TACKY TACKY!! LOBSTER $$

[Cruise Raider]

If it's the same lobster they serve at the Crown Grill, I would be more than happy to pay for it in the MDR, depending on the amount of the upcharge, of course.  If $10 ... then, no problem here with that!  If the same cost as the Crown Grill, no, I think I would rather just experience the Crown Grill instead.  

I am going to check it out on my sailing ... alas, it is really quite far down the road.  

[imsailin]

11 hours ago, Pam in CA said:

I never order lobster on a cruise ship. Having lived in the Boston area for over 35 years in a town where there were lobster pots all over the harbor and having fresh caught lobster was the norm, ship lobster is a poor substitute. 

 

Any lobster north of Cape Cod is cold water lobster. Doesn’t matter whether it’s in Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Maine. It’s the same lobster. They don’t know about state lines. 🙂 

 

I have mixed feelings about the extra charge items on the menus. I’ll be on the Ruby in just over couple of weeks and will decide then whether it’s worth it. Chances are that if I have extra OBC, it will be.  

Have a great cruise, Pam. We fly from Toronto to Rome tonight. Cruising on the Crown to Fort Lauderdale. We were on her in May and love the Crown - we also love her sisters, Ruby and Emerald.

 

[Pam in CA]

55 minutes ago, imsailin said:

Have a great cruise, Pam. We fly from Toronto to Rome tonight. Cruising on the Crown to Fort Lauderdale. We were on her in May and love the Crown - we also love her sisters, Ruby and Emerald.

 

Thanks. I was booked on your cruise but opted to stay closer to home. Have a great cruise! 

[jpom18]

Well being land locked I'll take any lobster I can get that doesn't come from Red Lobster, but honestly I don't know if I could tell good from bad lobster.  I personally like the idea of them offering crown grill dishes in the MDR for an up-charge (assuming the cost is the same as in the crown grill).  As a solo traveller I do Traditional Dining so that I get to know my table mates over the cruise and while I'll do it I don't enjoy going to the crown grill on my own, I would much rather be able to order the crown grill items while I am with my table mates in the MDR.  That said being able to do that could end up getting expensive, lobster every night.

 

On a related note, I just got off the Grand last week and one thing I found highly disappointing was that on the last formal night where it used to be Lobster and Shrimp it is now Lobster and some green $#%&, I think it is some sort of vegetable Risotto but nobody, even the wait staff, knew exactly what it was and it didn't say on the menu.  What I do know is that nobody at the table liked it and everyone was disappointed that there was no shrimp with the lobster.  As well we were told that they no longer bring around and offer the extra butter at the tables for the lobster, maybe you can request it before the bring it out but I don't know.

[mthomp5]

2 hours ago, jpom18 said:

 

On a related note, I just got off the Grand last week and one thing I found highly disappointing was that on the last formal night where it used to be Lobster and Shrimp it is now Lobster and some green $#%&, I think it is some sort of vegetable Risotto but nobody, even the wait staff, knew exactly what it was and it didn't say on the menu.  What I do know is that nobody at the table liked it and everyone was disappointed that there was no shrimp with the lobster.  As well we were told that they no longer bring around and offer the extra butter at the tables for the lobster, maybe you can request it before the bring it out but I don't know.

Same as on the Ruby in mid-September, no shrimp with the lobster on 2nd formal night. And no drawn butter for the lobster. We also had the risotto. 

[elliair]

23 hours ago, Thrak said:

Question: Does anybody know if the upsell lobster is actually of a decent size and better than the "free" lobster on Formal Night? I absolutely love good lobster but have never had good lobster on Princess. One of these days we will manage a New England cruise and, when we stop in Bar Harbor, I will eat lobster ashore. (I'll still just get the tail though. Hope that's not considered "Tacky". )

 

We have been to Bar Harbor, Maine twice and had lobster twice at the same restaurant.  They aren't huge lobster tails, they're a step above what Princess offers.  What we have found in the Crown Grill, is they bring you as many lobster tails as you want.  They have brought us so many that we could not eat all of them.  Maybe 2-3 is enough for me, same with DH.  They aren't stingy with the food in the Crown Grill.  Not sure if there's going to be a Crab Shack on the Coral, but it might be worth attending if you like seafood.  We have done the Crab Shack twice on cruises.  BTW, we are looking to do the Fall leaves cruise again next year leaving out of Quebec City, it was well worth the flight.  Looking for a cruise at the end and go through Panama and end up in LA.

 

P.s.  I think the upsell lobster is the same size lobster in the Crown Grill.  They are not large lobster tails.  Maybe 2 bites and that's it.

Edited November 1, 2018 by elliair

[Thrak]

1 hour ago, elliair said:

 

We have been to Bar Harbor, Maine twice and had lobster twice at the same restaurant.  They aren't huge lobster tails, they're a step above what Princess offers.  What we have found in the Crown Grill, is they bring you as many lobster tails as you want.  They have brought us so many that we could not eat all of them.  Maybe 2-3 is enough for me, same with DH.  They aren't stingy with the food in the Crown Grill.  Not sure if there's going to be a Crab Shack on the Coral, but it might be worth attending if you like seafood.  We have done the Crab Shack twice on cruises.  BTW, we are looking to do the Fall leaves cruise again next year leaving out of Quebec City, it was well worth the flight.  Looking for a cruise at the end and go through Panama and end up in LA.

 

P.s.  I think the upsell lobster is the same size lobster in the Crown Grill.  They are not large lobster tails.  Maybe 2 bites and that's it.

 

Yeah. The last time I asked for lobster with my Crown Grill steak I asked for TWO. My wife said she didn't want any. I think they brought 8 or 10. What a waste. I can't eat that much. We often don't eat at specialty restaurants because we can't eat that much food. I usually order the filet because it's the smallest steak they offer but it's not what I want. On our upcoming Coral cruise and then again in May on Golden we have a free specialty dining. I think I'll finally give in and listen to my wife and order the Rib Eye that I want and just leave part of it. That really goes against the grain for me. I hate wasting food which is why I have always ordered the filet. Even though it just seems totally wrong to me to order something I know I won't be able to finish I'm tired of getting what I don't really want. Yes, filet is tender but it just doesn't have the flavor of a steak that has marbling. Totally lean meat is simply not as flavorful.

 

The lobster in MDR and the lobster I have had in MDR seemed to be the same when I've had it. Small and not flavorful. It's hot horrible - except when it has been served waaaaaaaaaay under cooked. Bleh. Over cooked lobster is tough and not good but under cooked lobster is disgusting. As for being a sea food fan... Nope. I truly love a good lobster tail (have never had a whole lobster) but, other than that, I'm not much of a fan of seafood. Fish is kind of "meh". I can take it or leave it. As for crab... Nope, nope, nope. There has to be "that guy who doesn't like crab" and it's me. I have also never ordered coffee from Starbucks. Someone has to be the person who "always loses" in the casino so that others can win. I guess I'm kind of a "public service" in that way. More crab for others, more Starbucks for others, more casino winnings for others. I'm sure you can see the trend.

[Hlitner]

As a very frequent cruiser on many different lines, we have always been amazed at all the attention given to so-called lobster night..when folks can get inexpensive warm water small lobster tails...which are often overcooked and over salted.  There is a local diner where we live that serves a lobster meal for $19.99 that includes 2 tiny lobster tails (similar to what we see on ships) plus sides.  That place is normally not very crowded and we seldom see anyone eating that lobster.

 

So now, this cruise line is trying to push slightly larger lobster tails for an extra price....which to us is a "so what" thing since we would not waste our money.   If they were to offer a real Lobster Americaine (often called New England or Maine lobster) then we would jump at the prospect.  We are talking about a real lobster with claws (the claw meat is the best).

 

When we are on cruises that stop in New England or Canadian (Atlantic) ports...DW and I will normally enjoy decent lobster ashore.  But come the so-called lobster nights, I often opt for something better such as Beef Wellington :).

 

For those that have this fixation with "lobster tails" we would point out that you can often find much superior versions in your local supermarket.  They are easy to cook (either boiling or broiling) and delicious.  And not only are they a lot better then what you get on most cruise lines, but they cost a lot less then a cruise :).

 

Hank

[Bardou544]

Only decent lobster tail we have ever had on a cruise, was on Carnival.  We were surprised at the size of it.  At least 3 to 4 times the size of what you get on Princess.  When a cruise line is cooking for hundreds of people and a delicate piece of food, you're not going to get perfection.

[dcrow72]

On 10/30/2018 at 5:17 PM, UAL_FlyGal said:

Nope!!  Leaving my heading AS IS. 

 

some people have to critique every single thing.  Makes my stomach turn.  

[GottaLuvCruising]

5 hours ago, Bardou544 said:

Only decent lobster tail we have ever had on a cruise, was on Carnival.  We were surprised at the size of it.  At least 3 to 4 times the size of what you get on Princess.  When a cruise line is cooking for hundreds of people and a delicate piece of food, you're not going to get perfection.

We have sailed Carnival 21 times and when lobster is offered, it has always been Maine lobster (or a larger northeast, cold water lobster.)  What we have always had on Princess is smaller, not impressive rock lobster.  I'd be willing to pay a reasonable upcharge in the MDR for a good lobster tail.  In the interest of full disclosure, we are from Maine originally and summer there. 

[Iamcruzin]

On 10/30/2018 at 9:08 PM, nona0541 said:

The small tails that are served are usually what are refered to as "rock lobster" or "spiney lobster".  They are only good for tails.

And sometimes not even good for that. Those lobsters are tacky and chewy.

[Potstech]

On 10/30/2018 at 11:22 PM, Thrak said:

 

Oh NO!!! I am truly dismayed to hear that. I live in California and really good lobster is, shall we say, "difficult" to obtain. The best I ever had was at a company Christmas dinner. It was a small company and the owner had booked a dining room in a local steak house. He had the head cook come in special for the evening and had some absolutely HUGE lobster tails flown in. I have never in my life tasted lobster like that. It was beyond wonderful. (My wife ate half of hers, took the other half home, and then took it to our oldest son's house and shared it with him the next day. Like I said, HUGE.)

 

I have always heard that Bar Harbor is a great place to get lobster. You have shattered my dream.  (I may have to go off and cry for a while now... ). Sooooooo.... If the Bar Harbor lobster was terrible where do you suggest we eat on a New England cruise for the best lobster? (Do you suppose it may just have been the particular venue? If so, can you tell me what it was so I can avoid eating there?) I really do need to eat fantastic lobster at least one more time.

 

Yes it could have been the venue. It was the one located right at the peir where the tenders dock.  There are many other places to try.  Do not despair as I am sure you can go to a different one.

[elliair]

9 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

Yeah. The last time I asked for lobster with my Crown Grill steak I asked for TWO. My wife said she didn't want any. I think they brought 8 or 10. What a waste. I can't eat that much. We often don't eat at specialty restaurants because we can't eat that much food. I usually order the filet because it's the smallest steak they offer but it's not what I want. On our upcoming Coral cruise and then again in May on Golden we have a free specialty dining. I think I'll finally give in and listen to my wife and order the Rib Eye that I want and just leave part of it. That really goes against the grain for me. I hate wasting food which is why I have always ordered the filet. Even though it just seems totally wrong to me to order something I know I won't be able to finish I'm tired of getting what I don't really want. Yes, filet is tender but it just doesn't have the flavor of a steak that has marbling. Totally lean meat is simply not as flavorful.

 

The lobster in MDR and the lobster I have had in MDR seemed to be the same when I've had it. Small and not flavorful. It's hot horrible - except when it has been served waaaaaaaaaay under cooked. Bleh. Over cooked lobster is tough and not good but under cooked lobster is disgusting. As for being a sea food fan... Nope. I truly love a good lobster tail (have never had a whole lobster) but, other than that, I'm not much of a fan of seafood. Fish is kind of "meh". I can take it or leave it. As for crab... Nope, nope, nope. There has to be "that guy who doesn't like crab" and it's me. I have also never ordered coffee from Starbucks. Someone has to be the person who "always loses" in the casino so that others can win. I guess I'm kind of a "public service" in that way. More crab for others, more Starbucks for others, more casino winnings for others. I'm sure you can see the trend.

 

I hear you on the steak and wasting it.  I really do feel guilty about that.  Order what you want because you're paying for it,.  On the Coral, it will be the Cajun restaurant instead of the grill with Louisiana influences.  I looked at the menu and it looks promising.  One restaurant we have no desire to go to is SHARE.  We have 2 reservations for that, one freebie and I booked one for my birthday. Living where you and I do, we don't have a good choice for a good lobster.  Red Lobster,t next to Olive Garden doesn't cut it for me.  Seventeen more days!!! 🙏

[voljeep]

9 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

Yeah. The last time I asked for lobster with my Crown Grill steak I asked for TWO. My wife said she didn't want any. I think they brought 8 or 10. What a waste. I can't eat that much. We often don't eat at specialty restaurants because we can't eat that much food. I usually order the filet because it's the smallest steak they offer but it's not what I want. On our upcoming Coral cruise and then again in May on Golden we have a free specialty dining. I think I'll finally give in and listen to my wife and order the Rib Eye that I want and just leave part of it. That really goes against the grain for me. I hate wasting food which is why I have always ordered the filet. Even though it just seems totally wrong to me to order something I know I won't be able to finish I'm tired of getting what I don't really want. Yes, filet is tender but it just doesn't have the flavor of a steak that has marbling. Totally lean meat is simply not as flavorful.

 

The lobster in MDR and the lobster I have had in MDR seemed to be the same when I've had it. Small and not flavorful. It's hot horrible - except when it has been served waaaaaaaaaay under cooked. Bleh. Over cooked lobster is tough and not good but under cooked lobster is disgusting. As for being a sea food fan... Nope. I truly love a good lobster tail (have never had a whole lobster) but, other than that, I'm not much of a fan of seafood. Fish is kind of "meh". I can take it or leave it. As for crab... Nope, nope, nope. There has to be "that guy who doesn't like crab" and it's me. I have also never ordered coffee from Starbucks. Someone has to be the person who "always loses" in the casino so that others can win. I guess I'm kind of a "public service" in that way. More crab for others, more Starbucks for others, more casino winnings for others. I'm sure you can see the trend.

I'm going to try the lamb chops the next time if we go to CG - portion seems much more reasonable..

[Thrak]

4 hours ago, voljeep said:

I'm going to try the lamb chops the next time if we go to CG - portion seems much more reasonable..

 

Not a fan of lamb. I've only eaten it twice. Once was "meh" and the other time was "bleh". I had a good friend who absolutely loved lamb and often ordered it (if it was offered) when we went out for dinner together. I just don't really care for the flavor. I used to be a big eater of beef but these days I just can't eat like I did when I was young and a 22 oz. Porterhouse or Rib Eye is just mindbogglingly big to me.  I used to always buy beef at the grocery store (or the butcher shop) but these days we tend to buy more pork and chicken to cook at home. I guess tastes can change with age. I do still mostly order beef in restaurants though.

[jagoffee]

Offering passengers the opportunity to purchase food items in the MDR that are only offered in a Specialty Restaurant, it is an excellent idea IMO.

I suspect the OP did not realize that the items were in addition to the Lobster normally served in the MDR.

If Princess would offer a Cold Water Lobster option, I would gladly pay extra.

[donswife]

15 hours ago, voljeep said:

I'm going to try the lamb chops the next time if we go to CG - portion seems much more reasonable..

DH got the lamb chops in the CG on the Caribbean last month. He said the first two were some of the best lamb chops he has ever eaten, and the third was "old" tasting and fatty. But he was pretty full by then anyhow. I had the sea bass, and it was excellent.

[Thrak]

2 hours ago, jagoffee said:

Offering passengers the opportunity to purchase food items in the MDR that are only offered in a Specialty Restaurant, it is an excellent idea IMO.

I suspect the OP did not realize that the items were in addition to the Lobster normally served in the MDR.

If Princess would offer a Cold Water Lobster option, I would gladly pay extra.

 

Now that might definitely tempt me - depending, of course, on the price. I might well at least give it a try in the hope it would be great. Of course it would still have to be frozen which would affect the flavor but I have had some pretty reasonable lobster that had been frozen.