mycakewalk Posted December 22, 2019 #1 Share Posted December 22, 2019 Hello! Does anyone have any experience with purchasing any specialty dining packages? We are not picky foodies, but wondering if it's worth it to buy a package or if we feel in the mood just spontaneously go without a package. I'm more than fine with main dining room and buffet options just wondering if anyone would like to share their feedback and experiences. Was there anything that was a standout? With or even without the packages! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CruiseIreland Posted December 23, 2019 #2 Share Posted December 23, 2019 Hi. We purchased the Tryptic dining package on Seaside and Meraviglia this year. In hindsight, the food in the MDR was so good that we felt the dining package was not necessary. Having said that, we loved Butcher's Cut, liked the Asian restaurant, especially on Meraviglia where I tried sushi for the first time, and Ocean Cay (the restaurant) was just ok. The package is great value as the prices without a package are eye-watering. There are a few combinations available now including Tapas and Cirque du Soleil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycakewalk Posted December 23, 2019 Author #3 Share Posted December 23, 2019 thank you for the feedback. I do see the value after glancing at some menus and seeing the prices for when you don't purchase the dining package! It does seem like a good deal and great value for what the package costs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CruiseIreland Posted December 23, 2019 #4 Share Posted December 23, 2019 8 hours ago, mycakewalk said: thank you for the feedback. I do see the value after glancing at some menus and seeing the prices for when you don't purchase the dining package! It does seem like a good deal and great value for what the package costs! Be aware that you are presented with a 'Dining Experience' menu which is limited. However, this wasn't a big problem in BC & Asian but, in any of the speciality restaurants, you can choose a dish from the main menu at a 50% discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted December 24, 2019 #5 Share Posted December 24, 2019 We liked Butcher cut , if your Diamond/black status you get one free specialty restaurant for free. Msc gives you matching status from other cruise lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycakewalk Posted December 24, 2019 Author #6 Share Posted December 24, 2019 14 hours ago, CruiseIreland said: Be aware that you are presented with a 'Dining Experience' menu which is limited. However, this wasn't a big problem in BC & Asian but, in any of the speciality restaurants, you can choose a dish from the main menu at a 50% discount. Do you remember any of the differences? It seems like a lot of upcharge to dine with a special dining package and then 50% for an item. I'm sure food cost is higher for those items- just wondering. Some of the menu's I've seen online hint that there is a 'dining experience' but the menu looks confusing on what is and isn't included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycakewalk Posted December 24, 2019 Author #7 Share Posted December 24, 2019 13 hours ago, George C said: We liked Butcher cut , if your Diamond/black status you get one free specialty restaurant for free. Msc gives you matching status from other cruise lines. We are not any significant status yet and any lines, we're new-ish to cruising and trying out different lines and ships. The Seaside looks gorgeous and has plenty of outside spots to take in the Caribbean. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoneman56 Posted December 24, 2019 #8 Share Posted December 24, 2019 On 12/23/2019 at 10:15 AM, CruiseIreland said: Hi. We purchased the Tryptic dining package on Seaside and Meraviglia this year. In hindsight, the food in the MDR was so good that we felt the dining package was not necessary. Our finding exactly. We had 2 comp meals in Butchers Cut and the service was awful. There is little choice in either the fish or Oriental restaurants. The MDR food was outstanding. Different choice everyday, with the classics available on every evening if you didn't fancy trying something new. Portions were of a good size, (I could never finish mine) and the waiters are top notch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexddd Posted December 24, 2019 #9 Share Posted December 24, 2019 We've had great food and service in BC. Hardly anyone in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CruiseIreland Posted December 25, 2019 #10 Share Posted December 25, 2019 20 hours ago, mycakewalk said: Do you remember any of the differences? It seems like a lot of upcharge to dine with a special dining package and then 50% for an item. I'm sure food cost is higher for those items- just wondering. Some of the menu's I've seen online hint that there is a 'dining experience' but the menu looks confusing on what is and isn't included. Yes, as a meat eater, I loved BC as filet mignon was available on the restricted menu. Even my wife ordered it. In the Asian restaurant, she struggled and ordered off the main menu. In Ocean Cay, on Seaside, she managed to get what she liked but on Meraviglia, being in Europe, the menu was not as good. Also, even with the Premium drinks package, choice of wines was limited in MDR and specialty restaurants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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