Txcotn

Well we aren't you. So you do you and we'll do us. We paid for a 6-star experience, not a "work in progress". We might consider Symphony again but never Serenity and maybe even never Crystal.

VERY difficult to complain when you are a group of 6. NO ONE wants to stand out as THE ONE.

Not impressed with A&K which is supposed to be so "swish".

I wholeheartedly agree with ggo85. We were on Serenity for 2 b-to-b in late November, there were 400 pax. Assuming that 100 were either at the temporary Churrascaria, Umi Uma, or Osteria, Waterside needed to feed 300. Waterside was minimally occupied when we arrived, yet some nights we waited up to 40 minutes between appetizers and main course. We were a party of 6, arriving at 6:45 for dinner and always seated as close to the serving station as physically possible, so it was always noisy with the clattering of plates, as well as people coming and going. None of us wanted to take on the Maitre d' and complain, that would have embarrassed the others. There were many quieter tables but we weren't seated there. Service was rushed and not exactly elegant, I attributed this to grossly undertrained waiters who were merely food deliverers who even began clearing the table while we were still eating - bye bye butter plates, no more bread for you or a place to put that hated butter wrapper or that incongruous corn on the cob. No chance for extra butter for you baked potato either. We never saw a veggie offering like we used to, if you didn't think of ordering it in the beginning, your tough luck. One guest ordered some lovely asparagus one night, he was served and the dish was put in the middle of the table and not offered around. Big waste as no one could reach it to even serve themselves. We missed the tableside Caesar and the special desserts. Nary a truffle appeared on formal night. We were rushed every night but still it was 9 o'clock before we were finished. In 30 years I've never ground my own pepper, not this time, and it's in the middle of the table so no one could reach it. Not a crime but definitely evidence of lack of training. Thomas Mazloum is no longer there but we did have one of the more experienced HDs who could have taken a day to train these newer waitstaff. In addition to not enough staff, the show times cause a problem, it really is impossible to have a leisurely meal. If show would be at 10, one might have time for an after dinner coffee. As for the food, it was the same as always, not better, just the same, and the menus did not reflect much in the way of new dishes, they were the same ones we have seen for years. For at least 20 years they have Dover Sole and Prime Rib on the same night. Tough choice! Some new and inventive dishes would be welcome!

We feel the layout of Symphony is preferable. Serenity has Stardust but it doesn't hold a candle to Starlight. And everything seems far away from everything else on Serenity. And it's the crew too.

I agree 100%. I've been doing the same comparing. We were less than impressed with most of the menus, they really seemed like the same old same from 20 years ago. I am still puzzled by the out of season little piece of corn on the cob that is paired with the beautiful prime rib. All the Executive Chefs over all the years haven't changed it, I would much prefer a nice serving of something green over that corn that sits in the juice, making it a messy project no matter if you want it or not. I missed the tableside prepared dishes and the roaming offering of veggies too. Not that any of it was bad, it was rich, but some new creations would be welcome.

Rob is correct. For some reason I thought you were on Symphony, which carries lifeboats on deck 8. Serenity carries them on deck 6, blocking no one.

My pleasure. Don't be too disappointed, you'll have a wonderful if not "windowful" cruise.

I believe the view is limited at the top of the window by the bottom of a lifeboat.

I hate that new blue. Hubert said it was a mistake on the cocktail napkins. Either it's another mistake or one more change for the sake of change.

YES! Very frustrating and can't remove the pump either to pour!

One shouldn't have to search CC to find this information, it should be available in the suites.

Interesting the disconnect between the home office and the ship - we requested a mirror and were told no, citing safety reasons. This was just one of many pieces of incorrect information which caused unnecessary additional spending on items that were actually available plus the aggravation of the wrong answers.

Looks like you and Kerry are having a grand time in Cape Town, one of our favorite ports! I like the beard! Have a wonderful cruise 😎

We had the same TV issue when we were on Nov 9-27!!!

Lovely picture! Enjoy your cruise. The trees used to be much nicer.

'Twas always thus, same in real estate, payment at closing, and any other commission based business. Yes, it sucks, but that's the way it is. It was be far worse for the TA to be paid at booking, then have to cough it up later in a cancellation. IMO

What a terrible way to treat a good customer! Really makes one not want to book too far ahead. There really is no excuse for this kind of treatment.

Right. I had it there most days.

I found it at the Grill, hope I can fin it there in the future.

I did not suggest it was part of the beefbar concept.And nice of you to suggest I try another cruise line. After 30 years that idea had never occurred to me. It's only one small complaint. Jeesh.

I know that, I was onboard the last 3 weeks.

Why would they eliminate Chinois Chicken salad? It's my favorite lunch. I got it at the Grill last cruise, why not leave it there?

They do gush, don't they?

See posts 10, 11, 23 for some recent experience. By recent, I mean in the last 3 weeks.