get bored or not. I love the traditional shows, the piano bars and the games. I know the offer the Love and Marriage game,etc. I've only taken a few cruises as you can see by my profile and my status will transfer to Celebrity. But, I do love the RCI ships. I live in Tampa and don't mind the drive to Ft. Lauderdale, my favorite port. My problem with Port Canaveral is that it's that user friendly for the car driver, unless there are gas stations closer to the beach.

I've never tried Princess and wouldn't mind trying the Regal or the Royal.[/QUOTE]As long as the casino is lively, DH will be happy. Our 30 something DD & SIL enjoyed Eclipse and felt that it had a good vibe.

Port C is easy in and out. We park at the garage. We usually stay overnight and gas up in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach.

I think Port C may get an Oasis class ship eventually -- I talked to an official at the Port office and he said that the terminal and parking garage can handle a ship holding 4,000 to 6,000 folks.

New deck plans for Oasis -- post DD institution:
Oasis-post drydock deckplans with Damaged Dining are posted and are effective for 06-Jun-2015 to 30-Apr-2016

[url]http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/ship/decks/deck/home.do?shipCode=OA&shipProfile=1618&sailDate=1150606[/url]

Looks like on deck 4 and 5, they have built an area over the center of the dining room where the chandelier was. Edited October 9, 2014 by SherriZ366

[cooncat]

You will not be happy with the ships out of Tampa. Because of the Sunshine Skyway bridge and the size of the port, we are severely limited to what we get here. The largest we have is the Brilliance and that only sails seasonally, meaning the winter season.

Yes, I do like the vibe of the RCI ships, it's fun. I love the Royal Prominade concept and especially love the Oasis. I did miss the traditional shows on the Oasis. There are welcome and farewell shows on the Oasis. I felt there was too much planning. I miss the simple days. You have early seating, you have your set time of show that night.

[cooncat]

I like your description of Damaged Dining. Too bad Cruise Critic doesn't have the private in-box FB has.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='cooncat']You will not be happy with the ships out of Tampa. Because of the Sunshine Skyway bridge and the size of the port, we are severely limited to what we get here. The largest we have is the Brilliance and that only sails seasonally, meaning the winter season.

Yes, I do like the vibe of the RCI ships, it's fun. I love the Royal Prominade concept and especially love the Oasis. I did miss the traditional shows on the Oasis. There are welcome and farewell shows on the Oasis. I felt there was too much planning. I miss the simple days. You have early seating, you have your set time of show that night.[/QUOTE]We had a great time on Jewel in 2012 -- the shows were good and DH liked the casino. Our friends really like Vision. We have a pretty laid back cruising style that revolves around good dinner with friends and DH having fun in the casino. We had a good time on EN out of Port C.

I agree about how simple planning is for Traditional -- we pick late seating, link reservations and choose our table (D+ and up can do that). It was a lot of work to get a 7 PM or 7:30 PM dining time in My Time Dining and we really needed help from the Concierge. We had fabulous wait staff and great tables the two times we did this.

[Spurschick]

[quote name='SherriZ366']What if you booked a ship thinking it has Traditional Dining and RCI imposes DD on your cruise? There are lots of rumors that FR will have DD after its 1-2015 drydock. We have 4 FR cruises booked after that. We will give it a try or 2 (it will probably have to be one restaurant for our party of 4 to re-create Traditional for 2 opting for the Always Available and one with a special menu request). But if we don't like it, we will book on RCI ships that do not have it.

DD defenders -- please don't flame me -- we really like Traditional dining.[/QUOTE]

Actually was booked on oasis in RS which was chartered out so we got moved to allure even though they didn't have same cabin available By the time we sail neither the original cabin we had booked will exist nor will td as I am sure allure will be dynamic by the time we get on.And if we had still been on oasis we would have had cabin change and dd imposed on us after booking. So yes I am in that boat:eek:

BUT 4 full service restaurants complimentary (5 if we include coastal kitchen for suite) is more than sufficient for 7 days. Not tried dynamic and yes we like traditional but for people to say no options defies belief. Given you can turn up when you want where you want is not a negative. All the restaurants cater for special menu requests.

I am not flaming you, I am talking in general that I don't comprehend how more is less. Trust me I am not either pro or anti td or dd. But I am looking forward to variety. I am looking forward to the fact that if I don't feel inspired by a particular menu one night in MDR I have complimentary options. If I don't feel service is good in a restaurant I can choose somewhere else the next day. Vacations are to relax and enjoy, not be planned to the minute and regulated with repetitiveness all the time.

[SherriZ366]

[quote name='Spurschick']Actually was booked on oasis in RS which was chartered out so we got moved to allure even though they didn't have same cabin available By the time we sail neither the original cabin we had booked will exist nor will td as I am sure allure will be dynamic by the time we get on.And if we had still been on oasis we would have had cabin change and dd imposed on us after booking. So yes I am in that boat:eek:

BUT 4 full service restaurants complimentary (5 if we include coastal kitchen for suite) is more than sufficient for 7 days. Not tried dynamic and yes we like traditional but for people to say no options defies belief. Given you can turn up when you want where you want is not a negative. All the restaurants cater for special menu requests.

I am not flaming you, I am talking in general that I don't comprehend how more is less. Trust me I am not either pro or anti td or dd. But I am looking forward to variety. I am looking forward to the fact that if I don't feel inspired by a particular menu one night in MDR I have complimentary options. If I don't feel service is good in a restaurant I can choose somewhere else the next day. Vacations are to relax and enjoy, not be planned to the minute and regulated with repetitiveness all the time.[/QUOTE] For our party, it will take some planning and probably involve extra C&A help and maybe the concierge. We enjoyed using My Time dining but had to do a lot of work prior to the cruise to get the time we wanted with the same table and wait staff. It's our very strong preference to have these factors.

[cooncat]

Spurs, do you sail with a group, another person or solo. If you sail solo, do you look forward to the idea of eating alone. Yes, I see the merits of DD if you aren't alone, but if you are solo, like I am, it's an entirely different animal.

[Spurschick]

[quote name='cooncat']Spurs, do you sail with a group, another person or solo. If you sail solo, do you look forward to the idea of eating alone. Yes, I see the merits of DD if you aren't alone, but if you are solo, like I am, it's an entirely different animal.[/QUOTE]

Just family. But my understanding is even if sailing solo you can request to be seated with other guests just like current MTD. I have been on several ships where people have ended up eating solo in td as the others on the table haven't turned up for dinner.

The way I look at dd is similar to MTD in that you can pre book or just turn up. Only difference being there is more than one restaurant. If you are traveling solo and you want to pre-book you can still call planning and request a time to be on a larger table. They won't make solo travelers eat alone unless it is their express request to do so.

[Spurschick]

[quote name='SherriZ366']For our party, it will take some planning and probably involve extra C&A help and maybe the concierge. We enjoyed using My Time dining but had to do a lot of work prior to the cruise to get the time we wanted with the same table and wait staff. It's our very strong preference to have these factors.[/QUOTE]

When we wanted the same requirements on a recent cruise as we were sailing with family, it was easily sorted with an advance email to concierge, who took care of it before we arrived with the restaurant manager. I did this as I called C&A and they said that this was the easiest way to organize. A couple of nights they asked us to come in 10 mins earlier which was fine. Same table, same staff every night give or take a few minutes difference in seating times.

If you have not previously done this way I recommend as was not complicated at all. Enjoy your cruises