Speciality dining - worth it?

[bighairtexan]

Basically I no longer feel the need to go to most specialty restaurants. In the past year I've found the food (Post Van Staden) to have improved. And IMHO while the specialty restaurant prices keep going up, I've found the offerings less attractive. 5 years ago the Normandie on the Summit was exquisite. A harpist. Excellent service. KILLER cheese cart.

Even Murano on the Eclipse a year or two ago had different menus and I feel was worth the (then) $35 up charge. Now... not so much. Lesser offerings at a higher price. I'm happy enough in the MDR.

 

Qsine was kitschy and quirky and fun 1 time. But once was enough. Silk Harvest was very "meh".

I've had absolutely terrific food in Tuscan Grill and very mediocre food. I don't know if it was different ships/chefs or what.

 

I do like Bistro on 5 for lunch and feel the extra $5 is very reasonable. Slllooowww service but I like crêpes, so I have always enjoyed it.

[neilrr]

It was definitely worth it when prices were in the $20 - $25 range. But I am re-evaluating doing specialty restaurants on our February 2014 cruise due to the fact they are now $40 - $45 range. I think they are now too expensive and hope they experience a drop in passengers using them. It seems from what I read they are now having to give discounts on certain sailings to get them filled.

 

Not at $45 per person. Plus there's wine and/or drinks with dinner and the bill really adds up.

 

The Specialty Restaurants need to go back down to $30 per person. That's the most we would pay.

 

blueboro and CruisingChick - I totally agree with you both. We have always gone to the specialty restaurants for one special dinner during our cruises. We have always loved Murano's.

 

Recently on Princess, we went to their specialty restaurant and the fee has remained at $25PP which IMHO is fair and reasonable.

 

On Celebrity $45 is far too much and we have decided to forgo dinner in the Normandie on our next cruise on Summit. We feel that $25 - $30 is more than enough. We have always loved the MDR on Celebrity with the exception of the dreaded "Caribbean Night" dinner.

 

We hope Celebrity we take another look at this pricing policy and lower it back to $30PP.

[nafanny29]

Our 5 speciality meals aboard the Eclipse were out of this world, and miles better than the MDR. Worth every penny and more IMO!!!

[jaymebs]

I loved Murano, as an international (not french) food.

But I disliked Tuscan Grille. It's not a true italian restaurant.

 

At the menu, what they call "primi piatti" is actually antipasti

 

What they call "piatti principali" is actually the primi piatti (pasta)

 

The menu is american - not italian - as soup and salad is between starters and entrees. It's not used in the best food of Europe - France, Italy and Portugal.

 

In Italy, and around the world, Alfredo's sauce doesn't have chicken!!!

 

etc, etc, etc

[coldweathergirl]

We've often done the connoisseurs dinner when on board. It's pricy but includes pre-dinner champagne with canapés and fabulous wines paired with the dinner. They usually only offer it once or possibly twice per cruise. The service is incredible as is the food.

[spookwife]

What's your opinion and tell us why...

 

I like dining in a main dining room, but on the other hand i'd love to experience the other restaurants as well. There are lots of other options (too many?) and i would hate the feeling of "missing" something. However, if the extra cost is too much, i wouldn't even consider taking the package.

 

we will always try a specialty if we have the time or can work it into the budget.. we may or may not return afterward.

 

we have had experiences that were out bloodystanding and I walked away feeling amazed.

 

I have also experienced meals that were no better than any 3 star place in DC. don't regret spending the money, but have no need to relive the experience.

 

the packages look to be a good deal for us, assuming we ever sail on a ship that has more than one specialty venue( our current ressie is for Century)

[Cruise a holic]

What's your opinion and tell us why...

 

I like dining in a main dining room, but on the other hand i'd love to experience the other restaurants as well. There are lots of other options (too many?) and i would hate the feeling of "missing" something. However, if the extra cost is too much, i wouldn't even consider taking the package.

 

The specialty restaurants are much better then both the main or blu IMO worth it. Especially on the Reflection and Silhouette. We typically take a package- and also the first night is usually offered to guests at a discounted rate.

 

Our favorite is The Lawn Grill. We also enjoy the experience of Qsine. My DH loves Tuscan Grill and Murano is another great option! We take a package that includes 5 specialty restaurants at a savings of 31%. :)

[rjwex]

We were on Century RT San Diego to Hawaii this past March. We attended one of the lunches, which was excellent - wished there were more. We were doing most of the wine events. When I expressed some reservation with the connoisseur menu, they offered the regular menu or to modify. They also switched out the wine for my sister when she wasn't enjoying one of the courses. Really dedicated service. Took my own bottle in for a different dinner, which they treated very well, including decanting.

 

Last year on Infinity to Alaska, we did the tea and dinner with friends. The MDR was great, but the specialty is another level.

 

I like coffee shops, but I also like a really good steak house.

[Mammasan]

It was definitely worth it when prices were in the $20 - $25 range. But I am re-evaluating doing specialty restaurants on our February 2014 cruise due to the fact they are now $40 - $45 range. I think they are now too expensive and hope they experience a drop in passengers using them. It seems from what I read they are now having to give discounts on certain sailings to get them filled.

 

Boy, do I agree with you! Not only are the prices for the specialty restaurants getting out of hand, but we had a somewhat subpar meal the last time we ate in Murano on the Silhouette in May of this year. The meals in the MDR were usually very good to excellent, so why pay more for less? Yes, the atmosphere is more intimate and quiet, and the service is extraordinary, but I don't think those pluses are worth $90. We chose to eat at Murano because we had some onboard credit we needed to use. Also got 20% off.

 

Whatever floats your boat, no pun intended.

[julia]

Are they "worth it"? Probably not. BUT, if the dining experience makes your cruise a bit more special and creates some lasting memories, then yes.... it IS worth it. We've done many specialty restaurants over the years and have mostly enjoyed each experience. Now, we'll do them only with OBC. Will NOT pay the inflated prices. :(

[neilrr]

Boy, do I agree with you! Not only are the prices for the specialty restaurants getting out of hand, but we had a somewhat subpar meal the last time we ate in Murano on the Silhouette in May of this year. The meals in the MDR were usually very good to excellent, so why pay more for less? Yes, the atmosphere is more intimate and quiet, and the service is extraordinary, but I don't think those pluses are worth $90. We chose to eat at Murano because we had some onboard credit we needed to use. Also got 20% off.

 

Whatever floats your boat, no pun intended.

 

Are they "worth it"? Probably not. BUT, if the dining experience makes your cruise a bit more special and creates some lasting memories, then yes.... it IS worth it. We've done many specialty restaurants over the years and have mostly enjoyed each experience. Now, we'll do them only with OBC. Will NOT pay the inflated prices. :(

 

Mammasan and Julia - I agree with you both. We also have always enjoyed the Specialty Restaurants, but the prices are out of control. Over time, I am sure Celebrity will see it in their numbers. Our favorite Restaurant is on Millie in the Olympic with Murano's a close second. We do not think it is worth an additional $90 for dinner either. Happy Sailing...:)

[Iamcruzin]

At $20-$25 I would eat in a specialty restaurant. Considering that you have paid for a meal in the MDR with your fare that you won't be eating I think $40-$45 is over the top. I would like to read some examples of the excellent service that was received in a specialty restaurant that fell short in the MDR because I didn't see any difference. Personally I think the better service is just a psychological experience because you paid extra.

[Cruise a holic]

At $20-$25 I would eat in a specialty restaurant. Considering that you have paid for a meal in the MDR with your fare that you won't be eating I think $40-$45 is over the top. I would like to read some examples of the excellent service that was received in a specialty restaurant that fell short in the MDR because I didn't see any difference. Personally I think the better service is just a psychological experience because you paid extra.

 

 

I do not agree that this is just psychological- The tables for two are larger and spread apart. The whole restaurant has a much smaller staff to passenger ratio- and the service is so much better. Some dishes are prepared tableside- The most important factor is the food is much better IMO.

 

If you take a package, you can save about 20 to 31plus %. Also the first night and sometimes the last night, you can get discounts on dining in the specialty restaurant. But of course to each his/her own- we never spend any money in the Casino, on Bingo and take limited shore excursions. But we do enjoy being wined and dined when on vacation.:)

[Iamcruzin]

I do not agree that this is just psychological- The tables for two are larger and spread apart. The whole restaurant has a much smaller staff to passenger ratio- and the service is so much better. Some dishes are prepared tableside- The most important factor is the food is much better IMO.

 

If you take a package, you can save about 20 to 31plus %. Also the first night and sometimes the last night, you can get discounts on dining in the specialty restaurant. But of course to each his/her own- we never spend any money in the Casino, on Bingo and take limited shore excursions. But we do enjoy being wined and dined when on vacation.:)

I understand that the food and overall atmosphere is better but what do the wait staff do differently that they don't do in the MDR that makes people believe that the service is better? For example do they feed you or cut your meat? I never see a difference in service between the restaurant and the MDR. I think I receive equal service and we don't eat in traditional dining. I just think that the wait staff have time to be more chatty in the specialty venues which to me doesn't necessarily measure up to better service but it does create a nicer ambiance. Still not worth $40-$45.

[Cruise a holic]

I understand that the food and overall atmosphere is better but what do the wait staff do differently that they don't do in the MDR that makes people believe that the service is better? For example do they feed you or cut your meat? I never see a difference in service between the restaurant and the MDR. I think I receive equal service and we don't eat in traditional dining. I just think that the wait staff have time to be more chatty in the specialty venues which to me doesn't necessarily measure up to better service but it does create a nicer ambiance. Still not worth $40-$45.

 

I do agree that the price is high- and it is unfortunate that we have to pay- but I also believe as the cruise ships add more speciality restaurants that the quality of the food and service in the main dining room suffers. In the main dining room we sometimes never get drinks with our dinner or refills as the staff is so busy . I also am not fond of the banquet style of food. But that is me- I really enjoy the fresh prepared tableside entrees- including some of the desserts.

 

But I do agree that all of the food venues should be excellent and we should only have to pay a token if we decide to dine in a speciality restaurant- but that trend isn't happening.

[jcallcut]

Hi All, I will be on a 15 night Transatlantic next November. Is it possible to buy both the 5 night and the 4 night package thereby allowing me to dine 9 of the 15 nights in speciality restaurants or is it one or the other but not both. I appreciate your help,

 

Jim

[MisterBill99]

HI...we sailed on silhouette june 26th 2013. we found early seating in mdr not good for us. too early,I didn't care for the food, and we found that our table of 10 was not our "cup of tea."

Obviously this is a late reply but other than not caring for the food (which I don't know how you discovered since it seems like you never ate in the MDR), a simple (and cheaper) solution would have been to switch to Select Dining and eat when you want, at a table for 2.

[lovedecruise]

The added cost of specialty restaurants can seem a bit steep but are you expected to add tips to this as well?

[Cruise a holic]

Hi All, I will be on a 15 night Transatlantic next November. Is it possible to buy both the 5 night and the 4 night package thereby allowing me to dine 9 of the 15 nights in speciality restaurants or is it one or the other but not both. I appreciate your help,

 

Jim

Wait until you are on board They will offer a package for dining in specialty restaurants only. If you book this way, the cost is really reasonable compared to the packages. It must be booked on board. Call Celebrity for details.

 

We also prefer dining in specialty restaurants.

 

Enjoy your cruise

[islandchick]

My hubbie and I only eat in specialty restaurants lately. We love them (except for Qsine). The food is fantastic and service very good. The packages make it more affordable.

[Redtravel]

Maybe. I have eaten in many specialty restaurants. Food is good. Menus do NOT change. After a few times, the menus are old and dull. Need something fresh go get me interested. So I have been there, done that.......and they are NOT worth extra $45pp. Qsine is a kick once. Great entertainment and food. Lots of fun. MDR is very good....and menus change. Bistro on 5 is a nice option. Aquaspa has some nice choices for lunch. You will not go hungry. Do not feel unhappy if you skip the specialty restaurants. Spend your money on other stuff. If your ship is in port at dinner time, a nice dinner off the ship may be a great option. I will be on a cruise this summer that overnights in several ports that have great restaurants. When in France, eat in France. My cruise stops in Bordeaux for 2 nights.

[MisterBill99]

If your ship is in port at dinner time, a nice dinner off the ship may be a great option. I will be on a cruise this summer that overnights in several ports that have great restaurants. When in France, eat in France. My cruise stops in Bordeaux for 2 nights.

Agreed.

I did the NCL Hawaii cruise several years ago. My biggest mistake was not eating in Maui the night we overnighted there. I even had a rental car that was parked at the pier! Stupid move on my part, especially given that most of the NCL food wasn't very good.

[phoenix_dream]

I am a bit confused. I guess the $40pp would be if you bought it individually. I bought the 5 night package and it works out to ~$24pp. I think that is a good deal to experience all of the speciality resteraunts. But I assume that this does not mean you can eat at Murano all 5 nights.

I don't think this was ever answered. No, you cannot eat in Murano all five nights. You get one night in Murano, then two nights at each of the other two restaurants.

[Cruise a holic]

I don't think this was ever answered. No, you cannot eat in Murano all five nights. You get one night in Murano, then two nights at each of the other two restaurants.

 

The package you purchased advises you the number of times you can dine at each specialty restaurant. If however, once on board you can change to the Unlimited Speciality dining package and with that package, if you want to dine at Murano every night you can. They also typically have two special lunches at speciality restaurants per one week cruise that is included. The package also includes Bistro on Five and the Lawn grill.

 

One poster on another post, stated that he books what is available with the 5 night package on line, then adds the other dinners as individual. He pays by credit card and is issued a refund once on board when he switches to the unlimited speciality restaurant package.

 

It is important to be aware that you must go to the speciality restaurant or kiosk booking specialty dinners immediately when you board. According to celebrity, this package is sold in limited quantities. If that is the case and the Celebrity dining rep states you cannot book it-, you can get a refund should you desire . Of course this requires a layout of money on your credit card. However, you have the reservation at the time(s) and restaurants you prefer.

 

Enjoy the cruise.