The evolution of cruise "specialty" pay venues

Sorry your cruising memory can only date to (2001), in essence disqualifying you from the discussion.

Maybe you should let us all know how long you've been cruising so we all know whether we're qualified to comment on this thread or not.

For all those that think that the future will be your fare will only get you a boarding pass, and nothing else....

I say, Google "easyCruise".....that business model was tried a decade ago, and it ended in failure. It might work better now than it did then, but perhaps if modified a bit to at least include the buffet.....

To offset the doom & gloom, let's remember that while past, present & future did/do/will differ from each other, some changes are for the better. Base cost has come down, we've got rock walls, flow riders, zip lines, specialty restaurants offer us good food of specific types (e.g.: Italian, steakhouse, etc...), there are water fun offerings for young children (e.g.: Splashaway Bay on some ships, even a splash zone for those still in swim diapers on Oasis-class ships), water slides, a lot of things. There's much to celebrate.

Richard.

To offset the doom & gloom, let's remember that while past, present & future did/do/will differ from each other, some changes are for the better. Base cost has come down, we've got rock walls, flow riders, zip lines, specialty restaurants offer us good food of specific types (e.g.: Italian, steakhouse, etc...), there are water fun offerings for young children (e.g.: Splashaway Bay on some ships, even a splash zone for those still in swim diapers on Oasis-class ships), water slides, a lot of things. There's much to celebrate.

 

Richard.

Base price came down? Not in my world. Either I got all super deals in the past or you grossly over paid. That was when you were able to get great meals in the MDR, more entertainment throughout the ship, and the crew actually had time to give you service above and beyond the basics.

I've seen a number of people post claiming that if you adjust for inflation, the base price of cruising has come down over the past many years. More entertainment throughout the ship? We no longer get the midnight buffet (had that in '06), but what else do you see gone?

Richard.

How many people would book a cruise for, say, $1,015, but balk at a fare of $1,183?

Interesting, eh?

Hey Carol, I think many will balk. Many claim to call in daily for $10 price drops.

Did you see yesterday's thread?

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=55166324&highlight=We+still+have+this+option#post55166324

And the typical majority response within minutes:

"Why should someone have to pay extra so that they don't have all the problems? If that's your choice go for it, but others shouldn't have to. The food is already in the cruise fare so there shouldn't be so many problems."

I think I should shut up! The more people that realize for $100 or so the entire week they can have greater quality hot food, superior unrushed service, space between tables, flexibility in dining time, etc.... the less room there will be for you and I in specialty. We can't fit 3000 people into Chop's can we? ;)

Congrats on being the first rude responder. First off, not unhappy, secondly I am simply pointing out what it used to be versus today. It used to be top service and gourmet food in the main dining room for the price of your cruise. Today, in comparison the service and food quality in the main dining room has drastically gone down hill. In order to get something even close to what it was for free, you have to go to a higher end specialty restaurant in the $40.00+pp range. To make matters worse, even low end fast food experiences have an upcharge.....example Johnny Rockets, Sabor and room service.

And your paying much less for you cruise than you did 10 years ago in today dollars. I suggest if you want that level of service your missing, buy a dinner package and I would argue your still ahead of what you paid 10 years ago ( adjusted for inflation), have more variety in a more intimate venue. Best of all worlds.

Less face it as well , the lines are catering to new cruiser who will pay for dining packages, excursions, casino etc. if they loose the long time cruiser, who does not spend on board, so be it, they are better off.

Personally I prefer the multiple dining option and variety.

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And your paying much less for you cruise than you did 10 years ago in today dollars. I suggest if you want that level of service your missing, buy a dinner package and I would argue your still ahead of what you paid 10 years ago ( adjusted for inflation), have more variety in a more intimate venue. Best of all worlds.

 

Less face it as well , the lines are catering to new cruiser who will pay for dining packages, excursions, casino etc. if they loose the long time cruiser, who does not spend on board, so be it, they are better off.

 

Personally I prefer the multiple dining option and variety.

 

 

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Good points also, but I think there are a number of people like me willing to pay a few dollars a day more to elevate the entire product; not just adding packages. There are certain fundamentals of the core product that have changed and the race has been towards reducing costs, which reduces the experience.

Cruising appeal was a certain inclusiveness that meant outside of

• Spa
  
• Gambling
  
• Excursions
  
• Liquor
  
• Shopping
  

Pretty much everything was included. Guest areas were not segregated by status or room type or experience purchased. Dining was a high standard for all. You boarded the ship and pretty much never were faced with a hard sell or price list for activities, shows, food, etc. Am I looking for a 1200 passenger ship that would cost $3k for 2 in an interior? No. But I do think there is damage to the core product and brand when there is excessive cost reduction.

I wish I could find all these cheap cruises other people seem to get.

Looking at Independence of the seas from Southampton - balcony cabin 2 adults + 2 children . ELEVEN AND A HALF THOUSAND POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's 1/2 of a annual salary (after tax) for someone on the average pay in the UK

Is that a cheap bottom line vacation?? - not in my opinion no.

But back on topic, the pay restaurants... On my last Royal vacation, I was all set to go to Chops - until I realised that there was then a second charge to eat the "good" stuff there. In effect, people are paying 3 times for their food... I am not going to do that.

Have been cruising every year since 70’s, agree cruising is cheaper than ever, first specialty restaurant we ever saw or tried was ncl in late 80’s , went on a birthday food and service was worth every penny. Now eat most of meals in specialty, next 2 cruises we are doing suites that have dedicated suite restaurants so hoping we will eat most meals there. I know that a cruise in a suite with all specialty restaurants cost less than a trip to nyc.

Good points also, but I think there are a number of people like me willing to pay a few dollars a day more to elevate the entire product; not just adding packages. There are certain fundamentals of the core product that have changed and the race has been towards reducing costs, which reduces the experience.

 

 

 

Cruising appeal was a certain inclusiveness that meant outside of

 

• 
   
  
• Spa
   
  
• Gambling
   
  
• Excursions
   
  
• Liquor
   
  
• Shopping
   
  

Pretty much everything was included. Guest areas were not segregated by status or room type or experience purchased. Dining was a high standard for all. You boarded the ship and pretty much never were faced with a hard sell or price list for activities, shows, food, etc. Am I looking for a 1200 passenger ship that would cost $3k for 2 in an interior? No. But I do think there is damage to the core product and brand when there is excessive cost reduction.

May I suggest the real issue is not specialty restaurants but the reduction/ elimination of traditional dining where you sit with same people at same time nightly. While this may great for seasoned cruisers, I would argue this is increasingly not the product the new generation of cruisers want. New cruisers want innovated “foodie” type products with a variable options, formal, casual, experimental, chef tables. While the “country club” atmosphere is great for a couple of nights, it may not be innovated enough for the next generation of cruisers. And this next generation, as well as families, may be demanding this. And if you look at the new ships they are adding a lot of dining options some free and some with a cost. Remember the future is with new cruisers who spend, not the traditional retiree cruisers who brag how they don’t spend a dime on the ship and who’s first concern about a venue is not the food but how are the “comfortable chairs”

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Good points also, but I think there are a number of people like me willing to pay a few dollars a day more to elevate the entire product; not just adding packages. There are certain fundamentals of the core product that have changed and the race has been towards reducing costs, which reduces the experience.

 

Cruising appeal was a certain inclusiveness that meant outside of

• Spa
  
• Gambling
  
• Excursions
  
• Liquor
  
• Shopping
  

Pretty much everything was included. Guest areas were not segregated by status or room type or experience purchased. Dining was a high standard for all. You boarded the ship and pretty much never were faced with a hard sell or price list for activities, shows, food, etc. Am I looking for a 1200 passenger ship that would cost $3k for 2 in an interior? No. But I do think there is damage to the core product and brand when there is excessive cost reduction.

If you want this, why do you not move up to the luxury lines?

They include everything, and their prices, with all that is included, is not much higher than Royal for the same things.

But interestingly, if they include all that you want included, the price is similar or higher than the more ala carte method.

But the ala carte allows those who find the MDR and WJ food to be fine, to NOT pay extra for a level that they do not need. And those who do not drink, do NOT pay for alcohol. And those who do not take excursions, to not pay for them.

But there are lines that include all that.

I, for one, am really happy there are specialty restaurants on the ships. In the "olden" days, we were normally assigned to tables with strangers whether that was what we wanted or not. Then came along the MTD where we could choose to just have dinner with our family or if just my husband and I sailed, for the two of us. These tables were so close together that we could join in the conversation with those next to us. It was a feeling like being invited to a dinner party and showing up late or early where we may be on our entree while the people THISCLOSETOUS were on dessert or perhaps starters.

I also love that we can make reservations for a particular time and not have to wait in line as opposed to the MTD where, even with reservations, there are, at times, long lines. I also like that it is quiet in the specialty restaurants as opposed to the din in the dining room.

There are many who are happy with the food served in the MDR as seen in the reviews with words like amazing, wonderful, etc. used to describe the food. There are also those who feel as long as it's not necessary to cook and clean up, anything is great. I don't happen to be one of those in either category as I do enjoy cooking and quality food.

So, in your opinion, I am ruining things for others, but I don't feel that way. I don't choose to spend my vacation dollars on excursions as I have been on many Caribbean cruises. I don't use many of the amenities onboard such as the rock climbing walls, surfing, pools, hot tubs etc.

We all enjoy different things on vacations and for the reasons I've mentioned, I will continue to go to the specialty restaurants of my choice, and heaven forbid, should I decide to use room service, I will. You enjoy your vacation your way and I will do it my way,

Thanks for bringing up Sabor. In my opinion Sabor is a classic example of nothing special coming with an up charge. I have tried it twice and personally classify it as low grade dog food. In the past, Sabor food, if found at all, would have been only in the midnight buffet. Today, the cruise lines charging for these type venues are a travesty. I certainly get the steak house but Johnny Rockets, Sabor and room service or lack thereof......please.......and sadly there is no end in sight.

I have to agree with you about Johnn Rocket's and Sabor. We remember back when JR's was about $4.95 per person, which we thought was fair and would eat there once during a 7 night cruise. Then the price went over $6 and now almost $12 when you factor in the $9.95/per person price along with the 18% grats.

Sabor is a whole different story. We didn't mind it too much when it was ala carte because the two of us could eat there for less than $15 total and at the time we thought the food quality was very good. Heck, we ate there 3 or 4 times on our Harmony cruise in 2016. Then when we sailed Oasis this past May to find out the price was a flat rate of $19 per person and we quickly turned away. We could go to our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant here and eat for less than $20 total...

Quite honestly, we are very satisfied with the food quality that we get in the MDR and very rarely go to the specialty restaurants anymore. We've done them, especially Chops, and find that we would rather spend our vacation money elsewhere. But...to each there own.

I have to agree with you about Johnn Rocket's and Sabor. We remember back when JR's was about $4.95 per person, which we thought was fair and would eat there once during a 7 night cruise. Then the price went over $6 and now almost $12 when you factor in the $9.95/per person price along with the 18% grats.

I can remember when JR first added the cover charge and the reason why they added it.

Several posters on Cruise Critic claimed they were told on board that the cover charge was added for one reason, to keep the teenagers out. Seemed the teenagers adopted JR as their personal hangout. No one else could get in because the teenagers wouldn't leave. RCI added the cover charge so other people could access JR.

I, for one, am really happy there are specialty restaurants on the ships. In the "olden" days, we were normally assigned to tables with strangers whether that was what we wanted or not. Then came along the MTD where we could choose to just have dinner with our family or if just my husband and I sailed, for the two of us. These tables were so close together that we could join in the conversation with those next to us. It was a feeling like being invited to a dinner party and showing up late or early where we may be on our entree while the people THISCLOSETOUS were on dessert or perhaps starters.

 

I also love that we can make reservations for a particular time and not have to wait in line as opposed to the MTD where, even with reservations, there are, at times, long lines. I also like that it is quiet in the specialty restaurants as opposed to the din in the dining room.

 

There are many who are happy with the food served in the MDR as seen in the reviews with words like amazing, wonderful, etc. used to describe the food. There are also those who feel as long as it's not necessary to cook and clean up, anything is great. I don't happen to be one of those in either category as I do enjoy cooking and quality food.

 

So, in your opinion, I am ruining things for others, but I don't feel that way. I don't choose to spend my vacation dollars on excursions as I have been on many Caribbean cruises. I don't use many of the amenities onboard such as the rock climbing walls, surfing, pools, hot tubs etc.

 

We all enjoy different things on vacations and for the reasons I've mentioned, I will continue to go to the specialty restaurants of my choice, and heaven forbid, should I decide to use room service, I will. You enjoy your vacation your way and I will do it my way,

There are many posters on cruise critic with fond memories of the good ole days. They are nostalgic for the olden days and are sad to see those times go. They loved the large tables, building rapport with their waitstaff, wearing tuxedos on formal nights, posing for pictures, etc., etc. Changing times remind them that that the days of the youth are gone.

Typically, we avoid the MDR for the reasons you've stated. It's too crowded, too noisy, and in our opinion, vastly over rated. We much prefer Coastal KItchens and the specialty restaurants.

I can remember when JR first added the cover charge and the reason why they added it.

 

Several posters on Cruise Critic claimed they were told on board that the cover charge was added for one reason, to keep the teenagers out. Seemed the teenagers adopted JR as their personal hangout. No one else could get in because the teenagers wouldn't leave. RCI added the cover charge so other people could access JR.

That's interesting....it is a variation of what I had heard also, when they first added the cover charge as a way to control demand...in other words it was 'too popular', and they added the charge to reduce the demand to a manageable level.

Both sound like reasonable explanation's....

Hello

Here is my two cents -

I enjoy cruising and enjoy the all-inclusive resorts as well. If you go to the all-inclusive resorts you pay one price, the drinks and food are all included - no extra paying here and there for this or that.

When we cruise, we do not go to the specialty restaurants, we just go with the "free" dining area's...all good and a lot of good food. When booking a cruise we always do look for the deals that different cruise lines offer at the time - going for the "free drink packages, and free dinning at 2 restaurants, on board credit" etc....

The other thing is when I am on a cruise, I do the "graze eating all day" and I am never hungry enough to pay an extra $40 for dinner, just would not enjoy it. Not saying the food at the specialty restaurants are not good............I just need to be hungry to justify pay around $30-$40, I am a lite eater.

That's interesting....it is a variation of what I had heard also, when they first added the cover charge as a way to control demand...in other words it was 'too popular', and they added the charge to reduce the demand to a manageable level.

Both sound like reasonable explanation's....

Same as with the current charge for room service.

Here on CC many commented that they would order a couple of cookies from room service before the charge.

You are welcome.

 

But your memory is quite a bit different than mine. The MDR was good, but not that good. Never has it been high end restaurant good, especially on our first cruise in 2001.

 

Still, you make this sound like a new thing that we could have all ended. It’s not. Nor, based on the people we see there, is it that burdensome.

 

So don’t go. Or don’t sail, and save me money. I’m totally fine with the latter.

 

 

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I think your memory maybe off. Again how you feel and how someone feels is their opinion it does not make your memory better than anyone else’s. I agree the food in the MDR has drastically went down due to the increase in speciality dining. I go to both, however I agree

Totally agree. Not a pleasure to be crammed into MDR and served food barely fit to eat. I am willing and able to pay for a "Dining Experience." I am aware that not all who cruise are able to pay for Specialty restaurants. I do however agree the pricing is getting out of control.

This is happening on many lines:

MSC, Yacht Club Dining Room

Cunard, Britannia Club & Grill's Dining Rooms

NCL, Haven Dining Room

Costa, Suites Club Dining Room

Royal, Suites on Oasis Class, California Kitchen

Princess, Club Dining Room

Celebrity, Aqua & Suite Dining Room