Food - what happened?

[JohnSnowGOT]

13 years, and a major market shift from a once-in-a-lifetime experience to a mass market/grow the customer base/fill the ships every cruise strategy.

 

When we first cruised in 1986, the food was so good, we not only kept the menus, but we had them framed. Now we take a quick look at the menus and most evenings go to the wj instead.

 

ditto!:(

[alfaeric]

I would say princess....:)

 

Which is reflected in the price, somewhat. Just did a quich search for a Caribbean cruise, 7 nights, FLL departure- the cheapest Princess was about $600, whereas the cheapest RCI is just about $400.

 

It's not as if the cruise lines are that comparable, when cost in factored into the choice.

 

Of course, RCI has both cheaper and more expensive ships, so....

 

Anyway, if you want to pay more, go for it.

[Cruzn Fool]

You have to pay for specialty restaurants if you want a decent quality meal.

 

I haven't found this to be true for me. I'm not sure why it is the case for me, but so far (knock on wood) I have been very happy with the vast majority of meals I have eaten in the MDR, for all of the cruises I have been on. Dinners in the MDR are one of the things I enjoy most about cruising.

 

Yes, there are usually one or two nights per cruise when the selection is not really what I would expect, but whatever I have ordered has usually been very good for me. At least it is nothing that has ruined a cruise, probably because it has been isolated disappointment rather than constant disappointment . Maybe it's my attitude that I just figure if I didn't completely enjoy my meal one night, there would be another meal very shortly :D

[beshears]

OK,I haven't read all your replies, but we are sailing for the first time on Freedom of the Seas. If you (yes I know this is your opinion) have cruised on this ship within the past year,what did you think of their food? We're not picky, but we will definately not be eating at the places where you have to pay for it. The cruise was expensive enough.:(

[AdvGirl]

OK,I haven't read all your replies, but we are sailing for the first time on Freedom of the Seas. If you (yes I know this is your opinion) have cruised on this ship within the past year,what did you think of their food? We're not picky, but we will definately not be eating at the places where you have to pay for it. The cruise was expensive enough.:(

 

 

Ok - not trying to scare you away from any of the dining options. I just noticed how food quality has declined. - someone mentioned Applebee's - I think Applebee's is now better then MDR food - just my opinion. Think Golden Coral type food not horrible but not wonderful - I miss the wonderful. Most of the offerings from the MDR were offered in the Windjammer as well. I would consider cutting back on a few cocktails and try Portofino for $20 per person it will give you a taste of what made cruising popular good food.

 

You will not starve and will find food you like. Cruising is still a great vacation just wish food was as good as it used to be!

 

 

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[Badlands99]

So, what is it like in the Windjammer at dinner time? I've never done that, but it sounds like the only difference is the atmosphere? Is the format the same as breakfast and lunch? Serve yourself buffet style? Can you order cocktails from the table, or do you have to go over to the bar?

[Clarea]

So, what is it like in the Windjammer at dinner time? I've never done that, but it sounds like the only difference is the atmosphere? Is the format the same as breakfast and lunch? Serve yourself buffet style? Can you order cocktails from the table, or do you have to go over to the bar?

It's actually quieter than lunch, and quieter than dinner in the main dining room. A surpisingly pleasant experience. Still a buffet, but with some entrees from that night's dining room menu. There are roving bar servers.

[styles27]

It's actually quieter than lunch, and quieter than dinner in the main dining room. A surpisingly pleasant experience. Still a buffet, but with some entrees from that night's dining room menu. There are roving bar servers.

 

I agree....we've enjoyed a few dinners in the WJ and the service was quicker (if you need to get to a show or another event) and it's a little quieter than the MDR. I thought the food was very good and maybe it's my imagination but it seemed to be served hotter than the meals in the MDR.

 

 

I think the biggest difference in MDR food today vs our first cruise in 1992 is the quality of the beef being offered (I can't remember the last time we enjoyed a nice Filet in the MDR) Also I have noticed not as many "fancy" desserts and less variety overall in menu selections.

 

We don't drink many cocktails so we don't mind paying to eat at the specialty restaurants...for us it makes our cruise experience more enjoyable.

[Paulette3028]

Completely agree with the OP. 20+ yrs ago the food on cruise ships was exceptional and that's what they were "known" for.

 

I've said it before...the food we now have to pay for at Chops and all the other specialty restaurants was the food we used to receive in the MDR each night.

 

However....we're leaving on the Brilliance Feb 6th for a quick 4 day...our first cruise was in 1992...a 4 day on Carnival....I save all of my paperwork and we're only paying $29 more per person now than we paid in 1992 on Carnival.

 

So something has gotta give and unfortunately it's the quality of the food.

 

We're just happy we can eat at the specialty restaurants a few times since we really do enjoy the dining experience.

 

We've seen this drop in MDR food quality on every line we've sailed...Carnival, RCCL, NCL, Princess and HAL. But it doesn't stop us from going.:)

 

I'll report back after our cruise on Brilliance.

 

I have only cruised on Royal, and do so because we have always had a great time on the cruises. DH and I started cruising in 2004, so we can't look back 20+ years....sure we have seen changes in things on the cruise line....less wait staff in the MDR, fewer cabin stewards and changes in dining choices.

 

At least you have mentioned that dining room food has also changed on the other cruise lines that you have been on such as Carnival, NCL, Princess and HAL.

 

I have often said, that no matter what cabin level you stay in -- the food is the same, unless of course you go to the specialty restaurants (and everyone has that option). Just like with entertainment, it is the same available to all.

 

We have never had a bad meal in the MDR on the ships we have sailed (14 RCCL cruises to date), and for the first time on Allure in June, may try a specialty restaurant, Izumi for their Japanese cuisine.

 

Like everything else in society from 2004 to now, businesses and people make changes. I would like to be able to feed my family on the same budget I did back in 2004, but can't or to do it, must change the menu.

 

If the prices of cruises (from your own example) have gone up so little in the 20+ years, something had to change, somewhere, somehow.

[Tucker in Texas]

So, what is it like in the Windjammer at dinner time? I've never done that, but it sounds like the only difference is the atmosphere? Is the format the same as breakfast and lunch? Serve yourself buffet style? Can you order cocktails from the table, or do you have to go over to the bar?

 

Have to agree that the quality of food in the MDR has declined over the years. But then, as another poster pointed out, the price of cruises has not adjusted for inflation like everything else has.

 

I went to the WJ a few years ago kicking and screaming. I always said if I wanted to eat at Luby's, (local cafetaria), I can do that at home. But we had a conflict with our dining time so I went. I found it wasn't that bad and, since, we eat up there several times for dinner. I'll check the menu out in the MDR and make our choices. I've been on Royal enough that I know what's good and what isn't.

 

On the positive side, I'm not eating as much so I haven't been getting the 5 pound gain each cruise between the downgrading in the food and taking the steps. It's not like I've ever gone hungry, just fewer tempting choices.

 

What I don't like, though, is the latest cost cutting measure. The Red Velvet Cake in Chops was to die for and something I looked forward to every cruise. It was made off site by a bakery in Florida. They have stopped buying it off site and make it in house. From what I've heard, the off-site provider did not share their recipe and it is not nearly as good.

 

Tucker in Texas

[Kennedysa]

I think all the dessert/pastry chefs on RCI need a good old southern baking course. ;)

 

Amen!

[styles27]

I have only cruised on Royal, and do so because we have always had a great time on the cruises. DH and I started cruising in 2004, so we can't look back 20+ years....sure we have seen changes in things on the cruise line....less wait staff in the MDR, fewer cabin stewards and changes in dining choices.

 

At least you have mentioned that dining room food has also changed on the other cruise lines that you have been on such as Carnival, NCL, Princess and HAL.

 

I have often said, that no matter what cabin level you stay in -- the food is the same, unless of course you go to the specialty restaurants (and everyone has that option). Just like with entertainment, it is the same available to all.

 

We have never had a bad meal in the MDR on the ships we have sailed (14 RCCL cruises to date), and for the first time on Allure in June, may try a specialty restaurant, Izumi for their Japanese cuisine.

 

Like everything else in society from 2004 to now, businesses and people make changes. I would like to be able to feed my family on the same budget I did back in 2004, but can't or to do it, must change the menu.

 

If the prices of cruises (from your own example) have gone up so little in the 20+ years, something had to change, somewhere, somehow.

 

 

Exactly Paulette. We've never sent back any of our dinners because they were inedible...it's just that they're not quite as good as they used to be as far as meat quality and even preparation are concerned.

 

I too would love to feed my family with the same budget we used in 1992 but we all know that it's impossible.

 

I think the cruise lines have all done a very good job keeping the cost of cruising affordable for us and all of them are now giving us the option to dine at these specialty restaurants which is a great compromise.

 

We figure the money we spend at the specialty restaurants is sort of like a "price increase" in the cruise fare that we'd expect to pay after all these years anyway.

 

Everything else is still up to par...we always have wonderful service...the ships are beautiful...the entertainment is alway entertaining and the beautiful ports are all (or mostly all) pretty spectacular.

 

I still think cruising is a great value. :)

[Luvstocruise2]

I have found this an interesting topic, as we had sailed last in Feb 2012 but On Disney. I will be interested to compare Royal's food to what we had on that cruise. I had cruise in '95 on NCL with not very memorable food, so I don't expect 3 star Michelin quality anyway. In defence to the cruise lines, all the things that make up a cuise, food in one thing I want to be reasonably good, but I know if I want the best, I would have to pay probably a lot more.

 

Here is the breakdown posted from:

 

http://www.cruisemarketwatch.com/home/financial-breakdown-of-typical-cruiser/

 

<<<

Financial Breakdown of Typical Cruiser

Ever wonder where the money goes? Here is a break down of the estimated 2013 average cruise revenue and expense per passenger for all cruise lines world wide. The average per passenger per day is projected to be $200.85, with $152.39 ticket price and $48.47 on board spending (average cruise duration 8.5 days, median duration 7.0 days).

 

A financial breakdown of typical cruiser (worldwide, across all cruise lines)

Revenue Expenses

Ticket $1,311

Onboard Spending $417

-Casino & Bar $222

-Shore excursions (cruise line portion) $81

-Spa $40

-All other onboard spending $61

Total spending $1,728

Other operating costs $251 14.5%

Agent commission $225 13.0%

Ship fuel costs $221 12.8%

Corporate Operating Costs $200 11.6%

Payroll $190 11.0%

Depreciation/Amortization $166 9.6%

Victualing (food) $104 6.0%

Onboard and other $76 4.4%

Other and transportation $57 3.3%

Interest Expense $54 3.1%

Total Expenses $1,543

Profit before taxes $185 10.7%

Sources: Cruise Market Watch’s proprietary Cruise Pulse™ and Port Pulse™ databases, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Carnival Corporation and plc, NCL Corporation Ltd., Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and DVB Bank.>>>

 

Interesting Insight, food is not anywhere near the cruise lines biggest expense. If enough people complain about food quality, they can alway raise prices across the board, or the trend might be more specialty restaurants.

 

Bottom line for me, I don't mind average good food most of the time (Breakfast and Lunch) and if I want to have a treat, I'll book a specialty restaurant. On our upcoming cruise, I have Portofino 1 night, and I will try the Johnny Rockets at lunch one port day.

 

FWIW

[fishtaco]

On my second cruise, I was disappointed with food and selections in the WJ. But maybe that was because the cruise was 15 nights and when we got to the second week, I'd seen it all. Still, I think they can provide good food and you shouldn't have to go to the speciality restaurants to get it.

 

And on long cruises they do, you just need to ask!

 

On a long cruise the menus get tired but the extra side orders can get much better than the mains as the cruise progresses, this is one reason I like traditional late dinning

[cruisinmom1]

It drives me nuts already reading "food is subjective."

 

Yes, taste is subjective. Quality really isn't... Maybe you think it's fine, but it isn't near same quality food it used to be. The drop in quality is pathetic. You have to pay for specialty restaurants if you want a decent quality meal.

 

There is MDR food that tastes fine, but it is not good quality food. They've cut portions, which is totally fine, except they also significantly cut the quality of the meats and added a lot of cheap carbs and pastas.

 

I love every other aspect of Royal Caribbean and I guess I would be called a cheerleader, but it does bother me that they're cut the service and quality in the dining room to the point where we eat more than half of the nights in specialty restaurants. I'm just absolutely not going to waste 2+ hours for luke-warm food that you would find at an American food chain like Applebee's.

So true! I did enjoy the lamb chops on the LOS, but the other meals were just ok!

[Big_G]

I'm thinking it's a combination of a cruise line becoming a mass market line and exaggerated memories.

 

 

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[nbsjcruiser]

My last RCL cruise was in 2001 on the Voyager of the seas. I took my family and really enjoyed the cruise the food was good to a few dishes being amazing (grand manier soufflé and chocolate soufflé) - I still remember how much I enjoyed these two desserts. If there was anything to dislike I can not remember what it was. Fast forward to liberty of the seas - the only good food I remember on the trip was in Portofino and Chops - almost everything else was marginal to down right not appetizing - I am not a foody and am pretty forgiving and tolerant of food in general. So for me to complain means the food was really sub standard. Even Miso soup broth was very unappetizing. What happened RCL - please raise the standards - other then food I really enjoyed the cruise. Looks like if I go again I will need more nights in the up charge reasturants.

 

To me breakfast in the buffet's has really gone down hill. If I go to the buffet I typically get eggs to order as an omlet because the scrambled eggs are usually not very good. Add to that, cold bread under the warming lights labelled as "toast" and I usually shrug my shoulders and eat. But more and more I head to the MDR for breakfast. Being served and getting made to order food that is hot is much better.

[xpcdoojk]

The food was better than it is now………….my last cruise the food and staff were much better in the Windjammer than the MDR…………………...

 

Ok, I was reading this thread with a deja vu point of view, then this post popped up. Really!!!!. On the last cruise we were on the Oasis. The food overall was better than I remember for sometime. But the worst food I had was in the windjammer and the solarium bistro.. . It is hard for to imagine how anyone could think the food was better in the windjammer than the MDR. We ate non formal nights in the MDR and I thought the food to be really really good. Giovanni's and Chops were as to be expected really good, but the MDR was rock solid. The windjammer was a bad buffet at the best. We ate a lot of lunches in the solarium bistro, and it is no wonder America is overweight, if that is healthy food then everyone is going to eat at Johnny Rockets. I don't want to live to be 100 if I have to eat that crap. I have a health fitness freak for a wife. I do the cooking and try to make things that are healthy and edible. Most of the SB was not.

 

jc

[AdvGirl]

I wonder if size affects quality. My first cruise was on the first crown princess back in mid 80s, then voyager of seas. I know the liberty is not that much bigger but I know it holds more passengers. Volume is not always a good thing. But darn I do love the big boats - Allure or Oasis are on my hit list for sure. From what others have said they all suffer from mass market food quality. Heard good things about celebrity maybe they are worth a try just want a good size ship like the variety.

 

 

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[AdvGirl]

Ok, I was reading this thread with a deja vu point of view, then this post popped up. Really!!!!. On the last cruise we were on the Oasis. The food overall was better than I remember for sometime. But the worst food I had was in the windjammer and the solarium bistro.. . It is hard for to imagine how anyone could think the food was better in the windjammer than the MDR. We ate non formal nights in the MDR and I thought the food to be really really good. Giovanni's and Chops were as to be expected really good, but the MDR was rock solid. The ithwindjammer was a bad buffet at the best. We ate a lot of lunches in the solarium bistro, and it is no wonder America is overweight, if that is healthy food then everyone is going to eat at Johnny Rockets. I don't want to live to be 100 if I have to eat that crap. I have a health fitness freak for a wife. I do the cooking and try to make things that are healthy and edible. Most of the SB was not.

 

 

 

jc

 

 

I have to agree was not impressed with the windjammer the only thing I really liked was the fresh fruit and the coffee was ok as well.

 

 

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[Desert.girl]

We just got back from 5 nights on Mariner of the Seas and had some beautiful meals in the MDR. We had lunch on boarding and the first 2 breakfasts in Windjammer and really disliked the atmosphere - disorganised layout of food, poor signage and the hassle of trying to find a table. The next 3 days we got out of bed early enough to get to the MDR for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed being waited on and ordering exactly what we wanted.

 

Our evening meals were lovely - we had a table for 2 each night on My Time Dining. All the waitstaff were excellent and while the food may not all have been 5 star, it was certainly a lot fancier than anything I would normally cook, and was of good restaurant quality. We certainly didn't see the need to pay extra for meals when we had already paid a substantial amount for the cruise. We found the atmosphere in the MDR enjoyable - quiet, friendly, efficient waitstaff and I don't think any of our evening meals took more than an hour.

 

My only gripe food wise was the coffee which was really bitter and unpleasant.

So my "note to self" for next time is BYO coffee and avoid Windjammer.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Desert.girl

[PennStateFan123]

ditto!:(

 

 

That's the answer. You can't give the same food as 20 years ago and charge today's prices and make a profit

 

 

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[shipshape sam]

I kinda mind what they have done to the food selection and quality. I am okay with the cut in the quantity some as if I really want more, I can ask for more and on occasion do. I don't need more though. :roll eyes:

 

Can't change quality or selection on the fly.

[styles27]

I'm thinking it's a combination of a cruise line becoming a mass market line and exaggerated memories.

 

 

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I agree with your first point i.e. mass market but your second one in my case I don't necessarily agree.

 

Did you cruise in the day of the "Gala Midnight" buffet? Where they would open the MDR an hour early and allow people to walk through and just take pictures of all of the beautiful buffet tables.

 

We have pictures of these Gala buffets and while we never ate at them because eating at midnight and going to sleep has never agreed with us...we did go just to photograph the beautiful creations.

 

I haven't seen this offering in many many years on any cruise line we've sailed.

 

So yes indeed there have been some pretty significant changes where dining is concerned. The food budget has not been properly adjusted over the years and those of us who started cruising over 20 years ago are here to reminisce about those "good old days".

 

BTW I'm only 47 so I haven't lost my memories yet. :D

 

Food was a very big part of cruising years ago.

 

I would love to try one of the high end lines to see if they still serve that quality food we all remember so well. Not sure it's worth the extra $$$ though. lol

[mm1251]

OK,I haven't read all your replies, but we are sailing for the first time on Freedom of the Seas. If you (yes I know this is your opinion) have cruised on this ship within the past year,what did you think of their food? We're not picky, but we will definately not be eating at the places where you have to pay for it. The cruise was expensive enough.:(

 

Ok - not trying to scare you away from any of the dining options. I just noticed how food quality has declined. - someone mentioned Applebee's - I think Applebee's is now better then MDR food - just my opinion. Think Golden Coral type food not horrible but not wonderful - I miss the wonderful. Most of the offerings from the MDR were offered in the Windjammer as well. I would consider cutting back on a few cocktails and try Portofino for $20 per person it will give you a taste of what made cruising popular good food.

 

You will not starve and will find food you like. Cruising is still a great vacation just wish food was as good as it used to be!

 

 

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beshears -- Haven't read all the replies? There aren't that many on this thread! But, our experience eating in the MDR on Freedom has been very, very good. You will have a great time! Try Johnny Rockets, too (only $5 per person). Order as much as you want.

 

Advgirl - Gotta disagree. Either you had a really bad fluke of an experience in the MDR or your local Applebees is a heckuva lot better than ours!

 

Overall, we always enjoy eating in the MDR. We think the food is very good. Has it declined over the years? Probably, but it is still very well done.

 

Threads like this always remind me of my grandma's declaration of, "nothing tastes good anymore!!" Was it grandma or the food?

Edited January 25, 2014 by mm1251