Is there NOTHING positive about Celebrity any more? (Threads Merged)

[C 2 C]

Is there NOTHING positive about Celebrity any more?

 

Tongue firmly in cheek, I wish to congratulate the IT department in developing an award winning website. I am so happy that the web designers did not produce the navigation software that gets their wonderful ships from port to port.;)

 

[geneology]

There should be NO “free” champagne, period. They could save what, $2000 per cruise every week for every ship? I hope the free champagne goes away. As someone who drinks NO alcohol, I question why that should be built into my fare. I’ll be sure to write in my comment card : No free champagne please.

 

Want not, waste not. Also, certain religions are offended by free champagne.

 

So don’t just reduce it by an ounce. Reduce it by 100%. The complainers will complain no matter what.

 

IMO - I like the champagne/orange juice welcome aboard drink. NCL used to have it and it was a nice touch. Otherwise you are just getting on board the ship like boarding a train or bus. Nothing special. No one is forcing anyone to drink it as they do serve OJ as well.

 

Is it offensive to these people to have the alcohol around them if we have to pay for it? If not, then why is it offensive if it is free? If it is offensive to them if we pay for alcohol or not, then why do they put themselves in a position to be offended the entire vacation? Not being mean I am just confused as my religion does not have this distinction. If their religion requires them to abstain from alcohol, then if it is free or not, they should abstain from alcohol. They should not be offended by those who do not have the same beliefs.

 

Just my opinion :rolleyes: Everyone has one!!! :eek: LOL

[antsnanny]

I quoted the first 5 or so reviews, they sure looked pretty good to me. Especially liked the comment from one reviewer that said the baskets made it feel more upscale. I guess it just shows that there is always a difference of opinions; some will like it and some won't. I'm excited to experience the Summit again in January. Sorry you didn't like it.

 

Look at the thread regarding the food on the Summit from people returning home from their cruise.. They paint a much different picture than the 5 reviews you speak about.

I'll also be back on the Summit in Sept for two weeks and I remain positive that eventually celebrity will get the buffet issue right. The OP who called the baskets upscale must not have been on my cruise. There is nothing upscale about pre plated meals, not necessarily the combination of foods many would choose to eat together. Nothing at all upscale about these pre plated meals sitting behind the blinds as much as an hour before the buffet opened which made for cool dried food. In addition, I never at anytime said that I did not like the Summit, as a matter if fact I am on record as saying I enjoyed the cruise very much.

You are misrepresenting what I have been saying!! You continue to argue this point with me so I have to ask " have you sailed on the Summit after May 11, 2014 when these changes were implemented?

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

Look at the thread regarding the food on the Summit from people returning home from their cruise.. They paint a much different picture than the 5 reviews you speak about.

I'll also be back on the Summit in Sept for two weeks and I remain positive that eventually celebrity will get the buffet issue right. The OP who called the baskets upscale must not have been on my cruise. There is nothing upscale about pre plated meals, not necessarily the combination of foods many would choose to eat together. Nothing at all upscale about these pre plated meals sitting behind the blinds as much as an hour before the buffet opened which made for cool dried food. In addition, I never at anytime said that I did not like the Summit, as a matter if fact I am on record as saying I enjoyed the cruise very much.

You are misrepresenting what I have been saying!! You continue to argue this point with me so I have to ask " have you sailed on the Summit after May 11, 2014 when these changes were implemented?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

The reviews I posted quotes from also sailed after the changes, so they saw them as well, as did other posters who I did not quote who liked the changes.

 

The person who called the baskets upscale obviously was on a cruise where they used the baskets and had a different opinion than you, why can't they see them differently than you do. If they felt it was upscale, that is the way they felt and just like your opinion they are neither right or wrong, it is just their opinion and should be valued as much as you opinion thinking they are not upscale. Caesar's Palace uses these little baskets, as do other upscale buffets, and some obviously feel that they are great.

 

It is not a contest as to how many like it or don't or if people agree or disagree with someone. It is just that people have a different opinion of the changes. Some don't like it, while others like it. It doesn't mean that you are right or they are right, it just means that people see things differently and like different things. What point am I arguing? You didn't like the new buffet set up and I understand that and would never tell you that you are wrong because that is your opinion, but as you can see by the quotes others do like it and have a different opinion and I don't think their opinions should be discounted either.

 

I'm excited to see the new changes in January and hope that they have ironed out any kinks that there are. Hope you enjoy your upcoming cruise.

Edited June 11, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[K.T.B.]

Opinions about food, IMO, are taken with a grain of salt (yes, pun intended)

 

I was berated earlier for saying I enjoy the hot dogs on board, though I'm not picking a cruise for its hot dogs or fast food types of cuisine that they serve. I just like having variety on board. And sometimes you just want to have something that quick. I mean, how man reviews do you read where people are commenting about how the pizza is?? :p

 

I've eaten at places from White Castle to Outback to Gene & Georgetti's (steak house in Chicago) to Emeril's NOLA (in New Orleans) to Sky City (Seattle Space Needle). Every single experience had their pluses and minuses, but of the places I thoroughly enjoyed I will go back to again. My opinion of these places may not match yours. Heck, when my wife and I were dining at NOLA a couple years ago, there was a couple sitting next to us complaining about how bad the service was. Now I do not know what they normally expect, but they were getting better service than us, and ours was pretty damn good!

 

On board the ships, my wife and I both love Qsine, while I've seen people dismiss it as gimmicky and average. I've also seen people write about how great Tuscany Grill is, while I found it to be ok. To each their own.

 

Where the food is concerned, no one's opinion is wrong, everyone likes something different to eat and enjoys different experiences when dining. You love pizza with anchovies? Great! I find it to be disgusting though.... ;) If you like the buffet over the MDR, enjoy!

 

If everyone liked the same thing, it would get boring. :) Variety is always good, whether it's something you like or not!

 

But now I want a hot dog.... :p

[cle-guy]

But now I want a hot dog.... :p

 

mee too, with a metal basket of fries! :D

 

I have to say, a bad meal at sea is still better than a great meal on land!

Edited June 11, 2014 by cle-guy

[20pluscruises]

Opinions about food, IMO, are taken with a grain of salt (yes, pun intended)

 

I was berated earlier for saying I enjoy the hot dogs on board, though I'm not picking a cruise for its hot dogs or fast food types of cuisine that they serve. I just like having variety on board. And sometimes you just want to have something that quick. I mean, how man reviews do you read where people are commenting about how the pizza is?? :p

 

I've eaten at places from White Castle to Outback to Gene & Georgetti's (steak house in Chicago) to Emeril's NOLA (in New Orleans) to Sky City (Seattle Space Needle). Every single experience had their pluses and minuses, but of the places I thoroughly enjoyed I will go back to again. My opinion of these places may not match yours. Heck, when my wife and I were dining at NOLA a couple years ago, there was a couple sitting next to us complaining about how bad the service was. Now I do not know what they normally expect, but they were getting better service than us, and ours was pretty damn good!

 

On board the ships, my wife and I both love Qsine, while I've seen people dismiss it as gimmicky and average. I've also seen people write about how great Tuscany Grill is, while I found it to be ok. To each their own.

 

Where the food is concerned, no one's opinion is wrong, everyone likes something different to eat and enjoys different experiences when dining. You love pizza with anchovies? Great! I find it to be disgusting though.... ;) If you like the buffet over the MDR, enjoy!

 

If everyone liked the same thing, it would get boring. :) Variety is always good, whether it's something you like or not!

 

But now I want a hot dog.... :p

 

LOL!!! I like my dogs brunt and crispy on the outside...they would prob freak if I asked them to cook me one like that.

[cle-guy]

LOL!!! I like my dogs brunt and crispy on the outside...they would prob freak if I asked them to cook me one like that.

 

On a transatlantic around midnight, the Glasblowers and other crew on Eclipse were making s'mores in the glass ovens. Wonder if they'd let us bring some hot dogs to roast crispy and burnt too??? :)

[20pluscruises]

On a transatlantic around midnight, the Glasblowers and other crew on Eclipse were making s'mores in the glass ovens. Wonder if they'd let us bring some hot dogs to roast crispy and burnt too??? :)

 

That is great! They deserve to treat themselves after the long work hours. I like it!!!

[Beachdude]

Opinions about food, IMO, are taken with a grain of salt (yes, pun intended)

 

Yes, I agree. However I think the comments about the Summit are different because they are about process of delivery more than taste. And many of these folks had enough experience with the Summit to note the differences.

 

Some folks can handle change and some not so much. But clearly Celebrity is trying something new that goes beyond the subjective taste. They are making objective changes in the food service that can change the behavior habits and expectations of experienced cruisers.

 

So while amny folks here felt Celebrity was being attacked by the disapointment of cruisers who experienced the changes, I think most readers saw the comments as descriptions of the changes. I would have felt ambushed had I not known about the new services and probably a little perturved of not getting the product I bargained for when we paid for the cruise.

 

Would we have considered a different ship had we known the changes would happen on this one little thing? Maybe, who knows? There are a lot of choices for summer vacation cruises and our past experience with Celebrity wasn't good. To me the changes in the Summit food services is kind of like getting a new car delivered with a different color. Yep, the car still performs the same, but subjectively I really wanted the color that I originally negotiated.

 

That being said, I look forward to the overall Summit experience because she has a good reputation.

 

Burt

[Orator]

On a transatlantic around midnight, the Glasblowers and other crew on Eclipse were making s'mores in the glass ovens. Wonder if they'd let us bring some hot dogs to roast crispy and burnt too??? :)

 

If Celebrity reads this they might consider converting the space to a hot dog and s'mores stand. This would be an attempt to convert another non revenue producing space into a revenue generating machine ; )

[20pluscruises]

Yes, I agree. However I think the comments about the Summit are different because they are about process of delivery more than taste. And many of these folks had enough experience with the Summit to note the differences.

 

Some folks can handle change and some not so much. But clearly Celebrity is trying something new that goes beyond the subjective taste. They are making objective changes in the food service that can change the behavior habits and expectations of experienced cruisers.

 

So while amny folks here felt Celebrity was being attacked by the disapointment of cruisers who experienced the changes, I think most readers saw the comments as descriptions of the changes. I would have felt ambushed had I not known about the new services and probably a little perturved of not getting the product I bargained for when we paid for the cruise.

 

Would we have considered a different ship had we known the changes would happen on this one little thing? Maybe, who knows? There are a lot of choices for summer vacation cruises and our past experience with Celebrity wasn't good. To me the changes in the Summit food services is kind of like getting a new car delivered with a different color. Yep, the car still performs the same, but subjectively I really wanted the color that I originally negotiated.

 

That being said, I look forward to the overall Summit experience because she has a good reputation.

 

Burt

 

I get what you're saying! My last car I ordered a white with tan leather...came in and it was white with gray leather...got a small discount and didn't really want to wait any longer. However, I cringed everytime time I got into that darn car. I recently got a new car (dif brand) and it came in exactly as i ordered, white with tan leather. i love it and will buy that brand again. :)

Edited June 11, 2014 by 20pluscruises

[20pluscruises]

if celebrity reads this they might consider converting the space to a hot dog and s'mores stand. This would be an attempt to convert another non revenue producing space into a revenue generating machine ; )

 

:d:d:d

[cle-guy]

Yes, I agree. However I think the comments about the Summit are different because they are about process of delivery more than taste. And many of these folks had enough experience with the Summit to note the differences.

 

Actually, I spoke with Martin the F&B Director on Summit about the implementation. I come from Hospitality and hotels/restaurants and could tell there was some experimentation going on so wanted to chat with him to see about the process.

 

He told me the primary reason for changing the delivery was in fact to ensure the food DID have the taste the chefs had intended. He explained that whenever they planned menus and did crew tastings everything tasted great, yet their guest satisfaction reviews told then otherwise. So they decided to try pre-plating many items to ensure each item had exactly the ingredients and taste the recipe called for.

 

Of course there are added benefits like cleanliness and expediency of delivery, but his primary concern was to deliver to the guest the intended recipe they created.

 

He explained how with pans of self-serve food, some people may take extra scoop of the topping leaving half the pan without the intended topping for future guests as but one example, or they may forget to take the sliced peppers and onions or other vegetable garnishees with certain meat dishes. Now with the pre plated versions, each dish is served exactly as intended with the ratio of intended ingredients and condiments.

 

He also explained the pre plating lets them offer additional variety of items that don't necessarily lend themselves well to serving by pans, such as quesadillas.

[20pluscruises]

Actually, I spoke with Martin the F&B Director on Summit about the implementation. I come from Hospitality and hotels/restaurants and could tell there was some experimentation going on so wanted to chat with him to see about the process.

 

He told me the primary reason for changing the delivery was in fact to ensure the food DID have the taste the chefs had intended. He explained that whenever they planned menus and did crew tastings everything tasted great, yet their guest satisfaction reviews told then otherwise. So they decided to try pre-plating many items to ensure each item had exactly the ingredients and taste the recipe called for.

 

Of course there are added benefits like cleanliness and expediency of delivery, but his primary concern was to deliver to the guest the intended recipe they created.

 

He explained how with pans of self-serve food, some people may take extra scoop of the topping leaving half the pan without the intended topping for future guests as but one example, or they may forget to take the sliced peppers and onions or other vegetable garnishees with certain meat dishes. Now with the pre plated versions, each dish is served exactly as intended with the ratio of intended ingredients and condiments.

 

He also explained the pre plating lets them offer additional variety of items that don't necessarily lend themselves well to serving by pans, such as quesadillas.

 

That makes sense. It will be interesting to see how all of this pans out....:)

Edited June 11, 2014 by 20pluscruises

[cle-guy]

That makes sense. It will be interesting to see how all of this pans out....:)

 

Pun intended ?!?

[Beachdude]

He told me the primary reason for changing the delivery was in fact to ensure the food DID have the taste the chefs had intended. .

 

Yes, but that is not the point. It really doesn't matter what Martin had planned, it's how the customer feels about the product. Like I said, that isn't what I bargined for. Taste is subjective as everyone keeps saying, but mess up the expectation or force a change in habits, change comes hard.

 

Burt

[cle-guy]

Yes, but that is not the point. It really doesn't matter what Martin had planned, it's how the customer feels about the product. Like I said, that isn't what I bargined for. Taste is subjective as everyone keeps saying, but mess up the expectation or force a change in habits, change comes hard.

 

Burt

 

OK, I guess I just don't get where you are coming from...

 

Is your issue that you want food served from pans and self-served as it's always been served (that has been causing most guest comments to say how they don't like the buffet and something needs changed based on the last couple years of customer comments they line has accumulated, and made them put a "task force" into place to experiment on the Summit with this summer) and not pre plated? Or do you expect to the the exact same food served at the same times on the same days as prior cruises with no change whatsoever?

 

How far back into cruising history do we need to go to get to where you want service to be exactly as it was? White gloves and multiple layers of silver? No balconies or verandas, and only ocean view and inside cabins? Bunk beds instead of king sized beds that split? Metal gates that separate the class between decks? Cigar smoking allowed everywhere, and no casino or gift shops?

 

I just can't get my head around what you think is going on or acceptable I guess is where it all boils down to.

 

What exactly is it that you "bargained for" and not getting may be the answer I'm seeking to understand where you are coming from. What is it you wanted that you no longer can get from the buffet.

 

I'm just having a hard time understanding how the changes to the Summit buffet really need so much adjustment and habit changing...that's where I get lost in your comments about it. To me it seems the real change is I no longer need to scoop something onto a plate, instead I grab a handle of a pan and stick it on a tray or carry it away. To me it seems like now I have to choose from 5 versions of fresh carved meat at lunch and dinner instead of 1 variety each service. To me it seems now I have to go from the mid section of deck 10 the get my tea service to the forward section of deck 10 in aqua cafe to get my afternoon tea service.

 

But I must not be quite getting what your version of the adjustments and habit changes that need met are?

 

I totally get that guest perception also falls into play....I'm selling my house and just can't get over some comments I get, one person saying the furniture is too big, the next saying their furniture won't fit. One person saying there paint colors are modern and warm, the next saying the paint looks dated and cold.

[Beachdude]

OK, I guess I just don't get where you are coming from...

 

What exactly is it that you "bargained for" and not getting may be the answer I'm seeking to understand where you are coming from. What is it you wanted that you no longer can get from the buffet.

 

Ah good question, read the Summit reviews before they made the changes. That was the color I ordered.

 

I think what is important at the moment is that the crew seems to be responding to customer comments as well as adjusting to their new proceedures. change is hard for customers, but I have experienced change on ships before and crews struggle with change just as much if not more.

 

Burt

[Oxo]

Are there any photos of the new serving pots/pans in the Ocean View Cafe?

Edited June 11, 2014 by Oxo

[Balloon Man]

Plated meals so they can taste how the chefs want them to taste? I've only dipped into this thread so may be missing something, but isn't the idea of a buffet that you choose each individual item so that the food on your plate tastes as you want it to?

 

We've just sailed with Crystal and may not go with them again because the chefs overcomplicated the meals. They don't do simple. I like simple, which is why I like self service buffets with a good selection.

 

And Azamara and Oceania gave us just that.

[20pluscruises]

Plated meals so they can taste how the chefs want them to taste? I've only dipped into this thread so may be missing something, but isn't the idea of a buffet that you choose each individual item so that the food on your plate tastes as you want it to?

 

We've just sailed with Crystal and may not go with them again because the chefs overcomplicated the meals. They don't do simple. I like simple, which is why I like self service buffets with a good selection.

 

And Azamara and Oceania gave us just that.

 

And this makes sense, too.

 

At first I thought it was a cost cutting idea...but I know I would throw out more food with the small pan then serving just myself.

 

:confused::confused::confused:

[NLH Arizona]

Plated meals so they can taste how the chefs want them to taste? I've only dipped into this thread so may be missing something, but isn't the idea of a buffet that you choose each individual item so that the food on your plate tastes as you want it to?

 

We've just sailed with Crystal and may not go with them again because the chefs overcomplicated the meals. They don't do simple. I like simple, which is why I like self service buffets with a good selection.

 

And Azamara and Oceania gave us just that.

Here is what one cruiser said after returning from their cruise after the changes: I mainly liked the way the buffet on 10 was serving individual portions of most of the foods. I thought there was a great selection and found many things I liked and I liked how quickly I could get my food instead of waiting in lines. There were always the pizza, pasta, stir fry and carving stations as well as other options.

 

Here is what another said: We did the buffet for lunch every day and loved the new little baskets, bowls and pans. The food was very good but I would have liked a little more variety.

 

Here is what another said: The buffet was quite nice - the stir fry station was very good, the pizza was excellent, the little baskets of food felt more upscale than a typical buffet and allowed for some items that are unusual at buffets: fajitas, breakfast sandwiches, etc. The various sausages available at all meals were good, the waffles at breakfast were a treat. I really think Celebrity is onto something with these little baskets of food - not only does it seem more upscale and in keeping with the idea behind their QSine restaurant, but it seems more sanitary to avoid using tongs/scoopers wherever possible. My only complaint would be that the pasta bar area was quite bland and the pasta not particularly well cooked. They need to spruce that up somehow.

 

And another: We did have one breakfast at the Buffet and two lunches there as well... While there was much to select from it did, at times, cool off by the time you got to your seat.

 

And another: The buffet was borderline. I didn't care for the food served in little metal bowls and baskets and most of it did not look appetizing. There really wasn't the variety they have had in the past. Most of the food stations served the same items if they were even open.

 

So as you can see, some like the new set up and others don't. I think it is one of those things that you have to try it for yourself to see if the changes are to your liking or not. I'm the kind of person who doesn't have a problem with change for the most part and will always find something I enjoy to eat, but if you aren't, I'd possibly stick with Azmara and Oceania so as not to be disappointed.

[antsnanny]

The reviews I posted quotes from also sailed after the changes, so they saw them as well, as did other posters who I did not quote who liked the changes.

 

The person who called the baskets upscale obviously was on a cruise where they used the baskets and had a different opinion than you, why can't they see them differently than you do. If they felt it was upscale, that is the way they felt and just like your opinion they are neither right or wrong, it is just their opinion and should be valued as much as you opinion thinking they are not upscale. Caesar's Palace uses these little baskets, as do other upscale buffets, and some obviously feel that they are great.

 

It is not a contest as to how many like it or don't or if people agree or disagree with someone. It is just that people have a different opinion of the changes. Some don't like it, while others like it. It doesn't mean that you are right or they are right, it just means that people see things differently and like different things. What point am I arguing? You didn't like the new buffet set up and I understand that and would never tell you that you are wrong because that is your opinion, but as you can see by the quotes others do like it and have a different opinion and I don't think their opinions should be discounted either.

 

I'm excited to see the new changes in January and hope that they have ironed out any kinks that there are. Hope you enjoy your upcoming cruise.

 

If you haven't even experienced the changes, why then do you post in favor of them? You seem to be on a mission to convince others that the buffet is good and what we experienced is hogwash. You choose only to post the good reviews and sweep the bad ones under the carpet!

If you are going to take a poll please make it a fair one and post both sides.

[cle-guy]

And this makes sense, too.

 

At first I thought it was a cost cutting idea...but I know I would throw out more food with the small pan then serving just myself.

 

:confused::confused::confused:

 

While a few individuals may themselves find their personal plate to have more waste, the majority will consume the portion given them. Just like when people self-served, many would grab something then not eat it then throw it away. So i say that's a net zero gain or loss as to waste.

 

There will always be exemptions to the rule...but in general terms I am speaking.

 

My experience working in kitchens for Marriott shows that by not putting out pans of self-serve food, there will be less waste from the leftovers and discarded panned food itself form the displays, which have to be rotated every 20 or 30 minutes to maintain temperature and as they get crusty, or people pick thru the items and make them look less appealing, the leftover portion in a pan gets tossed, then another brought out to replace it. So in a 3 hour buffet service there will be 6 half-pans minimum discarded and wasted. With the kitchen portioning, they are working from a single pan and more closely monitoring the rate of usage and therefore this is where the savings of waste really help save both money and food waste.

 

Look how even in the past they would pull the scrambled eggs pan for the last hour or so of service and replace with a sign saying they were available "cooked to order" this was to prevent waste. Now they put out 6 portions of eggs at a time so worst case, 6 individual portions waste, not half a pamn, but in reality they will serve the very last portion of them, rather than toss half a pan of them that went hard while sitting on the warmer on the buffet line before putting out the cooked to order sign.

 

Also, EVERYTHING on a buffet line gets tossed that isn't sealed or wrapped after service, so this explains the new wrapped assorted bread slices, that they are wrapped, mans they no longer get tossed at end of service as they can be used to start the next service period. Putting out smaller portions and smaller self served items, means less waste at the end of the service.

 

So the reduction in waste, and therefore cost, comes form the back of the house mores than the front of the house when it comes to the new buffet serving style, not so much from the guests personal waste habits.

 

Anyone who is truly concerned about waste will avoid the buffet entirely and go and get sit-down cooked-to order meals so ensure they have NO waste, otherwise discussing waste relative to a buffet is really a moot point, there is going to be waste no matter how hard one tries, but letting the KITCHEN and back of the house manage the waste patterns dramatically helps in reducing it as they really can't control the food once a guest gets involved.