Why pay when you can eat for free?

[Sequim88]

Originally Posted by FLACRUISER99

Don't forget the cost is much higher then you think because you are giving up a meal that you already paid for in the MDA.

 

Not sure I agree with this logic (or accounting). You can't walk on to a ship and pay $60-80 pp to eat a Chops or Portofino. You have to have paid the cruise fare first to then ADD the cost for the specialty restuarant - which is only on top of the presumed MDR cost. On the other hand eating in port IS an "already paid" forfeit situation.

 

We love the food in the MDR and never had anything bad. Far better than we usually get except at very expensive restaurants we seldom go to. But for little more than a meal at Applebee's we can notch up the atmosphere a LOT and get freshly made to order food. We tried Portofinos twice and Chops once in our 12-night TA-repo and it was nice just to be the two of us instead of with the people at the 8-top in the MDR. They were really nice people (fascinating really) but all one family so we were the odd couple out.

 

One thing I never understood though was the large groups (8 or 10) in the specialty restaurants that did not help preserve the serene atmosphere with their raucous celebrating. Much more suited to the MDR. I wonder if there should be a four person table maximum size.

 

In our group of eight I am lobbying hard (with no success yet) for getting my two brothers to agree to each take our parents out one night to a Chops or Portofino a pair of couples. This way we each get one intimate dinner with M&D and the other brothers & wives get same in MDR. Then four nights we are all together (formal nights, lobster, Valentine's Day, etc...). But M&D are super frugal to it's a tough battle.

[cruiser-007]

From what I hear, everyone who has tried Portafinos said it is well worth it. For us it comes down to basically the spending budget. My wife and I are 'blue collar' workers so to speak and don't always have the overhead for extra costs which just run up the credit card so we are absolutely satisfied with what we've paid for when we booked. It's up to you, if you've done pre-cruise budgetting and it fits into the budget, go ahead and try it. Otherwise just enjoy the 'paid for' food and your cruise for that matter. Have fun!

[Sugar*Magnolia]

cruiser-007, well said. If you can budget for Portofino, then enjoy. If not there is plenty to enjoy every night in the MDR. :)

[sailingawaysoon]

;) Just a reminder: the food in the MDR is not free...you paid for it in your cruise fare.

Thanks for saying that. I kept reading thru the posts and the different comments stating "eat for free". None of the food on the ship is free. You paid for it one way or another.

[Hondu]

And, they asked what water I wanted to drink. ?? Only to find out, it was $6.50 or something like that for the water. If I knew that, I wouldn't have gotten water, which is free in the MDR. Was good food, romantic, but wouldn't spend the extra next time.

 

That's the GOTCHA GAME the cruise line plays to beef up the revenue!

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

Now I refuse to call anyone names because of their choices or opinions ... But for me personally I do not understand the concept that you are losing money if you don't eat (what you already paid for) in the MDR (I assume Windjammers counts too?)

 

:confused:

 

Food is available to you 24hrs a day if you want it - as much as you want. ...That is why cruising is such a great value. The cost would be so much more on land!

 

With that being said - you CAN still pay the $20/$25 for the experience (TIP IS INCLUDED IN THAT!!) and STILL get your "money's worth" (as others have noted, in a land based restaurant, a 4 course meal would NOT cost $25 - including tip!)

 

Just order 2 entrees in the MDR the next night ;) ... or better yet, have a midnight "snack" from room service (OR BOTH!)

 

I don't get it ... You never get threads asking WHY you should pay for soda or alcohol if you get water for free.!!

[frito58]

You know its just all in what YOU want out of your cruise experience. We don't pay for the extra food, but saying that there are extras we like , we want a balcony.

 

I started the thread that my wife would pay to reserve a lounge chair, Thats just us. Too each his own on a cruise. I cant figure why people pay all that money to dine when you can eat for free , but then we buy a soda card when you get free water and lemonade. Go figure people. :p

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

Recently sailed, no charge for burgers, french fries, ice cream in the WJ, and no charge for ice cream in the MDR.

"Be as you are"

 

Some people are perfectly content with just vanilla (or chocolate?) ice cream ... some people grave cherry ice cream every once in awhile ... I personally would hate to have such a craving and be on the ship for a week with no way to satisfy it! - That's just me. :D

[mamapan]

We will be on the Explorer and I keep reading that we should try Portofino's and that they have Ben and Jerry and Johnny Rocket for extra charges. My DH and I wonder why we should pay extra for food when there is so much food available for free? Is it really that much better?

 

Anyone else feel that way?

 

Loralie

 

 

Ben & Jerry's is the same exact stuff you can get in the supermarket or at any of their ice cream shops. They also serve perfectly good ice cream in the MDR every night. I have no need to pay extra for B&J's on the ship. We happen to have a Johnny Rockets right near our home as well, so I don't feel the need to go on the ship. Their vanilla shakes are heavenly though...

 

However, Portofino's is WONDERFUL. More attentive service - slower paced - more of the 'gourmet' experience - makes for a really special night and IMO is worth it. We always go once on the cruise as a treat, but if the kids are with us, we consider it our date night & make sure to send them to Adventure Ocean!

[traveling1969]

Would you be willing to pay an extra $140 to $175 for a seven-night cruise with deluxe dining? Well you can right now! It's called dining in specialty restaurants:rolleyes:. I see nothing wrong with the practice. I have been cruising for about 5 years and I have always found the food in the MDR to be as good as if not better than most restaurants we frequent. Sure there have been a few clunkers but overall quality is high. We typically spend around $80-$100 for two including wine when dining out at home so I guess we don't qualify as gourmets but we are certainly gourmands. Maybe it's that smile on our faces that gets in the way of our finding fault with everything. We're quite pleased with things as they are. For those of you who want a fine dining experience, it's there for you. For those who enjoy a good meal but don't want to spend extra; the main dining room has excellent choices. Bon Voyage to all and happy dining!

__________________

[Stags14]

Personally, I think it's all about the experience. And really, it's only $20-$25. I say "only" because if you were to go out to a decent steakhouse or Italian restaurant you are certainly going to pay more than that. And it breaks up the habit of the MDR. I tried Chops once and I really enjoyed it. I would suggest trying it - if you don't think it's worth it then just don't do it again!! When I go on the Allure next year I intend on trying everything - all the restaurants in central park or wherever else. My logic is I've payed so much to come on a cruise, I only cruise once/year so I'm going to try as much as possible.

 

the dinning room food used to be as good as the extra cost food. If stupid people did'nt pay extra for specialty dinning the main dinning room would serve the better quality food. Fifteen yrs. ago you would get fellet mingion and large lobster tails along with free soft drinks in the MDR. All the food was free and very good. No extra charge for ice cream or hambergers and fries back then.

 

Got nothing to do with stupid peole. The cruise prices have gone down significantly - if you want to pay the old price, you can do so by dining in these other restaurants. Personally, I'd rather save the money up front and have the option to endulge at my own will.

[cruiser-007]

cruiser-007, well said. If you can budget for Portofino, then enjoy. If not there is plenty to enjoy every night in the MDR. :)

 

I agree with you on MDR, it's really not bad at all! At any rate, for everyone in this world who can even afford to cruise in the first place you should be extremely thankful, I know I am.;)

[Happy ks]

the dinning room food used to be as good as the extra cost food. If stupid people did'nt pay extra for specialty dinning the main dinning room would serve the better quality food. Fifteen yrs. ago you would get fellet mingion and large lobster tails along with free soft drinks in the MDR. All the food was free and very good. No extra charge for ice cream or hambergers and fries back then.

 

 

I only started cruising in 1998, but I can assure you that we have never had food the same quality as the specialty dining rooms in the main dining room. I have no idea how anyone can think hundreds of meals can be prepared to order like they are in the specialty dining restaurants. The main dining room food is pre-prepared and held in heating units, plated and your server merely picks up X amount of appetizer/main dish/dessert their tables order.

 

My husband first cruised in the early 80's and he said at that time the food was on par with a Marie Callenders. I was glad he told me in advance, so I was not disappointed on our first cruise together. To me, it has always been like wedding banquet food in a hotel.

 

Anyway, my answer to the op is: yes it is worth it to us and there is no "free" food on a cruise ship, you have pre-paid for it, included in your cruise fare.

[Caliterp07]

Personally, I am super glad for all the people willing to spend more for specialty dining. And those willing to gamble in the casino. And those who spend $7 for a glass of wine. And those who buy all the RCI excursions. And those who purchase all the photos on board.

 

Why? Because it keeps my cruise fares low! Then I can spend my extra money on the things I really care about--like private excursions off the ship, or an extra night in a hotel before/after. If no one dined in those specialty restaurants or played the slots all day long, I'd be paying $200 more for my stateroom, easily.

 

To each and all their own. Everyone values something different. If you're a foodie, the special restaurants are probably worth it. If you're like DH and me where we go to nice dinners on our anniversary and maybe birthdays only, then the main dining room is more than wonderful for us, and the specialty restaurants wouldn't be appreciated enough to justify the extra $25pp.

[temple1]

;) Just a reminder: the food in the MDR is not free...you paid for it in your cruise fare.

 

Er, um I think almost everyone on the board knows that you cannot drive to one of the ports, get on the ship and have lunch or breakfast for free. So it goes without saying that it is included in the cruise fare. Is it really necessary to make the distinction, although it bugs me also?

[jaybird from SC]

We will be on the Explorer and I keep reading that we should try Portofino's and that they have Ben and Jerry and Johnny Rocket for extra charges. My DH and I wonder why we should pay extra for food when there is so much food available for free? Is it really that much better?

 

Anyone else feel that way?

 

Loralie

We never pay extra for special dining. For us it's just not worth it because we are satisfied with the MDR food and enjoy the company of our friends and tablemates. Anyway it's money that we could put on another cruise!

[katiel53]

the dinning room food used to be as good as the extra cost food. If stupid people did'nt pay extra for specialty dinning the main dinning room would serve the better quality food. Fifteen yrs. ago you would get fellet mingion and large lobster tails along with free soft drinks in the MDR. All the food was free and very good. No extra charge for ice cream or hambergers and fries back then.

 

I guess I am one of the stupid people who pay extra to not eat every meal in the "dinning" room. We love the specialty "dinning" in Portofino. The atmosphere is so much nicer, it's quieter and far better quality.

 

I get the "fellet mingion" in Portofino and there is absolutely no comparison to what is served in the MDR. Years ago the food was far better than it is today, so we prefer to enjoy the specialty restaurants. We don't pay extra to get "hambergers" though.

 

I think your calling people stupd speaks volumes, lol.

[jaybird from SC]

I agree with the majority of the posters here. We also eat at least one meal at Portifino's the quality of meat is so much greater. We took a behind the scenes tour and one of the places we toured was the kitchen at Portfino and the chef showed us the different classes of meat and why they were a better grade than in the main dining room.

 

In also enjoy the smaller dining area, the quietness while dining, and the extra detail that the waiters can afford to give us since they are not serving 30 or 40 people at one time.

 

If we ordered the same thing at a restaurant back home we would expect to pay close to $90-$100.

Paying $90 to $100 for a meal is not something we do if we can help it...We can't eat that much food! Guess we're quite fortunate where we live because we don't have to pay prices like that for an outstanding meal in a special atmosphere.

[cruisecrasy]

You might also ask:

 

Why pay for a balcony cabin when an inside is fine?

Why fly first class when coach is fine?

Why eat at a steak house at home when McDonalds is fine?

Why take a limo when the bus is fine?

Why stay at Four Seasons when the Motel 6 is fine?

Why drink Grey Goose when Absolute is fine?

 

Its all about choice and the ability to enjoy the finer things if you can and if you want to. Everyone has different budgets and different things that are important to them on vacation.

 

Well put and if I may be permitted to add -not just vacation IMO anyway but 'anytime'!!

 

Its so simple - 'choices' - aren't we all fortunate we have them!! :)

[BrianAlt]

We will be on the Explorer and I keep reading that we should try Portofino's and that they have Ben and Jerry and Johnny Rocket for extra charges. My DH and I wonder why we should pay extra for food when there is so much food available for free? Is it really that much better?

 

Anyone else feel that way?

 

Loralie

 

Sorry, seems I'm coming late to this party, but I'd say it's...

 

...for the experience.

 

It makes for a nicer, more special night for my wife and me.

 

As for Ben & Jerry's and Johnny Rockets, I don't see why you should bother. It's nice to have a snack every now and then if you like. We did a cupcake on the Oasis, but ice cream isn't important on a daily basis. Johnny Rockets, go for breakfast, skip lunch and dinner.

[onyourtoes]

We dont pay to eat in the specialty rest. I am very happy with what I am served in the MDR. Is it worth it? Maybe. But that's ok. What I haven't had I can't miss. Right?

 

 

I have never eaten in one of the specialty restaurants (my choice) but do you have to pay for the entire meal, or just a cover charge per person to get into the restaurant? Just curious. Thanks.

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

I have never eaten in one of the specialty restaurants (my choice) but do you have to pay for the entire meal, or just a cover charge per person to get into the restaurant? Just curious. Thanks.

 

It is a cover charge. $20 Portifino/$25 Chops

 

It includes 4 course meal and the tip (some choose to tip extra - but you do not have to)

[MrsPete]

We will be on the Explorer and I keep reading that we should try Portofino's and that they have Ben and Jerry and Johnny Rocket for extra charges. My DH and I wonder why we should pay extra for food when there is so much food available for free? Is it really that much better?

 

Anyone else feel that way?

 

Loralie

That's a good question. We've dined in the specialty restaurants exactly twice (that's across ten years), and while I fully admit that the food is excellent and is better than the food in the MDR, it isn't something that enhances our cruise experience so much that we'd be willing to pay for it over and over again -- or even on every cruise.

 

Why? Because it's expensive! Portafinos is $50/couple PLUS a tip . . . and then you've not eaten the MDR dinner for which you've already paid.

 

In our minds, the MDR dinner is very good, and the $70 that we don't spend at the specialty restaurants is TWO MEALS out back at home. One "upgraded meal" onboard = the difference between "wonderful" and "fantastic", whereas two dinners out in our hometown = relaxing time with my husband, a treat for us -- they upgrade a regular week for us! Remember, if you skip the specialty restaurant, you're still having a lovely dinner in a beautiful dining room; you're not getting all that much more for your $70. I'll take two BIG upgrades at home rather than one SMALL upgrade onboard.

[mbcormier]

You can buy Ben and Jerry's icecream almost ANY supermarket...not sure why you'd pay inflated ship's prices in for it...

 

The price of the ice cream at Ben & Jerry's on the ship in about the same as you pay when you go to most Ben & Jerry's ice cream shops. I eat at a lot of Ben & Jerry's places and eat at the on on Liberty every nite and payed close to the same price as at the ice cream shops.

[cd-tk]

My last cruise was on Princess. They have free ice cream, its not self serve and they have reg. ice cream or soft serve. Your choice and not just vanilla or choc. In a cone or bowl with sprinkles. Their hambergers stand by the pool had great food. Bergers hot dogs, chicken and fish sandwiches. Fries and onion rings all free and better then Jr.