Trying to understand the alternative dining

[CruisinFools]

Maybe it's me, or maybe I'm just cheap, but I really don't understand why anyone would book the alternative dining room (The Steakhouse Grill and/or Sabatini's on Princess, for example) on their cruise. I mean, part of the price we pay for cruising, when broken down, includes every meal in the dining room, plus buffets, room service, etc. The way one gal explained it to me on our last cruise was, "if you went to a fine restaurant at home, it would cost you a lot more than $20 per person." OK, well, double that (me and my DH), then add the cost of what you previously paid for the dining room which you will not be using (another $10 per person?), so now you're looking at a total "bill" of $60. That may, indeed, be a decent price for a fine restuarant, but it's not the bargain of the century. If the charge was a minimal $5 or $10 per person, I could see it, but at $30 per person, I think that's a little high when you can go to the dining room (where, at least on Princess, the food has always been fine enough for me), personally, I think it's a lot when your food has already been paid for in your cruise price. Besides, I can go to a fine restaurant at home; when on vacation, I try to do as little as possible, the things I can do at home. I'd rather enjoy experiences that I can only do on a cruise vacation.

On our last cruise, there was only one night when our entire table (of 8) was there. Everyone (except me and DH) went to both restaurants at least once. Since we were on the Tahitian Princess, we were still on the ship (on disembarkation day) as the new passengers arrived. There was a line out the door of folks, signing up for th alternative dining options. I just don't get it.

Along the same lines, we were anchored in Bora Bora overnight. I heard some couple decided to spend that night in one of the overwater bungalows, which are quite pricey. I understand that perhaps they wanted to enjoy the total Bora Bora experience, but again, they gave up a perfectly good cabin for one night, which has already been paid for, to spend the night in an overwater bungalow.

I guess this is how the other half lives. We're just a couple of working stiffs who save our money, spend it responsibly and stay out of debt. Maybe if I hit the new Mega Millions game, I can throw money away, too. Don't mean to offend anyone, I just don't understand why anyone would spend money on something they already paid for (like a meal or a room). Thoughts?

[Flip2cruise]

Maybe it's me, or maybe I'm just cheap, but I really don't understand why anyone would book the alternative dining room (The Steakhouse Grill and/or Sabatini's on Princess, for example) on their cruise. I mean, part of the price we pay for cruising, when broken down, includes every meal in the dining room, plus buffets, room service, etc. The way one gal explained it to me on our last cruise was, "if you went to a fine restaurant at home, it would cost you a lot more than $20 per person." OK, well, double that (me and my DH), then add the cost of what you previously paid for the dining room which you will not be using (another $10 per person?), so now you're looking at a total "bill" of $60. That may, indeed, be a decent price for a fine restuarant, but it's not the bargain of the century. If the charge was a minimal $5 or $10 per person, I could see it, but at $30 per person, I think that's a little high when you can go to the dining room (where, at least on Princess, the food has always been fine enough for me), personally, I think it's a lot when your food has already been paid for in your cruise price. Besides, I can go to a fine restaurant at home; when on vacation, I try to do as little as possible, the things I can do at home. I'd rather enjoy experiences that I can only do on a cruise vacation.

On our last cruise, there was only one night when our entire table (of 8) was there. Everyone (except me and DH) went to both restaurants at least once. Since we were on the Tahitian Princess, we were still on the ship (on disembarkation day) as the new passengers arrived. There was a line out the door of folks, signing up for th alternative dining options. I just don't get it.

Along the same lines, we were anchored in Bora Bora overnight. I heard some couple decided to spend that night in one of the overwater bungalows, which are quite pricey. I understand that perhaps they wanted to enjoy the total Bora Bora experience, but again, they gave up a perfectly good cabin for one night, which has already been paid for, to spend the night in an overwater bungalow.

I guess this is how the other half lives. We're just a couple of working stiffs who save our money, spend it responsibly and stay out of debt. Maybe if I hit the new Mega Millions game, I can throw money away, too. Don't mean to offend anyone, I just don't understand why anyone would spend money on something they already paid for (like a meal or a room). Thoughts?

 

That's why its an alternative, some think its a good idea and are willing to pay extra. Some people might think its throwing money away by booking a balcony since the people with a inside cabin get the same food in the dining room. Its all about what each individual wants to do on their vacation dollars.

 

Some people even enjoy eating food at the various ports, if they arent scheduled to depart until 10-12pm.

[CruisinFools]

I agree, it all depends on how one wants to spend their vacation dollar. We always book a cabin with a balcony. If I wanted to save more money, I'd book an inside cabin. I choose to spend extra for a balcony. Some people might think of this as throwing money away, since an inside cabin will take me to the same ports and give me access to the same dining room and buffet. In my opinion (and this is just my opinion), there is nothing like your own private balcony, no matter how much public deck space there may be. So I guess I can compare paying extra for a "fine" dining experience in an on-board restaurant versus eating in the dining room to the difference between a baclony cabin and an inside cabin. Thanks for another point of view.

[kitty9]

I think if you tried one of the alternate restaurants, you would easily understand why so many people chose to go to them. Those restaurants serve food that you don't come close to having in the regular restaurant---their menus are more complex, using more expensive ingredients and very lovely presentation---and the service can be beyond your wildest dreams. Some of the most outstanding food I've experienced have come from those alternate restaurants, especially those on Celebrity. The food that you have in those restaurants are prepared to order, which means it isn't mass prepared early in the day and kept in the refrigerator/oven, like all the food you have in the regular restaurant, but it's only prepared once you order it, so it's fresh and not re-heated.

 

To be honest, $60 for an upscale, five star restaurant cannot be had anywhere in the world. We've dined at some of the most highly rated restaurants, and by their standards, $60 is a drop in the bucket. If you went to any of the following four or five star restaurants, The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, Le Bernadin, Masa(where lunch can run $300 a person), or Daniel ($120 on average per person) in New York, the Ivy or Crustacean in Los Angeles, you can expect your bill at the end of the night to easily reach $200+ for a three course meal, and I'm not including wine. So you see, it's all relative. But, believe me, you cannot, anywhere in the world, find a four or five star dining experience for $60 for two people, and that's exactly what you have when you chose to dine in some of the alternate restaurants on cruise ships.

 

But in the end, it's all what you want. I guess if the alternate restaurants weren't so very popular, and have excellent cuisine and service, then cruise ships wouldn't have them. But, since it's become so difficult to even get reservations for these places, it says that for most people, it's worth the expense.

[Happy ks]

We try to go at least once during a cruise to the alternative restaurants. The food is far better and we enjoy it. We can always find something decent to eat in the regular dining room, but we have always found the food to be pretty much like banquet food. Edible, but not by any stretch of the means 5 star quality. Actually, some of the best meals I've ever had on land or sea has been in the specialty restaurants onboard some of the ships we have sailed. It's our way of a special celebration of our cruise.

 

So, to each his own, it is worth it for us. Some people on these boards think that Olive Garden is a fine Italian restaurant, or that Cheesecake Factory is upscale. While I could find something edible in those places, I prefer a finer dining choice on land also.

 

Along the same line, I cannot understand why many people are accepting of the food at the buffet. I constantly read complaints regarding the quality, long lines, dirty tables, other people moving too slow, or butting in front, etc... But, when you suggest the superior alternative, eating breakfast and lunch in the dining room, they state they don't want to take that much time to eat. I'll let you in on a little secret, it really doesn't take any longer for breakfast, not much longer for lunch. You get waited on, the service is great and there is usually hardly anyone else in there. The only time the dining room is crowded for breakfast is on the morning of debarkation. Shh, don't tell anyone else.

 

For us, it is about quality, not quantity.:)

[Bruin Steve]

I've eaten in the Specialty restaurants on the Celebrity M-Class...And they are very good...

Of course, I find the Main Dining Room to be very good as well...

 

It's a tough debate for me...because, frankly, I can afford the extra $60 per couple...and when I'm spending thousands on a cruise, $60 doesn't exactly make me or break me...

 

And, back home, sometimes I'll go to a restaurant that costs $40 a couple for dinner --and have a very good and enjoyable meal...and sonmetimes I'll go to one that costs $100--and also enjoy my meal...it's the same $60 difference...It's just that, at home, no matter how much you like TGI Fridays or BJs or Red Lobster or Olive Garden or whatever that $40 meal is, every now and then, you take a break and go to that really fancy, high-priced restaurant...

 

Of course, many people don't...many people, whenever they eat out, always go to the "reasonably priced" eateries...and those folks probably wouldn't go to the specialty restaurant...The Main Dining Room is a bargain...and it's plenty nice and the food is great...

 

Now, there are also some reasons to go to the specialty restaurant that fit in with why you would do something similar at home...For example, a special occasion--a Birthday, an Anniversary...A romantic dinner for two when you don't necessarily want to share it with your 6 or 8 "table mates"...

 

But, if you have no compelling reason to want to go and to spend that extra $50, well, that's fine too...I enjoyed all of my cruises very well before they ever came up with this "specialty" concept...

[JGR01]

It all depends on the line and the specialty restaurant.

 

Was on one ship (name forgotten) where the Sushi restaurant was an alternative. It was POOOOOOR while other ships have Sushi as part of the buffet or at a special time.

 

I partially look at the alternative restaurants after I decide how our table waiter/asst and the table companions work out. If I am on a 14 day trip and the waiter is fabulous, I will not leave to another venue. If I am on a 7 day trip and the waiter is so-so and the table companions a bit boring I will look at the options of other restaurants.

 

It all depends on the people... have you met someone onboard that you would enjoy eating with .. then the alternative places are a nice change from the main dining rooms and your traditional seating. Or if you want an intimate dinner away from your noisy table for 8 one evening.

 

I have looked at some of the Princess alternative menus and found them to be interesting not extravegant .. so have not done them. Once when tempted the Butler suggested dinner on the balcony from the main dining room instead .. as his suggestion to an 'alternative'.

 

The additional charge is partially for food but more for gratuity to the staff who work there. Since they are not getting the daily tables in the dining room, their tips are limited. I think this is one of the main reasons for ANY charge for an alternative dining venue.

[clackey]

Hola amigos,

 

I can understand why some people would gravitate towards the alternative dining. The ambience, the service and the quality of fare is far above the standard offering. That said, I must confess that I am cheap. I book the cheapest room, stay in mediocre hotels and drive to the ports. Face it, I go to the same ports, eat the same food and see the same shows for half of the cost of the majority of cruisers. But if you want to splurge and spend extra money, then more power to you. If we were all alike the world would be a boring place to live.

[caviargal]

In additional to wonderful food and service in the specialty restaurants, the atmosphere is romantic, intimate and adult. It is quiet and the service inobtrusive. Passengers dress up and enjoy a long, leisurely dinner.

 

For me, I will choose this atmosphere 3 times on a 7 night cruise. I don't do shore excursions, gamble or shop. Food and wine are where I will spend my money.

 

CG

[Cotton]

CruisinFool - I don't understand either. I don't penny-pinch on my vacations, BUT I always enjoy the dining room food so much (and yes, it's already paid for), so I would never feel the need to try a specialty restaurant on a cruise. Hey, I can go put that $50 in the slot machines.:D

[marco]

I think they're great!!!!!! Don't use them, but it helps generate more onboard revenue that keeps the initial price of the cruise what they are. Most minimum rates now are about what they were 15 and more years ago! OVer the years we have seen many many more "revenue producing" options. As they are completely discreationary, and one does not have to spend on them, those who do keep the basic rate of the cruise what it is for those of us who don't.

[K&RCurt]

We greatly enjoyed eating at the specialty restaurant on the HAL Westerdam (Pinnacle Grill). The steaks were much better than those offered in the main dining room, the service was much more personal and the ambiance more romantic and intimate. The price of wine was no more than in the main dining room, and as we went the first night of the cruise the charge was only $10.00pp.

 

 

We enjoy sitting at a large table and meeting new people in the main dining room. For one night, however, it is nice to sit at a table for 2 and have quiet converstion alone with the love of your life. It would be virtually impossible to switch from a large table to a table for 2 for one night in the MDR.

 

To us it was well worth the $20.00 to have the excellent food and quiet intimate atmosphere for one night of the cruise.

[serene56]

MY SO thought like you-- the dining room food is included so why pay for food elsewhere... It took me 5 cruises for him to try it... Its valentines day--blah blah blah.. he finally gave in. The ambiance is so different compared to the dining room/ the food is much better-granted we dont get to try 2 entrees or 2 desserts but the portions are bigger in the alternative place. We also did not have waiters rushing around waiting on people around us-- maybe if it was more crowded.

 

We are heading on the Liberty for 6 nights- I dont know if we will use the alternative dining or not.. but happy to know it is there if we do change our mind.

[geoherb]

We enjoyed our meals at the alternative restaurants on the Golden Princess in 2002. That was the cruise where we had "personal choice" dining. I did not want to miss dinner with our tablemates when we've had traditional dining.

[LHT28]

We had very good meals in the alternate restaurants on Oceania's Insignia and NO extra charge.

It is all about your own choices. I don't think I would pay extra on the other cruiselines.

[CruisinFools]

One of the things we always look forward to, when booking our next cruise, is the 6 course meals at dinner (versus the way we ordinarily dine) and meeting tablemates with whom we can share our days' activites over dinner. We've been lucky, I guess. On all six cruises, we've always met very nice, interesting people. Even after 20 years, I'm still in love with my husband, but I figure, we eat at our own romantic table for 2 every night of the week, whether it's at the kitchen table, our dining room, at a gourmet room in Vegas or at our favorite restaurant at home. We've also been fortunate because our table staff has always been wonderful and I find myself looking forward to seeing them at dinner. I appreciate all the work these people do at meal time, and have never felt rushed or disturbed by noise. I can't help it; I just really enjoy dining in a big, elegant banquet room with interesting people and an attentive wait staff. Even though we spend thousands on a cruise, to me, $60 is still $60. I'd rather put it in the pocket of a waiter who has made me feel special all week, rather than someone who will make me feel special for one meal.

I must admit, however, that I did find the quality of the food on my most recent Princess cruise to be sub-par of what I expect from Princess. I attribute this to their purchase by Carnival.

[Happy ks]

So, have you ever eaten in one of the specialty restaurants onboard any cruise ships?

 

If not, I'm surprised that you could come to the conclusion that you have without the experience. If you have, you've not eaten at the right specialty restaurant.

 

Our last cruise, we had a magnificent dinner in the United States room on Celebrity Infinity. On Disney Magic, we had a great meal in Palo, actually the only really good meal we had all week. On NCL Star, we ended up eating at the specialty restaurants 3 nights out of 7, because the food in the regular dining rooms just was not very good at all. The specialty restaurants on NCL had some of the best food we have eaten on a cruise ship, much to our surprise. I've only cruised an older RCI ship that did not have a specialty restaurant, other than sushi, but I will definitely be in line for ressies when I find myself on a newer RCI ship. I can bypass the bingo, casino, lots of alocoholic drinks, lots of photos, we don't care for junk souvenirs. I don't need a suite or balcony, but I always remember a great meal.

 

I understand what you are saying in regards to enjoying your fellow pax, the wait staff and even the food. But there can be a big difference and before you judge, you should experience for yourself. What makes it exceptionally special is that not a whole lot of people will pay extra for it and it remains upscale.

[sblahars]

I as well don't understand the alternative dining. To me, the food and service should be that good for EVERYONE, not just those willing to pay extra. I honestly think it is just another way for the cruiseline to squeeze every last penny out of you, and people seem to fall for it, so good for the cruiseline in coming up with a good business plan.

 

People justify it by saying how great the service and food is...honestly...is the food and service in the main dining rooms that ordinary? Personally, I think the food and service in the main dining room far exceeds anywhere most people go when they go out to eat, so why pay extra when you are getting good food and service anyway.

 

I realize that it is everyone's own choice, I just think it is kind of....gullible (sorry, but that is how I feel)...to pay extra for dinner (that you've already paid for) on a cruise.

[kitty9]

Don't want to sound nasty, but if you think cruise line food, with the exception of lines like Seabourn or Crystal, are as good as any restaurant you can go to, either you've never been to a five star restaurant, or you don't mind anything better than your basic banquet food, which is what the mass market cruise lines serve. I'm not saying the food is bad, but anything that's mass prepared, hours in advance of your eating it, isn't all that great, and nothing even close to fine dining in the great restaurants of the world. As I said in a previous post, unless you have tried the food in the alternate restaurants, you really have no idea how fantastic their food really is, and you might even say that the main restaurant's food is just OK when compared to the alternate restaurant.

[serene56]

To me, the food and service should be that good for EVERYONE, not just those willing to pay extra. .

 

The dining room feeds thousands of people in a 4 hour time frame..depending on the ship. 2,000-2500 people.

 

The alternative dining room does 100 people in the same amount of hours. Food is not pre cooked- or prepared. This dining venue can afford to give special attention to everyone who is paying.

[Happy ks]

I as well don't understand the alternative dining. To me, the food and service should be that good for EVERYONE, not just those willing to pay extra. I honestly think it is just another way for the cruiseline to squeeze every last penny out of you, and people seem to fall for it, so good for the cruiseline in coming up with a good business plan.

 

People justify it by saying how great the service and food is...honestly...is the food and service in the main dining rooms that ordinary? Personally, I think the food and service in the main dining room far exceeds anywhere most people go when they go out to eat, so why pay extra when you are getting good food and service anyway.

 

I realize that it is everyone's own choice, I just think it is kind of....gullible (sorry, but that is how I feel)...to pay extra for dinner (that you've already paid for) on a cruise.

 

 

You are right, you have paid the fare that includes the basic food available. It's very much like banquet food, or in the buffet, typical buffet food. The specialty restaurants are there for those of us who appreciate a finer dining experience. It would be impossible to prepare the specialty food for the large dining room, it is all cooked to order, not prepared ahead of time and held in heaters or stacked onto trays.

 

I've read somewhere the basic food cost, per passenger, is something like $10 per day for the cruiseline. Since the better cuts of meat and fish, and numerous other ingredients they use in these venues are not included in this basic cost, the specialty restaurants incur more cost to the cruiseline. I think only a smaller, more upscale (a lot more expensive) ship could achieve this type of dining.

 

So, try it before you pass any judgement. You, too, will see the difference, especially if you take the suggestion of the servers in there. We have had the best lobster of our life in one of those restaurants, we almost didn't order it, as we had had lobster in the main dining a few nights before and it was just so-so.

[tripman]

from Happy ks:

"The specialty restaurants are there for those of us who appreciate a finer dining experience."

 

...how insulting and condenscending...

 

Suggesting that only people who eat in the extra fee restaurants are capable of appreciating finer dining. Saying: "those of us" makes it seem like the rest of us "common folk" should be segretaged from the you because the dining room is good enough for us.

[Cotton]

Uh, Tripman, I have to agree with you. Also: QUOTE]Some people on these boards think that Olive Garden is a fine Italian restaurant, or that Cheesecake Factory is upscale. While I could find something edible in those places, I prefer a finer dining choice on land also.[quote

That was a little tacky, as well.

 

KS - Yes, to MOST cruisers, the dining room has wonderful meals. Not everyone goes to 5-star restaurants. I do, and quite often, but I don't belittle others because they aren't accustomed to 'fine dining'.

 

I happen to enjoy the regular dining room food, and have all three meals daily in the dining room because I simply don't care for buffet style dining. (And I DO know good food, as I was the chef in two very upscale New Orleans restaurants.)

 

Also, this thread really isn't a debate, so nobody's 'passing judgement'. It's just your arrogance that is disturbing.

[pratzert]

It's seems another case of a poster being flamed for their "OPINION".

 

It's getting old.....

 

Just because someone's wallet isn't as thick as yours, does NOT mean there palate is not as refined as yours. I'm sure they can taste AND appreciate the difference between "Denny's" and a five star meal. Not everyone can afford it.

 

I can certainly appreciate what the cruise line is doing with the extra charge alternative dining. I do agree that to keep the overall costs down and make cruising affordable to many people, they must prepare mass meals, with lower quality product. That does not mean it's of "Poor" quality... only "lower" quality.

 

It's still tasty and pleasing to the majority of people. I can see where some would get upset at the thought of being served "Lower" quality foods. But It has to cost more to prepare individual meals with higher quality ingredients than the mass food approach.

 

What I can't understand is the Extra charge for "SODA" that clearly costs less than other drinks that are Free.

 

If you want to attack something the line does, that would be a perfect target in "MY OPINION"..........

[Cotton]

What I can't understand is the Extra charge for "SODA" that clearly costs less than other drinks that are Free.

 

Pratzert, I can try to help you understand this part. (I was also Food & Beverage director for N.O. hotels.) The soft drinks actually cost the cruise lines MORE than the other beverages; i.e., juices, tea, coffee. This is because the cruise line, as well as land restaurants, hotels, etc. buy in quantity from food vendor companies like Sysco and others. This includes everything except soft drinks.

 

None of the food vendors sell Coke, Pepsi, or other soft drinks through a vendor company. They all sell directly to the cruiseline and others. Therefore, they have a monopoly on their sales. Hope that explains it...:)