I really don't know, is the E-Class NOT booking well? It seems only non-suite guests don't like them as suite guests receive a traditional balcony, the best retreat experience and avoids Blu and the 4 MDRs. I can't wait to hear about what the next class ships will be like and cross my fingers that they won't make a 6th E-Class ship
To me it sounds like two different knee-jerk reactions from management and has nothing to do with meal operations.
Room Service fee: "We need to increase on board spending, what are we not yet charging a fee for that other lines already are?"
OV: "We've (for whatever reason) decided to slash the OV budget, the F&B team can figure out how to move forward"
Let's look at the customer service rep angle logically; the Reps rarely know anything about the on board experience. In order for the customer service reps to know that X is trying to steer more into the MDR, X would need to either have a meeting and/or send out a memo. It seems like a minor detail not worth mentioning to your front like booking reps
Required MDR labor:
1. Being checked in by a host
2. Being escorted to your table
3. Assistant brings bread basket
4. Assistant fills water glasses
5. Order your meal from the waiter
6. Being visited by a Sommelier
7. Meals brought by assistant, course by course
8. Bussing dirty dishes, course by course
9. Checking up "how was your meal?"
10. Various unexpected surprises such as an entree being sent back and the need to grab another one
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Every change can have unintended consequences. The ironic part to reducing OV buffet choices and charging for room service is it may force many to dine in the MDR where you would imagine wait service would require far more labor
Many don't like when I say the following, I have been on 8-9 X sailings at the restart, every single sailing I see shorts in the MDR and/or Blu. It would appear the M'D crew do not care until someone complains then they'll when the offender passenger leaves, they'll ASK them to wear pants next time
Just a FYI, there is no such thing as a Michelin starred chef as stars to awarded to the RESTAURANT not the chef; the James Beard award is awarded to the chef. You'd have no idea if this chef had anything to do with recipe development, if they actually cooked the food or if oversaw everything. If one wants to call someone a Michelin starred chef then one would need to call every chef in that restaurant a Michelin starred chef including the interns
This doesn't change the disappointment, just a FYI...Generally speaking, prime rib is where the entire standing rib roast is cooked and then sliced (fully cooked)
I live nearby and would recommend https://www.sanpedrofish.com/ which is right on the water and its about 1.4 miles from the ship. They'll let you bring your luggage there but I would recommend dropping off your luggage with the porters just so you don't have to deal with it
Otherwise, got an extra $11.74 in OBC? Get room service...lol