just off Eurodam, are dining expectations realistic or unrealistic?

[vmom]

Just got off the Eurodam and had a fabulous cruise to Norway and Scotland. This was my first HAL cruise but I have cruises many times with Princess and RCCL. I had a great time and will cruise with HAL again.

 

An observation that I wondered if others have noticed:

 

We had anytime dining and met some wonderful people at all the meals. I noticed and heard many people complaining that HAL has gone downhill in their dining and service (I thought the service was outstanding). Many of those same people also said they booked this cruise because they got a great deal on the cruise fare. Great for them, I also look for a good deal, who doesn't?

 

What I found rather ironic is that a few of the people who were most adamant in their dissatisfaction with HAL and the quality of food and service were also the people who said they got a cheap fare and stated they refused to book any HAL excursions because they were too expensive.

 

It seemed rather ironic to me that these individuals expected 5 star dining, but at obviously cheap prices and also didn't want to put any more money into the cruise. How do they think HAL can afford to provide 5 star dining, when they have to make some profit on the cruise and cover their costs. Another detail, because of the itinerary, the casino was closed for about 4 1/2 days since we were cruising too close to the coast of the UK, also decreasing HAL's profits.

 

Frankly it lead me to wonder if SOME people (note I said some people, not all), have unrealistic expectations as to what quality they expect for what price they are willing to pay. Anyone ever wonder the same thing or did I just happen to run into a larger than typical number of complainers?

[Krazy Kruizers]

No you did not just happen to run into a larger than typical number of complainers.

We have seen it on several different ships the last 2 - 3 years.

We choose a certain type of cabin -- not cheap. Because HAL has cut down on the quality of the dining room food, we now have our dinners in the Pinnacle (also Tamarind) -- we don't mind paying the extra money.

And we are ones who don't mind paying the extra money to do HAL's excursions.

But there is getting to be more and more people booking guarantees and hoping for upgrades and wanting everything to be better than 5 star for a little money.

[cruz chic]

There seems to be more and more bargain hunters that pay next to nothing for a cruise and have to tell the world about it. I found a lot of that on my May cruise on the Veendam. When Hal gives away the farm how can they expect that these folks will be spending a lot of money on these extras. It can help but change the dynamic.

[sunsetbeachgal]

We were on the Eurodam just prior to your cruise...we also had anytime dining and prefer to eat at a table for two as I don't wish to converse with others about the good old days of cruising when supposedly everything was better. Or worse yet, spend my dinner listening to people complain!

 

We honeymooned on a Holland America ship 33 years ago, and I think I paid more for that cruise than many I have taken the past five years! We found the food on the Eurodam to be mostly very good in the dining room and the Lido buffet, and superb at Tamarind! (Assume the penny pinchers you spoke with didn't do any specialty dining?!)

 

That being said, we met some lovely folks on board who we shared destination, excursion and historical/political conversations with.

Edited July 8, 2015 by sunsetbeachgal

[CruiserBruce]

This highlights a standard contradiction around Cruise Critic. There a small number of people who say " I would gladly pay a little more if HAL returned to what it was XX years ago". Fine.

 

But the reality is the vast majority are looking to get the most cruise for the absolute lowest dollar amount. HAL knows this, and knows they can't fill the ships if they charged what they charged XX years ago. It just won't work.

 

There is a thread on another board where somebody is obsessing about paying $170/day, per person for a balcony cabin on a 10 day Baltic cruise- about "did I get a good deal" and asking others what they paid. This person is going to lose a lot of sleep from now until their cruise worrying about whether they paid less than everyone else on that ship.

Edited July 8, 2015 by CruiserBruce

[Winters in NZ]

Just got off the Eurodam and had a fabulous cruise to Norway and Scotland. This was my first HAL cruise but I have cruises many times with Princess and RCCL. I had a great time and will cruise with HAL again.

 

An observation that I wondered if others have noticed:

 

We had anytime dining and met some wonderful people at all the meals. I noticed and heard many people complaining that HAL has gone downhill in their dining and service (I thought the service was outstanding). Many of those same people also said they booked this cruise because they got a great deal on the cruise fare. Great for them, I also look for a good deal, who doesn't?

 

What I found rather ironic is that a few of the people who were most adamant in their dissatisfaction with HAL and the quality of food and service were also the people who said they got a cheap fare and stated they refused to book any HAL excursions because they were too expensive.

 

It seemed rather ironic to me that these individuals expected 5 star dining, but at obviously cheap prices and also didn't want to put any more money into the cruise. How do they think HAL can afford to provide 5 star dining, when they have to make some profit on the cruise and cover their costs. Another detail, because of the itinerary, the casino was closed for about 4 1/2 days since we were cruising too close to the coast of the UK, also decreasing HAL's profits.

 

Frankly it lead me to wonder if SOME people (note I said some people, not all), have unrealistic expectations as to what quality they expect for what price they are willing to pay. Anyone ever wonder the same thing or did I just happen to run into a larger than typical number of complainers?

 

We have thoroughly enjoyed our cruising experience aboard the Eurodam, twice in the past 2 years, and we have also chosen the anytime dining option.

 

We have always enjoyed meeting new table-mates accompanied with their varied life stories along with some very interesting discussions.

 

The complainers do come out of the wood-work now and then, but you are correct....some folks are on a beer budget with champagne tastes.

[serendipity1499]

Just got off the Eurodam and had a fabulous cruise to Norway and Scotland. This was my first HAL cruise but I have cruises many times with Princess and RCCL. I had a great time and will cruise with HAL again.

 

An observation that I wondered if others have noticed:

 

We had anytime dining and met some wonderful people at all the meals. I noticed and heard many people complaining that HAL has gone downhill in their dining and service (I thought the service was outstanding). Many of those same people also said they booked this cruise because they got a great deal on the cruise fare. Great for them, I also look for a good deal, who doesn't?

 

What I found rather ironic is that a few of the people who were most adamant in their dissatisfaction with HAL and the quality of food and service were also the people who said they got a cheap fare and stated they refused to book any HAL excursions because they were too expensive.

 

It seemed rather ironic to me that these individuals expected 5 star dining, but at obviously cheap prices and also didn't want to put any more money into the cruise. How do they think HAL can afford to provide 5 star dining, when they have to make some profit on the cruise and cover their costs. Another detail, because of the itinerary, the casino was closed for about 4 1/2 days since we were cruising too close to the coast of the UK, also decreasing HAL's profits.

 

Frankly it lead me to wonder if SOME people (note I said some people, not all), have unrealistic expectations as to what quality they expect for what price they are willing to pay. Anyone ever wonder the same thing or did I just happen to run into a larger than typical number of complainers?

 

This highlights a standard contradiction around Cruise Critic. There a small number of people who say " I would gladly pay a little more if HAL returned to what it was XX years ago". Fine.

 

But the reality is the vast majority are looking to get the most cruise for the absolute lowest dollar amount. HAL knows this, and knows they can't fill the ships if they charged what they charged XX years ago. It just won't work.

 

There is a thread on another board where somebody is obsessing about paying $170/day, per person for a balcony cabin on a 10 day Baltic cruise- about "did I get a good deal" and asking others what they paid. This person is going to lose a lot of sleep from now until their cruise worrying about whether they paid less than everyone else on that ship.

 

We completely agree with you both!!!

 

I'm amazed at the prices & have always said "we would gladly pay more" but we are ones who always have had excellent service in the MDR, as well as from our Cabin Stewards.. Of course, the specialty restaurants are also fantastic!! Yes food has changed in the MDR but our prices for food at home has increased 10 fold, so we don't always expect gourmet food for "McDonalds" prices..

 

Well we bit the bullet & are hopefully taking a 14day on the Eurodam Nov. 15(Eastern & Western Carib.).. Only saying hopefully, due to some Medical problems, but today I received some good news & with all my Friends & Family who are praying for me, I believe we will be able to do it!!

 

I've kept track of our costs per day for our cabins.. We are actually paying less per night for our VD cabin than we paid on our first HAL cruise in 1998 for an OV on the Ryndam to the Carib... IMO that's crazy! :eek: Only way HAL can make a profit on us is on our on board spending..

Edited July 8, 2015 by serendipity1499

[navybankerteacher]

We cruise to experience being at sea, to get to visit certain ports, to get home from visits to family in Europe; we do not cruise to experience gourmet meals. We have found the service on HAL to be regularly at, or above, expectation, and the food to be enjoyable. The only thing unsatisfactory on a HAL ship is the occasional pretentious complainer - but we have been fortunate in being able to avoid (or at least ignore) them.

[arzz]

vmom

 

Oh, how I so agree with you. It is this attitude, IMHO, that is mostly responsible for changes in cruising (and if I might add - in flying). If the ships and the planes could be filled without the discounting things would not change.

 

For years I have noticed on this board folks who brag about choosing a TA that saves them even just $25 (really ... On a seven day or longer cruise is that significant?) and yet they somehow do not see the contradiction between the proliferation of bargain fares and the expectation that service not decline.

 

Actually this seems to be a prevalent attitude all over these days. It is reinforced by retail stores who always have some sort of sale or special going on every day. Folks just don't wish to feel like they have paid full price for anything these days. This attitude has consequences on quality and service.

[Katie333]

I agree that there seems to be a theme of high expectations for very little cash. It certainly doesn't help that all the marketing material HAL (and other lines!) put out make the claims around 5 star dining, and luxurious experiences. People then expect something truly elite.

 

I think cruising does a great job for the price paid, and I agree with KK if you want those premium experiences, then pay extra for them and truly enjoy yourself. We had our first Neptune Suite last cruise and it really did spoil us. We also had pretty much all the for-fee dining venues included and that also spoiled us.

[sppunk]

This highlights a standard contradiction around Cruise Critic. There a small number of people who say " I would gladly pay a little more if HAL returned to what it was XX years ago". Fine.

 

But the reality is the vast majority are looking to get the most cruise for the absolute lowest dollar amount. HAL knows this, and knows they can't fill the ships if they charged what they charged XX years ago. It just won't work.

 

There is a thread on another board where somebody is obsessing about paying $170/day, per person for a balcony cabin on a 10 day Baltic cruise- about "did I get a good deal" and asking others what they paid. This person is going to lose a lot of sleep from now until their cruise worrying about whether they paid less than everyone else on that ship.

 

Emphasis mine. This is also a contradiction because they CAN pay more to sail on a line that was like HAL 'used to be'.

 

Some do, but many just complain so their voice can be heard.

[rjrpar]

You highlighted a key issue in cruising. Cruising is an inexpensive vacation due in part to the huge supply of cabins. At the same time, some cruisers think they are getting a high end vacation. Some couples are cruising for $200/night and expect 5 star meals, entertainment, a hotel room, etc. Cruise lines actually do a real good job of convincing people they are getting a much more lavish vacation than they are really being provided

[pris993]

We always book the best cabin we can afford, don't want any upgrades, have a table for 2 at late traditional dining and get great service. Generally order off menu, as we like to eat healthy and have meals prepared plainly. We have no complaints and don't cruise to socialize so don't listen to complaints of others.

[Lizzie68]

I think I'm realistic in my expectations and I enjoy everything in spite of snafus. But I have to say I have never yet, on either of the cruise lines I have been on, had strangers tell me how much they paid or how cheap it was. Heard lots of grumbling over various issues, but nothing tied into the cost of the fare (high or low).

[grayjay]

I admit ro being a budget cruiser and I also admit freely that we chose this extra cruise on the Eurodam which we did in June ( besides the others already booked for this year) because of the good price that was offered. Obviously cruises on Eurodam in the Baltics didn't sell well this year or so it was possible to get a good deal and we were happy to cruise again on a nice ship with an interesting itinerary with a great crew.

We also noticed that food and service was good, but not as good as on the cruise we had two months ago. But there was nothing to complain off and so we didn't.

What I mean is this: if a price deal is offered because the cruise line is not able to fill the ship otherwise: why not take it? But we would never brag about it especially to others - and I think that is the difference. And we tend to give quietly an extra portion of what we saved to those who earned it during that same cruise: in that case our fabulous stateroom attendants, the bar attendant who took good care of us and the servers in the restaurants.

[ANSalberg]

I call it the "It's ALL about ME!" syndrome. I can think of a cruise several years ago where at the first CC get-together a single man told another single man that he'd gotten an exceptionally low fare etc. The cruise was a 3 week cruise and the second single man went bonkers trying to figure out how to get HIS money back. ALL the old time cruisers said "Forget it; you're ON a cruise-This is NOTHING" but he muttered about it the entire cruise.

There are some people who don't "enjoy" cruising BECAUSE they don't "get it" -your cruise -once its SET -once you are ON that ship -is a PLACE to enjoy/learn/EAT/have fun

Not to get crazy about!

[AncientWanderer]

In my ideal world, fares would be set high enough so that every person onboard has a 5-star experience in the MDR. But competition for passengers just doesn't seem to allow this anymore. Too many cruise ships to fill. And, no, it's not really fair to expect a 5-star experience on a steeply discounted cruise. So I welcome the addition of specialty restaurants and other extra amenities that can be purchased onboard to upgrade the experience and still make a profit for the cruise line.

 

There's another thread about a special restaurant for suite passengers only. I don't thing that's necessary. The specialty restaurants accomplish the same thing and are a better use of space on the smaller ships.

 

As for the complainers onboard, DH and I have an uncanny ability to filter out unwanted noise. We don't even hear 'em.

[iancal]

Bargain fares are not the fault of the cruisers or the TA's.

 

They are caused by an oversupply of ships/cabins in the market, ie caused by the cruise lines themselves.

 

If supply was less than demand, people on this board would be complaining that fares were going up at an unprecedented amount.

[Diver2014]

We thought the food in the MDR on the Eurodam was delicious....as was the food on every HAL ship we've been on. We've tried the specialty restaurants as well but thought the extra fee wasn't really worth it. We're just as happy eating in the Lido so I suppose we're not classified as 'foodies'....not that I'd want to be.

[take us away]

Find it amazing that some people complain about what they get for the price they paid. Come on now - price out a hotel room with twice daily cleaning, 3 fantastic meals a day plus snacks, teas, room service, entertainment, attending a movie, listening to a (usually) decent lecture, etc. for a land vacation and then be thankful you paid so much less for your cruise - plus the adventure of new ports/sights/cultures is thrown in for free!

[Swice]

Of course I look for the "cheapest" price... if we're all on the same boat and we're seeing the same shows and eating the same food... why do I want to pay more than I have to?

 

But I can say the same thing when I fly or stay at a hotel.

 

As for shore excursions on our Baltic cruise last year, we did not use the ship tours. Not so much because of price, but because of value. We were typically in groups of 16 or so instead of hundreds. We could move faster and see more in the allowable time. The fact that our tours were dramatically cheaper made them a no-brainer.

 

I understand HAL is a business, and as a shareholder, I want it to make money. I can't blame HAL for no longer giving me little soap bars in cute boxes or cutting out the dessert buffet that looked better than it tasted.

 

But again, I know how to manage my money and I really don't understand why anybody would overpay for the same services they can get at a lower price.

 

Yes, there are things we have noticed over the past few cruises that have "changed." But what hasn't?

[iancal]

We feel the same way.

 

Why would we pay $3000. for a cruise when we can get it, same category, for $1800. or $2000?

 

Why would we pay a cruise line $100. for crowded excursion on a bus when we can pay $70. each and have four of us in a private van with driver and tour guide?? Go where we want, see so much more, and have a personal guide. And not have to wait for people seemingly lost in the restroom or intent on delaying everyone so that they can buy some overpriced fridge magnet in a tourist shop for their next year's garage sale.

 

We make no excuses for it. HAL is a business, not some sort of fraternal, not for profit (not supposed to be anyway) social organization.

Edited July 8, 2015 by iancal

[dogo88]

Funny thing is on all our cruises I have never heard anyone we've met talk about the price they paid. Granted we usually try and get a table for two but it's not always available. The only place I find that has people comparing and complaining are on these boards.

 

Dan

[iancal]

Only once have we heard someone talk about what they paid...and that was on our last Feb. cruise.

[Ricktan]

Just got off the Eurodam and had a fabulous cruise to Norway and Scotland. This was my first HAL cruise but I have cruises many times with Princess and RCCL. I had a great time and will cruise with HAL again.

 

An observation that I wondered if others have noticed:

 

We had anytime dining and met some wonderful people at all the meals. I noticed and heard many people complaining that HAL has gone downhill in their dining and service (I thought the service was outstanding). Many of those same people also said they booked this cruise because they got a great deal on the cruise fare. Great for them, I also look for a good deal, who doesn't?

 

What I found rather ironic is that a few of the people who were most adamant in their dissatisfaction with HAL and the quality of food and service were also the people who said they got a cheap fare and stated they refused to book any HAL excursions because they were too expensive.

 

It seemed rather ironic to me that these individuals expected 5 star dining, but at obviously cheap prices and also didn't want to put any more money into the cruise. How do they think HAL can afford to provide 5 star dining, when they have to make some profit on the cruise and cover their costs. Another detail, because of the itinerary, the casino was closed for about 4 1/2 days since we were cruising too close to the coast of the UK, also decreasing HAL's profits.

 

Frankly it lead me to wonder if SOME people (note I said some people, not all), have unrealistic expectations as to what quality they expect for what price they are willing to pay. Anyone ever wonder the same thing or did I just happen to run into a larger than typical number of complainers?

 

 

Slightly different question, sorry. Is it common for the casino to be closed like that? I never thought about it....I know it won't be open on the days we are in port until late but days ? It's one thing that my DH really enjoys:confused: