Death of MDR, rise of Windjammer

[JMG]

We were on NOTS in Jan and MDR menu was fine. Just got off the ship and I totally agree that the new menu has limited selections.

 

They offered about 4 entrees and premium entrees. They deleted the items that you could order any night of the cruise. It never fails that the first night I have a hard time deciding what to order. The last night....hard to find something I want!

 

Can anyone tell me why on just about every cruise line for as long as I can remember turkey is on the menu the last night?

[JD26]

Interesting conversations. After reading all of the comments, I can see why Royal Caribbean has so many dining options. It would be impossible to keep everybody happy with limited options. We can all choose to be waited on while dressed formal, chose a variety of dishes at a buffet, go to specialty dining, choose a quick piece of pizza or deliver a meal to our rooms. Any way we choose, I appreciate not having to cook. Lol. We need to appreciate every day of life and be happy. Enjoy the cruise!

[Chiliburn]

We have done a test on a few occasions.

A test between Windjammer and the dining room.

After eating in the MDR we go up to the buffet.

There’s the same food and usually fresher in the buffet.

But sometimes the buffet can be quite unpleasant if it’s busy.sometimes hungry people can be like wild animals.

 

I believe they will phase the MDR out

[sunlover12]

I'd be disappointed if the MDR as it is now would be phased out. We have had some good meals in there. The menu selection, although not outstanding, has been fine for us. I prefer the slower pace as opposed to the dine and dash that the WJ lends itself to. The MDR does not have to be a 2-hour meal as some have mentioned. Just skip a course and/or dessert and you can be out in much less time.

 

However the number one reason that I don't go to WJ is the massive potential for the spread of germs. I'm sorry but when dozens or even hundreds of people are handling the same tongs and serving spoons, I do not want to be a part of that. Getting sick on vacation would be awful. There are other cruise lines who serve the passengers in the buffet line. Passengers are not allowed to handle the serving utensils. Unfortunately this might not be logistically feasible for Royal Caribbean because of the number of passengers on their ships. The last RCCL ship I was on was Harmony and it was encouraging to see the hand-washing station that you're forced to go through as you enter Windjammer.

[LMaxwell]

I'd be disappointed if the MDR as it is now would be phased out. We have had some good meals in there. The menu selection, although not outstanding, has been fine for us. I prefer the slower pace as opposed to the dine and dash that the WJ lends itself to. The MDR does not have to be a 2-hour meal as some have mentioned. Just skip a course and/or dessert and you can be out in much less time.

 

However the number one reason that I don't go to WJ is the massive potential for the spread of germs. I'm sorry but when dozens or even hundreds of people are handling the same tongs and serving spoons, I do not want to be a part of that. Getting sick on vacation would be awful. There are other cruise lines who serve the passengers in the buffet line. Passengers are not allowed to handle the serving utensils. Unfortunately this might not be logistically feasible for Royal Caribbean because of the number of passengers on their ships. The last RCCL ship I was on was Harmony and it was encouraging to see the hand-washing station that you're forced to go through as you enter Windjammer.

 

I’ll do a full review after the trip w some disturbing info but it’s not the WJ you need to worry about for germs or cleanliness. You can just hold a napkin to use tongs

[Biker19]

Can anyone tell me why on just about every cruise line for as long as I can remember turkey is on the menu the last night?

It's on sale that night.

[MrMan]

Totally agree, I hate WJ , have done more than 60 cruises and one dinner there, just did a celebrity cruise thet food in buffet was way better than rccl, I honk all other lines have a better buffet than rccl

 

 

 

How can you judge based upon one dinner in 60 cruises. How could you know?

 

 

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[island lady]

This is what we do and that was our experience as well... quiet, ship's officers, etc. Although I like to eat so my WJ dinner isn't exactly "light" no matter how many "happy-tisers" I've consumed in the DL. Could be related to my DL alcohol consumption as well. I feel I'm being responsible by not drinking on an empty stomach. :D We ended up becoming very friendly with the Oasis dinnertime WJ greeter, Sophia, after sailing twice in 4 weeks last summer. My wife even keeps in touch with her and we were happy to find out she recently won some sort of employee of the year award.

 

 

Anyway, to each his own, but as you posted, the WJ at 8pm is not loud and crazy like it can be during breakfast/lunch. It's quite peaceful and relaxing. Definitely looking forward to seeing what the WJ is like on Radiance in Alaska as the ship and locale are definitely not what I'm used to after 7 cruises on Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis class in the Caribbean).

 

Love the WJ the most on the smaller ships...seems the smaller the ship, the bigger the WJ for some reason. MJ has one of the largest...but could be since there is a shortage of specialty restaurants. :confused:You will enjoy Radiance, I know we did!

 

Indeed...the WJ you can eat as little..(or as much) tailored to just what you want...when you want it. No waiting for a table either. We enjoy the quieter more relaxed environment in there later at night.

[island lady]

That is very interesting as that is one of the reasons that we gave up on th MDR many cruises ago.

 

However, I wish there were many more people like you on our cruises so that dinner in the Windjammer would be more like when we first started having dinner there. It is now becoming way too popular.... and too crowded.

 

The WJ on Oasis is my least favorite. Big ship...smaller WJ and weird layout.

Edited April 19, 2018 by island lady

[island lady]

Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but I don't think Radiance had outdoor seating for the Windjammer. I think that area was part of a couple of specialty dining venues? Like I said, I could be remembering wrong. It's been a while, and things run together.

 

All four Radiance sisters have that large open back (aft) outdoor dining area. It has a step down level with many tables right near the railing. Side area has a specialty (Mexican) restaurant that is still mostly open to the outside air, but more covered. I don't see a lot of pax eating the food from there, just using the tables as overflow seating from the WJ.

 

Sitting next to the railing one day on Radiance in Alaska we saw whales breaching...pretty cool!

Edited April 19, 2018 by island lady

[island lady]

Pretty sure they aren't allowed to eat there until final hour.

 

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I am guessing that too. Also see show entertainers in there.

[island lady]

Yea I don't understand the issue. Never have a problem getting kids menus

 

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No problem at all. He liked the kid's menu chicken fingers one day also. :cool:

 

You know Bucky...he is indeed a large child. :D

[island lady]

To each his/her own. Probably why there are multiple options for every meal.

 

Which is a good thing...keeps the crowds down at night when they are dining elsewhere. :cool:

[island lady]

No, that's what YOU feel YOU are paying for b/c that's YOUR preference. You're 100% entitled to it and I would never judge you or anyone else for doing what makes them happy (as long as it doesn't hurt others).

 

I am paying to enjoy myself and I enjoy myself more in the WJ than the MDR b/c that's MY preference as well as my wife's. We find the WJ dinners very relaxing and serving ourselves rather than being served doesn't bother us in the least. Furthermore, my wife is picky and winds up ordering a caesar salad and the boring chicken from the standby menu followed by plain ice cream almost every night when forced to eat in the MDR (on family cruises).

 

I'm baffled why people bother to judge others' preferences. There are cliches like "different strokes" and "to each his own" for a reason. I hope you continue to enjoy the MDR while we contine enjoying WJ.

 

This exactly ^ :cool:

[Oceansaway17]

I too have used the WJ more and more. Why you ask..... welll

 

1. The noise level is much lower

2. The staff is friendlier and happy to see you come to eat - and they like to chat about your day

3. If I want 3 helpings of something or at least a larger portion, I don't get 2-3 plates.

4. They have table clothes and serve alcohol in the WJ.

5. You can see the desserts. You can make your own salad.

6. And I have also seen folks ask one of the waiters if they could have something on the menu from the main dining room and the waiter went down and got it.

7. the Captain eats in the WJ and most of the officers as well. :cool:

8. The lighting is better

9. can get in and out to shows or casino faster. Two hours for dinner is great if you have a nice group. Otherwise it can be a long dinner trying to make nice with everyone.

[twincheryl]

We haven't eaten in MDR for our past 4 cruises. Much prefer Windjammer or specialty dining. Got tired of the two tables being squeezed up against the others and having to make conversation as people around us always seemed to want to chat... seemed a bit rude to have our own conversation that excluded them.

 

First night in MDR was always a mess, so that is the first meal we began skipping. As the Windjammer food got better and a bit quicker, we could eat and take in the early show if we wanted. Now, it's our preference!

[Little Buddy's Mom]

It seems to me, Royal is catering more to family cruising these days and the WJ fits in more with the family concept. Cruising has changed so much, in the over 25 years we've been cruising and in my opinion, not always for the better. On our last cruise, on the Allure, the WJ was always crowded and the last morning was chaotic.

[The Fun Researcher]

For our family, it would be a sad, sad day to see the MDR turn into something else. We greatly value the family time at dinner in the MDR, enjoying good conversation and excellent food (so far) in an elegant atmosphere. In all of our cruises we've only missed the MDR twice for dinner.

 

We cruised the NOS back in 2016 and were very happy with the MDR. However, we heard the same thing about the MDR from friends that just returned from the 9 night on the Navigator. We are booked on the NOS next March, so hopefully the MDR improves between now and then.

 

Dan

[karena1]

We don't do specialty dining at all. We are fine with the MTD in the MDR or the WJ. I am not a food person and hubby can always find something to eat. I would never do traditional dining again. We love that we don't have 3 hour dinners anymore. We like to eat and get out. We don't do desserts, so nice to get in, eat and leave. the Jammer sometimes has the BEST STIR FRY ever. That is what I like - VEGGIES. And the WJ is the only place I can truly get what I want. I may ask at other venues, but they never make a stir fry like the Wind Jammer does. Trust me, I ask in the MDR for veggies, but it is not even close to the stir fry I get in the WJ. It is so good. We always eat there at least one night just so i can get my stir fry. Hubby loves it also but eat gets shrimp or meat in his.

[golden6911]

I am on Anthem, and I totally agree. The Windjammer, while not spectacular, is loads better than the MDR.

 

The first meal at the MDR I made the mistake of ordering the steak. It was really bad. The onion soup was also quite bland and the creme brûlée was awful.

 

As much as it is badmouthed, I quite enjoy the buffet. Fresh fruit and salad and bread at every meal, usually a few dishes that are quite tasty. They had a pie night one night, and a cupcake bar another night.

 

I also like getting a taste of a few different things instead of going all in on one meal that I may not end up liking.

 

If I want to spend 2 hours at a meal, I would prefer a nice meal at a specialty restaurant less often.

[depplep]

We won't eat in the Windjammer, all looks and tastes like dog food, or cat food, don't remember because the MDR taste like one or the other as well. We ate twice in MDR on Freedom and not at all happy. It will be specialty dining for us in October.

[grapau27]

I too have used the WJ more and more. Why you ask..... welll

 

1. The noise level is much lower

2. The staff is friendlier and happy to see you come to eat - and they like to chat about your day

3. If I want 3 helpings of something or at least a larger portion, I don't get 2-3 plates.

4. They have table clothes and serve alcohol in the WJ.

5. You can see the desserts. You can make your own salad.

6. And I have also seen folks ask one of the waiters if they could have something on the menu from the main dining room and the waiter went down and got it.

7. the Captain eats in the WJ and most of the officers as well. :cool:

8. The lighting is better

9. can get in and out to shows or casino faster. Two hours for dinner is great if you have a nice group. Otherwise it can be a long dinner trying to make nice with everyone.

You make a good case for WJ.

 

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[fleihr]

We won't eat in the Windjammer, all looks and tastes like dog food, or cat food, don't remember because the MDR taste like one or the other as well. We ate twice in MDR on Freedom and not at all happy. It will be specialty dining for us in October.

 

I am not sure if I want to know how you know what dog and cat food tastes like but like others in this thread I prefer WJ over MDR added in with occasional specialty dining.

[time4u2go]

We won't eat in the Windjammer, all looks and tastes like dog food, or cat food, don't remember because the MDR taste like one or the other as well. We ate twice in MDR on Freedom and not at all happy. It will be specialty dining for us in October.

You sound like the perfect customer! :D

[Hoopster95]

I’ll do a full review after the trip w some disturbing info...

 

Hey LMaxwell.... yes please review. I'd love to hear about this whole MDR/WJ comparison. Now I'm curious... I'll do the same comparison on Brilliance in a couple of months.

 

Yes, already this situation is on ships of german operators TUI and Aida. Buffet and specialty restaurants only. Very good meals on buffet and amazing in specialty restaurants with accent to the quality and freshness. Best food I ever had on ships.

 

Oceania's MDR was very empty... buffet was full all nights I was there with food equal to and many times better quality than RCL's specialty restaurants! ... and the servers serve you, you are not allowed to touch the food or serving utensils. It was a totally excellent experience whereas so far I have totally hated WJ dinners. If a luxury line can do it, and absolutely succeed, why can't RCL?

 

The problem is Miami... they'll surely screw it up somehow and magically convert the half of the 3 tier MDR's to stateroom cabins on the next drydock :o:o:mad: