Awful State of Ocean View Cafe for dinner

[LGW59]

3 minutes ago, bonagrad said:

So why chime in, mockingly,  if it's inconsequential to you?  I don't a downgrade in food quantity and quality is a topic that's going away.  Food is a major component of cruising or any vacation for that matter.

a moderator in the making 🙂  

[NevadaCruiser2023]

16 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

a moderator in the making 🙂  

*sniff*, I feel so honored to be at the birth.  

[PTC DAWG]

1 hour ago, LGW59 said:

very many of them the majority of posters contributing, said they would never eat in the OVC.  This is exactly me, though I had a temporary and regrettable lapse on my cruise this past fall.  On sail away day, I went to OVC for something quick and had mac n cheese, honestly it was quite good.  So I thought perhaps I've been a buffet snob all these years and need to re-consider.  One morning I wanted to get off the ship fast so decided to go there for breakfast, eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, fresh fruit and yogurt.  I don't want to be dramatic (but I will) and say it was inedible but it was degusting.  Apparently I got those powdered eggs and the sausage, bacon and hash browns were I think "marinated" in a vat of lard for 24 hours before being served.  The fresh fruit and yogurt were good, the rest was left on the table after one bite.  I walked through again during the cruise on several occasions and all I could think was how can anyone eat this college cafeteria food that was prepared hours ago and then placed in a metal tin to sit in hot water to keep it warm.  In every other restaurant I ate in, Luminae, Eden, Grand Bistro, Cosmopolitan...every meal I ate was plentiful and delicious and the service was A+..  

I always hit the fresh egg station…well worth a few minutes. 

[stringbean10]

1 hour ago, bonagrad said:

A lot of us are already booked and fully paid with other expenses like air and hotels already booked.  Yes, we will look at other lines, but that doesn't change the fact that we're not getting what we paid for to begin with.  The video in the original post shows that.

What would constitute a material change to "what you paid for"? 

 

I am curious how abreast of changes Celebrity should keep their customers. 

 

Should we get an email with every change?

 

Did they stop offering sports massages in the spa?  Should I get an email?  They reduced the buffet 1 buffet by 10%?  Took away two dishes?   Closing the main dining room 10 min earlier?   Changing the laundry detergent?  Stop offering a welcome drink? Change pillow suppliers?  

 

Once you make final payment - you are grandfathered in?  Should they have a particular dish set aside for people that booked two years ago because it was on the menu when they booked and that is what they paid for?  

 

Should they continue to waste Celebrities just as hard earned money on you with food waste?   Should they personally poll you and ask what is important to you and make sure that is all available from the day you put down your deposit to sailing date. 

 

What would make you happy?????? 

 

I'm just going out on a limb here and guessing - nothing. ever. 

 

 

 

[cruisemom42]

2 hours ago, grandgeezer said:

The only way this will change is, instead of whining on the internet, change lines or stop cruising all together. As long as the money is rolling in, nothing is going to change. If you can post specific instances where something was changed strictly based on written complaints only, please share with the rest of us.

 

The bar doesn't have to be set that high; far from it.

 

If social media and verbal and written complaints all combine to force a change, then who's to say it's not worth the effort?

 

I do know for a fact that at least a few unpopular changes were rolled back by X over time. Coincidentally (or not??) those changes garnered a LOT of negative and even angry reactions....

 

[cw2go]

3 minutes ago, stringbean10 said:

Once you make final payment - you are grandfathered in? 

 

 

I do think it's only fair that those who booked their cruises before Jan 1st would be "grand fathered in"  with Room Service privileges, without paying a fee plus grats. This could have been a great alternative for those who were expecting a plentiful buffet. 

 

That was a perk that was available when booking, that imo should remain so. It doesn't effect me as I am not a room service user but it was an included option, without extra expense, at the time of my booking. 

 

Patty 

[Salt Lifer]

5 minutes ago, cw2go said:

 

 

I do think it's only fair that those who booked their cruises before Jan 1st would be "grand fathered in"  with Room Service privileges, without paying a fee plus grats. This could have been a great alternative for those who were expecting a plentiful buffet. 

 

That was a perk that was available when booking, that imo should remain so. It doesn't effect me as I am not a room service user but it was an included option, without extra expense, at the time of my booking. 

 

Patty 

 

Exactly.  I suspect that if the cost saving changes implemented were to eliminate the casino or change Luminea from a suite-perk to a specialty restaurant for all, many here would be screaming bloody murder and complaining they should have known this prior to final payment and that this wasn't they signed up for.  For those who enjoy room service or going to the buffet for dinner or even having high quality meals in the MDR, this is equivalent.  

 

[TeeRick]

2 hours ago, bonagrad said:

A lot of us are already booked and fully paid with other expenses like air and hotels already booked.  Yes, we will look at other lines, but that doesn't change the fact that we're not getting what we paid for to begin with.  The video in the original post shows that.

This is the truth.  They put changes in effect on Jan 1, 2023.  No warning or communication.  We found out by reading these boards.  At least for those of us cruising Jan-Feb-Mar (after final payments) this seems pretty unfair.  I definitely will make this known in my guest survey at the very least.  

[Cruising Cindy Lou]

I will say I am starting to hear other cruise lines are making last minute changes to help with their costs and people are not happy.  Lots of lines going to 1 times a day room service, increase in tips, cutting room attendant pay and NCL cut one of their big production shows.  A lot of big time cruisers are blowing up their UTube channels complaining about all the changes.  I am happy to be back cruising.  2.5 years with no cruising made for 2.5 very depressing years.  I sure hope that the industry can find a solution that works to keep them floating, but also keeps cruisers engaged and happy. 

[cw2go]

25 minutes ago, Salt Lifer said:

 

Exactly.  I suspect that if the cost saving changes implemented were to eliminate the casino or change Luminea from a suite-perk to a specialty restaurant for all, many here would be screaming bloody murder and complaining they should have known this prior to final payment and that this wasn't they signed up for.  For those who enjoy room service or going to the buffet for dinner or even having high quality meals in the MDR, this is equivalent.  

 

 

Or reduced Luminea to a Dinner Only option for suite guests and cut The Retreat pool deck menu down by 50-75%. 🤔

 

 

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by cw2go

[mpdog42]

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

Are you new to the CC mod squad (host). I don't recognized your screen name. 🙄

Notice how people like to deflect instead of talking about the issue...Reminds me of a lot of people in a area called DC....

[mpdog42]

41 minutes ago, cw2go said:

 

 

I do think it's only fair that those who booked their cruises before Jan 1st would be "grand fathered in"  with Room Service privileges, without paying a fee plus grats. This could have been a great alternative for those who were expecting a plentiful buffet. 

 

That was a perk that was available when booking, that imo should remain so. It doesn't effect me as I am not a room service user but it was an included option, without extra expense, at the time of my booking. 

 

Patty 

Have spoken twice to my TA stating this very thing or a least the OBC to cover the charges....Response from Celeb...Crickets....

[Georgia_Peaches]

3 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

4% that is lost with 6.2% inflation ...

So are you saying that loaning money to VO for free is better than negative growth on 4% due to inflation?  Hmmm...you may have a point.  Personally, I'd rather invest in a new Louie Vuitton...they hold their value quite well...😁

[mpdog42]

21 minutes ago, Cruising Cindy Lou said:

I will say I am starting to hear other cruise lines are making last minute changes to help with their costs and people are not happy.  Lots of lines going to 1 times a day room service, increase in tips, cutting room attendant pay and NCL cut one of their big production shows.  A lot of big time cruisers are blowing up their UTube channels complaining about all the changes.  I am happy to be back cruising.  2.5 years with no cruising made for 2.5 very depressing years.  I sure hope that the industry can find a solution that works to keep them floating, but also keeps cruisers engaged and happy. 

Food is a whole other story..Its not like you can call Grub Hub or Pizza Hut from the ship....Speaking of Big time Youtubers...have not heard a word about Celebrity major changes on any of their platforms except for the Traveling Gamblers

[Georgia_Peaches]

35 minutes ago, Salt Lifer said:

I suspect that if the cost saving changes implemented were to eliminate the casino or change Luminea from a suite-perk to a specialty restaurant for all, many here would be screaming bloody murder and complaining they should have known this prior to final payment and that this wasn't they signed up for.

You're right!  And I would be one of them.  Changes to the suite perks while paying handsomely for them is enough to make one scream bloody murder.  Complimentary room service was not a perk that was purchased with a room category like Luminae and the Retreat areas.   While the charge is rude and annoying on Celebrity's part, my understanding is that continental breakfast delivery including coffee and juice is still complimentary.  I think a nice compromise is the grandfather suggestion for those who booked prior to the change.  That seems fair but what do I know!

[bonagrad]

1 hour ago, stringbean10 said:

What would constitute a material change to "what you paid for"? 

 

I am curious how abreast of changes Celebrity should keep their customers. 

 

Should we get an email with every change?

 

Did they stop offering sports massages in the spa?  Should I get an email?  They reduced the buffet 1 buffet by 10%?  Took away two dishes?   Closing the main dining room 10 min earlier?   Changing the laundry detergent?  Stop offering a welcome drink? Change pillow suppliers?  

 

Once you make final payment - you are grandfathered in?  Should they have a particular dish set aside for people that booked two years ago because it was on the menu when they booked and that is what they paid for?  

 

Should they continue to waste Celebrities just as hard earned money on you with food waste?   Should they personally poll you and ask what is important to you and make sure that is all available from the day you put down your deposit to sailing date. 

 

What would make you happy?????? 

 

I'm just going out on a limb here and guessing - nothing. ever. 

 

 

 

I won't rehash what would make me happy!  I've already stated it, it's not a lot, and would still reduce waste.  So get off your high horse, because simple changes would suffice.  I've been cruising for 18 years and have seen tons of changes that I don't complain about.  

 

If you reduce the one casual, included dining option by 80%, then yes, I'd like to be notified of that change.  That has a direct affect on my cruise.  I legit found about this, a day after making my final payment.  So, sorry, If my displeasure is giving you angst.  The other things that you mentioned are a far cry from reducing the options I have in terms of meals, you know, what we need to actually fuel our bodies.  

Edited January 18, 2023 by bonagrad

[Salt Lifer]

1 minute ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

You're right!  And I would be one of them.  Changes to the suite perks while paying handsomely for them is enough to make one scream bloody murder.  Complimentary room service was not a perk that was purchased with a room category like Luminae and the Retreat areas.   While the charge is rude and annoying on Celebrity's part, my understanding is that continental breakfast delivery including coffee and juice is still complimentary.  I think a nice compromise is the grandfather suggestion for those who booked prior to the change.  That seems fair but what do I know!

 

But I think you are missing the point.  You signed up expecting certain suite perks.  Passengers in steerage signed up expecting other perks (free room service, quality food, etc.).  Just because you paid more for your perk does not make it more worthwhile to be respected.  

 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

3 hours ago, Salt Lifer said:

There are so many other ways that costs could be cut in less noticable ways than to completely destroy the one element (the food experience) that used to set Celebrity apart.  It is baffling to me.  

 

Agree 100%.  We went to Celebrity because it was supposed to be a higher standard of food.  Period.  Other cost cutting measures?  Let's see...I always bring my own bath products:  shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc...I know it's supplied on the ship but my products are better...those supplies are lost on me.  I also don't need a turn down service or a second set of towels each day.  I would gladly forego these expenses for better food.  To those who scoff at the toiletry thing...make it part of your cruise package.  You want toiletries in your room, check a box and pay a fee...  Cut out the afternoon canape delivery.  We never eat them because we don't know how long they've been sitting out...Regardless of what they do, there's always going to be someone who's mad because no two cruisers cruise the same way.

[Georgia_Peaches]

5 minutes ago, Salt Lifer said:

 

But I think you are missing the point.  You signed up expecting certain suite perks.  Passengers in steerage signed up expecting other perks (free room service, quality food, etc.).  Just because you paid more for your perk does not make it more worthwhile to be respected.  

 

 

I didn't miss your point.   I also was not aware that complimentary room service used to be a part of the standard room category description...if it was, then I stand corrected.

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

21 hours ago, TopoChico said:

I’m curious. Have you been on the Summit? Or Millennium?  There is not plenty of food elsewhere.  
 

On our second evening, after a long hot day on the beach, we decided to skip the dining room and relax on our balcony with some champagne and watch the sunset. We decided earlier in the day that we’ll go to the buffet that evening. We based this decision on the 7 previous X cruises we’d been on.
Many times on our previous cruises on the Summit, we would bring a lovely dinner from the cafe out to the Sunset Bar, with a wonderful bottle of wine, listening to whatever acoustic musicians they had playing that evening. and dine under a million stars and moonlight.  I have so many beautiful memories of doing this. So do our now-grown sons. This is what we most talked about when we gathered excitedly to plan our last big trip together for awhile.
I literally cannot recall one evening as memorable spent in the dining rooms or pretend restaurants. 

 

We went to Cellar Masters and got two fine bottles of wine.  
 

When we got to the buffet, wine bottles ready, there was nothing open.  It was 80% shut down. There were galumpki’s and some slop in a tray that appeared to be gravy on chicken. There were several Indian options. We do not enjoy Indian food.  There was a salad bar with no lettuce and no proteins to go on top, great for making yourself a side salad of tomatoes. There were no entrées to accompany it. There was plenty of Mortadella (bologna) and slimy wet cheese that had been sitting out, all day.  Some cold pizza. And a Turkey was carved- with no sides. 
 

Four of us walked, around and came back with nothing. There was literally nowhere else to get food - It was 8:00 and we were all in shorts and flip flops. 

Luckily, we had that freakishly huge balcony with a table for four and four loungers, so we ordered room service! We played Monopoly. We listed to music and we drank all that wine. Three hours later, still no food.
We were asleep when it finally came at 11:45. 

As I know I have said before on here, our sailing was a test for this new policy. Many on our sailing were talking about it, and all very confused. 

 

 Unbeknownst to us, that was the day we learned we were not going to be sailing on Celebrity again. It’s not just the closing of the buffet for dinner to some of us. It’s a nice experience we won’t get to enjoy again. 
 

Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience.

 

If there was one post that Celebrity could pull from this entire thread to rethink their decision to cut back the OVC dinner service, it would be this one.

[davekathy]

Just now, Georgia_Peaches said:

I didn't miss your point.   I also was not aware that complimentary room service used to be a part of the standard room category description...if it was, then I stand corrected.

Up until this month. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

1 minute ago, davekathy said:

Up until this month. 

So before January, complimentary room service was in the fine print about the room?  I didn't know this and now better understand.  Thanks.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Deleted

Edited January 18, 2023 by CHEZMARYLOU

[Ipeeinthepools]

16 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

You're right!  And I would be one of them.  Changes to the suite perks while paying handsomely for them is enough to make one scream bloody murder.  Complimentary room service was not a perk that was purchased with a room category like Luminae and the Retreat areas.   While the charge is rude and annoying on Celebrity's part, my understanding is that continental breakfast delivery including coffee and juice is still complimentary.  I think a nice compromise is the grandfather suggestion for those who booked prior to the change.  That seems fair but what do I know!

 

I'm confused.  Why is it reasonable to expect suite guests to scream bloody murder when services disappear but someone in an inside or ocean view cabin should accept it when services disappear? Although the suite guest has paid handsomely for their vacation, it's entirely possible that the cost for the inside or ocean view cabin was a much a much bigger portion of their income than it was for the suite guest.  I would think that those non-suite guests have even more of a right to scream bloody murder.

[davekathy]

6 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

So before January, complimentary room service was in the fine print about the room?  I didn't know this and now better understand.  Thanks.

All I can say is there was never a charge. But we don't use RS. But agree with those that are PO that the RS charge for bookings made prior to this year should be grandfathered.  No charge.  Especially since Celebrity has kept a tight lip about it along with the topic of this thread! 

Edited January 18, 2023 by davekathy