Why Pay Xtra for Food

[Cotton]

... Still awaiting a smoke free cruise ship by carnival!

 

Carnival DID have a completely smoke-free ship, the Paradise, which cruised for several years as such. It obviously didn't create enough revenue, and the Paradise is now a smoking ship like all the rest.

[GoinCruisin]

And when I eat it doesnt bother the people around me. Young and still in great shape. Still awaiting a smoke free cruise ship by carnival!

 

They had one... it didn't work out. Then again, you KNOW that.

[texas greeneyes]

And when I eat it doesnt bother the people around me. Young and still in great shape. Still awaiting a smoke free cruise ship by carnival!

Golly Gee Willakers, where is that "beating a dead horse" smiley icon when you need it? :rolleyes:

BTW I am a nonsmoker but geez!

[POPPA_DADDYO]

Carnival DID have a completely smoke-free ship, the Paradise, which cruised for several years as such. It obviously didn't create enough revenue, and the Paradise is now a smoking ship like all the rest.

Yes, I am aware of that. But Carnival needs to be a little more creative as well as other cruise lines to add other things that can make money on while out to sea. It is a lame excuse to discredit non smokers for not spending money on a cruise. Add some smoke free sessions in the casino or even add a much larger souvenir or gift shop. Non smokers drink and gamble too. But when we arent just sitting around puffing, us non smokers could be spending time spending more money on other things.

[Knights on the Beach]

You can see FAT from overindulgence, too.:D

Yeah, and I got the legs to prove it! :o Seems like everything I eat ends up in my thighs.

[GoinCruisin]

Yes, I am aware of that. But Carnival needs to be a little more creative as well as other cruise lines to add other things that can make money on while out to sea. It is a lame excuse to discredit non smokers for not spending money on a cruise. Add some smoke free sessions in the casino or even add a much larger souvenir or gift shop. Non smokers drink and gamble too. But when we arent just sitting around puffing, us non smokers could be spending time spending more money on other things.

 

Wait... you said you were waiting for a NON SMOKING ship... we replied and now you are changing your story on us. And what does the size of the gift shop have to do with your NONSTOP whining about the smoking issue?? :confused:

 

Carnival's revenue on the non smoking ship was the lowest in the fleet, it was also the most heavily discounted in the fleet. They aren't going "non smoking" anytime in the near future... I agree that there should be a section in the casino for non smokers... but they had that on RCL and I can tell you there were TWO people in that section. The cruiselines are going to do what makes them the most revenue.

 

CAN WE PLEASE get back on topic? Do you really have to ruin every thread with this same argument???

[Cotton]

Uh, wasn't this post started as a FOOD thread?

 

If you want to continue griping about smoking, please find one of the thousand smoking threads.:p

[Knights on the Beach]

And what does the size of the gift shop have to do with your NONSTOP whining about the smoking issue??

Uh, maybe with all that eating instead of smoking some people need BIGGER spaces in which to move around? :p

 

Anyway, I think I've been convinced to try the supper club on the Legend. It would make a nice anniversary dinner.

[GoinCruisin]

Uh, maybe with all that eating instead of smoking some people need BIGGER spaces in which to move around? :p

 

Anyway, I think I've been convinced to try the supper club on the Legend. It would make a nice anniversary dinner.

 

Good for you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!! I'm looking forward to the Pointe in October!!!! Have a great anniversary!

[kyrisong1]

You can see FAT from overindulgence, too.:D

true but not till much later!!!! That fat is some sneaky stuff, you don't see it coming. For the record I'm a nonsmoker, I'm just sick of the same old thing coming up on a completely unrelated topic;) .

I believe in to each their own, if you eat too much you'll get fat, if you sleep around you could get aids, if you smoke you could get lung disease. But I don't believe in beating dead horses. Or live ones for that matter :D

[hstrybuf]

Ambiance, great food, great service, more intimate dining experience. And Poppa, GIVE IT A REST ALREADY! :rolleyes:

[ladycaveat]

You know, I think that when all is said and done . . . eating in a five star restaruant on a cruise ship would be fantastic. Where else can you get that kind of personal service, exceptional food and ambiance? Hum . . . I thought that was one of the reason people took cruises . . . for the personal service, exceptional food and ambiance . . . in the formal dining room (which is included in the fare).

 

I hate to sound so negative but this, to me, is but another way for cruise lines to make up for the lower fares these days to encourage people to take family vacations aboard a ship. I love to cruise but I'm so tired of their endless sales pitches to buy, spend, buy, spend. Be it in their gift shops, bingo, special "coffee shops", shore excursions, art auctions, casinos, horse races and endless talks about what to buy and where to buy it in each port of call. Now they have private restaurants (which I do admit, at $30.00 per person is fantastic . . . if I was taking a "land" vacation). It's but another way to get those that take cruises for the value to spend more money.

 

Flame away . . . I don't care. I know that most, if not all, that have posted are thrilled with these speciality restaurants (thus the reason they have them). But for someone that (for the past few years) has cruised solo . . . I'd rather spend $30.00 toward a shore excursion or piece of jewelry than sitting at a table by myself with food and service that I expect to receive in the "formal" dining room.

[stockcerts]

I couldn't agree with you more Ladycaveat. I'm also single, but I take my daughter with me on a cruise. This is me and it's just how I feel (a minority way of thinking). I think people base too much of their life on food and the next meal. That's why the general population is so fat. You can tell who doesn't miss a meal when the shirts are off at the pool. It's not just about looks, but health. I know it's vacation, and I eat a more than normal, but I try not to plan my cruise around meal time. I'd rather stay ashore longer, or take part in an event. I know very few others feel this way, and that's fine. Either way cruises are great, and I do enjoy the food, but I try to moderate.

[jsmeeker]

You know, I think that when all is said and done . . . eating in a five star restaruant on a cruise ship would be fantastic. Where else can you get that kind of personal service, exceptional food and ambiance? Hum . . . I thought that was one of the reason people took cruises . . . for the personal service, exceptional food and ambiance . . . in the formal dining room (which is included in the fare).

 

I hate to sound so negative but this, to me, is but another way for cruise lines to make up for the lower fares these days to encourage people to take family vacations aboard a ship. I love to cruise but I'm so tired of their endless sales pitches to buy, spend, buy, spend. Be it in their gift shops, bingo, special "coffee shops", shore excursions, art auctions, casinos, horse races and endless talks about what to buy and where to buy it in each port of call. Now they have private restaurants (which I do admit, at $30.00 per person is fantastic . . . if I was taking a "land" vacation). It's but another way to get those that take cruises for the value to spend more money.

 

Flame away . . . I don't care. I know that most, if not all, that have posted are thrilled with these speciality restaurants (thus the reason they have them). But for someone that (for the past few years) has cruised solo . . . I'd rather spend $30.00 toward a shore excursion or piece of jewelry than sitting at a table by myself with food and service that I expect to receive in the "formal" dining room.

 

I won't flame. I understand your "nickle and dime" frustrations. But like others said, different strokes. It *is* optional, and afterall, most of us feel the main, regular dining rooms can be pretty good as well.

 

As far as you dining solo? Well, if you travel solo, I suppose that could be an issue. But if you are meeting people on the ship, you could invite them (maybe even some of your favorite table mates from your normal table)

 

But I love to dine, and fine dining is one of my vices. It's my "crack habit", if you will. :)

[kyrisong1]

I couldn't agree with you more Ladycaveat. I'm also single, but I take my daughter with me on a cruise. This is me and it's just how I feel (a minority way of thinking). I think people base too much of their life on food and the next meal. That's why the general population is so fat. You can tell who doesn't miss a meal when the shirts are off at the pool. It's not just about looks, but health. I know it's vacation, and I eat a more than normal, but I try not to plan my cruise around meal time. I'd rather stay ashore longer, or take part in an event. I know very few others feel this way, and that's fine. Either way cruises are great, and I do enjoy the food, but I try to moderate.

You know basically what your saying is that the people that enjoy a fine meal are fat pigs that overeat. The SC has nothing to do with overeating or stuffing yourself. People that enjoy fine dining are NOT there to stuff themselves with food, they are going for exceptionally prepared food presented in a exceptional manner. And who said that people that enjoy the SC plan their cruise around meal time? I think your making way too many assumptions. I could throw around the idea that perhaps the "fine dining people" have a more refined taste. However that would be an assumption, much like saying that if you go to the SC you overindulge, and that just wouldn't be fair. BTW when I do feel I've eaten too much (ie: I had desert ) I work it out in the gym!! now isn't that a novel idea ;)

[GoinCruisin]

I couldn't agree with you more Ladycaveat. I'm also single, but I take my daughter with me on a cruise. This is me and it's just how I feel (a minority way of thinking). I think people base too much of their life on food and the next meal. That's why the general population is so fat. You can tell who doesn't miss a meal when the shirts are off at the pool. It's not just about looks, but health. I know it's vacation, and I eat a more than normal, but I try not to plan my cruise around meal time. I'd rather stay ashore longer, or take part in an event. I know very few others feel this way, and that's fine. Either way cruises are great, and I do enjoy the food, but I try to moderate.

 

Huh? Thin people don't enjoy fine dining?? If those of us that were so "obsessed with food" were really obsessed, wouldn't we be getting it for free? Or grazing the buffet??? Some people enjoy fine dining, it has nothing to do with being obsessed with food... I for one, am very far from that... but I do enjoy an intimate, fine dining experience when I get the chance, whatever city I'm in. The food in the supper club is not laden with grease, fat, etc. It's actually a more logical choice. Just because people want to attend the supper club, does not mean they are "fat" :rolleyes: Or their life revolves around their meals :rolleyes: If you ever went to one, I'm sure you would find your statements were completely inaccurate.

[RWolver672]

"Ambiance, great food, great service, more intimate dining experience."

On our last cruise on the Glory, we were given OBC for the ship not going to the ports we were suppose to. We, DW, adult son and I decided to use it to try out the SC.

This is our outlook on our experience. This is not a complaint, this is just what we experienced.

They tell you that there is a dress code. I only took a tux with me so I wore that, DW in sequins, son in suit. The only way to get in there is through the buffet dining room. That means that you have to parade through the Lido deck pool area with everybody staring at you trying to figure out why you're going to the buffet with a tux on. We got there and everybody else had resort casual on. So much for dress codes.

The hostess seated us and said that our waitress would be out shortly.

First they came with a wine list. DW and DS wanted wine. I don't like wine. She informed us that by buying a bottle would save us money.

Now in my estimation, two glasses at $9 is cheaper than a $24 bottle.

We buy the bottle.

Our waitress comes out and tells us that the chef has prepared a special treat for us and would like us to try it. She then brings us out three bent spoons with something on it that we have no idea of what it is or how to eat it. Shortly after that, she comes back out and wants to know what we think of it. We lie and say it was wonderful.

Now it's time to order. Let me say that as far as ambiance goes, yes, it is dark in there. Out come the menu's with a tray of raw meat to show us the size. They are huge. Fortunately, we remember what steak and lobster look like cause we can barely see them in the dark. Same with menu.

We order combination steak and lobster. Waitress brings out more experiments from the chef. More lies.

Meal comes out. Lots of food. To us, food is food. Nothing to brag about other than size. Now comes the good service part. The wait staff loves to wait until you get your mouth full, then asks if everything is fine and is there anything they can get you...more times than I would like during a meal.

Our dessert was dessert. Can't even remember what it was. Coffee was served after that.

Was it worth the money? Not in our opinion. Would we do it again? I doubt it. Been there, done that, wore the tux.

Would I recommed it to others? Yes. I think everybody should try it and see for themselves if they like it or not. If you're just into eating a meal and not going for the experience, it's probably not for you. As for the intimate dining experience, I could barely see my wife sitting across from me.

Take this review as light hearted. That's the way it was meant. We aren't fussy eaters and we don't enjoy people waiting on us. To us, eating in the dining room is fancy enough. If you enjoy fine dining, you'll probably love it.

[DqALEX]

I have been on several carnival crusies and I am wondering why you would want to pay extra to go to anywhere but the main dinning rooms. I mean wow the food is so great and you can get about anything including great steaks. Tell me why spend 50.00 . I know since so many do it , it has to be some reason... Thanks , Ez:cool:

I don't get it either. When I first started cruising it was all 5 star. I will never pay extra to eat with all that food on the ship

[GoinCruisin]

I've never seen them list that the attire for the supper club is formal :confused: On FORMAL night, the dress code for the supper club is the same as the dining room... but other nights, just nicely dressed works. I wouldn't wear anything formal there unless it was formal night, just MHO. I think the only thing I have seen is that a jacket is required, but I'm not sure that is even there anymore. You definitely want to dress nicely, but not formally on regular nights.

 

Thankfully, we had great service. They told us what the chef's little treats were, and they were all quite tasty. We could see our menus and the beef :D We did laugh that anytime we got up, the servers rushed over to fold our napkins... but that just adds to the experience. I feel very fortunate, I have nothing bad to say about the SC.... going back in October :D

[GoinCruisin]

I don't get it either. When I first started cruising it was all 5 star. I will never pay extra to eat with all that food on the ship

 

That's the glory, you don't have to :D There is no way the SC could accomodate anyone. Less than 100 meals for the night. So it is a good thing that not everyone wants to go there, especially for those of us that do ;) :D For me, it's nothing like you can get in the dining room. It's a nice treat, and it's also a break away from the dining room itself, LOL.

[Cotton]

Our waitress comes out and tells us that the chef has prepared a special treat for us and would like us to try it. She then brings us out three bent spoons with something on it that we have no idea of what it is or how to eat it. Shortly after that, she comes back out and wants to know what we think of it. We lie and say it was wonderful.

 

......Waitress brings out more experiments from the chef. More lies.

:D Dick, your 'review' is taken in the spirit it was meant...an honest evaluation, and nicely worded.

However, as a retired chef, I have to make one little comment. Your little fibs about enjoying the mystery experiments... You did the chef a great injustice by saying they were wonderful. Really. He did want an honest opinion. If enough negative comments, he would discontinue the particular item(s).

I would often experiment, and send 'tastings' out to our regular customers. I wanted their honest thoughts. Even though I thought my 'latest stroke of genius' was fantastic, I needed our customer's opinions. See? Now, I really do think your server should have explained what was in your 'sample' when she brought it to you.

Anyhoo - I enjoyed reading your review.:)

[ezmony54]

OK, I think I have it.. I get Outback for free, If I want Ruth Chris I can pay $60. for wife and I to upgrade. Wife is happy and Daddy can;t enjoy thinking Man I could have had that other great meal for nothing and used this money for some more gambling or golf. But then again if wife is happy than daddy can be happy. Decison, Decisions......EZ:cool:

[GoinCruisin]

OK, I think I have it.. I get Outback for free, If I want Ruth Chris I can pay $60. for wife and I to upgrade. Wife is happy and Daddy can;t enjoy thinking Man I could have had that other great meal for nothing and used this money for some more gambling or golf. But then again if wife is happy than daddy can be happy. Decison, Decisions......EZ:cool:

 

You got it!!!! :D

[emmysmommy]

"Ambiance, great food, great service, more intimate dining experience."

 

The only way to get in there is through the buffet dining room. That means that you have to parade through the Lido deck pool area with everybody staring at you trying to figure out why you're going to the buffet with a tux on. We got there and everybody else had resort casual on. So much for dress codes.

 

 

 

 

When we went to the supper club on the Glory last week, we took the midship elevator to deck 10 and it was right there - no need to go through the buffet.

 

On the supper club dinner confirmation you typically receive in your stateroom prior to your reservation it states that the dress code is Smart Casual on non-formal nights. I believe a jacket and tie are required on formal nights.

 

Sorry it wasn't what you expected but at least you tried it! :)

[gymbrat33]

I've never eaten at the Supper Club either because I think the food in the Dining room tastes like those in a 5 star restaurant.