Equinox Menu - Main Dining Upcharges Showing on App

[cw2go]

4 minutes ago, HMR74 said:

Just put me on ignore if you do not like what I post.

 

You tagged/quoted me and I didn't say I didn't like it!  🤷‍♀️

 

I just gave another point of view... that is what CC is... a million different opinions. 

Patty 

[HMR74]

36 minutes ago, cw2go said:

 

You tagged/quoted me and I didn't say I didn't like it!  🤷‍♀️

 

I just gave another point of view... that is what CC is... a million different opinions. 

Patty 

This thread is about X trying to find ways to improves its cash flow at the customers  expense. The start was with food portin size, quaility (meaning how well its prepared) and then premium vs less than premium. meaning trying to get customers to have talapia and burgers  vs salmon and filet.

 

It always gets back to management and strategies  and the financial condition or in this case all the cruise lines. which  got a raw deal with lockdowns but the other side of the ledger is they overextended themselves with expanding fleets  and with ships like Beyond or Icon.

 

That could stand along but now they are running into another problem which they should  have anticipated with the ships added-a business slowdown with higher rates and a credit crunch.

 

From the cruiser perspective, we mostly has sympathy on the lockdowns and understood prices would have to go up. But now we have had 2 stages of big moves up in prices since the lockdownsstarted and not X is , as it appears going from a premium big ship strategy to just like the others, albeit keeping the higher prices.

 

I amjust pointing out we as cruiser shoudl expect more of the same as it seems managemnet is panicking to get to an acceptabe cash flow.

They are increasing the size of deposits nad booking 3 years out, and that 5-6 billion of deposots is very much needed but tis not their mnty till final paymnet day, its stil our.'

 

So a financial course might be needed to understand where we are headed.

 

And what I am saying,  hinting or whatever, is we are headed for an economic slowdown.  And I do not think its going to be kind to heavily leveraged companies. bwcase most of them, their managements, optimistically  think we will get low interest rates and strong economy.

 

So in addition to whether I will like the new Celebrity or not, an added issue is do I want deposits of several thousand dollars or more going out into the future or better said, do I want to be an unsecured creditor of a cruise line for 10's of thousands, several cruises a year for 3 years out in future.

 

Nobody has brought that up recently however, if X has 20 billion of debt and the interest rate goes up a few % points, 3% points adds 600 million in interest cost.  5% is 1 billion. I am sure the princess division of carnival and the NCL company has pretty much the same situation.

 

And thats why they all have to find a way to improve cash flow.

 

And I recall paying 270 a night  for Aqua  for two of us just before the lockdowns, with the better internet, premium drinks and gratuities, and now its off the charts.

 

Yeah, I am a bit of a bean counter, but it's my money, and I am a retired corp officer,  and its important to me to not act irresponsibily and think big picture.

 

What happened to Crystal Cruise line 2 years ago. So it can happen.

 

I am willing to bet that there are more than a few folks here who understand exactly what I am saying. When the cash is flowing its easy to spend as a consumer,, when its not flowing so easily, its a different story.

 

and my other comnet earlier in this thread, was asking how woudl we baby boomers, and eare a lot here, feel if their portfolios took a 50% hit.

 

Not meaning to be a "debbie downer", just being aware of whats happening.

 

Take care.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 27, 2023 by HMR74

[ISABELLA]

I can see next change coming will be MDR at charge like any restaurants and the only free food will be in OV cafe. After 30 cruises on X, we have only 1 booked for this November. We will evaluate our loyalty to X after the cruise.  

 

[Keys Kathy]

5 hours ago, HMR74 said:

This thread is about X trying to find ways to improves its cash flow at the customers  expense. The start was with food portin size, quaility (meaning how well its prepared) and then premium vs less than premium. meaning trying to get customers to have talapia and burgers  vs salmon and filet.

 

It always gets back to management and strategies  and the financial condition or in this case all the cruise lines. which  got a raw deal with lockdowns but the other side of the ledger is they overextended themselves with expanding fleets  and with ships like Beyond or Icon.

 

That could stand along but now they are running into another problem which they should  have anticipated with the ships added-a business slowdown with higher rates and a credit crunch.

 

From the cruiser perspective, we mostly has sympathy on the lockdowns and understood prices would have to go up. But now we have had 2 stages of big moves up in prices since the lockdownsstarted and not X is , as it appears going from a premium big ship strategy to just like the others, albeit keeping the higher prices.

 

I amjust pointing out we as cruiser shoudl expect more of the same as it seems managemnet is panicking to get to an acceptabe cash flow.

They are increasing the size of deposits nad booking 3 years out, and that 5-6 billion of deposots is very much needed but tis not their mnty till final paymnet day, its stil our.'

 

So a financial course might be needed to understand where we are headed.

 

And what I am saying,  hinting or whatever, is we are headed for an economic slowdown.  And I do not think its going to be kind to heavily leveraged companies. bwcase most of them, their managements, optimistically  think we will get low interest rates and strong economy.

 

So in addition to whether I will like the new Celebrity or not, an added issue is do I want deposits of several thousand dollars or more going out into the future or better said, do I want to be an unsecured creditor of a cruise line for 10's of thousands, several cruises a year for 3 years out in future.

 

Nobody has brought that up recently however, if X has 20 billion of debt and the interest rate goes up a few % points, 3% points adds 600 million in interest cost.  5% is 1 billion. I am sure the princess division of carnival and the NCL company has pretty much the same situation.

 

And thats why they all have to find a way to improve cash flow.

 

And I recall paying 270 a night  for Aqua  for two of us just before the lockdowns, with the better internet, premium drinks and gratuities, and now its off the charts.

 

Yeah, I am a bit of a bean counter, but it's my money, and I am a retired corp officer,  and its important to me to not act irresponsibily and think big picture.

 

What happened to Crystal Cruise line 2 years ago. So it can happen.

 

I am willing to bet that there are more than a few folks here who understand exactly what I am saying. When the cash is flowing its easy to spend as a consumer,, when its not flowing so easily, its a different story.

 

and my other comnet earlier in this thread, was asking how woudl we baby boomers, and eare a lot here, feel if their portfolios took a 50% hit.

 

Not meaning to be a "debbie downer", just being aware of whats happening.

 

Take care.

 

 

 

 

 

With your outlook (and look out for) money, here is one you will love. We recently received a $10K invoice from a club we belong to so they can build a new building. Simply put, we are expected to make a $10K donation with no ROI. They promise to keep our dues the same for TWO WHOLE years if we pay the entire amount by July 1st. We resigned.

[2NHcruisers]

On 6/22/2023 at 7:23 PM, bjahil47 said:

I talked to Executive Office today.  She said the menu change is a test on the Equinox only.  Based on feedback they receive they will either go back to the previous menu or implement the new menu.  She said that they are trying to compete with other cruise lines in their category.  I told her offering hamburgers and talipia and upcharging steaks/lobster they are not competing they are lowering their class!  She told me lobster will still be offered free (one) on chic night. 
 

I also asked her that since I am in a RS in September, and if I wanted any of the “premium” entrees would I be charged?  She said, yes I would be charged!

 

We also discussed gluten free offerings as I have a gluten sensitivity.  She said she is in contact with Retreat and Luminae and will get back to me in a few days with answers to those questions I asked.

 

she was very nice, kept reiterating that it was a test.  And the more people voice their concerns the less likely it will become permanent.  

Sounds like BS... competing would be you keep the high standards and dont nickle and dime folks; Whats next? Constant announcements in the rooms? RS used to get free dining in all the specialty restaurants;  but they will upcharge in MDR? X has lost its way...

[Diav]

We are back from the Equinox 8 night to ABC islands.  Lots to report:

Food:  We did get one free lobster each in MDR. Very delicious.  I would not pay for a second one because it was very small.  Food overall was at a much lower quality then before. The last day, they had a great buffet at OVC but that was what we had daily or at least for dinner daily in OVC on other Celebrity cruises.  Getting to be that you must eat at Luminae or Spec. Dining or you will have a meh dining experience.

Service: Another disappointment because it was hit and miss. We waited over an hour and a half for a drink server in the solarium, then had to track one down. Because of poor service inside, the pool bar was packed and hard to get a beverage. This did not happen before to us.

Entertainment: Comparable to many other X cruises.  But the comedian was awful, IMHO. And the show "Topper" has been around for many years. We have seen too many times to count. But all in all, ok. The singers and dancers were top notch.

Casino: The blackjack tables started at $25 min, some up to $300 per. WOW. Too rich for us. And they charged a service charge of $7.50 for chips. Charging to get obc in casino!  Never before do we remember this but maybe we are not as active there as others.

Concierge level: Usually we take a sky suite but this time we wanted connecting rooms with family so we chose this level.  A complete waste of time for us.  The daily "snacks" we not appetizing to us at all. Never saw or needed a concierge.  No priority boarding or disembarkation was offered by staff.

Other things: We were busy and did not eat in the MDR every night. One evening in the OVC, after

being out at port all day, our waiter from the dining room came up to me and demanded to know why we were not in MDR every evening...WHAT? I told him it was my business and that we should not accost people on their whereabouts. He then challenged my family for more info. I found the dining manager in OVC, told him what happened and he apologized. Then I told him that the food in the buffet was less quality than before.  He seemed flustered but denied that anything has changed. Anyway, I know what I know.  Next night I told our dining manager what happened in OVC and he said sorry in a not-so-sorry way.

I had complained earlier about the menu changes and finally, they gave me escargot anyway.

I told any officer who would listen and they all sympathized but said all will be back next cruise.

Doesn't help us!

 

We have a sky suite booked on Apex for New Years eve cruise.  Food is better in Luminae generally but we will be checking out OVC to see how it is handled there. We will evaluate our X cruising after this cruise. 

Ask if I can answer any questions.

[thebutlerdidit]

2 hours ago, Diav said:

Other things: We were busy and did not eat in the MDR every night. One evening in the OVC, after

being out at port all day, our waiter from the dining room came up to me and demanded to know why we were not in MDR every evening...WHAT? I told him it was my business and that we should not accost people on their whereabouts. He then challenged my family for more info. I found the dining manager in OVC, told him what happened and he apologized. Then I told him that the food in the buffet was less quality than before.  He seemed flustered but denied that anything has changed. Anyway, I know what I know.  Next night I told our dining manager what happened in OVC and he said sorry in a not-so-sorry way.

I had complained earlier about the menu changes and finally, they gave me escargot anyway.

I told any officer who would listen and they all sympathized but said all will be back next cruise.

Doesn't help us!

Wow! I’d have probably told him that the food has really been lacking and there’s nothing to draw me to the MDR. Very bold of him. I’m not good with confrontation at all and would have been stunned at the ambush.

[HMR74]

I keep on saying it's all about cash flow.

 

This past week news came out that American Airlines is discontinuing its discount and perks deal for for crews  of cruise lines.

 

eg, discount on fares,  no charge luggage etc.

 

Seems like companies are trying to find ways to improve cash flow.

 

Airline capacity is 90% of pre covid and a similar decline in cruise line and in general the hspitality business.

 

The Fed says its raising rates cutting liquidity in credit markets--more to fight inflation but price inflation is sticky. Creditors are more seective of who they lend to.

 

To the cruise lines it means borrowing may become  more difficult and costly.

 

It's not personal-it is the numbers. And real cash flow.

 

It is tough going for many businesses especially the cruise lines.

 

 

[39august]

Diav-How much vaping in the casino did you see, please? I believe your cruise was the first week that vaping became allowed in the casino. 

[ladylemondrop]

I really hope nobody pays for these ‘premium extras’ and they decide to scrap the whole idea. I will be really stubborn and choose something from the ‘free’ menu (for which we have already paid dearly for) 

 

 

[dlh015]

5 hours ago, Diav said:

our waiter from the dining room came up to me and demanded to know why we were not in MDR every evening...WHAT? I told him it was my business and that we should not accost people on their whereabouts.

Wow!  This is the second post I've read of this type of confrontation. Very unsavory conduct.

[C4HCG]

5 hours ago, Diav said:

We are back from the Equinox 8 night to ABC islands.  Lots to report:

Food:  We did get one free lobster each in MDR. Very delicious.  I would not pay for a second one because it was very small.  Food overall was at a much lower quality then before. The last day, they had a great buffet at OVC but that was what we had daily or at least for dinner daily in OVC on other Celebrity cruises.  Getting to be that you must eat at Luminae or Spec. Dining or you will have a meh dining experience.

Service: Another disappointment because it was hit and miss. We waited over an hour and a half for a drink server in the solarium, then had to track one down. Because of poor service inside, the pool bar was packed and hard to get a beverage. This did not happen before to us.

Entertainment: Comparable to many other X cruises.  But the comedian was awful, IMHO. And the show "Topper" has been around for many years. We have seen too many times to count. But all in all, ok. The singers and dancers were top notch.

Casino: The blackjack tables started at $25 min, some up to $300 per. WOW. Too rich for us. And they charged a service charge of $7.50 for chips. Charging to get obc in casino!  Never before do we remember this but maybe we are not as active there as others.

Concierge level: Usually we take a sky suite but this time we wanted connecting rooms with family so we chose this level.  A complete waste of time for us.  The daily "snacks" we not appetizing to us at all. Never saw or needed a concierge.  No priority boarding or disembarkation was offered by staff.

Other things: We were busy and did not eat in the MDR every night. One evening in the OVC, after

being out at port all day, our waiter from the dining room came up to me and demanded to know why we were not in MDR every evening...WHAT? I told him it was my business and that we should not accost people on their whereabouts. He then challenged my family for more info. I found the dining manager in OVC, told him what happened and he apologized. Then I told him that the food in the buffet was less quality than before.  He seemed flustered but denied that anything has changed. Anyway, I know what I know.  Next night I told our dining manager what happened in OVC and he said sorry in a not-so-sorry way.

I had complained earlier about the menu changes and finally, they gave me escargot anyway.

I told any officer who would listen and they all sympathized but said all will be back next cruise.

Doesn't help us!

 

We have a sky suite booked on Apex for New Years eve cruise.  Food is better in Luminae generally but we will be checking out OVC to see how it is handled there. We will evaluate our X cruising after this cruise. 

Ask if I can answer any questions.

Why after what seems a pretty poor experience, far more negatives than positives, are you sticking with your next cruise on Apex? Are you tied in with deposits?
 

And if your waiter in the MDR behaved how he did, why didn’t you complain further than the OVC manager. On holidays  we shrug most things off as they are special times but that behaviour needed attention at a more senior level.

[crusin'k]

I'm back with a final review of our Equinox b2b2b that began June 10 and ended July 2.  You can check my earlier comments on this thread if you like.

 

The final 2 legs had the "new menu" (the first had the "old" X menu).  My observations/comments here are for the last 2 legs. On the 6-night leg, roast pork and cabbage was served 2 nights out of 6, penne pasta was served on 2 consecutive nights out of 6. On the 8-night leg, penne pasta was again served 2 nights and roast pork with cabbage was served 3 nights. Mushroom soup was an appetizer 2 consecutive nights, although they did add barley the second night.  Many nights there was no beef entree except the former classic sirloin steak.  Some nights had 3 meatless (? vegetarian) entrees out of 5.  Gone were the pork chops, beef tournedos, short ribs, etc. At the start of the 3rd leg, I wrote a very lengthy and detailed letter and gave it to guest relations.  I guess the information was given to our waiter because the next night, he told us that anything we wanted to special order, he would see to it that they prepared it.  It seemed as if they were putting all responsibility on him to keep us satisfied.  I explained to him that our comments to management had nothing to do with him or his service.  We were never approached by any other crew member (maitre d', asst maitre d', MDR manager, etc) about the letter. There was a lot more, but I will leave it at that.  GOOD NEWS - 2 days before the end of the cruise, both our waiter and the MDR hostess told us that they would be discontinuing the "new" menu, beginning with the next cruise.

 

My earlier comments about dress (and sometimes lack thereof) were on even greater display as the cruises continued.

 

We never say never.  However, after being loyal X cruisers for over 25 years (with 21 cruises and over 190 days just since the restart after COVID), we are probably saying goodbye to Celebrity.  And that makes us very sad!

[gkbiiii]

It's odd, the Goldring travel blog, does a "burger & hot dog test" on all its reviewed voyages.  This includes Seabourn, Silversea, Cunard Grilles, Viking Ocean, Crystal, Regent, Windstar, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Europa II, Luxury Expedition Vessels, Luxury River Cruising, etc. 

 

With all these reviews of above, there is a high level of quality.  Why then is this not possible, with "Celebrity's Modern Luxury?"

[publicpersona]

Looks like for our Aug 27 sailing the menu is back to more normal. That’s good, although I know it could change again. 
 

[Diav]

18 hours ago, C4HCG said:

Why after what seems a pretty poor experience, far more negatives than positives, are you sticking with your next cruise on Apex? Are you tied in with deposits?
 

And if your waiter in the MDR behaved how he did, why didn’t you complain further than the OVC manager. On holidays  we shrug most things off as they are special times but that behaviour needed attention at a more senior level.

To us, there is a big difference between Equinox Concierge level and Apex Sky Suite benefits and dining.  Will not do Equinox again.  We will see how and if any new changes are made to Apex. I have non-refundable deposit down.  I have not booked anything else (not like us).

 

We did complain past the OVC manager, as I mentioned.  We spoke to the MDR manager and he had a sorry but not too sorry attitude.  I also told a random officer and the front desk about our issues and plan a short novel for my final survey.

[Diav]

22 hours ago, thebutlerdidit said:

Wow! I’d have probably told him that the food has really been lacking and there’s nothing to draw me to the MDR. Very bold of him. I’m not good with confrontation at all and would have been stunned at the ambush.

We were stunned and maybe more so by the lacking response from his supervisor.

[Diav]

21 hours ago, 39august said:

Diav-How much vaping in the casino did you see, please? I believe your cruise was the first week that vaping became allowed in the casino. 

I sat down in the show and noticed a wave of smoke coming from a young man several rows down from us in the theatre. They then got up and moved. I did not see where they went and thought they left.  But after the show, my daughter told me she saw them vaping the entire show.  I would have reported them if I have seen it. 

[Diav]

19 hours ago, dlh015 said:

Wow!  This is the second post I've read of this type of confrontation. Very unsavory conduct.

And I believe you will hear or experience more of this in the future.  I seems to be sanctioned if not ordered by the higher ups.  I agree that is very unsavory conduct.

[Oceangoer2]

2 hours ago, Diav said:

And I believe you will hear or experience more of this in the future.  I seems to be sanctioned if not ordered by the higher ups.  I agree that is very unsavory conduct.

The approach was poor for sure IMO.  But....if a server sees a usual diner from their area who is dining often elsewhere, wouldn't it be ok to ask if something was missing in their service, the food is not to their liking, or what can we do to rectify?  The up-shoot of this is the server is most likely paid his grats by how many he serves each dining period.  This may be lost wages to him/her.  Too bad this server didn't have the social skills to approach in such a way it wouldn't be offensive.  We had a similar experience in Luminae....not impressed with the menu and dined in specialty restaurants often.  At breakfast we were approached, in a nice way, asking us if we were visiting them this evening and what could they offer (me in particular) to entice us back more regularly.  We weren't offended at all.

[Diav]

Glad your experience was better than ours. The waiter might want to know where we are eating night to night but downright confronting us in another venue was not, and in my opinion, ever going to be acceptable. We don’t always know our dining plans more than a few hours prior (pool  days, tired from ports, etc). As I stated to him, I am not accountable to others for my time  on my vacation. I feel strongly about that. What Celebrity/waiter needs or wants in this regard is not my concern. But they could start with more food selections, tasty well prepared foods and less up charges. This will contribute to my MDR return more than a confrontation from a rude employee, again imho.

[phoenix_dream]

On 7/4/2023 at 3:01 PM, dlh015 said:

Wow!  This is the second post I've read of this type of confrontation. Very unsavory conduct.

Wow is right.  In my 75 or so Celebrity cruises I have never, ever encountered this type of behavior.  Well, actually, I've seen a few rude passengers through the years but never a confrontational crew member.  I would definitely have brought this to the Maitre d's attention and insisted to either be assigned another table, or a different waiter.