'Freestyle dining'..is RCCL going to follow..other though-provoking ?s..

[negc]

After our upcoming cruise on BOS, RCI will have lost three customers, since my family and I don't particularly like being told while on vacation when we have to eat and what we have to wear (without being resigned to the Windjammer / Seaview). We definitely will give NCL or Princess a try for our next cruise.

 

Wouldn't it be in RCI's best interest to try and accomodate as many different dining preferences as possible,

rather than lose market share to NCL and Princess?

 

ETA: Princess was actually my first choice when I booked a cruise last August for April '06, but balcony cabins were already sold out on the ship I wanted.

 

Well if you don't want to be told what to wear in the dining room, eliminate Princess from your list since the suggested dress in the anytime dining rooms is the same as it is in the traditional dining rooms, and unless you decide to eat no later than 6:30 in the anytime dining, it is reported that you can't reserve a table and will have to take the chance that a table will be available when you show up at the dining room or experience either a short or lengthy wait depending on the circumstances. Is it really that onerous to know that your dinner seating is either at 6:00pm or 8:00 pm?

What about the showtimes and other scheduled events, should you be told that if you want to attend the production show, you have to go to the theater at 9:00pm or 10:45, or should they just start the show whenever you choose to arrive. Should you be on board half an hour before the ship leaves port or should the ship wait until you choose to get back?

Lets face it, there are lots of things which govern when we do things, some would call it structure, while you and others apparently feel it is unnecessarily restrictive of your "freedom".

Perhaps RCI feels that they gain a marketing advantage by offering traditional dining. While they may lose your three bookings, they may gain more bookings from guests who prefer the traditional dining experience and don't want to run the risk of being placed in anytime dining as all too often happens on Princess, or experience lackluster service, as some report having on NCL.

Why is it okay for NCL to tout the fact that it offers only Freestyle Dining, and for Princess to claim it offers the options of traditional and anytime dining, yet it is somehow wrong for RCI to remain committed to Traditional Dining? Let the passengers decide which they prefer. So far, all three lines seem to be filling their ships successfully.

[negc]

After our upcoming cruise on BOS, RCI will have lost three customers, since my family and I don't particularly like being told while on vacation when we have to eat and what we have to wear (without being resigned to the Windjammer / Seaview). We definitely will give NCL or Princess a try for our next cruise.

 

Wouldn't it be in RCI's best interest to try and accomodate as many different dining preferences as possible,

rather than lose market share to NCL and Princess?

 

ETA: Princess was actually my first choice when I booked a cruise last August for April '06, but balcony cabins were already sold out on the ship I wanted.

 

Well if you don't want to be told what to wear in the dining room, eliminate Princess from your list since the suggested dress in the anytime dining rooms is the same as it is in the traditional dining rooms, and unless you decide to eat no later than 6:30 in the anytime dining, it is reported that you can't reserve a table and will have to take the chance that a table will be available when you show up at the dining room or experience either a short or lengthy wait depending on the circumstances. Is it really that onerous to know that your dinner seating is either at 6:00pm or 8:00 pm?

What about the showtimes and other scheduled events, should you be told that if you want to attend the production show, you have to go to the theater at 9:00pm or 10:45, or should they just start the show whenever you choose to arrive. Should you be on board half an hour before the ship leaves port or should the ship wait until you choose to get back?

Lets face it, there are lots of things which govern when we do things, some would call it structure, while you and others apparently feel it is unnecessarily restrictive of your "freedom".

Perhaps RCI feels that they gain a marketing advantage by offering traditional dining. While they may lose your three bookings, they may gain more bookings from guests who prefer the traditional dining experience and don't want to run the risk of being placed in anytime dining as all too often happens on Princess, or experience lackluster service, as some report having on NCL.

Why is it okay for NCL to tout the fact that it offers only Freestyle Dining, and for Princess to claim it offers the options of traditional and anytime dining, yet it is somehow wrong for RCI to remain committed to Traditional Dining? Let the passengers decide which they prefer. So far, all three lines seem to be filling their ships successfully.

[Twaincruisers]

My wife and I enjoyed our traditional dining on a 37-year old ship on our first cruise in 1992. It served to set our preferences. On the other hand we have been on 2 Princess and three NCL. We just returned from the NCL Sun and the experience simply confirmed our previous freestyle experience: bad service 50% of the time, excellent service (extra cost restaurant) once and mediocre the other. NCL freestyle "service" seems to fade away as the restaurant gets busier (we dine early) and as the dinner goes on. Servers seem to disappear and it is not possible to get one more cup of coffee or even the check! Princess anytime dining only works if you are one who eats outside the busy times...we eat early so it worked. Seven individuals met on the first night and came back at the same time every night and asked for the same table without reservations. Would not work during most time frames. We would be very disappointed if RCI went to anytime or freestyle. The only reasons we have done NCL (except the Norway) is to get to specific destinations and do so inexpensively. On our Princess cruises we were told that people who were in traditional, but tried anytime, lost their place in traditional (they take down your room number). Please RCI don't change to anytime/freestyle...we like your quality.

[cruisnfool]

I agree with the posters that mention our society has gone so casual that children today do not appreciate times when they need to dress nicer. I really enjoy the opportunity to dress up. I can also appreciate the fact that some people like a casual atmosphere. I say keep the dining rooms the same and use the windjammer as your casual option.

While "anytime" it just that you don't get the special attention. On out last Princess cruise we had a group of 23 people and 4 added last minute.....they could not add 4 to the Traditional arrangement so they put us in anytime with our traditional time. We had the same waiters but had the abbreviated service...less silverware, no singing waiters or baked alaska......

 

Many things are changing in the cruise arena but I hope we always have the option for formal attire and dinners....

[mstr824]

Well if you don't want to be told what to wear in the dining room, eliminate Princess from your list since the suggested dress in the anytime dining rooms is the same as it is in the traditional dining rooms, and unless you decide to eat no later than 6:30 in the anytime dining, it is reported that you can't reserve a table and will have to take the chance that a table will be available when you show up at the dining room or experience either a short or lengthy wait depending on the circumstances.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll cross Princess off my list and go with NCL.

 

 

Is it really that onerous to know that your dinner seating is either at 6:00pm or 8:00 pm?

Yes it is....I am on vacation.

I could tolerate one or two nights of assigned dining time / seating, but not for an entire 10 night cruise.

 

 

What about the showtimes and other scheduled events, should you be told that if you want to attend the production show, you have to go to the theater at 9:00pm or 10:45, or should they just start the show whenever you choose to arrive. Should you be on board half an hour before the ship leaves port or should the ship wait until you choose to get back?

This is simply a ridiculous argument. You're comparing apples and oranges.

 

 

Lets face it, there are lots of things which govern when we do things, some would call it structure, while you and others apparently feel it is unnecessarily restrictive of your "freedom".

Ummm...isn't this one of the main reasons that most people take a vacation,

to get away from the "structure"?

 

 

Why is it okay for NCL to tout the fact that it offers only Freestyle Dining, and for Princess to claim it offers the options of traditional and anytime dining, yet it is somehow wrong for RCI to remain committed to Traditional Dining? Let the passengers decide which they prefer. So far, all three lines seem to be filling their ships successfully.

Never said it was wrong for RCI to remain committed to traditional dining....that's their prerogative.

Just like it's my prerogative to cruise with a different line.

 

Like you said, let the passengers decide which they prefer. What I am saying is that why can't RCI find a way to let them decide on the same ship, or at least within the fleet? I can understand keeping Chops & Portofino's upscale, since they are specialty restaurants that charge extra. But why can't the dining room be divided up so that those who want to wear their tuxes, suits, and gowns do so in their own separate area, while those who want to wear their jeans, shorts, and t-shirts can still enjoy the same food in a different area?

 

All three lines may be filling up ships now, but as more and more new ships are introduced to each of their fleets, push will come to shove and RCI will do whatever it takes to avoid losing more and more customers to the other lines that are offering a dining choice.

[Ohunion Cruzers]

 

Never said it was wrong for RCI to remain committed to traditional dining....that's their prerogative.

Just like it's my prerogative to cruise with a different line.

 

Like you said, let the passengers decide which they prefer. What I am saying is that why can't RCI find a way to let them decide on the same ship, or at least within the fleet? I can understand keeping Chops & Portofino's upscale, since they are specialty restaurants that charge extra. But why can't the dining room be divided up so that those who want to wear their tuxes, suits, and gowns do so in their own separate area, while those who want to wear their jeans, shorts, and t-shirts can still enjoy the same food in a different area?

 

 

I think you started out with THE answer and finished with a question. And the dining room is divided into two sections...Main Formal Dining and Windjammer - AND on some ships Specialty Restaurants.

[Nliedel]

If CRI went to freestyle (which gets a lot of flack from people who don't like it) then I would end my realationship with RCI. 100% it would cost them the sale. I know that sounds terribly grumpy but it's how I feel.

[mstr824]

I think you started out with THE answer and finished with a question. And the dining room is divided into two sections...Main Formal Dining and Windjammer - AND on some ships Specialty Restaurants.

 

So what you're saying then is that the Main Formal Dining Room, Windjammer, Chops, and Portofinos all offer the same food?

 

The point was that there are a lot of people like me who don't want to be relegated to a Windjammer buffet or Seaview menu just because they don't want to eat at the same specific time or play dress-up every evening.

 

If RCI wants to lose these customers to NCL & Princess, it's their choice.

Personally, I think it would be smart business on their part to try and accomodate as many different types of dining preferences as possible and increase market share.

[brn2crz]

So what you're saying then is that the Main Formal Dining Room, Windjammer, Chops, and Portofinos all offer the same food?

 

The point was that there are a lot of people like me who don't want to be relegated to a Windjammer buffet or Seaview menu just because they don't want to eat at the same specific time or play dress-up every evening.

 

If RCI wants to lose these customers to NCL & Princess, it's their choice.

Personally, I think it would be smart business on their part to try and accomodate as many different types of dining preferences as possible and increase market share.

 

Yes...It is the same food...In the evening in the windjammer,they serve the same menu,plus a few other things,and even more if there is a Jade section.Its just in a bit more relaxed atmosphere.But still linens ,candles etc.

Of course the specialty stops have their own menus,and if you really wanna dumb down formal night,theres JR's & the Promonade or Seaview cafe as options on many ships...

[TexasMom2]

So what you're saying then is that the Main Formal Dining Room, Windjammer, Chops, and Portofinos all offer the same food?

 

The point was that there are a lot of people like me who don't want to be relegated to a Windjammer buffet or Seaview menu just because they don't want to eat at the same specific time or play dress-up every evening.

 

If RCI wants to lose these customers to NCL & Princess, it's their choice.

Personally, I think it would be smart business on their part to try and accomodate as many different types of dining preferences as possible and increase market share.

 

This is a great benefit of sailing RCI - you can order items that are on the dining room menu from room service. There aren't many lines out there that do that. We did it once last June and it was wonderful...got sunburned and couldn't bear to wear clothes. Of course we let the server in with our robes on. :)

[mstr824]

Yes...It is the same food...In the evening in the windjammer,they serve the same menu,plus a few other things,and even more if there is a Jade section.Its just in a bit more relaxed atmosphere.

This contradicts a lot of other posts I read on this board regarding the Windjammer menu.

Most of them described it as basically a glorified buffet. Guess I'll find out for myself in a few days which description is more accurate.

 

Good point on the room service, TexasMom.

I wasn't aware that RCI was one of the few lines to offer that amenity. Is this just from the basic every-night menu, or can you get whatever special items are being offered on a particular evening (except lobster) as well?

[TexasMom2]

This contradicts a lot of other posts I read on this board regarding the Windjammer menu.

Most of them described it as basically a glorified buffet. Guess I'll find out for myself in a few days which description is more accurate.

 

Good point on the room service, TexasMom.

I wasn't aware that RCI was one of the few lines to offer that amenity. Is this just from the basic every-night menu, or can you get whatever special items are being offered on a particular evening (except lobster) as well?

 

You can order what is on the menu from the dining room. We got every single course...I am remembering salad, soup, rolls, and full entree (DH beef, I had chicken) with veggies, plus dessert. We ate on our balcony while leaving Barbados and I must say it was a good day to be sunburned because the scenery while we were having dinner was a special treat. It was the only night I didn't make it to some activity then the casino but I must say I really enjoyed it, even though my skin was on fire and sticky from the aloe vera gel. :)

[negc]

All three lines may be filling up ships now, but as more and more new ships are introduced to each of their fleets, push will come to shove and RCI will do whatever it takes to avoid losing more and more customers to the other lines that are offering a dining choice.[/quote

 

Or they might just as easily gain more and more customers from the other lines as passengers become less satisfied with the deteriorating service they experience in those other dining choices and the pendulum swings towards more traditional styles of cruising.

 

Only time will tell as to which of us is right, but I don't see why RCI or any other line for that matter has to try to be all things to all people. Better that they choose their own style (which I believe they have) and strive to deliver the best product that they can, than attempt to appeal to everyone and end up satisfying no one.

 

I don't care for the "freestyle" dining experience offered on NCL, and I don't think that Princess has done enough to make "personal choice" work the way it was intended. That said, I don't believe that I can, or should, demand that those lines change their style to satisfy my tastes, and I wish that others would refrain from making such demands of RCI.

[mstr824]

Only time will tell as to which of us is right, but I don't see why RCI or any other line for that matter has to try to be all things to all people. Better that they choose their own style (which I believe they have) and strive to deliver the best product that they can, than attempt to appeal to everyone and end up satisfying no one.

I concur.

Sooner or later though, one of the lines is going to figure out how to make it all work

(i.e. accomodating both traditional and freestyle dining preferences without compromising service & quality).

Based on what I've been reading on these boards, it seems like Princess is at least on the right track.

[arabrab]

It's not true or untrue, just that people have different experiences. You have been lucky with your cruises, others posting here on this thread and in the many threads discussing anytime dining on the Princess board, haven't been lucky to get their choice of traditional dining.

 

It isn't true "anytime" dining if you have to make a reservation.

 

We booked in August for a spring break cruise on Princess & got our requested late traditional seating. I heard that the tough one to get was early traditional, which appeals very heavily to the older demographic and to families with children.

[TexasMom2]

We booked in August for a spring break cruise on Princess & got our requested late traditional seating. I heard that the tough one to get was early traditional, which appeals very heavily to the older demographic and to families with children.

 

We were waitlisted for late traditional and never made it. We were on the Grand the week before Christmas and the ship didn't sail full. Our next Princess cruise is the Tahitian and that ship has traditional only because it is so small.

[ORANGEinINDY]

Sorry but I did not read ALL of the posts here.

I have to say I enjoy the traditional dining, (but that is my only experience as well). My vote would be in strong favor of traditional dining.

For those of you that feel strongly about maintaining traditional seating, I have two words for you... "comment card". RCI needs to know how you feel to meet your needs. Often something as simple as this, (but they're already doing it and you enjoy it) is overlooked when your filling those things out.

For those of you that want RCI to switch to freestyle seating... forget I said anything:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D

[Ohunion Cruzers]

So what you're saying then is that the Main Formal Dining Room, Windjammer, Chops, and Portofinos all offer the same food?

 

The point was that there are a lot of people like me who don't want to be relegated to a Windjammer buffet or Seaview menu just because they don't want to eat at the same specific time or play dress-up every evening.

 

If RCI wants to lose these customers to NCL & Princess, it's their choice.

Personally, I think it would be smart business on their part to try and accomodate as many different types of dining preferences as possible and increase market share.

 

No, I did not say that. But now that you mention it, I recall talking to someone who was on a Free Style (or whatever) cruiseline. They indicated that each restaurants does NOT serve the same thing, either. So, since RCI does not serve all the same items in the Windjammer as they do in the Dining Room, they are already meeting your expectation.

 

And, on RCI you are not Regulated to any dining. You have a choice, (a)follow the rules of the dining room OR (b)eat what you want, when you want in the Windjammer. See, you DO[b/] have a choice. - Oh! I forgot you can also do the rest of us a favor and ©order ROOM SERVICE.

[Jacquelyn11]

We did a RCL to the west carib. and a NCL to Alaska last summer. On the RCL cruise we had traditional dining, but had the worst waiter service. Even though we had the same crew, they never got it together as far a "knowing" our preferences. We had early dinner so the kids could go to the evening activities, and getting eveyone ready by 6pm is a hassle, just the thing I DONT WANT on a vacation. We did do two nights at the specialty restaurants and enjoyed them both, because we could dine a little later without missing the evening activities. Our kids were happy at the WIndjammer those nights. My boys did dress for dinner when in the formal dining room.

 

On the NCL cruise, we enjoyed being able to eat when we chose, not at just 6 or 8. You get a choice of restaurants and times. You can dress up or down depending on the night. As long as they enforce the dress code for the formal restaurants, then all should be ok. On a CCL ship 2 years ago, the dad at the table next to us wore jeans every night except for "formal night" when he work khaki's and a polo. Even though there was a "no jeans" policy, they ate in the dining room anyway.

 

I'd like the option of either on all ships. Then all can pick their own choice.

[cws]

I recall talking to someone who was on a Free Style (or whatever) cruiseline. They indicated that each restaurants does NOT serve the same thing, either.

 

NCL's Freestyle offers restaurants that offer different cuisine. Princess's Personal Choice allows you to eat in a dining room at whatever time you want and eat the exact same food that is served in the traditional dining room.

[mstr824]

 

And, on RCI you are not Regulated to any dining. You have a choice, (a)follow the rules of the dining room OR (b)eat what you want, when you want in the Windjammer. See, you DO[b/] have a choice. - Oh! I forgot you can also do the rest of us a favor and ©order ROOM SERVICE.

relegate:

1.to exile; banish (to)

2. to consign or assign to an inferior position

3. to assign to a class, sphere, realm, etc.

 

Kindly keep your corrections to yourself, junior. I knew which word I wanted to use there.

 

If the menu and food quality is indeed exactly the same (or better) in the Windjammer as in the main dining room, then I certainly have no problem whatsoever never setting foot in the dining room. Since there seems to be a difference of opinion on these boards whether or not this is actually the case, I will defer my opinon on this until I find out for myself in a few short days.

 

And as far as your ill-mannered room service comment goes, you need to stick with cutting and pasting the RCI dress code and leave the intelligent, deferential argumentation to those of us who are mature enough to handle it.

[Fredrik]

One of the really great things about living in a free society is the right to chose. We might do freestyle/personal choice dining one day, but for now I´m sticking with what we really enjoy. Traditional seating. We always do Chops or Portofino for one night because of the great (and better food), but one thing we do miss are our tablemates. I guess we´ve been blessed with really fantastic company. Really getting to know people over dinner and your servers is something I appreciate.

 

Keep on cruising !

 

Fredrik

[Disneycruisers]

 

Or they might just as easily gain more and more customers from the other lines as passengers become less satisfied with the deteriorating service they experience in those other dining choices and the pendulum swings towards more traditional styles of cruising.

 

Only time will tell as to which of us is right, but I don't see why RCI or any other line for that matter has to try to be all things to all people. Better that they choose their own style (which I believe they have) and strive to deliver the best product that they can, than attempt to appeal to everyone and end up satisfying no one.

 

See, this was my point at the beginning (OP here.)

 

I wonder what the cruise lines will be like 20-30 years from now? Our 11 year-old DD was surprised when DH and I told her that HOT meals used to be served on airlines at no cost, and that we hardly, if EVER saw people wearing shorts and t-shirts in the first-class cabin. Again, not trying to spark a debate (it's not my intention). I just wonder, (if DH and I ever have grandchildren) is my DD going to be telling her child(ren)..'there used to be formal nights on cruises..we had set dining times..the meals were included in the cruise cost..' I think there are going to be major changes in the cruise-line industry, as the world continues to become more casual. Where will those of us go who prefer a little more luxury?

[ORANGEinINDY]

See, this was my point at the beginning (OP here.)

 

.... Again, not trying to spark a debate (it's not my intention).

Somehow, I don't think you can post a question about the dining room and NOT spark a debate:rolleyes: . Flip-flops, casual dress, formal dress, jeans, cokes .....whatever. Anybody care what color the napkins are:eek: ?

[Ohunion Cruzers]

Kindly keep your corrections to yourself, junior. I knew which word I wanted to use there.

 

Originally Posted by mstr824

So what you're saying then is that the Main Formal Dining Room, Windjammer, Chops, and Portofinos all offer the same food?

 

You tried to correct me first - "junior-junior"