What happened between 2002 and today? Food

[monctezuma]

Dear all,

 

I did my first cruise in 2002 on Voyager. At that time it was the bigest ship of the fleet.

 

And at that time, there was no cover charge for Johnny Rocket, there was lobster and filet mignon at the dining room and there was the Midnight buffet.

 

I am just back from a cruise on Splendour and feel like RCI is downgrading the service regarding food quality.

 

Anybody here feels the same impression than I do ? Was there any public announcement that I missed ?

 

Thanks for sharing your opinion

[knittinggirl]

Definitely downgraded. We cruised about 5 months apart on Vision in 2006 and Splendour 2007, and noticed a drop in quality on Splendour w/ their addition of Portofinos.

 

It's due to the Specialty Restaurants. If we could get Filet Mignon in the MDR, there would be no need to spend extra in Chops.

 

Back in 1996, it was elegant. We had the same waiter for breakfast and dinner!

Edited January 11, 2016 by knittinggirl

[Mapleleafforever]

Nevermind 2002, our first cruise was 2010 and we've noticed a difference since then even.

[PhoenixCruiser]

I don't think the Specialty Restaurants are to blame.

 

The cost of pretty much everything but the cruise has gone up - something has to give IMO.

 

###

[A&L_Ont]

14 years and a tighter financial bottom line.:D

[Ken at the beach]

You also probably paid close to the same for your cruise in 2002 as you did for this one which explains the cutbacks.

[chengkp75]

I see a 7 night on the Splendour for $465, that equals $352 in 2002 dollars. How much did your 2002 cruise cost? If it was more than $352, then the profit margin dropped, and something has to change or the company goes out of business.

[SamFritz]

I'm not sure that prices have remained constant. While I don't have the numbers in front of me, I feel as though I'm paying about 25% - 30% more for a balcony room than I fed seven or eight years ago. I'm thinking I got into a balcony for $750-$800pp now it's more like $1100-$1200.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[monctezuma]

Thanks for your answers !

 

I also forgot to write that even the benefits of the Crown and anchor membership have been downgraded.

 

I cruised in 2012 as a Gold member and had free card at the Bingo, 10 minutes free internet, 1 free alchool drink per day, 10% off shore excursion, etc.

 

In 2015 : nothing worth being a Crown and Anchor member.

[reallyitsmema]

Thanks for your answers !

 

I also forgot to write that even the benefits of the Crown and anchor membership have been downgraded.

 

I cruised in 2012 as a Gold member and had free card at the Bingo, 10 minutes free internet, 1 free alchool drink per day, 10% off shore excursion, etc.

 

In 2015 : nothing worth being a Crown and Anchor member.

 

Your information on benefits for Gold Members is incorrect. They don't get that now and they didn't get that back then.

 

Edit:

 

Here are what the benefits were back in 2012:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1642085

 

There were buy one get one coupons, not just a free drink etc.

Edited January 12, 2016 by reallyitsmema

[Pandabear90]

i don't know what you guys are talking about, i get free cruises once a year as a gold level crown and anchor member..........................said no one ever...

[killtheump]

You also probably paid close to the same for your cruise in 2002 as you did for this one which explains the cutbacks.

 

I agree. Our first cruise was 2001 on The Enchantment of the seas. We paid $2000 for a inside room. Last April I booked The Adventure of the Seas for October 2016, I paid $2600 for a Grand Suite, no complaints from me on price.

Edited January 12, 2016 by killtheump

[gkbiiii]

i don't know what you guys are talking about, i get free cruises once a year as a gold level crown and anchor member..........................said no one ever...

 

If true, your a big player, with the Club Royal Casino Club. You pay, one way or another!!

[bfree32]

Uhhhhh........I have a feeling that Panda was making a joke.

[Sharkb8]

Yes, this. We are only paying more for cruises because we're cruising longer. The cost for our initial balcony has remained the same. The showy midnight buffet could also be known as "we wasted all this food to impress you" needed to go away. And lets bring on all the comments about the mints!!

 

 

You also probably paid close to the same for your cruise in 2002 as you did for this one which explains the cutbacks.

[Ken at the beach]

I agree. Our first cruise was 2001 on The Enchantment of the seas. We paid $2000 for a inside room. Last April I booked The Adventure of the Seas for October 2016, I paid $2600 for a Grand Suite, no complaints from me on price.

 

We paid more for our honeymoon cruise in 1998 (JS on Majesty) than we did for 2 CV rooms on the Oasis this past Christmas.:eek:

Edited January 12, 2016 by Ourusualbeach