Royal Cutting Back Definately!

[amybear912]

Food quality is subjective and a lot of times, those that I see complaining are also the sames ones who take several cruises a year... I often wonder if what's really going on there has more to do with the frequency with which they cruise...

 

In this economy, companies have to cut back because they still have to show a return to their investors... Food and staff is a quick way to cut back and show a significant profit... Making those sorts of cutbacks shows a result almost instantly...

 

As for buying a better quality of beef... How much more are you willing to pay to cruise in order to pay for that better quality of meat? Morton's, Ruths' Chris, all of your high-end steakhouses have or will be raising their menu prices this year to offset the increase in their cost of buying meat... It's already started in some markets...

 

Raising the menu cost is usually a last-resort for restaurants and indicates they have already made significant cuts in staff and tightened their expenses to still show a profit... It's also a sign of the times, it's costing more for them to get their food... delivery costs are through the roof right now...

 

You have to set your priorities and expectations in line when choosing a vacation... If food is at the top of your list, then RC is probably not your best choice... But if it's all about fun... then I still say RC has the best, most affordable package on the market...

[Cruisegirl6]

Caribbean01: We also were pushed drinks especially the first and second day. I mean to a point they say "no booze no cruise", "drink medicine will make you feel good" and other saying like that (even around small young children). One guy even offered to put double rum in our drinks for us just to get us to buy them! Well, I did take that one lol the way I saw it free souvenier glass with double rum. :)

 

Roofingprincess:

I have no idea what a shoulder meat is, never even seen a shoulder beef on any restaurant menu or even purchased shoulder? Top round is a tough meat, so you can't compare seafood vs that type of meat because the meat I am talking about is filet, porterhouse (all $15.99 lb.), veal cutlets or veal chops ($16.99 lb.), lamb chops ($14.99 lb). I can buy seafood here such as salmon ($8.99 lb.), cod fish ($7.99), Flounder (6.99lb), what I am trying to say is the meat dishes that I say are being cut out regarding quality meats are being replaced with additional seafood dishes which to me, are half the cost of the meat dishes that we used to see all the time. I can't blame the cruise line, but we are paying more money and getting ALOT less. There was a time we used to get entertainment (live) within the show lounge prior to boarding, dinners were top quality, food was much more abundant, and midnight buffets were every evening. Even though the quality is being cut due to cost, I will remain to cruise. I think it is smart that this cruise line offer the coffee shop which serves sandwiches, cookes, cakes, etc. 24/7 and the pizzeria offers different types of roasted veggies and other items 24/7. This keeps me content, but I see each year cruise lines are cutting back even more.

 

I agree with another poster here who believes that we will be seeing more places where additional fees will be added. I am sure these newer ships being built will have other places which will involve additional fees as the ships do already for Ben & Jerry's and Johnny Rockets. I do admit they aren't charging a large fee to have these things, so to me its ok. These items are just an "added specialty" of being aboard cruise ships, one which we do not have to choose to experience and we are given other choices which are included in the price of the cruise.

 

Ruskatab:

I totally agree!

 

Dougp26364:

Very well said!

 

Rubrrick:

Your absolutely right, much better than the dining room.

[Cruisegirl6]

Caribbean01: We also were pushed drinks especially the first and second day. I mean to a point they say "no booze no cruise", "drink medicine will make you feel good" and other saying like that (even around small young children). One guy even offered to put double rum in our drinks for us just to get us to buy them! Well, I did take that one lol the way I saw it free souvenier glass with double rum. :)

 

Roofingprincess:

I have no idea what a shoulder meat is, never even seen a shoulder beef on any restaurant menu or even purchased shoulder? Top round is a tough meat, so you can't compare seafood vs that type of meat because the meat I am talking about is filet, porterhouse (all $15.99 lb.), veal cutlets or veal chops ($16.99 lb.), lamb chops ($14.99 lb). I can buy seafood here such as salmon ($8.99 lb.), cod fish ($7.99), Flounder (6.99lb), what I am trying to say is the meat dishes that I say are being cut out regarding quality meats are being replaced with additional seafood dishes which to me, are half the cost of the meat dishes that we used to see all the time. I can't blame the cruise line, but we are paying more money and getting ALOT less. There was a time we used to get entertainment (live) within the show lounge prior to boarding, dinners were top quality, food was much more abundant, and midnight buffets were every evening. Even though the quality is being cut due to cost, I will remain to cruise. I think it is smart that this cruise line offer the coffee shop which serves sandwiches, cookes, cakes, etc. 24/7 and the pizzeria offers different types of roasted veggies and other items 24/7. This keeps me content, but I see each year cruise lines are cutting back even more.

 

I agree with another poster here who believes that we will be seeing more places where additional fees will be added. I am sure these newer ships being built will have other places which will involve additional fees as the ships do already for Ben & Jerry's and Johnny Rockets. I do admit they aren't charging a large fee to have these things, so to me its ok. These items are just an "added specialty" of being aboard cruise ships, one which we do not have to choose to experience and we are given other choices which are included in the price of the cruise.

 

Ruskatab:

I totally agree!

 

Dougp26364:

Very well said!

 

Rubrrick:

Your absolutely right, much better than the dining room.

[Cruisegirl6]

Sorry For The Double Post.

[Hlitner]

We have noticed many cut-backs on RCI over the past few years (our most recent RCI cruise was a transatlantic on the Brilliance in Dec). Its not just in the dining rooms (jumbo shrimp a thing of the past, no lobster on our cruise, more pasta, chicken, etc), but in other areas. There have been some gradual cut-backs with room stewards, thus increasing the load on each steward. The entertainment budgets have also seen cuts. I should add that in March, we were on the Azamara Journey and were simply amazed at the high quality of the food! Azamara also did something interesting with the on-board entertainers. Rather than hiring semi-amateurs and putting them through a lot of training as entertainers/crew members, Azamara simply hired contracted professional singers and dancers. This small group only worked on stage, and had no crew responsibilites. The result was they were able to get some great entertainers, 2 of whom told us they would not normally work for cruise lines because they did not want to have crew responsibilites. One of the singer/dancers on that Azamara cruise owned her own dancing studio in London and had worked in quite a few West End musicals.

 

Hank

[hazeleyez3]

I have to agree with a few posters here...

 

With the exception of lines such as Seaborn I don't recall any cruiseline advertising a luxury vacation. Fun...yes, relaxing... yes, having lots of activities...yes, luxury...not so much.

 

While I realize that there are things/activities that either used to be free or didn't cost quite as much as they do now, there are still many things that are included in the initial cost - which still makes it an economical way to travel. The additional charges you might have once you get on the ship is much better that a huge increase in the initial fare. You get to choose whether you are willing to pay for something. If you aren't willing to pay you can still have a wonderful vacation. I know first hand - I have spent less than $50 extra/cruise since 2005 (not including excursions and tips)... and have had a great time on each of them.

[suzyed]

The card and slot tourneys usually return all the money paid in as prizes. It could be that they raised the entry fees to cut down on the # of players, so they could keep it moving. Don't see how these tourney's have anything to do with costs.

Our last cruise in May on SovOS bingo was $28 for 4 game cards instead of $35 for 5 cards. If you bought 2, they gave you 2 additional for the jackpot game, so you had 4 cards for that game. Hardly see an increase in price here. BTW our payouts weren't any different that usual. Just 1 less game. Don't know if all ships are doing it this way now?

Chops isn't really a 4 or 5 star quality anyway. Maybe you just had a off night.

You should see what they are charging for bingo on NCL!! They now have these "bingo boxes" that you play on and it keeps track of your best card....which is a good thing, because you are playing 144 cards on the machine. For 144 games, it cost $79 the first day...and keeps increasing with each new day on the cruise. By the next to the last day of the cruise, the box with like 144 games was about $129!!! :eek:

Needless to say, I didnt play much bingo on that sailing. :(

[suzyed]

The card and slot tourneys usually return all the money paid in as prizes. It could be that they raised the entry fees to cut down on the # of players, so they could keep it moving. Don't see how these tourney's have anything to do with costs.

Our last cruise in May on SovOS bingo was $28 for 4 game cards instead of $35 for 5 cards. If you bought 2, they gave you 2 additional for the jackpot game, so you had 4 cards for that game. Hardly see an increase in price here. BTW our payouts weren't any different that usual. Just 1 less game. Don't know if all ships are doing it this way now?

Chops isn't really a 4 or 5 star quality anyway. Maybe you just had a off night.

You should see what they are charging for bingo on NCL!! Then now have these "bingo boxes" that you play on and it keeps track of your best card....which is a good thing, because you are playing 144 cards on the machine. For 144 games, it cost $79 the first day...and keeps increasing with each new day on the cruise. By the next to the last day of the cruise, the box with like 144 games was about $129!!! :eek:

Needless to say, I didnt play much bingo on that sailing. :(

[madelinerose]

Nope, seafood is not cheaper here in Connecticut!

 

 

Not here in Maryland, the land of seafood, either. ;)

[Giorgi-one]

I'm not sure that the quality of food on ships of between 1000 and 2000 passengers can be described as anything other than "banquet food", the same as on ships of 2000 pax or more. If you are preparing meals for 2000 as opposed to 1000, the only likely difference is the number of cooks it takes to prepare it. The food itself is not likely to be much different. :rolleyes: That isn't meant to be a knock on the food, but rather a recognition that "gourmet" meals are just not possible when cooking for hundreds or thousands.

 

Quality has nothing to do with the number of people.

 

1. Appetizers - most are prepared ahead of time. Just as easy to make 3000 as 30.

 

2. Soups - same as above. Soup is not watery or tasteless because you have to make more. Acutually, if you make soup at home, it usually tastes better the next day.

 

3. Salads - same as above. Getting a salad with some lettuce and a small piece of tomato and watery dressing has nothing to do with the number of salads.

 

4. Entrees - Yes, it is more difficult to bring out hot entrees to 4000 people than to 200 people. However, Celebrity does it very well for 1800 people. Quality is another issue. Using all prime meats and offering rack of lamb rather than lamb shank has nothing to do with the number of passengers.

 

5. Deserts - same as soups, salads and appetizers. All prepared ahead and have nothing to do with the number of passengers.

 

Food quality has been decreasing on all cruise lines (probably not the luxury lines) for years. Please do not make excuses for cruise lines based on number of passengers. It is solely due to cost cutting - less people to prepare food and using lower quality ingredients.

[Giorgi-one]

I must be paying too much for my fish up here in Dallas, because Im paying $5.99 to $7.99 on sale for fresh salmon which you can get at every dinner my last cruise. Other fish is expensive to me. I think meat is cheaper, but then I never was a big meat fan. I dont even care for steaks or prime rib. More fish. lol

 

Meat is definitely not cheaper. Prime steaks and prime rib go for about $12.00 per pound. Rack of lamb is even more expensive. I have a good friend in the meat business. He told me that it used to be that cruise lines used all prime meats - but no more. Note that the best prime meats go to restaurants, cruise lines (if they order them) etc and are not even available to most consumers.

[Cruising89143]

Funny that I haven't seen RCI charge for any of the so called money making rides. Flowrider, ice skating, in line skating, mini golf, rock climbing are all included in ones price. The Oasis will not charge for the zip line or carousel either. You may pay for it in the initial price but it ends there. For the ones that want free ice cream or burgers then hit the Windjammer or you have the choice to pay for Ben and Jerry's or Johnny Rockets. It's called options.

 

I also have not seen any of the mass market lines advertised as luxury. RCI's tag line is "get out there" and their commercials show rock climbing, jet skis, etc. Maybe it's just me but I don't look at any of that as luxury.

 

Cruises today are less expensive than they were twenty years ago when I started cruising and the ships have many more options than they once did when it comes to cabin accommodations and entertainment. Sure they have added on board revenue making such as casinos, inch of gold, art auctions, etc. but no one is being forced to use them.

 

Cruise lines have made the choice to keep prices down to fill ships and to continue to build new ones. Food quality is not what it was twenty years ago but ships at that time were only holding around 1000 guests and you had three meals a day plus the midnight buffet with no room service or twenty four hour dining options. More time was devoted to the focus on those three meals and also the food budgets were much higher due to the fact that we as guests were paying more for our cruises. For the ones that want a better overall quality cruise then you are going to have to pay for it.

 

I have yet to go hungry on a cruise but then I cruise with my expectations in check.

[Giorgi-one]

Some people have indicated that they like more pasta dishes. I live in New Jersey and I can say without exceptioin, I have never had Italian food of any kind on any cruise ship (except Costa in the 1990s) that comes close to the food served in Italian restaurants in any shopping center in New Jersey. My guess is that most people from the East Coast would agree.

[pumkinsmom]

Food quality is subjective and a lot of times, those that I see complaining are also the sames ones who take several cruises a year... I often wonder if what's really going on there has more to do with the frequency with which they cruise...

In this economy, companies have to cut back because they still have to show a return to their investors... Food and staff is a quick way to cut back and show a significant profit... Making those sorts of cutbacks shows a result almost instantly...

 

As for buying a better quality of beef... How much more are you willing to pay to cruise in order to pay for that better quality of meat? Morton's, Ruths' Chris, all of your high-end steakhouses have or will be raising their menu prices this year to offset the increase in their cost of buying meat... It's already started in some markets...

 

Raising the menu cost is usually a last-resort for restaurants and indicates they have already made significant cuts in staff and tightened their expenses to still show a profit... It's also a sign of the times, it's costing more for them to get their food... delivery costs are through the roof right now...

 

You have to set your priorities and expectations in line when choosing a vacation... If food is at the top of your list, then RC is probably not your best choice... But if it's all about fun... then I still say RC has the best, most affordable package on the market...

 

We cruise 2-3 times per year, and as far as I am concerned, I really have not noticed a big difference. Its always been pretty good. I think some of the frequent ones are either tired of the same things, (we actually look forward to some of the same dishes each cruise) or just need to have something to complain about and have to stretch the truth about it as well. I find it interesting that you don't hear anyone saying, this is it, it's so bad I'm not going any more.

[suzyed]

I have to say that I have never felt Chops or Protifino's food quality was that of top steak house chains such as Morton's or Ruth's Chris. Very good and worth the price of admittance yes but not the qualtiy of the top land based chain steak house restaurants.

Well of course not! I agree. Your aren't paying $40+ for a steak and then $10 for a side of asparagus, and $8 for a potato. I don't think they were meant to be compared to Ruth's Chris, etc. The food is good and the surcharge for the two restaurants is reasonable! Enjoyable enough dining experience. :)

[ruskatab]

Funny that I haven't seen RCI charge for any of the so called money making rides. Flowrider, ice skating, in line skating, mini golf, rock climbing are all included in ones price. The Oasis will not charge for the zip line or carousel either. You may pay for it in the initial price but it ends there. For the ones that want free ice cream or burgers then hit the Windjammer or you have the choice to pay for Ben and Jerry's or Johnny Rockets. It's called options.

 

I also have not seen any of the mass market lines advertised as luxury. RCI's tag line is "get out there" and their commercials show rock climbing, jet skis, etc. Maybe it's just me but I don't look at any of that as luxury.

 

Cruises today are less expensive than they were twenty years ago when I started cruising and the ships have many more options than they once did when it comes to cabin accommodations and entertainment. Sure they have added on board revenue making such as casinos, inch of gold, art auctions, etc. but no one is being forced to use them.

 

Cruise lines have made the choice to keep prices down to fill ships and to continue to build new ones. Food quality is not what it was twenty years ago but ships at that time were only holding around 1000 guests and you had three meals a day plus the midnight buffet with no room service or twenty four hour dining options. More time was devoted to the focus on those three meals and also the food budgets were much higher due to the fact that we as guests were paying more for our cruises. For the ones that want a better overall quality cruise then you are going to have to pay for it.

 

I have yet to go hungry on a cruise but then I cruise with my expectations in check.

 

When I made the statement that cruises promote pampering and luxury it was meant in general not that RC was a luxury cruiseline. I have kept every single brochure, receipt, compass, art catalog, on board statement, you name it ive kept it that relates to cruising on RC or Carnival. I was reading my crown and anchor letter and I quote "Congradulations on your

gold status and everything that comes with it. The personalized service. The preferential treatment. We welcome you aboard and give you the special treatment you need." Quoted from the compass of the Sovereign "Pamper yourself with our lavish spa services." "Masterpieces from Picasso, Rembrandt" "Some of the finest art in the world". "Choose from our extensive wine collection" If thats not trying to promote luxury then what is it? And maybe cruises are less now than they were 20 years ago but in the last 4 years the price has gone up alot. With the fuel charges and the cutbacks its not the bargain it was 2 years ago. I paid 875.00 a person in Oct. 2006 on the Mariner for cabin 7388 E1 catagory on the eastern cruise. For the same ship at the same time of the year, same route an E1 was 1369.77 a person when I priced it a few months ago. Yea I keep all my invoices on cruises also. Thats 1000 dollars more than 2 years ago on a now older ship, and thats not including the increase in prices on drinks, soda cards, excursions, gifts, photos and so on. And then theres the airfare. That is a huge increase for a cruise vacation in just 2 years.

[Bakincakes]

Cruises are becoming an "ala carte" vacation.:)

 

If you want "better food" you will pay for it.

 

If you want "better" ice cream you will pay for it.

 

Newer ships will have more room for more "fine" dining restaurants, for more money of course.:D

 

So those that can afford "better" will have it. Those that can barely afford their ticket prices will make do with what their ticket includes. The MDR is turning into a diner anyway. The food quality has declined and some pax want to dress like hobos.

 

I would love to see RCI institute real "fine dining". Include good wines and premium entrees. Prices should reflect that and required dress should as well. That way those that want fine dining can have it and those that are content with the offerings in the MDR will be happy as well.

[critterchick]

"Pamper yourself with our lavish spa services." "Masterpieces from Picasso, Rembrandt" "Some of the finest art in the world". "Choose from our extensive wine collection" If thats not trying to promote luxury then what is it?

 

False advertising. The only thing lavish about the spa is the cost of the services. The art is mostly reproduction and the wine list, while it offers a lot of bottles, doesn't really offer a lot of choice or quality.

 

And maybe cruises are less now than they were 20 years ago but in the last 4 years the price has gone up alot. With the fuel charges and the cutbacks its not the bargain it was 2 years ago. I paid 875.00 a person in Oct. 2006 on the Mariner for cabin 7388 E1 catagory on the eastern cruise. For the same ship at the same time of the year, same route an E1 was 1369.77 a person when I priced it a few months ago. Yea I keep all my invoices on cruises also. Thats 1000 dollars more than 2 years ago on a now older ship, and thats not including the increase in prices on drinks, soda cards, excursions, gifts, photos and so on. And then theres the airfare. That is a huge increase for a cruise vacation in just 2 years.

 

True, but that doesn't make it luxurious, just more expensive, just as everything else has become. Any product that has such a heavy fuel component and where demand meets or exceeds supply is going to have big increases.

[Darkwolfe]

Well of course not! I agree. Your aren't paying $40+ for a steak and then $10 for a side of asparagus, and $8 for a potato. I don't think they were meant to be compared to Ruth's Chris, etc. The food is good and the surcharge for the two restaurants is reasonable! Enjoyable enough dining experience. :)

 

Oh I don't know.. Having grazed through Rith's Chris a time or two, I can say that Chops on Enchantment last fall was easily at that quality level. Better if you consider the price tag.

[suzyed]

Oh I don't know.. Having grazed through Rith's Chris a time or two, I can say that Chops on Enchantment last fall was easily at that quality level. Better if you consider the price tag.

Oh, I agree, but I don't think it is really billed as being on the same level as those famous chop houses. But, yes, we had a perfectly lovely dinner at both Chops and Portofino on the Mariner!

[Giorgi-one]

Food quality is subjective and a lot of times, those that I see complaining are also the sames ones who take several cruises a year... I often wonder if what's really going on there has more to do with the frequency with which they cruise... QUOTE]

 

Just the opposite in my opinion. The more you cruise, the more you start to complre and the more critical you tend to be. Does not mean that you do not like cruising, just more data to compare. Also, since quality has been going downhill, the more cruises you have taken in the past, the more you notice the decrease in quality.

[Bakincakes]

Food quality is subjective and a lot of times, those that I see complaining are also the sames ones who take several cruises a year... I often wonder if what's really going on there has more to do with the frequency with which they cruise... QUOTE]

 

Just the opposite in my opinion. The more you cruise, the more you start to complre and the more critical you tend to be. Does not mean that you do not like cruising, just more data to compare. Also, since quality has been going downhill, the more cruises you have taken in the past, the more you notice the decrease in quality.

 

 

Well said!!!

 

But be prepared to be thrust into the "geezer" category. Those of us who have been cruising for years aren't allowed to lament the obvious changes and decline in quality that we notice.:D

[cruisnfool]

I would be surprised if we didn't see cutbacks someplace. Just like any company you have to keep an eye on the bottom line.

 

The gas prices are really cutting into profits.

 

Cruising has changed since my first cruise in 1986. They are also cheaper than in 1986.

If the cutbacks keep the prices down and me being able to afford to cruise than bring it on.

 

I have been told that the menus are monitored heavily and everything foes intot he computer to monitor how well the meals are like.....they also try new mwnus out to see how they are accepted.

 

There was a lot of waste back in the 80's

 

I am not opposed to chargeable venues like Portofinos ect.....its an option I can take or leave. Does not affect my cruise experience.

 

Overall with the cuts and extra charge items a cruise is still the best vacation value...IMHO

[baabtx]

When we were on Explorer (6/28/08 sail) we were told that they changed the plates in Windjammer from the oval plates to the round plates as a strategy to save more $$$ and have people waste less food.

 

That wouldn't bother me - It really bothers me to see some of the people slopping so much food on a plate only to see it go to waste...I guess for some it's food they may never get - so it's "I'll have to try this strategy" which never works out. Just eat what you're comfortable with and it'll be a good experience!

 

I know I'm not alone when I observe some of the gorging at the buffet....ick

[mckinna]

I totally agree about the food waste in the Windjammer. I've seen people pile ungodly amounts of food on those oval plates! I always wonder about the staff there who has to empty all that wasted food, and they're probably thinking about how many people that would feed in their home country.