Goodbye to Free Burgers and Mast Grill ???

[chamima]

Either they do not realize the potential trouble falsely claiming something to Kobe can cause a business (google this topic - quite a few US restaurants and chains have incurred legal problems for doing this) or they figure the reward of increased sales through this false advertisIng outweighs the risk of legal action.

 

 

Or the marketing department (for a change [emoji849]) put out something that sounded sexy without actually checking facts.

 

 

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[ECCruise]

Just reading this thread gives me insight into why Celebrity keeps doing these things.

 

There are enough posters on here, which, frankly would represent a bit more seasoned cruiser than average, who say they would spend $10-11 for a burger at a pool bar, under certain caveats. Throw in the green peas who spend money for everything (overpriced shore excursions, photos, trinkets and trash in the shops, full price for specialty venues) and voila! A recipe for success.

 

Also why the prices keep escalating and the experience keeps being degraded.

[NantahalaCruiser]

Perhaps some bored teenager will decide to stack a dozen burgers from the Oceanview Cafe on a plate, take them out to the pool area and trade them for free beers!

[A Sixth?]

Perhaps some bored teenager will decide to stack a dozen burgers from the Oceanview Cafe on a plate, take them out to the pool area and trade them for free beers!

 

Teenager??!! I'll do it! :cool:

[shipshape sam]

Just because something is worth 'X' does not automatically justify charging for it. A great $15 burger (of which I can not imagine any burger of that value) could be a part of the fare you pay. I enjoy escargot most nights and if you go to a local restaurant here in Atlanta, they might charge you $15. Does that mean Celebrity should do the same? What is included in the fare that is safe from now being a charge?

 

Yes it may be time to move on and it can also be the time to express our opinion and concerns to Celebrity. I have sailed a few other cruise lines AND overall I like the Celebrity product and have earned a higher affinity status due to those decisions. I prefer to show Celebrity the value of taking care of their long time loyal passengers and not cheapen a "complimentary" burger by making it less available and inconvenient and potentially even lower quality to justify charging for a burger that should be what they proudly serve as "complimentary".

[shipshape sam]

duplicate post.

Edited May 14, 2017 by shipshape sam
duplicate post

[Gonzo70]

Just because something is worth 'X' does not automatically justify charging for it. A great $15 burger (of which I can not imagine any burger of that value) could be a part of the fare you pay. I enjoy escargot most nights and if you go to a local restaurant here in Atlanta, they might charge you $15. Does that mean Celebrity should do the same? What is included in the fare that is safe from now being a charge?

 

Yes it may be time to move on and it can also be the time to express our opinion and concerns to Celebrity. I have sailed a few other cruise lines AND overall I like the Celebrity product and have earned a higher affinity status due to those decisions. I prefer to show Celebrity the value of taking care of their long time loyal passengers and not cheapen a "complimentary" burger by making it less available and inconvenient and potentially even lower quality to justify charging for a burger that should be what they proudly serve as "complimentary".

 

The food cost for the escargot Celebrity serves is miniscule; canned snails, generic butter and garlic - tastes good, but extremely inexpensive ingredients. The food cost for high quality cuts of high quality beef (necessary for a truly "gourmet" and great tasting burger) are quite high (much higher than the "lobster" Celebrity serves) - an upcharge for a truly high end burger is necessary or the food cost would make it too large to be feasible. Am a bit skeptical the Burger Bar will truly source high enough quality beef (and accompaniments) and execute it properly to make $10 charge worthwhile, but if they do $10 is an extremely fair price - even factoring that basic food is included in the cruise fare.

[Gonzo70]

OK, but back to The Lawn Club burgers, were you able to get one cooked rare or medium rare? I ask because, like another poster noted, we have never been able to do so at the current Mast Grill. I know my DH won't spend $11+ dollars if it isn't cooked to order.

 

 

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Yikes, DO NOT order burgers medium rare from the Mast Grill. Very dangerous. The meat is not high enough quality and is not freshly ground - so significant E. coli risk if not cooked through. Also it appears to only be Standard or Commercial grade beef, so would not have good flavor if cooked medium rare; that temperature accentuates the flavor of the beef - a very good thing for high quality beef, but a negative for poor quality beef.

[hubofhockey]

The food cost for the escargot Celebrity serves is miniscule; canned snails, generic butter and garlic - tastes good, but extremely inexpensive ingredients. The food cost for high quality cuts of high quality beef (necessary for a truly "gourmet" and great tasting burger) are quite high (much higher than the "lobster" Celebrity serves) - an upcharge for a truly high end burger is necessary or the food cost would make it too large to be feasible. Am a bit skeptical the Burger Bar will truly source high enough quality beef (and accompaniments) and execute it properly to make $10 charge worthwhile, but if they do $10 is an extremely fair price - even factoring that basic food is included in the cruise fare.

 

I don't think people are doubting the value of the $10 burger as much as they are the loss of the traditional pool grill where someone could just a grab a burger without a second thought.

[Gonzo70]

I don't think people are doubting the value of the $10 burger as much as they are the loss of the traditional pool grill where someone could just a grab a burger without a second thought.

 

Yes, would be nice if they made Mast Grill/Burger Bar a dual concept. Keep the current free options of the Mast Grill (at the current location - not moved to the buffet) but also offer the "gourmet" burger at a surcharge. Win/win. If the new burger is truly elevated, people who appreciate the enhanced quality will spring the $10 for it, but those who enjoy the current offerings will not be inconvenienced.

[watchdiva]

DH and I ordered medium rare burgers at Lawn Club Grill and they were served exactly as ordered, medium rare. Between the size if the burgers, the side dishes and the dessert, we ate so much that when dinner time rolled around, we were still full and some lucky person scored a last minute reservation at Murano when we cancelled our reservation. LCG burgers worth every $$ in our opinion and will definitely be going there for lunch come December. I want a relaxing lunch...and LCG and the Porch deliver with great atmosphere and great food!

 

 

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[miched]

It might be a good thing as I won't gain as much weight on a cruise by eating those burgers and fries.

 

I have a feeling that the pizza will be next and then the ice cream.

 

Zumba now has a fee and it seemed to be a fun and popular activity for many. Next will be the free dance classes.

 

I think their new direction is if it is popular we should find a way to charge for it.

 

If they start to charge daily resort fees like the casinos I think that will be the straw that breaks my bank and will end my cruising. Unless it includes the internet, access to the gym and pool. 🤑🤗😱 NOT!!!!

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

[bogofman]

I agree we will be doing similar if we need a snack,

 

NOT paying extra...

 

Looks like we'll leave 1 of us to save the pool loungers..while the other trudges to the buffet to bring back the free burgers, dogs, chicken and quick lunch fixins..all without trays in the buffet..

 

Not very convenient...predict alot of food mess and spillage along the way

 

More Modern Luxury!

[jagoffee]

Hi Mike

I'm the OP and , yes, the question mark is on purpose.

If everyone would read the first couple of posts when Celebrity first announced the new venue (Top Deck or something) they were unclear about the upcharge and whether or not the Mast Grill was disappearing.

Also if people actually read my post I said my cynical mind told me that there WOULD be a charge. I really wanted to be wrong.

 

I will reiterate what I've said several times - I think it's ridiculous that there will now be a charge to get a hamburger or hot dog ( gourmet or not) at a fast food grill outside by the pool.

 

I hope the venue on the Connie is a once and done failure.

 

 

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Perhaps the new experimental venue will be more than just a Grill by the pool. Maybe it will be a smaller version of the Porch or Lawn Grill like on the newer ships. Even so, I have my doubts about it's likely success.

[trashnob]

Can you get a grilled chicken burger with mayonnaise at the Mast Grill for free on Eclipse ?

[Beanb41]

$US15 for a "gourmet" burger by the pool and one can get a normal burger for free by putting on a shirt and going to the Buffet. I can see this "burger bar" heading the same direction as "bistro on 5" into oblivion.

[Gonzo70]

Can you get a grilled chicken burger with mayonnaise at the Mast Grill for free on Eclipse ?

 

I think I saw Kobe chicken burgers there last cruise. :D:p;)

[trashnob]

does celebrity have grilled chicken burgers available at the buffet if not at the Mast? I like the grilled chicken burger on Princess and am wondering if I can get the same thing.

[miched]

Can you get a grilled chicken burger with mayonnaise at the Mast Grill for free on Eclipse ?

 

You can get it in the buffet. Get a grilled beast and pick out the type of roll or bread that you want from the bread section. There is a Mayonnaise dispenser across from the Asian grill.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

[Fouremco]

I think I saw Kobe chicken burgers there last cruise. :D:p;)

Entirely possible!

 

[Gonzo70]

Ha! :D

[ghstudio]

$US15 for a "gourmet" burger by the pool and one can get a normal burger for free by putting on a shirt and going to the Buffet. I can see this "burger bar" heading the same direction as "bistro on 5" into oblivion.

 

Clearly, it will have to justify the expense. I'm surprised that the yogurt/smoothie bar next to the aqua spa cafe is still open but I guess a small amount of revenue is better than none. Maybe by the time of my next celebrity cruise in November, one of the spaces will be taken over by Park West to sell miniatures :)

[ChucktownSteve]

Now this is how you do a pool side food venue menu. https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Documents/Menus/1719/Waves-Menu.pdf Oh BTW, this menu is included at no additional charge.

[LonnyLee]

Now this is how you do a pool side food venue menu. https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Documents/Menus/1719/Waves-Menu.pdf Oh BTW, this menu is included at no additional charge.

 

Oceania Hot dogs are the best. And while they are included along with other specialty restaurants, the overall level of luxury on the cruise is higher than X, and the pricing reflects this.

 

We would choose Oceania every time if budget allowed.

 

Having said that, if the hotdogs are anything like the Waves Grill hot dogs on O, then I would gladly pay for them on X.

[ChucktownSteve]

We would choose Oceania every time if budget allowed.

.

 

It's a lot closer than you may think. I just compared my March 2019 14 day cruise in an extended veranda on Oceania to a 14 day concierge on Celebrity for the same month. The difference in cost for the cabin (including taxes/fees) is only $400. That's not per person.

 

Both have the liquor package as perks. O is throwing in free internet and international air fare for $500pp.

 

I realize I could get a lesser category to save money but the last few cruises I was either in a Celebrity Concierge or Aqua Class cabin. I wonder how the Edge would compare however they're only doing seven day sailings.

 

But I hope lots of people buy those burgers in the new joint by the pool. I'm keeping my RCL stock because of their current profits. If you don't keep booking and buying the add on food, I'll have to sell my shares. ;p

Edited May 15, 2017 by ChucktownSteve