big green

Wondered what everyone thinks about this? We just signed up for our 9 day cruise in April. I was somewhat reluctant to do so, because although we usually dine in specialty restaurants almost every night, we are CAS guests and are therefore comped for at least 1 and usually two dinners. But the price was very good for 9 days -- we like Cagneys the best, so at 149. per person even if we eat there only 5 nights we break even. I wonder if this is promotional pricing or whether it will stay at this leval?

 

tERRY

many threads on this do a search using UDP or unlimited dining and you will see the many threads.

bg

Thank you for your opinion, but I strongly disagree with you. If one doesn't like a thread, they really don't have to open it and read it.

seems like you disagree with everyone that is counter to you opinion--just for clarification how many times have you eaten at Cagney's???

BG

I think your bad experience was your bad experience. You want the old menu back and you have made that very clear.

 

You said that the baked potato soup had no flavor nor did the broccoli - I'm not a big person for flavor, a little salt and pepper is good for me - I think flavor is personal taste, some like a lot and some like a little, obviously you like a lot. Did you ask them to redo it with more seasonings? You didn't like that the shrimp cockail because it only had three shrimp or the crab cakes because of a little crab, did you ask for more shrimp or more crab, if not why didn't you ask for more? You said your steak was done correctly, but had a cold pad of garlic butter on it. That is how mine was served in April last year. Did you ask for it without the garlic butter? I didn't order any of the desserts because they didn't appeal to me, so I can't speak to whether that is of a personal taste or not. Did you let them know your feelings and ask for something else? I did find it very interesting that you said that the coffee was not like the coffee you had on your last trip to Cagney's, how was it different....do you think it had anything to do with the new menu, do you think they are serving a different brand of coffee? Bottom line, did you give Cagney's a chance to make everything right for you or are you just that upset about the new menu?

 

You showed your dissatisfaction on here, but did you ever mentioned any of it to the server or manager. Did they not address your problem, if you did bring it to their attention.

 

What was the item (other than the additional 3 shrimp) that was not on the new menu that ruined your dinner and cruise?

This thread is getting old--until you have had the new menu--I do not think anyone should write about it--once you have had the new menu then you can comment on the various aspects. Some posters are commenting on the new menu who have never even been to Cagney's ( old or new menu) or maybe they have one time. It takes several sittings and several different ships with different chefs to be able to give a true evaluation

Move on.

BG

 

Not exactly. The workers are NCL employees hired, trained, and managed by Zakarian. The exec chef onboard has no control or say about the restaurant (his words) NCL does not does not select the suppliers and food. This is a very different arrangement for NCL and they don't control the pricing only there share of the revenue.

 

I guess i will hijack now--- I have not seen that nin writing anywhere--NCL must still have liability for the restaurant--somebody gets food poisoning--NCL will be liable.

 

BG

 

 

I read on another post about the Ocean Blue not being handled by NCL. I do not 100% know if its fact, but some lines (Princess) their spa is run by a separate company. So we know it is done.

 

Every thing I purchase is more expensive than in the past. Folks are not happy with $5 extra paying at Cagney's (Supposedly less attractive menu, but IMO more attractive). What about paying $15 more just to fill you car with fuel every couple days? Or for smokers to pay way more than $5 a day to smoke. It is all what one is "willing" to pay. I cruise once a year, sometimes more. $5 more per person certainly is not going to deter me from what I enjoy. I will probably be giving my taxi driver a $5 tip for a 10 minute ride in the NYC in a couple weeks.

 

Also Certified Angus Beef is more expensive than the standard beef. It is not a step down in quality. I purchase it here at home and don't plan on going back if I can help it.

 

 

First of all you hijacked this thread --it is on Cagney's new menu---secondly you are misinformed about Ocean Blue--NCL as stated in press releases it is their restaurant run by NCL and the price will adjust with seasonal prices of seafood like any other upscale seafood restaurant.

 

also: from the NCL website

 

"Food Network star, Iron Chef and New York City restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian continues to dazzle guests with a selection of three incredible seafood dining experiences exclusively on Norwegian – Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, Ocean Blue on The Waterfront and The Raw Bar. Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian taps Chef Zakarian’s 25-plus years of experience and passion for refined cuisine, prepared with the freshest ingredients and accompanied with an extensive wine list, as well as Zakarian’s signature cocktails."

 

Basically he is under contract to supervise/develop menu and quality--- the workers--waiters and chefs -- are regular NCL employees. NCL buys all the food and owns the restaurant period.

now hopefully this thread can go back to Cagney's menu. All this is on NCLs website.

 

BG

BG

Why has NCL pulled the new menu from its website under each ship---- the sample menu for Cagneys is the old menu????---I hope they will go back to old real steakhouse menu-

why call it a steakhouse with only 3 cuts: filet, strip, and rib eye--this is not a steak house.

BG

If you refuse to tip your butler, I certainly hope you have a very good reason. The vast majority of their income is from tips you deem not necessary.

I should have used the wording not required by NCL------does that clear it up.

BG

In my opinion some of the tipping mentioned on this board is way over the top.--

We have been staying in suites since we started cruising--the price of the suite includes the service of a concierge and butler--that is one of the perks you pay for in the fare for a suite---any tipping is extra and not necessary --most people do--but some people in my opinion go way over board---tipping should be at the discretion of the tipper--there is no minimum or maximum---people

that read these tipping threads are not obligated to any specific amount. On the average people tip less on the longer cruises--remember the steward is all ready included in your normal service charge and so are the waiters in speciality restaurants. Bar service fees are extra and you pay by drink or bottle.

Some people exaggerate on this board what they tip. Each individual needs to make a determination of what or she thinks is appropriate.

BG

Nobody said they are anything like the steaks in a high end steak house in the states and it does not cost $150 to eat there with sides costing $10. But in fact they have changed the steaks and the supplier for the better. Not as many but better quality then the last 3 years.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone - Jim

takes more than steaks to make an upscale steakhouse-- proof will be in the taste and quality===lets see what the reports are--as far as appetizers--i think they really missed the boat with no crab cakes or crab legs.a traditional ceasar salad would be nice--along with sauteed mushrooms not oven roasted and cream spinach or steamed asparagus--the portabella mushroom stuffed with crab and cheese was outstanding but gone.

soups---split pea give me a break--I never seen a steakhouse with that on the menu???? if someone has ---where????

Bg.

BG

This is certainly not a pub menu but is very consistent with what major high end steakhouses are doing now. This menu isn't dissimilar from what the newest Vegas steakhouses operated by the celebrity chefs are doing. In fact the biggest differences I see between the newly opened Gordon Ramsay steak (yes, I've eaten there) and Cagneys is 1. Meat quality , GS steak serves only prime and we are not sure just how high or low the selections will be at Cagneys. 2. Price, GS steak set us back $250 for just apps, entree and sides. Cagneys will be $60 for two including apps(more than one if you like), soup(more than one if you like), salad(more than one if you like), entree, dessert(more than one if you like)

 

Now, GS Steak was simply amazing but at that price it should be I'm willing to wager the Cagneys steaks will be in the very good range which with every thing else your getting makes it more than worth the money. Life would be boring without a little change.

 

Anyway, they will be getting my $60 in August on the Breakaway.

Cagney's did not change their steaks--in fact they have less of a choice--I have eaten at Cagney's many times and have seen a gradual decrease in quality while increasing the price. I looked at Gordon Ramsey steakhouse menu which in no way compares to Cagney's---you are way off base in comparing the two. Cagney's new menu no way comes close to a high end seat house in where in the US.

BG

Happy happy - my lamb chops are still there and they've put some non seafood on the starters

 

Roll on Breakaway cruise

Ditto on lamb chops--but non seafood starters are pub food items you can get in any pub that has food in NYC.

bg

Far from an upscale steakhouse menu--choice of types of steaks is poor--appetizers poor--side dishes do not include any of the traditional steak house favorites---salad choices poor--mexican ceasar?? what?????Mac and Cheese--

chicken drumsticks???? BBQ Ribs?????? Pub food.

This menu is more like a pub menu from New York city---come on NCL--you promised enhancements not down grades in the menu--not worth $30 per person in my opinion. I guess we will take Cagney's off the list-----

I can not believe a steakhouse without prime rib.

BG

You need it for this cruise (Ecuador) but can also get letter from your doctor that it is contradicted at your age or condition. We just got off Veendam from Santiago and know of multiple people who did not get the shot.

We visited ecuador on a cruise and no yellow fever shot was required--please indicate your source for the requirement.

Bg

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That was not my idea & I never said "Profit maker" or "profit center".. I said per Phillip it was the "3rd largest revenue maker" Also quoted my reference to that in Post no. 57 which was by a long time Hotel Mgr. Phillip 217 ....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159&page=3

Apparently, you did not read Phillip217 post No. 57 which stated:

Quote Sorry. Not 26 CRUISES, but 27 SHIPS. I have been on nearly 1,400 cruises in my career.You need to re-read your own post. Shorex is generally the #3 MONEYMAKER on a cruise ship. But it is not the #3 PROFITMAKER on a cruise ship.

<SNIP>

The average breakdown on REVENUES on a cruise ship, largest to smallest are:

1. Passage

2. Art (until the recent financial downturn)

3. Shorex

4. Boutiques

5. Bars

6. Spa

7. Casino

8. Photos

 

Over the past year, Art has dropped to around #7 on REVENUE Unquote

I put it in Red only for you to see that he said SHOREX is generally the No. 3 money maker but not necessarily the No. 3 profit maker for most cruise lines according to Phillip..

I also saw the TV program..Just because NCL did not list SHOREX does not mean it's not a money maker for other cruise lines...

Cheers...:)Betty

I have seen information from several cruise lines that shore excursions at near the bottom---maybe HAL does not sell enough liquor in their bars and does not do well in their casinos so they do not generate enough revenue to be at the top--but the assertion stated revenues on cruise ships--still would like to see a published source,

Bg

Agree 100%

 

 

 

As you stated Mr. Deering came to you..However we are discussing people getting up & voicing complaints so all that are at the get together can hear..

 

Several years ago, on the Statendam we had a similar complaint but just the opposite..We could not shut off the air & the cabin was down to 62 degrees...We just about froze to death.:(.We have an atomic clock which also registers the temp of the room...After complaining several times I got dressed at 5:a.m. & was about ready to go down to the front desk & ask to see the Hotel Mgr. as soon as he came on duty..However as I left the room, the Head Housekeeper was walking down the hall & asked me if I needed help..Must have looked upset..

 

We took her into the cabin...As soon as she entered she felt & saw the temp..She was on the phone to the Chief Engineer immediately..In a flash they sent up two men who were able to shut our Air cond. off..

 

We did not complain about it or even mention it in the M & G. & even if it was not fixed by then would have asked the Hotel Mgr if we could see him privately..

 

 

 

Sorry but completely disagree..In the Cruise Critic rules it states that the roll call is the place to make your private tour arrangements..If your suggestion was implemented in Meet & Greets I'll guarantee you that HAL & many other Cruise Lines will decide not host our get togethers or provied aan area for the M & G's & I for one wouldn't blame them.. Just because you don't feel you are under-cutting into HAL's bottom line, by pushing your private tour, I can assure you that you are! You don't have to feel guilty, but it is rude to do that during a M & G when the Cruise Line is hosting it..

Read Phillip217 Post on the state of the economy.. He says that "SHOREX" is the third top revenue maker for every cruise line..Phillip & Bruce Muzz both long time Hotel Mgrs are members of Cruise Critic..

The post I'm quoting is: No. 57 in the following thread..

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159

Perhaps, you don't need the coffee & pastries but where are you going to meet your new best friends if th Cruise Line does not provide an area for our M & G's..Just because you don't want to meet the Officers, I believe that most CC members would disagree with you & would very much like to meet them...

Cheers....:)Betty

Please provide the specific location of where Cruise Critic states that tours may not be discussed in meet and greets???/ I have read every sticky and do not find that --it would be great for specific reference or actual quote.

Also your reference to the profit centers on ships is not credible--no specific reference in that Ops declaration. Awhile back NCL had a TV special about their cruise ships and it was reported their biggest profit centers are the bar and casino--if they do not make a profit in these centers they lose on their cruise. Shore excursion was not even on the list

BG

I just read the second review which stated that Cruise Critic meet and greet members where getting special tender arrangements furnished by HAL for non-HAL private excursions in the South Pacific ( latest review on the Rotterdam) I assume this was requested by the meet and greet CC leader---isn't this crossing the boundary and little unethical??? Is it right? What will our meet and greet leader so on our upcoming Westerdam South Pacific cruise???

Big Green

When I actually log into "my account" and look at the tier benefits, it still lists "Exclusive onboard gathering" as a silver perk.

The main NCL web page for the rewards does not have it which makes sense--

to many silvers for an exclusive party-- check the latitudes online booklet--

also call latitudes to verify--but I believe the main web site and booklet are

correct.

BG

the silver (and up) party is separate from the standard one. It's usually held in a bar (the ones i've attended have been in the star bar) and most of the ship's officers are there to visit. As i recall, the food and drinks are a little better, and the serving isn't as mass production. Of course, all this is in the past. There may now be enough people in these categories that they'll need to have multiple sessions or hold it in a larger venue like the spinnaker. I'll find out next month, i guess.

this is no longer the case--check the new latitudes rewards papge.

Silver does not have a separate party any longer effective jan, 1 ,2012.

Bg

The new rewards program has one latitudes party for all levels--

it then has a separate party for gold and platinum ( silver is not included)

Check the new latitudes rewards page on the NCL webiste--this is effective jan 1, 2012.

Separate from the rewards program there is also a private suite part if you are in a suite (not mini suites).

BG

We pre-cruise purchased a card for our Oosterdam cruise last April.

 

It was very convenient to have.

 

Also, any dollar amount left on the card at the end of the cruise is credited back to your room.

 

One more thing too... you can't use you card if you are doing a special like "buy one drink, get the second one for a dollar". The card will charge full price for 2 drinks, so you have to charge those kind of deals to your room.

 

and... if you buy the card pre-cruise, it doesn't count towards your cruise day credits.

 

Hope this info helps!:)

 

AC

all the online gift purchasers, services and excursions count toward your cruise day credits except casino chips--from the HAl website:

"Are any onboard charges excluded from the onboard purchases bonus?

All casino charges, cash advances, Future Cruise deposits, and associated fees are excluded. All other onboard purchases including Hotel Service Charge, Beverage Service Charge, taxes, pre-booked shore excursions and all gift items purchased online or through Ship Services count towards bonus cruise day credits."

BG

I prepaid/ordered two drink cards for delivery in port in my cabin and there was notax--I did this on the HAl web page. They are all ready paid for no tax.

BG

I have emails from HAL stating otherwise, but since we booked the deluxe suite instead of the SU, we decided not to book it. I will however be booking it as a gift for someone. I wonder why HAL gave mixed answers overall. I really doubt that the front desk would deiny it to me when I have it in writing if I had ever decided to book it. We do not do Pinnicle, (just wasnt for us) and would have to ship the robes.

I checked twice with customer service--you need to call in again--

Bg

On the Oosterdam for two people which is required if you have two booked into the cabin it was $469 for 14 day cruise. I double checked and that is what it is.

BG

Surfergirle. Thank you for that very interesting information. Sounds good. I have checked on my sailing, under indulgences and packages, but couldn't see the suite package. Maybe it is too early.

i was told that cruises longer than 10 days will not have the packages listed on line--you need to call customer service to get the pricing as it varies by amount of days of the cruise.

BG

I asked Ship Services the same thing yesterday and here is their email reply:

 

You will receive a list of wines and liquors to choose from in your stateroom. You are able to select two bottles of wine and two liquor options. Unfortunately I do not have the list available to send out prior to sailing.

Thanks for the reply--that helps--any info on the robes??

Big Green