Is Specialty Dining Goin' Beggin'???

[Iamcruzin]

3 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

I really didn't want to write this post, but I'm doing it anyway.

 

They really are not such a premium experience any more.  At all.

 

So many things go wrong or are sub-par, and I am so disappointed in Royal Caribbean for letting this happen.

 

Ate at Chops and Giovanni's Table this just-finished cruise on  the  Vision  of the Seas.

 

I fully expected an excellent experience with delicious food and  outstanding service.  I simply do not feel that we received that in either restaurant.

 

Chef's Table was very good, although my friends were critical that one of  the wines was Kim Crawford.  😉 😄 And many people told me that they received big discounts which we did not get.  

I know that this post must have been hard for you to write but I value your opinion and appreciate your honesty.

[CruisingNole]

We were on Oasis last month and ate at Choppes, CP 150 and Giovannis. Giovanni's had a good crowd on the last night, but the other two were surprisingly pretty empty earlier on during the cruise. Could have just been coincidental timing.

[CruisingNole]

3 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

I really didn't want to write this post, but I'm doing it anyway.

 

They really are not such a premium experience any more.  At all.

 

So many things go wrong or are sub-par, and I am so disappointed in Royal Caribbean for letting this happen.

 

Ate at Chops and Giovanni's Table this just-finished cruise on  the  Vision  of the Seas.

 

I fully expected an excellent experience with delicious food and  outstanding service.  I simply do not feel that we received that in either restaurant.

 

Chef's Table was very good, although my friends were critical that one of  the wines was Kim Crawford.  And many people told me that they received big discounts which we did not get.  

 

We were recently on Oasis and had an excellent meal (the best in recent memory, actually) and service at CP 150.

 

Giovanni's and Choppes were a different story. The steak at Choppes was phenomenal but appetizers and side dishes were a let down. Service was OK but not great. I was satisfied with the meal at Giovanni's but I think I experienced the worst service of the entire cruise during that meal. 

 

That being said, a 20% off 3 night dining package for $72 is what sold me. Full price was $90, which I never would have paid.

 

I'd return to CP 150 in hopes of a repeat experience, but I wasn't impressed enough by the others to justify the expense.

 

 

[Zach1213]

3 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

I agree with your friends.  Years ago, the wines at the Chef's table were nice, and a bit above average.  Now, just plain ordinary table wine.   Kim Crawford can be purchased for less than $10 a bottle ( case price)  at our local wine shop.   Anyone who likes finer  wines would be disappointed at the wine selection at Chef's Table.

 

Thanks for the comments.

M

 

 

I am a wine lover and I like Kim Crawford, but it's more of an every day wine, not a special occasion wine (to me, vacation is a special occasion). Kind of like beer...even as a beer snob, I have no problem drinking Miller Lite, but it has to be in a specific situation, like a summer bbq or baseball game. I'm not drinking Miller Lite when the occasion calls for something significantly better.

[taglovestocruise]

5 hours ago, PhoenixCruiser said:

The Specialty Restaurants were very busy on our 12/1 Symphony cruise.

Found that to be also true on our Symphony TA.  Had 9 specialty reservations all at 8 or 8:30 and each night the places were full. 

[bonsai3s]

IMHO, specialty restaurants are exciting for new cruisers to experience.  For those who are frequent cruisers and have eaten at all the specialty restaurants (more than once or twice)...it is simply not that special anymore. Royal will continue to promote these restaurants as long as passengers are willing to pay the extra surcharge.

[clean1owner]

I have been cruising way too long to pay one dime extra to eat anywhere on a ship. I have always said, and will continue to say that specialty dining is nothing more than a cash grab to make up for keeping the base fares lower. I think more people are starting to feel the same way, with the venues seeming to always have many empty tables. And it's not just on RCCL. 

 

There have actually been 2 trips when I did use specialty restaurants.

 

1. When we sailed the NCL Dawn, I organized the Meet & Greet, and a surprise bonus for doing that was we received suite perks. One of the perks was being able to eat Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's, NCL's version of Chops. The food was definitely better than the buffet and MDR, but there was never more than 3 or 4 tables with people.  We were also offered special "Suite Pricing" for dinner at all of the specialties, but never did it.

 

2. When we did our Mediterranean cruise on the NCL Epic, we got the beverage package and specialty dining package for free,  because we booked more than 9 months out. We ate at a specialty restaurant 6 out of 7 nights, and the only one that came close to making me even think about paying to eat there was Teppanyaki. Having them cook the food right in front of you was very entertaining, and it was seriously the best food I have had on a cruise for a very long time. Like 15 years. All the other specialties had very good food, but nothing real special. 

Of course, reservations were "Strongly recommended", which we did do, but none of the venues were ever completely full. On some nights, the one we were in was at least half empty.

 

In my opinion, the quality of dining has been getting progressively worse, and with the way shows and activities are scheduled, I also feel like they are trying to funnel more and more people into the buffets.

[clean1owner]

3 hours ago, Zach1213 said:

 

I am a wine lover and I like Kim Crawford

 

 

I kind of prefer Cindy Crawford.

[NouCruzer]

25 minutes ago, clean1owner said:

 

 

I kind of prefer Cindy Crawford.

 

But much more expensive, even if it's still available...

 

Related to the thread, Chops and 150C were crowded on our Oasis cruise in early November.  Maybe because there was at least three wedding parties on board that week.

[PhoenixCruiser]

3 hours ago, bonsai3s said:

IMHO, specialty restaurants are exciting for new cruisers to experience.  For those who are frequent cruisers and have eaten at all the specialty restaurants (more than once or twice)...it is simply not that special anymore. Royal will continue to promote these restaurants as long as passengers are willing to pay the extra surcharge.

 

Not in our case.  We have been sailing with Royal for over 20 years and we still eat at a specialty restaurant at least three times during the week.  When we travel with family it is usually a large group and we eat in the main dining room.

[dandylion]

9 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

We were on Oasis last week and the specialty dining seemed empty every night.  We did FNDR ( Cheaper than using  a BOGO) and  changed the assignment to 150 Central Park.  There were only 5 or so tables taken  at 150 at 7:30 PM.  We had a drink most evenings at Trellis Bar in Central Park so we walked through on most nights, and saw that the three restaurants in central park were nearly empty each night.  

 

We didn't bother any other night and were never approached any special pricing.

M

 

What is FDNR?

[Clarea]

7 minutes ago, dandylion said:

What is FDNR?

 

First Night Done Right.

 

A discount on a specialty restaurant for night 1.

[navybankerteacher]

Why is anyone surprised at the deterioration of food and service quality in specialty dining venues?  The business model of cruise lines for the last 20 Years has been to hold down costs so as to be able to entice an ever larger market share with low fares.  Initially it was MDR and WJ food, and service and entertainment generally - but of course they will try to shave their costs everywhere - including specialty dining.

 

Yes, the cruise industry had seen great “success” as shown by its growth — but it is no longer the product it used to be.  Do not expect a Saks Fifth Avenue or Brooks Brothers experience at Walmart prices.

[mugtech]

1 hour ago, clean1owner said:

I have been cruising way too long to pay one dime extra to eat anywhere on a ship. I have always said, and will continue to say that specialty dining is nothing more than a cash grab to make up for keeping the base fares lower. I think more people are starting to feel the same way, with the venues seeming to always have many empty tables. And it's not just on RCCL. 

 

There have actually been 2 trips when I did use specialty restaurants.

 

1. When we sailed the NCL Dawn, I organized the Meet & Greet, and a surprise bonus for doing that was we received suite perks. One of the perks was being able to eat Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's, NCL's version of Chops. The food was definitely better than the buffet and MDR, but there was never more than 3 or 4 tables with people.  We were also offered special "Suite Pricing" for dinner at all of the specialties, but never did it.

 

2. When we did our Mediterranean cruise on the NCL Epic, we got the beverage package and specialty dining package for free,  because we booked more than 9 months out. We ate at a specialty restaurant 6 out of 7 nights, and the only one that came close to making me even think about paying to eat there was Teppanyaki. Having them cook the food right in front of you was very entertaining, and it was seriously the best food I have had on a cruise for a very long time. Like 15 years. All the other specialties had very good food, but nothing real special. 

Of course, reservations were "Strongly recommended", which we did do, but none of the venues were ever completely full. On some nights, the one we were in was at least half empty.

 

In my opinion, the quality of dining has been getting progressively worse, and with the way shows and activities are scheduled, I also feel like they are trying to funnel more and more people into the buffets.

We are platinum plus on NCL and therefore get two dinners for two in specific specialty restaurants.  The food is better than MDR food and so is the service, but not enough to justify paying for it.  The only way I will try any specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean is if we ever get a similar loyalty deal.  I am sure my wife will want to try Wonderland one of theses cruises, but otherwise not interested.  Would be nice if diamonds would have a choice of either the drinks or a couple of specialty reastaurant meals.  At least the waiters in specialty would get more work and more tips.

 

 

 

[grandgeezer]

3 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Why is anyone surprised at the deterioration of food and service quality in specialty dining venues?  The business model of cruise lines for the last 20 Years has been to hold down costs so as to be able to entice an ever larger market share with low fares.  Initially it was MDR and WJ food, and service and entertainment generally - but of course they will try to shave their costs everywhere - including specialty dining.

 

Yes, the cruise industry had seen great “success” as shown by its growth — but it is no longer the product it used to be.  Do not expect a Saks Fifth Avenue or Brooks Brothers experience at Walmart prices.

 

The pricing I've seen lately is a long way over Walmart type pricing.

[Missusdubbya]

13 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

They really are not such a premium experience any more.  At all.

 

So many things go wrong or are sub-par, and I am so disappointed in Royal Caribbean for letting this happen.

 

Ate at Chops and Giovanni's Table this just-finished cruise on  the  Vision  of the Seas.

 

I fully expected an excellent experience with delicious food and  outstanding service.  I simply do not feel that we received that in either restaurant.

 

This. I used to love the specialty restaurants - because they were ‘special’ and a reasonable price.

 

The experience has diminished in the last few years (coinciding with much higher prices) - and it was actually Vision Giovanni’s that was the last straw for me (poor service and especially low quality food).

[L454S]

Not much of a perk anymore to get the D+ BOGO.  Heck, halfway through a 16 day sailing, I get a BOGO's offered to me for any evening I want. Honestly, that is all I think they are worth. The MDR is fine with us.

[stringbean10]

So interesting to read these replies. 

 

Background on us:  Husband & I 40s with 2 little kids (4&5) - taking them on their 3rd cruise in Feb (our 10th or so? - I don't keep track) - 

 

I find the specialty restaurants worth every extra penny. (and it's not even that much!)  It is amazing to have 7 nice date nights with or without the children.  Thanks free childcare!!!

 

We buy the "Ultimate dining package" and eat in a specialty restaurant every night and every lunch opportunity - I paid 150 pp for our next cruise.  We could easily spend that on one equivalent fine dining meal in our city.  Heck - even going out to a Hibachi here would cost us $100 for our family. 

 

The food is always very good to excellent and the service is fantastic. We recently gave the MDR another shot and were very disappointed.   The MDR may be 'fine' for y'all but I want 'good to excellent' food and I am willing to pay for it.

 

I find the MDR food to be equivalent to meh convention buffet food.

 

I don't care about a waiter 'knowing' me or having the same service team - at all.  The MDR is hectic, crowded and loud.  I really enjoy the fine dining experience the specialty restaurants provide to us.  Chefs table, 150 and chops are fantastic.  We eat at Izumi several times each cruise - the only weak link I can think of is Sabor - but they have wonderful margaritas!

 

People like different things.  I am not interested in spending a dime at any of the 'stores' on board, buying 'art,' getting a haircut or teeth whitening on board. We do not do excursions through the cruise line.  I do however enjoy long leisurely dinners.  The money is worth it to me.  I have a hard time understanding how it is not worth it to more folks!  

 

 

Edited December 18, 2018 by stringbean10

[Iamcruzin]

10 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

 

Yes, the cruise industry had seen great “success” as shown by its growth — but it is no longer the product it used to be.  Do not expect a Saks Fifth Avenue or Brooks Brothers experience at Walmart prices.

$40 to$50  pp on top of what you already spent for the MDR food  is not exactly Walmart pricing. The top entrée' on Jamie's Italian Menu is a Cheddar Cheese Burger. Not only is that not Italian, but I would say $40 for a hamburger is in line with Gucci pricing.

[Biker19]

48 minutes ago, stringbean10 said:

 

I find the specialty restaurants worth every extra penny. (and it's not even that much!) 

 

RCI loves you.

[stringbean10]

2 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

RCI loves you.

Not as much as they love folks that spend $$$$$$$$$ on suites, or the shops or the casino or the spa or the salon or bingo or excursions or art Lol. 

 

Taking out food costs - I wonder what the margin is on the specialty restaurants.  $40 extra dollars a day (for 4 people - our kids eat free)  I bet those margins are razor thin. 

 

I bargain shop and spend money on the things I like.

For example, I would not pay the increased auto/life insurance required to own a motorcycle.  I bet your insurance agent loves you 🙂  Each to his own. 

 

Everyone seemed to be really down on the specialty restaurants and I wanted to provide another perspective.  

[stringbean10]

We also buy the ultimate beverage package and that is where RCI really has the love for us. 

 

 I love the freedom of ordering whatever I want and not giving the cost a second thought. 

 

Paid $150 pp for ultimate dining and $49 pp for the ultimate drink package ($300 & $800).  I will not pay $400 for my family to 'swim with dolphins' for 20 min.  I won't pay for a beauty service that is double to triple the cost on board.  I don't gamble (though my husband does). I am not spending $600 for a cabana on the beach.  I don't see the value in the perks for suites unless it is starclass.   I seek out kids sail free sailings and bargain pricing. 

 

A further breakdown of the costs for our family -  at home, we pay $12-15  an hour for a sitter - over 7 nights - 4 hours a night -  that is a $420 value for us right there!  It feels like we are saving $120 and eating at these venues for free - ha!

 

These days, it is hard to eat out at even McDonalds for less than 10 pp.  And while, no, $50 for a hamburger is not 'walmart' pricing - if you catch it the packages or BOGOs suddenly is closer! 

 

Just to clarify, we do not bring our kids to the specialty restaurants except for one lunch on a sea day.  It is an easy/cheap way to practice manners and expose them to a finer dining experience. 

[fleeflicker]

11 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Why is anyone surprised at the deterioration of food and service quality in specialty dining venues?  The business model of cruise lines for the last 20 Years has been to hold down costs so as to be able to entice an ever larger market share with low fares.  Initially it was MDR and WJ food, and service and entertainment generally - but of course they will try to shave their costs everywhere - including specialty dining.

 

Yes, the cruise industry had seen great “success” as shown by its growth — but it is no longer the product it used to be.  Do not expect a Saks Fifth Avenue or Brooks Brothers experience at Walmart prices.

Walmart prices? You must be getting a better deal than I do. 

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, stringbean10 said:

Taking out food costs - I wonder what the margin is on the specialty restaurants.  $40 extra dollars a day (for 4 people - our kids eat free)  I bet those margins are razor thin. 

 

For example, I would not pay the increased auto/life insurance required to own a motorcycle. 

I would guess the profit on the specialty venues is close to 100% of revenue. The ingredients are close to what they would have bought anyway for the MDR, same with the staff. I suppose they could potentially have stuffed some other even higher profit margin venue in the place of specialty venue.

 

Biker, whose bike insurance was much less than the car, when he used to have one.

[Iamcruzin]

1 hour ago, stringbean10 said:

 

Everyone seemed to be really down on the specialty restaurants and I wanted to provide another perspective.  

You have to look at the entire picture. Calculating free child care into the equation helps to ease the pain of the cost. In my case I am willing to pay $55 pp at Wonderland for some deviled eggs and dry ice because It isn't an experience I can get at home. I certainly don't think the food is worth the price but I feel that there is entertainment value and the experience to me is worth the extra money. We will also be celebrating DW's 50th birthday and I think it should be marked with a special experience that you can't get at a steakhouse or Italian restaurant.  I also think that the prices are inflated so that they can offer a discount. I have stood in long lines at stores while people stand at the check out trying to find a coupon from some online website.  Prices are inflated because nobody will buy a thing without some sort of discount. Royal Caribbean is just giving the people what they want by trying to fill the restaurants at discounted prices.