Murano now $65. per person?

[GUT2407]

I thought it was over priced at $50

[SoBe2010]

Only worth half the price to us. At most.

[dkjretired]

I see your point. But consider that the portion of your fare that pays for included meals on board is less than $15 per day (according than a cruise insider who posts here). And that includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, late night pizza or desert, and any other items a person may consume during the day. What this means is that you paid less than $7 for your MDR meal. Bottom line, you aren't losing much if you skip the MDR for an occasional specialty meal.

 

 

 

Yes, that may be true. But, you also must consider that cruises today are less expensive than when you first started with Celebrity. We all are in favor of more affordable cruises. My problem with this is that some people continue to expect the same level of quality as they used to get for a much higher cost. We demanded lower prices, and we got them. Along the way, something had to be lost to allow those lower prices that none of us want to go away.

 

I like a comment posted on a recent thread about how cruises have changed since the 70s. Some people there complained about lower food quality in the MDR, ignoring that the cost of a cruise today is a fraction of what it used to be. One poster hit the nail on the head with this quote: "Don't expect caviar at raisin prices."

 

That about sums up the reality, which is in total conflict with what some people want to believe.

 

Just made the point that the price is in addition to how much you paid for your fare. I realize it's not much but my comment still stands, you do in fact pay extra in addition to your fare.

 

Sorry but it would not take much to bring back the Michel Roux days in the MDR. I disagree completely with your comments.

[Iamcruzin]

I would never pay the prices they are asking. I think the prices are inflated, like an MSRP just so they can offer a discount package and have passengers commit before they even board the ship. This will guarantee that the restaurants will be filled. I wouldn't even entertain the idea of eating in one unless they were offering a discount.

[Iamcruzin]

I don't know the last time you had the Lobster in Murano's but in recent times the lobster has been 50:50 chance of being a tough piece of gristle. These warm water lobster tails are a BIG let-down

 

Sounds like the same lobster that's served in the MDR at no additional charge.

[GUT2407]

I see your point. But consider that the portion of your fare that pays for included meals on board is less than $15 per day (according than a cruise insider who posts here). And that includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, late night pizza or desert, and any other items a person may consume during the day. What this means is that you paid less than $7 for your MDR meal. Bottom line, you aren't losing much if you skip the MDR for an occasional specialty meal.

 

 

 

Yes, that may be true. But, you also must consider that cruises today are less expensive than when you first started with Celebrity. We all are in favor of more affordable cruises. My problem with this is that some people continue to expect the same level of quality as they used to get for a much higher cost. We demanded lower prices, and we got them. Along the way, something had to be lost to allow those lower prices that none of us want to go away.

 

I like a comment posted on a recent thread about how cruises have changed since the 70s. Some people there complained about lower food quality in the MDR, ignoring that the cost of a cruise today is a fraction of what it used to be. One poster hit the nail on the head with this quote: "Don't expect caviar at raisin prices."

 

That about sums up the reality, which is in total conflict with what some people want to believe.

 

 

That $15 is the cost of the food, not the value of the meal so in most 3,or 4 star restaurants you would pay about $150 to $200 for the meal.

[monicajay]

With so many people traveling with large OBC's they are finding ways for people to 'spend' their free money (yes, I know it's not really free money). It is much easier to spend OBC than it is to fork over new money.

 

Plus, they just offer good specials when bookings are low.

 

Personally, I would not be forking over that much for a dinner but that's just me.

 

It's all about perceived value.

[Cruizen Susan]

Not us. We are on vacation to enjoy ourselves, not pinch pennies. We try all the specialty restaurants. It's part of the adventure. If we wanted to be frugal, we'd do it at home where we aren't trying to get the most out of our vacation.

 

I have to chuckle when I hear that stale excuse that "I have already paid for a meal in the MDR, I am not going to pay for another meal in a specialty restaurant". It's like going through life worried more about not spending a penny more than necessary than allowing oneself to have the best experiences possible. If one really felt that they didn't want to spend money on something they have already paid for, then they should not be spending money on a stateroom because they have already paid for living quarters back home which are going unused.

 

I totally agree with everything you said. When I am paying $$$$ for a cruise, what is a few more $$ to make a great cruise, a fabulous cruise!!! Murano and Tuscan take our cruises to the next level! Relaxed dining, ambiance, great service, and outstanding meals.

 

I really don't mind hearing the penny pinchers complain about the extra cost, because it insures that we can get in whenever we want! :)

 

And let's call a spade a spade. Some people are just downright cheap! We dined with a couple on one cruise who bragged that didn't spend one penny extra onboard, except for the tips. They smuggled in their alcohol, didn't take any excursions, didn't go for sweat. They were people of means, so I didn't quite understand their CHEAPness.

 

Happy cruisen'

 

Susan

[smtcan]

Not us. We are on vacation to enjoy ourselves, not pinch pennies. We try all the specialty restaurants. It's part of the adventure. If we wanted to be frugal, we'd do it at home where we aren't trying to get the most out of our vacation.

 

I have to chuckle when I hear that stale excuse that "I have already paid for a meal in the MDR, I am not going to pay for another meal in a specialty restaurant". It's like going through life worried more about not spending a penny more than necessary than allowing oneself to have the best experiences possible. If one really felt that they didn't want to spend money on something they have already paid for, then they should not be spending money on a stateroom because they have already paid for living quarters back home which are going unused.

 

We are also on vacation to enjoy ourselves, but spending extra money does not necessarily equate with enjoyment. We have visited specialty restaurants on cruises if we are celebrating a special occasion. We enjoyed the Winemaker's Dinner on Royal Princess for our anniversary last year. At $100 per couple it represented good value since it included wine pairing with each course and a well informed sommelier discussed the selections. The service was really attentive although we could have done without the waiter bringing his guitar and serenading us (even though he was surprisingly talented).

 

We choose to spend our money on things that have value for us, and frequent specialty dining does not fall into that category. The best experience possible for us is to visit interesting destinations as often as we can, and we will be frugal cruisers if that is what it takes to maximize our travel experiences. We will not be offended if you chuckle at us. We are happy with our choices.

[BEAV]

Paying $50 (or $65 Canadian) for Murano is like paying sticker price for a new automobile. On our last cruise in May of this year, we bought the 5 night dining package, which brought the price down to $29 per visit. If you don't want to buy a package, then do as many suggest and negotiate your price.

 

So all of this hot air balking at the $50 rate is nothing but that, a bunch of hot air! :eek:

[BEAV]

 

We choose to spend our money on things that have value for us, and frequent specialty dining does not fall into that category. The best experience possible for us is to visit interesting destinations as often as we can, and we will be frugal cruisers if that is what it takes to maximize our travel experiences. We will not be offended if you chuckle at us. We are happy with our choices.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Like food opinions, discretionary spending is subjective. Some people might think it should be a felony to spend $50 in a specialty restaurant, but think nothing of dropping $1,000 in the casino and only getting $200 in return over the course of a week's cruise. Everyone has different tastes and interests in how they spend their vacation dollar.

[TLCOhio]

We are on vacation to enjoy ourselves, not pinch pennies. We try all the specialty restaurants. It's part of the adventure. If we wanted to be frugal, we'd do it at home where we aren't trying to get the most out of our vacation. I have to chuckle when I hear that stale excuse that "I have already paid for a meal in the MDR, I am not going to pay for another meal in a specialty restaurant". It's like going through life worried more about not spending a penny more than necessary than allowing oneself to have the best experiences possible.

 

monicajay: With so many people traveling with large OBC's they are finding ways for people to 'spend' their free money (yes' date=' I know it's not really free money). It is[b'] much easier to spend OBC than it is to fork over new money.[/b]

 

BEAV: You hit the nail on the head. Like food opinions' date=' [b']discretionary spending is subjective[/b]. Some people might think it should be a felony to spend $50 in a specialty restaurant, but think nothing of dropping $1,000 in the casino and only getting $200 in return over the course of a week's cruise. Everyone has different tastes and interests in how they spend their vacation dollar.

 

Glad to know that the "sticker price" is not up to $65. Lots of good points made as I have quoted above. Of special importance is that many times with various "packages" and/or special offers, the effective "selling price" will be much below that $50 "retail" price. And as wisely noted by monicajay, many people have OBC's to burn/spend.

 

Is it worth it? That is another subjective question where many options bounce around!! Below are some of my visual samples from our Australia to New Zealand trip as "evidence" to consider in this judgement battle about whether these speciality places are worth it. Or, not? Plus, whether the like Murano or Tuscan Grille better or less?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 202,961 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

This bread item in Murano had a very unusual shape and tasted wonderful, too! Great way to start our dining experience here.:

 

 

 

Here is the warm goat cheese soufflé with smoked tomato coulis, parmesan cream, basil pesto.:

 

 

 

My wife and I ordered Châteaubriand for two at Murano. Here is it being prepared table-side. The second pictures shows how it looked on my plate with its fricassée of baby vegetables. There were the options of Béarnaise & Cabernet sauce. I had to be fair and could not choose between these two great options. Solution? How to decide? Have BOTH!! Great decision.:

 

 

 

 

 

For dessert, the choice was Grand Marnier soufflé. The sauce? Crème Anglaise á la Gousse Tahitienne.:

 

 

 

Doing "quality control"? Here is the Executive Chef and the Maître D' dropping by our table to make sure that we enjoy our dining experience. The Maître D' is giving credit to the chef. Yes!!:

 

[Cruizen Susan]

Glad to know that the "sticker price" is not up to $65. Lots of good points made as I have quoted above. Of special importance is that many times with various "packages" and/or special offers, the effective "selling price" will be much below that $50 "retail" price. And as wisely noted by monicajay, many people have OBC's to burn/spend.

 

Is it worth it? That is another subjective question where many options bounce around!! Below are some of my visual samples from our Australia to New Zealand trip as "evidence" to consider in this judgement battle about whether these speciality places are worth it. Or, not? Plus, whether the like Murano or Tuscan Grille better or less?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 202,961 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

This bread item in Murano had a very unusual shape and tasted wonderful, too! Great way to start our dining experience here.:

 

 

 

Here is the warm goat cheese soufflé with smoked tomato coulis, parmesan cream, basil pesto.:

 

 

 

My wife and I ordered Châteaubriand for two at Murano. Here is it being prepared table-side. The second pictures shows how it looked on my plate with its fricassée of baby vegetables. There were the options of Béarnaise & Cabernet sauce. I had to be fair and could not choose between these two great options. Solution? How to decide? Have BOTH!! Great decision.:

 

 

 

 

 

For dessert, the choice was Grand Marnier soufflé. The sauce? Crème Anglaise á la Gousse Tahitienne.:

 

 

 

Doing "quality control"? Here is the Executive Chef and the Maître D' dropping by our table to make sure that we enjoy our dining experience. The Maître D' is giving credit to the chef. Yes!!:

 

 

Now THAT's what I'm talkin' about!!!

[villauk]

Terry,

 

You've done it again: showing that hunk serving you the Chateaubriand. Don't you remember the stir you caused last time :D. Oh I do hope he's on Equinox next week :p.

[keesar]

Thank you for the photos! Amazing… I remember when they were thinking of adding chateaubriand and we were part of the taste test on a cruise. OUTSTANDING!

 

I order the crepes Balon Rouge for dessert.

 

Remember eating in Murano for $25 per person? I do.

[TLCOhio]

Terry, You've done it again: showing that hunk serving you the Chateaubriand. Don't you remember the stir you caused last time :D. Oh I do hope he's on Equinox next week :p.

 

Appreciate these fun, follow-up comments from villauk and Cruisen'Susan. Good luck that he and/or other "hunks" are on the Equinox for you next week. In picking the pictures, that is why I sometimes call it "eye candy". Glad there is a smart audience that appreciates these types of visuals. That's why I don't show my face that much. No point in disappointing folks.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 202,961 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[kevinyork]

We went to Murano as we made friends with two couples who invited us. We got a 20% discount by letting the Maitre D book for us. Two of us had Chateaubriand and the other four had fish. I have to say the steak was overcooked and the fish when filleted was small. All plates looked minimal. It really was style over substance. Whilst we had a nice evening with the group the food really wasnt worth even the discounted price.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[TLCOhio]

I do hope he's on Equinox next week.

 

For our UK friend, you have an outstanding cruise upcoming. Istanbul to Barcelona!!! Both super wonderful cities to start and complete your cruise. Plus, the awesome stops in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Mykonos/Greece, Athens (Piraeus), Kotor/Montenegro, Dubrovnik/Croatia, Corfu/Greece, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Nice (Villefranche) and Marseille/France. Wonderful and exciting stops and potentials. Who needs "eye-candy" staff with these great places to visit?

 

If you need more ideas for some of these ports, below are links to some of my photos and suggestions for three of these exciting places.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 29,745 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 24,541 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

For Athens, Greece, check out this posting with many ideas, tips and exciting visuals for our visiting there and nearby. There have been over 11,143 views on this posting. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[Fouremco]

I see your point. But consider that the portion of your fare that pays for included meals on board is less than $15 per day (according than a cruise insider who posts here). And that includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, late night pizza or desert, and any other items a person may consume during the day. What this means is that you paid less than $7 for your MDR meal. Bottom line, you aren't losing much if you skip the MDR for an occasional specialty meal.

If in fact my MDR meal costs less than $7, my Murano meal probably tops out at under $10. Let's be really, really generous and say that it costs slightly more than double the MDR meal and price it at $15. That's still a long way from $50!

Edited August 16, 2015 by Fouremco

[villauk]

For our UK friend, you have an outstanding cruise upcoming. Istanbul to Barcelona!!! Both super wonderful cities to start and complete your cruise. Plus, the awesome stops in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Mykonos/Greece, Athens (Piraeus), Kotor/Montenegro, Dubrovnik/Croatia, Corfu/Greece, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Nice (Villefranche) and Marseille/France. Wonderful and exciting stops and potentials. Who needs "eye-candy" staff with these great places to visit?

 

If you need more ideas for some of these ports, below are links to some of my photos and suggestions for three of these exciting places.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 29,745 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 24,541 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

For Athens, Greece, check out this posting with many ideas, tips and exciting visuals for our visiting there and nearby. There have been over 11,143 views on this posting. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

Thanks, Terry. We've previously visited all but a couple of our port stops, but we're definitely looking forward to many of the repeats :). Kotor is new for us, so I will check out your link :). Dubrovnik is also one of our favourites ;).

[Cruise Junky]

Thank you for the photos! Amazing… I remember when they were thinking of adding chateaubriand and we were part of the taste test on a cruise. OUTSTANDING!

 

I order the crepes Balon Rouge for dessert.

 

Remember eating in Murano for $25 per person? I do.

 

I paid $25 for Murano last year....for lunch ;)

 

While I enjoyed Murano, my soufflé was still frozen in the middle. That speaks volumes for their quality. I wouldn't pay $65 for something I can do better at home that wasn't frozen and reheated :eek:

[keithm]

Just saw $65. PP price listed on the "Specialty Dining" pages of Celebrity website. I wonder if this is U.S $, or CAN $? Does it represent a new price increase?

I think it's Canadian. Either way, we bide our time & book when they have discounts..which seems to be most of the time(Eclipse).

[keithm]

I paid $25 for Murano last year....for lunch ;)

 

While I enjoyed Murano, my soufflé was still frozen in the middle. That speaks volumes for their quality. I wouldn't pay $65 for something I can do better at home that wasn't frozen and reheated :eek:

I hope you sent back the Souffle. I certainly would have.

[cruisemom42]

That $15 is the cost of the food, not the value of the meal so in most 3,or 4 star restaurants you would pay about $150 to $200 for the meal.

 

I'm not quite sure where you are getting that figure from?

 

Most restaurants aim for about a 300% markup over the cost of the food -- whether it's a three star restaurant or a dive -- so that would be $45 to $50. :confused:

[keesar]

I paid $25 for Murano last year....for lunch ;)

 

While I enjoyed Murano, my soufflé was still frozen in the middle. That speaks volumes for their quality. I wouldn't pay $65 for something I can do better at home that wasn't frozen and reheated :eek:

 

I paid $25 for lunch at the Lawn. I could have grilled a better meal. Grilled frozen fish does not make it.

 

As for Murano, I order the so-called lobster just to see the preparation table side. The "lobster" is another story...