Perceptions on MDR meal length

[Wetmib]

I've followed the comments that MDR meal length has taken a long time, and it is being addressed.

 

Thinking back, I can't remember how long it took - that was when the Asst waiter did all non-alch beverages, brought rolls around more than when you first sat down, there were designated bar staff in the DR, after dinner drinks (shooters) were offered, the wait staff showed you a platter of desserts for you to order - after you completed your meal. It seems like we spent a length of time in the DR chatting, etc with our table mates and dinner moved at an ok speed.

Is it really that the wait staff does so much more, making it harder to get the food on the table , or are we becoming accustomed to an eat and get on mentality?

 

Just random thoughts, no criticism, must thoughts

[davekathy]

We always have a two top and have always been pleased with the service in the MDR in the evening. We're never in a hurry. As long as our wine glasses don't go empty we're happy. 🍷

[pcur]

Now, the assistant waiter also orders alcholic bevs, too.  I give him/her a "just for getting it started" tip at the beginning of the cruise.  I get my Prosecco when I sit down, and whomever brings it to me gets a tip, too.  Funny, how it always seems to be the assistant waiter.....................

[The Fun Researcher]

Since 2010 I haven't noticed a change in the speed of service.  I always figure about 1.5 hours but we normally have a group of 6-10 at one table.  ETA:  ...and I'm perfectly fine with that

 

Dan

Edited January 11, 2023 by The Fun Researcher

[neverbeenhere]

We seem to be able to make the dining time be as long or short as we like. 15 minutes to 2 hours.

[Rubyfisch]

On my Enchantment cruise over the holidays, I was awkwardly by myself at a table for 8 for four nights. My waiter managed to get me out in just over half an hour in the late traditional setting. So I think it can be done.

[molly361]

18 minutes ago, Rubyfisch said:

On my Enchantment cruise over the holidays, I was awkwardly by myself at a table for 8 for four nights. My waiter managed to get me out in just over half an hour in the late traditional setting. So I think it can be done.

I dine solo and am also usually out in a half hour. No dessert though 

[Cruiser_1977]

I enjoy a leisurely dinner. I like late seating. I enjoy sipping my wine and talking to tablemates between courses. I'm on vacation so not in a hurry to get anywhere. I often cruise solo, sometimes I sit alone, other times I ask for rotating table mates each night.

[pcur]

I sometimes cruise solo, and I enjoy a slower paced dinner.  It read ALL the time, ANYWHERE I go, so it's great to have a nice dinner while I read.  

 

One of the benefits is being nearsighted and having 360 books on my iphone.

[MightyMike]

I'm not sure speeding up the meal really benefits us passengers. Perhaps some, especially those with young kids ready to move on to the next activity, but not most.

 

It does definitely benefit the cruise line. If they can somehow squeeze just one more sitting in for each waiter and assistant waiter for My Time Dining, the labor savings would be huge.

[HappyTexan44]

5 minutes ago, MightyMike said:

I'm not sure speeding up the meal really benefits us passengers. Perhaps some, especially those with young kids ready to move on to the next activity, but not most.

 

It does definitely benefit the cruise line. If they can somehow squeeze just one more sitting in for each waiter and assistant waiter for My Time Dining, the labor savings would be huge.

 

And make My Time Dining work better.  

 

[RogueMonk]

Currently on Anthem. In and out in less than an hour each night. We are not long diners. Early seating.

[taglovestocruise]

Off Ovation end of Sep, off Quantum mid Oct. Both cruises were late dining and a large table. Our table had coffee after dinner each night and it was a solid 90 minute meal.  First night most men ordered multiple appetizers, waiter brought them all out at once. We all complained and asked for apps to be served one at a time the rest of the week.  I don't get rushed for anything.  

[pcur]

22 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

Off Ovation end of Sep, off Quantum mid Oct. Both cruises were late dining and a large table. Our table had coffee after dinner each night and it was a solid 90 minute meal.  First night most men ordered multiple appetizers, waiter brought them all out at once. We all complained and asked for apps to be served one at a time the rest of the week.  I don't get rushed for anything.  

Me?  I would love to have all my appetizers laid out like an "appy buffet" for me.  It's like dinner before dinner.

[cruiselvr04]

When you arrive let you waiter know if you want to be out at a certain time.  A good waiter will try to make it happen.  That said, we give them at least 90 minutes.  If we have evening plans and they haven’t finished serving us dessert we just leave.  I can always get a cookie somewhere and if not I don’t need the dessert I never finish anyway. 

[taglovestocruise]

2 hours ago, pcur said:

Me?  I would love to have all my appetizers laid out like an "appy buffet" for me.  It's like dinner before dinner.

In our case on that first night I think there were about 18 plates of appetizers for our table of 8.  They needed to bring out the table expander..  Kind of looked like this. Waiters had to remove all the water glasses as there was no room. Slight exaggeration but.

 

[Mum2Mercury]

5 hours ago, davekathy said:

We always have a two top ...

A two-top will finish earlier; that's just common sense. 

5 hours ago, pcur said:

Now, the assistant waiter also orders alcholic bevs, too. 

If I was going to complain about the speed of anything in the MDR, it'd be the speed of alcoholic beverages.  

4 hours ago, molly361 said:

I dine solo and am also usually out in a half hour. No dessert though 

If you're trying to hurry your dinner, taking your dessert "to go" is a good choice.  They'll pack it up for you.  Or skip dessert altogether and go up to the Windjammer later.  

2 hours ago, pcur said:

Me?  I would love to have all my appetizers laid out like an "appy buffet" for me.  It's like dinner before dinner.

I'd definitely rather have my two appetizers together.  

[The Fun Researcher]

6 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

 

If I was going to complain about the speed of anything in the MDR, it'd be the speed of alcoholic beverages.  

 

Agreed.  About the only thing that can take excessive time in our experience.

[RD64]

5 hours ago, molly361 said:

I dine solo and am also usually out in a half hour. No dessert though 

Half an hour? Why not just go to the buffet?

[pcur]

1 hour ago, taglovestocruise said:

In our case on that first night I think there were about 18 plates of appetizers for our table of 8.  They needed to bring out the table expander..  Kind of looked like this. Waiters had to remove all the water glasses as there was no room. Slight exaggeration but.

 

Fabulous!!  Forget the entrees.

[davekathy]

2 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

A two-top will finish earlier; that's just common sense. 

Not ours. As mentioned I was only speaking for us. That's just a fact! 

[gmerick]

For me, the evening meal is part of the entertainment package.  It begins with a friendly chat with the Maitre D, then the hostess who checks on my wait team and table, and calls my escort to my table.  Sure, after the first night I could simply go straight to my table, but why miss the opening act.  Bread, drinks, menu presentation, and the prologue extoling the virtues of the evenings repast.  Again, I've read the menu in the app, and also looked at the vegan, kosher, and diet menus, but a lot of artistry goes into introducing the meal. Let me enjoy it.  I'll now get a break to enjoy some interesting bread (dipped in savory olive oil, because the assistant waiter noticed I enjoy that), and read the menu.  The waiter comes back and we agree on several appetizers, 2 entrée, and defer consideration of desert.  I'll get a few moments break, the head waiter (daily), or even (at least once per cruise) the dining manager  stops by for a greeting.  OK, now I'm well started on a meal.   

 

Yes, I dine solo.  I also dine late.  I like a table near a window.  I like to people watch.  If the meal takes 2 hours, what of it?  it's very hard to convince me I'm in a hurry to get anywhere when the Anthem OTS is proceeding at it's own stately 18 knot pace, and won't be stopping anywhere for the next 60 hours. 

 

Not to say that on my last trip (Feb 22) I did want to get to WWRY in the theater, and I mentioned to the waiter that I would only be able to stay for 52 minutes.  On that one evening, I appreciated a Readers Digest version of dining, and was in time to join the reserved seating line at the bow.  

 

Sorry, but I'll leave the Windjammer to the fast food crowd.  Give me a piano player, strolling violins, and ambiance while I dine.

[rrraydon]

6 hours ago, RogueMonk said:

Currently on Anthem. In and out in less than an hour each night. We are not long diners. Early seating.

Good to hear. I'm on Anthem in March with a large group of family members and I'm hoping to not spend too long in the MDR. I'm sure my teenage grandchildren will want to get back to the fun with their friends,

 

Now, my girlfriends and I are on the Anthem in two weeks and we're ok with whatever flow comes our way in the MDR...as long as we get to the shows on time.

[molly361]

8 hours ago, RD64 said:

Half an hour? Why not just go to the buffet?

My husband passed away recently and I'm trying to get used to doing things alone.

[The Fun Researcher]

6 hours ago, molly361 said:

My husband passed away recently and I'm trying to get used to doing things alone.

Sorry for your loss.