I e-mailed Jan Swartz regarding the current management and loss of Princess traditions, and.....

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, californiagirl said:

I’m currently on Discovery.  I had a wonderful table by the window the first night.  I expressed to the staff that I wish I could have that table the entire cruise.  They said that is possible…at either 5:00 or 7:00. (Most likely it is available at 9:00 too.)  So I have it at 7:00 each evening. 
 

The ship is full and the dining has improved dramatically over Majestic in February.  Dining was COMPLETELY unorganized in February.  The staff on Discovery has everything under control.  The first night I had a wait of maybe 2 minutes.  Last night I had no wait and was escorted to “my” table. 😊 I’m in the Skagway dining room.  

Fantastic!

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, _rusty_shackleford said:

This is basically us. We're on the Royal right now, first time on Princess. Have sailed Carnival many times before and have loved having the same dining staff every night and getting know them over the cruise. We were/are very disappointed to learn that having the same dining time every night does not guarantee the same waitstaff. Carnival allows both your time dining and "traditional" and we sincerely miss having that ease. Princess will of course allow you to request to be seated with a particular pair of servers but you have to do that nightly. I'm sure it's more of a logistical challenge to try to do both but perhaps having one dining room reserved for those who want the same staff and time every night would help. I can't imagine we're alone in that mindset even if we aren't the majority.

It's been obvious to me that the experience varies from ship to ship, and of course this will be dependent upon the DRO and his senior team as to what they are willing to do and know how to do.  I just hope we get one that is more proactive and not just letting DMW run the show.

[Coral]

Honestly - I think things went down hill when Jan took over.

[CineGraphic]

2 hours ago, 1emerald1 said:

But, this is the direction that Princess is going, and they are committed to it. 

 

Translation: We don't care what our loyal customers want

[redtop101]

We were on the Majestic in April 7, LA to Vancouver. Had standing reservations on DMW in Concerto Dining Room for 5.40 pm each night. Walked right in every night and seated at same table, same wait staff every night without even asking anyone for this. Table for 2 and got to converse with different interesting people at adjoining tables every night. Our wait staff were just fantastic and knew all our likes and dislikes. We were either very lucky or our waitstaff really liked us. 😂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

The Tradition that we miss, is Nonsmoking on Formal nights.

Smoking side of casino few weeks ago on Ruby, was Terrible!

Needless to say we didn't play as much because we couldn't subject ourselves to it.

 

Wasn''t as intolerable on Discovery in July, and we will be on it again next week....

But allowing smoking Nonstop in casino?

What happened to using Designated areas outdoors?  Weather was mostly nice!

Those who stand or sit in casino to smoke, is strictly a convenience for smokers.

 

AT LEAST GIVE THE MAJORITY OF US NONSMOKERS OUR  FORMAL NIGHTS BACK,  FORPETESAKE.

 

And yes, I voiced my opinion in my After cruise Surveys.

What little good that does......🤔

 

Edited September 7, 2022 by CalLuvsCrusingToo

[Steelers36]

5 minutes ago, CalLuvsCrusingToo said:

The Tradition that we miss, is Nonsmoking on Formal nights.

Smoking side of casino few weeks ago on Ruby, was Terrible!

Needless to say we didn't play as much because we couldn't subject ourselves to it.

 

Wasn''t as intolerable on Discovery in July, and we will be on it again next week....

But allowing smoking Nonstop in casino?

What happened to using Designated areas outdoors?  Weather was mostly nice!

Those who stand or sit in casino to smoke, is strictly a convenience for smokers.

 

AT LEAST GIVE THE MAJORITY OF US NONSMOKERS OUR  FORMAL NIGHTS BACK,  FORPETESAKE.

 

And yes, I voiced my opinion in my After cruise Surveys.

What little good that does......🤔

 

Are you kidding me??!!!!   I read something else recently that hinted at this.  So, when Princess brought back smoking after a while banned under Covid-19, they brought it back for ALL nights and there isn't even a couple nights off??  Just nuts.

 

Perhaps it is them thinking so many less people are dressed up in formal and suits and don't need worry about keeping smoke out of "good" clothes???  

 

This is showing ZERO consideration for the majority of their customers.  Did you happen to ask anyone in senior mgmt why they were doing this?  I wonder if it is the same on all ships?

 

[SantaFeFan]

2 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

Wish the tips were all inclusive for EVERYONE as part of the base fare, because it's dreadful seeing lots of the old timers lined up at guest services taking their tips off

 

My observation is that it's not "old timers", but a certain culture, both young and old, that removes the tips. 

[suekel]

3 hours ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

I agree with you that I really like the new way being able to easily reserve and change my dining time.

However, I do have sympathy for those who want a traditional dining experience and it seems like with a little effort, Princess could also accomodate them....

 

Yes, one dining room would be great.  I feel bad for the wait staff as if you don't have the same waiter every night, you probably aren't tipping them...so they lose money.  I think that's why if the price is right, I stick to Club Class.  

[SantaFeFan]

29 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

 

Translation: We don't care what our loyal customers want

 Or put another way, we don't care what the dinosaurs want. 😊

[1emerald1]

35 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

 

Translation: We don't care what our loyal customers want

Yes, and I have been loyal to Princess.  32 cruises, one booked this October on the Discovery and others.  I don't understand the mindset of some that say if you don't like it, leave.  

[CineGraphic]

1 minute ago, 1emerald1 said:

Yes, and I have been loyal to Princess.  32 cruises, one booked this October on the Discovery and others.  I don't understand the mindset of some that say if you don't like it, leave.  

 

They are a corporation looking for more $$$.

Nothing more, nothing less.

[PacnGoNow]

18 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Are you kidding me??!!!!   I read something else recently that hinted at this.  So, when Princess brought back smoking after a while banned under Covid-19, they brought it back for ALL nights and there isn't even a couple nights off??  Just nuts.

 

Perhaps it is them thinking so many less people are dressed up in formal and suits and don't need worry about keeping smoke out of "good" clothes???  

 

This is showing ZERO consideration for the majority of their customers.  Did you happen to ask anyone in senior mgmt why they were doing this?  I wonder if it is the same on all ships?

 

They no longer have “no smoking” on formal nights. They said instead, they made half of the casino no smoking.

lol.  The smoke doesn’t know it’s supposed to stay on it’s side of the casino. Such a joke.
 

[Guest ldtr]

I have been on 5 cruises on Princess since the restart, all under the medallion system.  On all 5 it has been easy to get the same table at the same time.  I just set up the reservation, on the first night I request the same table for the entire cruise.  No problems doing so.  If we make alternative plans for a night we just cancel the reservation for that night.

 

I eat when the dining room opens at 5 or 5:30 depending upon cruise.  One can probably do it with reservations at 6 as well because those tables are left unfilled until their first seating.  More of an issue for later reservations since they do not know how long a party might be before a given table becomes available again.

 

So I do not have an issue with being able to get the same table.  My issue is that even if you know the table you still must go through the line to check in, instead of the old system where you could just go directly to the table after the first night.

[that]

28 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

 

They are a corporation looking for more $$$.

Nothing more, nothing less.

This is true

a corporation deeply in debt in the hospitality industry

[NownZen]

We were thrilled when anytime dining came in as our desired dinner times vary up to two hours depending on naps, excursions, sunsets etc. Princess pays attention to how popular these kind of options are and do not make these kind of changes on a whim.

Now the app features are another issue.

[Tedferg]

If you decide you'd like same table every night, do you go to reception to request this? Would you also advise on nights you'll be doing Specialty Dining?

[richsea]

49 minutes ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

My observation is that it's not "old timers", but a certain culture, both young and old, that removes the tips. 

I would like to know how anyone knows which people on line at Guest Relations is there to remove tips? Eavesdropping?

[Guest ldtr]

2 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

If you decide you'd like same table every night, do you go to reception to request this? Would you also advise on nights you'll be doing Specialty Dining?

You request it from the same dining room staff where you check in.  We do it on our way out of the dining room the first night.

 

Any night you are going to have other plans just be sure to cancel your reservation for the MDR, which you can do using the Medallion App or by calling the reservation line.

[NownZen]

4 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

If you decide you'd like same table every night, do you go to reception to request this? Would you also advise on nights you'll be doing Specialty Dining?

You can do this through your waiter or MaitreD. Be aware though that if you are at a shared table, you may not be able to easily cancel.

[cr8tiv1]

I agree (and liked) so many posts.  So I will also throw in my 2 cents.

 

I've only been in Club Class Dining post covid.  I have managed to sit at "my" same table with my favorite wait team each time.  You just have to time it right.  Either first in the door (4:45...way too early), or after the first wave leaves.  There may be a few minutes wait, but worth it.  I don't have to use the DMW app.  I understand that is one of the main reasons to book CC.  And I love it!

 

I also feel sorry for the MDR wait staff.  Yes, they are part of the tipping pool, but are losing a large amount of bonuses at the end of the cruise because of the new DMW.  It was already bad.  So many skipped out on the last night in TD to avoid the friendly thank yous and goodbyes.  Now they are missing out on regulars.  

 

Here is where I get on my soapbox.  These are my thoughts and opinions...on my own.  It is not a generational thing when it comes to reducing/removing and/or not giving out bonuses at the end of the cruise.  It is, I'm not mincing words here, just cheap.  You spend money on a cruise, but can't afford a few dollars extra.  Especially those who have generous OBC.  Please don't bother to flame me.  I am just voicing my observations.  Passengers will continue to do as they please, as always, and my rant will not change their behavior.  They do not need to defend themselves to me or to the boards.  

 

The easy fix for Princess is to designate one dining room for Traditional Diners.  If they see that this is a desired choice, then have 2.  If I am not mistaken, It used to be:

 

Deck 6 MDR was TD / first seating then converted to anytime.

Deck 5 MDR was no reservations/anytime

Deck 6 aft MDR was TD.  

 

I am not a computer/software engineer (that's my daughter and her husband), but there should be a way to program an app to have multiple layers.  

 

AND.....AND.. Allowing smoking in the casino ALL the time is a travesty.  I think we can all agree on the following:

 

Smoke does not know it's boundaries (smoking/non-smoking areas).  

Smokers are not always gambling.  If the weather is bad, they smoke in the casino without playing.

Even with no smoking on formal nights, the casino stunk, but at least it was "safer" to be in the casino.

What was Princess thinking?

 

T H E      E N D 

I need to get back on another cruise.

If you made it all the way to the end, I want to thank you.

 

Edited September 7, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[Tedferg]

2 minutes ago, ldtr said:

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

The easy fix for Princess is to designate one dining room for Traditional Diners.  If they see that this is a desired choice, then have 2.  If I am not mistaken, It used to be:

Would this mean fixed time for TD?

[NownZen]

6 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I agree (and liked) so many posts.  So I will also throw in my 2 cents.

 

I've only been in Club Class Dining post covid.  I have managed to sit at "my" same table with my favorite wait team each time.  You just have to time it right.  Either first in the door (4:45...way too early), or after the first wave leaves.  There may be a few minutes wait, but worth it.  I don't have to use the DMW app.  I understand that is one of the main reasons to book CC.  And I love it!

 

I also feel sorry for the MDR wait staff.  Yes, they are part of the tipping pool, but are losing a large amount of bonuses at the end of the cruise because of the new DMW.  It was already bad.  So many skipped out on the last night in TD to avoid the friendly thank yous and goodbyes.  Now they are missing out on regulars.  

 

Here is where I get on my soapbox.  These are my thoughts and opinions...on my own.  It is not a generational thing when it comes to reducing/removing and/or not giving out bonuses at the end of the cruise.  It is, I'm not mincing words here, just cheap.  You spend money on a cruise, but can't afford a few dollars extra.  Especially those who have generous OBC.  Please don't bother to flame me.  I am just voicing my observations.  Passengers will continue to do as they please, as always, and my rant will not change their behavior.  They do not need to defend themselves to me or to the boards.  

 

The easy fix for Princess is to designate one dining room for Traditional Diners.  If they see that this is a desired choice, then have 2.  If I am not mistaken, It used to be:

 

Deck 6 MDR was TD / first seating then converted to anytime.

Deck 5 MDR was no reservations/anytime

Deck 6 aft MDR was TD.  

 

I am not a computer/software engineer (that's my daughter and her husband), but there should be a way to program an app to have multiple layers.  

First of all, I agree totally with you point about tipping. It is such a small part of the trip cost and it is important to the staff. One time on another land trip we met some people who had been cruise staff and those tips were important to them and their families.

 

For the dining rooms, I would be surprised if Princess had not been collecting data on the relative popularity of TD and anytime dining. They are not in it for us but for them. We are not big on sitting around for hours at dinner so most of the time we head to the buffet.

[cr8tiv1]

9 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

Would this mean fixed time for TD?

 

On my last cruise, I was told by the Assistant manager that they opened the door earlier to accommodate more seatings (cycles).  Yes, I would like to see an offering of 5 / 7 / 9 ( or at least 5 and 7:30).

[Westsail32]

I’ve only been cruising since 2013.  I like the DMW concept but this upcoming cruise in a few weeks I chose a set time and a private table (due to covid).  I’ll do several specialty nights on the ten day too (two cancelled cruises credits, military credit, shareholder credit).  I’m going to see how it goes.  I’ve noticed a bit of a decline in quality since my first cruise (2013 Catalina 4-day on Golden).  I’ve had some great cruises too (Ruby) and 2-3 a year is my norm now.  I don’t really care about the prizes and other gimmicks.  
 

Overall the customer service on ship has been very good, the staff attentive, I’ve enjoyed it.  I realize times change things and I have to adapt.  There are a lot of things from the old days I miss in real life. Like the songs “I Wanna Go Back” from Eddie Money or “Twenty Years Ago” from Kenny Rogers, I miss them.  But they’re gone.  It’s sad but it’s the way it is.  Unless I want to spend more money than I have on a cruise it is what it is.  
 

On my bucket list is a round trip Queen Mary 2 crossing.  Someday.  A real traditional experience.  

Edited September 7, 2022 by Westsail32