The Rules of the MDR

[cruisinquestions]

I'm amused that people seem to find these rules odd or offensive. It's pretty much how I was raised to behave at the dinner table.

 

As were many of us and in turn are trying to teach our children. I imagine he would call the server out if they poured coffee from the incorrect side of the individual being poured for. (I do wonder if he knows all the points of fine dining or only his personal lessons from upbringing)

 

There are a few in there, that as a hospitality professional I can tell you is why so many people sour to the idea of servitude - some CUSTOMERS make it impossible to do our work cheerfully.

[cruise pup]

I removed my remark. Someone already posted the same thing.

[Alrana Eris]

I don't drink wine so having a wine package or sharing wine is a non- issue with me. To me most of those rules make perfect sense. I don't a problem with any of them.

[cruisinquestions]

21 rules and then you say, "don't try to nit pick.":rolleyes:

 

Just a feeling of course........... but I wonder if this thread is panning out the way OP was expecting :cool:

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

I glanced briefly at the OP and I took it as sarcasm, making fun of people needing so many rules, but perhaps that's because I'm a very sarcastic person so I naturally assume EVERYTHNG is sarcasm, maybe I'm wrong??:confused::D

 

Anyway, I think most of us go on vacation to avoid rules, not produce them. I live in a world of rules every day, my job, my kids' schools, social events, whatever, the last thing I am doing on my vacation is seeking out more rules.:eek:

 

I think one rule on vacation is enough: Act like you have some sense and have a fabulous time.:)

 

Enough said I think.

[BeachChik]

As long as people are courteous to those around them, I don't think having your napkin in your lap or pointing your fork in a specific direction is going to matter to the servers. Nor do I think doing these things means you have great manners. Saying please and thank you and talking to people with respect are the important things. Not worring that my fork is stacked properly.

[VickieAnn]

I'm amused that people seem to find these rules odd or offensive. It's pretty much how I was raised to behave at the dinner table.

I agree with you. I have no point of view on the wine sharing though I do know if we were enjoying the company of our fellow table mates I would offer them a glass. But bottom line all that is mentioned here is good manners. But as I said in another thread it is a me me world and you can't expect manners out of some folks no matter where they are. I hear it from our 24 yo all the time, that things just aren't done that way any more, and no one cares, he is very wrong. :eek:

[BillOh]

Always, ask, "Are you finished with that?" before reaching onto a stranger's plate.

 

Before slapping the beetle off of the lady next to you, make sure its not jewelry.

 

And finally, cleavage is ornamental, its made to be stared at.

[SewMuch]

If RCCL could have these rules then here we go ala Ms. Manners:

 

 

.

 

So the OP wants RCCL to enforce these rules? They don't enforce the rules they already have (chairs hogs, for example) so good luck with that!

And I wonder who would rank higher, the fashion police or the etiquette police? And what would the penalty be? No dessert?

[BeachChik]

I agree with you. I have no point of view on the wine sharing though I do know if we were enjoying the company of our fellow table mates I would offer them a glass. But bottom line all that is mentioned here is good manners. But as I said in another thread it is a me me world and you can't expect manners out of some folks no matter where they are. I hear it from our 24 yo all the time, that things just aren't done that way any more, and no one cares, he is very wrong. :eek:

 

Read my post above. Not everyone that cruises is from the US. Some cultures believe that showing the bottom of your feet is disrespectful or shaking hands with only one hand because they consider the other hand dirty (can't remember if its right or left).

 

Point being that not everyone follows the same rules when it comes to what is polite and what isn't. Just because they don't do things they way you want doesn't make them rude.

 

Every generation likes to say the one after it is rude and disrespectful. Its the old "back in my day ...".

[SpeedGeek]

And finally, cleavage is ornamental, its made to be stared at.

 

I like the way you think good sir! :D

[blueblock]

What I find offensive is that someone makes up rules to suit them. Cruising caters to people from all over the world. Everyone isn't going to act and behave the way you feel they should and to expect them to is ridiculous. What you consider bad manners may be the custom where someone else is from.

 

And I will say again, it is considered the ultimate rudeness to point out someone else's lack of manners. So if someone doesn't like what another person is doing I suggest they just ignore them. And if its something really offensive notify the staff and they will deal with it as appropriate.

 

Don't get me wrong - I would never tell other people, particularly strangers, how they should and shouldn't behave in the dining room, nor would I report them for anything unless they were presenting some sort of danger of bodily harm to themselves or others. I was simply amused - not criticizing, just amused - that some people reacted to the OP's rules as if they represented some outrageously formal pattern of behavior, which contrasted with my experience of how I was raised. Maybe that makes me odd!

[bigque]

I think one rule on vacation is enough: Act like you have some sense and have a fabulous time.:)

 

Enough said I think.

 

HERE HERE! :cool: I see you are from L.A. I grew up in L.A. I like the way you think!

[r6girl]

I think one rule on vacation is enough: Act like you have some sense and have a fabulous time.:)

 

Enough said I think.

 

I'll drink to that!

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

HERE HERE! :cool: I see you are from L.A. I grew up in L.A. I like the way you think!

 

:D LA minds think alike!;)

[cruiseguy1016]

 

And finally, cleavage is ornamental, its made to be stared at.

 

My thoughts exactly. If you don't want people to stare at it, don't show it!

[CaroleSS]

HERE HERE! :cool: I see you are from L.A. I grew up in L.A. I like the way you think!

 

Well dang! I grew up in L.A. too......but my LA stood for Lower Alabama....and even WE knew we should keep our elbows off the table (cuz we weren't raised in no barn!!)

[cruisinp]

I'm amused that people seem to find these rules odd or offensive. It's pretty much how I was raised to behave at the dinner table.

 

I was raised this way also. Common courtesy is all that I am looking for when I dine with others. And, really, the OP simply broke down how to have common courtesy. If you are of the mind that you should "mind your own business" then you belong at a table for 2 OR seated with those you cruise with and not with strangers.

 

Just my 2 cents! Happy Cruising to All!

[ksuds]

How could your forget this important rule.........

Don't share your dinner with your comfort dog while sitting at the dinner table. :eek:

[Familygoboston]

Always, ask, "Are you finished with that?" before reaching onto a stranger's plate.

 

Before slapping the beetle off of the lady next to you, make sure its not jewelry.

 

And finally, cleavage is ornamental, its made to be stared at.

 

Thanks Bill, I needed a good belly laugh today!;):D:p Now I'm definately getting a two top, so I don't starve, get smacked or ogled!:eek:

[cruisinp]

 

I think one rule on vacation is enough: Act like you have some sense and have a fabulous time.:)

Enough said I think.

 

Sense and common courtesy are all that should be needed.

[Zach1213]

As long as people are courteous to those around them, I don't think having your napkin in your lap or pointing your fork in a specific direction is going to matter to the servers. Nor do I think doing these things means you have great manners. Saying please and thank you and talking to people with respect are the important things. Not worring that my fork is stacked properly.

The whole "point your silverware in a certain direction" thing was perhaps my favorite. Maybe it's just me, but the MDR is not a fine dining restaurant. It may pretend to be such, but if you want a true, high-class dining experience where little things like that should be noted and followed, either (a) go with a fancier cruise line, or (b) stay on land and choose your restaurants based on such desires.

[BillOh]

Thanks Bill, I needed a good belly laugh today!;):D:p Now I'm definately getting a two top, so I don't starve, get smacked or ogled!:eek:

 

I actually did see a woman on formal night ,though it wasn't in the dining room, wearing a pin made from some exotic African beetle. It was one of those big black ones with giant pincer jaws.

 

 

Plus there is the rule, Dinner is officially concluded when the eldest guest blows their nose at the table. Been there, seen that.

[TahoeBob]

I have been reading about people's horror stories about dining in the Main Dining Room or those who enjoyed meeting others. If RCCL could have these rules then here we go ala Ms. Manners:

 

1. All parties shall arrive on time in a presentable fashion. If its formal night dress accordingly.

 

2. If you are late or cannot make your assigned dining time kindly call or preferably go down in person and speak to the Maitre D.

 

3. If your child becomes antsy or starts crying or throws a fit kindly excuse yourself and take your child and you outside of the dining room to a quiet place.

 

4. When people are introduced kindly respond with your name. Please don't stare at your dining mates even if English is not your first language try to communicate in other ways.

 

5. Don't assume everyone speaks your language. Try to learn some phrases in other languages depending on where the cruise departs from. You may not be perfect but you will get a fun language lesson.

 

6. Look at the menu and be prepared with your order when the waiter or waitress comes. If you want more of one item say so. Please don't over order.

 

7. If you want a table for two please email the Dining Department before your cruise or go to the Maitre D.

 

8. If for some reason you are not comfortable with your table assignment please let the Maitre D know in a respectful manner. Don't bash them for not being able to get your table request the first time around.

 

9. If you must leave early for one reason or another let your waiter or waitress know to see if he or she can speed up the dining time.

 

10. If you are not willing to spend the time dining or don't want to participate in the formal dining nights please go to the Windjammer or other dining venues.

 

11.If an item does not taste good don't complain. Kindly say to the waiter or waitress that this item was not what you expected it to be and see if you can get a replacement. Don't nit pick or pick around your food looking for ways to make it taste better.

 

12. If you ordered the wine package kindly offer to see if anyone wants a glass or two if you know you can't finish the bottle. A lot of times they will reciprocate.

 

13. Don't ask personal questions of your table mates. General conversation topics are good. Remind kids to act their best and if they start to get wild remove them promptly.

 

14. When you are finished place your silverware with the handle facing out and put them together to signal you are done.

 

15. Always have your napkin in your lap and please no elbows on the table.

 

16. When you are done wait until others are generally done eating or ask in a pleasant way if you can excuse yourself so as not to keep the others eating alone especially if there is a single cruiser.

 

17. Always greet the dining room staff and smile at the end of the evening thank them. Compliment them on what items you liked and tell them about improvements they can make.

 

18. If you know you want more of a drink as the waiter or waitress to bring either a pitcher or two iced teas or a carafe of coffee so as not to make them run back and forth all the time.

 

19. Wait until others are served or if you see at least two to three people starting to eat you can begin or you could say Do you mind if I can start with my soup? I'm sure your dining mates will understand and appreciate you asking them if you can start so as not to make them watch you eat.

 

20, Please do not snap your fingers to get the attention of the dining room staff. Kindly say excuse me Sir or excuse me Madam could you please bring me at your next earliest opportunity? And don't forget to sincerely thank them.

 

21. Enjoy and be happy and don't try to nit pick every little thing that goes wrong.

I really don't find anything wrong with many of the rules, But what I do have a problem with is someone who posts rules and then says everyone should follow said rules.

[ryano]

The whole "point your silverware in a certain direction" thing was perhaps my favorite. Maybe it's just me, but the MDR is not a fine dining restaurant. It may pretend to be such, but if you want a true, high-class dining experience where little things like that should be noted and followed, either (a) go with a fancier cruise line, or (b) stay on land and choose your restaurants based on such desires.

 

Ha! We actually agree on something for a change!