mjldvlks

8 hours ago, jeh10641 said:

Shame on you for chastising my comments on pricing as I was only responding to another's comment. Then you rant and rave about Boeing which has nothing to do with cruising at all.

Getting a little personal?

I don’t think the Boeing analogy is off topic since it addresses the impact of the obvious reduction in quality of the Royal Caribbean product — which, at least as to food, is the stated topic of this thread. 
 

Anyway, I’m done. I’m tired of beating this dead horse. 

11 hours ago, jeh10641 said:

. . . Second, I did not find the human service or food diminished in any way. One or two cabin cleanups per day is fine with me. . .

Unless you contend Royal never had two “cabin cleanups” a day.   The second sentence above clearly contradicts the first. The fact you are OK with the reduction of service doesn’t make it any less a reduction. I and others have cited specific reductions in the quality of included food options. Again, you maybe OK with the reduced quality, the reductions are obvious and many. I could list many more. 

Please understand I am not blaming the staff —  I agree they are, for the most part doing the best they can. I feel sorry for the room attendants and wait staff who are getting more and more pressure to get good ratings while getting more rooms to take care of or tables to serve. You maybe happy with the decline — you may even continue to contend there haven’t been any declines because things remain OK. I am not willing to settle for that low of a bar. I was loyal to Royal for years. 10 years ago I was avidly defending Royal from criticisms of curs and nickel and diming.  But I feel like the present state of affairs is virtually a spit in the face for those who have been loyal. Personally, I’ve had enough — I’m done. 
 

I saw a video recently about Boeing’s current problems. The presenter argued that, after the Boeing merger with McDonnell Douglas in the late nineties, Boeing changed its corporate philosophy to one that emphasized share value above all else. As a result, corners began to be cut and safety compromised. Employees became afraid to point out problems. The company that was once known for quality and reliability is now having to explain why its planes are literally falling out of or coming apart in the sky. I don’t want to be overly dramatic, and as far as I know, none of the cuts of any cruise line have compromised passenger safety, so the comparison is not perfect. I mention this only as an example to point out compromising the product in order to maintain or increase profits is fraught with danger. Boeing (along with Airbus)  is one of only two makers of large airliners.  So Boeing will undoubtedly survive. But the controversies are starting to impact sales. Royal has no such security blanket. Destroy the product and I doubt the company will survive. Nobody has to take a cruise vacation. 

On 2/26/2024 at 10:32 AM, jeh10641 said:

The "Law of Supply and Demand" will answer your question. If pricing drives away customers, prices will retreat, maybe not all the way but enough to spark demand.

 

In the meantime, our Royal cruise (Anthem OTS) had very few of the complaints found in this conversation. Included food was very good and choices were ample. Service was impeccable. Did i miss not having two cabin attendants? No. Did I miss two daily cabin cleanups? No. Most hotels do not offer those services.  Many do not even offer daily service on longer stays.

 

If you do not want to pay Icon OTS prices, there are many more options in Royal's fleet. I do not care about all the bells and whistles that she offers. For me, destinations are more important than the ship. The megaships cannot visit the smaller, less visited places. Those are what I like.

 

By the way, my preferred cruise line is HAL.

You again change the subject from the listed topic “Food in Decline?” to a discussion of price. Any discussion of supply and demand generally assumes the product remains the same. Even you seem to agree the product has diminished — at least as to service. Hack the product enough and it’s not marketable at any price. For me, Royal has reached that point. I simply am not interested in the product at any price. 

6 hours ago, jeh10641 said:

In terms of profitability of cruise lines: Yes, they are having great bottom line success. But be aware they incurred multiple BILLIONS of dollars in debt during the "Shut Down!". It will take them multiple years of big profits to pay that debt down, especially as they add new and refurbish old ships to their fleets. As a stockholder in two cruise lines, I want that debt brought under control even if it means I may have to pay more in order for that to happen.

Raising prices is one thing — and a thing that is not the issue here. Gutting the product is the issue. So far post covid demand has been strong. But I read somewhere above that future demand is softening. As they continue to cut and otherwise diminish the product, I know they will continue to bleed long time, previously loyal customers. As a shareholder I would think you would be concerned with how they pay down debt while driving off longtime cruisers. 

On 2/21/2024 at 5:44 AM, Engineroom Snipe said:

 

. . .  I have toned down my expectations about food onboard. As a long time cruiser, you have many memories to compare today's reality of what is against what was.

 

Maybe cut back the amount of cruising on Royal and try other lines or another vacation experience.

 

That is what I am doing. . . .

 

The cruise lines made record breaking profits last year. I do not think they will miss us. New cruisers will fill the cabin.

 

 . . .Until the ships sail empty, nothing is going to change. . . 

As to other cruise lines, we have tried Norwegian once (food was actually OK but that was shortly before Covid) and Princess a couple of times. Far and away the absolutely worst food/service I have ever had on a cruise ship was on Island Princess in 2022. Just as an example, we ate in the Italian specialty restaurant (Sabatinis I think) and I ordered a triple sampler. The 3 dishes being sampled were almost unrecognizable.  The lasagna sample was a pile of red goop with a white disc on top that, despite having the consistency of dried leather, I think was supposed to be pasta. Pretty sure it was not cheese. Just awful. 
 

As to cruise line profits, I read that Royal’s parent company had a $1 Billion profit in the third quarter last year. That was coupled with the comment that expenses were lower. Given that fuel prices and supplies are on a more or less inflationary trend, the only way I can conceive that being possible is by cutting the quality of the product delivered.

14 hours ago, Tatka said:

. . . 

My first 3 cruises - Splendor in 2004 and Explorer in 2007/2009 - featured weaker food than during last year.

 

. . .  Celebrity, Holland, Princess had always better food, but even they were not fine dining . . . but I do not think current food on RCI is Golden Corral quality. It is in between. Maybe somewhat worse than pre-pandemic, but not Corral worse.

 

I do not think it is done on purpose, . . . There is huge competition as cruising is still evolving. I do not believe RCI would upset loyal following on purpose. 

Interesting that my first cruise on Royal was also aboard Splendour. Mine in 2007. On that cruise we had multiple bread options that aren’t around any more. The bread baskets were also kept filled. We had a midnight buffet. On the second formal night we had Baked Alaska for dessert flambéed in our presence in the MDR. The baked goods were always fresh and well prepared. We overall had more choice and better food and with decent portions. I know it wasn’t “fine dining” but it was good a plentiful. We also had a waiter and assistant waiter who only had 2 or 3 tables so could be more attentive to us.  We also had a head waiter who actually introduced himself and got to know us. Told us jokes and did magic tricks. The entire staff seemed to enjoy their jobs — they weren’t constantly begging for high ratings out of fear for their jobs.
 

That is not remotely comparable to the vastly inferior product we experienced on Odyssey last fall or Anthem last month. 
 

Again, no one has suggested that the MDR  or Windjammer should be or ever were “fine dining.” But I still maintain I would find a more enjoyable meal experience at about any buffet or casual dining restaurant shoreside such as Golden Corral, Applebees or the like.

You appear to agree that the food is worse than it used to be so maybe our disagreement is only a matter of degree. But in the last several years I have noticed a long and steep decline in the quality of the product. This goes beyond food. For example, cabin attendants now have many more rooms to take care of and can only tend to each one once a day.
 

Despite agreeing there has been a decline, you say you don’t believe it’s intentional. I cannot agree with that. I think the pattern of nickel and diming has been clear since well before the pandemic. I for one am tired of the pandemic being used as an excuse. I think the decline started in earnest about the time they started adding specialty restaurants. For me it has reached the breaking point. The worst day of cruising used to be the last day — the day we had to leave. On our last two cruises I have been eager to get the heck off of the tub.   The bean counters have taken control. For goodness sake the CEO of Royal’s parent company is an accountant with little or no operational experience. I am convinced these bean counters have persuaded themselves that cruise demand is a virtual bottomless pit that they can abuse to no end. Well not for me. I may cruise again. But unless things change, it will be a while — and then only if I am really interested in the itinerary.  I no longer have any interest in cruising just for the ship life. 

1 hour ago, Tatka said:

No, this is not getting to this point. This comparison is ridiculous. 
 

Your original post suggests people who are not happy with the current state of food service on Royal are expecting fine dining which is not possible with the amount available for included food options. For as long as I have been on these boards (15 years or so) that has been a common accusation leveled at people unhappy with the food. I maintain that is not what people are expecting.  
 

For years I was perfectly happy with included food options. Now, however, I firmly believe Royal is engaged in a calculated effort to diminish included food service to the point dining packages are the only reasonable alternative.  It amazes me that anyone who has cruised for more than a year or two can contend the quality of included food is anywhere near what it used to be.
 

If you meant something different, please explain.  

On 2/12/2024 at 11:04 AM, Tatka said:

 

 

If you are paying what you are paying and expecting fine dining like in fine dining restaurants ... hmmm ... I do not think anyone can do this.  🙂

Ridiculous. No one expects Michilen stars. But it’s getting to where I would much prefer Golden Corral to the average evening at the MDR or Windjammer.

1 hour ago, Georgeny said:

 

 . . . Reminds me of that show Undercover Boss where the guy running the company actually goes and works at one of their outlets and is shocked at what he runs actually does run.

The difference here being that the changes in question are being imposed by the bosses including Jason Liberty who was promoted to President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group after being CFO.   No matter how undercover he got, I don’t think these conditions would surprise him. 

Earlier in our cruising life, 10+ years ago,  in discussions like this there almost inevitably be a comment from someone that the food on the ships was no better than “banquet food.”  Frankly, I didn’t see that as substantial criticism. I have seen some pretty fine banquet food.
 

The last two cruises I have been on, however (Odyssey TA last fall and Anthem a week ago) couldn’t meet even that level. With all due respect to the lunch ladies (who do remarkable things with meager resources) I don’t think the food on either of those ships was any better than school cafeteria quality.

I firmly believe we are in the midst of an effort to eliminate complimentary food options. 

I note that several posts have referenced specialty restaurants as evidence of the quality of on-board food.  That seems to me to be is a tacit admission good food is no longer included in the cruise fare. 

When I walk into the Windjammer on Anthem (last week by the way) and they serve a portion of dry cake approximately an inch and a half square, frosted with a little whipped cream (which I’m not sure had any sugar in it) with 1 half of one strawberry on top and call it “strawberry shortcake” — I don’t think it is subjective — the food has gone way downhill. 

6 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

 

Are you an Android or iOS user? I have been able to log in on both an iPhone and iPad.


Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Android - Galaxy S10.  As stated above this seems to be the key. Since I cannot login at all, for me  it is simply non-funtional.

8 hours ago, LauraS said:

 

As I mentioned in the announcement, there is a small "bug" in logging in/out.  This is inherently due to the way we manage our login on our site and our forums.   If you simply "close out" the site window, you are left with the app forum structure.  Essentially, you'll have to decide whether or not you want to utilize the app in this manner.

 

 

Ok, I downloaded it again for the third [maybe 4th] time and it still will not allow me to log in at all.   Am I missing something?

8 hours ago, boblerm said:

I have asked this question before, but still not sure I am understanding, what the attraction is in using the app as opposed to the mobile site.  I am not trying to make an argument here, merely trying to understand.  It seems to me that the mobile site does everything that the app does and more.  If there are advantages that I am not aware of, I would love to know.

Thanks.

In [I believe] October 2018, cruise critic did a major overhaul of the web site.  Prior to that, I used the app extensively. My memory is it was a little easier and more convenient to go directly to the app rather than opening a browser and getting to the forums, even if you had it bookmarked.  I loved the old app.  I would probably use the new app except I can't get it to work.

Using Android version on Samsung Galaxy S10. Originally got in and was able to see the threads I was subscribed to. After a day, these disappeared and i was unable to get to any content at all. Tried deleting and reinstalling, then could not even log in, even though able to get into web version just fine [I am able to post after all]. Seems like the Apple version works but the Android version does not. 

1 hour ago, 138east said:

This is the DIY tour I suggest for Boston. . . . 

Great suggestion. Boston  has great public trans. We've had great experience with Uber in Boston. A tour like this can be easily modified to take in the specific sites you want to see.  And you won't have to waste time on or waiting for a HOHO bus.

21 hours ago, CapsChap said:

. . . I'm thinking HoHo (hop-on/hop-off) buses in Boston and Halifax. . . (along with the HMCS Sackville -- thanks for that reminder!)

I don't care for HOHO buses in general,  so take my comments with a grain of salt. The HOHO buses in Boston are a prime example of why I hate HOHO buses. They are not always timely,  and our experience is they were frequently full, so if you're with a group, you may have to wait for another bus or split up.  Additionally, a lot of the route was of minimal [if any] interest.  We had a couple of days before our cruise, so the extra time was annoying.  On a shore excursion, it could destroy the whole day. Not familiar with the HOHOs in Halifax, but know many of the attractions are an easy walk from the ship. 

As to the Sackville, it has been undergoing refit/restoration.  It should be finished and open again, but the website is unclear. There is a novel called "The Cruel Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat that relates the WWII convoy escort experiences of the skipper of a Flower Class Corvette [like Sackville]. Having read  it made my visit a lot more meaningful.

Anyway, great ports. Enjoy your cruises.

As far as shore excursions go, a lot depends on your interests.  Most of these ports have a lot of history, especially Newport, Boston, and Halifax. Bar Harbor and St John are more scenic.  I had a couple of personal interetests.  I remembered [from 6th grade - more than a few years ago] hearing that the Bay of Fundy had the greatest difference between high and low tide, so the reversing falls and dry sea beds were interesting to me. I also read a book about WWII convoy escorts, so the museum ship HMCS Sackville in Halifax was a must see for me.  In Boston, the Freedom Trail has a lot of interesting sites and is walkable.  There are also a lot of places I didn't think of myself, but was glad I went, like Cadillac mountain and the national park at Bar Harbor,  and Peggy's Cove at Halifax.   Great ports, enjoy your cruise.

On Anthem last October, I had a slice one night that was quite good.  It was thin and similar to many eat coast pizzaria slices I've had.  The next night, my slice was thicker and somewhere in the region of truly awful to inedible. Not that thick and thin distinguisues pizza quality, I've had thicker crust that was really good, this wasnt. I asked about the thin pizza I'd had the night before and was told something like: "we don't make that any more."

If you ask for a table for 2, you'll get it. Since it's your tenth, that may be the only thing you want. On the other hand, we've met some interesting people we're still in touch with by sharing.  Even when it was just the 2 of us. With MTD you dont have to do the same thing every night.

All great suggestions.  You might also consider a walking food tour in Portland. Did that once and greatly enjoyed it. In Halifax there are several Titanic sites the museum is a short walk from the ship.  Theres also a flower class corvette - the Sackville in the harbor. Interesting if you've read "The Cruel Sea."

14 hours ago, California Traveler said:

. . . what is the entertainment like? . . .

We've been on TAs,  not quite as long, but longer than normal. Entertainment is generally pretty good.  They typically rotate entertainers at Ports of call so you can expect new shows as the cruise progresses.  

Since nobody has responded, I will share my experience from Symphony, on the assumption it's similar.  There are 2 locations in the Windjammer [one on each side near the entrances - IIRC, 2 machines at each location]. One on the Royal Promenade near the Cafe Promenade or Sorrentos, can't recall which. One in the Park Cafe, in the Central Park neighborhood, and one in El Loco Fresh [the Mexican restaurant]. Surprisingly [at least to me] there was not one in the Boardwalk neighborhood [but you could get a soda in a glass at Playmakers.

Is Oasis similar?

15 hours ago, SRF said:

 . . . 

Will this company EVER get someone in charge of their website that has SOME CLUE??????????

Doubt it.  RCI seems to take great pride in its IT ineptitude -- it seems to be a core value.