sottovoce Posted February 7, 2009 #26 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I have to agree, it is a shame that soooo many of the restaurants have extra charges. What mass-market cruise line offers a wide choice of free specialty restaurants? Any? Most offer one, or in rare cases two, extra-charge restaurants--one line even charges for a burger and fries place:rolleyes:. NCL offers five or six on its newer ships, a significant enhancement over any other mass-market cruise line. But, instead of giving credit for offering such a wide choice, people complain because they aren't free. Give me a break. You're paying for choice. It costs more to inventory and prepare fifty different main course choices every night. If you don't want the choice and the extra charge that goes with it, simply don't go to the specialty restaurants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nlt46 Posted February 7, 2009 #27 Share Posted February 7, 2009 What I like is that I only have to pay for services I use. If I choose to go to the spa, then I pay for it. If I choose to go to a specialty restaurant, then I pay extra for it. I get to choose what I want. I have no problem with that. I surely feel that it is fair. I don't have to use extra services unless I choose to. Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashdog_1 Posted February 7, 2009 #28 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I was not impressed with the food in the main dining rooms on Majesty, so was in for a shock last week on Dawn. It was wonderful. If we hadn't already planned our first night to be in Impressions of Italy, I am certain I would have been just as happy to skip any specialty restaurant. BTW they were never full with the exception perhaps of LeBistro. We also had no considerable wait lines, either, until the last night when they told us half an hour. We were starving so ordered room service. Although room service said 45 minutes! they were there in 15. I was also not impressed with room service food. The dining rooms, on the other hand were really wonderful, atmosphere and food wise. And I am a foodie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhall85917 Posted February 7, 2009 #29 Share Posted February 7, 2009 What mass-market cruise line offers a wide choice of free specialty restaurants? Any? Most offer one, or in rare cases two, extra-charge restaurants--one line even charges for a burger and fries place:rolleyes:. NCL offers five or six on its newer ships, a significant enhancement over any other mass-market cruise line. But, instead of giving credit for offering such a wide choice, people complain because they aren't free. Give me a break. You're paying for choice. It costs more to inventory and prepare fifty different main course choices every night. If you don't want the choice and the extra charge that goes with it, simply don't go to the specialty restaurants. Again...as others have said, I'm not complaining, simply stating MY opinion. I didn't say that I thought they should be free, I didn't say that I minded paying for them. What I said was that on one had it is a shame that most of the other dining options are ones that you have to pay for - just a statement of fact, not a complaint. In the same paragraph I also mentioned that these are choices that weren't there in the past. i don't mind that there are a lot of pay restaurants, we don't generally go there often - perhaps once a cruise. I do think it gives the wrong impression to new cruisers who think that everything on the ship is included. The cruise lines can put all the pay restaurants on the ship that they want, we will either go or not - that is our choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Wink* Posted February 7, 2009 #30 Share Posted February 7, 2009 What mass-market cruise line offers a wide choice of free specialty restaurants? Any? Most offer one, or in rare cases two, extra-charge restaurants--one line even charges for a burger and fries place:rolleyes:. NCL offers five or six on its newer ships, a significant enhancement over any other mass-market cruise line. But, instead of giving credit for offering such a wide choice, people complain because they aren't free. Give me a break. You're paying for choice. It costs more to inventory and prepare fifty different main course choices every night. If you don't want the choice and the extra charge that goes with it, simply don't go to the specialty restaurants. I agree, sotto.. I'd even like to say more about the complaining, but I know my comments will only incite a riot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluefintuna Posted February 7, 2009 #31 Share Posted February 7, 2009 James, a little off track, but looking back we sailed Windward in '94 and '95 before it was stretched and that was a sweet ship. I remember how in awe we were over the decor and how "big" she was. They hired vans to take us to a nightclub show in Puerto Rico. Our cabin stewardess was Elke from Sweden and my dh couldn't get enough of her...lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrymtex01 Posted February 7, 2009 #32 Share Posted February 7, 2009 you're not going to find whole main lobster and filet mignon in the main restaurants; and, you're not going to find lobster ravioli in the main dining rooms. Actually, a few years ago I enjoyed filet mignon and lobster ravioli in the main dining room, along with Chilean Sea bAss (no longer), escargot (no longer), and several other items. You used to be able to go to the spa without paying extra. I think NCL and the other cruise lines are pushing the envelop to see how much the lemmings are willing to pay extra for that were included in the past. I think the vast improvement of the buffet on the Gem and Pearl are a set-up for when that dining choice is the only one included in the price of the cruise. Everything else--including a lounge chair--will one day be extra. I like free-style concept and the informal dress code. So, I still cruise with NCL. I certainly don't choose them for the extras. I personally wouldn't mind if they kept going with this. We never have stepped foot in a spa on a cruise ship, so why should our fare pay for someone else to use it. Why not let those that want to use it pay for it. We don't use the pool or hot tubs, etc, so if they keep our fare lower and start charging for lounge chairs by the pool.. I say go for it...Plus I bet that would get rid of the lounge chair hogs quickly. I like having the freedom of choice and being able to spend our money on what we want it spent on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMHCruise Posted February 7, 2009 Author #33 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Wow...I thought these boards were to share thoughts....if you don't like the discussion of meals...why read it? I think its fine to pay extra for a really upscale experience, but in my opinion, Mexican and Italian offers variety but I can't see why it would cost more than the meals already included. I was just wondering what others are thinking...We have travelled on many cruise lines and this will be the first time on NCL. I dont recall paying for most of the restaurants on other lines, unless things have changed. I know when we went to Johnny Rockets on Royal, it was free...Guess I should keep my thoughts to my self rather than anger so many people :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnql Posted February 7, 2009 #34 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I do agree that it's too bad that NCL is now charging for the specialty restaurants that formerly didn't carry a surcharge (i.e., the Italian and Tex-Mex restaurants). It's especially disappointing for those passengers who booked their cruises when the restaurants were still included, only to have the surcharges imposed after their final payment was submitted. It almost smacks of false advertising. That said, it would probably be an accounting nightmare to charge the fee based on when the cruise booking was made. Yes, there are still choices but no one can deny that the included options were significantly reduced by imposing fees for these specialty venues. Personally, it doesn't really change my decision-making when it comes to selecting a cruise. I still take the base fare, add an amount that covers the surcharges for dining in the specialty restaurants, and if the total is still attractive, I book the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Cruise4Ever Posted February 7, 2009 #35 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I personally wouldn't mind if they kept going with this. We never have stepped foot in a spa on a cruise ship, so why should our fare pay for someone else to use it. Why not let those that want to use it pay for it. We don't use the pool or hot tubs, etc, so if they keep our fare lower and start charging for lounge chairs by the pool.. I say go for it...Plus I bet that would get rid of the lounge chair hogs quickly. I like having the freedom of choice and being able to spend our money on what we want it spent on. I agree with you 100%!!! That's why we never go to all-inclusive resorts. We don't want to have to pay for someone else to go snorkeling and drink and other activities. We'd much rather pay for the things we actually USE. We love the specialty restaurants on the Dawn. And, we'll continue to use them despite the extra fee. We expect the fees. And, we budget for them. I guess this makes us money-wasters and lemmings - - - NOT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jondirk Posted February 7, 2009 #36 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I never understand why people pay extra for something that is already included. Maybe in the current economy, the gratuitous money wasters are learning a painful lesson. We'll see. Well let's see, indeed, a nicer restaurant with more intimate settings, fewer people, less noise, no children, more menu options to choose from, options that are quite frequently not available at the main dining rooms, better cuts of meat available (Cagney's), and quite often, better service. Doesn't sound like a gratuitous waste of money to me. I could eat at Red Lobster or Applebees, or I could eat at Anthony's or Ruth's Chris, just depends on how nice of a dinner I'm looking forward to that night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMHCruise Posted February 7, 2009 Author #37 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I used to expect a great experience with great food, a nice variety and ambiance in the main dining rooms....So that has changed? And as far as kids....they are welcomed everywhere... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catnip Posted February 7, 2009 #38 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I don't eat at the specialty restaurants and I disagree with the industry-wide concept of charging for the "specialty" restaurants. I believe I paid for my meals with my cruise ticket price. I totally agree with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jondirk Posted February 7, 2009 #39 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I used to expect a great experience with great food, a nice variety and ambiance in the main dining rooms....So that has changed? And as far as kids....they are welcomed everywhere... They are welcomed everywhere but they're not in the specialty restaurants as often. If I had a family of four or five then I probably would spend more time in the main dining rooms also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watchdiva Posted February 8, 2009 #40 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm another money-waster.........when we plan our cruise each year, we always factor in those add-ons that matter to us (specialty restaurants, weekly spa passes) and factor that into the cost of our cruise. With the incredible OBC's that NCL has offered lately, we have already covered our specialty restaurant fees for the entire cruise, our week long spa passes AND one of our two shore excursions - not a bad deal IMO. I don't criticize those who opt OUT of paying extra for specialty restaurants and fail to understand why we get criticized for opting IN when it comes to specialty restaurants. It's MY money I'm spending, not yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhenIsOurNextCruise Posted February 8, 2009 #41 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Having cruised with RCI and Celebrity 20 times and NCL only once (Thanksgiving), I have to say the quality of food across all three lines has decreased in the last 5 years. I enjoyed the options we had on the Star and didn't mind paying a surcharge for the calm, intimate setting away from the rush and crowds of the dining room. Whatever the surcharge at Cagney's it was cheaper than buying a steak on vacation on land. But, I thought the quality of the food, the attention to presentation and the level of service was NOT up to the specialty dining venues on either Celebrity or RCI. However, I did like the freedom of choice regarding where to eat and when and how to dress. We are cruising on the Gem in April - so two NCL ships in a row! They must be doing something we liked! Also, I don't cruise for the food just like I don't plan my life around food at home. We eat as healthy as we can, vacation or not. So, I really appreciated the Cookling Light options in the Star dining room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted February 8, 2009 #42 Share Posted February 8, 2009 We purchased the Romance Package which includes a meal at Le Bistro and DH and I will visit Cagney's. We have 3 DD's and will take them to the restaurant of their choice one night but I seriously hope that it is not the Tex Mex one because paying an extra $50.00 just doesn't seem worth it for Tex Mex, to me anyhow. Karysa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted February 8, 2009 #43 Share Posted February 8, 2009 How can you even justify that where that' where they serve the bland and boring. huh< what the devil are you talking about, you certainly lost me somewhere..??? Nita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted February 8, 2009 #44 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I am booked with an NCL Cruise later this year and looking forward to it but ..... I think you are right in one way, the Cruise Line is at risk of seeming like a ferry company. In as much as with Ferry's from UK to France you get on cheap enough but then have to pay for everything!! With NCL whilst I would perhaps expect to pay for the top two 'elite' restaurants, the bingo, the casino & alchohol. To have sooooo many chargable things that 'should' be free is now getting tedious. Don't get me wrong I, have loved the three NCL cruises we have done - but I wonder how much more hidden charges I am willing to bear? I quantify my 'Ferry' remarks as I recently read that some people had to pay for one of the shows on an NCL ship recently? Also yesterday I see a Vegas NCL event/meeting where a demo of the new F3 ship was being shown. This had an 'Uber' bar - which IIRC the CEO of NCL said would be admission charged to everyone who did not have a full suite or above room catagory. Come On!!! I know they have to make their margins somewhere but how much more of this pay-for-everything culture are we willing to put up with? Depending upon how 'stung' I feel this time around - next time it may be worth me trying out some of the competition. How do other lines compare in the hidden extra's you get hit with? what are they charging for that other lines do not?? and Cartwaitt, I can't swear to this, but I think the Sea Bass was in Le Bistro, never the free main dining rooms: Escargot was availabel in the main dining room on the Spirit but I can't remember what night. Nita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisnGram Posted February 8, 2009 #45 Share Posted February 8, 2009 We don't use the pool or hot tubs, etc, so if they keep our fare lower and start charging for lounge chairs by the pool.. I say go for it...Plus I bet that would get rid of the lounge chair hogs quickly. I like having the freedom of choice and being able to spend our money on what we want it spent on. Oh my gosh Terry, you didn't say this did you? I'm dying here laughing. I can see the "nickle and dime" brigade now.....We even had to pay for a LOUNGE chair on that garbage scow! LOL CG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhenIsOurNextCruise Posted February 8, 2009 #46 Share Posted February 8, 2009 what are they charging for that other lines do not?? and Cartwaitt, I can't swear to this, but I think the Sea Bass was in Le Bistro, never the free main dining rooms: Escargot was availabel in the main dining room on the Spirit but I can't remember what night. Nita We were on Celebrity's Infinity two years ago and they would bring us escargot every night in the main dining room if we asked for it. I wonder if that is still true. Seems like a lot has changed regarding quality and availability of special items. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMH15 Posted February 8, 2009 #47 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I guess you can call me a lemming and money Waster too! I would go crazy to eat in the same restaurane EVERY NIGHT for 2 weeks in Dallas, so why should I if I have options? IMHO as NCL suggests, "worth the price". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveller20074 Posted February 8, 2009 #48 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I agree with this totally. I will probably dine in a couple of the "charge" restaurants during our cruise. The price of $10 does not seem unreasonable to me *shrug* So...now that I typed that...I went to find out exactly WHAT the extra charge is at the speciialty restaurants...I can't find it. Sorry but I just don't get all of the complaints. Up until last March, I had not cruised in over 10 years. On that cruise, there were two main dining rooms. Period. Yes, there were bar-b-Q's by the pool for lunch if you didn't want to dress and go to the dining room, but no buffet until midnight. No room service (without charge) and no Blue Lagoon type place. You ate in the main dining room, at a set time, or you didn't eat.........period. Now we have 2 main dining rooms, room service, a full buffet and the blue lagoon. What more do people want for heavens sake? The specialty restaurants are there for you to enjoy if you want to pay the extra price. If you don't.....then don't. There are PLENTY of included venues to choose from. CG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrymtex01 Posted February 8, 2009 #49 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I don't criticize those who opt OUT of paying extra for specialty restaurants and fail to understand why we get criticized for opting IN when it comes to specialty restaurants. It's MY money I'm spending, not yours. I so agree with you on this. I have never once put someone down or called them cheap, or whatever for not wanting to pay to dine in a surcharge restaurant. I totally understand that for some people paying for the cruise is about all they can afford and I totally understand that and get that and would never insult someone for that. I am especially sensative to this for folks traveling with kids. I kind of have a theory as to why we are put down for dining in surcharge restaurants. I think it is because the more we do, the more the industry is going to conform to it. And they, the people who put us down for dining in the specialty restaurants, I guess feel that if they get us all to stop doing it, the industry will just open them up to all pax. No, the industy would just go back to having one dining choice. Another thing I honestly can not figure out is when someone comes on here and expresses their opinion about something like this.. and we all make comments about that.. and then you get people who bash us for making comments that show a different idea or opinion than the OP. Almost always they say (or even the OP wil come back and say) that "Isn't this what CC is all about ... for people to come on here and express their opinions about cruising, their experiences, etc etc". Well.. isn't that what we are doing with our responses? So why is the OP any better or have any more right to express their opinion than any one else. That doesn't mean the OP should be bashed or flamed, but we still have the same right as the OP did to post their opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveller20074 Posted February 8, 2009 #50 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I checked out the list of restaurants on the Pearl that are "free" There are only 3 that charge. The FAQ listed in the stickies is where I saw this. I think I'll have a lot of free food to choose from :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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