Specialty diner Price increase

[TheGenie]

So is Johnny Rockets now going to be $9.95 too? :eek:

[negc]

You can't compare Disney prices with anything normal. It probably is in line with a signature restaurant at Disney.

 

It may well be but $381 for dinner on a cruise ship is a bit mind-boggling. Then again, I have never had a "cheese plate that tasted like the finest caviar" and am not sure I am disappointed to have missed it. It does put those increased cover charges on RCI into a bit better perspective, though.:)

[woody73]

 

If you think that is bad, check out Remy, a Disney cruise line specialty restaurant, where a reviewer mentioned tha their special 6 course meal complete with wine pairings and a cheese platter that was "like eating fine caviar", ran a couple $381. Now that deserves an "oh my"

 

 

That one gets a "...you gotta be ....... kidding me..."

Dinner at Remy on the Disney Dream costs $75 per person without wine pairing.

 

About some of the chefs:

"Chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World Resort, are collaborating to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world."

"Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek of Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World Resort and Chef Mattieu Gerard Siegrist of l'Assiette Champenoise will lend their talents to create Remy's savory breads and delectable dessert offerings."

I'm not sure if I would dine at Remy, but it's probably worth it to some.

 

Woody

[travelpeon]

Mine either, if you're talking about the "standard" Disney restaurants located throughout the parks. However, Victoria & Alberts at the Grand Floridian is quite something, particularly if your reservation is for the private dining room. Food and service at a level I've never encountered anywhere else.

 

Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a nice experience and serves unique food which was also tasty. A friend also had a sunset view table at the California Grill at the Contemporary and stayed to watch fireworks. Better food than most "scenic" restaurants.

 

I still plan on going to the specialty restaurants but my small interest in Chef's Table just popped and fizzled. $95 at a land based restaurant in can get you pretty far in terms of intimate fine dining and attention, if not generous wine flights. Even throw in a Michelin star or two and possibly the famous head chef will be cooking that night.

 

Hope the price increase doesn't negatively impact the TA perks offered.

[cruiseguymfr]

Mine either, if you're talking about the "standard" Disney restaurants located throughout the parks. However, Victoria & Alberts at the Grand Floridian is quite something, particularly if your reservation is for the private dining room. Food and service at a level I've never encountered anywhere else.

 

I saved the Victoria and Alberts experience for my 5th year anniversary. The 7 course meal and wine paring plus tips was around $500. The highest price meal ever for us. Was it unbelievable? Yes! Without question, the best food I have ever had. It's a once in a life time experience and I would highly recommend it at some point in your life.

[peteukmcr]

Well, that doesn't go to RC. Blame the EU.

 

:)

Did I say I was blaming RCI? No I didn't, but you always find it necessary to chip in don't you? Why is that? Is it any opportunity to have a dig at non-US cruisers that you relish? Just my observation of your posts. Surely it would be better to be constructive wouldn't it?

 

If I understand your post correctly, whenever you sail from Barcelona and visit only EU ports, you have the Spanish VAT added on to specialty dining. I have seen other posts where it is also added to onboard shop sales, soda cards, wine packages, etc. If a cruise originates in Barcelona, but sails to a port in Turkey as well as EU ports, you are not charged the VAT. Is this correct and does it occur throughout the cruise?

Yes, that is correct, the VAT is added to onboard sales (including Spa treatments I believe, but cannot confirm 100%) but at the higher rate of 18%, the 8% rate is added on cover charges, soda cards, all drinks from the bar and wine packages. As for when visiting a non-EU port, I cannot confirm how it works as I've only ever sailed to EU ports out of Barcelona.

[mommabean]

I did find it shocking when we cruised from Barcelona - even the drink packages, if purchased before we were a certain distance from port - would be subject to tax. They told us this was required by Spain so I don't know if it's a EU thing or not. I've never cruised out of any other EU country to know if it happens when departing from the rest of the countries.

 

Also, RCI claims the price of the specialty restaurants isn't revenue...it's to cover the actual costs involved, including about $6 in tips on the previous $25 Chops charge. The revenue is supposedly from the upsell such as Pellegrino and wine. I do find this hard to believe especially with the Chef's Table since the wine is included. Maybe it's all about the specialty water in there. :rolleyes:

 

Gina

[Familygoboston]

lololol....the casino is something they don't get from me....learned a long time ago what I walk in with I leave without.....gambling has never been my thing.

I agree... it's not entertaining enough for me to make it worth it, some love it though! My stock line is if you want to break even in the casino, play the change machine;)

[bajathree]

I agree... it's not entertaining enough for me to make it worth it, some love it though! My stock line is if you want to break even in the casino, play the change machine;)

 

I may have to borrow that line:)....I LIKE it!!!

[mommabean]

I agree... it's not entertaining enough for me to make it worth it, some love it though! My stock line is if you want to break even in the casino, play the change machine;)

 

My husband's joke about the casino - The Gambler's Prayer - Dear Lord, Let me break even....I really need the money. :D

 

Gina

[bajathree]

I saved the Victoria and Alberts experience for my 5th year anniversary. The 7 course meal and wine paring plus tips was around $500. The highest price meal ever for us. Was it unbelievable? Yes! Without question, the best food I have ever had. It's a once in a life time experience and I would highly recommend it at some point in your life.

 

While I haven't dined there myself....I have friends who did the chefs table there and took pictures of all the dishes....I laughed when I saw them....if you think that was worth $500 I respectfully suggest you go to NYC and dine in a real restaurant.

[waterbug123]

While I haven't dined there myself....I have friends who did the chefs table there and took pictures of all the dishes....I laughed when I saw them....if you think that was worth $500 I respectfully suggest you go to NYC and dine in a real restaurant.

 

The first words in your post say it all. YOU haven't been there, so you really can't say how V&A's compares to another restaurant in NYC or elsewhere. ;)

[shipshape sam]

Chef's Table $95pp, oh my....:eek:

 

Worth it too! It is coupled with wine pairings for each course and they are nice portions of wine.

 

I would do Chef's table again. :)

[negc]

The first words in your post say it all. YOU haven't been there, so you really can't say how V&A's compares to another restaurant in NYC or elsewhere. ;)

 

You are, of course, correct, but there are some, including myself, who would question whether any meal served in any restaurant is actually worth $500.:D

[EVALUATOR]

You are, of course, correct, but there are some, including myself, who would question whether any meal served in any restaurant is actually worth $500.:D

 

It used to be you paid for a cruise and all the meals were included.

 

Maybe for $500, you pay for the meal, and a cruise is included.:eek:

[waterbug123]

You are, of course, correct, but there are some, including myself, who would question whether any meal served in any restaurant is actually worth $500.:D

 

You're right. So isn't it wonderful to have choices?! :)

If one looks at a "meal" as being nothing more than a source of sustenance or fuel for the body, one can eat very cheaply and be perfectly content, because they put little to no value on the quality of the food or the manner in which it is served. If, on the other hand, one likes to occasionally view a meal as an experience, a form of being entertained even, one can splurge on a $500 (or more :eek:) meal that to him or her, is well worth it.

[logansnonna]

If Specialty Dining is a certificate from the TA, will the TA honor whatever the current cost is?

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

If Specialty Dining is a certificate from the TA, will the TA honor whatever the current cost is?

 

Yes

 

Think about it ... that would be extremely tacky if they didn't.

 

I assume the certificate says "Dinner for 2 at Chops" (or whatever) and does not list a monetary amount. I can't imagine anyone saying " oh wait! I gave that to you when I thought dinner was $50! Now that it is $60 I don't think I want to pay for it anymore!"

 

;)

 

Not going to happen!

[QTMichele]

You and I are on the same sailing. I just checked and some of the prices did increase. Since we paid the old prices at the time of making the dining reservations, will be charged the new prices on board?

 

I sure hope not! I dont think RCCL would charge us the difference of the rates but to be honest I dont put it past them! Guess we will be finding out very soon!

 

Just checked with RCCL with regards to those who have already booked restaurants and got this reply -

 

The new specialty dining cover charges for Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table,

150 Central Park and Chef’s Table are effective as of today.

For guests currently holding a dining reservation at these restaurants, the

 

cover charge at the time of booking will be honored.

 

A bit of advice... print off your ressie and bring it with you, and include the blurb that Host Liz posted.

 

We booked Izumi online pre-cruise (Allure) for the $10/person fee that would be deducted from our bill. However, once onboard, we were told that a dining fee was in effect plus the a la carte pricing. They refunded our $10/person pre-booking "fee" and did NOT HONOR OUR PRICES.

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

QTMichele[/left];29326236]

 

We booked Izumionline pre-cruise (Allure) for the $10/person fee that would be deducted from our bill. However, once onboard, we were told that a dining fee was in effect plus the a la carte[/u]pricing. They refunded our $10/person pre-booking "fee" and did NOT HONOR OUR PRICES.

 

Ok, I am really confused by this. :confused:

 

I do not know if Allure and Oasis are different (probably) but aren't you charged (on your credit card) for all your pre-cruise reservations? (I have a lot of OBC - so I am waiting to book dining and excursions until I board)

 

Once you have paid, you are locked in to that price

[QTMichele]

Ok' date=' I am really confused by this. :confused:

 

I do not know if Allure and Oasis are different (probably) but aren't you charged (on your credit card) for all your pre-cruise reservations? (I have a lot of OBC - so I am waiting to book dining and excursions until I board)

 

Once you have paid, you are locked in to that price[/quote']

 

You may be confused (I know I was!), but, trust me, this is exactly what happened to us. We pre-paid the $20 ($10/person) for Izumi, then, upon arrival, they told us that our pre-paid $20 would be refunded back to our room and the new fees/a la carte prices would be charged. I discuss this in my Allure review (see link in my signature) if you're interested.

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

You may be confused (I know I was!), but, trust me, this is exactly what happened to us. We pre-paid the $20 ($10/person) for Izumi, then, upon arrival, they told us that our pre-paid $20 would be refunded back to our room and the new fees/a la carte prices would be charged. I discuss this in my Allure review (see link in my signature) if you're interested.

 

I believe you (please don't think I was saying you were lying! :eek:) I am just confused is all...

 

I wonder though if this isn't something just isolated to Izumi. I mean, there is a big difference between a $5 price increase (Chops etc) and making Izumi a la carte pricing. But why would they refund you? Why not just put that money toward the fees and anything you would order. (Since the website says it is $10 with $5 being the cover charge and $5 going toward your meal) ... REALLY ODD no matter how you look at it! :confused:

[QTMichele]

I believe you (please don't think I was saying you were lying! :eek:) I am just confused is all...

 

I wonder though if this isn't something just isolated to Izumi. I mean' date=' there is a big difference between a $5 price increase (Chops etc) and making Izumi a la carte pricing. But why would they refund you? Why not just put that money toward the fees and anything you would order. (Since the website says it is $10 with $5 being the cover charge and $5 going toward your meal) ... REALLY ODD no matter how you look at it! :confused:[/quote']

 

Didn't take it that way at all. ;)

 

Let me back up for a second... Izumi was always a la carte pricing - that hasn't changed (that I know of!). However, it used to be that you pre-paid a $10 per person fee that was used against the price of the food (there was no "cover charge") For example, if I pre-booked Izumi in the past and paid my $10, but then only ate $8 worth of food, then they would credit me $2. On the other hand, if I ate $18 worth of food, then they would charge me an additional $8 ($18 bill minus the $10 pre-paid = $8).

 

When we were onboard, not only were we charged the a la carte (which I expected), but they charged us a cover fee of $5 per person.

 

It wasn't a money thing for us - we would've eaten there regardless; however, it was a matter of principle that they didn't honor the price they quoted us when we pre-booked.

 

As for the way they handled our "refund" and cover charge/food pricing, I would assume it was just easier for their book keeping. Who knows?

[mechcc]

Didn't take it that way at all. ;)

 

Let me back up for a second... Izumi was always a la carte pricing - that hasn't changed (that I know of!). However, it used to be that you pre-paid a $10 per person fee that was used against the price of the food (there was no "cover charge") For example, if I pre-booked Izumi in the past and paid my $10, but then only ate $8 worth of food, then they would credit me $2. On the other hand, if I ate $18 worth of food, then they would charge me an additional $8 ($18 bill minus the $10 pre-paid = $8).

 

When we were onboard, not only were we charged the a la carte (which I expected), but they charged us a cover fee of $5 per person.

 

It wasn't a money thing for us - we would've eaten there regardless; however, it was a matter of principle that they didn't honor the price they quoted us when we pre-booked.

 

As for the way they handled our "refund" and cover charge/food pricing, I would assume it was just easier for their book keeping. Who knows?

 

 

Now that would make me not go there just out of principle. Even if I had my heart set on eating there. Charging a cover charge after prebooking without the cover charge is just wrong. Just as charging more for a reservation in a speciality resturant after someone prebooking and prepaying is wrong.

 

Raising the prices of the resturants is just normal business and they have every right to do so but those who have already bought should not be charged more.

[steamboats]

Prices have been changed on the RCI website.

 

Portofino stays at 20-25 $

 

Izumi: 10$ and the website is saying that 7$ will be deducted from your bill for lunch and 5$ for dinner. So the rest (3$ for lunch, 5$ for dinner) is a non refundable cover charge.

 

BTW we´ve been on the Vision of the Seas in April and realized that the wine prices went up quite a bit too. Bottles are 3 to 5$ more than they used to be in 2010. Also the wine packages went up in 2011. Same for beer prices.

 

steamboats