Royal Caribbean food quality terrible

[hayward]

We have only been on a two cruises with RCI, one on the Jewel and the Sovereign of the Seas. The Sovereign of the Seas cruise we completed today. I had to put this input into Cruise Critic. The ship will be retired from the line and refurbished into the Putman Line, in Europe. Yes, it does need the upgrades. You could smell mold and a strange aroma unknown from many areas of the ship, but on the whole the ship is well maintained with the help of a hard working crew and it is clean. . . Wear and tear is noticeable.

 

But the real problem arises with the quality of the food. I would give the presentation and quality of food a 2.5 out of 6. We had talked to quite a few people and for many this was their first exposure to RCI. Therefore, the only comparisons were with their previous cruise lines. All stated they would never go on another RCI cruise due to the food.

 

I know this was a cheaper cruise and you pay for what you get, but the line should realize that the image that is portrayed represents the whole company.

 

We have been on the Jewel and thought that there is no comparison to the quality and service that we experienced on the Jewel.

 

We have another cruise booked on the Mariner, I only hope that we will not be as disappointed as we were with this cruise.

 

It is a good thing that this great once proud vessel is leaving the line, but RCI should let this ship go down with grace and dignity and give the same serivce and representation as it does to its other ships. not to be remebered as poor quality and boring food presentations.

[Cruising89143]

The ship is moving to Pullmantur. I had no problems at all with this ship. I for one am sad to see her leave. To each their own. Sorry the Sovereign did not meet your standards.

[cb at sea]

Sovereign was our 1st! I don't think it was the ship's problem that caused dissatisfaction with the food--I think it's a cruiseline wide problem. We first sailed on Sov. pre-refurb (so it was a while ago!!!) and the food and presentation were stupendous! Top-notch! Despite bad seas, we were hooked! Oh, well---we'll not forget her!

[aloha of the seas]

My first RCCL cruise on the Song of Norway. Also sailed on the Sovereign and the food was just as goodas my first cruise. In 9/06, my last cruise, the Jewel (possibly the most beatiful ship I ever sailed on) easily had the worse food and presentation. Over the years how the food is presented was bound to change. Unfortunately, it did not change for the better. In my opinion the food quality has lessened, but that can be expeted. It was not that I did not enjoy it. It was just that it wa not that it was not as good as it used to be. Times Change. This time for the worse. Good Sailing, Murf.

[veryhotred]

The Sovereign was my first RC cruise and I thought the food was much better than the food I had last December on the Enchantment. The food on the Enchantment seemed bland and was nothing exciting. The food on the Sovereign was good and tasty.

[cruisePRN]

I've been told (and could tell anyway) that the Per Person food budget is steadily heading south.

[pcur]

I don't think you had a typical food experience. In spite of all the changes in recent years, we still think the food is just fine. We were on the Vision in December, and the Monarch 12/06, with no major complaints.

 

I think it's the ship(s) you were on.

 

True, we thought the Millie's food last April was superior to RCCL's, but it's advertised as a more upscale and more expensive cruise.

[skandls]

How long ago was you first RCI cruise? The cost of cruising has been going down during the last few years. Cost cutting is rampant. As long as the food is edible - we are OK. If available we will go to Portofino and Chops.

 

The food is no longer 'upscale' less fancy restaurant and much more Holiday Inn banquet food. But the cost for a cruise is so much less for all you get. Meals, entertainment, room service, different ports etc.

 

I am a foodie but I also appreciate what the cruise lines are doing to keep costs down. I would be happy if they would bring 'corkage' back to the dining room. So we did not have to pay $50 per night for our dinner wine.

[Coralc]

Hi Peggy :) I wonder if there are other Haywards in the country? LOL. I actually like bland food, and I have iceberg lettuce each evening and meat without sauces. Food is such a subjective thing, and I like menus without prices. We are getting very excited about our cruise. :D

[leoandhugh]

to the OP How long ago were you on Jewel that you make your comparison with. We have been on Jewel, Brilliance and most recently (Oct 07) Serenade and have noticed a steady decline in both quality and presentation of food. But we have also cruised HAl ships in the same time frame and notice the same deterioration of quality. I think that in order to hold the basic cruise prices in line with others in the same industry, which is what most people compare when making a choice of ship and cruise line, they are cutting corners right and left - food, number of cabins per steward, number of tables per waiters. If you have been cruising as long as we have - over 40 cruises - you are bound to notice a decline in anything related to service that can be cut - just sign of the times in business today. Just go into a department store and try to find someone willing to wait on you - you have to drag your merchandise to a desk half way across the floor!!:)

[michigan tim]

Welcome to the age of mass-market cruising. At one time cruising was only for the affluent... There are many upscale options and they are priced accordingly.

[JTJ]

I'll try again. Pax. that take a cruise for the amenities, sitting next to a pool, and being doted over seem to have high expectations. Also they may travel long distances with a lot of stress and aggravations along the way. This group probably will be disappointed in some things.

 

There are other groups that take cruises for the itinerary, just to get away, casino fun, let loose, and/or meet new people. For them the ship is among other things a transportation vehicle with nice views and totally different environment. Food quality, entertainment, and dress codes are not high on the priority list. I can't remember how many times GF & I we were so tired from diving or something else that we barely made it the the WJ before it closed for dinner and never complained about he food. And for us the lower the cruise price the better.

[madforcruising]

First off let me say I´m overall fine with the food onboard RCCL ships. I´m cruising for app. 12.5 years now and I can´t say that I see a decline in the food department. To me it´s more an up and down depending on the ship / cruise. I think it depends on the executive chef and his crew.

Of course over the years the menus have changed and items I liked have been removed and maybe substituted by other stuff I don´t like so much, but that´s the matter of my personal taste and not necessarily a decline.

 

On the one hand side we constantly hear they need to change the menus and get rid of the same old same old stuff. But then when the menus change I´m sure we will start hearing the complaints how the food gone downhill and they cut costs again.

 

Now I´d like to give some more thoughts to this whole topic.

 

I think it has a lot to do with wrong expectations.

 

Cruising get´s cheaper and cheaper and it´s a mass market product in these days while it was a premium vacation many years ago. The cruise market has and is growing and cruiselines need to attract more people. They are doing this by offering larger ships, more amenities, etc.

Now all these people who can afford to cruise now are not necessarily into the "cruise experience of the old days" with a formal atmosphere, dressing up etc. etc. We all know this as there are tons of threads let alone here on cruise critic about this. Surprisingly the idea of finest food in during the cruise and white gloved waiters serving lobster, caviar and other finest stuff from "the old days of cruising" seems not to have dissappeared from the mind of the cruisers.

 

I know I might get flamed for the following, but why do many (and this is meant in general not personally to anyone on this thread) think they can show up in jeans and shorts in the dining room in these days but it should still be the same as in the aera of the Titanic foodwise:confused: .

 

I know this is getting long already but I have to add one more aspect.

 

 

Please do the math about how much you pay per day for your cruise - and please don´t use suite prices and peak season prices, but some average cruise cost season and cabin category wise.

 

Now compare this per day price ( and take into account with these average that there´s third and fourth passengers prices that will lower such an average thus they will eat the same) with the price for a 5-star dinner in a fine restaurant ashore.

Please note that with the comparison between these two you have a dinner on the one side and on the other side you have Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks in between, Dinner, all of these meals are all you can eat, you have certain beverages 24/7 included, room service, transportation, accomodation, entertainment, ......

For this money the cruise line has to build new ships pay a large amount of crew members, maintain those ships, sail those ships etc.etc.

I think you get the picture I´m trying to give.

 

I really wonder when thinking about all this how anyone can really expect 5-star dining on a cruise:confused:

 

stepping off my soapbox

[Happy ks]

I've yet to sail on any line where I thought the food was any better than what you are served at a typical hotel banquet. Then, the buffets are horrid, yet I still read people eat there for all lunches and breakfasts.

 

But it's all subjective, people who never eat in restaurants will love the food, people who frequently eat at fine food establishments will be horrified at what is placed in front of them. While I don't think of the food as great, I'm not shopping for it, cooking, serving and cleaning up, so it's fine with me :)

 

I also think that some of the executive chefs aboard the individual vessels can make a difference, as well as the provisions available for purchase at sailaway time. The menu selections from ship to ship will be the same, some chefs just know how to train the kitchen staff better and keep a closer eye on production.

[Jimmers]

We've been on three RCI cruises since 06 and have no complaints about the food. Must be pretty good, I gain from 5-10lbs each cruise I go on. Depends on what you're looking for I guess.

[Rey323]

Hello Everyone,

 

Please do the math about how much you pay per day for your cruise - and please don´t use suite prices and peak season prices, but some average cruise cost season and cabin category wise.

 

Now compare this per day price ( and take into account with these average that there´s third and fourth passengers prices that will lower such an average thus they will eat the same) with the price for a 5-star dinner in a fine restaurant ashore.

Please note that with the comparison between these two you have a dinner on the one side and on the other side you have Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks in between, Dinner, all of these meals are all you can eat, you have certain beverages 24/7 included, room service, transportation, accomodation, entertainment, ......

For this money the cruise line has to build new ships pay a large amount of crew members, maintain those ships, sail those ships etc.etc.

I think you get the picture I´m trying to give.

 

I really wonder when thinking about all this how anyone can really expect 5-star dining on a cruise:confused:

 

stepping off my soapbox

 

Madforcruising

 

I have to say that I agree with you. I actually did the math before I read this thread. For entertainment, a bed to sleep in, unlimited food, fun and sun I am paying the bargain price of $123.93 a day. When you think about it's not bad. I cant think where you could find that anywhere else.

 

For me just being on the cruise is fantastic. It takes me away from everyday life. When I come back I am never thinner and I am pretty sure that no one else is. No one starves on a cruise. RCCL food is good. You aren't going to starve but at the same time "NO" you aren't getting 5 star quality. For me as long as "I DON'T HAVE TO COOK IT" "Clean up after" then it's great food. Cruise companies have gotten away from catering to just the wealthy. Cruising has become affordable for all. I was on the Soverign in 07 and we had wonderful service and the food was good. We went, we experienced, and we loved it. Each ship is different in food fair when it comes to taste and quality. I want someone to find accomadations, entertainment, and 5 star food for $123.93 a day. When you can then hey you be my idol.

 

With that said I am getting off my box now.

Thank you

[Cruising89143]

Hello Everyone,

 

Please do the math about how much you pay per day for your cruise - and please don´t use suite prices and peak season prices, but some average cruise cost season and cabin category wise.

 

 

I agree with you 100%. The price of cruising is one of the best deals out there today. For what is being paid for a cruise, I have no problems with the food on a mass market line and I keep my expectations in check. The ones that keep referring to the food of the by gone years need to also remember what we were paying for those cruises. The price of a balcony cabin today is much less than that of a standard 110 square foot outside cabin in 1986. Something has to give if folks want to cruise for less. This is the way of the future for the mass market lines like RCI. Some may have to make the decision to move up to the more premium lines. It's nice that we all have a choice.:)

[Cruising89143]

Hello Everyone,

 

Please do the math about how much you pay per day for your cruise - and please don´t use suite prices and peak season prices, but some average cruise cost season and cabin category wise.

 

 

I agree with you 100%. The price of cruising is one of the best deals out there today. For what is being paid for a cruise, I have no problems with the food on a mass market line and I keep my expectations in check. The ones that keep referring to the food of the by gone years need to also remember what we were paying for those cruises. The price of a balcony cabin today is much less than that of a standard 110 square foot outside cabin in 1986. Something has to give if folks want to cruise for less. This is the way of the future for the mass market lines like RCI. Some may have to make the decision to move up to the more premium lines. It's nice that we all have a choice.:)

[emdia43]

Well the OP states that 'this is a cheaper cruise' then expects gourmet food for what is probably around $80 pp per day. You have to be realistic in your expectations. Tell me what other hotel/restaurant/ all inclusive resort can provide you transportation to the Caribbean, unlimited food, entertainment, for the price mentioned?

[BobBeaSea]

Sovereign was also my first cruise ship in 1990, never had seen anything like her! The fleet might have the same menu but there are bound to be differences ship to ship. It is mass market cruise food, banquet food, if you will. The foodies (I am one, in a way) need to move up the cruise line chain if food is important to them. I can't offer any comparisons of RCI food with other mass market cruise lines as I have only sailed with RCI but I am always interested in opinions from those who are multi-line cruisers.

 

Sovereign is 20 years old this year? :)

[sandytoes03]

We have only been on a two cruises with RCI, one on the Jewel and the Sovereign of the Seas. The Sovereign of the Seas cruise we completed today. I had to put this input into Cruise Critic. The ship will be retired from the line and refurbished into the Putman Line, in Europe. Yes, it does need the upgrades. You could smell mold and a strange aroma unknown from many areas of the ship, but on the whole the ship is well maintained with the help of a hard working crew and it is clean. . . Wear and tear is noticeable.

 

But the real problem arises with the quality of the food. I would give the presentation and quality of food a 2.5 out of 6. We had talked to quite a few people and for many this was their first exposure to RCI. Therefore, the only comparisons were with their previous cruise lines. All stated they would never go on another RCI cruise due to the food.

 

I know this was a cheaper cruise and you pay for what you get, but the line should realize that the image that is portrayed represents the whole company.

 

We have been on the Jewel and thought that there is no comparison to the quality and service that we experienced on the Jewel.

 

We have another cruise booked on the Mariner, I only hope that we will not be as disappointed as we were with this cruise.

 

It is a good thing that this great once proud vessel is leaving the line, but RCI should let this ship go down with grace and dignity and give the same serivce and representation as it does to its other ships. not to be remebered as poor quality and boring food presentations.

 

Sorry you feel that way. I've had nothing but great food on my RCI cruises. Good luck in the future.

[Happy ks]

The typical food $ allowance per passenger allocated by the cruise lines is around the $12 range. That is food cost only, not prep, served nor cleaned up.

 

I have a feeling the majority of the cruise fare is for the operation of the vessel, not the food consumed.

 

It always amuses me when people state they are going to eat as much as possible to get their moneys worth, or that small children shouldn't have to pay such a high fare because they don't eat so much. If fare was based on the total amount of food consumed (or wasted :rolleyes: ), I've seen plenty of pax who should be paying 2-3 times the amount of the average passenger.

[Cruising89143]

Sovereign was also my first cruise ship in 1990, never had seen anything like her! The fleet might have the same menu but there are bound to be differences ship to ship. It is mass market cruise food, banquet food, if you will. The foodies (I am one, in a way) need to move up the cruise line chain if food is important to them. I can't offer any comparisons of RCI food with other mass market cruise lines as I have only sailed with RCI but I am always interested in opinions from those who are multi-line cruisers.

 

Sovereign is 20 years old this year? :)

 

Bob, IMHO when comparing Carnival, NCL and RCI they all taste about the same. Each one may do a little better in one area over the other but in the end it all tastes like mass produced banquet style food which is what it is.:)

[katiel53]

We were on Radiance last month and I thought the food overall was great. I had only one thing that I didn't like. It was steak oscar and it had canned crabmeat on it. I don't like crab when it comes from a can. Everything else I ordered was really good.

 

Perhaps I make the right choices, who knows?

[Knights on the Beach]

The food on the Enchantment seemed bland and was nothing exciting.

That was exactly my opinion of the food on the Enchantment, but it was in 2002. Because that was our last RCI cruise, I'm certainly in no position to judge how the food is currently, but I remember the pizza was not good at all. Definitely the worst pizza we've ever had on a cruise -- it tasted like it had freezer burn and was heated up in the microwave. Dining room meals were just so so, nothing great, but nothing terrible.