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

[K.T.B.]

On our B2B Cruise on the Summit March/April 2014 the couple of times we had hot dogs and hamburgers they were always good.

 

I actually think Celebrity has great hot dogs! Which, from a guy who's from Chicago, is somewhat surprising! :eek: :p

[momofmeg]

I actually think Celebrity has great hot dogs! Which, from a guy who's from Chicago, is somewhat surprising! :eek: :p

 

Lol! You are hilarious! who picks a cruiseship for hotdogs or hamburgers? I don't. I prefer the better food and in spite of the many complainers I still think Celebrity has great food in her ships' main dining rooms. If people are griping about that they should stay home and eat at Macdonalds, but lol! they better not read up on what those burgers are made of or they will be grossed out! You will never catch me eating one of them now. The only burgers worth having are those you make yourself from home, if you buy a sirloin tip and have it ground into burger meat.

 

Hotdogs too are made from nothing but the worst parts of animals. If you like eating ground bits of organ meet have at it I guess. Not me.

[cle-guy]

I actually think Celebrity has great hot dogs! Which, from a guy who's from Chicago, is somewhat surprising! :eek: :p

 

Agree, and the hamburgers are very good as well. I wonder how can a burger be so special, yet they are...

[Orator]

Agree, and the hamburgers are very good as well. I wonder how can a burger be so special, yet they are...

 

How special do you think the $7 hamburger in the new Gastropub will be?

[cle-guy]

How special do you think the $7 hamburger in the new Gastropub will be?

 

Will have to see it, I assume it may have better sides, maybe a hand-pressed burger or larger sized? The ones mast grill are certainly pre-made and frozen I think, but delicious nonetheless, not sure if its a particular mix of meet, or seasonings applied, but they are tasty!

 

I did the Normandie wine pairing dinner on Summit, and as we walked thru the kitchens as we were guided to our table, they had samples of all meals being served, in each kitchen to assure consistency in plating, and then there was a section with about 12 various hamburgers prepped, that clearly aren't served anyplace on the ship, double deckers, with bacon and oozing cheese, small ones, sliders, various forms of buns etc... wonder if they are doing staff sampling and tasting in preparation of that?

[DonnaK]

My son, Jordan Peterson, is the solo pianist/entertainer on the Summit....I think he is pretty awesome :)

 

We think he's pretty awesome too! Loved him on our Summit cruise last August, and will be on Summit again this August. Can't wait!

[SWORRUB1]

Rang this morning re an excursion problem, took 30 seconds to get thru the call management system, spoke to someone in 45 secs. Very good service.

Issue was sorted within 3 minutes.

 

I was sort of filled with trepidation about ringing X following the issues raised on CC but my experience was great.

[baldercash]

How special do you think the $7 hamburger in the new Gastropub will be?

 

I have had a $26.00 Kobe burger and the next day a $3.00 In & Out burger, been back to In & Out but not the Kobe!

 

That said I enjoy the burgers and hot dogs on X not as salty as on Princess.

[Tony UK]

As we get older we have accepted that things change. Restaurants in the UK used to be very formal, people got very dressed up, the food was classic menus on the whole. Now everything tends to be much more relaxed and the menus reflect a more modern menu - not better or worse, just different!

 

On the ships we find the same. It is a good thing. The next generation of passengers expect something a little more akin to modern trends.

 

Go with the flow, have a half full glass and enjoy yourselves.

 

On reading negative reviews there is often an early problem with travel plans, embarkation etc. Some never seem to recover!

 

Another positive for me are the breadsticks and bread - look forward to it every night!

[Oxo]

How special do you think the $7 hamburger in the new Gastropub will be?

 

How much different can they be from the Mast Grill or the Ocean View Cafe? I was told that they are flown into the Gastropub kitchen daily.

[Andy]

How special do you think the $7 hamburger in the new Gastropub will be?

 

Hi Orator,

 

Probably not special enough to warrant $7, especially when you can get a very good hamburger at the Grill. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Celebrity totally ruins the Grill burger, in order to get folks motivated to visit the GasX pub :).

 

It's all about maximizing every inch of the ship, into revenue generators, now more than ever. If GasX succeeds, look for other pay venues onboard. Royal Caribbean has this process in high gear, and there's even talk about charging for entertainment on Quantum and Anthem. With their elimination of an MDR on the 2 upcoming ships, it's only a matter of time, before most everything - especially cuisine related, will be for a fee. It may take a few years, but I'd be surprised if this does not become a reality. Time will tell.

[Orator]

Hi Orator,

 

Probably not special enough to warrant $7, especially when you can get a very good hamburger at the Grill. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Celebrity totally ruins the Grill burger, in order to get folks motivated to visit the GasX pub :).

 

It's all about maximizing every inch of the ship, into revenue generators, now more than ever. If GasX succeeds, look for other pay venues onboard. Royal Caribbean has this process in high gear, and there's even talk about charging for entertainment on Quantum and Anthem. With their elimination of an MDR on the 2 upcoming ships, it's only a matter of time, before most everything - especially cuisine related, will be for a fee. It may take a few years, but I'd be surprised if this does not become a reality. Time will tell.

 

Hi Andy

We are on the same page. I've been saying that elimination of a MDR on Quantum ships if successful will give a direction for any Celebrity new builds. That will have a ripple affect. No MDR means no formal nights, no Captain's Tables, etc. Entertainment is an unrecovered cost. No doubt they will at some time experiment ivy bringing on some pay for view entertainment. Glad I had a chance to cruise when I did. Still love the sea and the people and that can't be changed. Well, not that easily.

[Andy]

Hi Andy

We are on the same page. I've been saying that elimination of a MDR on Quantum ships if successful will give a direction for any Celebrity new builds. That will have a ripple affect. No MDR means no formal nights, no Captain's Tables, etc. Entertainment is an unrecovered cost. No doubt they will at some time experiment ivy bringing on some pay for view entertainment. Glad I had a chance to cruise when I did. Still love the sea and the people and that can't be changed. Well, not that easily.

 

Hi Orator,

 

I agree with everything you said. For me, cruising is all about sailing with family, and for the many dear friends we've made over the years. It was a great plesure meeting you and your DW recently (finally !).

 

I fully accept that change is inevitable, and can be a good thing... but I hope the wonderful Celebrity experience we've loved over the years, does not go down the drain. There's a number of tell-tale signs of where it seems Celebrity is headed, and it's concerning. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like everything is in hyperspeed mode of late. If they would only slow down a bit, and assess the whirlwind of changes - to see what is working and what is not, I strongly feel it would be of great service to their guests - probably to management as well.

 

All we can do, is hope for the best !

Edited June 8, 2014 by Host Andy

[20pluscruises]

Hi Orator,

 

I agree with everything you said. For me, cruising is all about sailing with family, and for the many dear friends we've made over the years. It was a great plesure meeting you and your DW recently (finally !).

 

I fully accept that change is inevitable, and can be a good thing... but I hope the wonderful Celebrity experience we've loved over the years, does not go down the drain. There's a number of tell-tale signs of where it seems Celebrity is headed, and it's concerning. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like everything is in hyperspeed mode of late. If they would only slow down a bit, and assess the whirlwind of changes - to see what is working and what is not, I strongly feel it would be of great service to their guests - probably to management as well.

 

All we can do, is hope for the best !

 

Perfectly stated!

[Orator]

Hi Orator,

 

I agree with everything you said. For me, cruising is all about sailing with family, and for the many dear friends we've made over the years. It was a great plesure meeting you and your DW recently (finally !).

 

I fully accept that change is inevitable, and can be a good thing... but I hope the wonderful Celebrity experience we've loved over the years, does not go down the drain. There's a number of tell-tale signs of where it seems Celebrity is headed, and it's concerning. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like everything is in hyperspeed mode of late. If they would only slow down a bit, and assess the whirlwind of changes - to see what is working and what is not, I strongly feel it would be of great service to their guests - probably to management as well.

 

All we can do, is hope for the best !

 

They do appear to be in"hyper speed mode". As a result they've made, at least in IMHO, some PR errors in rolling out new initiatives that may have cause some ill will.

[chamima]

Hi Orator,

 

I agree with everything you said. For me, cruising is all about sailing with family, and for the many dear friends we've made over the years. It was a great plesure meeting you and your DW recently (finally !).

 

I fully accept that change is inevitable, and can be a good thing... but I hope the wonderful Celebrity experience we've loved over the years, does not go down the drain. There's a number of tell-tale signs of where it seems Celebrity is headed, and it's concerning. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like everything is in hyperspeed mode of late. If they would only slow down a bit, and assess the whirlwind of changes - to see what is working and what is not, I strongly feel it would be of great service to their guests - probably to management as well.

 

All we can do, is hope for the best !

 

They do appear to be in"hyper speed mode". As a result they've made, at least in IMHO, some PR errors in rolling out new initiatives that may have cause some ill will.

 

 

I agree!

My first reaction to this "new direction" was just to be glad we got to sail the old way and just to resign ourselves to that part of our life being over but on second thought I also hope , like you, that someone in management will realize that maybe they had a good product before all of these changes.

[hcat]

Lol! You are hilarious! who picks a cruiseship for hotdogs or hamburgers? I don't. I prefer the better food and in spite of the many complainers I still think Celebrity has great food in her ships' main dining rooms. If people are griping about that they should stay home and eat at Macdonalds, but lol! they better not read up on what those burgers are made of or they will be grossed out! You will never catch me eating one of them now. The only burgers worth having are those you make yourself from home, if you buy a sirloin tip and have it ground into burger meat.

 

Hotdogs too are made from nothing but the worst parts of animals. If you like eating ground bits of organ meet have at it I guess. Not me.

 

I agree..we do not eat fast food or at buffets or food courts at home, so would not "eat down" on vacation...not what we are looking for when taking a special trip. Most ships already serve burgers and dogs at the buffet, pool grill and at fast food venues on board. Gastropub will also be another choice for those who prefer less formal dining.

 

We have been pleased over the yrs with Celebs MDR even with changes of chefs, menus...now with BLU we are even more pleased...if that goes no frills, we will rethink plans but expect it will never come to that on X..

[wallie5446]

How special do you think the $7 hamburger in the new Gastropub will be?

 

Hi Orator,

 

Probably not special enough to warrant $7, especially when you can get a very good hamburger at the Grill. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Celebrity totally ruins the Grill burger, in order to get folks motivated to visit the GasX ll.

 

gator just had the $7 burger, in post # 92 said it was worth the cost.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2051239

[Andy]

gator just had the $7 burger, in post # 92 said it was worth the cost.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2051239

 

Fair enough, but I wasn't overly impressed with the menu. I'd probably try the grilled cheese or one of the flatbreads, before I'd go for the burger. Of course, most everything about food is subjective.

 

Am I missing something, or doesn't the menu state $8 for the burger (not $7). Not quibbling about a dollar, just curious.

[Cruising89143]

gator just had the $7 burger, in post # 92 said it was worth the cost.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2051239

 

I also tried a burger yesterday at the Mast Grill and it was pre-cooked and was pulled from a warming drawer. Not good. My burger at the Gastropub was much better. Have tried the Mast grill twice and don't get what's so special about this place. For the ones that don't want to pay then so be it. Different strokes.

Edited June 9, 2014 by cruisingator2

[Oxo]

I also tried a burger yesterday at the Mast Grill and it was pre-cooked and was pulled from a warming drawer. Not good. My burger at the Gastropub was much better. Have tried the Mast grill twice and don't get what's so special about this place. For the ones that don't want to pay then so be it. Different strokes.

 

Mast Grill normally cooks when you ask for the item. Maybe this is one way of getting us to Pay the $$$$ for fresh food. Personally, I will not pay $7 or $8 for a hamburger. Not with all the other choices in the Ocean View Cafe or MDR. JMHO!

[cle-guy]

Mast Grill normally cooks when you ask for the item.

 

I think it''s more of timing and crowds expected. Certain times they cook to order, others they cook a lot expecting them to move quickly, perhaps the warming drawer period was just after they expected a rush that didn't appear, so they were running the the balance of those precooked before going back to cooked to order.

 

Some people want a quick grab and go burger and don't ant to have to stand there while they cook the burger, while others want a freshly cooked burger and not mind a 10 minute wait while one gets cooked... These 2 groups of people are "mutually exclusive" when it coms to being satisfied together. :-)

[meatloafsfan]

I was very surprised when on our cruise last week, 3 little snack items were placed in our cabin (a small, half sized pringels can, a box with plain and peanut M&Ms and a box of mini chocolate bars). There was a card placed near them that said something to the effect of "We've placed these snack items here for your convenience. If you'd like to partake in them, it is a charge of $5 per item plus a 15% gratuity".

 

I thought it was very cheesy and I've not heard of anyone else mentioning this.

 

When walking down the hall the day they were placed in the cabin, there was a woman pounding on the cabin next to her yelling "do not eat those candies - DO NOT EAT THOSE CANDIES THEY ARE $5 EACH and I'm not paying for them". I'm guessing that she had kids/teens in the cabin next to her and thought they wouldn't notice the card.

 

This was our first Celebrity sailing after sailing Disney, Royal and Carnival. It was a good cruise but I can't say that our service was better than on other cruiselines. In fact, if it wasn't for Cafe Al Bacio (which was wonderful - not only the coffees and the treats but the servers and comfortable chairs) I think we would have been a little let down with the cruise. There was rarely anything happening - and when there was, it was usually something big (like the officers vs guest stuff) that was so crowded it was difficult to see.

 

Trivia was very infrequent and held at odd times (at 8:30pm as late dinner went in was the Beatles Trivia or 2pm while we were in Port at Bermuda). There were no guest lectures.

 

And the casino felt like the slots were stuffed into an empty hallway - overcrowding the machines and making some of the machines completely inacessible for anyone in a wheelchair because of the placements (behind a railing) or because they were packed in so tight you couldn't get to them. Plus some of them made weird noises (Cleopatra made a "clunk" sound each unwinning spin) and i've never played in a ships casino where the machines were so unwinning! (and yes, I play slots a lot on ships).

 

It was overall a good cruise but I'm not rushing back to sail on Celebrity. I'll keep my November cruise on the Equinox (fingers crossed on that one) but bring more stuff of keep us entertained (uno, rack-o, cards, craft kits, mandelas for colouring) and hope another great time with the Cafe Al Bacio servers. Unless things are very different with our November cruise, I don't see myself rushing to book Celebrity again - unless the price is right (which is my criteria for Royal as well - cheap cruise and good timing = I'll book anything).

[CruisingChick]

I was very surprised when on our cruise last week, 3 little snack items were placed in our cabin (a small, half sized pringels can, a box with plain and peanut M&Ms and a box of mini chocolate bars). There was a card placed near them that said something to the effect of "We've placed these snack items here for your convenience. If you'd like to partake in them, it is a charge of $5 per item plus a 15% gratuity".

 

I thought it was very cheesy and I've not heard of anyone else mentioning this.

 

There were no guest lectures.

 

 

We did not have the snacks placed in our room with a note, just the Evian Water on the desk. I agree it is "cheesy."

 

They have stopped the guest lecturers on all Bermuda cruises. My DH and I were disappointed. I agree some days there was nothing to do. We found ourselves going to bed at 11:00 PM the first 3 nights of the cruise.

Edited June 9, 2014 by CruisingChick

[chamima]

I was very surprised when on our cruise last week, 3 little snack items were placed in our cabin (a small, half sized pringels can, a box with plain and peanut M&Ms and a box of mini chocolate bars). There was a card placed near them that said something to the effect of "We've placed these snack items here for your convenience. If you'd like to partake in them, it is a charge of $5 per item plus a 15% gratuity".

 

I thought it was very cheesy and I've not heard of anyone else mentioning this.

 

When walking down the hall the day they were placed in the cabin, there was a woman pounding on the cabin next to her yelling "do not eat those candies - DO NOT EAT THOSE CANDIES THEY ARE $5 EACH and I'm not paying for them". I'm guessing that she had kids/teens in the cabin next to her and thought they wouldn't notice the card.

 

This was our first Celebrity sailing after sailing Disney, Royal and Carnival. It was a good cruise but I can't say that our service was better than on other cruiselines. In fact, if it wasn't for Cafe Al Bacio (which was wonderful - not only the coffees and the treats but the servers and comfortable chairs) I think we would have been a little let down with the cruise. There was rarely anything happening - and when there was, it was usually something big (like the officers vs guest stuff) that was so crowded it was difficult to see.

 

Trivia was very infrequent and held at odd times (at 8:30pm as late dinner went in was the Beatles Trivia or 2pm while we were in Port at Bermuda). There were no guest lectures.

 

And the casino felt like the slots were stuffed into an empty hallway - overcrowding the machines and making some of the machines completely inacessible for anyone in a wheelchair because of the placements (behind a railing) or because they were packed in so tight you couldn't get to them. Plus some of them made weird noises (Cleopatra made a "clunk" sound each unwinning spin) and i've never played in a ships casino where the machines were so unwinning! (and yes, I play slots a lot on ships).

 

It was overall a good cruise but I'm not rushing back to sail on Celebrity. I'll keep my November cruise on the Equinox (fingers crossed on that one) but bring more stuff of keep us entertained (uno, rack-o, cards, craft kits, mandelas for colouring) and hope another great time with the Cafe Al Bacio servers. Unless things are very different with our November cruise, I don't see myself rushing to book Celebrity again - unless the price is right (which is my criteria for Royal as well - cheap cruise and good timing = I'll book anything).

 

 

I agree - totally tacky!!! :(

Your whole report is pretty concerning. :(