Have pay for dining venues reached their saturation point?

[hvsteve1]

Yes, we all would rather pay $25 or $30. HOWEVER, that is not the current price as of today on X. It is $45 and $50. That is why they have to discount the price. Some get it for 20% others 30% a few get 50% off.

 

That's where I get my $25 or $30. I don't think I would pay full price to eat in one at those price points.

[jmfdr]

I'd NEVER eat in a specialty restaurant unless it's 50% off, because it's just so easy to get that discount. Only a few days until we are on Silhouette for two weeks, and I'm looking forward to the lamb chops at the Lawn Club. :D

 

Tuscan USED to be my absolute favorite, but the quality of the steaks and other menu items there has PLUMMETED in the last few years. :(

 

With $450 OBC this time, I will probably end up giving Tuscan another chance, just because the overall experience is still pretty nice.

 

I was on the Reflection transatlantic 6 months ago and had absolutely no complaints about the MDR food OR service.

 

We have friends on Reflection right now who have reported the MDR experience is total chaos due to the advent of Luminae... hour long waits for seating in select. THAT sounds a bit melodramatic, so we will reserve comment until we see for ourselves.

 

Please tell me how to get a discount for the specialty restaurants? On one cruise we were offered a discount on embarkation night but that is the only offer I remember receiving.

Thanks

[monicajay]

Please tell me how to get a discount for the specialty restaurants? On one cruise we were offered a discount on embarkation night but that is the only offer I remember receiving.

Thanks

ASK.

 

After reading these boards, I was expecting a discount and despite asking they said no. On our second cruise (with C.) I asked as soon as we boarded. At first they said no, then I mentioned C.C. and said 'everyone seems to get a discount' and they quickly offered 20% on the night of my choice. I think if I'd haggled I might have gotten even more.

[phoenix_dream]

Discounts really depend on how the restaurant bookings are going. If they are slow, then they will offer discounts. If they are filling rapidly, then you will not get any discounts (save for the first night, when they almost always seem to have them).

 

It will be interesting to me to see how the restaurants fare now that the suite restaurant is opening. I would have to guess that a large portion of the suite guests tended to frequent specialty restaurants, beyond the one night they got with their booking. I am using the common sense that in general (I know there are exceptions) people who regularly book suites are at a higher income level and are more likely to be willing to spend more money on board. Now that they have their own specialty restaurant will they still be booking specialty restaurants and how will that impact future availability and pricing?

 

My opinion on pricing is that an extra $25-$30 is one thing - this is, after all, in addition to what you are already paying for your MDR food as a part of your standard fare. But $50? Not gonna happen for me - especially with the quality of the specialty restaurants being reported as declining.

[teecee60]

Discounts really depend on how the restaurant bookings are going. If they are slow, then they will offer discounts. If they are filling rapidly, then you will not get any discounts (save for the first night, when they almost always seem to have them).

 

It will be interesting to me to see how the restaurants fare now that the suite restaurant is opening. I would have to guess that a large portion of the suite guests tended to frequent specialty restaurants, beyond the one night they got with their booking. I am using the common sense that in general (I know there are exceptions) people who regularly book suites are at a higher income level and are more likely to be willing to spend more money on board. Now that they have their own specialty restaurant will they still be booking specialty restaurants and how will that impact future availability and pricing?

 

My opinion on pricing is that an extra $25-$30 is one thing - this is, after all, in addition to what you are already paying for your MDR food as a part of your standard fare. But $50? Not gonna happen for me - especially with the quality of the specialty restaurants being reported as declining.

 

 

Please tell me how to get a discount for the specialty restaurants? On one cruise we were offered a discount on embarkation night but that is the only offer I remember receiving.

Thanks

 

Other posters on this thread, and especially phoenix_dream, pretty much covered it. :o

 

It's all supply and demand. High bookings=no discounts, low bookings=big discounts. :cool:

 

Quite often there are staff members positioned just outside the buffet trying to entice people into booking a specialty dinner. If they are REALLY desperate, those staff members will roam the ship offering discounts for bookings.

 

You CAN accept what is initially offered... usually 10%-25%.

 

The best bet is to tell them you'd really LIKE to try a specialty restaurant... but you've already paid for your meal in the MDR. ;)

 

Only ONCE in ten cruises have they NOT offered 50%... that was when my girlfriend told them it was for my birthday...so they pretty much KNEW we were going to book no matter what.:rolleyes:

 

The first night onboard the Silhouette transatlantic last April, we had a group of 22 people at the Lawn Club, ALL for 50% off!

Edited April 15, 2015 by teecee60

[tacrum43]

We had been planning a cruise on Crystal, which never happened, but, spending time on their forums, I found that the restaurant I was most anticipating, Nobu's Silk Road, was difficult, if not impossible, to get into during the shorter cruises. I would rather pay the $25 or $30 and KNOW I can get into a desired restaurant rather than worry I will end the cruise disappointed.

 

I think it may depend on the specific cruise. I went on Crystal last year for 1st time in non-suite (10 day cruise to New England), and it was very easy to get in to Silk Road. Ate there twice and it was spectacular. They have these oil poached scallops that are amazing. Not to mention their signature black cod. However, the Italian restaurant was the hot ticket (still got in though) and it was very disappointing - my rack of lamb was smallest, driest and saddest I've ever had. No idea why the Italian one was so popular. Should have gone back to Silk Road a 3rd time instead! :D

 

Will be going back on Celebrity for first time in 18 years in January. Still remember their food back in the day with chef Michel Roux. Those were the days with midnight buffets with beef wellington and towers of chocolate. Don't expect it to compare this time, but hopefully will still be decent.

Edited April 15, 2015 by tacrum43

[jody75]

Why do people UPGRADE from Economy to Premier Economy or even Business class on a flight, it is too improve the quality of the experience. Equally upgrading from the MDR to the Speciality restaurants is the same, it improves the overall experience. Many people pay the extra for the perceived added value to upgrade to Aqua-class cabins, some just to dine in Blu.

The choice is what is appealing, after all variety is the spice of life.

 

I will always welcome the opportunity too dine in Murano restaurant even for $45pp and hope it may long continue, even with price increases along the way.

[GUT2407]

think $50 pp for Murano's is crazy, the 4 course meal you have already paid for in the MDR would cost about $75 in most restaurants [or more here] so an extra $50 is $125 I just don't see the value.

 

Though on another line I usually hit the steakhouse once per cruise because $25 for a really good steak isn't too bad.

[mickey89]

Why do people UPGRADE from Economy to Premier Economy or even Business class on a flight, it is too improve the quality of the experience. Equally upgrading from the MDR to the Speciality restaurants is the same, it improves the overall experience. Many people pay the extra for the perceived added value to upgrade to Aqua-class cabins, some just to dine in Blu.

The choice is what is appealing, after all variety is the spice of life.

 

I will always welcome the opportunity too dine in Murano restaurant even for $45pp and hope it may long continue, even with price increases along the way.

 

Totally agree, and glad a lot of people think it's too expensive.

Consequently, maybe the cost ceiling has been reached for the rest of us who enjoy the speciality restaurants.

[dkjretired]

think $50 pp for Murano's is crazy, the 4 course meal you have already paid for in the MDR would cost about $75 in most restaurants [or more here] so an extra $50 is $125 I just don't see the value.

 

Though on another line I usually hit the steakhouse once per cruise because $25 for a really good steak isn't too bad.

 

Agree with you but the problem is the 4 course meal you paid for has decreased in quality and service over the years. As someone earlier said, I wish they had the quality from when Michel Rioux was in charge and quite frankly the diminution of the MDR has corresponded with the introduction of the Specialty restaurants. Don't get me wrong, I still like the MDR but its not what it was 20 years ago.

[rjrpar]

think $50 pp for Murano's is crazy, the 4 course meal you have already paid for in the MDR would cost about $75 in most restaurants [or more here] so an extra $50 is $125 I just don't see the value.

 

Though on another line I usually hit the steakhouse once per cruise because $25 for a really good steak isn't too bad.

 

 

The price of a meal where we live comparable to a MDR meal would be about $25-30 and that is a stretch. It is banquet quality food, with very small portions (yes, I know you an order seconds). Just think how disappointed you would be if you ordered a $14 shrimp cocktail and received 5 tiny shrimp with watered down sauce. I am not complaining about the food or it value, just trying to be realistic.

[dabear]

Agree with you but the problem is the 4 course meal you paid for has decreased in quality and service over the years. As someone earlier said, I wish they had the quality from when Michel Rioux was in charge and quite frankly the diminution of the MDR has corresponded with the introduction of the Specialty restaurants. Don't get me wrong, I still like the MDR but its not what it was 20 years ago.

 

Agree 100% with the decline in the quality and service in the main dining room. Today the MDR it is average "banquet quality" preprepared food. In the specialty restaurants the food (which imho is better quality)is made to order. To me, the real issue is how much more are you willing to pay for fine dining?

[CruisingChick]

Agree 100% with the decline in the quality and service in the main dining room. Today the MDR it is average "banquet quality" preprepared food.

 

The only way it's going to improve if people STOP paying to go to the specialty restaurants. As long as people say - well food's not that great I will go the alternative restaurants there's no need for them to improve the quality in the MDR.

 

Also people need to fill out their comment cards and write to Celebrity if they are dissatisfied with the MDR.

 

We stopped going to Normandie once it hit $35. We liked doing it on cruises longer than 7 nights and would visit it once but not after all the price increases. We've never been to Murano, Qsine, etc.

Edited April 15, 2015 by CruisingChick

[Cruizen Susan]

Why do people UPGRADE from Economy to Premier Economy or even Business class on a flight, it is too improve the quality of the experience. Equally upgrading from the MDR to the Speciality restaurants is the same, it improves the overall experience. Many people pay the extra for the perceived added value to upgrade to Aqua-class cabins, some just to dine in Blu.

The choice is what is appealing, after all variety is the spice of life.

 

I will always welcome the opportunity too dine in Murano restaurant even for $45pp and hope it may long continue, even with price increases along the way.

 

Finally someone who understands the "premier" aspect of travelling. I love having options, and part of my vacation includes "spending money." If I choose to dine at a specialty restaurants a couple of nights, and you choose to spend it at the casino or on excursions, variety is the spice of life. That's why there is vanilla and chocolate!

 

The MDR prepares thousands of meals, so OF COURSE they are not going to be gourmet quality perfection.

 

I just don't get the nickel and dime attitudes of many Celebrity customers. They accuse Celebrity of nickel and diming, but the way I see it, they are the cheapo's!! Why all the complaining, "just say no". Would you want them to take away those options? I wouldn't!!

 

As a previous poster said, if the specialty restaurants were included, you'd never get a reservation! I'll pay for that special treat!

 

Sorry, I just had to vent, I can't wrap my head around spending $$$$ for a cruise, and not enjoying it to the fullest!

[dkjretired]

The MDR prepares thousands of meals' date=' so OF COURSE they are not going to be gourmet quality perfection.

 

![/quote']

 

You miss the point, they used to be gourmet, actually in my opinion better than todays Specialties in terms of both service and food. Everyone has their differences with food but I'll give you one factual thing that cannot be disputed based upon the service. When you walked into the dining room years ago, there were four people serving you, waiter, assistant waiter, Wine person and a drink person for want of a better word. Your service was absolutely impeccable. If I ordered an Ice tea the first night, it was there when I sat down every night thereafter. When we traveled with the kids they loved the Celebrity Breadsitcks and they were gone pretty quick. An extra basket was waiting on the table second night and beyond. By the way, breadsticks were awesome, todays are good but not nearly as good. Although I don't know it for a fact, it was very obvious that those four people had fewer tables to take care of than they do now.

Edited April 15, 2015 by dkjretired

[CruisingChick]

You miss the point, they used to be gourmet, actually in my opinion better than todays Specialties in terms of both service and food. Everyone has their differences with food but I'll give you one factual thing that cannot be disputed based upon the service. When you walked into the dining room years ago, there were four people serving you, waiter, assistant waiter, Wine person and a drink person for want of a better word. Your service was absolutely impeccable. If I ordered an Ice tea the first night, it was there when I sat down every night thereafter. When we traveled with the kids they loved the Celebrity Breadsitcks and they were gone pretty quick. An extra basket was waiting on the table second night and beyond. By the way, breadsticks were awesome, todays are good but not nearly as good. Although I don't know it for a fact, it was very obvious that those four people had fewer tables to take care of than they do now.

 

Agree with you. Now the assistant waiter has to take drink orders on top of their normal duties.

 

Also when we were traveling with our son our waiter and/or assistant waiter would always cut or offer to cut their meat. I have not seen that done in a long, long time.

[Cruizen Susan]

You miss the point, they used to be gourmet, actually in my opinion better than todays Specialties in terms of both service and food. Everyone has their differences with food but I'll give you one factual thing that cannot be disputed based upon the service. When you walked into the dining room years ago, there were four people serving you, waiter, assistant waiter, Wine person and a drink person for want of a better word. Your service was absolutely impeccable. If I ordered an Ice tea the first night, it was there when I sat down every night thereafter. When we traveled with the kids they loved the Celebrity Breadsitcks and they were gone pretty quick. An extra basket was waiting on the table second night and beyond. By the way, breadsticks were awesome, todays are good but not nearly as good. Although I don't know it for a fact, it was very obvious that those four people had fewer tables to take care of than they do now.

 

Actually I've been cruising for 25 years or so, back in the days of the Oceanic, Bermuda Star, Queen of Bermuda, Cunard and Costa Lines, etc etc. And yes, the service was great. IMHO it is still great, albeit not as many people to kiss your a** if that is what appeals to you. On the other side of the coin, the cruises 20 years ago cost MORE than they do today. Remarkable during this economy. It's almost the only travel bargain out there. So if I don't have as many people surrounding my table, or I have to wait a little longer for my drink, or if I have to actually ASK for another basket of breadsticks (god forbid), oh well. I'm there to relax, enjoy, and be at sea, while most of the world is at work or worse.

[dkjretired]

Actually I've been cruising for 25 years or so' date=' back in the days of the Oceanic, Bermuda Star, Queen of Bermuda, Cunard and Costa Lines, etc etc. And yes, the service was great. IMHO it is still great, albeit not as many people to kiss your a** if that is what appeals to you. On the other side of the coin, the cruises 20 years ago cost MORE than they do today. Remarkable during this economy. It's almost the only travel bargain out there. So if I don't have as many people surrounding my table, or I have to wait a little longer for my drink, or if I have to actually ASK for another basket of breadsticks (god forbid), oh well. I'm there to relax, enjoy, and be at sea, while most of the world is at work or worse.[/quote']

 

I was only giving those as examples since you said in an earlier post that they can't provide the same quality in the MDR. Point was they used to, nothing else, I also said I still enjoyed the MDR.

[Cruizen Susan]

I was only giving those as examples since you said in an earlier post that they can't provide the same quality in the MDR. Point was they used to, nothing else, I also said I still enjoyed the MDR.

 

Oh I know, dkj, you weren't whining at all. It's the whiners that get to me!

[DirtyDawg]

think $50 pp for Murano's is crazy, the 4 course meal you have already paid for in the MDR would cost about $75 in most restaurants [or more here] so an extra $50 is $125 I just don't see the value.

 

Though on another line I usually hit the steakhouse once per cruise because $25 for a really good steak isn't too bad.

 

I really like Murano's but $50 is pushing it. And now with the Canadian dollar in the crapper Murano's is about $65 CDN! With the cost I have already paid for the MDR it makes Murano's a very expensive night out. It just isn't worth it.:(

 

We've been looking at a cruise in the Fall but with the overall cost increases, I think we'll be back to doing an AI in Cuba again. Great value and I get to stock up on Cigars for the Winter.:)

Edited April 15, 2015 by DirtyDawg

[GUT2407]

I really like Murano's but $50 is pushing it. And now with the Canadian dollar in the crapper Murano's is about $65 CDN! With the cost I have already paid for the MDR it makes Murano's a very expensive night out. It just isn't worth it.:(

 

We've been looking at a cruise in the Fall but with the overall cost increases, I think we'll be back to doing an AI in Cuba again. Great value and I get to stock up on Cigars for the Winter.:)

 

 

Yep the Aus$ is the same.

 

It is one reason why all being equal I try to sail with an Australian based ship that charges in AUS$.

[Iamcruzin]

These inflated prices are all marketing hype. The price is inflated so that they can offer a discount and make you feel like you got a bargain or the other angle is to offer you a discounted package before you sail, which creates a sense of urgency plays on your emotions. Just look at all of the threads about the drink package price increase. People are paying extra money for a cruise that is a year from now in fear that they will not be able to upgrade their free classic package to the premium package for $10. Some have never even had a drink package before so they have no idea what's included. They are just upgrading out of fear of not being able to get their brand or bottled water under a classic package. As others have said Princess only charges $25pp and you can still get a reservation. I wouldn't pay more than that for a specialty restaurant.

[shipshape sam]

These inflated prices are all marketing hype. The price is inflated so that they can offer a discount and make you feel like you got a bargain or the other angle is to offer you a discounted package before you sail, which creates a sense of urgency plays on your emotions. Just look at all of the threads about the drink package price increase. People are paying extra money for a cruise that is a year from now in fear that they will not be able to upgrade their free classic package to the premium package for $10. Some have never even had a drink package before so they have no idea what's included. They are just upgrading out of fear of not being able to get their brand or bottled water under a classic package. As others have said Princess only charges $25pp and you can still get a reservation. I wouldn't pay more than that for a specialty restaurant.

 

Your got that right! They are not giving anything away for free.

 

I am sure on our next cruise, we will consider Speciality Restaurant, but have cut back on them from recent frequency due to the higher prices. We did do a 3 package deal last cruise.

[Cruise Junky]

Yep the Aus$ is the same.

 

It is one reason why all being equal I try to sail with an Australian based ship that charges in AUS$.

 

Don't blame you! we cancelled a Cruise around Australia after seeing what they were charging for shore excursions in $US. Not only the normal huge markup but then add another 28% for us Canadians. Much rather pay at par in AU$

[Debbie1573]

Hi, I am going on my very first cruise in August (Reflection) and have only JUST found out that we have to pay extra to eat at the speciality restaurants! I thought the beauty of cruising was that you could eat anywhere! Reading through your posts though I see that it is best to book these on board as you get a discount? Is this right? I have also booked the all inclusive drinks package and I do hope thats not a con too!!