Ala Carte items in MDR

[Jenjer]

Sweet putting all the menus all together. Thank You

[maywell]

Also, did I mention you can download current menus?

Thank you for the menus, the complimentary dishes look more interesting than the 3 upcharges - I'm going to have a even harder time stepping into specialty restaurants at night, especially if NCL changes them in the MDR before the end of this year.[emoji5]

 

Sent from my SM-N910T3 using Tapatalk

[hawkeyetlse]

What with all the "Upcharges" and gratuity on top of gratuity, there is little control on one's costs.

Why can't you control your costs? If you are on a budget and cannot pay anything beyond the cruise fare and taxes (and hopefully the basic gratuities) — all of which you know about and can plan for ahead of time — it is completely up to you to decide not to purchase any extras during the cruise.

 

I understand that it is not nice to see upcharge items at every turn and other passengers enjoying extras that you may not be able to afford, but that is not what you said. You still have full control of the cost of your cruise.

[ChiefBoats]

If you go to the CC new page and read the report on these upcharges there is a link to one of the menus. (zip file of pdf pages for a ten day cruise) You will see that there is no prime rib on the regular menu. Only the upcharge section.

Edited November 5, 2015 by ChiefBoats

[KeithJenner]

Also, did I mention you can download current menus?

 

 

I can't download those files to see what is there? Does this mean the MDR menus are now available and I don't need to keep posting them?

[bjlaac]

I've not shied away from criticizing NCL when I've thought they deserve it (as I recall I was one of the ones that was saying that the takeout policy was junk:)) and I agree with what you say at least in principle. But what NCL (or any cruise line) offers on their menu is subject to so many things that it's hard to please everyone. I don't know what the current price point is for prime rib or lobster (well, I know that my local market is selling 1.5 pounders for about $17-ish) and how much having those items on the menu costs when calculated out fleetwide. As long as they are offering a varied menu with interesting choices and good quality then I will leave the particulars to the chefs.

 

You are thinking retail NCL like any other restaurant buys at wholesale and in bulk. In 5 minutes of internet searching I found wholesale Canadian lobster for as little as $4/lb and I have no connections to the food industry. NCL is taking away and charging us for something that is only justifiable by the fact they can, and we are stupid enough to go along.

 

I don't know where all this is going, but its killing the cruise industry for a lot of people. As long as the cruise lines find newbies that don't care or know better they will ignore our complaints.

 

I remember a time when the industry was in the dumps and innovation saved it. What I see today is greed driven because the industry is booming yet the bottom line is more profits. That's ok unless you kill the "golden goose" and for many its getting real close.

[SteveH2508]

I can't download those files to see what is there? Does this mean the MDR menus are now available and I don't need to keep posting them?

 

There is a zip file with 10 days of new MDR menus in. You do not need to keep posting them.:D

[sparks1093]

You are thinking retail NCL like any other restaurant buys at wholesale and in bulk. In 5 minutes of internet searching I found wholesale Canadian lobster for as little as $4/lb and I have no connections to the food industry. NCL is taking away and charging us for something that is only justifiable by the fact they can, and we are stupid enough to go along.

 

I don't know where all this is going, but its killing the cruise industry for a lot of people. As long as the cruise lines find newbies that don't care or know better they will ignore our complaints.

 

I remember a time when the industry was in the dumps and innovation saved it. What I see today is greed driven because the industry is booming yet the bottom line is more profits. That's ok unless you kill the "golden goose" and for many its getting real close.

 

Having lived aboard ship I know how the process works and that NCL is buying at wholesale;). Their bean counters, the executive staff and executive chef (who actually know what all of the costs are) have evidently determined that offering those items to every passenger on every itinerary is not cost effective. They are the folks that know what the supply chain can and cannot deliver. It is possible that NCL has taken those items off the menu just so they can charge for the larger servings but I wouldn't expect that the surcharge items as a fleetwide thing are going to be generating that much income.

[luvtheships]

I can't download those files to see what is there? Does this mean the MDR menus are now available and I don't need to keep posting them?

 

 

I can't download them either

 

Can you direct me to your post where you posted them?

 

Thanks I would really like to view the menu

[Jane Don]

I down loaded the new MDR menus from the cruise critic article. There is a link to it on the NCL forum page stickied. I will try to add one here and see if it works. If it doea, I will add a few more.

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 1.pdf

[NLH Arizona]

Why can't you control your costs? If you are on a budget and cannot pay anything beyond the cruise fare and taxes (and hopefully the basic gratuities) — all of which you know about and can plan for ahead of time — it is completely up to you to decide not to purchase any extras during the cruise.

 

I understand that it is not nice to see upcharge items at every turn and other passengers enjoying extras that you may not be able to afford, but that is not what you said. You still have full control of the cost of your cruise.

This is what I don't understand. One can easily control their costs. No one is forcing them to purchase upgraded items on the menu, no one is forcing them to purchase anything. If you have a budget, it can be easily stuck to. There is clearly enough "free" food on the ships. One could actually leave a cruise with a zero balance if they want to.

[Jane Don]

Lets see how many I can add.

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 2.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 3.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 4.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 5.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 6.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 7.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 8.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 9.pdf

31295 MDR Dinner Menu Day 10.pdf

[aubreyc1988]

The 18% in specialty dining rooms pisses me off as well. We always left an extra tip, but to be required to when the wait staff is part of the overall pool is hard to swallow. I think, in the long run, the crew may end up being hurt by the new tipping policy. We found ourselves tipping our cabin steward very little on our last cruise. Between the additional DSC and all the other tips, plus he was just Ok, we almost left him nothing.

 

 

Just my opinion, and this could just be I've gotten some not so great room stewards, but I have been disappointed in my room stewards every NCL cruise. It really doesn't affect my cruising experience, so it doesn't factor in / BUT I never tip them extra. I always prepay my DSC, but I have never tipped any of our NCL room stewards anything above and beyond. We've had issues with not getting ice or things requested, to not getting hardly any towel animals, etc, and our last room steward strolled into our room without even knocking! Like I said, these "issues" if I can even call them that do not really play a big part into my booking decisions, but they definitely haven't earned an "Above and beyond tip"

 

And yes, people do have to think about the cost of so many items today. OK, the government claims there is almost no inflation: well, if it wasn't for gas price dropping, the inflation would be much higher. I look at our sale ads in grocery stores each week and wonder what we can have that is affordable? Too many people want today's luxury on yesterdays prices.

 

I go to the grocery store every week and am amazed at how little I get for 150-200.00 :eek: I WAS disappointed in the MDR selections on our Sept. Getaway cruise and we ended up eating dinner in specialty restaurants more than I had planned, but I thought the Garden Cafe food was really good, for a buffet! Food is so subjective though. Sadly, the thing I am most disappointed in are the changes in O Sheehans - no mozz sticks or chicken fingers ( I just love good bar food) and those were my fav go to lunch / snack items :D But I will somehow survive :P

[NLH Arizona]

NCL will be successful if these items sell very well. If the majority of the passengers don't order them, they will slowly go away, but doesn't mean that they will end up on the "free" menu. Time will tell if NCL was right or wrong in doing this.

[3kidsncats]

This is what I don't understand. One can easily control their costs. No one is forcing them to purchase upgraded items on the menu, no one is forcing them to purchase anything. If you have a budget, it can be easily stuck to. There is clearly enough "free" food on the ships. One could actually leave a cruise with a zero balance if they want to.

 

I think you are missing the point that over years of cruising experience, many have come to expect certain things from their cruise vacation. For some of us, that means being able to order whatever you want off the MDR menu without thinking about how it fits in the budget. So yes, I can control my cost by not ordering prime rib on NCL, but I also can still feel that my experience is not as good as I was expecting.

 

If the change was, "we are now limiting you to one entree, but if you want a bigger cut/seconds, you can pay for that", I think it would be ok for more people. It would be fine to me. I would never finish an 8 oz cut, so I'm certainly not going to pay for a 16 oz one that will mostly go to waste. Someone mentioned being happy with the larger portions offered as al a carte -- but for me, I loved the small portions. I could try the soup, appetizer, and still have room for the entree.

 

I think if this was the only change this year, people would be less aggravated, but it's been one change after another, and imo, always to the detriment of the cruiser's bank account. Think of this issue as a straw that is breaking a lot of backs.

[aubreyc1988]

I think you are missing the point that over years of cruising experience, many have come to expect certain things from their cruise vacation. For some of us, that means being able to order whatever you want off the MDR menu without thinking about how it fits in the budget. So yes, I can control my cost by not ordering prime rib on NCL, but I also can still feel that my experience is not as good as I was expecting.

 

If the change was, "we are now limiting you to one entree, but if you want a bigger cut/seconds, you can pay for that", I think it would be ok for more people. It would be fine to me. I would never finish an 8 oz cut, so I'm certainly not going to pay for a 16 oz one that will mostly go to waste. Someone mentioned being happy with the larger portions offered as al a carte -- but for me, I loved the small portions. I could try the soup, appetizer, and still have room for the entree.

 

I think if this was the only change this year, people would be less aggravated, but it's been one change after another, and imo, always to the detriment of the cruiser's bank account. Think of this issue as a straw that is breaking a lot of backs.

 

I was JUST telling my husband that they should make portions smaller on the free food items in the MDR and other restaurants - I can't imagine all the food that goes to waste and if it's in a free venue, then you can always order another one and it would cut down on waste. I know when I got prime rib at O Sheehans one night, I ate not even half of it, it was so SO large.

[motleyfan]

I think you are missing the point that over years of cruising experience, many have come to expect certain things from their cruise vacation. For some of us, that means being able to order whatever you want off the MDR menu without thinking about how it fits in the budget. So yes, I can control my cost by not ordering prime rib on NCL, but I also can still feel that my experience is not as good as I was expecting.

 

If the change was, "we are now limiting you to one entree, but if you want a bigger cut/seconds, you can pay for that", I think it would be ok for more people. It would be fine to me. I would never finish an 8 oz cut, so I'm certainly not going to pay for a 16 oz one that will mostly go to waste. Someone mentioned being happy with the larger portions offered as al a carte -- but for me, I loved the small portions. I could try the soup, appetizer, and still have room for the entree.

 

I think if this was the only change this year, people would be less aggravated, but it's been one change after another, and imo, always to the detriment of the cruiser's bank account. Think of this issue as a straw that is breaking a lot of backs.

 

No its because over the years people get hardened and become harder to please. I hope i never become like that. I want every cruise to be like my first.

[NLH Arizona]

I think you are missing the point that over years of cruising experience, many have come to expect certain things from their cruise vacation. For some of us, that means being able to order whatever you want off the MDR menu without thinking about how it fits in the budget. So yes, I can control my cost by not ordering prime rib on NCL, but I also can still feel that my experience is not as good as I was expecting.

 

If the change was, "we are now limiting you to one entree, but if you want a bigger cut/seconds, you can pay for that", I think it would be ok for more people. It would be fine to me. I would never finish an 8 oz cut, so I'm certainly not going to pay for a 16 oz one that will mostly go to waste. Someone mentioned being happy with the larger portions offered as al a carte -- but for me, I loved the small portions. I could try the soup, appetizer, and still have room for the entree.

 

I think if this was the only change this year, people would be less aggravated, but it's been one change after another, and imo, always to the detriment of the cruiser's bank account. Think of this issue as a straw that is breaking a lot of backs.

Certainly not missing the point, as I've been on 35+ cruises and I love to have someone escort me to my cabin while carrying my carry-on, but that isn't going to happen anymore since there have been changes. It has been some time since NCL had lobster on the MDR menu and I don't think they have ever had a prime rib of that size on the menu. If you have a budget, it is easy to keep under control, just don't order those things that will throw you over budget; it is all about choices.

 

You might have been happy if they said only one entree, but I'll bet you there are a lot who would have an issue with it - there is no way to keep everyone happy, because for them it would be to be able to order whatever they want off the menu.

 

I certainly understand that for some it is that straw that broke the camel's back and there are a lot of other cruise lines that have lobster on their menu and probably prime rib and that is what is so great about cruising. If one cruise line doesn't fit your bill, there is always another that will.

 

BTW, when new management comes in to a company, there are usually a lot of changes and NCL is no different.

Edited November 5, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[bjlaac]

Having lived aboard ship I know how the process works and that NCL is buying at wholesale;). Their bean counters, the executive staff and executive chef (who actually know what all of the costs are) have evidently determined that offering those items to every passenger on every itinerary is not cost effective. They are the folks that know what the supply chain can and cannot deliver. It is possible that NCL has taken those items off the menu just so they can charge for the larger servings but I wouldn't expect that the surcharge items as a fleetwide thing are going to be generating that much income.

 

I would buy your argument if I didn't see other items offered that are far more expensive than lobster, Lox, for example. Always see plenty at the buffets and people piling it on.

 

I just think these add on are a money grab because they can. It was bad enough with lobster but now its prime rib and where does it stop?

[3kidsncats]

Certainly not missing the point, as I've been on 35+ cruises. It has been some time since NCL had lobster on the MDR menu and I don't think they have ever had a prime rib of that size on the menu. If you have a budget, it is easy to keep under control, just don't order those things that will throw you over budget; it is all about choices. To me, you still seem to be missing the point, and how many cruises you've been on is irrelevant to whether you are getting the point or not -- having to worry about my budget while choosing dinner in the MDR is what I'm upset about. I like to cruise, because I've been able to have what I want to eat in the MDR without worrying about cost -- that is the point I'm making. And I'm not asking that they offer a huge cut for free, so the whole "they've never had that size cut on the free menu" is also irrelevant, at least to my comments. You keep putting it back to (approx interpretation) "just order what works in your budget", and I'm trying to say "I don't want to worry about my budget in the MDR -- I want to order what I actually WANT to eat in the MDR without budgetary constraints". That is what has always brought me back to cruising. You take that away, and cruising becomes less appealing, to me. The specialty dining venues are there for people who don't care about their budgets, and want what they want regardless of cost. And yes, they can take all these higher interest options, and only offer them in specialty -- and I will continue to be less interested in cruising in the future.

 

You might have been happy if they said only one entree, but I'll bet you there are a lot who would have an issue with it - there is no way to keep everyone happy, because for them it would be to be able to order whatever they want off the menu.

 

I also never said I would be "happy" if they changed it to one entree, I said it would be fine, as in preferable to what they have changed it to, and based on an understanding that costs are going up everywhere, and changes do sometimes need to be made to maintain a healthy business. I also clearly stated that it would be "ok for more people" -- I never said it would be ok for everyone. Even if I was willing to pay the upcharge, I wouldn't, because I don't want 16 ozs of meat. I just think my suggested compromise would have fewer unhappy people than what NCL has at present.

 

I'm 100% ok with you feeling comfortable with not ordering stuff off the upcharge menu to keep your budget in line. But I would appreciate it if you give those of us that aren't happy with the new charges for things we would like to continue ordering as included, the right to feel how we feel without making negative comments towards our opinion.

Edited November 5, 2015 by 3kidsncats

[3kidsncats]

No its because over the years people get hardened and become harder to please. I hope i never become like that. I want every cruise to be like my first.

 

I am not harder to please -- just tired of this year of whittling away at the things I look forward to, and feeling like because I booked way in advance (which NCL execs have made clear they want their customers to do) I am getting less product for the money I spent.

[aubreyc1988]

No its because over the years people get hardened and become harder to please. I hope i never become like that. I want every cruise to be like my first.

 

To me, there is nothing wrong with being hard to please. People pay good money to cruise and should be picky if they want to be. I am not sure how long you have been cruising, but eventually, I think every cruiser evolves from their "First" cruise and has different needs and wants as they cruise more and more. I know my first cruise was on the Carnival Triumph and I had a blast, but now, knowing what I know, I would never pay 1,000 for an inside on a Carnival ship. Guess I am just "harder to please" now.

[3kidsncats]

I was JUST telling my husband that they should make portions smaller on the free food items in the MDR and other restaurants - I can't imagine all the food that goes to waste and if it's in a free venue, then you can always order another one and it would cut down on waste. I know when I got prime rib at O Sheehans one night, I ate not even half of it, it was so SO large.

 

I've always loved the small portions on cruises -- I can't enjoy dining as much if I feel food is being wasted. Glad to hear I'm not alone! I realize I have a smaller appetite than some, but you do always see those at a buffet, or cruise who order way more than they know they can eat, just because they can. I find that appalling. And I'm not talking about the inadvertent times when you get seconds, and then realize you took more than you needed -- I mean the times people just don't care if it's wasting or not. I feel like restricting some amount of volume is a reasonable way to keep costs in line.

[3kidsncats]

To me, there is nothing wrong with being hard to please. People pay good money to cruise and should be picky if they want to be. I am not sure how long you have been cruising, but eventually, I think every cruiser evolves from their "First" cruise and has different needs and wants as they cruise more and more. I know my first cruise was on the Carnival Triumph and I had a blast, but now, knowing what I know, I would never pay 1,000 for an inside on a Carnival ship. Guess I am just "harder to please" now.

 

Very true -- I used to love port intensive itineraries when I was young, now I'm finding I prefer more sea days to just relax and lounge about.

[newmexicoNita]

Just my opinion, and this could just be I've gotten some not so great room stewards, but I have been disappointed in my room stewards every NCL cruise. It really doesn't affect my cruising experience, so it doesn't factor in / BUT I never tip them extra. I always prepay my DSC, but I have never tipped any of our NCL room stewards anything above and beyond. We've had issues with not getting ice or things requested, to not getting hardly any towel animals, etc, and our last room steward strolled into our room without even knocking! Like I said, these "issues" if I can even call them that do not really play a big part into my booking decisions, but they definitely haven't earned an "Above and beyond tip"

 

 

 

I go to the grocery store every week and am amazed at how little I get for 150-200.00 :eek: I WAS disappointed in the MDR selections on our Sept. Getaway cruise and we ended up eating dinner in specialty restaurants more than I had planned, but I thought the Garden Cafe food was really good, for a buffet! Food is so subjective though. Sadly, the thing I am most disappointed in are the changes in O Sheehans - no mozz sticks or chicken fingers ( I just love good bar food) and those were my fav go to lunch / snack items :D But I will somehow survive :P

 

I am so sorry you were disappointed every NCL cruise with your cabin steward. With the exception of one we had about 8 years ago and the one we had 2 weeks ago, we have always been very happy. The only other line that had better ones or as good was HAL. On NCL they have always called us by name, answered our questions, kept our cabins spotless, figured out early in the cuise our routine so we have always come back to a clean cabin (well almost always) We did not get as many towel animals this last cruise, but we always had fresh ice.

 

You are right about food being subjective. We were not happy with O'Sheenhans on our April cruise but very happy on our last one. And we were not overly thrilled with the MDR food on the Jewel 2 weeks ago, but it certainly was satisfactory. There were a couple of items we loved. I think the new menu looks very interesting. I will be anxious to read the reviews from those who will soon be experiencing the new dining room meals, including our TA who will be on the Escape in about 10 days.