dont pre book dining until you read this

[maggie cruises]

I am thinking of prebooking my dining for our upcoming cruise and am conflicted about doing Cagneys..which I loved last time.

 

however, with the new menu, it doesn't sound worth it. there is a thread about the new menu and the new menu is posted there.

 

NOW THIS IS IMPORTANT...if you are planning on prebooking Cagney's and you are within the online pre booking timeframe...the NCL website where you make the ressie and pay for the upcharge also allows you to view a sample menu..

 

to everyone out there and especially to newbies..they are showing the OLD menu..which was excellent imho..NOT the new menu..

 

the new menu is much different and no way near as good..imho! check out the thread about this.

 

just a head's up!

[Ilovesailing]

Personally there is no reason to prebook and pay in advance> we have never had a problem getting reservations on any of our cruises, maybe a 15 time change but thats about it.

How do you know now what you wanna eat on certain night, what about the entertainment time. Can also be a bit of a hassle to switch reservations around and also you have to watch the cancellation policy.

[maggie cruises]

Personally there is no reason to prebook and pay in advance> we have never had a problem getting reservations on any of our cruises, maybe a 15 time change but thats about it.

How do you know now what you wanna eat on certain night, what about the entertainment time. Can also be a bit of a hassle to switch reservations around and also you have to watch the cancellation policy.

 

well we are fairly stable in when we want to eat..6pm...and thus we know this will give us time for the evening shows....and we also only book for sea days so all aboard time makes no difference.

 

we do not concern ourselves with last minute decisions and won't suddenly decide that the MDR is the place we really want to be because the beef stroganoff is calling out for us...not!

 

as seasoned cruisers and travelers...we have how do you say..."been there done that"....I hate that saying btw....

 

let's just put it this way.....I like my methods

[MCAT48]

I have per booked monderno for first night and Italian for another night. Luckily I don't think the changed the menu much for those restaurants. I per booked so I had it paid for already not because I was worried about getting a table.

[maggie cruises]

Personally there is no reason to prebook and pay in advance> we have never had a problem getting reservations on any of our cruises, maybe a 15 time change but thats about it.

How do you know now what you wanna eat on certain night, what about the entertainment time. Can also be a bit of a hassle to switch reservations around and also you have to watch the cancellation policy.

 

also, and I guess you didn't realize this...the point of my thread was a head's up to newbie cruisers that NCL was purposely showing the old, better Cagney's menu at pre booking...so just a heads up for them

 

also, and this means absolutely nothing to me because the savings is miniscule, but others may be concerned about, when you book the 3 dinner package of cucina, bistro and cagneys you get an $8 per person discount. some may be hooked into doing that but won't know that cagney's menu is showing the old one...

 

that was the purpose of the post, not to question wether I am comfortable with pre planning......

[maggie cruises]

I have per booked monderno for first night and Italian for another night. Luckily I don't think the changed the menu much for those restaurants. I per booked so I had it paid for already not because I was worried about getting a table.

 

we decided on Moderno...Le Bistro and Teppanyaki....got the perfect time for us too!

 

I would not expect to get Tepp. booked on the dock as it is said to be very good..therefore, popular?. also, with the change in Cagney's menu, my thinking is that Bistro and Moderno are going to fill quickly and I guess I wanted to pre pay as well. I have a TA OBC so it will go towards tips and drinks..no problem.

 

of course, with the economy as it is...the MDR might just be filled to the brim!

[peg013]

also, and I guess you didn't realize this...the point of my thread was a head's up to newbie cruisers that NCL was purposely showing the old, better Cagney's menu at pre booking...so just a heads up for them

 

also, and this means absolutely nothing to me because the savings is miniscule, but others may be concerned about, when you book the 3 dinner package of cucina, bistro and cagneys you get an $8 per person discount. some may be hooked into doing that but won't know that cagney's menu is showing the old one...

 

that was the purpose of the post, not to question wether I am comfortable with pre planning......

 

Make sure you also warn everyone that the new menu is being rolled out beginning in April but is not effective on all ships yet. And also warn them that it is only your opinion that the "old" menu is better.

 

I would love to know where you got the information that "NCL was purposely showing the old, better Cagney's menu at pre booking." Why should NCL replace the menu that is still in use on some of it's ships? What makes you think that IT isn't waiting until the new menu is effective on all the ships before the website is changed?

[computerworks]

ditto

[rvsullivan]

Make sure you also warn everyone that the new menu is being rolled out beginning in April but is not effective on all ships yet. And also warn them that it is only your opinion that the "old" menu is better.

 

I would love to know where you got the information that "NCL was purposely showing the old, better Cagney's menu at pre booking." Why should NCL replace the menu that is still in use on some of it's ships? What makes you think that IT isn't waiting until the new menu is effective on all the ships before the website is changed?

 

 

Ahhhh, a voice of reason.

 

Thank you!!!!

[Oh away I go!]

The part of cruising I love the most is making plans, reading ideas and suggestions on CC, and then making decisions for myself...

 

I love the difference of opinion and debate, but ultimately I will make a decision based on my research --

[gcsmith]

also, and I guess you didn't realize this...the point of my thread was a head's up to newbie cruisers that NCL was purposely showing the old, better Cagney's menu at pre booking...so just a heads up for them

 

I don't believe for a second that NCL is displaying the old menu on purpose. I work in IT - with banks. Our average product starts at $50,000. We still ship old user manuals from 2011 with outdated features, incorrect screen shots etc. This sucks and I'm responsible for the department doing this. But you know what? We don't have time right now to fix it. Too many other demands.

 

The reality is that companies only have a certain amount of resources and an unlimited amount of demands. As long as you are doing good enough to keep the revenue coming in minor quality issues get pushed aside, or just aren't even noticed.

 

They will fix it when someone politely complains, it manages to filter through the customer service link to the geeks, and the geeks actually have time to tweak it.

[Love my butler]

 

I would not expect to get Tepp. booked on the dock as it is said to be very good..therefore, popular?.

 

Teppanyaki can be a difficult reservation only because so few seatings are available. We have been there, done that, and it's not that great. Once was more than enough.

[goose30]

I don't believe for a second that NCL is displaying the old menu on purpose. I work in IT - with banks. Our average product starts at $50,000. We still ship old user manuals from 2011 with outdated features, incorrect screen shots etc. This sucks and I'm responsible for the department doing this. But you know what? We don't have time right now to fix it. Too many other demands.

 

The reality is that companies only have a certain amount of resources and an unlimited amount of demands. As long as you are doing good enough to keep the revenue coming in minor quality issues get pushed aside, or just aren't even noticed.

 

They will fix it when someone politely complains, it manages to filter through the customer service link to the geeks, and the geeks actually have time to tweak it.

 

I don't want to hijack this thread and turn it into something else but you brought it up so.

 

You say your minimum product costs $50,000 and you ship with outdated manuals. This is a horror! Not only that, your statement that minor quality issues get pushed aside is a mark of a poorly run company! And you say you are responsible for the department.

 

I hope surgeons don't think like you.

 

Sorry but I had to comment.

[karoo]

I guess if people pre book, then don't like the new menu they can cancel or change their booking once they're on board. Personally I didn't like Cagneys or Teppanyaki on my last cruise Jade (Jan '13), but Le Bistro-magnifique!

 

Although I'll book Le Bistro on board once I find out what else is happening. On the Epic next cruise though. Might not be the same though without the CD-Gary Glading singing French songs! I've never had a problem booking the specialty restaurant the day or afternoon before!

 

Teppanyaki is the only one, (but you can still book onboard ) as not many people can fit around the few tables they have. :)

[insidecabin]

I don't want to hijack this thread and turn it into something else but you brought it up so.

 

You say your minimum product costs $50,000 and you ship with outdated manuals. This is a horror! Not only that, your statement that minor quality issues get pushed aside is a mark of a poorly run company! And you say you are responsible for the department.

 

I hope surgeons don't think like you.

 

Sorry but I had to comment.

 

Usualy a sign they are too busy developing new features before they have finished the old ones along with very poor QA.

[luvtheships]

Thank you op. the new menu is not worth the up charge to me. Also I am sure aware that the new menu is in force on the ship I am sailing. I was going to pre book cAgneys but when I researched and found the thread where the new menu is posted I was shocked at the downgrades we loved cagneys last time but will pass this time. And to the it professional I would not be too proud if I were you

[luvtheships]

I don't believe for a second that NCL is displaying the old menu on purpose. I work in IT - with banks. Our average product starts at $50,000. We still ship old user manuals from 2011 with outdated features, incorrect screen shots etc. This sucks and I'm responsible for the department doing this. But you know what? We don't have time right now to fix it. Too many other demands.

 

The reality is that companies only have a certain amount of resources and an unlimited amount of demands. As long as you are doing good enough to keep the revenue coming in minor quality issues get pushed aside, or just aren't even noticed.

 

They will fix it when someone politely complains, it manages to filter through the customer service link to the geeks, and the geeks actually have time to tweak it.

 

Typical

[DMLyons]

I guess if people pre book, then don't like the new menu they can cancel or change their booking once they're on board. Personally I didn't like Cagneys or Teppanyaki on my last cruise Jade (Jan '13), but Le Bistro-magnifique!

 

There are only two things I plan to pre-book (food, I mean; I've already pre-booked a couple of excursions and plan to pre-book or book the first day for some spa treatments). We've decided what we want to do the first night, so I'll be pre-booking that. And we'll be celebrating our anniversary aboard, so the day of our anniversary, the entire day is going to be full of pre-booked items (spa, dinner, afternoon snack in the room, etc.).

 

DML

[gcsmith]

I don't want to hijack this thread and turn it into something else but you brought it up so.

 

You say your minimum product costs $50,000 and you ship with outdated manuals. This is a horror! Not only that, your statement that minor quality issues get pushed aside is a mark of a poorly run company! And you say you are responsible for the department.

 

I hope surgeons don't think like you.

 

Sorry but I had to comment.

 

Yes, I live in the real world and don't apologize for that. My wife is a teacher, has to spend 30% of her time giving state mandated tests and not teaching, is not provided the teaching materials required by the state to teach their standards, and we have to fund it with our own money. Our local roads are filled with potholes. Our government is filled with idiots on both sides that can't even pass a budget. People may miss their cruise because the FAA can't put two pennies together to pay for air traffic controllers. There are homeless and hungry people in the US, one of the richest nations on Earth.

 

I don't need to go on. The point of my message was the world isn't perfect, NCL is a big organization and they will get to it. To cruise obsessed people (me included) perhaps this looks like a conspiracy. It is just normal people doing 60 hours a week but they have 80 hours of work and would like to see their family. And our customers are happy, thanks we know our faults and are upfront about them - our customers are also geeks, so perhaps we just have a culture of failure.

[jdvmd]

Thanks for the head's up. I am loving the new menu with all of the additional choices.

[emcelh]

Yes, I live in the real world and don't apologize for that. My wife is a teacher, has to spend 30% of her time giving state mandated tests and not teaching, is not provided the teaching materials required by the state to teach their standards, and we have to fund it with our own money. Our local roads are filled with potholes. Our government is filled with idiots on both sides that can't even pass a budget. People may miss their cruise because the FAA can't put two pennies together to pay for air traffic controllers. There are homeless and hungry people in the US, one of the richest nations on Earth.

 

I don't need to go on. The point of my message was the world isn't perfect, NCL is a big organization and they will get to it. To cruise obsessed people (me included) perhaps this looks like a conspiracy. It is just normal people doing 60 hours a week but they have 80 hours of work and would like to see their family. And our customers are happy, thanks we know our faults and are upfront about them - our customers are also geeks, so perhaps we just have a culture of failure.

 

No need to apologize. You're right on every point.

[auntierobin]

Maybe, just maybe NCL is waiting to see how the new menu is received and what comments they get from people who have tried it before they commit to putting it on the website.

[Crusin6]

Make sure you also warn everyone that the new menu is being rolled out beginning in April but is not effective on all ships yet. And also warn them that it is only your opinion that the "old" menu is better.

 

I would love to know where you got the information that "NCL was purposely showing the old, better Cagney's menu at pre booking." Why should NCL replace the menu that is still in use on some of it's ships? What makes you think that IT isn't waiting until the new menu is effective on all the ships before the website is changed?

well, if I am in the pre booking stage of the Gem and I went to the dining link to pre book because I want a certain restaurant on a certain day and time..as in..Cagney's at 7pm on sea day 2....and I clicked on the sample menu...I would hope that is was a sample menu of what is in place on the Gem and not the old, better IMHO menu that no longer exists.

 

if it is not, then I call it bait and switch...and regardless of the overworked IT specialists, it needs to be updated.

 

they are trying to get pax to pre book and pre pay and enticing them to do so with an $8 discount deal..some free wine..and the guarantee of a reservation.

 

only problem here is that the pax thinks they are going to be able to order such items as lobster bisque, porterhouse steak (i think) crab cakes, prime rib and some other items that have been already taken off the menu.

 

NCL is knowingly not disclosing that fact by using the old menu...so bait and switch.

 

all the 80 hour a week IT people need to do is go to the link and post a few simple words..

 

such as.."this menu hase been adjusted and some changes have been made, in order to enhance (lol) your cruise dining experience, if you would like to know what is currently being offerred, please call NCL at...."

 

IT professional presses enter and viola it is up and running....:rolleyes:

[valleyvillage]

Ummm....I just went to "What's on Board" clicked Cagney's and then "sample" menu (note that it says sample, folks) and guess what? Well, see for yourself!

Conspiracy theorists will be delighted to notice, however, that the ad copy for Cagney's says "And don’t forget to order our made-from-scratch jumbo crab cakes and a side of our famous truffle fries." and, hold on to your hats, Crab cakes are no longer on the MENU! :eek:

[Crusin6]

Ummm....I just went to "What's on Board" clicked Cagney's and then "sample" menu (note that it says sample, folks) and guess what? Well, see for yourself!

Conspiracy theorists will be delighted to notice, however, that the ad copy for Cagney's says "And don’t forget to order our made-from-scratch jumbo crab cakes and a side of our famous truffle fries." and, hold on to your hats, Crab cakes are no longer on the MENU! :eek:

maybe this thread had something to do with them updating it. Yesterday, when I went in to pre book Cagneys on the Gem the sample menu was the old one.

 

I am going to go check right now and will report back!

 

edit: ok, I just went to my NCL and looked at the sample menu and it is the old menu! It also said that they were unable to process my reservation request at this time.

 

Could it be that NCL has read this thread? LOL

 

could it be the IT professionals are updating it?

 

also, to the above quoted poster, we are talking about the actual pre booking site, not just the perusal site of what NCL has to offer...yes, you have uploaded the new menu and what is on the NCL pre booking dining is the old menu, as of this moment that is.

 

Bait and switch is not to be confused with conspiracy theory.

 

I still feel it is unprofessional of NCL to not acknowledge that what is on their pre booking website as a sample menu is not the current menu as the current menu is a whole lot different than the old menu..and $5 more expensive.