Royal changing main dining room menu

[The Fun Researcher]

Not having that strip steak really sucks.  There is always one night in the MDR where I just don't care for the main entrée options.  (I don't remember which menu day it is).  I would default to the strip steak.  Maybe we can still get something by request?

 

Dan

[The Fun Researcher]

On 12/13/2022 at 10:15 AM, Mikew0805 said:

I wish they would go to no table cloths, and have nice table tops.

Yuck!  Makes me think of a cafeteria.  Why suggest making dining in the MDR less special?

Dan

[LB_NJ]

1 hour ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Not having that strip steak really sucks.  There is always one night in the MDR where I just don't care for the main entrée options.  (I don't remember which menu day it is).  I would default to the strip steak.  Maybe we can still get something by request?

 

Dan

I assume they will be willing to provide something at extra cost from one of the specialty restaurants.

[nelblu]

41 minutes ago, LB_NJ said:

I assume they will be willing to provide something at extra cost from one of the specialty restaurants.

Yes, a 2nd lobster tail for $16.99 + 18% grats.

[The Fun Researcher]

2 hours ago, LB_NJ said:

I assume they will be willing to provide something at extra cost from one of the specialty restaurants.

That would be a bummer. I don't necessarily need a filet or ribeye cooked from Chops.  I think those upcharges are at least $20.   That NY Strip steak got the job done on that rare night that I couldn't find an entrée on the main menu that I liked.  I'd even settle for a decently cooked sirloin.  I just don't want to pay more for something we had complimentary.  Hopefully they will accommodate.  Heck, maybe I'll see what Asian or Indian cuisines they are secretly offering that night.

[LB_NJ]

5 hours ago, nelblu said:

Yes, a 2nd lobster tail for $16.99 + 18% grats.

I was thinking more like $16.99 +18% grats for the filet from Chops.

[DallasGuy75219]

21 hours ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

We recently sailed with Carnival and found both the dining room options and in particular their buffet food far superior to Royal.

Depends on what you consider superior at the buffet. I find Carnival's lunch and dinner buffets are heavy on cheap carbs and have much less selection/variety than Royal's.  Not to mention many of Carnival's prepared salads seem to be whatever random ingredients they could scrounge up and mix together vs. what the signs on the buffet say they should be.

[Pellaz]

23 hours ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

Agree.

 

We recently sailed with Carnival and found both the dining room options and in particular their buffet food far superior to Royal.

And on newer ships particularly, Carnival's free/included lunch options run circles around Royal's.  

 

23 hours ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

The buffet also had longer evening opening hour’s.

 

More:  Unlike the Windjammer, the Lido buffet area on Carnival never closes, so if you need some ice, water, lemonade, soda (on Excel-class) or Swirls (frozen ice cream or fro-yo), you can get it at all times.  

 

[Mikew0805]

19 hours ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Yuck!  Makes me think of a cafeteria.  Why suggest making dining in the MDR less special?

Dan

I don't understand "yuck?" Also, I do not understand how a table cloth makes a dining experience special? I guess that is just me.

 

I prefer the look of just a table top, sans the table cloth. Like in many of the Coastal Kitchen restaurants. (not all of them are just a table top, I think I remember Odyssey had table cloths.)

 

[Starry Eyes]

On 12/13/2022 at 10:15 AM, Mikew0805 said:

I wish they would go to no table cloths, and have nice table tops.

I hope not.  Those large, crowded main dining rooms are already noisy. Aesthetics preferences aside, the table cloths dampen some of that noise.  Back to aesthetics:  the current decor of the dining rooms calls for tables cloths.  Maybe a decorator could design a dining room that large that looked good without tablecloths; that’s a project for a revamp or for a new ship.

[Lissete]

21 hours ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Yuck!  Makes me think of a cafeteria.  Why suggest making dining in the MDR less special?

Dan

We have a huge selection of high end restaurants here in Miami. I don’t recall having tablecloths at any recently. Most recently we dined at the Matador Room. It absolutely is not a cafeteria.  The only place that I recall having a table with tablecloth, was Bern’s. But then again, it’s Bern’s. 😊 We haven’t been there since last year, so perhaps they have changed as well. 

Like people’s personal attire, tablecloths does not affect (or cheapen) our dining experience. 

[DallasGuy75219]

6 hours ago, Pellaz said:

More:  Unlike the Windjammer, the Lido buffet area on Carnival never closes, so if you need some ice, water, lemonade, soda (on Excel-class) or Swirls (frozen ice cream or fro-yo), you can get it at all times.  

 

One of Carnival's recent cuts is that soft serve is no longer available 24/7.

[goldfish65]

I hope they keep tablecloths in the main dining room, for my personal taste I go on a cruise for those touches. I grew up appreciating the soft feel. They absorb a lot of sound. Younger people probably don't see it that way; in recent decades fewer and fewer restaurants use tablecloths anymore, because they are a substantial expense, and the design trends are for a "cleaner" or more modern look, like Virgin has. Going without tablecloths does save a lot of money. For me, a hard tabletop feels cold and even sticky, I don't like the way things slide around, and hearing a lot more clanking of silverware. 

[nelblu]

6 hours ago, Pellaz said:

And on newer ships particularly, Carnival's free/included lunch options run circles around Royal's.  

 

 

More:  Unlike the Windjammer, the Lido buffet area on Carnival never closes, so if you need some ice, water, lemonade, soda (on Excel-class) or Swirls (frozen ice cream or fro-yo), you can get it at all times.  

 

You can get water, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, fruit at the Cafe Promenade almost 24 hours a day.

There is also Sorrento's open till 2AM at least on the Oasis classes.

 

 

[soapbxking]

On 12/12/2022 at 9:30 PM, Tatka said:

I’ll pay RCI prices not to sail with Carnival!!! Although I’ve heard that Carnival is not cheap anymore

 

When we started sailing with RCI in 2004 menus were much weaker than now.

Also I remember when Classic section was not a thing on RCI, but also on Celebrity or Holland.

 

And that was without huge inflation we are having now. Do you know how difficult is hiring abroad is now?

say what you will, but Carnival food and especially options are far better than RCI.  RCI on the Radiance class is limited to a buffet and MDR basically if you are not paying extra.  yes i know sandwiches and pizza also 😉  As inflation rises, this is what will happen.  I am thinking stop whining and start voting 🙂  haha  I am looking forward to my JOTS trip on 2-11-23, hoping for some decent food 🙂

[Joseph2017China]

I remember when, people actually complained that they DON'T change the menu on a regular basis.....oh my, now it is changed people complain.....oh well, welcome to Cruise Critic, and let's not forget paying for water in a can, that you can get free

 

[soapbxking]

On 12/12/2022 at 5:02 PM, nasa1974 said:

This is a quote from the article.

"The big change is not that there'd be an "Italian" or "American" night with the chef's featured choices listed at the top of the menu, but rather that the "classics" section of the menu would no longer be offered. "

 

Here is the link to the MSN article.

Royal Caribbean Confirms Huge Main Dining Room Menu Change (msn.com)

anyone have a copy or sampling of the new test menus?/

[The Fun Researcher]

4 hours ago, Mikew0805 said:

I don't understand "yuck?" Also, I do not understand how a table cloth makes a dining experience special? I guess that is just me.

 

I prefer the look of just a table top, sans the table cloth. Like in many of the Coastal Kitchen restaurants. (not all of them are just a table top, I think I remember Odyssey had table cloths.)

 

I don't think those tables look nearly as nice as the MDR tables with the white cotton table clothes.  Maybe it's just me, but looks cold.  Dishes clanking on the table surface, surface cold to the touch...

 

I'm being picky but it is a significant difference to me

 

Dan

[The Fun Researcher]

1 hour ago, nelblu said:

You can get water, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, fruit at the Cafe Promenade almost 24 hours a day.

There is also Sorrento's open till 2AM at least on the Oasis classes.

 

 

Not to derail the thread but I've complained about the lack of good late night food options with Royal ever since our second cruise.  (The first cruise on the Freedom in 2010 at least had really good paninis every night as well.)

 

Finger sandwiches and pizza are very lackluster especially by about day 3 or 4 of the same dang thing.  I love the AMPED ships with Playmakers now.  I'm willing to pay a few dollars for some good gastropub type fare.  Other lines like NCL kill it with O'Sheehans though.  Wide menu, 24 hours, full service, complimentary.  All lines have their plusses and minuses though

Dan

[The Fun Researcher]

1 hour ago, Lissete said:

We have a huge selection of high end restaurants here in Miami. I don’t recall having tablecloths at any recently. Most recently we dined at the Matador Room. It absolutely is not a cafeteria.  The only place that I recall having a table with tablecloth, was Bern’s. But then again, it’s Bern’s. 😊 We haven’t been there since last year, so perhaps they have changed as well. 

Like people’s personal attire, tablecloths does not affect (or cheapen) our dining experience. 

Given a choice of the two, I much prefer table cloths.  I respect your opinion. Can't argue that.

[Mum2Mercury]

On 12/13/2022 at 5:23 PM, nelblu said:

I don\'t know what your definition of weaker menu is, but I remember more choices and selections.  It's amazing that some poster indicated that NCL is expanding it's MDR menu.

"Weaker menu" is subjective, but I'd say a good menu should include something for everyone:  A beef entree, a seafood entree, a chicken/duck entree, and a vegetarian entree.  A good menu should include something for foodies and something for adults who still eat like children (I know quite a few young adults who still eat chicken nuggets 3-4 times/week).  A good menu should have something for the health conscious and should not be carb-heavy.  

On 12/13/2022 at 6:14 PM, Nunagoras said:

... are now discovering they can have a better life at home on activities that don't require an 11 months embarkation contract doing such a "24/7" job journey! ...

Thing is, a lot of the crew can't have "a better life" at home, and they're almost all young -- some of them want the opportunity to get away from home.  

On 12/14/2022 at 11:36 AM, The Fun Researcher said:

Not having that strip steak really sucks.

I had the Steak Diane once recently.  It was just okay.  For anyone ordering it, ask for a little tub of extra sauce on the side.  

21 hours ago, nelblu said:

Yes, a 2nd lobster tail for $16.99 + 18% grats.

That price is too high for a lobster tail. 

5 hours ago, Mikew0805 said:

... Also, I do not understand how a table cloth makes a dining experience special? I guess that is just me. ...

I get it.  It's a traditional, upscale look.  

1 hour ago, nelblu said:

You can get water, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, fruit at the Cafe Promenade almost 24 hours a day.

There is also Sorrento's open till 2AM at least on the Oasis classes.

Yes, I want something available late-night.  I don't care if it's the full-scale buffet or a smaller venue.  

1 hour ago, Joseph2017China said:

I remember when, people actually complained that they DON'T change the menu on a regular basis...

Yes, when guests do back-to-backs or sail several times in a short period, they like the menu to change.  Personally, I don't care -- I can't eat everything on the menu, even if I'm sailing two weeks in a row.  

Edited December 15, 2022 by Mum2Mercury

[nelblu]

1 hour ago, soapbxking said:

anyone have a copy or sampling of the new test menus?/

Look up a thread titled "New Menus on Symphony"

[nelblu]

1 hour ago, Joseph2017China said:

I remember when, people actually complained that they DON'T change the menu on a regular basis.....oh my, now it is changed people complain.....oh well, welcome to Cruise Critic, and let's not forget paying for water in a can, that you can get free

 

It's not about changing the menu, but in the reductions of selections and normal stand by options.

[The Fun Researcher]

9 minutes ago, nelblu said:

Look up a thread titled "New Menus on Symphony"

 

[Mum2Mercury]

I just googled menus, as suggested.  Here's what I found: 

 

Symphony, Day 1 

Appetizers

     Classic Caesar Salad 

     Spinach & Artichoke Dip 

     Chilled Shrimp Cocktail 

     Escargots a la Bourguinonne

     Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup

     Maryland Crab Cake  

Entrees 

     Battered Fish & Chips 

     Southern Fried Chicken 

     Grilled Pork Chop 

     Aromatic Chicken Saag

     Spaghetti Bolognese

     Vegan Herb-crusted Portabello 

     Slow-roasted Prime Rib 

     Maine Lobster Tail ... $16.95 + 18% tax 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Warm Blueberry Cobbler w/ice cream 

     Boston Cream Pie 

     Ice Cream 

     Royal Cheesecake

     Vegan Peanut-Caramel Bar 

     Key Lime Pie 

 

Symphony, Day 2 

Appetizers

     Classic Caesar Salad 

     Classic Wedge Salad 

     Crispy Buttermilk Calamari

     Baked French Onion Soup 

     Vegan Creamy Butternut Squash Soup 

     Escargots a la Bourguinonne

Entrees 

     Fragrant Herb-Crusted Salmon 

     Chicken Cordon Bleu 

     Classic Beef Bourguignon 

     Seafood Linguine 

     Curried Lamb Rogan Josh

     Vegan Spring Pea & Asparagus Risotto 

     Roasted Beef Tenderloin 

     Maine Lobster Tail ... $16.95 + 18% tax 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Layered Peach Trifle 

     Ice Cream 

     Toasted Almond Profiteroles

     Apple Blossom a la Mode 

     Vegan Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies 

     Creme Brulee 

 

Symphony, Day 3

Appetizers

     Classic Caesar Salad 

     Garden Mixed Salad

     Crispy Parmesan Arancini (mushrooom)

     Italian Minestrone 

     Vegan Golden Polenta Fries w/ Spicy Dip 

     Seared Beef Carpaccio 

Entrees 

     Pan-seared Filet of Sole 

     Chicken Parmesan 

     NY Strip Steak 

     Creamy Mushroom Risotto 

     Spiced Lamb Kofta 

     Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese 

     Garlic Shrimp & Vegetable Linguine 

     Maine Lobster Tail ... $16.95 + 18% tax 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Dark Chocolate Custard 

     Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cake 

     Ice Cream

     Lemon Curd Tartlet 

     Vegan Crumbly Oat & Berry Bar 

     Classic Tiramisu 

 

Symphony, Day 4 

Appetizers

     Classic Caesar Salad 

     Green Lentil Soup 

     Asian-style Pork Bao Tacos

     Baked French Onion Soup 

     Vegan Honey-soy Tofu & Avocado Salad 

     Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp 

Entrees 

     Garlic-herbed Buttered Tiger Shrimp 

     Steak Diane

     Grilled Caribbean Chicken 

     Pesto Tagliatelle 

     Rustic Chicken Korma 

     Vegan Stuffed Grilled Eggplant 

     Jerk Seasoned Pork Chop 

     Maine Lobster Tail ... $16.95 + 18% tax 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Coffee Pot de Creme 

     Royal Chocolate Cake 

     Ice Cream 

     Carrot Cake 

     Vegan Chilled Banana Cocoa Custard 

     Pineapple Sunshine Cake 

 

Symphony, Day 5

Appetizers

     Classic Caesar Salad 

     Escargots a la Bourguinonne

     Fried Chicken Empanadas 

     Grilled Sweet Corn Cakes

     Vegan Tortilla Soup 

     Roasted Poblano Pepper Soup 

Entrees 

     Chipolte-lime Crusted Salmon 

     Pulled Pork Enchiladas 

     Carne Asade

     Spaghetti All'Arrabbiata

     Spicy Shrimp Jaffrezi 

     Vegan Crunchy Chili-crusted Tofu Tacos

     Pollo a la Mexicana 

     Maine Lobster Tail ... $16.95 + 18% tax 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Coconut Layer Cake 

     Soft-baked Chocolate Chip Cookies

     Ice Cream 

     Caramel Flan

     Vegan Toffee Cheesecake 

     Tres Leche Cake 

 

Symphony, Day 6 

Appetizers

     Classic Caesar Salad 

     Escargots a la Bourguinonne

     Chilled Shrimp Cocktail 

     Vidalia Onion Tart 

     Vegan Bright Citrus Avocado & Melon Salad

     Baked French Onion Soup 

Entrees 

     Broiled Lobster Tail ... second entree costs $16.95 

     Lemon Butter Baked Cod 

     Autumn Turkey Dinner

     NY Strip Steak 

     Cheese Tortellini Pasta

     Butter Chicken 

     Vegan Stuffed Red Bell Pepper 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Strawberry Shortcake 

     Warm Chocolate Cake 

     Ice Cream 

     Red Velvet Cake 

     Vegan Chocolate Creme Brulee

     Baked Alaska 

 

 

Symphony, Day 6 -- yes, I know we already had a 6, but this is how it's labeled  

Appetizers

     Seafood Fritters

     Chilled Shrimp Cocktail 

     Baked French Onion Soup 

     Traditional Greek Salad 

     Vegan Pan-seared Asparagus 

     Mediterranian Tapas Medley 

Entrees 

     Moroccan Spiced Ahi Tuna

     Chicken Marsala 

     Clams & Linguine 

     Grilled Mediterranian Steak 

     Chicken Chettinad 

     Vegan Vegetable Moussaka 

     Braised Lamb 

     Broiled Lobster Tail ... second entree costs $16.95 

     Chops Grille Filet Mignon ... $19.99 + 18% tax 

     Surf & Turf ... $34.99 + 18% tax 

Dessert 

     No sugar added Cappuccino Chocolate Mouse

     Dark Chocolate Brownie 

     Ice Cream 

     Warm Apple Cobbler 

     Vegan No-bake Lemon Tart 

     Creme Catalana