Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

[LauraS]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)

[gwinel]

No!

[bob brown]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.

[HeinBloed]

You can find here our experience of our Chef's Table on OCEAN PRINCESS:

http://heinbloed-pcl.blogspot.com

If you see what we all get for 75 USD: the price was more or less "nothing".

Beside the food:

The cooking book... let's say 30 USD
the photo... let's say 15 USD
all beverages (paring champagnes, wines and water)... let's say 30 USD...

we are right now at 75 USD...

If Princess wants me back on their cruiseships:

only with a lifetime garantee for participation on their Chef's Table.

It was worth the money and definately: yes. I am willing to pay for that what we get.

Same with the balcony dining which was also worth the money.

Best value is for me 18.00 USD with Moderno Churrasceria... best antipasta and best meat...

http://heinbloed-ncl.blogspot.com.

The food is always freshly made as I request and not stored for hours: so it should be worth to pay some extra for extra performance.

Regards
HeinBloed

[Crystalbast]

No. No way. Not a chance. As a solo cruiser I have to pay a lot as it is to cruise and feel that I should be able to get a decent meal in th Main Dining Room.

[Crystalbast]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.

I agree. When I sailed with NCL the choices available in the MDR were pitiful and you felt like they were trying to "encourage" you to eat at one of the pay venues. I didn't eat in the MDR once on 2 cruises and kept to the lido deck buffet restaurant. Fortunately, on the 11 day Hawaiian Cruise the lido deck buffet was pretty good.

[Cuizer2]

If it is optional it is fine. There is a big difference between charging to use the restroom on an airplane where there is no alternative and charging for a special meal on a ship that does have free (or actually included) alternatives.

As for the food and service being better in the extra cost restaurants - of course it is. Who is going to pay more for the same quality and service that one can get for free?

[bob brown]

If the regular dining rooms were as they were say twenty years ago, and they added upscale pay venues that offered more personal service, even better quality or expensive items like Maine lobster, caviar, prime aged steaks, etc., fine. As long as they didn't degrade what was formerly offered in the regular dining venues.

I believe that instead, the upscale dining rooms now charge you for what you used to get included, and they have downgraded the regular dining rooms so that it is 'worth it' to go to the specialty restaurants.

[bob brown]

I have not been in the fancy new Disney restaurant. But I have my doubts that regardless of what their press release states, no restaurant on a ship can ever be as good as a top shoreside restaurant.

I do know that none of the ships can offer a Porterhouse steak that can even come close to that served at Peter Luger's Steakhouse in New York.

[HeinBloed]

For 75.00 USD you get as much champagne as you want, served by the Excutive Chef and Maître d'Hotel at a place no other has access:

http://images116.fotki.com/v695/photos/0/1055340/8249792/2010PCLOC52821-vi.jpg

made while you are eye whitness:

http://images51.fotki.com/v424/photos/0/1055340/8249792/2010PCLOC52823-vi.jpg

with ingredients you do not get in the regular main dining room like caviar etc.

http://images57.fotki.com/v66/photos/0/1055340/8249792/2010PCLOC52841-vi.jpg

the pairing wines...

In which main dining room you get an sherbet between the main courses???

http://images16.fotki.com/v316/photos/0/1055340/8249792/2010PCLOC52842-vi.jpg

No that's not in the lido restaurant what some might expect:

http://images57.fotki.com/v66/photos/0/1055340/8249792/2010PCLOC52845-vi.jpg

and the cooking book incl. their signatures and menu...

PRICELESS...

http://images107.fotki.com/v71/photos/0/1055340/8249792/2010PCLOC52864-vi.jpg

I do not want to have it every night.

So I do not need to book a cruise where I can it every night in a dining room.

But I want to experience it once during a cruise and so 75.00 USD is fine.

Good Night
HeinBloed

booked already Chef's Table for CARNIVAL SPIRIT in April 2011 on the way to Hawaii...

[Cuizer2]

I do know that none of the ships can offer a Porterhouse steak that can even come close to that served at Peter Luger's Steakhouse in New York.

How much does that Peter Luger Porterhouse steak cost?

[Nancyquilts]

We wouldn't pay it. But then we've been cruising for many years, and can accept what is in the main dining room and find something we will like. We don't eat that fancy at home. I love cruises - no shopping, no cooking, no cleaning.:D

[Floridagradie]

no never

[Fire 331]

We cruise a few times a year and the big issue is not the charging at the upscale restaurants but the down grading of the meals in the main dining room. One of the great things about cruising is the service, quality and quantity of the food served but each year it seems to become less and less unless you want to pay an additional fee.

Charge the fee and if we want to go we will go, which we do, but do not lessen the overall cruise experience to force people to go to give them the great experience that made cruising the attraction it is or you will kill the golden goose.

If you went out to a fine restaurant in the Chicago area you are not going to get away for $75 a person.

[Cayoooga]

I would definitely have to try it. We stay away from the buffet if at all possible. I find that the extra fee restaurants are alot less crowded, the service is excellent and the dining is an experience in itself. It is the price that I would pay at a land based restaurant anyways.;)

[oncruisecontrol]

My last cruise was on the Carnival Valor back in October 2010. I must say that I was disappointed with the food on this ship (and this was my second time on the Valor. We sailed her back in 2005). My main disappointment was the quality of the food in the Lido buffet for lunch. In my opinion, the food on the buffet was not up to the quality of [recent]past Carnival cruises I've taken. In particular, the deli. The quality [lack-there-of] of the meats and especially the cheeses was very frustrating. So much so that I posted a thread a while back stating that I would be willing to pay a nominal ($5-$7)fee for good deli sandwiches if it meant high(er) quality meats but especially higher quality cheeses. Most responders didn't agree. Carnival has a steakhouse for which they charge $30 per person. I have never been [really don't like steak], but would gladly pay the fee if they offered menu items such as shrimp scampi or some other fancy pasta dish with veal or shellfish. However, I would not pay $75 for a for-fee restaurant.

[R&RSC]

I don't have a problem with the for fee dining. We have dined in one of Carnival's for fee restaurants and it was truly wonderful. It was an option we decided to try and was well worth the money we paid.

Where I would become concerned is if the food in the main dining room were downgraded in an effort to force me to "trade up". I have read in these boards many people feel NCL may be engaging in this practice. I will be sailing NCL for the first time this year bit can assure you, should I feel this is their practice, I will do what most consumers do and vote with my $$$ by not booking further cruises with them. I watch with horror the evolution of the airline industry and hope cruise lines don't try to adopt these practices. There is clearly pressure on the bottom line of the industry. I, for one, believe cruise fares are artificially low so the on board revenue is a huge part of the bottom line. I would rather see the fares rise somewhat so the quality stays high.

[anniversary_cruisers]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.

Bob: You took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't have said it better!

[CrabbyHarper]

If the fare were really really cheap, I might be tempted to pay for an upscale dining experience. BUT - the quality of the food and service and ambience in the MDR of all the lines I have sailed on recently (RCL, Princess, HAL, Celebrity) has greatly decreased since my first cruise in 1988 on an RCL ship. DH and I have declared a moratorium on cruising for a while, until we read comments on these boards that MDR has improved.:(

[Stormlover]

I Have never paid extra for a Meal on a ship, An dont plan to. I am almost Diamond plus so I have cruised many times. Just not willing to pay for food when it is offered free.:D

[dennbr9]

As the article says, and most of us already know, cruise prices have not kept up with the general cost of living. In order to improve the overall food quality they would have to raise the cost of each ticket by a significant amount I bet.

This would probably cut down on the number of Cruisers, which then decreases their revenue in other areas such as Alcohol Sales, Excursion sales, etc. Easier and better for them to add the for-fee restaurants for those who want the quality of food and experiences that were common 20 years ago. Everyone has the option to use the Specialty Restaurants or not.

No point complaining about the food unless you are willing to cough up another 15% or more for the basic Cruise costs. Seems unrealistic to blame the "lower quality food in MDR" over the last 20 years to the creation of Speacilty Restaurants. Blame it on fares which have not increased in that same time period.

Ships seem to be pretty full, so guess most are ok with what they get for what they pay.

So it goes.

[antomoli]

cruise critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise ship restaurant up-charges: Would you pay $75 to dine at sea?

read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?id=4391)

no!

[oncruisecontrol]

As the article says, and most of us already know, cruise prices have not kept up with the general cost of living. In order to improve the overall food quality they would have to raise the cost of each ticket by a significant amount I bet.

This would probably cut down on the number of Cruisers, which then decreases their revenue in other areas such as Alcohol Sales, Excursion sales, etc. Easier and better for them to add the for-fee restaurants for those who want the quality of food and experiences that were common 20 years ago. Everyone has the option to use the Specialty Restaurants or not.

No point complaining about the food unless you are willing to cough up another 15% or more for the basic Cruise costs. Seems unrealistic to blame the "lower quality food in MDR" over the last 20 years to the creation of Speacilty Restaurants. Blame it on fares which have not increased in that same time period.

Ships seem to be pretty full, so guess most are ok with what they get for what they pay.

So it goes.

A very competent and concise analysis. It does seem that most guests are indeed okay with the value they get for their money. We just booked another Carnival cruise, but next year we are going to book Princess (haven't been on Princess since 2004) for comparison. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I wish Carnival would entertain the idea of casual for-fee outlets such as a deli. But, I have paid so little for my cruises that really I cannot complain......However, I would pay a bit more to have a great sandwich with quality meats and cheeses for lunch everyday. I just wish others would be willing to also.

[Imagineer]

...there are many reasons we have chosen to stay with Oceania, and the fact that all the dining choices are no extra charge is just one of them, so, no, we won't pay extra...

cheers,

the Imagineer

[bob brown]

So I am not alone in the belief that the cruiselines have indeed downgraded the included-in-fare dining choices.
On the other hand, I agree that it has resulted in the lowest fares to cruise. The question is, are you satisfied with the included dining, or will you pay more for better dining. Personally, I will usually eat in the regular dining room or buffet, and perhaps try the upscale room once on a cruise, unless I have already tried that particular one on a previous cruise.

[JLC@SD]

$75....no......but maybe $20 would be acceptable.

[CruiseJunkie33x]

I personally don't understand why anyone would pass up the opportunity to dine in these venues while cruising. The quality and service is comparable to, if not better than similar restaurants on land, and for less than half the price! Every cruise we are sure to dine in all the specialty restaurants at least once. One of my fondest culinary memories at sea was a meal I had at Murano, aboard Celebrity Solstice, then again the next day for Royal Champagne Tea! I understand that people feel like they are being nickel and dimed by the cruise lines, but compare your week at sea to a week on land and you will see just how true that is not! Average hotel stay alone is about $130 per night! Bottom line is this: if you don't like to pay for upgrades, don't.

I applaud cruise lines for giving us these options, and judging by the number of people filling these restaurants, I am not alone. I think there are far more pressing matters to be focused on than optional upgraded dining, that is optional, as in you don't have to participate if you don't want to. Like perhaps the decline of the loyalty programs as an example, perhaps?

I think that some people would complain if the cruise lines gave them Kobe beef, Iranian caviar, and a bottle of Dom, and paid them to have to suffer through such a meal! It really bothers me when I encounter serial complainers. Why take a vacation, if all you are going to do is complain the whole time? People need to lighten up, relax, and enjoy themselves... I'll be in the specialty restaurant, enjoying a fabulous steak and a glass of Cabernet. If you can't see the value in that, then stick to the buffets...

[gp10008]

:mad:No I do not like paying more for dining - I pay 300 plus a night and think that is sufficient. One alternate din venue is enough. MLP

[Hornet84]

I Have never paid extra for a Meal on a ship, An dont plan to. I am almost Diamond plus so I have cruised many times. Just not willing to pay for food when it is offered free.:D

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.

My wife and I cruise two to three times per year. We believe that the food should come with the cruise rate that you pay. I like the idea of giving people other choices, but please do not do it at the expense of the MDR. The food experience everywhere on the ship should be great and special.

Mike and Sybil :)

[@C4ME]

Absolutely not. After 25 years of cruising I refuse to pay for food that used to be standard fare in the main dining room.

[davecttr]

It is only a matter of time before there are cruise ships where you have to pay for ALL your food. They would be doing this now if they thought they could get away with it.

How about also paying for the tender to shore? and again to come back to the ship, or charging for entertainment etc etc.

The only way to stop these creeping horrors is to vote with your money and boycott the speciality restaurants or cruise with companies that still give you value for money in the main dining rooms.

Actually what they really want is to go back to the days when they had different classes, and could charge ridiculuous prices to those who had the money to not care.

[mmemichele]

I find cruises on the New MEGA ships rather expensive and now to pay on top of that to eat DECENT food is really pushing it .WE pay enough up front so why pay more .I would never pay more than 30$ pp for an EXTRA SPECIAL meal and even that for 2 raises my daily fee 60$ not counting tipping and daily excursions starting to make a cruise a VERY expensive venture
I think companies should do away with fees for dining and we should not have patronized them so now they feel its OK to add more of the same .Basically we are paying twice for the same stuff True maybe they are better cuts of beef or whatever but let's face it ships buy in BULK and never pay our prices
If it is true we are only paying for tips NOt food why do we have a daily tip rate .I know we are being ripped off but food in SOme dining rooms is really poor so you feel forced to try specialty restaurants ....NOT FAIR
On CB my friends refused to go to one and we ALWAYS had great dinners in the dining room with great service ..AS IT SHOULD BE!!!Give us specialty restaurants but STOP charging for them Do like All inclusive resorts free specialty restaurants but must have reservations and once only per restaurant per cruise/week per pax

Michele

Michele

[BoPippy]

Get rid of any charges.You paid for an all inclusive 5 star type of resort and the price should reflect it.Either charge for nothing and possible increase the overall price of a cruise OR charge extra for everything and lower the price of a cruise,then u would pay as u use.Some eat and drink a lot,others don't.
If they keep charging extra for more and more thing,i may have to go back to 5 star ALL-inclusive resorts where EVERYTHING is included in the price up front!:)

[ahoyguy]

Specialty up charge restaurants have actually been around since about 1910 with the Ritz Carlton restaurants on the Vaterland and her sisters. White Star had a specialty upcharge restaurant on the Olympic class ships and who can forget the Veranda Grill on the Cunarders. Its nothing new, but was an extra for those who opted for a special night out. Until recently, the only extra charge was for the suggested tip. This is fine. However, when you make the main dining room experience seem the least desirable , and all the other option are in the $30+ pp range its a different story. For a couple on a 7 night cruise its another $500 just to eat. What happened to the all inclusiveness of cruising? Did it go the way of the dress code? And charging for room service! Never did I imagine it would come to that. Its bad enough there are no stewards (just room cleaners, really) but to charge for the service...I'm beyond words. I don't go to malls at home, why would I pay to go to one at sea? I'll stay with my small ships when I cruise, dress for dinner, and enjoy my 8 o'clock dinner with new found friends. Where, oh where, is Sitmar, or Home Lines. The QE2, the Rotterdam? That was real cruising. Now its not.

[sverigecruiser]

If it's really Michelin-star-style I should pay it.

If I paid that much and was told that a Champagnecocktail was included I should only accept to get a Champagnecocktail, not a Sparkling wine cocktail.

[Dutchtreat19]

I personally don't understand why anyone would pass up the opportunity to dine in these venues while cruising. The quality and service is comparable to, if not better than similar restaurants on land, and for less than half the price! Every cruise we are sure to dine in all the specialty restaurants at least once. One of my fondest culinary memories at sea was a meal I had at Murano, aboard Celebrity Solstice, then again the next day for Royal Champagne Tea! I understand that people feel like they are being nickel and dimed by the cruise lines, but compare your week at sea to a week on land and you will see just how true that is not! Average hotel stay alone is about $130 per night! Bottom line is this: if you don't like to pay for upgrades, don't.

I applaud cruise lines for giving us these options, and judging by the number of people filling these restaurants, I am not alone. I think there are far more pressing matters to be focused on than optional upgraded dining, that is optional, as in you don't have to participate if you don't want to. Like perhaps the decline of the loyalty programs as an example, perhaps?

I think that some people would complain if the cruise lines gave them Kobe beef, Iranian caviar, and a bottle of Dom, and paid them to have to suffer through such a meal! It really bothers me when I encounter serial complainers. Why take a vacation, if all you are going to do is complain the whole time? People need to lighten up, relax, and enjoy themselves... I'll be in the specialty restaurant, enjoying a fabulous steak and a glass of Cabernet. If you can't see the value in that, then stick to the buffets...

Amen! We always eat once at a specialty restaurant and don't mind the $30-35 charge. You'd pay a lot more at a good shoreside restaurant. I enjoy the attention of the waitstaff and have had interesting conversations with them. Plus, you can take your time and not feel as if the next seating is breathing down your neck as they wait for you to leave the MDR.

I also agree with many comments that the quality of the food in the MDR has gone down over the past few years. But at least I don't wake up in the morning and say to myself, "Now what shall I make for dinner tonight". That's what vacations are all about.

[big al]

Nobody HAS to pay anything..if you want "free" or "included" type food- fine. eat in the MDR...my wife & I love to try alternative dining options..I am not cheap (many of my friends are..), and try & get the same food, service, and AMBIANCE anywhere for usually $10-25 for 4-5 course meals.. you can't even eat at Denny's for that cheap..and I GUARANTEE you won't get a table over-looking the Caribbean!!.We love a table for 2 by the window over-looking the sunset while listening to Sinatra, Elton, Streisand,etc....eating with 1500 people with 200 waiters running all over the place in a noisy dining room SOMETIMES gets old, and is a nice option...I have eaten at least 50 times in alternative fee venues and ALL have been terrific- ALL....including the 150 Central Park venue on The Oasis..the 6 course meal and surroundings were to die for...

MDR food is always like wedding food , I find..decent, filling, OK....on my 26 cruises, I can probably COUNT the GREAT meals we've had in the MDR....the specialty meals, however, have been memorable and IMO, well worth a measly $10-30....No, I wouldn't pay $75 PP, unless I came into extra $$$....

Big Al

[Dancing Granny]

On most cruises we would NOT...however, we like options so we have no problem with it. Thanks.

[traveling1969]

I'm all for additional choices at alternate dining venues. Anything that helps the cruise lines with their bottom lines is OK with me. So many folks rant that the cruise lines are trying to force us to use these alternate venues by cutting way back on food elsewhere. Frankly, I fail to see a significant difference in the quantity or quality of food offerings since my wife and I first cruised in April 2005. Oh yes there are a few changes and cutbacks but as I stated, they are not significant enough to hinder our cruise experience. We have dined in specialty restaurants on Princess and RCCL and we appreciate having that option. We have also done the Chef's Table on Princess and would do it again in a heartbeat.

People also rant and rave about being nickel and dimed to death. If you don't want to spend extra then don't. I have never had a problem saying no and when I do so firmly and politely, I've never been harassed. We have done it both ways; bare bones cruise with no extras and the sky's the limit cruise with all the extras. It's great to have a choice! Once again, anything that contibutes to the cruiseline bottom line and keeps fares low (I neglected to mention that the fare I recently paid for a seven night cruise was about the same as I paid in 2005) is just fine with me. Bon Voyage to all!

[CruiseJunkie33x]

Nobody HAS to pay anything..if you want "free" or "included" type food- fine. eat in the MDR...my wife & I love to try alternative dining options..I am not cheap (many of my friends are..), and try & get the same food, service, and AMBIANCE anywhere for usually $10-25 for 4-5 course meals.. you can't even eat at Denny's for that cheap..and I GUARANTEE you won't get a table over-looking the Caribbean!!.We love a table for 2 by the window over-looking the sunset while listening to Sinatra, Elton, Streisand,etc....eating with 1500 people with 200 waiters running all over the place in a noisy dining room SOMETIMES gets old, and is a nice option...I have eaten at least 50 times in alternative fee venues and ALL have been terrific- ALL....including the 150 Central Park venue on The Oasis..the 6 course meal and surroundings were to die for...

MDR food is always like wedding food , I find..decent, filling, OK....on my 26 cruises, I can probably COUNT the GREAT meals we've had in the MDR....the specialty meals, however, have been memorable and IMO, well worth a measly $10-30....No, I wouldn't pay $75 PP, unless I came into extra $$$....

Big Al


Well said Big A! Well said indeed! Wedding food! I laughed out loud at that one.

People always refer back to "the golden days" or the "good old days" when cruise lines served you on solid gold plates, and the captain himself poured you a glass of brandy after dinner. Well, folks... change is the only constant in this thing we call life, and the cruise lines have to do what they have to do to survive. I don't buy the conspiracy theories about executives meeting in the shadows to discuss the demise of the MDR, in order to "force" people to shell out extra cash to dine in the specialty venues. If you don't like the food you are offered in the MDR, then you have 2 options: Specialty Restaurants, or another cruise line. If neither of those options appeal to you, here are a few more: Start your own cruise line, Vacation on land, Stay home on your vacation and watch the Travel Channel, or my favorite option... stage a hostile takeover of the cruise line that so wronged you, and then you can serve whatever you like in your MDRs. That's my 2 cents...

[bob brown]

It is only a matter of time before there are cruise ships where you have to pay for ALL your food. They would be doing this now if they thought they could get away with it.

How about also paying for the tender to shore? and again to come back to the ship, or charging for entertainment etc etc.

The only way to stop these creeping horrors is to vote with your money and boycott the speciality restaurants or cruise with companies that still give you value for money in the main dining rooms.

Actually what they really want is to go back to the days when they had different classes, and could charge ridiculuous prices to those who had the money to not care.
Actually, the time has already come, and it has already gone....EasyCruise tried that concept of charging for everything...even housekeeping services, and that experiment has failed.

[lddam]

Absolutely not.

[doned]

I have no problem paying a bit extra (not $75) for a better dining experience. I have been very disappointed with the food in the MDR on Princess and therefore welcomed the opportunity to dine elsewhere - Sabatini's was definitely worth extra. On Celebrity the food in the MDR was excellent although better at the fee based speciality restaurants. As long as the food in the MDR is first rate and we aren't almost forced to pay extra for a decent meal I have no objection. I don't appreciate being nickeled & dimed constantly.

[travelberlin]

I welcome improved dining options in cruises but not for an extra charge and specially not for US 75 (excluding wine). I do not believe that a ship restaurant would be able to have the same fresh ingredients which make gourmet food. In Lima, Peru for example, which has excellent ingredients all year around and is known for having high quality restaurants, I might pay the US 75 for a dinner (although it usually costs less than US 40 to dine out).

[cruisechamp62]

I agree with Bob Brown, after over 16 cruises, we have not yet paid to eat. However the quality of the food in the main dining room continues to degrade.

I believe this is a corporate strategy to take budget and quality from the main dining room so as to "force" passengers to "upgrade" their meals. Obviously this is a way to generate additional revenue for the cruise lines. I read recently that this may also become a strategy for entertainment. "Upgraded" entertainment for a price. First it was the Taylor Swift concert and maybe everyone agrees that this is worth paying extra for, but in 5 years it may be a "slightly past" main stream comic or musical act.

[Bonita]

NO, I will not pay extra for a meal I have already paid for.
I have dined in the "specialty" dining rooms as perks from
the cruise company, they are nice, but not THAT nice and
definitely not worth the extra 50.00 per couple.

[jigsaw101]

We have dined in the specialty restaurants on Celebrity, RCCL and carnival, and while the food and atmosphere were "better" than the main dining areas, unless you were celebrating a special event we felt it was not worth the extra charge. We agree with many of the comments that the average quality of food in the main seatings has deteriorated over the years and wonder is this is a "subtle" way for the Lines to induce passengers to spend their money on higher end eateries on board. If you can't get a decent meal conventionally then you may be more likely to shell out you cash for their optional dining.
AL and Lorraine

[SidelinesObservant]

For past cruises, my husband and I would often dine at the Pinnacle Grill on the HAL ships. The food was very good, the quality of the products exceptional. However, on the cruise we just completed last month on the Westerdam, the food at Pinnacle was dismal. The Le Cirque night was a disaster. We had pre-paid for most of the nights of the cruise for dining at Pinnacle, but after three attempts, we cancelled out and got refunds. The main dining room, operations, however was simply chaos so where else is there to eat? Oh, yes another cruise line! If the quality of the food is good, I see no problem with an up-charge, however, HAL has cheapened its operations so that we will no longer cruise with them, and hence our willingness to pay the up charge is mote.

[regjr13]

I don't mind paying for an experience while on vacation so, the up-fee charges don't really phase me. Those who do not want to pay have the option of opting out.

[George'sGal]

Being a frequent cruiser, I have welcomed the addition of the specialty restaurants on several cruise lines. While for the most part I do dine in the MDR's, it is nice to eat in the specialty restaurants a couple of times on my cruises. No, I do not object to the up-charges, although I would never pay $75.00 to do so!

[fla742]

Definitely not. We are already paying for our supper, which I expect to be of first quality. Those people who compare the up charge to the price of a land based restaurant seem to forget the price of the meal is already included in their daily rate. If the quality in the MDR is reduced I won't sail with that line again.

[Two Tumbleweeds]

We won a free dinner at Sabatini's aboard the Sapphire Princess, and would never eat there again. The service and the food was not as good as what we received in the main dining room. That made up our minds. We would never pay to have a meal in one of the pay for food restaurants when the food and choices in the main dining room are superior.

[barb in ga]

Several posters have expressed it really well, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents re the added costs for specialty dining. We have done many more land trips than cruises(this cruise will be #9), but we choose cruising sometimes because of the amazing value that can be had. We've just booked a week on Oasis in a D2 balcony for less than $900/PP, with prepaid gratuities, a spa treatment, a free specialty dining experience, and $50 OBC.

I believe it would be very difficult to book a land vacation at a resort that included the choices of food, amenities, and entertainment that the cruise provides for around $$295 PER COUPLE per day. I certainly don't want to pay for all-inclusive wine, beer, etc, since I probably consume much less than some guests and I only want to pay for my own.

For the cruiser who wants an all-inclusive gourmet dining cruise, there are lines that cater to that, and you will certainly pay more for the experience.
My first cruise was on Carnival in 1991, paying almost $800 per person for a 4 night cruise--I thinks today's cruise provides a better experience for a lot less money.

For those looking for everyday more upscale dining, but still at a modest price, I recommend booking Aquaclass on a Celebrity Solstice class ship, it was the most amazing experience dining in Blu. This next cruise for us on Oasis is all about the ship, and I know we'll have a great time!
Barb










4900$

[lnorland]

$75 is a little too high for me, wow you take your spouse and its $150. You can get a pretty nice meal at home for that. But with Disney you are already paying more for the same experience elswhere. Just wondering where the tipping point is to all the extra fees. If they start charging for so many things that you don't have the option to say no, then I will look elsewhere to spend my vacation dollars. Still a pretty good value, but as airline costs go up it could get pretty hard to afford a nice trip.

[FLG8ter]

Definitely against up-charge restaurants.... (and yes, I've eaten in them, and we've been on scores of cruises). When cruising was made popular for the masses, the big draw was the fantastic service and offerings for the regular passengers (not only for just the "first class" passengers)..... and it was all included in a predictable price that was paid "up front".

The comment was made that it's all about choice..... if they put the "choice" back in the main dining room, there wouldn't be a market for the up-charge restaurants. Before the up-charge restaurants, getting a good steak in the main dining room was routine..... now, they can't possibly give the same caliber of entrees in the main dining room as the up-charge venues, or there wouldn't be any difference between the two.... so by simple reason, we can see that the quality for the "standard" passengers in the main dining rooms has been deliberately degraded by the cruise lines.

The statement the cruise lines are now making with all the up-charge venues, is that all "regular" passengers are being put back into "second class" (or maybe even 'steerage class', for those who remember what 'steerage' is)... There are "elective" elements of a cruise, and "standard" elements. "Elective" elements of a cruise have always commanded premium fees.... great.... that's a free economy at work. But, this is an attempt by the cruise line to introduce different levels of service into "standard" elements of a cruise...... i.e., you can book spa treatments, or pay for extra bar services, as an elective, and if you pay a premium fee for a premium service, ok....... not everyone will indulge in the spa, or extra wine/liquor offerings....... but everyone has to eat while onboard.

I would think that the cruise lines would remember what features & service levels caused the explosion in cruising by the masses in the first place, and preserve those elements for the "regular" passengers...... (Hint: All the extra charges, ain't it, boys!)

[cruisin'grandma]

I don't mind them having the extra dining options to offer to those who are willing to fork over the extra fees. But....for me....I have paid all that I am going to pay for my cruise and drinking and excursions. I do NOT like the fact that you have to pay extra in the MDR for a good steak as opposed to a bad steak. ???? What is up with that?
And if they start charging to get the ice cream, then it better well be GOOD, creamy, ice cream and not the usual watery ice milk that some lines are serving.
Aren't some lines now charging to get orange juice if it is not breakfast time? Ridiculous!
I have been on 22 cruises, different lines. I have never used the "alternate" dining options and never intend to. Cruising is not all about eating to me anyway. It is about everything else that comes with cruising. I am an avid, true cruiser. I cruise just for the joy of cruising. Not for the joy of eating! I can eat well anywhere I choose. I have never had a bad choice of food on any cruise line. There is something for everyone.
Believe it or not.......this is my short answer. LOL!!
cruisin'grandma

[cruisin'grandma]

definitely against up-charge restaurants.... (and yes, i've eaten in them, and we've been on scores of cruises). When cruising was made popular for the masses, the big draw was the fantastic service and offerings for the regular passengers (not only for just the "first class" passengers)..... And it was all included in a predictable price that was paid "up front".

The comment was made that it's all about choice..... If they put the "choice" back in the main dining room, there wouldn't be a market for the up-charge restaurants. Before the up-charge restaurants, getting a good steak in the main dining room was routine..... Now, they can't possibly give the same caliber of entrees in the main dining room as the up-charge venues, or there wouldn't be any difference between the two.... So by simple reason, we can see that the quality for the "standard" passengers in the main dining rooms has been deliberately degraded by the cruise lines.

The statement the cruise lines are now making with all the up-charge venues, is that all "regular" passengers are being put back into "second class" (or maybe even 'steerage class', for those who remember what 'steerage' is)... There are "elective" elements of a cruise, and "standard" elements. "elective" elements of a cruise have always commanded premium fees.... Great.... That's a free economy at work. But, this is an attempt by the cruise line to introduce different levels of service into "standard" elements of a cruise...... I.e., you can book spa treatments, or pay for extra bar services, as an elective, and if you pay a premium fee for a premium service, ok....... Not everyone will indulge in the spa, or extra wine/liquor offerings....... But everyone has to eat while onboard.

I would think that the cruise lines would remember what features & service levels caused the explosion in cruising by the masses in the first place, and preserve those elements for the "regular" passengers...... (hint: All the extra charges, ain't it, boys!)

very well stated!!!!!

[RJG1011]

We have been cruising since 1991 and much has changed. Our first cruise on Celebrity (before the RCCL) takeover was expensive, but the food was equivalent to that of any 4-5 star shoreside restaurant. On our last cruise in January, the food in the MDR was inedible most nights and the choices were abominable. It seems like they served the same thing night after night, just with different names for the dishes. We had a freebie for the Portofino so we tried that. It took forever (I know it's supposed to be leisurely dining, but 4 hours is ridiculous) and the food was okay. Service was good, but not that much better than in the MDR. By the way, there were only a few other tables seated and most of the restaurant was empty. One of the tables was made up of crew, so that does not say much for the restaurant. I would not object to paying a bit more for my cruise if the food was somewhat better in both the MDR and the buffet (also totally repetitive and unoriginal). We used to love the buffets on RCCL, but no longer the case. We are not tempted by nickel and diming, but still the quality is getting worse on each cruise. Last year on the EOS, the MDR was decent. This year, it was just average. Bottom line, the cruise lines are adding pay restaurants because they think by lowering the quality of the MDR food, it will drive people into paying more.

People who say that the onboard pay restaurants are much cheaper than on shore restaurants are forgetting that meals are already paid for in their cruise fares. That logic is skewed.

[GalCruzer]

So much for all inclusive. Or was that gone long ago? :confused:

[Cooley Consumers]

We have cruised RCCL and have enjoyed tremendously the specialty dining rooms. We thought that we had seen it all, but then came the Allure OTS. 150 Central Park is unbelievable!! Chef Molly keeps a VERY tight restaurant, and it was only wonderful. Having worked in restaurants in my younger days, I like to observe these facilities. Clearly the comments from other cruisers are on the extreme "NO' to "YES". I suggest that a middle position of "it depends" is appropriate. At 150 Central Park, we were welcomed by Darko [well known to the "Today Show"viewers with Hoda and Kathy Lee] and the meal was a culinary experience...emphasis on experience. It was a set menu of small portions but you could taste the vibrant flavour of the meal. Each course was beautiful and the tastes are literally indescribable. The waiter service in all of the specialty restaurants is personal, and at 150 Central Park, it was better than most restaurants that I have visited. Fellow cruisers, part of the enjoyment of the cruise is experiencing atmosphere, and these restaurants do just that. They make an evening memorable. Yes, you spend a few dollars, and the question that should be asked is: "would I go out to dinner at home for this meal?". Finally, I would like to commend very highly Chef Molly Brandt for visiting our table after our meal. Would we got back??? EVERY CHANCE THAT WE CAN!!

Finally, check out the column of Capt. Greybeard in the Daily Mirror from London. He is the paper's cruise critic and usually is pretty well on point -- even though it IS a British view (*** chuckle chuckle***). The web edition of the paper is located at mirror.co.uk and look at the bottom of the page for his picture, which will redirect you to his column. ;) He put us onto 150 Park Central, and it was great.

BTW we are looking forward to the specialty dining on the Disney Dream in October.

Cooley Consumers

[Cooley Consumers]

We have cruised RCCL and have enjoyed tremendously the specialty dining rooms. We thought that we had seen it all, but then came the Allure OTS. 150 Central Park is unbelievable!! Chef Molly keeps a VERY tight restaurant, and it was only wonderful. Having worked in restaurants in my younger days, I like to observe these facilities. Clearly the comments from other cruisers are on the extreme "NO' to "YES". I suggest that a middle position of "it depends" is appropriate. At 150 Central Park, we were welcomed by Darko [well known to the "Today Show"viewers with Hoda and Kathy Lee] and the meal was a culinary experience...emphasis on experience. It was a set menu of small portions but you could taste the vibrant flavour of the meal. Each course was beautiful and the tastes are literally indescribable. The waiter service in all of the specialty restaurants is personal, and at 150 Central Park, it was better than most restaurants that I have visited. Fellow cruisers, part of the enjoyment of the cruise is experiencing atmosphere, and these restaurants do just that. They make an evening memorable. Yes, you spend a few dollars, and the question that should be asked is: "would I go out to dinner at home for this meal?". Finally, I would like to commend very highly Chef Molly Brandt for visiting our table after our meal. Would we got back??? EVERY CHANCE THAT WE CAN!!

Finally, check out the column of Capt. Greybeard in the Daily Mirror from London. He is the paper's cruise critic and usually is pretty well on point -- even though it IS a British view (*** chuckle chuckle***). The web edition of the paper is located at mirror.co.uk and look at the bottom of the page for his picture, which will redirect you to his column. ;) He put us onto 150 Park Central, and it was great.

BTW we are looking forward to the specialty dining on the Disney Dream in October.

Cooley Consumers

[pontoonscott]

I think the original idea of a cruise being a "one time charge vacation" is the best way to go. The original concept was pay your money and enjoy everything on board. I would like to keep it that way. Just my .02 but they won't get my $$

[jayisgerman]

We went with NCL in November 2010 on Pride of America. We enjoyed the food a lot in all the free venues (MDR, Room Service, Buffett, Cadillac). We could have been A-OK with that for all 7 days. However, on embarkation day - the Lazy J ran a special and we took advantage of it.

For $30 cover, the two of us had one of the most amazing meals in our lives. It was fantastic and the money was a true bargain for what we received. We were really glad we had opted for that special experience.

In comparison, went to a local "upscale" steakhouse in the LA area last weekend and it cost us $130+ and we left bitterly disappointed.

To each their own, but we felt there was good balance between "free" food and "pay" food.

[rickbc]

[quote=LauraS;28123616]Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

No..... I would rather pay more up front for all-inclusive food AND berverage cruise (as they buy duty free and still charge 4&5 star hotel pricing who have to buy there product tax and duties inclusive ) I would pay the $30 to $35 surcharge for an upscale meal.

[basso]

We usually try the specialty restaurants once per cruise. If we feel we didn't get our money's worth, we will never go there again. However if the food and service is exceptional, we will go once per cruise or once every two weeks if it is a longer cruise. If the MDR food and/or service is unacceptable, I will never schedule that line again (if it is really atrocious).

Bill

[basso]

We usually try the specialty restaurants once per cruise. If we feel we didn't get our money's worth, we will never go there again. However if the food and service is exceptional, we will go once per cruise or once every two weeks if it is a longer cruise. If the MDR food and/or service is unacceptable, I will never schedule that line again (if it is really atrocious). People say the cost ($20 to $75) is less that you would have to pay at a 4 or 5 star restaurant. Remember you have already paid for your meals, so it is costing you $20 or so more if you add that in.

Bill

[Reggiegirl]

I enjoy the new dining options. I have noticed the main dining rooms have poor service on the larger ships.(cold food, long waits and tired waiters with less than good attitudes.) I wish it was a way they could bring a balance that would not cause one to support the paying options because of bad service in the main dining room and buffet. I find having an intimate dinner in a speciality rest adds to the cruise.

[juliemax]

NO I dont now and probably never will!

[water_pilot]

I’m a bit of a foodie and, along with being a frequent cruiser, I expected a certain level of quality and diversity in the food selection. I was disappointed in the variety of food in the main dining rooms on my recent NCL Pearl cruise on 2/4/11 although what I did eat was very tasty and nicely presented. But, I shouldn’t have to go to a specialty restaurant and be up-charged for the basic cruise fare. Spend extra for an Asian Teppanyaki dinner – no problem – I get that. Spend extra for shrimp, Crème Brule, and fresh berries NOT available in the main dining room or buffet – that’s outrageous.

I see specialty restaurants as an add-on option, not to the detriment of what is expected - of which those expectations were set by the very cruise lines now up-charging, reducing quality and variety of the very cruise fare that made them the success that they are. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot.

A special comment to Mr. Lasecki (Disney), Mr. Liu (RCCL), and Ms. Recht (NCL): Nominal charges? Really? If my companion and I eat at a specialty restaurant on 5 of a seven day cruise ($35 x 2 x 5 days) that's $350 (plus alcohol) - which can be almost the cost of the cruise. Oh, and plus the gratuities, is a lot more than "nominal." By your comments, you obviously paid attention in your public relations studies - now it's time to pay attention to your passengers.

[littleessex]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)

:confused: Some say that they are downgradeing the regular menu just get them buy a meal that would'nt be any better than you get at home. I'd say no to those high figures. :mad:

[ronphilpot]

We have cruised for 30+ years, and welcomed the introduction of fee based dining options. We would certainly consider a $75. fee if the restaurant offered great food and service.

We have enjoyed Princess Cruises Chefs Table 3 times, and will absolutely go back again next time we cruise with Princess. (But we may decline the cookbook, as 3 of them seems enough). Great value for $75. !!!:)

[OBD]

There is or was only one at sea restaurant worthy of additional tariff and that was Le Chamboard aboard the liner France. The additional tariff was a first class ticket and formal attire.

As for the rest of the story - it may be called the cruise business with cruise lines and ships but is it really. Or is it just a mobile week at sea with inconvenient land diversions competing for the same dollars the cruise line is competing for. In which case why not segment the market and call these ships Sea Venues where the ship itself is the destination. It might justify the ever increasing size and facilities on them.

This might revitalize smaller vessels purpose built to cruise and pull into smaller harbors or anchorages and allow cruise passengers to go ashore tour and mix with the locals - which I think was the point of earlier cruises.

And really the ultimate cruise is a three week voyage on a large yacht where you never really have to meet the wrong people or choose an added tariff dining venue.

OBD

[ANNSARA]

Yes.
I have paid extra for the better restaurants. They are very elegant and romantic. They are not for familys with kids. The cruise lines should remember that there are familys on board and should always have the free restaurants. I believe we should have a choice if we are willing to pay.

[I Left My Heart]

if you want a value priced cruise with an ocassional splurge then it's OK...but if your expectations are "white glove" throughout the trip then only book, Seabourn, Oceania, Crystal & Silver Seas...simple choice NO?

[psyllie]

Nope, we're cheapskates--that "nominal" $75 is probably more like $200 when you're talking about 2 people, extra tips, etc. We simply don't spend that much money on food, ever. We'd rather put it towards more travel.

I too have noticed a decline in MDR and buffet offerings, and as a result have not felt like booking another cruise. Used to be, I couldn't wait to get another one in the pipeline so I would have something to look forward to...now, meh. I do have four vacations planned this year and none of them are cruises. We'll surely cruise again, someday, but certainly "nickle and diming" has cost the cruise lines at least two rabid fans who used to consider cruising before any other option.

[ROBDOLPHIN66]

We thought that the food in MPW on Oceana was not as good as that in the main dining room so would not use if it was free let alone pay extra.

Maybe people take it for granted, but nobody seems to mention the fact that as well as an additional charge you have already paid an amount to eat that meal in your holiday cost.

[Mommy4lyfe]

I have been cruising since 2005 and have only eaten once at a specialty restaurant. I really enjoyed it because of the intimacy but I felt the extra money could have been used on something else (money towards another cruise). MDR food and buffet food is fine for us and we have found intimacy at the windjammer in a dark corner at a table for 2.

[cferro514]

When I started cruising 10 years ago I would do fee dining, today no more.

[22thec]

The quality of the food on Celebrity has been declining steadily since they lost Michel Roux. They seem to be dumbing-down the food to appeal to more pedestrian tastes while ailienating those of us who regard fine dining as an integral part of cruising. Our experience with the specialty restaurants hasn't been exceptional. In some cases hardly up to what the main dining rooms used to offer. I suspect, that as with us, most long-time cruisers don't want ordinary food we could buy or even make better at home. If the declining quality of the food doesn't stop us from cruising, it will at least drive us toward the lines and ships that offer finest dining experiences without the surcharge.

[scwhiner]

We may go ahead with additional exclusive options if we're celebrating something special or just plain and simply want something other then the MDR. With that said, I would never, and I repeat never, patronize any extra dining establishment that is a standard chain restaurant on the ship. We could get that at home if we wanted to. I think that truly takes away from the whole experience and adventure that comes with it.

I'd rather see focus and emphasis placed on creating more unique experiences.

[Anam Cara]

We ate at Le Cirque one night on our last cruise. The food was excellent and the dessert was the best I've ever had on a cruise. That having been said, we went because a group of friends wanted to go and it was the last night we could spend together; we would have never booked on our own.

There was one woman on the ship who had made her reservations over a year before and was on the cruise specifically because she wanted to go to Le Cirque.

We have eaten at the Pinnacle twice before: once for a 50th wedding anniversary and once for a 60th birthday. I doubt that we will ever book again on our own as we feel that although the food is good, we just don't want to spend our money that way.

And although Canaletto does not have an extra charge, and the food is very good, again, we are fine with regular dining either in the buffet or the MDR. No need to do that again, either.

[etnurse]

The formal dinning evening meal has really gone south with the advent of the specialty dinning options. :mad:

[Bowie MeMe]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.

My opinion exactly. I do not usually "upgrade" at home to $35 per person and I WILL not do it on the ship. That said I want at least the experience that I have gotten used to in my 25 years+ of cruising. There is a point where the experience goes down too much I will not be going on the ship at all. I don't care at all what choices others make and I am glad for those who like the upgraded eateries. But do not drop the quality or level of food in the MDR. On Oceania we would choose to eat in the main dining room because the food was as good as or exceeded the food in their (no extra fee) specialty restaurant.

[diecastaussie]

Maybe a small surcharge can be justified in some instances, however, lets not forget that we have already paid for a meal in the dining room that most cruise lines advertise as being "equal to the best resturants ashore".

A major concern is that cruise lines are making their "free" dining options smaller in order to force you into their extra charge specialty resturants. On NCL Jade we were told on several occasions that there would be a 1 hour wait for a table in the main dining room but that they would be happy to get us an immediate reservation in any of the specialty resturants if we didn't want to wait.

The worst that I have experienced so far is MSC who charge per dish in their specialty resturants. On Magnifica last year a meal for 2 in their specialty Asian resturant would have cost more than 80 Euros (US$120).. Needless to say we didn't see very many people dining there.

The cruiselines need to remember that the major attractions to cruise holidays for many passengers are the concepts of "a total experience" and "all in pricing". Charging people extra for everything is certainly contrary to those concepts.

[VANHOOL]

Being a Diamond member and losing bene's might as well getout the Alka Seltzer...cause they are gonna get you for everything they can...remember when pictures were 4 dollars for a 4X 6 now they are 15 and 20 because you have to buy the wallet size as well.
So a new camera and the dinning room for me......Sail along!

[CruzBunny]

On shorter cruises, we don't patronize these extra-charge restaurants, but on longer cruises, it makes for a nice change.

I just hope that the line we sail on doesn't start downgrading the regular menus to encourage folks to upgrade, or pay extra for nice cuts of meat. We're already paying a higher premium for our cruise!

[CruzBunny]

Oh yeh, here's one that I really got cranked about: the coffee. We sailed on the Emerald Princess in the Eastern Caribbean in January. First Princess cruise since 2004. The regular (a.k.a. FREE) coffee was just awful...someone told me that it was not brewed coffee, but coffee extract. Can you say: SANKA? I believe that this was to encourage people to buy a COFFEE CARD. For $20, you got 10 coffee drinks, including real brewed coffee. My husband bought two for the 10 day cruise. I refused. I gave up coffee rather than succumb. At least they weren't charging for the hot tea. Yet.

[jasmin]

I am in the 'enough is enough' camp! When we started cruising about 6 years ago, the extra dining fee existed only in 'the' specialty restaurant (at a much more realistic and low add-on of around $10) and for the specialty coffees. Now, it's ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching. I can see faces wickedly grinning and hands wringing in avarice in the board rooms. It also helps to create more clearly defined 'first and second class' atmosphere on board, separating the haves from the have-nots... I prefer the more democratic, everything available to all attitude. A cruise is a lovely experience at the best of times and shouldn't be sullied by the practice of charging extra for anything.
Hmmm... how about charging extra for using the fitness room? Ooops, sorry if I gave the hand wringers a new idea.

[Aussie Bloke]

I have been on NCL's Star and Dawn, Celebrity Solstice and HAL Eurodam and have dined in all of the alternative restaurants on all these ships.

I think the price you pay is tiny to obtain the much superior food in a much more intimate atmosphere where you are not treated like cattle in the economy section of a plane.

Also you usually don't have to sit and watch the already overweight cruisers who go cruising because they can eat as much as they like for free.

If I had my choice I would only dine at night in alternative restaurants or occassionally at night in the Lido buffet or equivalent.

[omjones322]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.

You are soo right. The quality and taste in the main dinning rooms over the past few years are like eating in a chain restaurant.

[Katie333]

I don't mind the options but I do feel the more they offer these 'additional fee' options, the more the 'inclusive' options will be downgraded. I don't generally patronize the for-fee locales on the ship, because I feel I get full value from the experience without adding them on. Maybe that's just me being frugal but it's also what allows me to cruise twice a year and come back with an onboard bill that is less than $100 (after all that OBC covers the onboard spending and I've paid my tips).

[beachbuddy]

Nope!! I wouldn't spend $75 to eat at a specialty restaurant. We usually do eat at a speciality restaurant at least once and sometimes twice on our longer cruises just for something different, but Portofino's is only $20 so don't mind paying that for a great meal and ambiance but I won't pay more than that. I think they are getting out of hand with their charges!! Between paying for dinner and buying a few glasses or a bottle of wine, it would be way over $250 and let's not forget the tip.:eek:

We have great restaurants right here at home and we can get a great meal way less than $75!!!

I think with all the extra charges that are already incorporated in our cruises, land all-inclusives are sounding better and better. I loved not having to carry money or sign receipts at all inclusives. We cruise because we love being on the ocean, not really for the food.

I can understand them charging something just to keep the crowds out. If they didn't charge, not everyone would have a chance to eat there because some would just go every night if it were free, but a nominal charge would be okay, not what they're starting to charge on some ships.

And I agree with what Bob Brown said too. I'm afraid the more restaurants they add, the lower the standard of food is going to get in the MDR and I guess if that happens we'll have to rethink our vacations.

JMHO...........

[BudapestLady]

We went on 2 consecutive NCL cruises. The NCL Pearl to Alaska, we tried some of the pay restaurants and thought the food was okay. Now, on the NCL Jewel last year, we did the same thing and the food was just awful. Not ever temperature hot, we had to wait a long time for our meals and the quality was, at most, mediocre. We ended up doing the dining room along with many others who shared our sentiment for last 3 nights. Mind you, we are not food snobs. I even went as far as completing their satisfaction survey, which they said they would contact us if we had concerns, but never heard word one. So, we and all who ask are told to stay clear of NCL. We are booked on Princess this year and have heard from a number of people that the food and service are exceptional. Will comment on the boards after the cruise.

[JOLLY8]

Robin, I agree! I wonder if the fees would escalate too. On my third cruise, I ordered two filet mignon instead of the lobster tail which I do not eat. No problem! No extra fee. I used to think that the cruise lines included all of their foods in the price of sailing. I understand fees for extras that are not usually expected at meals. Extra venues do not interest me. We have dined at fine venues on-land at costs of over $200 per person, without alcohol and not been concerned about it. It bothers me on cruises! I enjoy not being concerned with cash on cruises even if the cost appears only on my final bill. I must confess that I refuse to sail on NCL because when we had a reservation on Epic, no one could inform me ahead of time, while I was on the phone with them, of the extra fees to dine and see the special shows with our meals. We cancelled our reservation! It is tough enough when lines repeat shows, cut menu choices and reduce service. :mad: How do you define "all inclusive" when you fail to include everything? If I want a special meal, I'll go to the special location! Don't charge me extra for something that has regularly been included on many of our cruises.

[askabry]

I learned to cruise on the Zenith in the mid-90s, and dining on board has been about the venue, the dining companions AND the food. So while the food in the MDR was incredible in those early years - and yes, I can say in later years did seem to slide - a good part of the attraction to Celebrity was the availability of deuces. Dining with just my baby made it.

But when the Millie came along with the Olympic dining room ... it was a deuce, it was incredible food, it was finer fabrics, implements, seats, space, music. And that was made and makes spending the money a value to me. Simply put, no cruise line can afford to provide Christofle, Reidel and the finest bone china to 2000 guests. Not to mention that kind of service.

All that said, it's amazing to me that my last cruise provided incredible dining in the MDR - on Carnival's Sensation. And the reason? We were sailing out of NOLA during Katrina and my dining companions (a table of eight) made conversation compelling on a daily basis. The food was at least good, the service reasonable. But I'll never forget the meals.

We'll sail again in three weeks on the Eurodam and reservations are in place for Le Cirque, for PG, and twice for Tamarind ... just my wife and I. The rest of the time I'll dine with our full family in the MDR on formal nights, or just enjoy a meal together on our veranda. I don't need to spend money in order to get special food ... just a special experience.

[rogmc]

Oh yeh, here's one that I really got cranked about: the coffee. We sailed on the Emerald Princess in the Eastern Caribbean in January. First Princess cruise since 2004. The regular (a.k.a. FREE) coffee was just awful...someone told me that it was not brewed coffee, but coffee extract. Can you say: SANKA? I believe that this was to encourage people to buy a COFFEE CARD. For $20, you got 10 coffee drinks, including real brewed coffee. My husband bought two for the 10 day cruise. I refused. I gave up coffee rather than succumb. At least they weren't charging for the hot tea. Yet.
Thanks for the heads up about the coffee on the Emerald Princess. Got a 10-day booked for April. I'll bring my OWN coffee with me.
Cruises are not cheap for the average person. Decent food should be included. If a ship has bad Food in the MDR so they can push you into the pay resturants, I won't cruise with them again. NCL is a perfect example of that. The pay resturants are OK if you should so choose, but when you can't get a decent meal otherwise they are no longer a choice.

[NYOB]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)
Definitely NO!

[rogmc]

We went on 2 consecutive NCL cruises. The NCL Pearl to Alaska, we tried some of the pay restaurants and thought the food was okay. Now, on the NCL Jewel last year, we did the same thing and the food was just awful. Not ever temperature hot, we had to wait a long time for our meals and the quality was, at most, mediocre. We ended up doing the dining room along with many others who shared our sentiment for last 3 nights. Mind you, we are not food snobs. I even went as far as completing their satisfaction survey, which they said they would contact us if we had concerns, but never heard word one. So, we and all who ask are told to stay clear of NCL. We are booked on Princess this year and have heard from a number of people that the food and service are exceptional. Will comment on the boards after the cruise.
I fully agree with you about NCL. After our first cruise with them we thought that maybe it was just us. The food couldn't REALLY be that bad. So we cruised on the Pearl. We confirmed that the food REALLY WAS that bad on NCL. If have done a total of 35 cruises with diffferent lines so we have a lot to compare. If the food is one of your big reasons for cruising, avoid NCL!

[toban]

Absolutely No. We already pay a chunk of our vacation money for a cruise and we expect it to include good food.

[Armby]

In January we spent 10 days on the Coral Princess in/out of the Panama Canal ...rt Ft. Lauderdale. We are here to say that we opted-in for the Chef's Table ($75 per) and we would do it again !!!!!!! We also ate at the New Orleans style steak/seafood restaurant and would NOT do it again!($20 per)

Friends who ate in the Italian upgrade were very satisfied with the quality of their meal .... especially the steak ..... when compared to those served in the dining room. Service was about the same in both locations ... CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DINING ROOM SERVERS!!!

We opted for the C's T for a special birthday celebration and the galley tour, the food, the wine/cordials/apertif, the service "showmanship", the photos, the signed, ship's cookbook and the overall perfection of it all was worth every penny (dollar!) A dinner like that (6 or 8 courses) would have been $150-$200 per person in any big city or especially in Vegas.

Would everyone appreciate it ....NO!
It took almost four hours to serve the ten of us and some folks just wouldn't like it!!!!! We were the most pampered, ten people on the ship and it's done only once a week!!!!!

We are not millionaires, but for one night for a special occasion .... we'd do it again!

That said, I do NOT like paying extra for "real" ice cream or espresso or for pastries. And I do not like paying extra for soft drinks. And I do not like paying for the adults only "retreat" aft .... even if the designated staff do serve complimentary OJ.

Keep the Chef's Table "special" end exclusive and we WILL do it again.
Charge me for ice cream and I will continue to eat the so-so soft serve!

Should chump change, nickel and dime-ing come to a halt? YES!

Should special, true upgrades cost more? Well, we pay extra for a balcony or a mini-suite or a full suite ........ so ......

[chrissyjoy]

I think we should get the decent meals in the dining room. Last two cruises I went on the MDR was OK but nothing spectacular. Going there for breakfast was a real turn off! Surly staff and very bad service and food. One of the joys of cruising was the elegance of the dining rooms, food and service (and the classy outfits of the diners). These days you might as well be at the local pub half the time. A cruise used to be a way for the ordinary person to be special but now it is being eroded in many ways - Bah- humbug!! to free-choice!

[lawdoge]

The biggest ocean going scam to date (casinos used to be first). Those that are foolish enough to support alternative dining and pay for what their fare already included, deserve to pay whatever the cruise line decides to charge. Incredibly stupidity, equals incredible profits.

And, I must agree with other posts, the cruise lines are reducing the quality of the food included in the fare in an effort to get passengers to go "alternative".

But, the passenger is changing on ships. Once upon a time cruising was all about meeting new people, and exhanging experiences over a very nice dinner. Unfortunately, people, especially younger people, are becoming more and more the technological and social loaner. So, alternative dining is the perfect fit for those who can't, or don't know how, to socialize.

[1gemini]

The first cruise we went on was a 4-day Bahamas cruise in 1995 on "the Big Red Boat". The food and service were amazing! By comparison to some of the more recent cruises we've been on, it was very, very humble. But the quality and service were way better. Those were the good old days when they left you envelopes and a list of "suggested" gratuities for the various different services rendered. This allowed you room for imagination and control over how to reward the staff that went above and beyond. Today, it is a convenience to just add the gratuities to the room charge but there's not a lot of control over who or what gets your tips.
Gone are the "theme" nights in most of the dining rooms, which is a shame; it gave you something to look forward to. Every night was something different and the offerings were superb! I must admit the "freestyle" or "anyway you like it" dining allows more flexibility but, after having read some of the other reviews, I'm glad to know that the downgrade in dining quality is NOT my imagination. The first time we sailed with Norwegian, they allowed reservations in all their dining venues, not just the speciality restaurants. The next NCL cruise we took, it was "take your chances" dining. Sometimes after a busy day, more often than not, we ended up in the Lido or Blue Lagoon for a quick bite before collapsing for the night! I found the prearranged seating on a Carnival and HAL cruise to be much more satisfying. We knew when we would get dinner ahead of time and the food was much better on those two lines than on NCL. It seems with each cruise we take, the fees in the speciality dining rooms continue to escalate. If I have to pay for a meal, I'd just as soon wait til we get to a Port and spend my money on the local offerings. (it's more reasonable and a nice break!)

[Honeybearhollow]

No. I would not mind an upcharge of $10 to $15 for a specialty restaurant, but $50 to $80 per couple (or worse, $150) is ridiculous. I don't really understand people who are willing to pay these prices. I believe they should demand quality food in MDR instead.

[papermans]

Have noticed the "free" food quality has dimished substantially with the onset of these restaurants. That is the only problem I have with them. Just wish they would keep the quality up elsewhere.

[qldtraveller]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)

No. The food tends to come from the same kitchens(have seen this on Princess Cruises). You are paying for cutlery, glasses, crockery etc. We tried it once on a cruise and the food was slightly better but not much.

Also the latest we have seen the fares now cover ALL MAIN MEALS (B/L/D you would assume) meaning what to the unsuspecting cruiser/consumer.

Guess, these cruise lines are gradually catching up with the Silverseas, RSSC and Seabourn's of the world but you have to pay for the priviledge to eat at that standard.

:):):):)

[PappaWizzard]

After paying for a cruise with fine dining, being required to pay a surcharge for a "finer" experience is an insult. We've done a couple and it's really not worth it. Also, NCL tops the list with charging an additional surcharge for 50% of the menu items on its already surcharged menu. On NCL, the main dining room quality really has sunk to mediocre. They could NOT serve a hot meal in the dining room. (NCL Spirit Sept 2010) The Nickle and Dime syndrome is really out of hand and ruins otherwise wonderful experiences.

[OV_Cruiser]

We just completed a 7-day Hawaii cruise on NCL, and went to 3 of the up-charge restaurants. Did not get out of any of them for less than $80 for 2 people - albeit we had a "cheap" ($30-35) bottle of wine with our dinners.

The first time I ate in an up-charge restaurant, it was with RCI in 2003, and the up-charge was only $10. They also let you have unlimited anything for that price, so if you wanted steak and lobster, 10 bucks, not one item per course, and if you want something extra, it costs extra. And the food and the service were very good. Now, it seems the up-charges keep climbing and climbing.... to what heights? Probably as high the most "discriminating" person is willing (or dumb) to pay. They know we're here to play and have a good time, and take advantage of the fact.

But I agree with Armby completely that it seems that the cruise lines are getting to be professional at constantly grabbing at your wallet from the time you get on the cruise to the time you get off. $3 here, $5 there, all the time. $3 for pizza delivery to your cabin? $5 for late-night room service? I used to tip the guy who brought my midnight snack the $3 as a courtesy - now I feel they're picking my pocket by charging me. I'll probably skip the snack on general principles, and one more thing that used to make cruising an escape will have disappeared.

I don't mind paying for soda and alcohol on the cruise, but I do mind having somebody try to sell me bottled water for $5 a bottle in an up-charge restaurant that I'm already paying $25 a seat for dinner! Or having to pay at the bar for fruit juice at lunch time, because they don't service anything other than coffee, tea, or water with lunch (but I'm waiting for card slots on those dispensers soon).

I understand the cruise lines are in the business to make money, but if the cruise lines don't watch it, they will fall into the same insane mess the major airlines are now, with an up-charge for everything we used to expect in basic air travel. Why heck, I'm already strip-searched everytime I get on the boat - just like an airport! :D

[OV_Cruiser]

We just completed a 7-day Hawaii cruise on NCL, and went to 3 of the up-charge restaurants. Did not get out of any of them for less than $80 for 2 people - albeit we had a "cheap" ($30-35) bottle of wine with our dinners.

The first time I ate in an up-charge restaurant, it was with RCI in 2003, and the up-charge was only $10. They also let you have unlimited anything for that price, so if you wanted steak and lobster, 10 bucks, not one item per course, and if you want something extra, it costs extra. And the food and the service were very good. Now, it seems the up-charges keep climbing and climbing.... to what heights? Probably as high the most "discriminating" person is willing (or dumb) to pay. They know we're here to play and have a good time, and take advantage of the fact.

But I agree with Armby completely that it seems that the cruise lines are getting to be professional at constantly grabbing at your wallet from the time you get on the cruise to the time you get off. $3 here, $5 there, all the time. I'm reading about $3 for pizza delivery to your cabin? $5 for late-night room service? I used to tip the guy who brought my midnight snack the $3 as a courtesy - now I feel they're picking my pocket by charging me. I'll probably skip the snack on general principles, and one more thing that used to make cruising an escape will have disappeared.

I don't mind paying for soda and alcohol on the cruise, but I do mind having somebody try to sell me bottled water for $5 a bottle in an up-charge restaurant that I'm already paying $25 a seat for dinner! Or having to pay at the bar for fruit juice at lunch time, because they don't service anything other than coffee, tea, or water with lunch (but I'm waiting for card slots on those dispensers soon).

I understand the cruise lines are in the business to make money, but if the cruise lines don't watch it, they will fall into the same insane mess the major airlines are now, with an up-charge for everything we used to expect in basic air travel. Why heck, I'm already strip-searched everytime I get on the boat - just like an airport! :D

[Barb Nahoumi]

The MDRs are fine with me. I do try a specialty restaurant on occassion, but NOT for $75.00.

[blinder]

I entirely agree with this post. We find that the food quality has been significantly degraded. We sailed 5 different cruises since September. Our comment after sailing Celebrity's Infinity was that "Celebrity has gone down in the quality of its offerings." Then in December we sailed Ruby Princess. Food was pedestrian and it seemed that they were using a lower quality meat (based on taste and toughness). On Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas we had similar reactions and on the Golden Princess the same. We've also noted nickel & diming in such things as morning orange juice - now a "drink" with more high-fructose corn syrup than juice. If one wants fresh juice it comes to $3.16 for a small glass. The only exception to the nickel & diming seems to be Holland America, where fresh o.j. remains a breakfast stable, and the food quality doesn't seem to have seriously suffered.

If we want to pay for 'fine dining' we'll save it for the many restaurants at home.

If the regular dining rooms were as they were say twenty years ago, and they added upscale pay venues that offered more personal service, even better quality or expensive items like Maine lobster, caviar, prime aged steaks, etc., fine. As long as they didn't degrade what was formerly offered in the regular dining venues.

I believe that instead, the upscale dining rooms now charge you for what you used to get included, and they have downgraded the regular dining rooms so that it is 'worth it' to go to the specialty restaurants.

[Bushy H.]

My husband and I took a cruise on the Princendam with HAL and paid for the upscale dining only to have repeatedly undercooked steaks, breakfast was always something missing, (we were in the suites). It is nice to dress up once in a while and have a special dining experience, especially if your celebrating a special event. I do know if "Sam the Man" is in the Pinnacle Grill we will have an outstanding meal EVERYTIME. Sooo our next cruise is on the Neuw Amsterdam and Sam is still on there I hope or my husband will be crying in his lobster bisque.:cool:

[frickandfrack]

As the number of specialty for-fee restaurants on Royal Caribbean's ships increased, my husband and I saw the quality of the food in the MDR dramatically decrease. I have no problem with specialty dining on cruise ships as long as the cruise lines maintain quality dining and service in the MDR. However, that does not appear to be the case. Patronizing the specialty restaurants provides the cruise lines with more money in their pockets, and no incentive to maintain or improve food and service in the MDR.

[BarbRN]

I don't mind one night for a special occasion to step it up a bit but on a day to day basis, I expect a full array of good quality food (not quantity necessarily). If it goes much further...we will reconsider cruising as our preferred method of travel.

[travelbaybee]

No Way. Not interested. Have been crusing for over thirty years and one of the reasons has been that it's an all-inclusive experience (except for alcohol). This basically is turning me off for future cruises - some of the changes I've been seeing have been turning a lovely sea-experience into just another over-the-top corporate money-making, theme park, Las Vegas experience. When I'm in the mood for one of those experiences I'll go! It's so sad to see what was such a wonderful thing changing to drastically!:mad:

[Leesie6351]

No Way. Not interested. Have been crusing for over thirty years and one of the reasons has been that it's an all-inclusive experience (except for alcohol). This basically is turning me off for future cruises - some of the changes I've been seeing have been turning a lovely sea-experience into just another over-the-top corporate money-making, theme park, Las Vegas experience. When I'm in the mood for one of those experiences I'll go! It's so sad to see what was such a wonderful thing changing to drastically!:mad:

We used to look forward to the superb food on our cruises as a treat from our normal fare. In the past few years, since the advent of the extra charge restaurants, the quality has really gone down. I realize the recession is contributing but I believe the main reason is they are trying to gently nudge everyone into paying for the high quality meals they used to provide as part of your cruise fare. We live in the Atlanta area and are from NY and we have eaten in some of the top restaurants in the country. I don't need to do it on a cruise ship. I also think, although you may all disagree, that the concept of select dining has contributed to the decline in wait staff service in the MDR. Service used to be higher quality because the waiters had a set number of tables, set number of diners at a set time so they could devote themselves to the diners and learn each person's likes and dislikes and special requests. With Select dining, the MDR is becoming more and more like a restaurant. Service will soon be northing more than what you get from your server in a restaurant.

Come on everyone-- why are we destroying the very thing we all love? Cruising and great service:confused:

[geoherb]

I don't mind cruise ships having one or two specialty restaurants that cost extra as long as the food and service in the dining room are good. But once you get past a couple of specialty restaurants, it's clear to me that the dining room food must be suffering.

For experience, the Princess Chef's Table is worth the cost--so much that I've done it three times. We think of it as another excursion--just on the ship instead of in port.

I also enjoyed Holland America's cooking class that cost extra. It was well worth the cost for that experience.

[coolio]

No Way Jose... No Never. Nada

[IVORPITS]

We tried cruising with Royal Caribbean on the Navigator of the Seas a couple of years ago after many cruises with Page & Moy on Ocean Majesty.

Disenchanted? You bet. After years of superb dining we were faced with run of the mill food and surly waiters on the Navigator. We refused on principle to pay extra for better food which by rights should have been ours by right as part of the all inclusive deal. I mean would you be happy with broccoli as the veg wiith the main course for the latter half of a 2 week cruise. We don't mind broccoli but not every night. Would it kill Royal Caribbean to buy fresh supplies every now and then at ports of call or was it that broccoli was cheap at that time of year.

After years of excellent and varied dining with Page & Moy AS STANDARD
we were sorely disappointed by the fact that we would have to pay extra for reasonable food and service.

Royal Caribbean will have to go down on its coporate hands and knees and beg us to go on another of their cruises.

Yet another example of their attitude of squeezing the last penny out of their guests for little in value for money.

I'm just glad that the £/$ exchange rate was good at the time. If we had been US cruisers and had to pay in US$ we would have been doubly disgusted.

[sherri3802]

I don't have a problem with the for fee dining. We have dined in one of Carnival's for fee restaurants and it was truly wonderful. It was an option we decided to try and was well worth the money we paid.

Where I would become concerned is if the food in the main dining room were downgraded in an effort to force me to "trade up". I have read in these boards many people feel NCL may be engaging in this practice. I will be sailing NCL for the first time this year bit can assure you, should I feel this is their practice, I will do what most consumers do and vote with my $$$ by not booking further cruises with them. .

I am fairly new to cruising. Six of us went on a South Pacific cruise a couple of years ago and one of the big plus factors for us was our enjoyment of the formal dining room each night and the fact that that was included in the fare.
When I consider cruising, I factor in that entertainment and meals are included.
If they are not, or if the choice becomes restricted, it is a turn off, quite frankly. The same six of us went on a second cruise late last year, only to find the buffet had quite restricted times. If you wanted a coffee and a snack at 3 or 4 pm, for instance, forget it.:(
Maybe cruise ships just don't know it, but sometimes it is the little things that can make a difference to make people choose a cruise over a land based holiday.
There are some who love cruising so much they will keep on regardless, but there are a lot of people out there who will vote with their feet if cruising comes to mean.. just cruising, without some good meals and entertainment.
It seems to be heading that way.

[Maraprince]

As long as the food quality in the main dining room is not comprised, there should be no valid reason to pay additional fees to eat on board -- meaning it should not be mandatory but rather the passenger's choice. Not withstanding that some passengers may think that they need to pay to have an upscale dining experience to enjoy the voyage, the majority of passengers are already paying extra for drinks, shore excursions, some fitness classes, spa and beauty treatments, etc.

Some of the meals that are offered at extra charge venues are no better in quality than what is available in the main dining room or even at the buffets. The main selling points used by the line are the extra personal service, not having to eat with the "masses" and a unique experience.

Would I pay extra? NO!

MARAPRINCE

[Ohio Native]

The problem here is that if you post you would pay because you would expect to pay at a restaurant? Why should food be included then in your next cruise? You need to be carefull what you post because I am sure the cruise lines are watching!;) If you feel you need better food try a Sea Dream cruise or Regent! Of course the atmosphere will be more relaxed as well. Also, I have no problem with the charges if that's what YOU want, however as you become accustomed to paying for more the less you will receive in the general fare. I have not cruised Celebrity in about 8 years and have noticed a major decline in food quality and presentation. However, their current pricing is fantastic so it is always a trade off somewhere.:) Will be my second Celebrity cruise this year, and price has been the main reason.

[moosa]

when we purchase a cruise the food is included, not for free, we pay for it in the total cruise price. why would I want to spend more money for food I can get for "free"? I tried the Asian/sushi restaurant and Italian restaurant on NCL and it was nothing special. we have never had bad service or bad food in the dining room, ever! all these extra fees are BS. more people would cruise and spend more money on alcohol if they provided such things as inclusive. at the end of the day if I have some yummy food in my belly I don't care if it was the $75 dollar steak or the dining room steak.

[jetlag69]

:mad:NO, NO, NO,..What a line you people are swallowing. The quality of food and service has been declining on purpose by the cruise lines. They can now convince the unknowing masses that if you want something special, which is what you thought you already paid for, you need to PAY for specialty restaurants. What a lie. The cruise lines already have sold you on their cruise line being special, but now they tell you that maybe they aren't so special but if you pay a little bit more it might be special. YOU FOOLS!!!!! Do you think they have a Special Kitchen, or buy from a Special Butcher, or a Special Fish Shop. The Special Service is by their better servers that they have now STOLEN from fare paying customers in the Main Dining Rooms. Even though you have already paid for it, you can't have great food and service because the cruise lines want to fleece you again!!!! The cruise lines sell us on "VALUE INCLUSIVE" and we choose cruise lines based on their perceived QUALITY. Only to be fleeced..You can get a lot of land based Quality All Inclusives for around $100pppn. Add your SPECIALTY costs, bar bill and fare and then compare???????

[loftken]

Last year we were on the NCL Jade. We often had a long wait to be seated in either of the two MDR's. The ship had devoted a lot of space to fee restaurants that seemed to be nearly empty much of the time. (The Japanese restaurant was the only exception) We were annoyed that so much area was being taken up by these venues while the MDR & rest of the ship seemed crowded. Maybe it was just this one sailing. Has anyone else had this experience?

[p598738]

Just back from two weeks on Celebrity Constellation. Lots of n&d. Upscale rest at $25 and $30 pp. Crepe rest for $5 cover. $5 smoothies. $130 massages. On the plus side, several happy hours with two for one drinks. 'Concierage class' probably not worth the money. Same as balcony with some odds and ends. I do not want to run up big bills when I have paid a lot for the cabin.

[figuremom]

I don't think I would do the $75pp fee. I have sailed with NCL 4 times and have always went to all the surcharge restaurants. With cruise rates so low, I add to it what I spend on the specialty restaurants and still find it to be a good deal. I also like how less crowded the restaurants are and a more personable feel from the servers. I think the MDR has went down hill a bit, but still decent enough. I feel that NCL should have the Italian and Mexican restaurants be no charge. The quality is just okay. I think they mainly charge for it because the dining areas are so small and can only seat so many, otherwise if they were free it would be mass chaos.

Cruises are similar to all inclusives in the sense that with all inclusives, the cheaper packages are at the 1 dining room option with cheap alcohol. Those travelers not wanting these bare minimums choose resorts with multiple restaurants and top shelf alcohol. Of course this AI option is more than the basic. It really comes down to what individuals want.

I am not sure how NCL handles kids in the specialty restaurants, but they should be half price.

[Familygoboston]

I say, add all the additonal dining venues they can fill. We have never dined at one of these (save Johnny Rockets for shakes and Ben and Jerry's for ice cream), but when other people dine there, or generally drink and gamble (or buy photos or art or go to the spa) on the cruise ship, they keep the bed and board price low for all of us. Since we rarely drink or shop and never gamble or spa, I can travel quite cheaply on a cruise, while my fellow travelers pay the frieght with the extras they choose to indulge in. (and I'm sure those indulgences make their vacation enjoyable for them too- no judgement here!!:D) One of the reason we choose to cruise for our sun and sand vacations is because I don't have to pay an all inclusive rate that includes extras I won't use. I prefer an al a carte approach generally to keep the fares low!

[halbfl2]

Have to agree with most posters. If you've watched the documentary about NCL (it's either on CNN or MSNBC or ?) you get an inside view of how they're watching the purchases (above and beyond the fare the guests pd) to meet their cruise quota. Yes, I've noticed that the menus in the MDR have been somewhat downgraded (no shrimp cocktail offered every night, etc.) and it seems the service is way less attentive. However, for cruisers whose main objective is to just have a vacation and not necessarily to have a gourmet dining experience every night, everything is still O.K. With the option of the "fee" dining, those that want an "experience" or for a special occasion it's a great opportunity. Also, the ships are so much larger now that rather than making bigger MDRs, they have all these special ones.

[1aCruise4wks]

No, I personally would pay $75 to dine at sea. The main issue that I have against cruise line adding up-charge dining options is that they are "downgrading" the dining options previously provided as part of the total cruising package. They now serve inferior steaks in the dining room and offer what you used to get for free with an up-charge.

Dennis

[Cuizer2]

Some of the meals that are offered at extra charge venues are no better in quality than what is available in the main dining room or even at the buffets.

MARAPRINCE

Having eaten in the optional extra cost restaurants on four different lines (NCL, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess) I know from personal experience that the above statement is not correct.

I have also ordered the optional extra cost steak on Royal Caribbean and it was better quality than the "free" steak that was offered (which I have also eaten).

Nobody is going to pay extra for the same level of quality and service that is available in the included (no fee) restaurants.

If you go to the store to buy steak, you should be aware that there are three grades of steak available - select, choice and prime (there are lower grades than select, but I haven't seen anything lower than select for sale in a store for a consumer to purchase) ...

Prime grade - is produced from young, well-fed beef cattle. Only 2% of the beef in the U.S. is graded Prime. It has abundant marbling and is generally sold in restaurants and hotels. Prime roasts and steaks are excellent for dry-heat cooking (i.e., roasting, broiling, and grilling).
· Choice grade - is high quality, but has less marbling than Prime. Choice roasts and steaks from the loin and rib will be very tender, juicy, and flavorful and are, like Prime, suited to dry-heat cooking. Many of the less tender cuts, such as those from the rump, round, and blade chuck, can also be cooked with dry heat, but be careful not to overcook them. Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking and assures a safe internal temperature: 145 ° F is medium rare; 160 ° F, medium; and 170 ° F, well done.
Choice Grade is also subdivided further by Yield Grades.
Yield Grade 1 is the best.
Yield Grade 5 is the "Least" best.
· Select grade - is very uniform in quality and normally leaner than the higher grades. It is fairly tender, but, because it has less marbling, it may lack some of the juiciness and flavor of the higher grades. Only the tender cuts (loin, rib, sirloin) should be cooked with dry heat. Other cuts should be marinated before cooking or cooked with moisture to obtain maximum tenderness and flavor.
· Standard and Commercial grades – frequently are sold as ungraded or as "store brand" meat.
· Utility, Cutter, and Canner grades - are seldom, if ever, sold at retail but are used instead to make ground beef and processed products.
http://www.askthemeatman.com/usda_beef_quality_grades.htm


So, the same cut, graded prime will cost more than if it is graded select. So if the same cut and weight is offered in the MDR and in an optioned cost restaurant, you can be sure the extra cost steak is a higher grade.

[Cuizer2]

Yes, I've noticed that the menus in the MDR have been somewhat downgraded (no shrimp cocktail offered every night, etc.) and it seems the service is way less attentive.

I'm not sure what line you are talking about, but I have taken two Carnival cruises within the last six months and shrimp cocktail and great service were offered every night. Where I see the "downgrading" is in the quality of the steaks and the size of portions.

However, I have not seen any downgrading in the menu selection or in the quality of the service. That said, I always opt for set dining time and place (except for NCL where it is not offered).

[Madcap Minx]

:mad:I have done everything I can think of to get my better half to not cruise this year. The food has declined in the MDR and the n/d is getting silly. I want to go on an all inclusive so we know what we will pay. I still have time before the next cruise and I think we need to find a new way to vacation.

[psyllie]

The land-based AIs have replaced our cruise plans for at least this year and perhaps longer. We did our first AI last year after a disappointing NCL cruise, and haven't been tempted by a cruise since. We're looking forward to our fourth AI vacation coming up soon. We can get a complete AI package including air fare, transfers, TIPS, top-quality liquor, and entertainment similar to cruise shows for under $1000 per person for the whole week. (We always carry some extra dollars for extra tipping, but extra tips are definitely not expected and much appreciated.) We've only done high-rated AIs with multiple restaurant options--no reason at these prices to book anything lower. Overall we have found the food to be excellent, the service outstanding, and the deals unbeatable since air fare is included with the package. The downside is not sailing on the ocean, but the resorts are so beautiful, the rooms luxurious (not teeny cubby holes!) and the beaches awesome. Most have outstanding excursion offerings similar to the cruise-based kind. Try an AI just once--short stays of 3 or 4 nights are often available for as little as $399--and you might convince your better half to stay away from cruises for a while. If you don't have to fly to a port the AI might not be such a good deal as it is for us--but since we have to pay ~$400 pp just for air fare for a cruise, the AIs have definitely overtaken our vacation plans. At least until we hear things are improving on the cruises again.

[cruisin'grandma]

I'm not sure what line you are talking about, but I have taken two Carnival cruises within the last six months and shrimp cocktail and great service were offered every night. Where I see the "downgrading" is in the quality of the steaks and the size of portions.

However, I have not seen any downgrading in the menu selection or in the quality of the service. That said, I always opt for set dining time and place (except for NCL where it is not offered).

I completely agree with you Cuizer2! I am completely satisfied with the food on Carnival and the menu choices. If I don't like what I have, they will gladly bring me something else. With a smile. I will never go to the "extra fee" dining. I am quite happy with my set dining time and the food. I will not do an all-inclusive because we don't drink enough to make up the extra cost. I like to control my cost.

[jim3920]

I have never used any of the specialty restaurants on any cruise ship! I simply refuse to pay extra for a meal when I can get other options included. I however do not mind that the cruise lines are offering these options for those who wish to partake. Let's face it...there are many really great cruise deals available. Cruise lines simply cannot make it on these low fares without coming up with alternative revenue streams.

[coordinator23]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.
We sailed on Voyager when it was the biggest ship on the seas. Portifino's offered a "private" venue, at that time, for those who wanted an intimate dining experience. The menu was the same, with a days difference, from the MDR. The fee charged was to cover the waiters "tips" that they were missing out on from not being in the MDR. Filet's and large lobster tails were served in the MDR, free of charge. It was the only ship in the fleet that offered this.
Times have changed. Foods in the "pay" venues have become more upscale and include foods that were once staples in the MDR. MDR food is good, but not like the past. The attitude now is you pay for what you get. Gratuities are no longer the excuse for the upcharge.

[celem]

The whole nickel & dime thing is a major turn off to me. The more fees they pile on the more land based vacations I take. Cruising is following in the footsteps of the airlines - a cheapened, Trailways-like experience.

[Cuizer2]

The whole nickel & dime thing is a major turn off to me. The more fees they pile on the more land based vacations I take. Cruising is following in the footsteps of the airlines - a cheapened, Trailways-like experience.

An interesting comparison. Both airplanes and cruises used to be exclusively for those who could afford it. Then prices on both came down and now the masses both fly and cruise.

And both found a (similar) way to make up for the lower prices. Airlines offer two classes of service, and charge extra for several things (food, blankets, pillows, parachutes ...).

The cruise lines have done something similar. You can eat with the masses for free (actually included) or you can pay a little extra and eat like the first class passengers did on the Titanic. You can pay extra for the bottled water (which has been filtered and then put in a plastic container) or you can drink the free water (which has been filtered, but not put in a plastic container).

Land based hotels are doing the same thing. I have stayed at four star resorts and they charge for bottled water ($8+) and for the Internet ($10+ per day). I have stayed at three star hotels and the Internet is free (you still have to pay for the bottled water, but it is only $3-4).

Car companies do this too. You can get a stripped down version for $16,000 or the car, as seen on TV, for $24,000.

Finally, if you want it all included, there is always Silversea, Crystal, Regent and Seabourn.

[Fykar01]

That is exactly the point! 18 months ago we did a Panama Canal on the NCL Pearl. Same thing; overfilled MDR's and half full SDR's. I believe that is their strategy, get us to shy away from overfilled MDR's to the cover charged restaurants. Very clever! If we go along with this, soon we will have two-tier cover charge restaurants too;$100 and $40. Let us say a clear no to expanding this business idea!

[mojomorris]

One of the things I notice on most cruises is that I CAN'T possibly eat all of the food served at the specialty restaurants. My DW and I have eaten at several extra cost eateries but it seems a shame that we can't finish our meals due to the number of courses and portion sizes. It's not like we can get doggie bags and take the food back to the room b/c it just piles up in the frig. We were on the Carnival Triumph where the optional steak, lobster, surf & turf etc are available in the MDR, but (alas) didn't take advantage of it. Given the chance, we'll take advantage of it on a future cruise.

[Gloria765]

I am ok with the up and coming fee for more choices of where to eat onboard. I myself will eat in the MDR and be quite happy with saving my money for the ports.
Happy cruising

[FunLovingSantaBarbarian]

After close to 20 cruises over the past 15 years we've seen a steady decline in what once was a true all inclusive experience. After having cruised every year (sometimes twice) We decided to take our first break last year in 15 years... Mostly due to what we percieve to be the Nickel & Diming within the industry. As so many others have noted already they're watering down what used to be a first class experience by monetizing every last thing at evey opportunity...the quality of the MDR or buffet's has steadily declined over the years while the number of pay per eat places has steadily grown. The Last few cruises we've stayed in Grand or Owner's suites which were fabulous especially with the Concierge Club access (beware though...You'll never go back!) Everything changes I guess. We just miss the good old days. :cool:

[HeinBloed]

Last year we were on the NCL Jade. We often had a long wait to be seated in either of the two MDR's. The ship had devoted a lot of space to fee restaurants that seemed to be nearly empty much of the time. (The Japanese restaurant was the only exception) We were annoyed that so much area was being taken up by these venues while the MDR & rest of the ship seemed crowded. Maybe it was just this one sailing. Has anyone else had this experience?

Depends to the itineraries.

NORWEGIAN JADE is sailing only in Europe.

Here it is not so common to use the alternative venues.

If you are in the Caribbean many alternative venues are booked for days ahead.

Regards
HeinBloed

For European itineraries:

Teppanyaki - was mostly booked days ahead
Le Bistro - difficult to get seats as walk-ins
Papas Italian Kitchen - same
Paninos - small waiting time during main dining times
Jasmine - normally no problem
Cagney's - normally easy to get a table

That tables are empty means nothing. You only sell tables if you have the waiters for it. For all restaurants incl. MDRs Alizar and Grand Pacific.

But this varies from voyage to voyage and depends to the compilation to the origin of guests: The more Americans on board the more busy the alternative venues. The more British or German the less busy.

[judysdad]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)
Are you freaking kidding me?????
Why would I shell out money for dinner when the price of food is included in the price? Isn't this one of the main reasons for going on a cruise--because everything is included? If I have to pay for food, entertainment, etc, why do I put up with such a small room? I could easily go anywhere I want for the price of travel, stay in a luxury suite or condo, and dine wherever I please. Plus I can always find entertainment anywhere like shows to beaches. I stayed in Aruba at the Renaissance for $169 for a week! Travel expense was $1000. And I ate at a different restaurant everyday. Plus, I had a fridge and a blender so I made my own frozen drinks and enjoyed them poolside. Everyday, my wife packed a picnic lunch and we went to every beach on the island for snorkeling and picnic.

The reason why I like cruising is that everything is included. Dining, entertainment, even a kidergarten for my 3 yr old. But if they start nickel and diming me, it's good-bye cruise, hello week long adventures to one island a year.

[Vero Beach Louise]

I'm with NYcruzzer. I would rather have the less expensive fares and the extra options available for those who choose to spend the extra money for it. We recently cruised on the Celebrity Eclipse and the choices and quality of food in the regular venues was very good. Maybe we'll try Qsine next time, but it's strictly an option for fun.

[2morecruises]

To answer the original question: Probably not for $75.

DW & I have run the gauntlet on alternative dinning venues on Celebrity's "S" Class ships ($5 - $35) & found every experience to be worth every dollar.

Murano's @ $35 was well worth it to say the least. 5 stars !

2MC

[Lonesome George]

Based on my extensive cruising experience, (with a whole 2 cruises racked up, ahoy, mate!), I've been really quite content with the feed in the trough at the Windjammer & MDR on the RCI line. Hopefully this contentment will continue in two weeks on cruise #3.

With two teenagers also in our entourage, the extra charges for a "premium dining experience" just ain't going to happen.

Plus, my idea of a great meal in a fine dining establishment is a visit to Swiss Chalet or Harveys, lol.
I don't care if the Coke/Pepsi that is served to me is at 33 degrees Fahrenheit, or 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

To each his/her own. This is what makes the world go 'round.

[jsm1225]

I, personally, would not pay $75. extra to dine in a specialty restaurant. I don't mind $20. or $25. for a special night, but that's about my limit. I find the atmosphere in the MDR pleasant and food is adequate. One of the delights in cruising is that everything is included. Once that description no longer applies, I'm not really sure cruising remains a good value for one's money. I love being able to peruse a menu and choose anything I want - no prices, all free, so to speak.

[happy cruiser K]

WE really don't see the reason for going to the restaurants onboard that charge. We tried it a couple of times and feel that the dining rooms were just as good. The reason people cruise is that everything is included. If they start to charge for all different things people will go to all inclusive resorts.

[krydstogt]

If the regular dining rooms were as they were say twenty years ago, and they added upscale pay venues that offered more personal service, even better quality or expensive items like Maine lobster, caviar, prime aged steaks, etc., fine. As long as they didn't degrade what was formerly offered in the regular dining venues.

I believe that instead, the upscale dining rooms now charge you for what you used to get included, and they have downgraded the regular dining rooms so that it is 'worth it' to go to the specialty restaurants.

Bob: You took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't have said it better!

My sentiments exactly

Eva

[Posstman]

No!


If the food in the specialty restaurants was THAT MUCH BETTER than the MDR, then the extra costs might be worth it. I believe that most of the steak house concepts are better, but a recent cruise on NCL Dawn proved that the extra charges for the Sushi & Italian concepts was just not right. Those restaurants were just very, very ordinary at best...:mad:

[MICKEYM8080]

One of the best selling tools for a cruise is "meals are included in the price" or "all you can eat (and then some) is included in the price". Now those statements aren't 100% true. You have to add something about paying to eat the "quality meals" if you want to be truthful & have returning customers. We are supposed to have everything paid for before we go -fine dining included. Maybe as a compromise- a small charge but $75- might as well stay on land!
I also noticed that the dining room meals weren't as good as they were even just 5 yrs ago. Not fair!

[Maraprince]

Having eaten in the optional extra cost restaurants on four different lines (NCL, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess) I know from personal experience that the above statement is not correct.

I have also ordered the optional extra cost steak on Royal Caribbean and it was better quality than the "free" steak that was offered (which I have also eaten).

Nobody is going to pay extra for the same level of quality and service that is available in the included (no fee) restaurants.

If you go to the store to buy steak, you should be aware that there are three grades of steak available - select, choice and prime (there are lower grades than select, but I haven't seen anything lower than select for sale in a store for a consumer to purchase) ...

Prime grade - is produced from young, well-fed beef cattle. Only 2% of the beef in the U.S. is graded Prime. It has abundant marbling and is generally sold in restaurants and hotels. Prime roasts and steaks are excellent for dry-heat cooking (i.e., roasting, broiling, and grilling).
· Choice grade - is high quality, but has less marbling than Prime. Choice roasts and steaks from the loin and rib will be very tender, juicy, and flavorful and are, like Prime, suited to dry-heat cooking. Many of the less tender cuts, such as those from the rump, round, and blade chuck, can also be cooked with dry heat, but be careful not to overcook them. Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking and assures a safe internal temperature: 145 ° F is medium rare; 160 ° F, medium; and 170 ° F, well done.
Choice Grade is also subdivided further by Yield Grades.
Yield Grade 1 is the best.
Yield Grade 5 is the "Least" best.
· Select grade - is very uniform in quality and normally leaner than the higher grades. It is fairly tender, but, because it has less marbling, it may lack some of the juiciness and flavor of the higher grades. Only the tender cuts (loin, rib, sirloin) should be cooked with dry heat. Other cuts should be marinated before cooking or cooked with moisture to obtain maximum tenderness and flavor.
· Standard and Commercial grades – frequently are sold as ungraded or as "store brand" meat.
· Utility, Cutter, and Canner grades - are seldom, if ever, sold at retail but are used instead to make ground beef and processed products.
http://www.askthemeatman.com/usda_beef_quality_grades.htm


So, the same cut, graded prime will cost more than if it is graded select. So if the same cut and weight is offered in the MDR and in an optioned cost restaurant, you can be sure the extra cost steak is a higher grade.



Steak is not the only item being offered at the extra charge venues. Most ships have the same kitchen prepare the food in the extra charge venues. Eliminate the steak option and the rest of the food is no better quality than that served in the MDR.

I cannot understand the logic to going on NCL and expecting a high level experience. NCL has deliberately reduced seating capacity in its MDR in favor of the extra charge restaurants. Food and service in its MDR's are horrible. The buffet is no better. Having been on its ships before and after the change of Free Style dining, I can only say that overall service on their ships has dramatically diminished.

The lines don't care if you never eat in the MDR or the buffet area. You have paid for food in your cruise fare. If you so choose to pay extra (over and above your cruise rate) for the speciality restaurants, that should be a "choice" and not a necessity.

Fine if you are 2 people. But when you have additional family members along, it get to be very expensive before you know it. Don't forget, anything other than the basic fare has an extra charge: speciality coffee, ice cream, liquor, soda, etc. all pushing up that basic fare. Any other speciality activity: spas, casino, beauty parlor, certain sports classes in the gym, golf stimulator, photos, bingo, etc. again are extra charges.

Sure you might have only paid $700 for your 7-night sailing, but at the end of the cruise your bill is approximately $2000 when you add in all the extra charges you paid for during the voyage. So who is the winner? The cruise line.

MARAPRINCE

[Cuizer2]

Steak is not the only item being offered at the extra charge venues. Most ships have the same kitchen prepare the food in the extra charge venues. Eliminate the steak option and the rest of the food is no better quality than that served in the MDR.

I cannot understand the logic to going on NCL and expecting a high level experience. NCL has deliberately reduced seating capacity in its MDR in favor of the extra charge restaurants. Food and service in its MDR's are horrible. The buffet is no better. Having been on its ships before and after the change of Free Style dining, I can only say that overall service on their ships has dramatically diminished.

The lines don't care if you never eat in the MDR or the buffet area. You have paid for food in your cruise fare. If you so choose to pay extra (over and above your cruise rate) for the speciality restaurants, that should be a "choice" and not a necessity.

Fine if you are 2 people. But when you have additional family members along, it get to be very expensive before you know it. Don't forget, anything other than the basic fare has an extra charge: speciality coffee, ice cream, liquor, soda, etc. all pushing up that basic fare. Any other speciality activity: spas, casino, beauty parlor, certain sports classes in the gym, golf stimulator, photos, bingo, etc. again are extra charges.

Sure you might have only paid $700 for your 7-night sailing, but at the end of the cruise your bill is approximately $2000 when you add in all the extra charges you paid for during the voyage. So who is the winner? The cruise line.

MARAPRINCE

My ship board accounts end up being less than $100/day and usually less than $50/day.

[waynehal]

We have been on 50 cruises,the most recent on Holland America's Eurodam.This used to be our favorite line,but no more.Would u believe $150 per person to tour the bridge?We were very disappointed with the ship.We cruised on the Original Volendam,Veendam and others,the experience on those were superior,nothing was extra.When the Pinnacle Grill was first introduced it was free,order a drink at a lounge and receive free hot snacks,now on their newest ship not even chips or pretzels.But a 15 percent gratuity is added to the bill,on the older ships this was not done(of course this was many years ago).We did eat in the Tamarind($15 extra),it was an excellent experience,food and service.We also tried the Pinnacle Grill($20 extra),we also enjoyed this very much.The Lido buffet was always very crowded,poorly designed,why put tables in the passageway?I still feel guests should not be charged extra for food especially if they are paying thousands extra for their cabins. I'm sure this comment won't please everybody.:mad:

[Sharon I]

This is just my opinion.
I've been cruising for years and I've been eating food longer than that. Food is not what makes me happy, it's something that my body needs to keep going. I am perfectly happy with the main dining and have never done the specialty restaurants. I have no interest in that, it's to the table eat what you need and get on with having fun for me. I don't want to spend a couple of hours eating that's for people who get some kind of pleasure out of eating. I'd rather have fun, that's what I cruise for, not the food. I spend my money wisely and food is food.
Sharon I

[Mr. Luckytoo]

As long as the MDR food standard doesn't decrease bring on the speciality venues. In fact I would recommend raising the fees from $30-$35 to say $50 or more.

Let those who want to pad the cruiseline's bottom line do so - the lines get their extra profits from those people and I get my less expensive fares and the shareholders get their dividends....

Life is good! :cool:

[RMS Olympic]

I fully understand the cruise lines have to make their money somehow since rates are rediculously low. Its like the airlines...nothing for free or at least part of your fare.
My concern is that the next phase will be eliminating the no charge restaurants completely.
I have seen the industry change...from ships to floating hotels with amusement parks on board. I miss the old style of cruising, and will move to the upscale lines.
People want low rates, but then complain about nickle and diming.
I long for the old days with a dining room so good you didn't need a specialty venue. But all has withered away....first was the midnight buffet.....then came art auctions, then charges for specialty coffees at the dining table.
Just wait till they start charging for pieces of luggage........like the aircarriers.......and dont think they wont try.
There was a time where the lines advertised that you would go on a cruuise and know what your trip would cost (with the exception of gambling, alcohol and tours). Now its sticker shock at the end of the cruise.....a shame but reality.
I just wonder if a mass market line could ever raise their prices to cover the nice things......like they use to... but then Disney seems to be keeping their prices up there and survivng.
Oh for the days on Sitmar where they plated your meal at the table.....few probably remember that style of service.

[William Dean]

I have not been in the fancy new Disney restaurant. But I have my doubts that regardless of what their press release states, no restaurant on a ship can ever be as good as a top shoreside restaurant.

The Queens' Grill on QE2 was that good. Fillet steak was always available, as was caviar. Some of the best meals I have had were in the QG.

Not that this is relevant now of course. Those days are gone.

WD

[Cruisini]

My husband and I love to dress for dinner, love to eat and love the overall experience of an elegant meal, with excellent service. Since we have not cruised with a luxury line, we feel that Celebrity offers the best MDR experience so far. We believe the overall cruise fare to be fair and if we would like to spend a little more for a night in a specialty restaurant, we don't feel like we are being nickeled and dimed. The food is not free to begin with. You paid for it in your cruise fare. We feel that by adding a specialty coffee or meal just increases the fare we originally paid, which in most cases was really good! If we wanted special food and service all the time then we could book a cruise on a luxury line and pay a heck of alot more. I do feel that in some cases the quality of food and service and overall MDR experience has changed and is not as good as it used to be and we have only been cruising for 10 years.

I did pay $75 for Chef's Table on Ruby Princess a year ago and it was fabulous! The food was so good and the wine pairings were perfect. It was informative and I enjoyed it immensely!

[frbob]

Paying "extra" for dining in cruise ship alternative restaurants is an individual choice and subject to many variables, not the least of which is the quality of the food in the regular venues (a subjective issue, to be sure). I hear some alternative restaurants do a great job with quality food and service. I hear some don't. I personally have not found an alternative restaurant that was worth the extra dollars. But that's me. The success some cruise lines enjoy with their alternatives tells me they will be around a while.

When the food in the main dining rooms and the buffets suffers because the company wants you to fork over extra dining dollars it may be time to consider other vacation options. There are several cruise companies that charge extra for steak or lobster or other so-called "special" dishes in their regular dining rooms. These cruise lines enjoy other clients, not me. My choices have obviously had NO impact on their marketing decisions.

A very important consideration is the perceived value of the cruise vacation. If one doesn't believe he's getting what he paid for, he will stop that activity and do something else. Basic economics 101 applies to cruising as it does elsewhere.

[MsPea]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)

I have to agree with others that it is about choices. I have eaten at specialty restaurants on HAL and all was good. But the best deal was buying the package that included watching a celebrity chef in the theater, getting recipes and tastings, and ending with dinner and wine tasting in the specialty restaurant. Sometimes my husband and I have eaten all our meals in the Lido, just depends on the mood.

[Suncruz]

Just got off the Splendor and are sitting at home with fabulous memories of our Chef's Table experience. Would not pay $30 for the steakhouse but feel the $75 each spent on CT was excellent value for such an excellent meal including wine, two pictures, and cookbook. Kudos to the chef and his staff; we'll certainly consider doing this again on a future Carnival cruise. And, by the way, all meals in the main dining room were wonderful as well.

[Maraprince]

My ship board accounts end up being less than $100/day and usually less than $50/day.



Why pay extra to eat on the ship when you have so many choices ashore in the ports visited that can provide a more authentic experience than any ship's kitchen? Meals are already included in your cruise price. Anything over and above the foods provided via room service, mdr, afternoon tea/snack and the buffets are pure profit to the lines. How much food/steak can one consume? If you ate something at each and every food opportunity provided in a 24-hr. period, you literally can roll off the ship!

Enough with these extra food charges already! The marketing genies have worked their craft by making people believe they need to pay extra for food to enjoy their cruise. The food is prepared in the same kitchen for the speciality restaurants as elsewhere on the ship.

If I want to enjoy a special experience, I will eat ashore.

MARAPRINCE

[marymarie]

For fee has gotten out of hand. $35/$50 are not "nominal fees". Nor is $25 in the dining room for an upgraded steak. You have already paid for the "dinner" and an upgrade is not reasonably priced at $25. I think it is a great option for those that would like to add that special dining experience to their cruise. I don't like that it has changed the quality and the number of selections available in the MDR. I have seen RCCL erode over the past 3-4 years in terms of quality and variety. This is a ploy to drive guests to the fee for food to improve the bottom line. It is becoming apparent to us that we need not cruise RCCL for the food anymore. They are fast becoming the "family restaurant" at sea rather than the dining room. Charging for burgers at Johnny Rockets is equally distasteful. The loyalty coupon used to include the cover charge and now it's a free milk shake. Poor idea from our perspective. We have not been land based resort types but if it is going to become a matter of eating at 4-5 different restaurants (which it is becoming with the limited menus and repeat entrees in the MDR) we are reconsidering whether or not the cruise is that much better. I'll give you $10-$15 but that's it.

[Cuizer2]

Why pay extra to eat on the ship when you have so many choices ashore in the ports visited that can provide a more authentic experience than any ship's kitchen? Meals are already included in your cruise price. Anything over and above the foods provided via room service, mdr, afternoon tea/snack and the buffets are pure profit to the lines. How much food/steak can one consume? If you ate something at each and every food opportunity provided in a 24-hr. period, you literally can roll off the ship!

Enough with these extra food charges already! The marketing genies have worked their craft by making people believe they need to pay extra for food to enjoy their cruise. The food is prepared in the same kitchen for the speciality restaurants as elsewhere on the ship.

If I want to enjoy a special experience, I will eat ashore.

MARAPRINCE

It is hard to eat dinner ashore when the ship is 100 miles out to sea. And while I expect that the ship is making a profit at the specialty dining areas, it turns out that this is true of all the land based restaurants also, including the ones on shore where the ship stops. So why is it a sin for a restaurant to make a profit.

This discussion has been over dinner - not lunch. I have never eaten at an extra cost restaurant on the ship for lunch - not even when I was on a NCL cruise.

I've had several lunches on shore thank you. That said, I'll eat where I want to eat and you eat where you want to eat. You will not find me belittling your choice of restaurants.

Now all we need is for someone to bring up breakfast.

[Cuizer2]

For fee has gotten out of hand. $35/$50 are not "nominal fees". Nor is $25 in the dining room for an upgraded steak. You have already paid for the "dinner" and an upgrade is not reasonably priced at $25. I think it is a great option for those that would like to add that special dining experience to their cruise. I don't like that it has changed the quality and the number of selections available in the MDR. I have seen RCCL erode over the past 3-4 years in terms of quality and variety. This is a ploy to drive guests to the fee for food to improve the bottom line. It is becoming apparent to us that we need not cruise RCCL for the food anymore. They are fast becoming the "family restaurant" at sea rather than the dining room. Charging for burgers at Johnny Rockets is equally distasteful. The loyalty coupon used to include the cover charge and now it's a free milk shake. Poor idea from our perspective. We have not been land based resort types but if it is going to become a matter of eating at 4-5 different restaurants (which it is becoming with the limited menus and repeat entrees in the MDR) we are reconsidering whether or not the cruise is that much better. I'll give you $10-$15 but that's it.

I haven't seen any $25 upgrades. I've seen $15 to $18 for an upgrade and anywhere from $5 to $30 for a specialty restaurant. For $75 you get a very special, very personal and rather exclusive dining experience, one that I personally have not opted for, but many have, and have enjoyed it.

However, no matter what the price, the opportunity to do so has always been optional. No one is forced to pay extra if one does not wish to do so.

[Maraprince]

It is hard to eat dinner ashore when the ship is 100 miles out to sea. And while I expect that the ship is making a profit at the specialty dining areas, it turns out that this is true of all the land based restaurants also, including the ones on shore where the ship stops. So why is it a sin for a restaurant to make a profit.

This discussion has been over dinner - not lunch. I have never eaten at an extra cost restaurant on the ship for lunch - not even when I was on a NCL cruise.

I've had several lunches on shore thank you. That said, I'll eat where I want to eat and you eat where you want to eat. You will not find me belittling your choice of restaurants.

Now all we need is for someone to bring up breakfast.
I was referring to dinner. There are many ports where the ship doesn't leave until 10 or 11 PM that allow time for dinner ashore and other ports where the ship stays overnight (some Bermuda cruises where the ship remains at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In fact, Celebrity even offers a dining experience in Quebec. So eating dinner ashore is indeed a possiblity.

MARAPRINCE

[Cuizer2]

I was referring to dinner. There are many ports where the ship doesn't leave until 10 or 11 PM that allow time for dinner ashore and other ports where the ship stays overnight (some Bermuda cruises where the ship remains at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In fact, Celebrity even offers a dining experience in Quebec. So eating dinner ashore is indeed a possiblity.

MARAPRINCE

The ship I was on left the Royal Naval Dockyard at 4:00pm. I haven't cruised into Quebec. I have however eaten dinner at most of the places where the ship I was on made its last stop - if that is okay with you.

[Maraprince]

Charging for burgers at Johnny Rockets is equally distasteful. The loyalty coupon used to include the cover charge and now it's a free milk shake. Poor idea from our perspective.

Eating at Johnny Rockets is more about the experience than the food. You are right about the loyalty coupons that used to include the cover charge. After the burger, fries, and onion rings we have no room for a milk shake! :( To pay the cover charge to get only the free milk shake negates a "free" milk shake.

No way is the food at Johnny Rockets upscale. It's a fun thing to do. Having done it on more than one occasion, I would not repeat the experience. We have friends joining us this November and they said they will not be going to JR's since there is more than enough other food choices on board. With them it is not a question of money but rather why pay extra for food when there are other things to spend your money on such as in the casino or the spa. Is the food so terrible in the MDR that extra food charges are a necessity? If so, then don't sail on the ship in the first place.

MARAPRINCE

[beachbuddy]

Why pay extra to eat on the ship when you have so many choices ashore in the ports visited that can provide a more authentic experience than any ship's kitchen? Meals are already included in your cruise price. Anything over and above the foods provided via room service, mdr, afternoon tea/snack and the buffets are pure profit to the lines. How much food/steak can one consume? If you ate something at each and every food opportunity provided in a 24-hr. period, you literally can roll off the ship!

Enough with these extra food charges already! The marketing genies have worked their craft by making people believe they need to pay extra for food to enjoy their cruise. The food is prepared in the same kitchen for the speciality restaurants as elsewhere on the ship.

If I want to enjoy a special experience, I will eat ashore.

MARAPRINCE

I agree with you........we have eaten at Chops or Portofino's on RCCL but then again the fee is $20 (I think years ago it was only $10) which isn't to bad but now fees are going up on all cruise ships........I've seen $30/$35/person on some ships so it's no longer a nominal fee. I can see them charging a nominal fee to keep the crowds away and give everyone a chance to eat there. We only do it to break things up a bit and change the scenery but we definitly could do without it. We don't cruise for the food.......we cruise because we like to be on the water and enjoy the ports.

[Maraprince]

I agree with you........we have eaten at Chops or Portofino's on RCCL but then again the fee is $20 (I think years ago it was only $10) which isn't to bad but now fees are going up on all cruise ships........I've seen $30/$35/person on some ships so it's no longer a nominal fee. I can see them charging a nominal fee to keep the crowds away and give everyone a chance to eat there. We only do it to break things up a bit and change the scenery but we definitly could do without it. We don't cruise for the food.......we cruise because we like to be on the water and enjoy the ports.


You are correct that originally the nominal extra charge was added for crowd control since the speciality restaurants are small. I can remember being on Cunard with no charge for the speciality restaurant but having to make a reservation to allow others to book. You were only allowed to go once during the sailing.

Having the food at your ready is a perk. True reasons for us to sail are the ports we are able to reach easily, chance to explore in the ports which may also include eating there on shore, not living out of a suitcase as on a land tour, entertainment provided, chance to sleep late at least once during the cruise, etc. Good food only makes it better.

Best reason -- as close to all inclusive as you can get! Not getting hit with charges you didn't expect as can happen on land tours where almost nothing other than the transportation and the hotel bed are included in the price -- tours extra as well as every meal except for breakfast.

MARAPRINCE

[padrek]

After 185 cruises since the late 60's I have seen the cruise industry go from being a "cruise" to being a "hotel" experience. I don't pay to go to "extra charge" restaurants. Most of them charge about what I would pay in a shoreside restaurant and I have this now seemingly "silly idea" that my "cruise" fare is supposed to included my meals - and that is what I do, I take the meals that I have paid for. Cruising was always the "American plan", now its "Eurpoean plan" - meals not included seems to be the wave of the future.

[Gail and Ken]

We started sailing in 1974 on Cunard Vistafjord and Sajfjord. then on to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.. 31 cruises later we have yet to eat in a specialty dining room.. The Main Dining room is fine with us. We are just plain and simple in the dining department and not into wine at every course..or at dinner for that matter. We cruised on Oasis this past Nov and found the MDR food excellent. The beef very tender and variety very good. Never hit the buffet..did Johnny Rockets for breakfast (eggs your way and very good). Park Cafe for Lunch and MDR for dinner..Wonderful variety and didn't cost a cent. Now we have 2 Allure cruises coming up and plan on doing the same.. All those extra fees we don't pay just add to savings for more cruises..

[Jim B]

If I can not receive a better than average quality meal aboard a cruise without
paying extra for it I will stop cruising.
In fact it is irritating and negative that they have these.
1st question in my mind is am I not receiving the best quality?
If not why?

[Cuizer2]

If I can not receive a better than average quality meal aboard a cruise without
paying extra for it I will stop cruising.
In fact it is irritating and negative that they have these.
1st question in my mind is am I not receiving the best quality?
If not why?

Because you are paying for a three star meal and expecting a five star meal.

[lddam]

Because you are paying for a three star meal and expecting a five star meal.

NO...I think you're missing the point. Take a look at any of the brochures and/or any of the advertising produced by the cruiselines, and they create the impression that the quality of the food and service is outstanding and of the highest quality. Princess, as only one example, states in its brochure that one can expect "fresh, delicious cuisine cooked with passion and care." However, when the reality doesn't live up to these glittering generalities, it's little wonder that passengers are disappointed in the dining experience. Then, to add insult to injury, it's becoming more and more apparent that, in order to enjoy the haute cuisine advertised, one must pay extra at one of the alternative dining venues. Take a look at Celebrity, NCL, Royal Caribbean, HAL, etc., and you'll see the same propaganda in their brochures. I agree with Jim B. If I'm not receiving in the MDR the quality advertised, then I'm being ripped off, and I want to know why. :mad:

[codered]

I've dined in two Celebrity specialty restaurants, most recently on Summit's in 2010. The experience would be worth the $70 that is mentioned in the article. It can be (and was for me) a meal of a lifetime. On a related note, I think that the overall quality of food and level of service in the MDR have deteriorated since I began cruising in 2002. I would like to see the cruise lines devote more energy to restoring the MDR experience to its former glory.

[Cuizer2]

NO...I think you're missing the point. Take a look at any of the brochures and/or any of the advertising produced by the cruiselines, and they create the impression that the quality of the food and service is outstanding and of the highest quality. Princess, as only one example, states in its brochure that one can expect "fresh, delicious cuisine cooked with passion and care." However, when the reality doesn't live up to these glittering generalities, it's little wonder that passengers are disappointed in the dining experience. Then, to add insult to injury, it's becoming more and more apparent that, in order to enjoy the haute cuisine advertised, one must pay extra at one of the alternative dining venues. Take a look at Celebrity, NCL, Royal Caribbean, HAL, etc., and you'll see the same propaganda in their brochures. I agree with Jim B. If I'm not receiving in the MDR the quality advertised, then I'm being ripped off, and I want to know why. :mad:

I don't claim that the brochures are not misleading. All I am saying is that the reason you are not getting a five star meal is because you are only paying for a three star meal.

[randycpm]

I think it is great to have all of these options. Nobody is twisting your arm to pay for a meal. If you don't want to pay for an upscale meal then don't. Last time I looked the MDR and the buffet were still serving "free" meals. We usually eat at the specialty restaurants once per cruise however on Oasis this May we are booked for two. I say "to each his own". If I want to spend some of my vacation dollars eating at the specialty restaurant on board then that is my decision.

[ddled]

nooooooooooooooooo this is nuts and shows what is getting wrong with cruising because the space for these high priced restaurants should be for public spaces for more entertainment, etc.:mad:

[Cuizer2]

nooooooooooooooooo this is nuts and shows what is getting wrong with cruising because the space for these high priced restaurants should be for public spaces for more entertainment, etc.:mad:

I'm sure you can go and watch the people eat. That should be entertaining.

[beachbuddy]

I think it is great to have all of these options. Nobody is twisting your arm to pay for a meal. If you don't want to pay for an upscale meal then don't. Last time I looked the MDR and the buffet were still serving "free" meals. We usually eat at the specialty restaurants once per cruise however on Oasis this May we are booked for two. I say "to each his own". If I want to spend some of my vacation dollars eating at the specialty restaurant on board then that is my decision.

Personally, yes, everyone has a choice of whether to patronize these restaurants or not, but I think a lot of us here are just concerned that the more people patron them and the more restaurants that are created, the worse the food is going to get in the MDR/buffet areas and I think someone here mentioned that on one of the NCL ships, the MDR actually was made smaller and there was a long, long wait for a table so they were almost forced to use a pay restaurant. On RCCL, we usually eat at a restaurant at least once too, but the charge is $20/person, not $35+ and I think this thread started because of the upcharges of $35+/person which to me honestly is not worth it since I already paid for my food to be included - I eat my meal and usually can't even get to the dessert part because I'm full so for us to pay that is not worth it. I think a nominal fee is fine, but those are no longer nominal fees. If I go into NY and have dinner I'd expect those prices, but not on a ship!! Before I get flamed, that's just my honest opinion!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

no way

[ChrisB123]

My son and daughter-in-law just got back from a Carnival Cruise. They said the food was awful. My son had to pay extra in the main dining room no less for a decent steak. :(

[pooh59]

We sailed on the Carnival Miracle june 2010 and we did try their specialty dining room at $35pp. It was my sister's 25th anniversary and they had never dined in a fine dining restuarant before. We had a huge round table for 8 and the service was excellent. The only negative was the desserts offered were mediocore at best. We much preferred the desserts offered in the MDR.:p

[Cuizer2]

We sailed on the Carnival Miracle june 2010 and we did try their specialty dining room at $35pp. It was my sister's 25th anniversary and they had never dined in a fine dining restuarant before. We had a huge round table for 8 and the service was excellent. The only negative was the desserts offered were mediocore at best. We much preferred the desserts offered in the MDR.:p

You can order a MDR dessert when dining in the Supper Club.

[lddam]

When alternative dining was introduced a few years ago, I remember reading the views of many posters who expressed concern that, with the introduction of these other venues, quality of food in the MDR would diminish. Now that alternative dining venues have proliferated on many lines and judging from the many recent comments across the industry regarding the quality of food in the MDRs, it seems to me that the concerns expressed in the past were well founded.

The prophets have also been predicting that, with the auto-posting of gratuities to your shipboard account and because service staff is guaranteed to share in those gratuities, that the motivation to excel has evaporated and that service would suffer. Hmmm.....maybe it's time to listen to the prophets.

Have I availed myself of these alternative dining experiences? To that I plead guilty...for "special occasions." Our wedding anniversary. Valentine's Day. My wife's birthday. Would I pay $75 per person? Never, and even if I entertained the thought, my wife might have a few things to say about that.:rolleyes:

[Cruisini]

I learned a long time ago to never say never. Especially when Chef's Table is a choice. Although, I always said that I would never gamble in the casino, but on the last cruise that I was on I gambled and lost $100 after starting out with $20. :( It was alot of fun and very entertaining and I would probably do it again.:) My husband spends $150 on diving and loves every minute, I spent $75 on Chef's Table and loved every minute. I say enjoy what you love, it is vacation after all!

[Maraprince]

NO...I think you're missing the point. Take a look at any of the brochures and/or any of the advertising produced by the cruiselines, and they create the impression that the quality of the food and service is outstanding and of the highest quality. Princess, as only one example, states in its brochure that one can expect "fresh, delicious cuisine cooked with passion and care." However, when the reality doesn't live up to these glittering generalities, it's little wonder that passengers are disappointed in the dining experience. Then, to add insult to injury, it's becoming more and more apparent that, in order to enjoy the haute cuisine advertised, one must pay extra at one of the alternative dining venues. Take a look at Celebrity, NCL, Royal Caribbean, HAL, etc., and you'll see the same propaganda in their brochures. I agree with Jim B. If I'm not receiving in the MDR the quality advertised, then I'm being ripped off, and I want to know why. :mad:


Plus, the cruise lines are big at creating the impression that cruising is as close as you can get to being an "all inclusive vacation". Then they turn around and promote the extra charge dining venues very vigorously to make it seem that unless you pay extra for food, you truly are not experiencing the best of the best of the cruise experience.

I also agree with the poster who stated that all these extra pay venues are using public space that could provide other entainment -- i.e., bowling, wi games, etc. Making the MDR larger and able to be divided up into sections for those passengers who want to dine at tables for 2 and enjoy a more intimate dining experience. The cruise lines do not need to dedicate more and more space to the extra charge venues and end up with restaurants that only seat 25 passengers.

If I am going to spend $75 extra per person, I would go to a dinner/theatre experience on shore. Everything that you get for the $75 charge you are paying for -- nothing is being given to you as a freebie.

MARAPRINCE

[winddawn]

I think most folks don't mind at all that these upscale choices are made available to those that choose to patronize them.
What we strongly object to, is that in most cases, the cruise lines have seriously downgraded the fare served in the main dining rooms and buffets in order to 'encourage' passengers to upgrade to what they previously enjoyed in the regular venues.
Well said Bob.

And no, I wouldn't pay $75 for a specialty restaurant experience onboard. Quality of food on the ships I've been on the past few years has deteriorated significantly from what it used to be. We've paid $20 pp several times, but I don't think I'd pay any more than that.

Food prices on land are certainly rising now though, so I can only imagine that will affect cruise fare soon.

[Sparks Cruisers]

We have been cruising for over 30 years. We have certainly seen the quality of food become less. Most of dining rooms serve food that it comparable to a decent diner. It's not bad, but not what it used to be. Knowing that the price of a cruise is the same that we paid 15 years ago it maybe OK. I would rather pay more for the cruise and get the best. One reason we have cruised so often is that we know what it will cost upfront. I hate being nickel and dimed on a cruise and not just on the dining options. It seems that we are constantly being asked to pay for everything from the Spa to the photos. And don't get me started on drinks. .http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Maraprince]

We have been cruising for over 30 years. We have certainly seen the quality of food become less. Most of dining rooms serve food that it comparable to a decent diner. It's not bad, but not what it used to be. Knowing that the price of a cruise is the same that we paid 15 years ago it maybe OK. I would rather pay more for the cruise and get the best. One reason we have cruised so often is that we know what it will cost upfront. I hate being nickel and dimed on a cruise and not just on the dining options. It seems that we are constantly being asked to pay for everything from the Spa to the photos. And don't get me started on drinks. .http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon12.gif


What you posted goes back to the heart of the marketing ploy that cruise lines used for years that cruising was "all inclusive" excepts for a few extras like gambling in the casino, speciality drinks, and shore excursions. Not any more! Almost everything other than meals at the buffet and mdr are extra for whatever justification they want to claim.

MARAPRINCE

[Snorkel Dawg]

We will be going on our 9th cruise soon and I've always said I would not pay extra for dining in a specialty resturant. But on our upcoming cruise in just a couple weeks we have decided to try one due in part to join two other couples who are dear friends. It WILL be a special occasion! So we'll try Murano on Eclipse. This dining experience will either change my mind or solidify my past decisions. Here's to an incredible experience!!!

[jetlag69]

The specialty restaurants aren't so "special". On our last cruise my wife and I tried the "specialty" for our anniversary. We were very disapointed, fewer choices, you could have one appetizer, one entree' and one dessert. We paid extra for this? The food was no better and our waitress was the same one we had so enthusiastically complemented to the Maitre de about 2 nights earlier in the MDR. She got a deserved promotion but we lost an excellent waitress in the MDR.

[cpamama]

My first cruise was in 1976 when I was a young bride. I remember fabulous food all the time and EVERYWHERE on board at no extra charge. :) I returned to cruising in 2010. I was very pleased with the quality of the food and service on Radiance of the Seas last summer. It may not have been as plentiful but it was way more than I needed. We did spend $20 apiece to eat in a specialty restaurant, but I didn't think the food was that much better. I definitely would not pay more unless the MDR & buffet was just terrible. And that would be a shame. One of the great things about cruising is not having to cook and clean the kitchen and having such a varied menu selection. (We really do not eat out much because it is so expensive. Perhaps $10 each once in a blue moon for Mexican or barbeque. That way we can better afford to travel.) In the fall we went on Costa America. The food was not as good, but we paid $499 each for a balcony room for an 11 day cruise. Plus, there was some course at every meal that we really liked and sometimes we really liked the whole meal. (Certainly it was nicer than cooking and cleaning, plus we never went hungry.) We are now giving up things so that we may be able to travel. For example we recently went from two to one vehicle. So, IF the cruise is fairly expensive AND the food is just so-so, we may have to give up cruising. We are going on Pride of America in December and it is fairly expensive. I'm reading a lot about the food being not-so-good. However, some have said the breakfast buffet is the best ever. And there is a diner with burgers and fries whom some say is good. Afterward we are spending 5 days on Kauai in a condo with a kitchen--so guess who will be cooking? Maybe he will cook some, but I'm a better cook! In short, there is no way we would pay $75 each for a meal. I don't think I have ever had a meal which cost more than $30 ANYWHERE in my life.

[pattyfrann]

Just returned from Island Princess Panama Canal. This was the second time we did the Chef's Table. It's not just a $75 pp dinner. So much more than that. On the Island, 10 people for each of 2 Chef's Table seatings were selected out of over 40 others that had hoped to book the experience. I think the diners are chosen by lottery, but don't know if that is so. You can only book it once you are on board. The experience incldes as much as you want of 5 different wines paired with the courses. (I do not mean Andre champagne ot 2 buck Chuck) I havn't even mentioned the food. Superb !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where else does your desert come on a pink spun sugar plate presented covered with a pink spun sugar dome?
It's a fabulous experience

[Sailing Again]

If the regular dining rooms were as they were say twenty years ago, and they added upscale pay venues that offered more personal service, even better quality or expensive items like Maine lobster, caviar, prime aged steaks, etc., fine. As long as they didn't degrade what was formerly offered in the regular dining venues.

I believe that instead, the upscale dining rooms now charge you for what you used to get included, and they have downgraded the regular dining rooms so that it is 'worth it' to go to the specialty restaurants.

I have to agree w/much of what Bob says. I have had a chef's table on 2 ships. The food ws fantastic. I found out that Lemoncello is too strong for me, but I loved the experience.

15 or so years ago I took my 1st cruise w/my wife - Alaska. that cuisine was much better than today's and the cruise I took 30 years before that on Home Lines was even better - you could have lobster every night.

But today to get that level of service you must go to the specialty restaurants and pay a stipend. The food has ben excelant and the waiters and assistants know what their job is - to make us happy - and they do it well.

[BruceMuzz]

We have been cruising for over 30 years. We have certainly seen the quality of food become less. Most of dining rooms serve food that it comparable to a decent diner. It's not bad, but not what it used to be. Knowing that the price of a cruise is the same that we paid 15 years ago it maybe OK. I would rather pay more for the cruise and get the best. One reason we have cruised so often is that we know what it will cost upfront. I hate being nickel and dimed on a cruise and not just on the dining options. It seems that we are constantly being asked to pay for everything from the Spa to the photos. And don't get me started on drinks. .http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Most people who would REALLY like to pay more for the cruise and get the best still do that.
They sail on Seabourn, Silver Sea, Crystal, and a few others.

Many other people SAY that they would like to pay more and get the best, but then book a cheapie mass market cruise and complain that the food and service are not as good as they were 20 years ago when a cruise cost as much as a new car.

[FLACRUISER99]

Most people who would REALLY like to pay more for the cruise and get the best still do that.
They sail on Seabourn, Silver Sea, Crystal, and a few others.

Many other people SAY that they would like to pay more and get the best, but then book a cheapie mass market cruise and complain that the food and service are not as good as they were 20 years ago when a cruise cost as much as a new car.I have talked to a few folks that were not happy cruising on these high end lines.

[Cuizer2]

I have talked to a few folks that were not happy cruising on these high end lines.

There are people who would complain if you gave them $1.10 for a one dollar bill.

[marydallas]

Having been on three cruisess and dining in specialty resturants on each one....i can say, "never again"!! we are going on a 12-day caibbean cruise this year...and happy to say i am staying with the buffets , the MDR or an alternative eating spot that doesn't cost $35.00 each. thank you. been there...done that!!!! marydallas

[Stevanb]

There are people who would complain if you gave them $1.10 for a one dollar bill.



I am happy going on those high end cruises . No lines no bar tab no tipping they will make almost anything you want to eat crew ratio is almost 1 to 1

You can leave your deck chair and go for lunch and your towels and stuff will still be there when you get back The cabin size and being treated as you are someone like when you go to dinner they know your name and all other items you get I know it is costly but we would rather do it once a year than two cattle calls twice a year It is almost the same price

There is a old saying you get what you pay for

[chloemonkey]

Cruise Critic has just posted the following news:

Cruise Ship Restaurant Up-Charges: Would You Pay $75 to Dine at Sea?

Read the entire news article... (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391)

In a heartbeat! Especially if it included the fine quality and experience of "yesteryear" cruising! We already dine in specialty restaurants 6 out of 7 nights on short cruises. The $75 fee would not bother us a bit!

[BruceMuzz]

When alternative dining was introduced a few years ago, I remember reading the views of many posters who expressed concern that, with the introduction of these other venues, quality of food in the MDR would diminish. Now that alternative dining venues have proliferated on many lines and judging from the many recent comments across the industry regarding the quality of food in the MDRs, it seems to me that the concerns expressed in the past were well founded.

The prophets have also been predicting that, with the auto-posting of gratuities to your shipboard account and because service staff is guaranteed to share in those gratuities, that the motivation to excel has evaporated and that service would suffer. Hmmm.....maybe it's time to listen to the prophets.

Have I availed myself of these alternative dining experiences? To that I plead guilty...for "special occasions." Our wedding anniversary. Valentine's Day. My wife's birthday. Would I pay $75 per person? Never, and even if I entertained the thought, my wife might have a few things to say about that.:rolleyes:

Alternative dining venues were introduced more than "a few years ago".
The SS Bremen had an alternative restaurant in 1906.
The RMS Titanic had an alternative restaurant (The Ritz Dining Room) in 1912.
Cunard Ships introduced alternative dining decades ago.
NCL introduced their first alterantive restaurant in the mid-80's.
Royal Viking featured alternative dining in 1988.
Radisson (now called Regent) introduced alternative restaurants in 1990.

[lddam]

Alternative dining venues were introduced more than "a few years ago".
The SS Bremen had an alternative restaurant in 1906.
The RMS Titanic had an alternative restaurant (The Ritz Dining Room) in 1912.
Cunard Ships introduced alternative dining decades ago.
NCL introduced their first alterantive restaurant in the mid-80's.
Royal Viking featured alternative dining in 1988.
Radisson (now called Regent) introduced alternative restaurants in 1990.

And your point is?

[BruceMuzz]

And your point is?

My point is that the poster - and many others - have opined that the "recent" introduction of alternative restaurants has led to a denigration of quality in the main dining rooms in order to force passengers to pay extra money for better food.

I cannot recall hearing any reports of passengers dining in the First Class Dining Room (the Ritz Restaurant) which was recently added (1912) on RMS Titanic complaining about this issue.

Nor do I remember hearing any such complaints when I worked recently (several decades ago) on Royal Viking and Cunard.
My colleagues at Radisson (Regent) also tell me that they never heard such things recently in the 1980s and 1990s.

When NCL introduced "Le Bistro" recently in the mid 1980s, we never heard this complaint.

It appears that the "recent" marketing practice by mass market cruise lines of selling cruises to people who cannot really afford them has coincided with the complaints about poor MDR food quality and being forced to pay extra for better food in alternative restaurants.
Is this just a coincidence? Perhaps.

[FLACRUISER99]

My point is that the poster - and many others - have opined that the "recent" introduction of alternative restaurants has led to a denigration of quality in the main dining rooms in order to force passengers to pay extra money for better food.

I cannot recall hearing any reports of passengers dining in the First Class Dining Room (the Ritz Restaurant) which was recently added (1912) on RMS Titanic complaining about this issue.

Nor do I remember hearing any such complaints when I worked recently (several decades ago) on Royal Viking and Cunard.
My colleagues at Radisson (Regent) also tell me that they never heard such things recently in the 1980s and 1990s.

When NCL introduced "Le Bistro" recently in the mid 1980s, we never heard this complaint.

It appears that the "recent" marketing practice by mass market cruise lines of selling cruises to people who cannot really afford them has coincided with the complaints about poor MDR food quality and being forced to pay extra for better food in alternative restaurants.
Is this just a coincidence? Perhaps.So why then to you still sail and post with us poor people, seems like the high end lines would be a better fit for you?

[beachbuddy]

My point is that the poster - and many others - have opined that the "recent" introduction of alternative restaurants has led to a denigration of quality in the main dining rooms in order to force passengers to pay extra money for better food.

I cannot recall hearing any reports of passengers dining in the First Class Dining Room (the Ritz Restaurant) which was recently added (1912) on RMS Titanic complaining about this issue.

Nor do I remember hearing any such complaints when I worked recently (several decades ago) on Royal Viking and Cunard.
My colleagues at Radisson (Regent) also tell me that they never heard such things recently in the 1980s and 1990s.

When NCL introduced "Le Bistro" recently in the mid 1980s, we never heard this complaint.

It appears that the "recent" marketing practice by mass market cruise lines of selling cruises to people who cannot really afford them has coincided with the complaints about poor MDR food quality and being forced to pay extra for better food in alternative restaurants.
Is this just a coincidence? Perhaps.

And what's your point? Decades ago, there was maybe ONE alternative restaurant, but now it's being carried away with 3, 4 or more alternatives. I think what people seem to be afraid of is that the dining rooms will even get smaller so people are forced into these restaurants. I have not found this so far but I have read other posts that stated this - said they were in select dining because they couldn't get in 1st or 2nd and then they were told they'd have to wait an hour or more so they went to an alternative restaurant instead. I have however seen a decline in food even in the past 10 to 12 years but then again, we don't cruise for the food. We have great restaurants where we live so honestly, these cruise restaurants don't appeal to me that much. We usually go at least once on a cruise, sometimes twice, but the MDR and buffet food is fine for us. I'm all for choice, but if the MDR's get smaller and more crowded and if the food quality goes down, than that's not choice, that's being forced into these "for pay" alternatives.

[pmacher61]

This thread asks whether customers would be willing to buy a product at a particular price so naturally the opinions expressed will vary according to the economic condition of the customer and the relative appeal/value of the product to them. Some people will happily pay many millions for a painting or a shiny stone. So what else is new?

I have always supported the concept of charging separately for extras in order to maintain a low base cruise price. After all, I can take my own photos, plan my own excursions and even manage my bar bill by keeping a bottle of good scotch in my cabin. People who opt to pay (exhorbitantly) for these extras underwrite the cost of my cruise. Consistent with this mind set, I favor specialty restaurants because they simply provide one more option. My personal financial condition allows me to indulge in that particular option. I enjoy good food and am happy to pay extra for it on a low priced cruise when the food is truly outstanding.

Nevertheless, in my opinion the quality of the food in the MDRs has declined dramatically on the mass market lines lines. I don't know if the proliferation of specialty restaurants is the cause of the decline or it's just a result of cost cutting policies institued by cruise ship market theorists to maximize profit. I suspect the latter. After all, if cruise lines can still fill ships (maximizing profit) while still spending less on food they would be crazy not to do so. Would you incur unnecessary overhead if you owned the company? Moreover, I've read CC posts from industry expert, Bruce Muzz, stating that speciality restaurants are not a profit center. He advised that the extra revenue they generate never compensates for the initial capital outlay to build them together with the cost of maintaining them and the loss of revenue from the use of the space in lieu of cabins.

My observation about the declining quality of food in mass market MDRs is based upon over 60 cruises on most of the mass market lines plus a couple of 6 star ones. This is particularly true on transatlantic and repositioning cruises (which I favor being retired) during which I believe the ships cut back even farther on per diem food expense. Forget about lobsters and good steaks on such cruises. Foodies on these cruise are almost driven to the specialty restaurants by the abysmal quality of MDR fare.

The problem is that these specialty restaurants now seem to be losing their panache. I recently disembarked a TA aboard the RCL Mariner of the Seas. I ate twice in Chops ($25) and once in Portofino ($20). The steaks were awful and the seafood and other offerings not much more than nicely presented MDR fare. The MDR food was worse, of course. Thank god the bread was okay. Nothing else was better than it. Amazingly bad food at lunch and dinner in the MDR. As a result I will never do such a cruise again on RCL. It was that bad.

It follows that if I want to do another TA or repositioning cruise I will consider sailing on a premium line like Oceania or Azamura or maybe even Seabourn. I just hope that on my next non-TA/ repositioning cruise aboard a mass market line the food isn't as bad as it was aboard the Mariner.

[lddam]

This thread asks whether customers would be willing to buy a product at a particular price so naturally the opinions expressed will vary according to the economic condition of the customer and the relative appeal/value of the product to them. Some people will happily pay many millions for a painting or a shiny stone. So what else is new?

I have always supported the concept of charging separately for extras in order to maintain a low base cruise price. After all, I can take my own photos, plan my own excursions and even manage my bar bill by keeping a bottle of good scotch in my cabin. People who opt to pay (exhorbitantly) for these extras underwrite the cost of my cruise. Consistent with this mind set, I favor specialty restaurants because they simply provide one more option. My personal financial condition allows me to indulge in that particular option. I enjoy good food and am happy to pay extra for it on a low priced cruise when the food is truly outstanding.

Nevertheless, in my opinion the quality of the food in the MDRs has declined dramatically on the mass market lines lines. I don't know if the proliferation of specialty restaurants is the cause of the decline or it's just a result of cost cutting policies institued by cruise ship market theorists to maximize profit. I suspect the latter. After all, if cruise lines can still fill ships (maximizing profit) while still spending less on food they would be crazy not to do so. Would you incur unnecessary overhead if you owned the company? Moreover, I've read CC posts from industry expert, Bruce Muzz, stating that speciality restaurants are not a profit center. He advised that the extra revenue they generate never compensates for the initial capital outlay to build them together with the cost of maintaining them and the loss of revenue from the use of the space in lieu of cabins.

My observation about the declining quality of food in mass market MDRs is based upon over 60 cruises on most of the mass market lines plus a couple of 6 star ones. This is particularly true on transatlantic and repositioning cruises (which I favor being retired) during which I believe the ships cut back even farther on per diem food expense. Forget about lobsters and good steaks on such cruises. Foodies on these cruise are almost driven to the specialty restaurants by the abysmal quality of MDR fare.

The problem is that these specialty restaurants now seem to be losing their panache. I recently disembarked a TA aboard the RCL Mariner of the Seas. I ate twice in Chops ($25) and once in Portofino ($20). The steaks were awful and the seafood and other offerings not much more than nicely presented MDR fare. The MDR food was worse, of course. Thank god the bread was okay. Nothing else was better than it. Amazingly bad food at lunch and dinner in the MDR. As a result I will never do such a cruise again on RCL. It was that bad.

It follows that if I want to do another TA or repositioning cruise I will consider sailing on a premium line like Oceania or Azamura or maybe even Seabourn. I just hope that on my next non-TA/ repositioning cruise aboard a mass market line the food isn't as bad as it was aboard the Mariner.

Excellent comments, pmacher61, and with the experience of over 60 cruises adding strength to your opinion, it's one I will value and take to heart. Only two items you mention are still puzzling to me. One, how do you get a nice bottle of Scotch onboard to enjoy in your cabin in the first place? Although I prefer Beefeater's and the bottle is shaped differently, I would imagine that your methodology would effectively work for me as well. ;)

Two, with all due respect to Bruce Muzz, I find it difficult to accept that alternative dining venues are not profitable for the lines. As you queried above, "Would you incur unnecessary overhead if you owned the company?" The proliferation of alternative dining venues would suggest otherwise, for if they were not profitable to the company, would not their numbers be diminishing rather than increasing?

To my thinking, "different strokes for different folks," and if one is willing and able to patronize the alternative dining venues, God bless. I have in the past, but at no time did I or would I pay $75 pp for the experience. I would, however, take umbrage if the lines are purposely exploiting passengers by creating less than quality conditions in the MDR in order to "force" pax to the alternative venues.

[HeinBloed]

Aloha from CARNIVAL SPIRIT:

30 USD for the Nouveau Steakhouse has nothing just to do with a "plain" having food...

You get for 30 USD much more!!!

Subject you have the proper preparation:

1. Visit "Eat more - weigh less..."
2. Have a light lunch or go to the gym after the lunch...
3. Ask them not to book you on the upper level: there will problems occur to handle a crane to get you back to your cabin or due to missing elevator to order a wheelchair service...

BUT once you allow your self-indulgence by paying the 30 USD I am quite sure that you will need a massage therapist in the spa who need to give you a massage in your chewing muscles and to help you to close your mouth again.

For 30 USD you do not just get simple food but this:

Food presentation you will never get in the Main Dining Room.

And stories you can your children and grandchildren what you never saw before and maybe never see again in your life:

http://images56.fotki.com/v124/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT040707-vi.jpg

http://images55.fotki.com/v608/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT040709-vi.jpg

A true sommelier service which means: not just sell wine which are "on stock" and expiration day will come soon like sometimes you have with your regular beverage steward in the Main Dining Room: but a true consulation to find the best to make your double your experience and to see how many senses of your body have not been activated so far. And a feeling that you are a special valuable guest with a different attention you get but in the Main Dining Room.

The complimentary greeting from the kitchen which you do not in any Main Dining Room (we are talking about mass market and not ultra luxury market):

http://images12.fotki.com/v611/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT040712-vi.jpg

Dora: tell your Chef: If I get again the lady's choice I will use one of the steak knife and kill your cook!!! I want the man's choice!!!

http://images45.fotki.com/v153/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT040724-vi.jpg

You never get in the Main Dining Room a Cesar's Salad prepared to your order in front of your eyes.

And this was defiantely not just a plain steak like you get on the everyday's choice in the Main Dining Room: So should I do not get next time my man's choice of the complimentary amuse bouche and I killed the Chef and I get death penalty this steak would be my very last meal... Even I get my man's choice of amuse bouche: be sure I will need long long time before I will see ANY steakhouse again or to buy a raw peace of meat with our butcher and to prepare it myself. It was something you cannot prepare yourself as you need special fascilities to prepare such a steak:

http://images107.fotki.com/v70/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT040730-vi.jpg

http://images107.fotki.com/v71/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT040736-vi.jpg

And if you are a chocolate lover you will learn that the world of chocolate is larger than Hershey... It's an attack... My doctor will never forgive me if he discover this picture but I am living NOW. Carpe Diem!!! Make your life extraordinary.

And once you experience this service level it's hard to return to a "normal" cruise life in a Main Dining Room:

So looking forward for your treatment again in a couple of days.

It was such an outstanding experience: I can highly recommend everyone on is going on Carnival to spend this money in the alternative dining.

You will not forget and have an experience for your lifetime.

Regards
HeinBloed

[NewHeart]

No!

[lddam]

HeinBloed, thank you for your in-depth reply, and it is obvious that the $30/pp alternative dining venue on the Carnival "Spirit" was an experience you will long remember.

However, I'd just like to call your attention to the query posited by the OP which was would you pay $75/pp for alternative dining. Your excellent descriptions and photos notwithstanding, I don't think any alternative dining experience on a mass market line is worth that level of additional expense.

What it all boils down to, IMO, is a simple value judgment based upon one's frame of reference and circumstances. As I've stated before, different strokes for different folks...no right or wrong, so long as the company is not exploiting passengers by purposely downgrading the MDR experience so as to create a "demand" for the alternative venues.

[HeinBloed]

75.00 USD is not the money you are paying just for plain "nutrition".

With the Chef's Table it replace your consultation with a doctor to see if all of your senses are working properly and discover new senses you might not know that they are existing.

Currently we are still onboard of CARNIVAL SPIRIT and it was like our Chef's Table last year on OCEAN PRINCESS an outstanding but different experience. So guests who had been already at Chef's Table with other ships should now that you might discovered new things on this specific Chef's Table.

You start in the galley and you are having starters which you definately will not have in the Main Dining Room because many posters just said: why should I pay for food which I can also get in the Main Dining Room??? It's so simple: you just do not get them there. And to be honest: it's a cross-selling offer with the ship's doctor. Later the cruise you will need to see him as you will depressions because you do not get them again.

http://images57.fotki.com/v512/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT060603-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v147/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT060606-vi.jpg

You get your food in an exclusive venue: I never had a dinner in the disco and the atmosphere was so special and it was just for us.

Every little thing was personalized: Menu card etc. - nothing was left for an accident.

http://images12.fotki.com/v611/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT060607-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v10/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT060644-vi.jpg

We got the Executive Chef, four of his assistents, one waiter and one Assistent Maître D' just for us. The Assistant Maître D' worked in the background just to make sure that we only have a perfect appearance. I guess this ratio: crew to guests (12) would be the same like a banquette in the White House and it's worth to experience such kind of service.

As said before you are not getting just food: you get an arrangement for your eyes, your nose, your tongue, your stomach, your brain and your heart to perferction. And including all pairing wines and be sure thay did not took their chepest wines out of their cellar which need to be sold quickly because the expiration date: They really let you have the very best of the best and for this price ONLY.

http://images107.fotki.com/v71/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT060643-vi.jpg

http://images55.fotki.com/v608/photos/0/1055340/8514162/2011CCLSPIRIT060657-vi.jpg

And after the meal you get a cooking book with a personal dedication, your pictures to keep your memories alive.

So do not tell me that you get the "same" food you get in your Main Dinining Room and you should not spend this money. If you do not spend this money and you do not pamper yourself by spending this money you do not know what life is. For us is one pro to go with the lines who offer us this experience. And if I ever have to choose between two cruise lines I would always choose the line where I can have this outstanding experience again.

Regards
HeinBloed

[DizDaddy]

I've been very satisfied with the dining offerings without paying an extreme premium for a short dining experience. That said, we are planning on doing Palo this time on the Disney Fantasy, because $20 is do-able and it will be my daughter's first opportunity to go along (will be 18yoa).

[uziel5000]

I have to say that I'm on the fence on this issue.

On the one hand, I'm all for choices! Adding to the "traditional" cruising experience cannot be a bad thing. You get to stuff your face all you want and if you are looking for something a bit more fancy or special you pay a little extra extra and live the goo life. Most of the fees are seem reasonable (Even Remy's) and at the end of the day if you don't want to spend the money, just don't eat there.

On the other hand... Some cruise lines getting really close to blurring the line of what I called "traditional" cruising above. Let me explain:

Look at Palo and Remy's in the Disney ships. These restaurants are advertised as "special". They are out of the way. You go in if you want. If you don't you could spend your entire cruise without ever seeing either of them. IMO that is part of what defines "specialty" in a specialty restaurant.

Now look at the Allure of the Seas. There are over a dozen for fee places.They are all over the ship. You can't go anywhere without passing at least one of these places. The implied message here is very different: "Cruising has changed. If you want the full 'cruising' experience you HAVE to eat in one or more of these places."

Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing but those who for years have seen cruising as a value-packed vacation can certainly be turned off by what is perceived as nickel-and-diming. Back in the day(whatever that means) cruising was a fire-and-forget deal. Even though for fee places are not new, they followed a very different model than what we are seeing now.

Things are changing and some people are gonna like it, and some people are not. While I'm not against the concept, I do agree that in some respects they are taking it too far.

[mmemichele]

NO I do not care What they serve ...way overpriced!!!!

We already paid for the cruise
What happened to we are paying for service NOT food????Was this not the original premise of specialty restaurants ????

[rln44]

As stated by cruise line representatives passengers are free to pass on the alternative restaurants if they don't want to pay the surcharge. However on our last cruise with NCL we noticed that the variety and quality of food in the main dining room had suffered. We had several meals at the alternative venues and in general were very satisfied. So the question is-has the quality of meals in the main dining room been purposely down graded to drive passengers to the pay-for venues, or has the quality suffered because the line is focusing it's attention on the alternative restaurants to the detriment of the main dining room? In any event we have not cruised since with NCL and probably won't again.

[lil cruiser 2]

I don't mind the upcharges IF AND ONLY IF the "regular service" remains great. Personally, I would not spend $75 per person just to get in to a restaurant. I have paid the $25 however, usually as a part of a special gift package that the cruise line offered which included a bottle of wine and some souvenirs...
However, usually my husband and I are most interested in cruising because it is an afforadable way to see various ports and because we can truly relax without having to deal with cooking, doing dishes, laundry, etc...so paying extra to eat is not really what we are going for, and we have usually budgeted a set amount to include excursions, etc...not extra for meals...so, unless it is exactly the type of amazing restaurant at which we want to spend extra, I doubt we would bother...
HERE IS WHERE MY "BEEF" WOULD BE: We did have one HORRENDOUS cruise a few years ago that was so bad in the customer service and dining department that we literally began tabulating the issues and taking amounts off our end-of-the-cruise gratuity. It was so awful we were wondering if the cruise line was trying to manipulate people into the upcharged restaurants...and honestly, we sometimes still wonder. From the time I began cruising in 2003 (and I have been on 7 cruises; my husband has been on a few more than me), certain food items have gone sub-par...for example, desserts. It seems like once you have seen/tasted one variation of sponge cake on a cruise, you have tasted them all. They might look different, but don't waste your calories there. And the chocolate buffets seem to be going downhill, too...no rush to get there anymore, it is just the same variation of chocolate desserts one sees all cruise long...
And so you don't think I am just all about desserts, one of the weirdest issues on the really bad cruise we took (NCL Hawaii), was things like this: listing Olive Oil and Vinegar above the salad dressings (among the others), and there was none! AND, after letting the chef know, it took at least 10 to 15 minutes for the chefs to look in various kitchens to find some! (I was finished eating by that time.) On that cruise, the beverages were constantly "out"...juices, alternative milks...basically, if you wanted to eat more healthily, you were out of luck...which seemed rather ironic on a Hawaiian cruise, I thought...my images of sun, sand, ocean and health not coinciding...(and those are just 2 tiny problems on that cruise...it gets even better, but I won't spend more time on that here...)

Finally, as someone who DOES pay special attention to her diet and has special dietary needs, I am not too jazzed about those options costing more. Depending on the cruise, it is already a hassle and a half to get it taken care of...They say it will be easy, but it is NOT. Lots of little hoops to jump through...I guess if I could afford the pricier lines, it might not be so difficult, but for the middle class, one has to do a lot of pre-planning to get a piece of gluten-free bread...not exactly the kind of mental activity you want to juggle on vacation...(I am not a Celiac, just gluten-sensitive, so a little bit of wheat flour on vacation is ok...but an every day habit of it makes me sick...)
So, there are my thoughts, for better or for worse...

[CruiseJunkie33x]

I agree with you completely on the special dietary needs. Cruise lines need to do a better job of accommodating these needs for passengers. I think a special area of the buffet should be added for these types of foods to make it easy for everyone to eat without worrying what they are putting in their bodies.

As for the restaurants, I am a huge fan of the specialty restaurants. The food is truly better, but the reason we opt for specialty dining so often is also the more intimate atmosphere, and more attentive service. We recently cruised on Allure of the Seas, and didn't eat in the MDR once! I must say, I did miss the MDR on formal nights, and some of the specialty restaurants, I don't think we'll do again. Going forward we'll likely split and eat MDR half and Specialty restaurants the other half of the cruise.

We are sailing next month on Liberty of the Seas for 5 nights, and we have 2 nights in the Specialty Restaurants and 3 in the MDR. On night there will be 24 of us dining in Chops Grille!


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.076646,-86.946331

[osogrito]

We have started using Oceania. If we find a good sale price.

We found the food so much better in main dining room and fee free for specialty.

They also include sodas and good coffee, cappuccinos and expresso for free.

And even the less expensive cabins were steps above with great high end mattresses and bedding.

Have found Holland America and others have downgraded what you can get in main dining rooms and buffet.

[HeinBloed]

You get what paid for.

Price of your cruise / nights and then compare.

Of course who pays 500 USD per night in a balcony should get better and full free food than 80 USD per night in an inside cabin.

Sometimes people think that in 80 USD per night everything (incl. caviar, daily lobster and champagne etc.) must be included.

It's a mass market today. It does not work anymore that there are 200 guests on board and the Captain knows every guest's name.

So for 80 USD per night you get a certain standard and if you want to have the same like for 500 USD per night you pay more for the whole cruise or you pay for single food events and could get for 75 USD cover charge an experience like you would pay 500 USD per night.

We booked for 39 USD now on HAL for seeing the Le Cirque event and we cannot wait until to be on board and to book the Chef's Table event.

Regards and Happy New Year
HeinBloed