Island Princess casual dining?

[Steelers36]

11 minutes ago, dides said:

That's what cruzin4us was trying to find out last Sunday. From their post:   "I said "ok", then how are you compensating us that are expecting the 2 pop up lunches that replace Alfredos/Gigi's or Gastropub.    He didn't know how to answer my question (not good enough).   I said how about 1 dinner at a Specialty Restaurant (seems fair to me).   He is referring me to a "Higher Up" to get back to me......we'll see."

 

Will they have to balance income from Sabatini's lunches v compensation for lack of casual dining?

 

I either forgot that from last week or missed it.  I understand the concern.  OTOH, how much value can one attach to this item (you can't really attach list price to everything or not enough funds in the package - that's why it is a package)?  The perk has been added with no price increase, so is the value $0? 

 

I wonder if PCL is planning to augment Casual Dining locales and will then use that as part of the reason to bump up the package pricing.

[luvtravel]

On 8/12/2023 at 6:01 PM, seachelt said:

Exactly! Hence my question as to whether anyone who recently sailed on the Island was able to somehow get casual dining as a popup. Note that the Plus60 package includes 2 casual dining meals.

Thanks again.

seachelt

 

We were on the Island Princess in July (Norway/Iceland) we did not see any pop up restaurants. Actually any time we walked by the 2 specialty restaurants they appeared empty.    We did have dinner one night in the One serving Cajun food - there were 6 of us - we were the only ones in the restaurant when we got there and when we left hours later.

[Steelers36]

18 minutes ago, luvtravel said:

We were on the Island Princess in July (Norway/Iceland) we did not see any pop up restaurants. Actually any time we walked by the 2 specialty restaurants they appeared empty.    We did have dinner one night in the One serving Cajun food - there were 6 of us - we were the only ones in the restaurant when we got there and when we left hours later.

The new changes for Casual Dining did not begin until various launch dates in August.  It is all implemented now.... or perhaps a carry-over of a ship or two into early Sep.

Edited September 5, 2023 by Steelers36

[caribill]

On 9/4/2023 at 1:55 PM, Steelers36 said:

Are you on Plus Premier Cruise Fare package?  If so, have you asked how guests are supposed to take advantage of their free casual dining?  If nothing offered of substance, is there an OBC credit?

 

 

I think things are added to plus and premier packages just so Princess can brag how much money you save by having one of the packages. 

 

For example, take the $12 premium desserts. For two people on a 7-day cruise, that is a "value" of $336 saved by having Plus. Not sure how much value they place on having unlimited premium desserts with the Premier package.

 

Since the free casual dining was added to Plus and Premier at no increase in package pricing, I would not think Princess would compensate for not having a place to use that benefit.

 

Consider the Australians who have gratuities included in their fare and then, if they get a package, pay for the gratuities a second time. They get no money back for that.

[Steelers36]

7 hours ago, caribill said:

 

I think things are added to plus and premier packages just so Princess can brag how much money you save by having one of the packages. 

 

For example, take the $12 premium desserts. For two people on a 7-day cruise, that is a "value" of $336 saved by having Plus. Not sure how much value they place on having unlimited premium desserts with the Premier package.

 

Since the free casual dining was added to Plus and Premier at no increase in package pricing, I would not think Princess would compensate for not having a place to use that benefit.

 

Consider the Australians who have gratuities included in their fare and then, if they get a package, pay for the gratuities a second time. They get no money back for that.

No, I don't think they will compensate either.  It was just being posed as I would expect someone to ask ir complain since it is the nature of some to do so.

 

As for Australia, the package pricing reflects the absence of CA.

[Fishwife2016]

New to Princess, traveling on Island Princess December 2024 (over Christmas and New Year).  I've just read the above comments about lack of casual dining, what about the 2 premium desserts per day with the Plus package?  Anywhere on the Island to get these?  Thank you!

[seachelt]

1 hour ago, Fishwife2016 said:

New to Princess, traveling on Island Princess December 2024 (over Christmas and New Year).  I've just read the above comments about lack of casual dining, what about the 2 premium desserts per day with the Plus package?  Anywhere on the Island to get these?  Thank you!

Yes, the desserts are readily available on the Island. (in the pool area)

We like the Island Princess.

Enjoy your holiday cruise!

Seachelt

[Fishwife2016]

9 hours ago, seachelt said:

Yes, the desserts are readily available on the Island. (in the pool area)

We like the Island Princess.

Enjoy your holiday cruise!

Seachelt

Thank you!  Greatly appreciated!

[phabric]

I just returned from the Island.

 

You have to watch the Pattern (activity paper you receive each night) - dining times to see when/where/time the casual dining are being held.  

 

Ours was on the sea days in the Bayou Steak restaurant, I think 12pm-1:30pm

1st sea day - it was Salty Dog Grill

2nd sea day it was Alfredo.

[Fishwife2016]

9 minutes ago, phabric said:

I just returned from the Island.

 

You have to watch the Pattern (activity paper you receive each night) - dining times to see when/where/time the casual dining are being held.  

 

Ours was on the sea days in the Bayou Steak restaurant, I think 12pm-1:30pm

1st sea day - it was Salty Dog Grill

2nd sea day it was Alfredo.

Thank you, great information. 

[Nebr.cruiser]

The main thing I don't like about the Island is no International Cafe, one of our favorite included venues on most Princess ships.  Although on our last cruise there were no longer any salad type dishes there.

[Gramgle]

Currently on the Island Princess.  28 days Rome to Ft Lauderdale (11/23-12/21/2023.  I booked in December 2022 with the Plus Package. At the time of booking, there was no such thing as Casual Dining …. Alfredo’s ect were all included.  In mid 2023 they decided to create Casual Dining charging $15 per head.  If you book the Princess Plus Package recently you get 2 Casual dining options per head during the voyage. But if you booked early (before Casual Dining $15 per head) they won’t honor the 2 Casual dining options per voyage.  I think that is very low class of them.   I realize that Covid hit the cruise industry very hard.  However; being cheap is not the way to win customers.  I have been on a great many Princess Cruises including 3 this year totaling 60 days.  Princess becomes more like the Greyhound Bus Line of Cruising. 

[tml1230]

Currently on the island P for 28 days....it's been  a great experience (top 5 of 30 for us). Enjoying it so much we booked up another 28 dayer on her next year.Maybe it's the reserve class experience we have, but it sure beats a greyhound bus experience. 

[seachelt]

4 hours ago, Gramgle said:

Currently on the Island Princess.  28 days Rome to Ft Lauderdale (11/23-12/21/2023.  I booked in December 2022 with the Plus Package. At the time of booking, there was no such thing as Casual Dining …. Alfredo’s ect were all included.  In mid 2023 they decided to create Casual Dining charging $15 per head.  If you book the Princess Plus Package recently you get 2 Casual dining options per head during the voyage. But if you booked early (before Casual Dining $15 per head) they won’t honor the 2 Casual dining options per voyage.  I think that is very low class of them.   I realize that Covid hit the cruise industry very hard.  However; being cheap is not the way to win customers.  I have been on a great many Princess Cruises including 3 this year totaling 60 days.  Princess becomes more like the Greyhound Bus Line of Cruising. 

Just to clarify, not all ships had all dining options. Island Princess never had Alfredo’s.

[SargassoPirate]

4 hours ago, tml1230 said:

Currently on the island P for 28 days....it's been  a great experience (top 5 of 30 for us). Enjoying it so much we booked up another 28 dayer on her next year.Maybe it's the reserve class experience we have, but it sure beats a greyhound bus experience. 

Any idea where the chef's table dining was held?

 

Looking forward to 111 days on the Island.  The shop has some detractors, but I followed the 2023 WC live report and it looks just fine to me.

[tml1230]

2 hours ago, seachelt said:

Just to clarify, not all ships had all dining options. Island Princess never had Alfredo’s.

exactly! research on cruise critic is a beautiful thing!

[tml1230]

2 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

Any idea where the chef's table dining was held?

 

Looking forward to 111 days on the Island.  The shop has some detractors, but I followed the 2023 WC live report and it looks just fine to me.

not sure on chefs table .....but you have given me an enjoyable  project  for the upcoming days on board to research for you! 

for the record.... we have easily compensated  for NO  international  cafe by  a quick sojourn to the buffet.

the coffee and cappuccino  on deck 5 is equal to or better  than international cafe.....

just returned  from another great dinner  ....double order of escargot!!

[memoak]

7 hours ago, Gramgle said:

Currently on the Island Princess.  28 days Rome to Ft Lauderdale (11/23-12/21/2023.  I booked in December 2022 with the Plus Package. At the time of booking, there was no such thing as Casual Dining …. Alfredo’s ect were all included.  In mid 2023 they decided to create Casual Dining charging $15 per head.  If you book the Princess Plus Package recently you get 2 Casual dining options per head during the voyage. But if you booked early (before Casual Dining $15 per head) they won’t honor the 2 Casual dining options per voyage.  I think that is very low class of them.   I realize that Covid hit the cruise industry very hard.  However; being cheap is not the way to win customers.  I have been on a great many Princess Cruises including 3 this year totaling 60 days.  Princess becomes more like the Greyhound Bus Line of Cruising. 

If you paid $60 per day per person then you do have the casual meals. Also remember the only casual venue that were free were Alfredo’s (not on all ships) and tapas at Vines (not all ships). All other venues like Salty Dog Gastropub and Sushi restaurants always had a charge. I don’t believe your argument holds water

[SargassoPirate]

1 hour ago, tml1230 said:

not sure on chefs table .....but you have given me an enjoyable  project  for the upcoming days on board to research for you! 

for the record.... we have easily compensated  for NO  international  cafe by  a quick sojourn to the buffet.

the coffee and cappuccino  on deck 5 is equal to or better  than international cafe.....

just returned  from another great dinner  ....double order of escargot!!

Thank you.  Looking forward to what you find out.

[ldubs]

8 hours ago, Gramgle said:

Currently on the Island Princess.  28 days Rome to Ft Lauderdale (11/23-12/21/2023.  I booked in December 2022 with the Plus Package. At the time of booking, there was no such thing as Casual Dining …. Alfredo’s ect were all included.  In mid 2023 they decided to create Casual Dining charging $15 per head.  If you book the Princess Plus Package recently you get 2 Casual dining options per head during the voyage. But if you booked early (before Casual Dining $15 per head) they won’t honor the 2 Casual dining options per voyage.  I think that is very low class of them.   I realize that Covid hit the cruise industry very hard.  However; being cheap is not the way to win customers.  I have been on a great many Princess Cruises including 3 this year totaling 60 days.  Princess becomes more like the Greyhound Bus Line of Cruising. 

 

Did you not have the option to upgrade to the new package?  If yes and you decided not to, then I don't understand your complaint. 

 

I hope you find a vacation option you will enjoy.   

[Musky Ike]

On 12/3/2023 at 8:47 AM, phabric said:

I just returned from the Island.

 

You have to watch the Pattern (activity paper you receive each night) - dining times to see when/where/time the casual dining are being held.  

 

Ours was on the sea days in the Bayou Steak restaurant, I think 12pm-1:30pm

1st sea day - it was Salty Dog Grill

2nd sea day it was Alfredo.

Thanks. I presume this would be similar on Caribbean Princess. Maybe in Sabatini's for lunch ? Anybody recently on that ship?

[tml1230]

14 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

Thank you.  Looking forward to what you find out.

greetings from Messina Sicily .....per guest services, they hold chefs table  in a separate portion of the Bordeaux dining room....they said a staff member is waiting at the entrance to escort participants to the area.....

he thought they did it 3 times on this 14 day portion of the cruise. many of the crew we have chatted wit h will be on for the entire world cruise...GREAT crew! you won't be dissapointed!

[SargassoPirate]

2 hours ago, tml1230 said:

greetings from Messina Sicily .....per guest services, they hold chefs table  in a separate portion of the Bordeaux dining room....they said a staff member is waiting at the entrance to escort participants to the area.....

he thought they did it 3 times on this 14 day portion of the cruise. many of the crew we have chatted wit h will be on for the entire world cruise...GREAT crew! you won't be dissapointed!

Thanks for nailing that down. I appreciate it.  I'll buy you a wee dram at Good Spirits tonight.  Just mention my name and they'll take care of it - if you have a package, that is. 😂

[Tipsy252]

Following as we will be on Island Princess in July next year for 21 days, New York - Canada - Greenland - Iceland - UK. Was looking forward to the included Casual Dining with the plus package, but now feeling a little disappointed and cheated if it is only lunch times and limited to pizza.

[Gramgle]

On the Island Princess, Sabitini’s is Alfredo’s at lunch (Noon till 1:30) … casual dining and a $15 charge.  My complaint is that I booked the Plus Package before there was Casual Dining.  Alfredo was included dining.  In the Summer of 2023 Princess created Casual Dining.  If you booked the Plus Package after its creation, it included  2 Casual Dinings per cruise.  I think that my early booking of the Plus Package should not have excluded the 2 Casual Dining options. It’s not about money.  It about Princess not going the extra distance.  In reality what would it have cost them to include early bookings?  3 months before Alfredo’s was free anyhow.  Just more of the nickel & dime approach.  As Elite… we use to get WiFi… now we pay for it.  In the dining room, a sirloin steak was part of the Princess Favorites.  Now if you want a steak it’s $19.   Everyone use to get a Blue Princess bag for port shopping. Not any more.  The sauna & steamrooms use to be included.  Not any more.  The new business model is to advertise a very inexpensive inside cabin price, then charge extra for every thing else.