Pinnacle $30 Ahhhhhh!!!!

[happy cruzer]

We will get two cards with our cruise documents which we will take to the PG when we reserve our nights. I forgot to ask if they were changing the menu and having dinner specials each day.

I was told the vouchers would be in my cabin when I boarded the cruise. You may want to check so that there's no panic when your docs arrive. And you could see if about your menu questions. I surely hope you don't have to wait on hold so long this time if you decide to call.

 

Enjoy your lovely long cruise on the P.:)

[Giorgi-one]

We're sailing Celebrity for the first time in 24 days--they also charge $30--and you are limited to a three course meal--appetizer or soup or salad, entree, dessert. There was a discussion over at Celeb about ordering two appetizers and the answer seemed to be no. The five course meal with wine pairings is much more expensive.

At $20 pp it was a push--now the $10 first night bargain was great whle it lasted!!!

 

We have been to alternative restaurants on Celebrity. I am a big eater and could barely finish the food, especially when the desert came. They also have a cheese course, where you have a choice of about 50 different cheeses. We were on on Infinity and it was one of the best dining experiences of my life.

 

Most couples usually spend $3000 minimum for a cruise (cabin, flights, precruise, excursions, casino, souveneirs, drinks, etc). I think $5,000 is a more realistic figure if you have a balcony cabin. Another $60 for a great dining experience is no big deal. We ate at the Pinnacle twice and it was great.

 

One item - I thought the $30 covered the tip.

[elmorejj]

Yes the vouchers for the PG reservations will be in your cabin along with any vouchers for cabin credit etc. Don`t look for any reference to this in your docs......it won`t be there..............jean:cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Rita, I'm with you!!! We never miss a meal aboard ship unless (as you say) the lunch is included in a tour price:D .

 

The interesting part to me in saying another $60 is "no big deal" is that it really isn't about the $60. You could buy a few trinkets ashore, a few photos, all kinds of extras for $60. So you're probably going to blow the $60 somewhere.

 

It's more about the line you draw for certain things. For some people the Pinnacle experience is important and worth the extra $$$. We went with another couple and it was pleasant and as I've often said, I loved the Volcano cake. But beyond that I honestly can't say any of us thought it was that special.

 

So it's not about spending $40 or $60 ... it's about whether you want to spend that on the Pinnacle.

[newmexicoNita]

Rita, I'm with you!!! We never miss a meal aboard ship unless (as you say) the lunch is included in a tour price:D .

 

The interesting part to me in saying another $60 is "no big deal" is that it really isn't about the $60. You could buy a few trinkets ashore, a few photos, all kinds of extras for $60. So you're probably going to blow the $60 somewhere.

 

It's more about the line you draw for certain things. For some people the Pinnacle experience is important and worth the extra $$$. We went with another couple and it was pleasant and as I've often said, I loved the Volcano cake. But beyond that I honestly can't say any of us thought it was that special.

 

So it's not about spending $40 or $60 ... it's about whether you want to spend that on the Pinnacle.

I agree full heartly; we all try to plan on what and how much we intend on spending for any vacation. It may be as little as $2500 for some and $10,000 or more for others. We decide where we want to put our money. At $20 per person plus tip we had planned on doing PG as we always try the alternative dining room, but at $30 I am just not certain we will. We are trying now to decide what to do. If we agree we will go ahead and do it in the next few days to get the $20 price. Again, it isn't the extra $20 for us as much as the principle. We also always eat all our meals on the ship with the exception of Cozumel: there we have to go to Ponchos. NMnita

[BEAV]

We're sailing Celebrity for the first time in 24 days--they also charge $30--and you are limited to a three course meal--appetizer or soup or salad, entree, dessert. There was a discussion over at Celeb about ordering two appetizers and the answer seemed to be no. The five course meal with wine pairings is much more expensive.

At $20 pp it was a push--now the $10 first night bargain was great whle it lasted!!!

 

We dined exclusively in Celebrity's specialty restaurant the last time we cruised with them (April 2006). In my opinion, I didn't feel "limited" by any means. In addition to the 3 courses described above, they also include a very nice cheese course. Trust me, you do not walk away from the table feeling like you didn't get enough, or your money's worth.

[caviargal]

We never miss a meal aboard ship unless (as you say) the lunch is included in a tour price:D .

 

So it's not about spending $40 or $60 ... it's about whether you want to spend that on the Pinnacle.

 

It is interesting to read everyone's opinions on this subject. :)

 

Since tours, shopping and trinkets are not part of our cruise vacation, we prefer to spend $$$ on what is important to us personally. That means lunches in port to enjoy local offerings and atmosphere and dinners in the specialty restaurants most nights.

 

"Luxing up" the cruise experience on mass market lines makes it more appealing to me personally overall. And I simply do not like the noise and activitiy levels in large dining rooms. On HAL a few months ago, we had dinner in the main dining room only on the first night. The table they gave us was a two top as requested but it was jammed in between two walls and it was impossible to fit one of the chairs under the table because of the angle. Then, there was a VERY loud table next to us which made having a conversation virtually impossible. We tried PG the second night and stuck to it for the duration.

 

I found PG to be a predominantly adult venue which is important as well. And many ships have age limits for their specialty restaurants which enhances their appeal. Also, a table for 2 is able to be confirmed, not just requested, another "happy factor" for our trips.

 

I imagine that there will be enough pax willling to pay for the intimacy of the PG at the new rate.

[Liz1973]

I was able to book my dining plans for an October sailing at $20 pp. No mention of a possible increase once onboard.

The HAL agent was kind enough to remind me of the added perks offered to me through my TA - (PG - Spa Massage - Wine) additional PG dining :D

Thanks for suggesting to prepay. I also used my AMEX, I saw some mention that AMEX was giving Perks for PG but not sure how or what is required but used it just in case

Book now and SAVE.

[Copper10-8]

With all the pre-booking at the PG going on through Ships Services, I bet you HAL is pretty happy with this $10 (pp) increase;)

[gizmo]

 

The interesting part to me in saying another $60 is "no big deal" is that it really isn't about the $60. You could buy a few trinkets ashore, a few photos, all kinds of extras for $60. So you're probably going to blow the $60 somewhere.

 

It's more about the line you draw for certain things. For some people the Pinnacle experience is important and worth the extra $$$. We went with another couple and it was pleasant and as I've often said, I loved the Volcano cake. But beyond that I honestly can't say any of us thought it was that special.

 

So it's not about spending $40 or $60 ... it's about whether you want to spend that on the Pinnacle.

 

Well said. The same holds true for me. It is not about spending money.

 

I do not feel the Pinnacle is worth it. I can do other things with the $40-$60.

 

I have had a couple of $$$ lunches on shore. One in Puerto Vallarta, and one in St. Martin. Both were over $100.00. They were both worth every penny and I would do it again.

[BruceMuzz]

peterv,

You are absolutely correct. The Free Market Rules the Cruise Industry. Consumers ultimately decide the price of everything that is sold.

 

But please be aware that the term "Nominal Fee" can be a tricky one. It si a very relative term these days - especially with the wide range of humanity that you encounter on a mass market cruise ship.

 

If you live on a fixed income and are struggling to pay your rent, $20 or $30 is far from nominal.

 

If you are a cruise line president who just signed a bank loan for ONE BILLION DOLLARS to build a new cruise ship, $20 or $30 cover charge for a restaurant seems extremely nominal.

 

Many people, like me, have to pay more than $30 to park their cars to go to a restaurant at home. They might see a $20 or $30 charge as inconsequential.

 

When you build an alternative restaurant on a ship, it usually costs somewhere between 5 and 7 Million Dollars extra. At $30 per person cover charge, the ship will not even operate long enough to pay for that extra construction cost.

 

When you sit down on those custom made chairs that cost $1200 each, in front of a designer show plate that costs $120, drinking water and wine from Reidel Glasses that cost between $30 and $60 each, eating with silver cutlery that costs about $200 per setting, the costs really add up. And we haven't even gotten to the food, wine, and staff yet. (And you won't believe how many of those expensive glasses and plates are broken by the staff and stolen by the passengers)

 

Based on these numbers, some - not all - might think that a $20 or $30 cover charge to use and experience this is indeed "Nominal".

 

And of course, if we go to our Marketing 101 Class, what sort of idiot would think to advertise an "Extremely High Fee" on a cruise ship???

[Krazy Kruizers]

Liz1973

 

If you booked and paid for your cruise with your AMEX Plat card, then you should get a letter to the effect once you are on the ship about a free dinner for 2 for the first night.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm surprised they even bother, then, to build alternative dining rooms if they'll never get their money back:D . Somehow, one way or the other, I think they will. It's all somewhere there in the bottom line.

 

I did figure out the other day that in many ways I'm really just a very low maintenance kind of gal. I don't care about the chair I draw to the table as long as it has arms and it's ultra comfortable for my bad back. I really don't care about the plate the food sits on since by the time I see it, it's dirty.

 

And I have to admit I don't really care too much about the cutlery as long as it balances nicely in my hand.

 

Maybe it's from those 20 years in Manhattan when I was single and wined and dined to my heart's content. Maybe I got my fill then:D .

 

That could explain it;) .

 

Seriously, I'm kidding. I mean I'm serious, but I'm trying to make it funny. I sincerely feel it's wonderful they offer the Pinnacle because I know many people enjoy it and it adds considerably to their overall cruise experience.

 

And if people can leap from $1.50/gal to $3.00/gal for gas without missing a beat (and they did ...gas consumption didn't decrease with that leap), then I'm sure that a $10 increase for the Pinnacle isn't going to cause too much pain.

[Liz1973]

Liz1973

 

If you booked and paid for your cruise with your AMEX Plat card, then you should get a letter to the effect once you are on the ship about a free dinner for 2 for the first night.

 

Thanks for the info

[newmexicoNita]

Went ahead and reserved the PG or should I say gave vouchers to our friends and us for our 11/29 sailing. It probably will be worth it for us at $20 per person plus we will take a bottle of wine and pay the corkage fee.

 

I really don't mind the $20 per person, but $30 is a little different.

 

 

Nita

[papadave]

Don't go. That's an easy choice. If you don't mind paying extra, then go.

 

Economics is a tricky business. Anyone deciding to raise the surcharge is taking a guess as to what reactions will occur. Perhaps it will result in increased revenues, perhaps decreased revenues.

 

One thing I did not see in the prior 14 pages of posting is the increased perceived value of a complimentary meal in the Pinnacle Grill. If you get a free meal for two worth $60 it appears to be a better bonus than a free meal that is worth $40. HAL frequently uses complimentary meals in the Pinnacle Grill as a promotional incentive.

[gizmo]

 

One thing I did not see in the prior 14 pages of posting is the increased perceived value of a complimentary meal in the Pinnacle Grill. If you get a free meal for two worth $60 it appears to be a better bonus than a free meal that is worth $40. HAL frequently uses complimentary meals in the Pinnacle Grill as a promotional incentive.

 

You brought up an interesting point. Many TA's are including a night at the Pinnacle as a perk.

[jagmanss1]

You brought up an interesting point. Many TA's are including a night at the Pinnacle as a perk.

Not Mine!!!!

[BruceMuzz]

There is another budget/finance aspect worthy of consideration in this increasingly complex picture. For nearly all of the meals served in Pinnacle Grill, HAL's actual cost for the food served there is more than $30 per person. For nearly every meal they serve there, they lose a little bit more money.

It makes perfect sense to:

1. Increase the cover charge to help defray the cost of the food.

2. Increase the cover charge to encourage more diners to eat in the dining room instead.

[sail7seas]

We have received gifts from various people for dinner in Pinnacles on different ships and we always appreciate that!!! And certainly Enjoy the evening. Our TA sends us gifts but for some reason never dinner in Pinnacle.

 

It's a great gift IMO

 

[RevNeal]

There is another budget/finance aspect worthy of consideration in this increasingly complex picture. For nearly all of the meals served in Pinnacle Grill, HAL's actual cost for the food served there is more than $30 per person. For nearly every meal they serve there, they lose a little bit more money.

It makes perfect sense to:

1. Increase the cover charge to help defray the cost of the food.

2. Increase the cover charge to encourage more diners to eat in the dining room instead.

 

Bruce ... does this computation take into account the money saved in the Main Dining Room or in the Lido when people eat in the PG? Or, is that a calculation that can even be made??

[HeatherInFlorida]

We're not really going to trounce down this road about HAL really giving us the Pinnacle for free because it costs them more than we're paying, are we? I'm sure nobody will mind if I don't chime in on that one;) .

 

Not Mine!!!!

 

Not mine, either!!!:o Correction: They actually once did make the offer while also throwing in a HAL robe! I thought the robe even more generous than the Pinnacle. Guess I'm just a material girl:) .

[Liz1973]

Has anyone ordered more than one entree at PG (if appropriate) or are the serving portions generous enough?:confused:

Can you tell, that I enjoy good food :p

[sail7seas]

The portions in Pinnacle Grill are MORE than ample.

If you desire two entrees, you will be charged for two.....same as any restaurant.

 

You can have several sides but the price charged includes only one entree.

 

[Liz1973]

The portions in Pinnacle Grill are MORE than ample.

If you desire two entrees, you will be charged for two.....same as any restaurant.

 

You can have several sides but the price charged includes only one entree.

 

 

Thanks for the info ;)