Be Happy!!

[golfadj]

[quote name='TwinPrincessMermaids']Your personal business is none of my business and I do not need that kind of odd explanation. Of course, you can love whatever cruise line you want. However, that sad instance makes me want EVEN MORE for you or that person than just a mediocre meal prepared for them and a room tidied up... You are so very, very mistaken when you say I am judging the person..I am judging the VACATION. And they deserve a lot better than 'someone making up the room and cooking for them.' Yours is a case in point right there.

People make excuses for CCL. Mainly these: "I'm not cleaning or cooking, so its gotta be great right?" Well yes as long as you get the food you asked for etc. "You have to have realistic expectations." Basically that means they admit they have to lower their expectations..

Maybe the poster just really loves CCL! Well, that's alright then! But just saying that its meals and laundry when a vacation can be really memorable and wow you, well that's why I said that is a low standard for judging a vacation. And I still think it is. Especially for those like you that clearly deserve more.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Like. There is a thing to be said for quality and maintaining standards.

[cruizinisthebest]

[quote name='TwinPrincessMermaids']Huh. People are agreeing with me?! Its a strange morning... Or maybe I'm finally not the only one speaking up and have actually BEEN on a few cruise lines to compare... But I sure do miss CCL of the 2000s... Now that was a quality vacation. Lately with CCL, the more I've paid (Dream being the most) the more disappointed Ive been... I'll take the old Holiday any day!

To the person about the buffet, a lot of that is being served BY CMs now. However, I'm more a frequent goer of the Omelet station and believe me, if you have food sensitivities, you cannot easily eat off the buffet. Not sure what's in the eggs (maybe milk or something) but holy canolli! Not happening... I think I can get away with the salad bar (cuz most people can't really just grab that), a hard boiled egg if I can't get an omelet, and maybe a piece of fruit.

[B]Family style serving is just odd! And BTW, your now comparing what used to be a nice dining experience to the BUFFET... So I kinda think that says it all right there.[/B] I'm all about updating menus and trying to make cruising for the modern person but I would not expect to serve myself out of a family bowl at any restaurant I pay for, and I'm still paying on CCL for that restaurant. I just hope they are helpful to people like me... No pasta, no bread, no mystery ingredients... I got so sick on the Dream, I cut back to fruit and fish the rest of the trip. But its fine because I'll have many many choices on my next cruise in three different included MDRs and GF and dairy free menu options. And thanks to my rewards ($600 so far!) That's half my cruise so I think I'll be cruising around CCLs rates anyway...

So that's why I say make your vacation work for YOU and don't accept a lower standard if you don't want to. If you don't like their business plan (I HATE all the games and activities right next to the smokey casino while lounges are empty during the day... Its desperate to get people to be tempted out of losing money etc) and you can have a GREAT vacation. And then maybe CCL will return to their real Glory days when the ships were fun and service abundant...




Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

It's not odd to me, because I've been to many restaurants in certain parts of the east - particularly areas of PA - where they serve meals like this. So when I saw that part of the menu change on certain nights, I didn't even blink. But I'm not comparing the buffet to the dining experience other than the ick, yuk, gross factor. And my point is, if you are not grossed out by eating at a buffet, then having food served family style shouldn't bother you either. I prefer a sit down meal even though I will chow down on the buffet just like anyone else. But I'm always leery of them and almost totally turned off by the frozen yogurt station. lol. Someone is always letting the thing overflow or dropping cones and then just walking away - just ugh. And it's not always kids. I like the frozen yogurt but the way it's served is a total turn off. If I had to look at that during a sit down meal, I probably would never go. To each his or her own. Like you, I'm o.k. with trying the new menus out. Unlike you, I don't mind the family style serving.

[Blk_Amish]

[quote name='cruizinisthebest']It's not odd to me, because I've been to many restaurants in certain parts of the east - particularly areas of PA - where they serve meals like this. So when I saw that part of the menu change on certain nights, I didn't even blink. But I'm not comparing the buffet to the dining experience other than the ick, yuk, gross factor. And my point is, if you are not grossed out by eating at a buffet, then having food served family style shouldn't bother you either. I prefer a sit down meal even though I will chow down on the buffet just like anyone else. But I'm always leery of them and almost totally turned off by the frozen yogurt station. lol. Someone is always letting the thing overflow or dropping cones and then just walking away - just ugh. And it's not always kids. I like the frozen yogurt but the way it's served is a total turn off. If I had to look at that during a sit down meal, I probably would never go. To each his or her own. Like you, I'm o.k. with trying the new menus out. Unlike you, I don't mind the family style serving.[/QUOTE]

Whenever I read some posts I ask myself 3 questions. Where has the posters been, how much did they pay, and can they cook. Being from the east coast , used to family style dining, and really don't mind buffet, I thought the gross comment was over the top. Whether or not that style of dining is for you is different issue. If you have experienced it before then you know it's not a foreign or odd concept. With bad memory the menu is always new. I can't recall what I cooked yesterday, so if I cook it today again, I have an excuse. If you cook, how often do you change from day to day, so what the big deal. No matter what, I am going for my safe dish each night but I will always know when it's done right. When I book my next Carnival cruise I book it with a better understanding. Is it the product I bought I bought 6 years ago, NO. Am I their target market, maybe not, which is why I am on Princess next.

With the mention of PA, I am craving a Philly chessesteak:p On my next trip back east I am heading to NY, thanks to the review on here and to Philly for a Steak and Cheese! Edited January 9, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[Blk_Amish]

[quote name='Phlybice']Personally, I don't like the feedback I'm reading ANYWHERE with the new dining program.

Yes, I will have to try it myself, but to have no dessert choices on some nights besides the ones listed, the variety cut back significantly.


I mean, they don't even hand you the menu any longer. [COLOR="Red"][B]They are just there on the table.[/B][/COLOR]

They did NOT have the customer in mind when they made this change, and I don't HAVE to like it. Being they are rolling it out slowly, it doesn't appear they have much faith in it either.

Now, about those tablecloths......[/QUOTE]

Ok, that's like saying they don't tell me their names. I can't remember my own kids names, honestly it wont matter if they tell me theirs. I am holding ground on the tableclothes:D

[WetToes]

I don't care if they don't 'hand' me the menu. Maybe that'll be one less set of germs I'll come in contact with. Oh lord.

[Lace]

I don't care if they don't 'hand' me the menu. Maybe that'll be one less set of germs I'll come in contact with. Oh lord.

 

The same germs would be present. You don't both have to be touching the menu to transfer them.

 

They would be in the family style dishes as well, especially not knowing the ablutions of your table mates.

[Webb of Joy]

Bravo:):)

 

Maybe John will give you and keel haul a table for two on your next cruise.lol

[Pine Bluff]

Maybe John will give you and keel haul a table for two on your next cruise.lol

 

How embaRasing. He's been reduced to doing table assignments know? What do the Maitre d^hotel do now?

[Isasprings]

I totally agree. If cruising on Carnival is such a bad decision that why do I keep booking on them. Because everything now days have change. If it was so bad I would not asked friends last year to go with us and would not have other friends join our group this year on our Feb 1st Liberty cruise. I can't wait to try the new menu's.

 

Tonight my husband and I were talking about upgrading to a balcony and we both decided that we are only in our room to sleep and change. We rather keep the room we have and spend it on other things on board..

I book Carnival because the PRICES...........I have no problem booking

any cruise line that give me a GOOD price I live close to POM and PEV

Happy cruising:)

[Lace]

How embaRasing. He's been reduced to doing table assignments know? What do the Maitre d^hotel do now?

 

Don't forget master of red fruit distribution and plastic junk things, that used to be called trophies when people actually earned them.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Ok, that's like saying they don't tell me their names. I can't remember my own kids names, honestly it wont matter if they tell me theirs. I am holding ground on the tableclothes:D

 

Hi Blk!

 

My personal thing, I DON'T like them not telling me their names...

 

1) Our service was NOT GOOD, and frankly rude. On my comment survey, how can I tell CCL that "Bruce Wayne" stuck his finger in my face and flat out shushed me when I asked for service...?

2) They clearly don't care that people won't ask for them again. On our other cruise line, we write the names down, because their service is THAT GOOD and we can ask for them by name again...

 

That's why it matters to me. Its accountability. They have no interest in service and prefer to be nameless and certainly don't care about repeat service. On the other hand, you will notice sometimes a person REALLY REALLY likes their server, and they WILL refer to him by name. He/she is a person and at least for me, it is relevant. Not just a chatty chatty thing for me.

 

Peace!

[Cruising Rules]

Its my money. I decide what it goes for and I don't have to blindly accept these changes which are clearly not for our benefit...

 

absolutely agree!!

[golfadj]

How embaRasing. He's been reduced to doing table assignments know? What do the Maitre d^hotel do now?

 

People ask him to get tables for 2 and he writes to MD requesting them. He encourages people to ask for stuff like that so why feel sorry for him.

[golfadj]

Don't forget master of red fruit distribution and plastic junk things, that used to be called trophies when people actually earned them.

 

Sad that they give away SOS when they should be earned.

[SIENA6334]

Congrats on your b2b on the Breeze. Such as wonderful ship. Hope you try out the watersides and ropes course. Be sure to have lunch from the Italian place. I just placed a to go order and ate outside. Order double meat. Have fun.

 

Thank you very much. This B2B was on my bucket list and I feel very fortunate to be able to do this. Also, thanks for the heads up re the Italian restaurant - did not know you could get a to go order. May take it back to room and eat on our balcony.:o

[Pine Bluff]

People ask him to get tables for 2 and he writes to MD requesting them. He encourages people to ask for stuff like that so why feel sorry for him.

 

Interesting. Most people know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. I usually go right to the person that can perform what I need done. No need for a middle man; unless that's what makes him feel important.

[flounder315]

I sure would like to see a picture of the MDR without table clothes and the new menus...

[michelle1836]

I agree with the OP. heck, Im on a ship and there is food so I am happy. tablecloths or not

[lisajm]

You're kidding me ! They don't even hand you the menu anymore? I hadn't heard that part. That's actually rude. I'm serious about the tablecloths too. That really reduces the atmosphere of the dining room considerably, IMO.

 

Heck give them a little more time, and they'll skip the menu entirely and just post it on the wall.

 

(sigh) First World Problems.

I, for one, feel very blessed that I am able to cruise. For a reasonable price, I am fed, my bed is made, am able to explore new places, and meet new friends. I refuse to to get panties in a wad because a waiter did not hand me a menu or the fact that there are no table cloths!

[SIENA6334]

Oh brother. Most people did not start out in life well off and travelling the world. If in fact you were so bad off and now can afford to cruise, then simply saying any food and having my bed made should not be the standard you set for a great vacation and you should not be judging those who expect more than that.

What I expect is the menu they advertise on their website which is definitely NOT the menu they are now giving me on my cruise next week. THe fact that I'm not ok with the new menu does not give YOU the right to judge and make it sound like those who expect more for the hard earned money are just spoiled and haven't had hard times..[/quote

 

First of all - I was the one being judged for stating my opinions by TwinPrincessMermaids. Obviously in her first reply she didn't even realize I was replying to her post regarding me and I certainly did not "judge" anyone about their expectations nor make judgment who did and did not have hard times. I asked for no pity, just stated facts and why I am ok not having everything "perfect". By the way - I afford this cruise because I put one of my "extra" paychecks we all get every year back and do not make it part of my budget. I, by no means, am doing well!!!

[Gayle V]

On one of the Festive, formally known as Cruise Elegant nights, there is one dessert listed on the menu, but warm chocolate melting cake is available, along with a fruit bowl. You just have to ask your wait staff.

 

Btw, since you will having the new menus on your Liberty cruise, please come back and let us know how you like the dishes. Enjoy your cruise.

 

Hello Cruzen, I'll be happy to report back, but hope some other cruisers do so before then. I'll be less annoyed at the changes if I know about them ahead of time.

[Triggerman6]

Cool

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Oh brother. Most people did not start out in life well off and travelling the world. If in fact you were so bad off and now can afford to cruise, then simply saying any food and having my bed made should not be the standard you set for a great vacation and you should not be judging those who expect more than that.

What I expect is the menu they advertise on their website which is definitely NOT the menu they are now giving me on my cruise next week. THe fact that I'm not ok with the new menu does not give YOU the right to judge and make it sound like those who expect more for the hard earned money are just spoiled and haven't had hard times..[/quote

 

First of all - I was the one being judged for stating my opinions by TwinPrincessMermaids. Obviously in her first reply she didn't even realize I was replying to her post regarding me and I certainly did not "judge" anyone about their expectations nor make judgment who did and did not have hard times. I asked for no pity, just stated facts and why I am ok not having everything "perfect". By the way - I afford this cruise because I put one of my "extra" paychecks we all get every year back and do not make it part of my budget. I, by no means, am doing well!!!

 

Sorry if I didn't keep track of all the posters (in seriousness), it was on my phone and I couldn't fully tell if you were replying directly in specific or in general. You still shouldn't have to feel obligated to explain yourself, to me or anyone else, but hopefully sometime you can experience some lines in addition to CCL. I have friends (the ones I cruised with on CCL 3 yrs in a row) who have only ever cruised on CCL and they don't understand my irritation with the cruise line either. I guess they probably think I'm a snob or something. But its not like I didn't REALLY LIKE CCL, because I did. But NOW, I really don't. My parents have taken us cruising since we were 11, and I just feel like there is a level of service and expectation that cruising is supposed to supply. And hopefully if you want to, sometime, you can branch out a bit for other cruise lines and perhaps see why it is those of us who have been cruising for decades think that they (CCL) are dropping the ball, especially this year. I have a MUCH better vacation driving down to the gulf and running on my dogs on the beach and eating 2 pounds of crab legs for $9.99. The point being, there ARE a lot of vacation options out there. So settling for less IS JUST SETTLING. And believe me, you deserve more. But if you are happy, than that's great!

 

And please, people! NO ONE HERE IS BEING JUDGED AND NO ONE ON TRIAL: EXCEPT FOR CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES! And the OP opened it up by telling all of us to buck up and be happy with cut backs. Still not judging OP though. My opinions are more geared to the cruise line.

Edited January 9, 2014 by TwinPrincessMermaids

[Gayle V]

I sure would like to see a picture of the MDR without table clothes and the new menus...

 

I sure would too. If there is one posted somewhere already, I would really appreciate someone pointing it out.

[All4fun&fun4all]

I sure would too. If there is one posted somewhere already, I would really appreciate someone pointing it out.

 

I saw this youtube video showing the new menu/tables the other day.