Why don't people like to eat at a specialty restaurant on the first night?

[navybankerteacher]

10 hours ago, njhorseman said:

 

I've never paid extra for a specialty restaurant meal. There are cruise lines that include specialty restaurants as part of your fare.

Then they are not what is generally referred to as “specialty restaurants” - they are simply alternative dining venues.

[edinburgher]

Why don't people like to eat at a specialty restaurant on the first night?

 

 

Surprised nobody has yet suggested that one reason may be  due to FATIGUE.  We usually favour fly cruises and that means flights, some of which can leave as early as 0600, meaning we need to be at our local airport by 0300 or 0400. And  if longer haul, that often necessitates a connection  with hours of waiting along the way.  All in all,  by the time we reach whichever port it is and check in, we may have been on the go for a good 12 or more hours having had little sleep the previous night.  And it is even worse if it is a  longer journey and there is also a time difference with jetlag  kicking in.Longer haul trips to Asia and S. America had our journeys lasting a minimum of  18-24 hours and we did quite a number of these.

 

We have on occasion been so exhausted that we have  had to force ourselves to head to the buffet for a simple bowl of soup and small single dish before showering and falling into bed and sometimes we could barely manage that small amount.   Unpacking is left for the next day.  The thought of speciality dining does not even enter our heads.

 

 

Edited December 15, 2022 by edinburgher

[njhorseman]

2 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

True, but less true for the specialty restaurants than the MDRs.

At least one cruise line I'm familiar with waives the code in specialties too.

[njhorseman]

1 hour ago, navybankerteacher said:

Then they are not what is generally referred to as “specialty restaurants” - they are simply alternative dining venues.

Since you want to nit pick about terminology, on a line we frequently cruise on that does charge for specialty restaurants we  always have complimentary specialty dinners by reason of loyalty program status, so we're dining at no charge to us while others are paying for the same meal . Again, whether on a cruise line that doesn't charge for specialty restaurants (which you object to calling specialty restaurants) or on a cruise line that does charge for specialty restaurants we have never paid paid a specialty restaurant meal.

[K32682]

13 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

 

I think it is a form of etiquette your passengers to present themselves at the Dining Room on the First Evening.

 

For you to learn where you will be sitting if the restaurant assigns table to you. Learn who your servers will be and not make them think you don't care about the Dining Room table assigned.

 

If you are expected to arrive at a home, wouldn't  you want your host to think that the Dinner being made is worth the work behind it. On sailings you will have plenty time to try the other cuisines being offered.

 

There is more than a slight difference between a dinner invitation to someone's home and paying for a cruise where you are lumped at a table with an assortment of complete strangers. I have zero obligation to them to present myself on the first night. I can meet the servers on another night and if they conclude I don't care about the dinning room table to which I've been assigned they'd be largely correct.

 

The first night of a cruise is generally after a long day of travel. Once the unpacking is done I'd prefer a drink or two and a quiet bite at the buffet or perhaps room service despite the disapproval of the self-appointed arbiters of etiquette and proper social comportment.  

 

 

[Lois R]

I guess after 20+ years of cruising I must not know much LOL....(sarcasm inserted)......but who said nobody likes to eat at the Specialty Restaurants on night one? I have seen people in them before and although I don't do it on a regular basis, I have eaten specialty on night 1 before. 

[jsn55]

49 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

Since you want to nit pick about terminology, on a line we frequently cruise on that does charge for specialty restaurants we  always have complimentary specialty dinners by reason of loyalty program status, so we're dining at no charge to us while others are paying for the same meal . Again, whether on a cruise line that doesn't charge for specialty restaurants (which you object to calling specialty restaurants) or on a cruise line that does charge for specialty restaurants we have never paid paid a specialty restaurant meal.

If you have a good TA, you have specialty restaurants comped.  Specialty restaurants on a cruiseship are not the same as 'alternative dining venues'.  

[jsn55]

13 minutes ago, K32682 said:

 

There is more than a slight difference between a dinner invitation to someone's home and paying for a cruise where you are lumped at a table with an assortment of complete strangers. I have zero obligation to them to present myself on the first night. I can meet the servers on another night and if they conclude I don't care about the dinning room table to which I've been assigned they'd be largely correct.

 

The first night of a cruise is generally after a long day of travel. Once the unpacking is done I'd prefer a drink or two and a quiet bite at the buffet or perhaps room service despite the disapproval of the self-appointed arbiters of etiquette and proper social comportment.  

 

 

We flew on the day of embarkation exactly ONE TIME and will never do it again.  Arriving anywhere exhausted is no fun at all.  Worrying the entire flight about getting to the ship on time is downright torture.

[SbbquilterUT]

We usually book the first night discount to eat in Speciality.  We carry on our luggage so easily clean up and change for that dinner - a lovely start to our trip. 

[lenquixote66]

19 hours ago, njsmom said:

Specialty restaurants aren't a popular option on the first night of a cruise. Why is this?

We never go to a Specialty restaurant.We are content with the MDR.

[ldubs]

3 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Then they are not what is generally referred to as “specialty restaurants” - they are simply alternative dining venues.

 

I was looking at some info on Oceania yesterday. They call the alternative dining venues "Specialty Restaurants".   I kind of had the same thought when I saw that, but in truth I guess they are specialty restnts with or without extra fees.  

[ldubs]

24 minutes ago, jsn55 said:

If you have a good TA, you have specialty restaurants comped.  Specialty restaurants on a cruiseship are not the same as 'alternative dining venues'.  

 

I think all specialty restaurants are alternative dining venues but not all alternative dining venues are specialty restaurants.  😀

[cruisemom42]

3 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Then they are not what is generally referred to as “specialty restaurants” - they are simply alternative dining venues.

 

Just now, ldubs said:

 

I think all specialty restaurants are alternative dining venues but not all alternative dining venues are specialty restaurants.  😀

 

I don't think the term "specialty" restaurant has anything to do with requiring an upcharge. Specialty suggests that it specializes in something -- such as Tamarind on HAL specializes in pan-Asian food and Jacques on Oceania specializes in French dishes. As opposed to the MDR which doesn't specialize in one cuisine.

 

Most seem to associate them with an upcharge, but that's not because of the title...

 

[ldubs]

Just now, cruisemom42 said:

 

 

I don't think the term "specialty" restaurant has anything to do with requiring an upcharge. Specialty suggests that it specializes in something -- such as Tamarind on HAL specializes in pan-Asian food and Jacques on Oceania specializes in French dishes. As opposed to the MDR which doesn't specialize in one cuisine.

 

Most seem to associate them with an upcharge, but that's not because of the title...

 

 

I agree completely.   But let's not forget the best specialty of all -- Pizza!!! 

[BklynBoy8]

6 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

Interesting comments here.  Thanks for them.

 

One small reason why some cruisers shy away from dining in specialty dining rooms on the first night - there's no guarantee that luggage will be delivered by dinner time.  Some cruisers care about being appropriately dressed for dinner, and some others don't want to risk being rejected for being underdressed.

 

Another reason for those we call "Newbies" they are not familiar with the operation of the ship with attending the restaurant upon boarding.

[navybankerteacher]

1 minute ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

 

I don't think the term "specialty" restaurant has anything to do with requiring an upcharge. Specialty suggests that it specializes in something -- such as Tamarind on HAL specializes in pan-Asian food and Jacques on Oceania specializes in French dishes. As opposed to the MDR which doesn't specialize in one cuisine.

 

Most seem to associate them with an upcharge, but that's not because of the title...

 

There really isn’t a neutral term for a shipboard restaurant whose meals are not included in one’s fare.   “Extra fee” restaurant” would fairly precisely cover it, but “specialty restaurant” or “alternative dining”,  while ambiguous,  are more likely to please the line’s marketing folks.

[BklynBoy8]

51 minutes ago, K32682 said:

There is more than a slight difference between a dinner invitation to someone's home and paying for a cruise where you are lumped at a table with an assortment of complete strangers. I have zero obligation to them to present myself on the first night. I can meet the servers on another night and if they conclude I don't care about the dinning room table to which I've been assigned they'd be largely correct.

 

The first night of a cruise is generally after a long day of travel. Once the unpacking is done I'd prefer a drink or two and a quiet bite at the buffet or perhaps room service despite the disapproval of the self-appointed arbiters of etiquette and proper social comportment.  

 

WOW............

 

On the ships we sail on we are not obligated to sit with a group of passengers and do get the requested table for 2 as booking reflexes. And unfortunately I do not understand your someone's home to a shipboard restaurant theory. I just know that if asked for a requested table and servers are ready to show their dedication to passengers wanting to enjoy their ship and restaurant, common courtesy is to show up with a pleasure attitude of appreciation.

 

Granted I may not understand you circumstances of travel being only 12 minutes from my terminal to board, but after all the preparation we have gone thru, we look forward to a proper meal and not something I could get at a local set price buffet restaurant.

 

And common courtesy is what I would expect to receive from fellow passengers as I will for whatever amount of time we will be sailing together to share on my behave. I know cruise ships will contain many varieties of people from all around. But no excuse on board, on tour buses, restaurants, casino etc...  I still would say hello to you and wish you a Bon Voyage....

[BklynBoy8]

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

I guess after 20+ years of cruising I must not know much LOL....(sarcasm inserted)

 

Cruising does contain a mix of styles of passengers from all around. Maybe the R&R is the rest passengers are looking for from the daily grind.

[BklynBoy8]

55 minutes ago, jsn55 said:

If you have a good TA, you have specialty restaurants comped.  Specialty restaurants on a cruiseship are not the same as 'alternative dining venues'.  

 

Like on the QM2 the Speciality Restaurant is the Steakhouse. The Alternative is a certain cuisine that changes each night in one of the buffet sections set aside. Like India, Asian, Steakhouse (other) and Italian. Speciality charged. Alternative small surcharge - takes the place of the evening meal.

[ldubs]

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

I guess after 20+ years of cruising I must not know much LOL....(sarcasm inserted)......but who said nobody likes to eat at the Specialty Restaurants on night one? I have seen people in them before and although I don't do it on a regular basis, I have eaten specialty on night 1 before. 

 

Well, since you asked, no one said nobody likes to eat in the specialty restnts on night one.  😀

[BklynBoy8]

51 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

We never go to a Specialty restaurant.We are content with the MDR.

 

Ditto....... Some attraction but happy with the MDR or other Class Booked In.

[BklynBoy8]

35 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

I think all specialty restaurants are alternative dining venues but not all alternative dining venues are specialty restaurants.  😀

 

As said on our ship, Speciality is a mainly a certain cuisine and Alternative is a mix of cuisines on alternate days.

[bonsai3s]

On the first evening, even if we don't eat in the Main Dining Room, we take the time to say hello to our waiter and make sure we have the table we requested.

 

* Only happened once, but we learned from it...we didn't show up the first night in the Main Dining Room.  We showed up the second night...and find that our table location had been moved.  I asked the waiter and he said "Sir, that's your table...the number is on the table".  I said "We checked the location of our table earlier today when we first boarded...and our table was over next to the window."  I asked the headwaiter who checked the seating chart...he apologized and agreed that our table should have been by the window. We then observed the passengers seating "at our original table location" laughing and snickering. We learned later that these, (fill in the profanity here) passengers, moved our table number to another table...moved their table number to ours...to get the table next to the window.

[njhorseman]

1 hour ago, jsn55 said:

If you have a good TA, you have specialty restaurants comped.  Specialty restaurants on a cruiseship are not the same as 'alternative dining venues'.  

One of the businesses I owned and operated was a travel agency. To say a "good TA" offers comped specialty restaurants isn't remotely true. In some cases the comped specialty restaurant is actually coming from the cruise line, which has comped it to the TA to encourage bookings. Many "good TAs'" offer incentives that are far more financially beneficial to their clients than a specialty restaurant comp such as commission rebates, onboard credits and prepaid gratuities . Even if a TA doesn't offers little in the way of financial incentives to their clients their advice and their advocacy for the client in the event of an issue with the cruise line can be invaluable. A good TA can have access to a whole different level of corporate personnel than you would be able to enlist for help on your own.

[Shmoo here]

31 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

he apologized and agreed that our table should have been by the window. We then observed the passengers seating "at our original table location" laughing and snickering. We learned later that these, (fill in the profanity here) passengers, moved our table number to another table...moved their table number to ours...to get the table next to the window.

Did they do anything about it?