Speciality Restaurants

[avcruz]

I agree that I would not pay $50pp to dine in a specialty restaurant. So what is the secret on how one gets a 30% discount and I don't mean through dining packages?

 

 

No secret. We were returning to the ship on the second afternoon and there was a table set up in the foyer. We got 3 specialty dinners for $90 per person. Well worth it at that price, but I probably would not have paid full price. Yesterday when we returned I believe they were offering 40% off.

 

 

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[janetz]

Because they have paid for a cruise that includes meals that should be of a very good standard and they should not feel the need to pay for speciality restaurants to have a great dining experience. The more cruise lines push speciality restaurants, the more the MDR quality will reduce, or even disappear.

 

 

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Exactly my thoughts.

There should be no need to pay extra to have an excellent dining experience.

[casper106]

Only a very small percentage of people who cruise post here (some more than others). While there are many people here with years of cruising experience and great advice,I would imagine most people cruise once in a while and are more than happy with their experience on the mass market cruise lines. Many use the ship as a hotel and spend as much time as possible off the ship. Everyone has different tastes in food and for some people, whatever is served on a ship is fine with them. One only needs to analyze the various "chain" restaurants that seem to attract a dedicated audience.

[kevinyork]

Sorry, but your analogy doesn't even begin to work here. Let's say I buy your vaunted Subaru, and I like everything about it and find the quality more than satisfactory. Fast forward a few years and I buy another Subaru. But this time the quality isn't there. Cheaper materials and poorer workmanship. Service has declined, too? I'm comparing Subaru to Subaru. Do I not have cause for complaint? I think I do.

 

 

 

THIS analogy actually fits the situation on Celebrity via a vis the MDR.

 

 

 

Very well put, a great analogy.

 

 

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[Hlitner]

I agree that I would not pay $50pp to dine in a specialty restaurant. So what is the secret on how one gets a 30% discount and I don't mean through dining packages?

 

There really is not much of a secret (especially among those that are on CC). The discounts are simply based on supply and demand....but are generally granted to those who ask (in advance). In our case we asked, upon boarding the Eclipse, were they offering first night discounts in Murano and were immediately granted 30%. Our meal in Murano was so good that we asked the Maitre'd if we could get a similar discount for a future night and he quickly offered us another 30% off for a few days later. During that 2nd Murano meal we asked our friendly waiter if we could get 30% off in Qsine...and after checking we had our Qsine reservation (30% off). As we finished our wonderfull dinner in Qsine, our waiter ask if were interested in another dinner in Qsine at 50% off (2 for 1) and we did make the reservation (which we later canceled because of other obligations).

 

Our advice (for many years) here on CC remains consistent. If you want a discount, simply ask (in advance). At worst you will be told there are no discounts available. Otherwise it can sometimes be a negotiation as to which night and time. Discounts are easier to get for those of us who enjoy dining late (after 7:30) since the most popular dining times (on most cruises) are the earlier slots (6-7pm).

 

Our attitude is simple. We really enjoy both Murano and Qsine, but do not think these venues justify their full cost (around $50 pp). If we get our price we are happy cruisers and frequent these venues. If we cannot get our discount we simply dine in Blu (or the MDR if not in Aqua Class). Either way, we are happy :).

 

Hank

Edited December 17, 2016 by Hlitner

[doublebzz]

 

Our advice (for many years) here on CC remains consistent. If you want a discount, simply ask (in advance). At worst you will be told there are no discounts available. Otherwise it can sometimes be a negotiation as to which night and time. Discounts are easier to get for those of us who enjoy dining late (after 7:30) since the most popular dining times (on most cruises) are the earlier slots (6-7pm).

 

Our attitude is simple. We really enjoy both Murano and Qsine, but do not think these venues justify their full cost (around $50 pp). If we get our price we are happy cruisers and frequent these venues. If we cannot get our discount we simply dine in Blu (or the MDR if not in Aqua Class). Either way, we are happy :).

 

Hank[/quote

 

Thanks for the advice. I don't mind spending $30 - $35 for an excellent experience but $50 is over the top.

[Bob7]

Only a very small percentage of people who cruise post here (some more than others). While there are many people here with years of cruising experience and great advice,I would imagine most people cruise once in a while and are more than happy with their experience on the mass market cruise lines. Many use the ship as a hotel and spend as much time as possible off the ship. Everyone has different tastes in food and for some people, whatever is served on a ship is fine with them. One only needs to analyze the various "chain" restaurants that seem to attract a dedicated audience.

Agreed. We've taken many cruises over the years and we and our friends have often asked ppl on the ship if they know about Cruise Critic, and we've only found a few who did. That's surprising considering all the great info you can get from CC'ers.

About rating food, remember that thread a couple years ago, 2 ppl were on the same ship, went to the MDR the same night, both were big risotto fans, both ordered it that night, one hated it, the other loved it. Go figure.

About chain restaurants and MDR's, we've used this yardstick when discussing it with our friends .... if the pasta on the ship is as good as the Olive Garden chain we are happy, if the seafood is as good as Red Lobster we're happy, if the Asian is as good as PF Chang we are happy, and if the steaks/meat is as good as the Outback, Black Angus, or in Canada the Keg, we are happy. Entrees at these are about $17-20, except the Keg is more.

[jagoffee]

As cruise ships keep getting bigger I am forever grateful that cruise lines have introduced specialty restaurants. Our first cruise was in 1980 in an Oceanview cabin and I can assure you on a per day basis cruises today are a better bargain on an equivalent basis. I have never been on a cruise since that I have not enjoyed or went hungry.

 

The introduction of specialty restaurants, Blu, and Luminae allow you to enjoy a different menu and a less crowded venue. We sometimes dine in Specialty restaurants, but not on every cruise. I can assure you that the Murano experience is much better than even the one on our first cruise and in a smaller venue. No way this could be done for 3000 people.

 

IMO the assumption that quality in the MDR is being affected by the introduction of other restaurant options is not necessarily true. The number of people and and the strategy to serve a wider market has more of an impact. Some people are more focused on cost than others. No reason to increase the costs for everyone when some people do not value what is included. The quality and inclusive that some cruisers seek can be found on smaller and more expensive cruise lines. (My assumption)

 

The expansion of optional additional cost restaurants on the main cruise lines is a trend that is not likely to be reversed nor should it be IMO.

Edited December 17, 2016 by jagoffee

[Fish Lover]

How do you get these discounts?

 

No one answered your question. I have no idea how some folks get their discounts (comped from the casino???? I spend thousands there...how does that work?) However, ask the person on board, who is trying to entice you to reserve a specialty, if there are any discounts? Especially if you are willing to go the first night. We were last offered 50% off at Qsine. Obviously this only works if you are willing to wait and reserve on board.

[Fish Lover]

Sorry, but your analogy doesn't even begin to work here. Let's say I buy your vaunted Subaru, and I like everything about it and find the quality more than satisfactory. Fast forward a few years and I buy another Subaru. But this time the quality isn't there. Cheaper materials and poorer workmanship. Service has declined, too? I'm comparing Subaru to Subaru. Do I not have cause for complaint? I think I do.

 

THIS analogy actually fits the situation on Celebrity via a vis the MDR.

 

Actually I agree that this is the analogy that you are making, however I question its value. Of what value is comparing now to what was years ago? Nothing stays static.

 

A more important comparison is how Celebrity compares now to other lines? Withe that information you can make informed choices.

 

Comparing then vs now is just fodder for endless complaining.

[Hlitner]

Actually I agree that this is the analogy that you are making, however I question its value. Of what value is comparing now to what was years ago? Nothing stays static.

 

A more important comparison is how Celebrity compares now to other lines? Withe that information you can make informed choices.

 

Comparing then vs now is just fodder for endless complaining.

 

You have a good point. So in the spirit of your comment, and having cruised for 28 days on HAL in August, 10 days on Princess in Oct-Nov, and 14 days on the Eclipse in Nov-Dec...we can say that both Princess and HAL now equal or exceed the quality of food (in the MDR and Blu) that we find on X. This was not the case until the tenure of Celebrity's current CEO...who seems to be on a quest to cut costs and reduce Celebrity's past quality. Celebrity still shines above those other lines when it comes to the alternative restaurants.

 

We used to specifically book Celebrity because we found their cuisine to be substantially better then the other mass market lines. But now, this is no longer the case.

 

Hank

[ECCruise]

No one answered your question. I have no idea how some folks get their discounts (comped from the casino???? I spend thousands there...how does that work?) However, ask the person on board, who is trying to entice you to reserve a specialty, if there are any discounts? Especially if you are willing to go the first night. We were last offered 50% off at Qsine. Obviously this only works if you are willing to wait and reserve on board.

 

Hank completely and thoroughly answered the question in his post above which you bypassed to make your reply.

 

Never have dined in a specialty without a discount (minimum 30%) and have dined in =X= specialties at least 3 dozen times. All the original Ocean Liners multiple times, Qsine a few times, Murano a number of times, even Tuscan Grill twice (with friends that wanted to go) but that one has zero appeal.

[ChucktownSteve]

You have a good point. So in the spirit of your comment, and having cruised for 28 days on HAL in August, 10 days on Princess in Oct-Nov, and 14 days on the Eclipse in Nov-Dec...we can say that both Princess and HAL now equal or exceed the quality of food (in the MDR and Blu) that we find on X. This was not the case until the tenure of Celebrity's current CEO...who seems to be on a quest to cut costs and reduce Celebrity's past quality. Celebrity still shines above those other lines when it comes to the alternative restaurants.

 

We used to specifically book Celebrity because we found their cuisine to be substantially better then the other mass market lines. But now, this is no longer the case.

 

Hank

Bingo Hank, IMHO you traced the timing back to when I thought Celebrity started their downward trend. Any one thing is no big deal, but when you accumulate them, you see the trend. It won't get better until Queen Lisa is overthrown.

Edited December 17, 2016 by ChucktownSteve

[avcruz]

No one answered your question. I have no idea how some folks get their discounts (comped from the casino???? I spend thousands there...how does that work?) However, ask the person on board, who is trying to entice you to reserve a specialty, if there are any discounts? Especially if you are willing to go the first night. We were last offered 50% off at Qsine. Obviously this only works if you are willing to wait and reserve on board.

 

 

I shared my experience in post #51.

 

 

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[teamflames]

You have a good point. So in the spirit of your comment, and having cruised for 28 days on HAL in August, 10 days on Princess in Oct-Nov, and 14 days on the Eclipse in Nov-Dec...we can say that both Princess and HAL now equal or exceed the quality of food (in the MDR and Blu) that we find on X. This was not the case until the tenure of Celebrity's current CEO...who seems to be on a quest to cut costs and reduce Celebrity's past quality. Celebrity still shines above those other lines when it comes to the alternative restaurants.

 

 

 

We used to specifically book Celebrity because we found their cuisine to be substantially better then the other mass market lines. But now, this is no longer the case.

 

 

 

Hank

 

 

We have done 3 X cruises and 1 Hal cruise. Our original X cruise on the equinox we were blown away by the quality of the food considering how many people are onboard. The specialty restaurants in particular were phenomenal. This was Oct 13.

This year we did a b2b on Koningsdam and 2 separate cruises on the connie.

Not even close Hal miles in front of X in the food department (service completely) the other way. Now not sure if fair to compare a Millennium class ship with the latest from Hal but I don't think that should affect the quality of food. On connie the fruit is clearly old, bread stale etc. the burgers and pizza while good definitely lower quality. As to specialty restaurants, the Italian on Hal was $10 and some of the best food we have eaten on a ship, on X its $45! And while produce was good and portions large the sauces were sweet and terrible.

Sushi is expensive a la carte with no hot dishes.

Ocean liners is good but at $50 is not in the same league as de librije at same cost.

We love X because of ships and more importantly the amazing service but it is not even close to the same league of food as Hal.

We are boarding the millennium in a couple of days so will be able to report back whether it differs ship to ship.

 

 

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[keithm]

So what you are saying is that a 5 star cruise line shouldn't have good food.

 

Is that correct or have I read that wrongly?

Celebrity is hardly a 5 star line. You can get as many votes as you like, but a true 5 star would be a luxury line.

[keithm]

No one answered your question. I have no idea how some folks get their discounts (comped from the casino???? I spend thousands there...how does that work?) However, ask the person on board, who is trying to entice you to reserve a specialty, if there are any discounts? Especially if you are willing to go the first night. We were last offered 50% off at Qsine. Obviously this only works if you are willing to wait and reserve on board.

We always book while on board & ask about discounts. Like you, we've never gotten less than 35% discounts.

[doublebzz]

We always book while on board & ask about discounts. Like you, we've never gotten less than 35% discounts.

 

Thanks to all for your advice. I'll try this on my Eclipse cruise next month and report the results.

[SantaFeFan]

Thanks to all for your advice. I'll try this on my Eclipse cruise next month and report the results.

 

We have even booked in advance online to get our preferred dining times, and then when on board have requested the reservations be modified to include the discounts. Never been told "no". After each time we dined, our on board account showed a refund of the original online booking amount and followed immediately by a charge for the discounted amount. The refund and charges showed up the same night as each affected dining.

 

Hint: as the cruise progresses, more and more people learn about the specialties and they become busier, limiting availability for prime dining hours. And the discounts seem to get smaller, if they even continue to offer them. So, go earlier in the cruise than later to get the biggest discounts and to have the best chances of getting the dining time you want.

Edited December 18, 2016 by SantaFeFan

[kathynorth]

We were very sad to learn that the Ultimate Dining Package is no longer available. I know that we can now book specialty dining for all nights via the cruise planner. Does anyone know if these every night specialty dining packages are available after boarding, so we can pay using OBC?

[doublebzz]

Thanks to all for your advice. I'll try this on my Eclipse cruise next month and report the results.

 

Just got off the Eclipse and tactfully and politely asked for discounts on 3 separate occasions but was advised each time no discounts were being offered. No doubt the reason was that the ship with a rated double occupancy capacity of 2,850 had over 3,500 guests on board.

 

Our travel companions booked Murano and Qsine so I was hooked into joining them and my tab at Murano was $125 plus. Frankly, I was not impressed with Murano particularly paying $50 for frozen fish. The Qsine was a fun experience but again not worth the premium in my view. The fact that we found the food in the Main Dining Room to be excellent contributed to our conclusion that the specialty restaurants were a poor value.

[kathynorth]

Just got off the Eclipse and tactfully and politely asked for discounts on 3 separate occasions but was advised each time no discounts were being offered. No doubt the reason was that the ship with a rated double occupancy capacity of 2,850 had over 3,500 guests on board.

 

Our travel companions booked Murano and Qsine so I was hooked into joining them and my tab at Murano was $125 plus. Frankly, I was not impressed with Murano particularly paying $50 for frozen fish. The Qsine was a fun experience but again not worth the premium in my view. The fact that we found the food in the Main Dining Room to be excellent contributed to our conclusion that the specialty restaurants were a poor value.

 

Thanks for posting a current experience. We're considering booking a couple of nights and then try to expand our package using OBC after boarding.

[TFLG]

Just got off the Eclipse and tactfully and politely asked for discounts on 3 separate occasions but was advised each time no discounts were being offered. No doubt the reason was that the ship with a rated double occupancy capacity of 2,850 had over 3,500 guests on board.

 

Our travel companions booked Murano and Qsine so I was hooked into joining them and my tab at Murano was $125 plus. Frankly, I was not impressed with Murano particularly paying $50 for frozen fish. The Qsine was a fun experience but again not worth the premium in my view. The fact that we found the food in the Main Dining Room to be excellent contributed to our conclusion that the specialty restaurants were a poor value.

 

We did the Eclipse in Late Nov and we managed to get discounts for every specialty restaurant. Murano was good, Tuscan Grill... meh, not worth even a 2 for 1, Sushi on 5 was a complete waste of money. The Best meal we had was in the Luminae. Our friends had a suite and got us in for $30pp. That meal was fantastic and well worth the money. The MDR food was pretty good most nights. We only had one night where the food was below par (well below par). It's certainly worth asking for discounts and on a port day they are usually willing to discount the price. On a sea day it's harder to get a discount.

[Duanerice1]

We ate in one on our first Celebrity cruise. About 10 cruises later we haven't been back. I can find enough good food that I don't need to eat in a Specialty restaurant. Just don't see spending the money even though we usually have some good OBC.

[ChucktownSteve]

On our last Summit cruise when we ate in Tuscan, we received a two for one discount. Afterwards we agreed it was just OK but not even worth the price we paid extra for the specialty restaurant at half price.