Drunk dining in Pinnacle?

[AlexandNessa]

Now that I have your attention ... ;)

There is a current thread on whether children should be allowed to dine in the Pinnacle. As always, there are always comments that drunks and adults with foul language are far worse than any child could be.

Which got me thinking ...


Have you ever dined in the Pinnacle with a couple or group who was loud, drunk, cussing up a storm, or any other inappropriate behavior deemed so by Cruise Critic Standards?

We must've eaten at the Pinnacle at least a dozen times, if not more, and it's always been a quiet, lovely, elegant, and even romantic experience. I have never seen lewd or inappropriate behavior in the Pinnacle.

Just curious who has? In the Pinnacle. (MDR doesn't count!) And please do share! :D

[Typhoon1]

I 'm sure that is possible in any dining venue, land or sea based.

[Krazy Kruizers]

About the only thing I have ever noticed was a table of 4 a couple of times who laughed and talked loudly the entire meal.

Other than that -- nothing.

[jtl513]

No, we haven't, but I think the maitre d' would be much quicker to address such a situation in the PG than elsewhere.

[luvs2travl]

We have not seen any drunken or rude behavior ever when we dined at the Pinnacle Grill, nor in any other dining venue on a HAL ship Not saying it's never happened, just that we have not seen it.

I agree with jtl513 - if such an incident were to happen, I'm sure the maitre d' would deal with it fairly swiftly and as discreetly as possible.

In fact, in all our cruises with HAL, I can recall only one incidence of a passenger appearing too drunk to navigate, or even stand for that matter, - and that was in the Casino at one of the tables. The dealer called one of the stewards, I presume, (it may have been someone from security..), and he escorted the man out of the Casino, presumably to his cabin, I would hope!

[sail7seas]

No.

We've enjoyed a great many dinners in Pinnacle on many HAL ships and have never seen anyone obnoxiously out of control. Laughter and loud conversation..... sure. Some folks just speak more loudly than others but we've never been disturbed by people out for a pleasant evening enjoying themselves over dinner.

DH loves to laugh and tell a joke with 'the best of them.' :)

While I think of it, I can only remember one incident when someone was so drunk and inappropriate that action had to be taken..... and security handled the situation professionally and promptly. Out of all our days on HAL, there is just that single incident that comes to mind.

[woody14h]

PG has always been a wonderful dining venue worthy of comparison with any land based restaurant. It has been the most memorable part of all of our HAL cruises. Of course when we are in large cities the dining is more intensive, varied and eclectic but also much more expensive.

For the price you cannot beat the intimacy and good service the PG provides. I wish their were more of them on the ships.

[PathfinderEss]

Only once did we run into a problem in the Pinnacle, I believe it was on the Oosterdam. A passenger seated somewhat close to us had bought a very "expensive" bottle of wine, according to him, I certain wouldn't know. Anyway, he got very upset and indignant because they did not come around as often as he wanted, to serve him more of his "expensive" wine. He got quite loud and actually made the server leave in tears. It was awful, I felt so sorry for the server. What a jerk this guy was, that he couldn't pour his own darn wine.

[lorekauf]

I've never seen anyone...anywhere on a HAL ship drunk including in the Pinnacle. It's a wonder no one brought up the excess perfume comment on the other thread:D.

[fridayeyes]

Not IN the Pinnacle but just outside...

My cruise pal and I were arriving for our Pinnacle reservation when we saw a man engaging in a heated, profane exchange with the Maitre'd. I am not certain if the man had just been ejected from the Pinnacle, was trying to enter, or what the exact situation was. We stepped back a few paces and seriously considered calling security as it looked like the man might get violent. I do not know if he was drunk. For whatever it's worth, he was dressed quite appropriately in a nice suit.

In fact, now that I think about it, part of what he was going on about involved a drink of some sort. Speculating, I would guess that perhaps he'd been cut off. Either way, I simply can't imagine what world someone could live in that would justify verbally abusing the staff just because my Cosmo wasn't up to snuff.

In the end, we didn't call security because whoever was behind the Maitre'd at the podium had a phone in his hands and we assumed security was already being called.

[Aruba]

I simply can't imagine what world someone could live in that would justify verbally abusing the staff just because my Cosmo wasn't up to snuff.

Having a cosmo that's not up to snuff might justify a few tears ("Oh the humanity!") but it's certainly not cause for abusing the staff.

[Ontariotrekker]

There was a less than charming couple wandering the hallways on the Oosterdam in November. She always carried a glass of wine and he had a mixed drink of some sort. They managed to bump and spill alot of their drinks.

[Aruba]

There was a less than charming couple wandering the hallways on the Oosterdam in November. She always carried a glass of wine and he had a mixed drink of some sort. They managed to bump and spill alot of their drinks.
Hopefully only on each other...

[jtl513]

Laughter and loud conversation..... sure. Some folks just speak more loudly than others but we've never been disturbed by people out for a pleasant evening enjoying themselves over dinner. You reminded me of our first dinner in the Tamarind on the Eurodam. We were seated next to a table of 10 people, an older couple at the ends of a long table with 8 other younger adults on the sides which we presumed were their children and/or their spouses. I wouldn't say they were drunk, but they were definitely well-oiled and shouting at each other, often two or three at a time. They were having a great time, but we couldn't talk to each other or our waitress very well. Even when we spoke to the waitress about it, nothing was done. She said they were "almost done". Well, they stayed for at least one more round of drinks after they had finished their dessert, but at least we got to eat our dessert in peace after they left.

Our next night in the Tamarind was, fortunely, totally different, so at least we weren't left with just sour memories of the restaurant.

[Himself]

I have never heard of people coming into the Pinnacle drunk. Never!

[mrsltg]

I've never seen anyone...anywhere on a HAL ship drunk including in the Pinnacle. It's a wonder no one brought up the excess perfume comment on the other thread:D.

Wow! Apparently you missed me after the Chef's Table last April... holy cow, I don't think drunk is the word!!! I was not loud or obnoxious, just happy and somewhat off balance.... OOPS!

On my last cruise I witnessed two bouts of obnoxious behavior in the PG. The first was a woman who belittled the server for pronouncing vanilla, "banilla." The server was describing the two different souffles. She said they had "banilla and chocolate." Now, any moron could have figured out what she was saying, not this lady. She was a special kind of moron! She kept telling the server to "say it again," telling her she needed to learn to pronounce the word correctly so people could understand. I think my husband was about to staple me to the seat! I was so angry on Ida's behalf. This nasty woman was so loud and so offensive. PLUS, she spoke with an accent! And it was a horrid one at that. Ugh! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.

Second time was the same cruise, just a few nights later. A couple who were interesting to say the least were seated next to us. They began speaking to us because as they said, we were almost the only people their age on the entire ship. I beg your pardon, I was a good 20 years younger than him, and 10 younger than her.... They were loud and made inappropriate comments throughout the meal. They were demanding and uncouth and just generally tacky. They complained about everything from the ship, to the activities, to the age of the passengers, to the service and the food. Then, they began calling the wine steward, Ronald, "Ronnie!" When they did that, Ronald turned to me and winked with a smirk on his face. I truly hope he spat in their wine!!!

[lorekauf]

Wow! Apparently you missed me after the Chef's Table last April... holy cow, I don't think drunk is the word!!! I was not loud or obnoxious, just happy and somewhat off balance.... OOPS!

On my last cruise I witnessed two bouts of obnoxious behavior in the PG. The first was a woman who belittled the server for pronouncing vanilla, "banilla." The server was describing the two different souffles. She said they had "banilla and chocolate." Now, any moron could have figured out what she was saying, not this lady. She was a special kind of moron! She kept telling the server to "say it again," telling her she needed to learn to pronounce the word correctly so people could understand. I think my husband was about to staple me to the seat! I was so angry on Ida's behalf. This nasty woman was so loud and so offensive. PLUS, she spoke with an accent! And it was a horrid one at that. Ugh! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.

Second time was the same cruise, just a few nights later. A couple who were interesting to say the least were seated next to us. They began speaking to us because as they said, we were almost the only people their age on the entire ship. I beg your pardon, I was a good 20 years younger than him, and 10 younger than her.... They were loud and made inappropriate comments throughout the meal. They were demanding and uncouth and just generally tacky. They complained about everything from the ship, to the activities, to the age of the passengers, to the service and the food. Then, they began calling the wine steward, Ronald, "Ronnie!" When they did that, Ronald turned to me and winked with a smirk on his face. I truly hope he spat in their wine!!!
Wow....that's amazing. I think I'm wound a little tight sometimes but people can be unreal. I hope he spat in their wine too:D.

[LSEA]

I was enjoying a late lunch in the Lido one afternoon with a friend (maybe around 3 pm?) and a drunk passenger was wandering around. As he came by our table he polished off yet another of whatever he was drinking that day, slammed the glass down on our table and walked away. Charming. A dining steward came by and apologized. No apology necessary we told him and we all had a good laugh at the drunk guys expense.

[FRANKIEDNYC]

:( On our Nov/Dec2009 Amazon Prinsendam cruise The cruise staff was running some kind of a mystery theatre in th PG and several of the staff must have had a few too many. Soon a food fight started escalated into an almost free for all. Security was called in and several of the staff including the Asst cruise director a few of the dancers and singers and some cruise staff were put off the ship at the very next port. Very interesting to say the least.

[Aruba]

Wow....that's amazing. I think I'm wound a little tight sometimes but people can be unreal. I hope he spat in their wine too:D.
Or did something else in it...

[GmaPajama]

:( On our Nov/Dec2009 Amazon Prinsendam cruise The cruise staff was running some kind of a mystery theatre in th PG and several of the staff must have had a few too many. Soon a food fight started escalated into an almost free for all. Security was called in and several of the staff including the Asst cruise director a few of the dancers and singers and some cruise staff were put off the ship at the very next port. Very interesting to say the least.
That was one expensive drunk for those staff members. I've no doubt they lost their jobs. Kids today ... I tell ya! :)

[lorekauf]

Or did something else in it...
Do you mean "refill" the bottle:D?

[bermuda triangle]

Only once did we run into a problem in the Pinnacle, I believe it was on the Oosterdam. A passenger seated somewhat close to us had bought a very "expensive" bottle of wine, according to him, I certain wouldn't know. Anyway, he got very upset and indignant because they did not come around as often as he wanted, to serve him more of his "expensive" wine. He got quite loud and actually made the server leave in tears. It was awful, I felt so sorry for the server. What a jerk this guy was, that he couldn't pour his own darn wine.


If he poured his own wine, he might have broken a nail and then he'd have to get an ;) expensive manicure. What a jerk!!

Laura

[jcrandle]

As to talking loudly in the dining venues, it is true that alcohol can exacerbate this tendency, you also have to consider that many of us on HAL are older, and the hearing impaired (without hearing aids) often talk louder, because their volume sounds normal to them. DW often gives subtle hints to me, as I am on the cusp of needing to consider electronic assistance.

For my generation, I blame lawn mowers and chain saws. The next generation can only blame subwoofers, boom boxes, and ipods for their hearing loss.

[bulgargirl]

As to talking loudly in the dining venues, it is true that alcohol can exacerbate this tendency, you also have to consider that many of us on HAL are older, and the hearing impaired (without hearing aids) often talk louder, because their volume sounds normal to them. DW often gives subtle hints to me, as I am on the cusp of needing to consider electronic assistance.

For my generation, I blame lawn mowers and chain saws. The next generation can only blame subwoofers, boom boxes, and ipods for their hearing loss.


I don't think I'm a loud talker. Usually. But I have been known to enjoy my wine with dinner. And on cruises, just once or twice mind you, I think I was definitely glowing with a goofy smile on my face.

I think my behavior was just find. No one said anything. Hope I don't offend!!!!

[LuckyLoon]

I've been know to enjoy my wine and talk a little much too. My DH will subtlety point it out to me. Nice to have backup.:cool:

Haven't noticed any greatly unruly or drunk passengers. But I tend to remember only the good times. I've heard a few rude comments to the staff. And there have been a few complainers but the majority of our fellow passengers have been generous friendly souls.

Heck I only remember one wait staff that didn't smile and seemed less than pleased to be waiting on us. I finally saw what passed for a smile on his face toward the end of the Baked Alaska show. He even twirled his napkin. Probably was thinking "yes, the cruise is ending!"

[sail7seas]

:( On our Nov/Dec2009 Amazon Prinsendam cruise The cruise staff was running some kind of a mystery theatre in th PG and several of the staff must have had a few too many. Soon a food fight started escalated into an almost free for all. Security was called in and several of the staff including the Asst cruise director a few of the dancers and singers and some cruise staff were put off the ship at the very next port. Very interesting to say the least.


Gasp........ :eek: Really? Whoa......... that's awful !!!!

[pris993]

This post reminds me of once having lunch at a hotel -- which had a non smoking policy, next to us were a whole table of folks, smoking after their meal. We were just getting started with our lunch, we asked to change tables, when the hotel staff was reluctant to ask the table of 6 next to us, to stop smoking. This happen in Miami, we are from California, so expected to have a smoke free space.

I would do the same on HAL, I would not let a table of folks spoil my dinner.

[Copper10-8]

You reminded me of our first dinner in the Tamarind on the Eurodam. We were seated next to a table of 10 people, an older couple at the ends of a long table with 8 other younger adults on the sides which we presumed were their children and/or their spouses. I wouldn't say they were drunk, but they were definitely well-oiled and shouting at each other, often two or three at a time. They were having a great time, but we couldn't talk to each other ...............................................

We had a very similar situation and yes, it was in the Pinnacle Grill. Table of about ten, very loud, HBD (drinking), etc, and we got a table right smack down next to them. Nothing romantic and/or quiet about that one

[StanleyWho]

Only once did we run into a problem in the Pinnacle, I believe it was on the Oosterdam. A passenger seated somewhat close to us had bought a very "expensive" bottle of wine, according to him, I certain wouldn't know. Anyway, he got very upset and indignant because they did not come around as often as he wanted, to serve him more of his "expensive" wine. He got quite loud and actually made the server leave in tears.


was his name Kevin Rudd

[Mpowered]

We were once seated in a separate room in the PG. At the time, only one other couple was in there. We didn't hear much from the man, but the woman appeared to be a very happy drunk. She talked loudly throughout their meal. We heard about her travel agent of several years and why this woman liked the travel agent. This included the type stateroom and all the details of what the woman expected on a cruise. I think we heard this story about 15 times. As she continued, she started having some problems with pronunciation of certain words. She was trying to say "marinara sauce," but she actually said "mariner sauce." That became a standard joke with us for the rest of the trip. ;) There were other amusing mispronunciations, as well, but I can't think of any right now. We did feel badly for the young lady waiting on this table as the happy drunk told her how beautiful she was and asked obnoxious questions.

In some cases, this might have been an unpleasant meal for us. However, the couple finished their meal long before we finished ours, and the woman's antics were quite entertaining. On two cruises, we've managed to eat dinner at the PG seven times. This was as close as we've come to an unpleasant experience.

Joan

[sail7seas]

We rarely bother listening to what is going on at nearby tables. We have our own conversation going and and have little to no interest what anyone else is discussing. I have a great ability to 'tune out' what doesn't interest me. :D

[babyher]

We rarely bother listening to what is going on at nearby tables. We have our own conversation going and and have little to no interest what anyone else is discussing. I have a great ability to 'tune out' what doesn't interest me. :D




I just thought husbands had that ability :)

[middle-aged mom]

We rarely bother listening to what is going on at nearby tables. We have our own conversation going and and have little to no interest what anyone else is discussing. I have a great ability to 'tune out' what doesn't interest me. :D



I just thought husbands had that ability :)


......And parents;)

[Copper10-8]

I just thought husbands had that ability :)

Woman 1: Oh! You got a haircut! That's so cute!
Woman 2: Do you think so? I wasn't sure when she gave me the mirror. I mean, you don't think it's too fluffy looking?
Woman 1: No, it's perfect. I'd love to get my hair cut like that, but I think my face is too wide. I'm pretty much stuck with this stuff I think.
Woman 2: Are you serious? I think your face is adorable. And you could easily get one of those layer cuts - that would look so cute I think. I was actually going to do that except that I was afraid it would accent my long neck.
Woman 1: Oh - that's funny! I would love to have your neck! Anything to take attention away from these football player shoulders of mine.
Woman 2: Are you kidding? I know girls that would love to have your shoulders. Everything drapes so well on you. I mean, look at my arms, see how short they are? If I had your shoulders I could get clothes to fit me so much easier....

[sail7seas]

i just thought husbands had that ability :)


rofl..... :d

[Cruisin Suzin]

......And parents;)


And children!

[Mpowered]

We rarely bother listening to what is going on at nearby tables. We have our own conversation going and and have little to no interest what anyone else is discussing. I have a great ability to 'tune out' what doesn't interest me. :D



We are not eavesdroppers. There was no way to tune out this woman. She was very loud, and our tables were next to each other.

Joan

[maxout]

We are not eavesdroppers. There was no way to tune out this woman. She was very loud, and our tables were next to each other.

Joan

Perhaps you needed the "Cone of Silence" :D ;) :p

http://dvice.com/assets_c/2009/05/MIT-patent-Get-Smarth-Cone-of-Silence-thumb-550x419-17927.jpg

[classicwhaler]

DW and I were dining in the Pinnacle on the Zuiderdam one evening, and this 60-some year old woman and her older companion were a few tables away. She had obviously had too many glasses of wine, and got louder and louder. Her companion looked like he wanted to crawl under the table. "My travel agent knows exactly what I like, and I can't believe she booked me this cabin," she said over and over. This one-way conversation went on for almost an hour. It was humorous at first, and DW and I still laugh about it to this day. She finally ran out of steam and we were able to enjoy the rest of our meal in peace. It's the only time we've experienced rude behavior in 20-30 meals in the Pinnacle during breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.

[Mpowered]

Perhaps you needed the "Cone of Silence" :D ;) :p

http://dvice.com/assets_c/2009/05/MIT-patent-Get-Smarth-Cone-of-Silence-thumb-550x419-17927.jpg

Well, I'm sorry I posted. I was trying to share a humorous anecdote. It was not a complaint.

[middle-aged mom]

Well, I'm sorry I posted. I was trying to share a humorous anecdote. It was not a complaint.

And I believe that Maxout was responding in kind, with humor, not offense, intended.

[maxout]

Well, I'm sorry I posted. I was trying to share a humorous anecdote. It was not a complaint.

My intent was also humor not criticism, sorry it failed to come across :)

[sapper1]

My intent was also humor not criticism, sorry it failed to come across :)

I found it bang on and had a great laugh. Very humourous.

[cindy1957]

We just got off our April 11-18th Ryndam cruise. There were not very many kids on board but there was a woman in the Pinnacle Grill the night we dined that was so loud and rude to the staff that it was embarrassing for the other diners. Everyone tried not to look or pay attention, the staff tried to help but this woman took a while to wind down. She actually taught me a lesson about dealing with things that don't go our way when we are on a trip. At disembarkation we saw the same women giving her husband a hard time. Another reminder to be nice to the people you travel with so they will want to travel with you!

[COLLEYBERRY]

We just got off our April 11-18th Ryndam cruise. There were not very many kids on board but there was a woman in the Pinnacle Grill the night we dined that was so loud and rude to the staff that it was embarrassing for the other diners. Everyone tried not to look or pay attention, the staff tried to help but this woman took a while to wind down. She actually taught me a lesson about dealing with things that don't go our way when we are on a trip. At disembarkation we saw the same women giving her husband a hard time. Another reminder to be nice to the people you travel with so they will want to travel with you!


I never have understood why some people seem to prefer a state of flux and upset .... it requires much less energy to be kind and considerate.;)

[charliewesley]

Several years ago we had 9:30 pm reservations in PG. I thought that
would be late enough to avoid most children.
But sure enough we were seated next to a couple with two very well
behaved kids. However the parents were talking on WALKIE TALKIES!!!:mad:
To someone else about their day in port.:eek::eek:
I asked the Maitre D to move us. He did and we enjoyed the meal.:D

[Copper10-8]

And I believe that Maxout was responding in kind, with humor, not offense, intended.

He sure was and it was darn funny, 99;) I'm kinda surprised though, that it didn't set off an avalanche of those little red "Danger, Will Robinson, Danger signs" :cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

I confess we have only dined in Pinnacle twice in the past 6 years ... we're not really big fans. Our last time was fine, no drunks, no one obnoxious or offensive in any way.

We worried though because coincidently we had the same exact table we had in 2004 and alongside us was a table set for 8. Immediately I remembered our last 2004 Oosterdam experience.

The group was intoxicated to say the least and very loud, but they slowly filtered out leaving 2 couples who got into some sort of argument. Their evening ended with one of the women literally falling down when she tried to leave the table.

A drunk is a drunk is a drunk .... if a person would get drunk in the MDR, they'll get drunk in the Pinnacle and I wouldn't expect the venue to improve that. So it's the luck of the draw:):).

[crusinbanjo]

Now that I have your attention ... ;)

There is a current thread on whether children should be allowed to dine in the Pinnacle. As always, there are always comments that drunks and adults with foul language are far worse than any child could be.

Which got me thinking ...


Have you ever dined in the Pinnacle with a couple or group who was loud, drunk, cussing up a storm, or any other inappropriate behavior deemed so by Cruise Critic Standards?

We must've eaten at the Pinnacle at least a dozen times, if not more, and it's always been a quiet, lovely, elegant, and even romantic experience. I have never seen lewd or inappropriate behavior in the Pinnacle.

Just curious who has? In the Pinnacle. (MDR doesn't count!) And please do share! :D

My wife & I experienced a dinner party who's host's behavior was loud and inappropriate. The really bad news was that the loud inappropriate person was a HAL Corporate manager who was on board at the time. Certainly the Maitre'd was not going to do anything about him. The waiters and other Pinnacle service personell were not going to risk any attempt to quiet down the situation. It spoiled our experience and dinner.

Since we had bought a suite, we had the opportunity to sugest to the captain that this person sould be kept in the crew areas, and away fro the passengers. I don't know if they took my advise, but we did not run into him again on the cruise.

[K&RCurt]

On the Eurodam in October we had dinner in the PG one evening. There is a room with tables for two in the corners and a large table for 10 or so in the center of the room. When we were seated there was on couple in one of the corner tables, after our appetizer course two other couples were seated in teh other corners.

Thankfully we were just finjishing our entrees when a large obnoxiously drunk group were seated at the large table in teh center of the room. After getting the Amuse Bouche, which was tuna tartare, all hell started breaking forth. They all started loudly complaining that "They ain't eatin' no raw fish"! The waitresses took away the Amuse Bouche at their request. When they returned to start taking orders for the meal they group just wanted "Another round of coors light". (How they could possibly get that drunk on light beer is a mystery to me!) They tried to explain that they didn't take drink orders, that the beverage steward would be with them shortly. They complained loudly about this "stupid way" things are done, and eventually place orders.

Thankfully we finished desert and were out of there before we saw any more outlandish behavior. These people really put a damper on an elegant meal. I felt more sorry for the three couple seated after us, as they surley had to endure more of the boorish behavior than we did.

I guess it doesn't matter WHERE you go, eventually some people will show poor behavior.

[HeatherInFlorida]

.............Thankfully we were just finjishing our entrees when a large obnoxiously drunk group were seated at the large table in teh center of the room. After getting the Amuse Bouche, which was tuna tartare, all hell started breaking forth. They all started loudly complaining that "They ain't eatin' no raw fish"! The waitresses took away the Amuse Bouche at their request. When they returned to start taking orders for the meal they group just wanted "Another round of coors light". (How they could possibly get that drunk on light beer is a mystery to me!) They tried to explain that they didn't take drink orders, that the beverage steward would be with them shortly. They complained loudly about this "stupid way" things are done, and eventually place orders.

................

OMG, Kurt! What a story! First, it seems this mostly takes place at the larger tables (from our own experience and reading here) and second, it supports my theory that you really can't put lipstick on a pig!:D