Empress just went downhill

[dagunny]

We were on the EOTS in August and had lobster every 4th night. Also Filet Mignon at the Officer's luncheon, Hot hors Doeuvres and great drinks at the suite/DP+ party at rear of Boleros, and Churrasco steak for breakfast.

 

We just did 3 back to backs 1-15 Oct. Those above items are history. Very disappointed in management's decision to eliminate these. Talking to the financial officer it was a budget issue.

 

If these items are continually eliminated, EOTS will become equal to a Carnival ship.

 

We loved the earlier cruises. Please bring back what made EOTS unique.

 

We go again in December when the 7 and 8 night cruises start. Hope to see improvement else we're going to the larger ships again.

 

Perhaps new management is needed on EOTS. The last batch under Diego did it right. No mas.

[travelwide]

Did they do away with the first night party outside of boleros? Cutbacks are a bi***.

[dagunny]

No - the party is still there - just no food and drinks are very watered down or just weak. Had something called a red ricki - it was like Koolaid.

 

They have about 10 places to sit.

[mpoole3]

No - the party is still there - just no food and drinks are very watered down or just weak. Had something called a red ricki - it was like Koolaid.

 

They have about 10 places to sit.

 

I was on there in July & September and they had tons of food during the party. That's sad they cut that, best food I've seen at a "VIP" party on a ship.

[Lionesss]

I guess it could go back to the ---

 

half full/ half empty glass scenario

 

Some will always find the best things in life.

 

Where others find grim and dim

 

I have had some great cruises and some nice cruises, but for me any cruise is at least a nice cruise.

Better than not cruising

 

Enjoy, we do.

[dagunny]

I've been on 5 Empress cruises since August.

 

Had JS, OS, and RS so we covered all balconies and explain the pros and cons of each so future cruisers have something to compare against. The ship and crew are great. Food is great (love the unique menus).

Bartenders fantastic. Especially Carlos, Alejandro, and Kelly.

 

I'm just highlighting (and hopefully RCCL HQ monitors these) that management has changed things and it is less appealing than in August.

When you spend the bucks and do many cruises with RCCL you tend to expect certain things. That's why one stays loyal to RCCL. When they change (good or bad) you let others know what changed so they can plan their cruises accordingly.

 

Most of the time it is the management (read Officers) on the ship that make it or break it. The crew does whatever they are told. Junior was the Chef in August but he left. I thought the food selections had to do with the changing of the Chef's but the financial officer said different.

 

Perhaps this is why prices have doubled in 2017.

 

I just posted a review so it should surface in the next week or so.

 

Empress gives Diamonds and above their 3 drinks at any bar but there is no happy hour place. Just that welcoming party and the top tier party. We really miss the Diamond and Concierge lounges because those that cruise a lot tend to swap stories and make great conversation and meet many friends that have cruised together. Even Majesty and Enchantment rope off an area for happy hour and have drinks and hors deouvres. It's not the drinks, per se, just an area where one can get away from the masses. Perhaps Empress should be creative and do the same. If they want the loyalty cruisers to return they have to entice them. Otherwise they put a lot of money into an old ship and we still haven't heard a peep about Cuba, which is why we went on the EOTS in the first place to see what rooms we wanted.

 

The last management crew asked for recommendations to make the cruise better so I sent comments and posted the same here.

 

We're booked in December on a 7 or 8 night so we will see if any changes occur and will post our observations.

[Biker19]

The crew does whatever they are told. .

 

So does management, sometimes - from Miami.;)

[LMaxwell]

That's too bad that just as they seemed to be catching on to a solid formula they quickly throttle back and see what is the least they can deliver. Thanks OP for the heads up. No issues from me with you sharing your experiences.

[chandom]

Wonder if it has to do with the influx of free cruisers from Casino Royale.

[Thetrail]

Wonder if it has to do with the influx of free cruisers from Casino Royale.

If you think those cruises are "free" your very gullible!....K.O.:rolleyes:

[chandom]

If you think those cruises are "free" your very gullible!....K.O.:rolleyes:

Well, if all I'm paying are port taxes and gratuity it is free. Add transportation as well.

 

Nothing says I have to play a dime in the casino or buy anything onboard.

Edited October 16, 2016 by chandom

[Jackie&Todd]

I just got off the Carnival Dream. I had lobster and filet .

 

 

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[Debinnova]

I'm so disappointed to hear this. Cruising her next week. Does this mean no lobster on a 5 nighter? Any other changes to the menus?

 

 

 

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