No Dynamic Dining! :)

[SherriZ366]

DD was a big flop with many people. RCCL thought they could boost profit by turning the tables 3 times rather than two. They reduced the waiters and busboys to cut labor cost. Most people did not like having to make Rez for dinner. They didn't want to have to think. RCCL can just vary the selections each night more to make those happy that want a better selection.

They tried adding Assistant Waiters to QN nad other tweaks but I think they concluded that it was better to stick with purpose built ships -- QN class -- for DD. I think they gots lots of complaints.

[tapemann]

DD venues are no additional cost - where is there profit in turning tables 3 times rather than 2?

 

They thought they could get away with less Waiters and Busboys. Lower Labor cost.

[little britain]

I have read that they changed the three levels of the MDR on the Oasis for DD and then cancelled the program. Did they change the MDR on the Allure as well? Or, did they cancel the program prior to the renovation?

 

No the Allure renovation went ahead -so there are 3 distinct unique styles of dining room decor ...... all serving the same old boring menu!:rolleyes:

AIG deck 3 (this is where MTD is)

Silk deck 4

Grande deck 5

[nelblu]

They thought they could get away with less Waiters and Busboys. Lower Labor cost.

 

And your facts are? Sailed on Quantum and the waiters had the same number of diners assigned as in other ships which use the MDR.

 

What I found in eating in the various dining venues is that some waiters were very good and others were indifferent to the service provided. Maybe some waiters are not enamored by this concept. As example, we ate in Grande twice--the first time our waiter was cold and indifferent and did not assist in taking the lobster meat out of the shell--the second our waiter couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. I must say, the last night that we ate at Silk, we asked our waiter what he thought of DD--answer was so-so, but the combo was the best serviced provided.

 

All other non main dining venues, we could not have been more satisfied with the service.

[Biker19]

And your facts are? Sailed on Quantum and the waiters had the same number of diners assigned as in other ships which use the MDR.

 

 

It depends on when you sailed - after the first few sailings it was reported that RCI added a large number of wait staff due to initial version of DD not working as intended. But on the surface of it the math definitely says you could have less staff if you turn over the tables 3x instead of 2x. The design of the ship definitely forces creative dining since they don't have the capacity for two traditional sittings. The smaller dining venues mean they can squeeze in more cabins for a given sized ship. If Quantum had a traditional MDR, and were fixed with the 168,000 tons, they would have had to make the MDR bigger than the current 4 venues and/or have had fewer cabins.

Edited October 5, 2015 by Biker19

[BillOh]

When we were on Oasis recently, I remember looking up from deck 3 of the dining room and wondering if some seating been added to deck 4 in the area that used to be open space. It did not seem as open as I recall from our Allure cruise in 2011.

 

Was deck 3 MTD on Oasis? While it is insignifican't in my overall cruise enjoyment, I prefer beating in traditional dining on the main level of the room. On Freedom deck 3 was the MTD deck leading me to believe more people were reserving that. We were on deck 4, but that was really only an inconvenience for 10 minutes of the cruise.

[Clarea]

Was deck 3 MTD on Oasis? While it is insignifican't in my overall cruise enjoyment, I prefer beating in traditional dining on the main level of the room. On Freedom deck 3 was the MTD deck leading me to believe more people were reserving that. We were on deck 4, but that was really only an inconvenience for 10 minutes of the cruise.

Yes, deck 3 was MTD on Oasis.

[BillOh]

What am I missing here?! This is all OLD news and it seems like everyone is acting like it's new, including the OP. I'm very confused! And also irritated having to read through all of those same old, same old comments trying to find somebody who is asking this question! Concerning dynamic dining...build a bridge and get over it!

 

I went to the doctor, I said, "It hurts when I do this". He said, "don't do that!"

[Tagsalong]

In regard to MDR MTD, we found that it is actually "There Time Dining" on the Freedom of the Seas. Have others experienced this?

 

Let me explain what happened to us. We were doing two weeks on the Freedom in September and were originally assigned 5:30 first sitting. Upon boarding we were able to change to MTD, but we were told we had to select to eat before 6:00 pm or after 7:15 pm and we had to select a specific time. We chose 7:15 pm, because we had to pick a time, although we planned to go whenever we wanted based on the activities of each day.

 

Then when we showed up at 6:15 the next day, we were first scolded by the Podium Lady, then escorted to a table. Then one of the Head Waiters came by the table to tell us how important it was for us to arrive at our (actually their) appointed time. We were actually reprimanded during his argument. Naturally we were not happy that the Freedom did not allow us to come to dinner when we wanted to.

 

So, at least on Freedom, we do not consider it to be MTD but, rather, "There Time Dinning".

Edited October 5, 2015 by Tagsalong

[JMG]

And your facts are? Sailed on Quantum and the waiters had the same number of diners assigned as in other ships which use the MDR.

 

I agree that this has all been debated before and flames have been tossed out in every direction.

We were on the Q in November and again in Feb. We had reservations for every evening on both cruises. On the Inaugural in November it was obvious that the staff did not know how to handle the DD concept. When we returned in February things were somewhat improved (they added Asst Waiters). In Feb we were paraded around the American Icon while the hostess looked for our table number. A little later we watched our drink order circle the dining room for 10 minutes. We went to Grande and the Hostess came to our table as we were enjoying our salads. We told her everything was great. Then we sat for 20 minutes waiting for our dinner. The hostess came back and asked how we like our dinner and we laughed and told we were still waiting. She personally went to the kitchen and got our dinners. It was a kitchen problem not a waiter problem. We had show reservations so timing was crucial!

 

Miami received large quantities of emails,letters and phone calls from passengers. Yes, DD could have been and most likely will be a great addition to the dining alternatives but they did not make proper preparations for starting the concept on the Q. Miami took the time to call us to review our comments and ask further questions.

 

yes, I do expect some version of DD to be introduced at some point in the future and I imagine it will be successful.

[Biker19]

I Then one of the Head Waiters came by the table to tell us how important it was for us to arrive at our (actually their) appointed time. We were actually reprimanded during his argument. Naturally we were not happy that the Freedom did not allow us to come to dinner when we wanted to.

 

I wonder if you would have gotten that reprimand if you didn't have a reservation at all?

[RocketMan275]

I see your point, but that made me think of another question:

 

The reasons you give for why these "new" passengers dislike traditional dining is because they don't like being assigned to a specific table each night, at a set time, or with a bunch of strangers... Well what's wrong with MTD? Is that not a good enough option? Is it because you get to pick your time each night, are able to sit by yourselves, and don't necessarily get the same waitstaff each night? Oh wait, those are the exact things why these people apparently want DD...

 

There are significant differences between MTD and DD otherwise those who prefer the classic (MTD or Fixed Dinning) would not object to DD. Just a few of those differences include: DD takes less time, no formal nights, different menus in different venues rather than one shipwide, etc.

[RocketMan275]

In regard to MDR MTD, we found that it is actually "There Time Dining" on the Freedom of the Seas. Have others experienced this?

 

Let me explain what happened to us. We were doing two weeks on the Freedom in September and were originally assigned 5:30 first sitting. Upon boarding we were able to change to MTD, but we were told we had to select to eat before 6:00 pm or after 7:15 pm and we had to select a specific time. We chose 7:15 pm, because we had to pick a time, although we planned to go whenever we wanted based on the activities of each day.

 

Then when we showed up at 6:15 the next day, we were first scolded by the Podium Lady, then escorted to a table. Then one of the Head Waiters came by the table to tell us how important it was for us to arrive at our (actually their) appointed time. We were actually reprimanded during his argument. Naturally we were not happy that the Freedom did not allow us to come to dinner when we wanted to.

 

So, at least on Freedom, we do not consider it to be MTD but, rather, "There Time Dinning".

 

This is no different than dining at a shore restaurant. The cruise line does not provide seating sufficient for every passenger at one time. The most popular dining times are between 1900 and 2000.

 

This is one of the advantages of traditional dining. It forces approximately 2/3rd of the passengers to dine either early or late which regulates the flow of passengers into the MDR. You have a choice, you can be forced to dine at one of the traditional times or you may experience a wait.

[jayblue]

This is no different than dining at a shore restaurant. The cruise line does not provide seating sufficient for every passenger at one time. The most popular dining times are between 1900 and 2000.

 

This is one of the advantages of traditional dining. It forces approximately 2/3rd of the passengers to dine either early or late which regulates the flow of passengers into the MDR. You have a choice, you can be forced to dine at one of the traditional times or you may experience a wait.

 

I have a problem with being "forced" to do anything on my vacation.

[KiwiGal117]

Are they officially ditching DD on Harmony? It's been a while since I booked that cruise but we had to choose a DD option at that time.

 

Yes, it appears it has. When I booked, it was DD, but when I go into the booking now, it says My Time.

 

Never having tried DD before, I can't comment, but we liked the idea of the flexibility better than Traditional. But I get why people like traditional dining times- show up at the same place, same time, etc.

 

With such a port intensive cruise as the Mediterranean ones tend to be (in terms of things to see and do some distance away from the docks), we didn't want to be stuck with one dining time, in case our yet to be determined shore excursions run late.

 

I think it's interesting that there is such a reactionary response to all of this. I just view it that hey - I don't have to cook or clean up, so it's all good to me!!

 

Enjoy your cruise, no matter what time you eat!!!

[nelblu]

I agree that this has all been debated before and flames have been tossed out in every direction.

We were on the Q in November and again in Feb. We had reservations for every evening on both cruises. On the Inaugural in November it was obvious that the staff did not know how to handle the DD concept. When we returned in February things were somewhat improved (they added Asst Waiters). In Feb we were paraded around the American Icon while the hostess looked for our table number. A little later we watched our drink order circle the dining room for 10 minutes. We went to Grande and the Hostess came to our table as we were enjoying our salads. We told her everything was great. Then we sat for 20 minutes waiting for our dinner. The hostess came back and asked how we like our dinner and we laughed and told we were still waiting. She personally went to the kitchen and got our dinners. It was a kitchen problem not a waiter problem. We had show reservations so timing was crucial!

 

Miami received large quantities of emails,letters and phone calls from passengers. Yes, DD could have been and most likely will be a great addition to the dining alternatives but they did not make proper preparations for starting the concept on the Q. Miami took the time to call us to review our comments and ask further questions.

 

yes, I do expect some version of DD to be introduced at some point in the future and I imagine it will be successful.

 

We were on the Feb. sail and I'm assuming that based on your observations between the two sails that things had improved. I'm not sure if you picked the

vibes in that many of the waiters that served us were not very happy with the decision to relocate the Q to China. Another observations was that some Pax did not have reserves, whether thru ignorance or certain assumptions that

would guarantee a dinner time, and wound up eating in the WJ. Many times I saw Pax being turned away from the dining venues.

[Biker19]

Many times I saw Pax being turned away from the dining venues.

I don't believe they were turned away, but rather, like with a land based venue, chose not to wait. Granted, the host may have given them a ridiculous wait time, but if you were willing to wait late enough, you can get in.

[JMG]

We were on the Feb. sail and I'm assuming that based on your observations between the two sails that things had improved. I'm not sure if you picked the

vibes in that many of the waiters that served us were not very happy with the decision to relocate the Q to China. Another observations was that some Pax did not have reserves, whether thru ignorance or certain assumptions that

would guarantee a dinner time, and wound up eating in the WJ. Many times I saw Pax being turned away from the dining venues.

 

Definitely have to agree with your observation. We got the impression that a lot of crew were requesting transfer off the ship not only because of the relocation but also just frustration that they were working so hard and many passengers were still complaining and some were very nasty with the crew. We found that to be the saddest part of the situation. The crew did not desire that treatment!

 

We also noticed that some people were not aware that reservations were helpful. Between November and Feb they did establish the 2 lines..with/without reservations so that helped the flow of passengers. One night with reservations we were told there be a 30 minute wait. The group of 4 in front of us, also with reservations, were told the same thing and they had reservations for Momma Mia that night. They immediately decided to go to the WJ so they could see the show. We could only guess that they may have seated the people without reservations without considering the reservations that had been made. There was discussion what would happen at Grande if people were not "formal". We did see a few turned away that were in casual clothing. In Nov., Grande was the only location for Lobster dinner...by Feb they expanded the menus - I was able to get lobster at one of the other venues.

 

I think with every cruise they did make changes to correct problems. As previously stated, they just tried to do too much too fast and it caused problems. Overall, we liked the idea of different venues and different menus. We hope to enjoy it again someday!

Edited October 5, 2015 by JMG

[nelblu]

I don't believe they were turned away, but rather, like with a land based venue, chose not to wait. Granted, the host may have given them a ridiculous wait time, but if you were willing to wait late enough, you can get in.

 

No reservations!

[nelblu]

Definitely have to agree with your observation. We got the impression that a lot of crew were requesting transfer off the ship not only because of the relocation but also just frustration that they were working so hard and many passengers were still complaining and some were very nasty with the crew. We found that to be the saddest part of the situation. The crew did not desire that treatment!

 

We also noticed that some people were not aware that reservations were helpful. Between November and Feb they did establish the 2 lines..with/without reservations so that helped the flow of passengers. One night with reservations we were told there be a 30 minute wait. The group of 4 in front of us, also with reservations, were told the same thing and they had reservations for Momma Mia that night. They immediately decided to go to the WJ so they could see the show. We could only guess that they may have seated the people without reservations without considering the reservations that had been made. There was discussion what would happen at Grande if people were not "formal". We did see a few turned away that were in casual clothing. In Nov., Grande was the only location for Lobster dinner...by Feb they expanded the menus - I was able to get lobster at one of the other venues.

 

I think with every cruise they did make changes to correct problems. As previously stated, they just tried to do too much too fast and it caused problems. Overall, we liked the idea of different venues and different menus. We hope to enjoy it again someday!

 

We must have been lucky in our Feb. sail, we had 6:15 reserves and never waited more than a minute to be seated in any of the complementary dining venues. The biggest annoyance was that the tablets that were being used, many times did not register our reserves and had to fallback to the main terminal for confirmation(s).

[coffeebean]

Actually, there are a significant number of people who were disappointed by this decision. They find the same table, same waitstaff, same menus, and same table mates every night to be so boring.

 

I would not be at all surprised to see DD return to the fleet.

NCL has already tried this type of dining with their Freestyle dining and actually are the innovators of this concept. It works very well for hubby and me. We love it and were looking forward to RCCL following suit. Royal's MTD is a very poor imitator of the Freestyle/Dynamic dining concept.

 

We much prefer smaller dining rooms to the cavernous feeling of the current Royal Caribbean main dining rooms. Hopefully, RCCL will rethink Dynamic Dining and bring it on board in the fleet.

[coffeebean]

Not sure why but I don't see an EDIT button on my previous post. Where did it go? There used to be an EDIT button.........

 

Just wanted to add that DH and I are one cruise away from Diamond Plus and consider RCCL one of our favorite two cruise lines along with NCL.

 

EDIT: OK....now I'm confused. This post has the EDIT button and my previous post still doesn't have one. Scratching my head about that one.

Edited October 5, 2015 by coffeebean

[John&LaLa]

Not sure why but I don't see an EDIT button on my previous post. Where did it go? There used to be an EDIT button.........

 

Just wanted to add that DH and I are one cruise away from Diamond Plus and consider RCCL one of our favorite two cruise lines along with NCL.

 

EDIT: OK....now I'm confused. This post has the EDIT button and my previous post still doesn't have one. Scratching my head about that one.

 

The edit button only is there for 10 minutes or so, then it goes away

[LuCruise]

i went to the doctor, i said, "it hurts when i do this". He said, "don't do that!"

 

:D Too funny!

Edited October 6, 2015 by LuCruise

[jayblue]

NCL has already tried this type of dining with their Freestyle dining and actually are the innovators of this concept. It works very well for hubby and me. We love it and were looking forward to RCCL following suit. Royal's MTD is a very poor imitator of the Freestyle/Dynamic dining concept.

 

We much prefer smaller dining rooms to the cavernous feeling of the current Royal Caribbean main dining rooms. Hopefully, RCCL will rethink Dynamic Dining and bring it on board in the fleet.

 

RCCL made a mistake in trying to introduce this fleetwide while it was still in its trial stage. It's not like a waterslide, where people can take it or leave it. It is something that affects each and every passenger. Thus, the protesters.

 

If they do it, it should be a gradual process, so that those who are used to traditional dining can get used to smaller changes over a period of time. Cruisers should be used to small changes in the industry. They are how it has grown over the years. At least from my standpoint, it has.