Traditional Dining Gone - Very Disappointed

[hydrojim]

Quantum has continued to become less and less exciting to me, mainly because of the horrible PR campaign Royal Caribbean adopted for this ships public reveal.

 

Having Quantum of the seas turn out to be "Norwegian of the Seas" is disappointing. I like traditional dining and the new Dynamic Dining doesn't appeal to me at all. I'm not interested in making reservation constantly for an evening meal, and I'm certainly not interested in doing so months in advance. I do occasionally use the speciality dining, but it's based a weak menu night in the MDR coupled with a desire to have something culinarily different.

 

My question to RCL now would be just how Dynamic can you be.

 

If I want to create my own traditional dining experience will you let me? Say I choose to have a set time in one of the main complimentary restaurants at 6:30 for the duration of the cruise, will you let me order from the menu of the other complimentary restaurants while not being seated in that restaurant? Consider this, all food preparation is coming from the same galley right behind those restaurants walls. I don't think this should be a problem or make any difference when ordering. This way everyone can be happy.

 

That aside, I'll try it once and see for myself. Since the beginning, from the overall ship design to this most recent reveal, I've never felt like this is a real Royal Caribbean ship. It's an adapted and enlarged Solstice class ship that is being forced into a Royal Caribbean jacket. The amount of space available for entertainment venues seems limited compared to other ships that have less tonnage. Too much space taken up by so many galleys to service all these restaurants, and there are only 4 or 5 spaces left to be revealed. One you know has to be the schooner bar.

 

Over all I'm just left feeling flat with this ship. It could have been so much more.

 

Just my opinion.

 

Jim

[BrianAlt]

That aside, I'll try it once and see for myself.

 

Why? You have your mind made up. You're only setting yourself up to get the failure you expect. Are you looking to be able to come back here and tell everyone how right you were?

 

I mean, it's your money. Spend it the way you like. But it would seem to me you'd be better served elsewhere.

 

Just my opinion.

[petesweet]

Quantum has continued to become less and less exciting to me, mainly because of the horrible PR campaign Royal Caribbean adopted for this ships public reveal.

 

Having Quantum of the seas turn out to be "Norwegian of the Seas" is disappointing. I like traditional dining and the new Dynamic Dining doesn't appeal to me at all. I'm not interested in making reservation constantly for an evening meal, and I'm certainly not interested in doing so months in advance. I do occasionally use the speciality dining, but it's based a weak menu night in the MDR coupled with a desire to have something culinarily different.

 

My question to RCL now would be just how Dynamic can you be.

 

If I want to create my own traditional dining experience will you let me? Say I choose to have a set time in one of the main complimentary restaurants at 6:30 for the duration of the cruise, will you let me order from the menu of the other complimentary restaurants while not being seated in that restaurant? Consider this, all food preparation is coming from the same galley right behind those restaurants walls. I don't think this should be a problem or make any difference when ordering. This way everyone can be happy.

 

That aside, I'll try it once and see for myself. Since the beginning, from the overall ship design to this most recent reveal, I've never felt like this is a real Royal Caribbean ship. It's an adapted and enlarged Solstice class ship that is being forced into a Royal Caribbean jacket. The amount of space available for entertainment venues seems limited compared to other ships that have less tonnage. Too much space taken up by so many galleys to service all these restaurants, and there are only 4 or 5 spaces left to be revealed. One you know has to be the schooner bar.

 

Over all I'm just left feeling flat with this ship. It could have been so much more.

 

Just my opinion.

 

Jim

I'll start out by saying I HATE NCL-style dining. I avoid their ships unless I'm with a group and have no choice.

 

HOWEVER, think back when Oasis and Allure were being discussed. Many people hated everything they read about the concept. Now they are wildly popular (although there are still some holdouts:)).

 

I don't think I'll like the dining situation and will probably spend most meals in the Windjammer, but I'm willing to give it a chance before condemning it. Good thing I'm happy if you just give me a bowl of mashed potatoes.:D

 

Happy sails.

 

Kathy

[Spring Valley]

I think what I fear the most is that I book the Quantum say with a family or group of 10, you finally get everyone to decide where you want to eat on which nights and you go in and make reservations and it says "sorry this time is not available" so you try to redo your schedule and you go to make reservations again and you get "sorry this time is not available" or this restaurant is full for the night, it will just make you want to give up and either cancel or just believe that you will be eating at the Windjammer every night and that is something that cruising isn't about, relaxing and enjoying yourselves!!

 

Keith

[JAMESCC]

Again I am completely surprised that people are complaining about being given all the choice. I just don't understand it, but I guess that is why I am one who can't wait for this new ship. And I am excited by this new way of dining, its the way it had to go. You guys do see this is the way dining had to go right?

[Phillygirl1]

I don't like MTD but willing to try this but how are you going to make dinner reservations when you don't know the show times. I think the venue sizes are small for a ship that holds 4000 people I do not pay additional for dinners , my husband does not want to wear a suit for a formal dinner. So I can see for our 10 day cruise we will most likely eat a lot in wind jammer so yes not happy happy . Hope Royal doesn't go like my cruise on NCL I was one and done with them.

 

 

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[MommaBear55]

I am very excited to try this new concept and IMO the menus sound wonderful. If, for some reason, we decide we do not care for this after all, we will go back to a more traditional style in the Royal Caribbean lineup. I think their plan is genius. They are expanding the possibilities across the fleet instead of having cookie cutter experiences on each ship. I would prefer trying something new over the same old same old.

 

And as for the argument that you have to plan 6 months ahead, week, with traditional dining you know exactly when you are going to eat each night.

 

I am thrilled to lose the dining waiter, napkin waving stuff. Yes, I all definitely miss having the same wait staff every night for sure.

[wilson4]

I can only speak from our personal preferences but for us as a family of 4 with young teens, we have always chosen the option of anytime or 'my time' dining on previous cruises and love the freedom to choose when to eat.

 

The new options offered on the Quantum and Anthem sound wonderful to us!!

 

We sometimes get bored with the same dining room every night and previously the only alternatives were the buffet or a paid speciality restaurants. We are really looking forward to the variety of new dining experiences.

 

The only aspect I am not sure about is the formal option where we will get dressed up but might feel out of place when we leave the dining room!! We just might need to change after dinner?

[mrsrebel10]

Honestly I can't for the life of me understand the dislike for this move. Its the way it should be. In want to go to dinner when I want, where I want, dress the way I want and no offense to anyone here but I want to sit with who I want. Why not give the customer all the choice instead of being locked into choices already made for you. I love this new way of dining, and it sure makes me want to sail on Quantum even more now if that's even possible. Look at all the choice you have now, what is not to like?

 

 

i really thank you for your comments and I totally agree with you.

and to those that need more explanation on this type of dining Please feel free to go to the RCwebsite of the QOS blog, there it is written out.

I myself with the group of at least 12 on march 21st cruise, thinks it's all gonna be fine..as well i honestly dont believe its gonna be that stressful to go online or even set up reservations on board.:D

new ship means new technology and new innovations...if you're not willing to try something new then honestly just go to another ship cause there are alot of people excited to try something new...

[steveru621]

Honestly I can't for the life of me understand the dislike for this move. Its the way it should be. In want to go to dinner when I want, where I want, dress the way I want and no offense to anyone here but I want to sit with who I want. Why not give the customer all the choice instead of being locked into choices already made for you. I love this new way of dining, and it sure makes me want to sail on Quantum even more now if that's even possible. Look at all the choice you have now, what is not to like?

 

Again I am completely surprised that people are complaining about being given all the choice. I just don't understand it, but I guess that is why I am one who can't wait for this new ship. And I am excited by this new way of dining, its the way it had to go. You guys do see this is the way dining had to go right?

 

It's just your opinion and it's one I don't share. I can't see why you are surprised that some people like traditional dining? I'm not sure what they are going to do when 4,000 people want to eat at 7PM.

 

We have had this dining experience many times before, it's called a land vacation. I've done land vacations with friends and family. Picking a dinner restaurant and time was always the most stressful part of the vacation. Someone always had their feelings hurt by the final choice. Contrast that to cruises we have done with friends and family, traditional MDR late seating. No conflicts!

 

We booked the Quantum because it was new (just days before the Dynamic Dinning announcement). It's just the wife and I so there will be no (fewer :)) conflicts with dinning selections. I am willing to give this a try because we will definitely get to do what we love, meet new people. But on the other hand I will miss having the same waitstaff every night.

 

I don't know where this goes in the future. I suspect you may be correct. Just please have some respect for those of us that prefer the current cruise experience.:cool:

[celticfc]

It's just your opinion and it's one I don't share. I can't see why you are surprised that some people like traditional dining? I'm not sure what they are going to do when 4,000 people want to eat at 7PM.

 

We have had this dining experience many times before, it's called a land vacation. I've done land vacations with friends and family. Picking a dinner restaurant and time was always the most stressful part of the vacation. Someone always had their feelings hurt by the final choice. Contrast that to cruises we have done with friends and family, traditional MDR late seating. No conflicts!

 

We booked the Quantum because it was new (just days before the Dynamic Dinning announcement). It's just the wife and I so there will be no (fewer :)) conflicts with dinning selections. I am willing to give this a try because we will definitely get to do what we love, meet new people. But on the other hand I will miss having the same waitstaff every night.

 

I don't know where this goes in the future. I suspect you may be correct. Just please have some respect for those of us that prefer the current cruise experience.:cool:

 

There seems to be a fair bit of bashing going on towards anyone who dares not be cheerleading the new dining option.

I suspect when Anthem sails from the UK that there will be issues, as in my experience there is less demand for any of the fee paying dining options we currently have on Indy. The cost of RCI cruises from the UK are really expensive therefore cruisers dont want to increase this further with fee paying restaurants.

Dont get me wrong I love RCI and a diamond member however I havent booked Anthem due to the prices which are really excessive. I will either sail Explorer or P&O Britannia and await with interest the feedback from others on her maiden year.

[JAMESCC]

It's just your opinion and it's one I don't share. I can't see why you are surprised that some people like traditional dining? I'm not sure what they are going to do when 4,000 people want to eat at 7PM.

 

We have had this dining experience many times before, it's called a land vacation. I've done land vacations with friends and family. Picking a dinner restaurant and time was always the most stressful part of the vacation. Someone always had their feelings hurt by the final choice. Contrast that to cruises we have done with friends and family, traditional MDR late seating. No conflicts!

 

We booked the Quantum because it was new (just days before the Dynamic Dinning announcement). It's just the wife and I so there will be no (fewer :)) conflicts with dinning selections. I am willing to give this a try because we will definitely get to do what we love, meet new people. But on the other hand I will miss having the same waitstaff every night.

 

I don't know where this goes in the future. I suspect you may be correct. Just please have some respect for those of us that prefer the current cruise experience.:cool:

 

Ok I can boomerang that on you. Have some respect for people who want all the choice. I get to pick the restaurant, my dress code based on this, pay or free, time, and what food I actually want for the night. On a 7 day cruise on "Explorer" my wife and I would do two to three nights at Portofino because we could choose the exact time we wanted to eat, plus get an incredible dinner. Again I cannot understand the bickering over being given more choice.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Ok I can boomerang that on you. Have some respect for people who want all the choice. I get to pick the restaurant, my dress code based on this, pay or free, time, and what food I actually want for the night. On a 7 day cruise on "Explorer" my wife and I would do two to three nights at Portofino because we could choose the exact time we wanted to eat, plus get an incredible dinner. Again I cannot understand the bickering over being given more choice.

 

I don't really see anyone disrespecting those who like the new dining options, just people expressing their own opinions on the fact that they like traditional dining. However, it seems some are upset with anyone who prefers traditional dining with the same staff, personal service, and set times? Just how some like the new dining, some like the traditional.

Edited April 2, 2014 by cruiserccl1212

[mrsrebel10]

everyone i believe is entitled to there own opinion but i also believe that this is not a place for bashing someones opinion....cant we just get along..:D

[steveru621]

Ok I can boomerang that on you. Have some respect for people who want all the choice. I get to pick the restaurant, my dress code based on this, pay or free, time, and what food I actually want for the night. On a 7 day cruise on "Explorer" my wife and I would do two to three nights at Portofino because we could choose the exact time we wanted to eat, plus get an incredible dinner. Again I cannot understand the bickering over being given more choice.

 

I thought my opinion meant something, but since you consider it to be "bickering" for those that disagree with you perhaps no polite explanation will do. Your version of more choices means one less choice for me.

 

In your words "Its the way it should be...", it seems to me no other opinion matters in the slightest to you.

[MrsFloody]

Hello everyone,

 

While we have never done traditional dining, I do understand why some people are disappointed.

 

Can I suggest a wee work around for those of you who are going to miss traditional dining?

 

Have a look at the restaurants on quantum and see which one(s) match/es your preferences the best and book your preferred dining times on 15th May when the system goes live. You should be able to book the same restaurant for the same times all the way throughout your cruise if you so wish and once you know a little bit more about the show times then you can make any amendments before or after you board.

 

There are comments on another Quantum thread that some people have rung RCI booking about something unrelated and have been able to book their dining times already and if I recall correctly, show times will be available 90 days before you cruise. Plenty time to make any amendments.

 

We have always done anytime dining, we are mostly off the ship in ports and don't usually come back on board until we have to, then we like to enjoy a cocktail and perhaps a wee snack while we enjoy sailing away from port before heading back to our room for a veg out and shower, dress up and then enjoy a bit of a ship explore and pre-dinner drinks.

 

Sea days are the days where I have pre-booked our speciality dining, as I have a much better idea of how the day will be structured.

 

I've had to queue for the main dining room before. One lady had posted a comment hoping that if we had to queue for restaurants, surely they wouldn't give us those horrid vibrating lighting up tags. No, we didn't get that on the Celebrity Equinox, we were escorted to the nearest bar for a drink (nice wine bar) while we waited and the waiter came and got us when our table was ready. No problems there. I'm sure RCI have thought of this eventuality. Ask Adam Goldstein at his Google hangout about this.

 

I'm sure this will be a wonderful ship and a great experience for everyone and that we will find something for all of us. I for one am so excited, we booked in May last year and it's been a long wait for some decent holibags.......

 

NY here we come!

 

Best,

 

Lesley

 

p.s. You think they will have a tree on board with it being December or am I getting ahead of myself????

[MrsFloody]

p.s If you do book the same restaurant at the same time for the majority of your cruise, express your preferences to the Maître d' on your 1st night about your table and having the same waiting staff and I bet they will try their best to accommodate you

[steveru621]

Best,

 

Lesley

 

p.s. You think they will have a tree on board with it being December or am I getting ahead of myself????

 

There has been a tree on every other ship in December. Let's hope there is a spot for it on Quantum. :)

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[MrsFloody]

There has been a tree on every other ship in December. Let's hope there is a spot for it on Quantum. :)

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Aww thank you! :-)

[nomarfan5]

I'm going to miss the traditional dining but it is what it is. It's not enough of a disappointment that we're going to cancel our cruise as we booked for the ship, not the food. To be honest we were kind of disappointed with the menu on our cruise on the Adventure last year. We have very simple tastes so we'll skip most of the reservation recommended venues as the menus didn't appeal to us. There's a part of me that is looking forward to just going to eat when we want instead of setting up a time or waiting in stand-by lines. I am still so very excited to go on the Quantum!! :)

[DEIx15x8]

Reading all this discussion about Christmas decorations got me thinking. What happens to the menus on the holidays? We boarded the Independence of the Seas on Thanksgiving Day in Southampton for a transatlantic in 2012. The ship was mostly British so the holiday didn't mean much, but the crew when learning you were American still recognized the day and most importantly they switched the menus around so that the turkey dinner was on that day. They also offered pumpkin pie for desert even though it was not on the menu. I think they may have had an unlisted appetizer as well but can't remember. With these four venues none seem to offer a holiday themed meal, and if one did it would seem everyone would want that reservation. So on the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.) do you think Royal Caribbean will offer the special meals in all venues or are they another tradition lost as well?

[tlatrice]

Right - but you still should make a reservation. If I come back from port with some new friends and we decide we want to eat at the American Icon, and need a table for 8 at 7pm.

 

How would you handle this scenario under the current dining structure? :confused:

[tlatrice]

I'm not sure what they are going to do when 4,000 people want to eat at 7PM.

 

When has there been a scenario when all 4000 people on a ship ALL wanted to eat at 5:30? Or 8:30? Many people say the first seating is too early, and just as many feel that 8:30 is too late. Yet some like eating at 5:30 and some like eating at 8:30. Some like MTD because they can choose. So why would they ALL want to eat at the same time now?

[Jobeth66]

How would you handle this scenario under the current dining structure? :confused:

 

You go to the Maitre d' and ask them when they can accommodate you - and they may be able to do so at a table one of you is already assigned to. We've done it before.

 

But with the new setup, they won't be able to do that - you'll have to walk up and wait, and they won't be able to tell you if they can seat you even if they have empty tables sitting there, because those tables may be reserved, even if the people who reserved them never show up.

 

I'd prefer they just do 'first-come, first-served' in the new main dining room structure and only take reservations for the specialty restaurants. That seems to make more sense and to be more fair.

 

Plus, quite frankly, I don't want to have to choose where I'm going to eat every single night on a 7-10 day cruise 6 months before I board the ship. That's just me.

[tlatrice]

You go to the Maitre d' and ask them when they can accommodate you - and they may be able to do so at a table one of you is already assigned to. We've done it before.

 

But with the new setup, they won't be able to do that - you'll have to walk up and wait, and they won't be able to tell you if they can seat you even if they have empty tables sitting there, because those tables may be reserved, even if the people who reserved them never show up.

 

I'd prefer they just do 'first-come, first-served' in the new main dining room structure and only take reservations for the specialty restaurants. That seems to make more sense and to be more fair.

 

Plus, quite frankly, I don't want to have to choose where I'm going to eat every single night on a 7-10 day cruise 6 months before I board the ship. That's just me.

 

They may be able to accommodate you. But if they can't then what would you do? And how can they accommodate 8 people at a table one of you is already assigned to? Has the table one you is assigned to been practically empty all week? And again, what if that's not the case? What would you do?

 

I'm not being combative. I really just want to know. It's a scenario I'd never considered. I don't see how it would be any different than under the current structure. Either the space is available or it isn't.

 

Reservations are for a time slot, not the entire evening. Either you show up at the time you requested or your table gets released to walk ins after, say, 15 - 20 minutes. After all, there will be other reservations behind your reservation. So if you show up too late, you won't finish in time and the next reservation will be off.

 

During my cruise on the Navigator, my sister and I went to Sabor with no reservation. The woman at the desk looked at the schedule, said "OK, these people haven't shown up" and we were seated. We didn't even wait 3 minutes. Granted, that was only a party of 2, but still, she didn't hold the table for the people who didn't show up.