Has the quality of food in the MDR changed on Celebrity??

[Pennstatedj]

We just got off the Apex on Sunday. Food was great in main dining room for lunches on sea days and dinners. This is always an arbitrary judgement. I can only compare versus our 67 on celebrity. We find most are very good, but it varies greatly by ship and by Chef on that cruise. Same menus will produce different results for us. Example, we do lunch on sea days. All menus in MDR are the same and yet every cruise the food quality is different. For the most part all are very good in the past and on the Apex they were great. In Dec we were on Silhouette and it was even better on those days. 

[TeeRick]

Some of the reported MDR issues (lower quality, smaller portions, less selection, less staff) of course are highly subjective but this is a common supporting theme from some of you that have sailed recently.  Others see nothing wrong.  Kind of the usual discussion when it comes to food.  But it seems that it is also ship dependent.   Some ships are reported to have better MDR food than others here.  In particular I sense that the E-class MDR's are less of a problem, maybe because of the multiple dining rooms?

[Fisherjs34]

Just came back from 11 day Silhouette cruise. Unfortunately the MDR food has gone down significantly since we cruised on Silly in Jan. Of 22 No beef Wellington, no prime rib, no NY strip. Just cheap tough sirloin. The service was extremely slow. Sorry to see the demise because I really enjoyed the food and service last year.

[PTC DAWG]

19 minutes ago, Fisherjs34 said:

Just came back from 11 day Silhouette cruise. Unfortunately the MDR food has gone down significantly since we cruised on Silly in Jan. Of 22 No beef Wellington, no prime rib, no NY strip. Just cheap tough sirloin. The service was extremely slow. Sorry to see the demise because I really enjoyed the food and service last year.

Not encouraging, I hope someone is listening.

[Ipeeinthepools]

5 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

Not encouraging, I hope someone is listening.

 

It’s time to move on from Celebrity.  Try another cruise line or another type of vacation.

 

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Edited February 22, 2023 by Ipeeinthepools

[horseymike]

On 2/20/2023 at 1:42 PM, ZsaZsa2019 said:

I know someone that just came back from the Equinox this past week.  They cruise a lot and have done Celebrity serveral times in addition to all the others.  He said it was very noticeable how much smaller the buffets were this trip.  They were told they are cutting back because there has been so much wasted food in the past.

Cutting back to prevent food waste sounds better than cutting back to improve the bottom line.

[NutsAboutGolf]

2 hours ago, horseymike said:

Cutting back to prevent food waste sounds better than cutting back to improve the bottom line.

 

Corporate said it was reducing costs and to reduce food waste...If they claimed it was ONLY to reduce waste, which is "greenwashing", what are they doing with the left over buffet food after breakfast and lunch (rhetorical)?

[mcrcruiser]

On 2/20/2023 at 11:17 AM, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Admins on CC have admitted a decline in food quality.  It's been a triple wammy, less food quality, less selection (in the MDR, ribeye, wellington and prime rib are gone) and higher fares.  A retreat manager has stated X has changed to a less costly beef supplier except for the specialty 

imo X is screwing  with the wrong items that makes cruising what it is , as all inclusive . Decreasing food selections & quality  while raising fares  may work for a short time but long  time is a totally another story .There are many other lines that can  easily replace what people once got on X & perhaps at a better over all experience

[mcrcruiser]

Cutting back for food waste is lower food cost speak . what once was Xs  client base will find other lines to cruise . Holland America  is a alternative line  & so is Princess  for those who can't afford the suite life of the luxury cruise lines  .Also Woe to the cruise business with consumers now  cutting back    on spending per Execs at Home Depot & WalMart  . 

[NutsAboutGolf]

9 minutes ago, mcrcruiser said:

imo X is screwing  with the wrong items that makes cruising what it is , as all inclusive . Decreasing food selections & quality  while raising fares  may work for a short time but long  time is a totally another story .There are many other lines that can  easily replace what people once got on X & perhaps at a better over all experience

 

Unlike other lines, I do wish X had the upcharge option to order surf and turf in the MDR.  For non-suite guests, it's near impossible to book a specialty restaurant and get a reservation same day

[SbbquilterUT]

I would agree that the food quality and availability has diminished since before the "pause" but it does not keep us from cruising.  For me, most restaurant portions are too large so that part does not bother me.  Recently on solstice we were lucky to be eating in Blu and I have no issues with those meals - small portions but could order additional if you want.  And the ice cream/sorbet are just as good as always.

[mcrcruiser]

4 minutes ago, SbbquilterUT said:

I would agree that the food quality and availability has diminished since before the "pause" but it does not keep us from cruising.  For me, most restaurant portions are too large so that part does not bother me.  Recently on solstice we were lucky to be eating in Blu and I have no issues with those meals - small portions but could order additional if you want.  And the ice cream/sorbet are just as good as always.

 what you say is true for you & those with small appetites but for those who want a better dining experience  ,X is not filling that want  .Thus ,in time that will be shown in lower bookings ,just a matter of time

[Ex-Airbalancer]

18 minutes ago, mcrcruiser said:

 what you say is true for you & those with small appetites but for those who want a better dining experience  ,X is not filling that want  .Thus ,in time that will be shown in lower bookings ,just a matter of time

Just order two entrées😉

[Nashna]

On 2/20/2023 at 8:27 PM, TommyD3 said:

Even the beef in the specialty restaurants has gone downhill.

Here is what my son's prime rib looked like in Fine Cut on Apex a few weeks ago:

 

On the Edge in January, my prime rib looked identical to your son's.  It was tough... definitely not a prime or choice cut.  We decided to splurge in Fine Cut to get a good meal.  My husband's filet was great, so at least one of us enjoyed their meal.  Charging $65.00 per person, Celebrity should be making enough to provide a decent cut of beef.  

[horseymike]

1 hour ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Corporate said it was reducing costs and to reduce food waste...If they claimed it was ONLY to reduce waste, which is "greenwashing", what are they doing with the left over buffet food after breakfast and lunch (rhetorical)?

Serving it for dinner under gravy 🤣

[stinsowm]

Just back from the Reflection.  Sadly we noticed a decline in the dining room food as well. The choices were also less than prior cruises.  The service for the most part was still excellent except for one night.  Food is subjective but we will be looking at Virgin and other cruiseline options. 

[jules27556]

8 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Unlike other lines, I do wish X had the upcharge option to order surf and turf in the MDR.  For non-suite guests, it's near impossible to book a specialty restaurant and get a reservation same day

Totally agree.  Like RCL does. Plus the new menus for RCL fleet starting Feb 1st appeared more appealing IMO.  Of course bottom line is quality. 

 

***********

Interesting Article

 

USA Today Feb 17th Article

 

Best in sea: Five ships from this cruise line earn Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Star Awards

Nathan Diller

USA TODAY

************

 

Wishing everyone Exceptional Experiences without Exceptions!

 

 

[hopeless holiday booker]

 I have just come of equinox after a fabulous cruise.  I was going to write a review but someone beat me to it!

I certainly noticed the decline in choice in the main dining room.  2 soups and 2 salads to start with and 1 other most nights but not what we've had in the past.  Cubes of beef on the first Chic night which was delicious but as others have said no other beef on the main menu the whole week.  Chicken/turkey every night and pasta. Your other options were a fish dish or pork - a couple of dishes they even repeated on a 9 night cruise.  One night I had the seafood main course pasta for a starter - I hope they gave me a smaller portion as that would not have been and adult main meal.

 

It did leave me disappointed but I thought the quality of what I actually did eat was good and our service was excellent.

 

I also do feel like aqua and suite guests are where their business is heading with new cruisers commenting that it wasn't a nice feeling knowing that they have their own restaurants and retreat deck.  I don't feel like this as if you're willing to pay why shouldn't you get the extra perks.  I just hope it's not at the expense or what is probably 50% of their guests.

 

We are loyal celebrity people.  We like the perks of Elite (not sure we'll ever get higher!) we like the complete non smoking inside especially as we're casino users and I love the people, the crew and the guests!

 

Other people on our cruise were talking about different lines that they've tried.  Someone told me that the offering on their 1st cruise with Royal Caribbean was superior to their cruise on Celebrity.  Other said the food on Virgin was the best they'd had but other things were not as good.

 

Each persons experience is different except for once the MDR experience seems to be the same.

[NutsAboutGolf]

17 minutes ago, hopeless holiday booker said:

 I have just come of equinox after a fabulous cruise.  I was going to write a review but someone beat me to it!

I certainly noticed the decline in choice in the main dining room.  2 soups and 2 salads to start with and 1 other most nights but not what we've had in the past.  Cubes of beef on the first Chic night which was delicious but as others have said no other beef on the main menu the whole week.  Chicken/turkey every night and pasta. Your other options were a fish dish or pork - a couple of dishes they even repeated on a 9 night cruise.  One night I had the seafood main course pasta for a starter - I hope they gave me a smaller portion as that would not have been and adult main meal.

 

It did leave me disappointed but I thought the quality of what I actually did eat was good and our service was excellent.

 

I also do feel like aqua and suite guests are where their business is heading with new cruisers commenting that it wasn't a nice feeling knowing that they have their own restaurants and retreat deck.  I don't feel like this as if you're willing to pay why shouldn't you get the extra perks.  I just hope it's not at the expense or what is probably 50% of their guests.

 

We are loyal celebrity people.  We like the perks of Elite (not sure we'll ever get higher!) we like the complete non smoking inside especially as we're casino users and I love the people, the crew and the guests!

 

Other people on our cruise were talking about different lines that they've tried.  Someone told me that the offering on their 1st cruise with Royal Caribbean was superior to their cruise on Celebrity.  Other said the food on Virgin was the best they'd had but other things were not as good.

 

Each persons experience is different except for once the MDR experience seems to be the same.

 

Pretty much agree except that X cares about AQ as Blu food quality is the same as the MDR yet you get an expanded menu, ability to order off the MDR and a smaller dining venue.  Many have said Virgin has the best food and that's in part to everything being cooked to order and therefore as a bonus you get less food waste.  RCL and newer CCL ship do have better food...Was recently on CCL's newest ship, for free you get Guys Burgers, Guys BBQ, Shaqs big chicken, ChiBang (mexican and Asian), the ability to order for an upcharge a good steak and/or lobster and of course the infamous carnival melting cake

[ABoatNerd]

Celebrity is making deliberate decisions to reduce costs to enhance their bottom line, the "green" is total bull.

This is done as they believe they have many "obedient consumers" who will keep rebooking despite the declining value offerings. 

Every corporation relies on the "obedient consumer".

Consumers will vote with their bookings and based on a discussion with my agent, Celebrity is losing to Oceania and Princess and HA.

Celebrity was the Oceania of the day in the 2000's, they chose to move downwards into just another main line and implement their class apartheid configuration which frankly, moved many Celebrity patrons upwards to the premium lines, like myself.

Good luck Celebrity, you will need it. 

 

[NutsAboutGolf]

40 minutes ago, ABoatNerd said:

Celebrity is making deliberate decisions to reduce costs to enhance their bottom line, the "green" is total bull.

This is done as they believe they have many "obedient consumers" who will keep rebooking despite the declining value offerings. 

Every corporation relies on the "obedient consumer".

Consumers will vote with their bookings and based on a discussion with my agent, Celebrity is losing to Oceania and Princess and HA.

Celebrity was the Oceania of the day in the 2000's, they chose to move downwards into just another main line and implement their class apartheid configuration which frankly, moved many Celebrity patrons upwards to the premium lines, like myself.

Good luck Celebrity, you will need it. 

 

 

The big problem IMO is that X's cost cutting seems incredibly lazy with only cutbacks without any improvements.  The smarter companies bundle passenger decreases with some INCREASES.  When RCI introduced the $16.95 additional lobster tail fee, they changed from the cheaper/less desirable Spiny lobster to a Maine lobster tail.  Often the way these things work is the exec's would tell the top fo the F&B team their F&B budget is getting cut by 10%, then to submit your new F&B budget proposal.  In this case it seems like they opened an excel spreadsheet, sorted all their food items by the most expensive items, left the lobster and when axed the next ten most expensive items.  With all these cutbacks we the passengers gained absolutely nothing

[lola2013]

I sailed on Equinox 2/9-18.  I had no complaints...primarily because I am a chicken breast or meat and potatoes kind of girl (served after my shrimp cocktail).  Our group did eat two nights in Tuscan Grill which was outstanding.  I believe the portions were smaller but that wasn't a problem for us.

My only disappointment was that the OVC discontinued the Asian stir fry every night.  I tracked down one of the chefs who told me it was wasteful.  When I asked how that was possible since the food is made to order, he merely smirked and told me in a very condescending manner that I could ask for it in the MDR.  What am I missing?  They usually offer a couple of proteins, veggies, which are precut, and either rice or noodles.  There shouldn't be any need to cut up a lot since they would have the ability to cut up more as needed.  Maybe I'll have more luck on Apex in December!

[Ex-Airbalancer]

6 minutes ago, lola2013 said:

I sailed on Equinox 2/9-18.  I had no complaints...primarily because I am a chicken breast or meat and potatoes kind of girl (served after my shrimp cocktail).  Our group did eat two nights in Tuscan Grill which was outstanding.  I believe the portions were smaller but that wasn't a problem for us.

My only disappointment was that the OVC discontinued the Asian stir fry every night.  I tracked down one of the chefs who told me it was wasteful.  When I asked how that was possible since the food is made to order, he merely smirked and told me in a very condescending manner that I could ask for it in the MDR.  What am I missing?  They usually offer a couple of proteins, veggies, which are precut, and either rice or noodles.  There shouldn't be any need to cut up a lot since they would have the ability to cut up more as needed.  Maybe I'll have more luck on Apex in December!

How could the stir fry be waste full since anything that was left over could go into a soup for next day 🤔

[jules27556]

On 2/21/2023 at 10:22 AM, TeeRick said:

.  In particular I sense that the E-class MDR's are less of a problem, maybe because of the multiple dining rooms?

My guess, the Apex's 4 Star Forbes rating, the "recommended" Edge, plus with Ascent coming soon, ads showing Edge class ships, and fare structures, almost makes a better dining experience predictable.

[calicakes]

On 2/21/2023 at 3:36 AM, Joebucks said:

What does it matter if something declined? Do you only travel based on some arbitrary bar that was set? Will you go to a different spot then, and what bar are they set at? It should be more about if the overall value and experience is good. 

I hear what you're saying, I don't cruise for the food since having weight loss surgery 9yrs ago, food doesn't hold the same appeal to me.  I also don't eat beef so the cuts in the MDR don't bother me.  When I do eat a meal, I want it to be enjoyable since I don't eat large quantities.  They removed albacore tuna from the OVC salad bar.  They replaced it with disgusting( IMHO) dark chunk light tuna.  Since I enjoy a small salad with tuna, I am a bit upset by the change.  We have one more X cruise booked( Edge in 2024) due to the itinerary.  We made the move over to Oceania last year.  The food was very good, the pastries were amazing. The price was not much more than X.