Decline in food quality?

[tallnthensome]

Depends on your point of view. Personally, I would find that to be an upgrade.

That's the problem and what Carnival wants to hear! The majority would like to have carved roast beef or porkloin and then you have a few that actually think that some basic potato bar is a better alternative ...... which is absurd. If people keep accepting cheaper school cafeteria alternatives, that's what we will all get .......

[sparks1093]

That's the problem and what Carnival wants to hear! The majority would like to have carved roast beef or porkloin and then you have a few that actually think that some basic potato bar is a better alternative ...... which is absurd. If people keep accepting cheaper school cafeteria alternatives, that's what we will all get .......

 

If the majority want something and are vocal about it and don't get it then that indicates that Carnival has made their business decision and are fine with it in spite of the criticism. I personally don't care since I don't eat in the buffet for dinner, which is where the majority of cruisers in general probably fall.

[c-boy]

..we have the makins' of

..

[Bookworm1985]

I am always surprised when people say they don’t like the food. I love eating in the MDR. Its the highlight of the cruise for us. Love the Fries at Guys and the Blue Iguana. The buffet is a buffet, nothing spectacular but its not like its inedible. Maybe my tastes are just too simple, but i have no complaints

 

 

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[Doggielover68]

I don't think it has gotten any worse, just that the more you cruise carnival, it is not a "new" as it it once was and I am just getting used to it. Time for Carnival to change up the menu and add some new recipes.

 

 

I agree with this. As a frequent cruiser, the menu gets a little stale and it's not at great as I once thought it was. Doesn't matter to me though. I struggle to lose weight so it's easier for me to not over indulge. I still enjoy the food and the fact that I don't have to cook or clean.

 

 

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[jcearth]

On my 1st carnival cruise in 2007, I remember being able to get some form of beef tenderloin on 4 of the 7 nights in the MDR. As a lover of steak, I thought that was amazing. On my next cruise next month, my options for the same cut of meat will be zero with the base fare that I paid. However, it will be available every night should I wish to spend a few extra bucks. The industry has changed, and the "fanciness" of the MDR has disappeared, but as a consumer, I really enjoy all of the available meal options on Carnival currently.

 

Food options I enjoy:

Guys Burgers

Blue Iguana (breakfast and lunch)

Mongolian Wok

Pizza Pirate

Italian restaurant for lunch

Omelet station

Seaday Brunch

Steakhouse

BBQ Lunch

 

Options that really don't interest me:

Buffet (lunch and dinner)

Room Service

 

Options I wish Carnival would improve:

MDR

Bacon

Late night

 

I haven't tried the new late night options yet, but I hope that it is an improvement over what has been offered before. I don't care about the buffets, but when I have tried them, they have been poor to mediocre. The bacon can be improved -- it often isn't crisp enough (I don't have the patience to do port day dining room breakfast.). I loved the old fish n chips - sad to see that it has gone the way of the dodo. I am not the biggest fan of Indian food, but when I have been on Dream class ships, the Tandoor station has been pretty good.

 

So for me and the food I like, Carnival gets it right for the most part. For others that may be different. On my last non-Carnival cruise, we went on the Norwegian Escape. The specialty (pay) restaurants were really good, but the MDR and buffets were not good at all. Their version of Guy's was a Margaritaville where you had to pay a la carte (it was empty every time I walked by.) The saving grace for that ship was their 24 hour coffee shop type place (O'Sheehans). Overall, though, they did a worse job than Carnival with food IMO.

[BlerkOne]

Haven't seen a decline in food quality and in fact, the opposite, for example, the pizza is far superior to what it used to be.

 

 

I think some portions may be smaller, which is a good thing given how much waste there is on cruises, and how much waist there is on some cruisers. You can always get more.

 

 

 

As Carnival adapts to their changing target market(s) tastes, some of the more "mature" cruisers who are stuck in a rut, might howl. Carnival will never please everyone, but they do a great job with the majority.

[sfaaa]

What's happened to the food on Carnival? It seems like it's gone way down in the last couple years. I don't expect high-end gourmet food, but lately it's been pretty sad. I've worked in, and eaten in, five-star restaurants, and my standards are high, but on Carnival cruises a few years ago, I found the food to be surprisingly good. Now: not so much.

 

Does it not make sense to you that if you want 5-star food, prepare to pay 5-star cruise price, not 3-star Carnival deals. You can't have it both ways.

[dchurchward]

Does it not make sense to you that if you want 5-star food, prepare to pay 5-star cruise price, not 3-star Carnival deals. You can't have it both ways.

 

But, but, but I want 5-star food for a 1-star price. I mean why should I have to pay for all of the costs associated with building new ships with additional amenities? I want the price of my cruise to keep going down and the quality to go up. ;);););););)

[soapbxking]

On the Magic in feb. we had the best food ever on a Carnival ship, so not sure why anyone thinks it is going downhill. I am sailing on Fantasy on Saturday, we will once again do a taste test :-)

[tallnthensome]

But, but, but I want 5-star food for a 1-star price. I mean why should I have to pay for all of the costs associated with building new ships with additional amenities? I want the price of my cruise to keep going down and the quality to go up. ;);););););)

I think people would settle for quality going up to go along with those price increases. I for one realize that Carnival has the best flat rate (no add ons) cruise prices and also realize that the food in the MDR and buffet correspond to those low prices. Most hate rising prices, on any cruiseline, and falling food quality and choices. Carnival is no exception .....

[Havingfun2010]

Companies do need to hear negative feedback when it's warranted but if they've made a business decision that they are comfortable with they can live with the negative feedback as long as it isn't in the form of reduced bookings. As for the comments in your post that I bolded: the biggest selling points for us was being able to see many different ports in one trip and being on a ship at sea. Having the food included in the fare was also a selling point, but we certainly didn't and don't expect gourmet food on any line (well, if we ever sailed on one of the premium lines we would). And Carnival has made these changes to ensure that the price that you pay for your cruise is as low as possible, which again most customers applaud.

 

Did you know the soda out of the soda gun, costs about $0.04? Yet how much is a glass of soda now? $2.95? or is it $2.50? On a behind the scenes tour, we discussed food cost. Most people if asked what the cost of their food is, they won't even come close to what Carnival, or any cruise line pays. Although most food quality on any ship, is far from gourmet food, a cruise traditionally was about eating, and eating well. I would rather have any cruise line raise the price about $20.00 per person, if it means that dinner includes steaks, or other premium cuts of meat instead of having a potato bar. The other thing about food cost, is overhead cost for producing the food. Cooks, rent, electricity etc. On the ship, you already pay for that. So remove the overhead prices in the food, and the food becomes extremely cheap. $3.00 a day, will buy a much better dinner.

[Doggielover68]

Did you know the soda out of the soda gun, costs about $0.04? Yet how much is a glass of soda now? $2.95? or is it $2.50? On a behind the scenes tour, we discussed food cost. Most people if asked what the cost of their food is, they won't even come close to what Carnival, or any cruise line pays. Although most food quality on any ship, is far from gourmet food, a cruise traditionally was about eating, and eating well. I would rather have any cruise line raise the price about $20.00 per person, if it means that dinner includes steaks, or other premium cuts of meat instead of having a potato bar. The other thing about food cost, is overhead cost for producing the food. Cooks, rent, electricity etc. On the ship, you already pay for that. So remove the overhead prices in the food, and the food becomes extremely cheap. $3.00 a day, will buy a much better dinner.

 

 

 

You mention the cost of soda. You do realize that every business in existence overcharges for beverages. It's one of the easiest ways to make larger profits and people are willing to pay for it. The same goes for food. Just think about the cost of dishes at a place like Olive Garden when you can buy a box of pasta at the store for 50 cents. It will always always cost you more to have any food prepared for you, even if it isn't five star quality. And if you are okay with paying more money for high quality cuts of steak, you always have that option in the dining room or the steakhouse. If anyone is to blame, it's the consumers for historically ordering way too much food and then throwing it away. It is 100% possible to eat well on a cruise without being wasteful.

 

 

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[sparks1093]

Did you know the soda out of the soda gun, costs about $0.04? Yet how much is a glass of soda now? $2.95? or is it $2.50? On a behind the scenes tour, we discussed food cost. Most people if asked what the cost of their food is, they won't even come close to what Carnival, or any cruise line pays. Although most food quality on any ship, is far from gourmet food, a cruise traditionally was about eating, and eating well. I would rather have any cruise line raise the price about $20.00 per person, if it means that dinner includes steaks, or other premium cuts of meat instead of having a potato bar. The other thing about food cost, is overhead cost for producing the food. Cooks, rent, electricity etc. On the ship, you already pay for that. So remove the overhead prices in the food, and the food becomes extremely cheap. $3.00 a day, will buy a much better dinner.

 

Yes, I've worked in food service and have a pretty good idea of what the costs are. The only mention of a potato bar in the thread was at the buffet, so dinner does include steak in the MDR (and lobster, too). I've found the quality of Carnival's food to be perfectly acceptable, it meets my needs and I get to try things I wouldn't/couldn't try at home. To me that defines eating well. DW does struggle with the limited choices on the menu sometimes but she makes do and does like what she ends up ordering. Last article I read on the topic said that Carnival spends more per person for food than the other lines and it was between $10 and $15 pp/pd. Our last sailing included two sets of people new to cruising and they liked the food just fine.

[Nic6318]

I think it's good to have an open discussion with the decline in food quality. Any negative discussion is a good discussion on the Carnival forum. One of the biggest selling points on going on a cruise is the food. I'm not a buffet eater, but in the random ones I have been to, there always seems to be a meat carver. So removing it on the ship, is a huge cutback. Although I won't deny that I think all cruise lines have made cut backs in the food choices, it does seem that Carnival is the leader in cutting back. But that is the price you pay. So I encourage as many people as possible, to make the negative comments and keep the posting strong!

 

 

Hi

 

Your quote "Any negative discussion is is a good discussion on the Carnival forum." Really? Are you a joker of some kind? What is the point?

 

If this was something new or something specific to Carnival, maybe you could start another thread that starts with "another cutback", but get real, this has been voiced over and over and over again since I joined this site.

 

If you feel that this product is no longer for you, then you shouldn't support it. Talk with your money, buy a different product. Call the company, write to them, tell them that you are tired with eating their crap. Please, you don't need to tell me again, that this is the last straw and you won't sail with them again. It keeps sounding like a joke.

 

hope this helps

[dchurchward]

I think people would settle for quality going up to go along with those price increases. I for one realize that Carnival has the best flat rate (no add ons) cruise prices and also realize that the food in the MDR and buffet correspond to those low prices. Most hate rising prices, on any cruiseline, and falling food quality and choices. Carnival is no exception .....

 

I think there are people who would be willing to pay for extra quality. Some of these people probably cruise on different lines. There are also those that like the overall value of a Carnival cruise and consider that they are getting a good service for a fairly low price. I think the cruise lines have strived to address the desire of some for higher quality food by providing the additional cost restaurants.

 

Personally, I have been on 3 different lines. I thought that the food on Holland America was the best, although everything was very light on salt (probably due to their demographic), and then Carnival, followed by Royal Caribbean. It is all subjective though as this thread proves.

[TEXSUN46]

Food palatability is subjective and no one really has been specific with what they consider good or bad quality other than menu options. If someone is comparing cruise food from the 80s to today then you must consider that the cost of cruising now relative to then is very inexpensive. You have economic classes that can afford to cruise now for whom it would never have been an option back in the glory days. There are varying price points in cruise lines just as there is a difference between Neiman Marcus and Walmart ( not calling any particular cruise lines Walmart of the seas ) and many levels in between. You don't expect Neiman Marcus quality at Walmart prices, so what it comes down to is are you getting value. Though CCL, RCI and NCL are more budget oriented lines I feel that the food offerings are of good value all things considered, but that is just my opinion based on expectations and my own opinion, doesn't mean anyone else will like or dislike what I do.

[AD5ZA]

Decline of dining experience and food quality is not only due to cutbacks but is somewhat intentional by Carnival and other lines to try to encourage or maybe even force you to eat in a speciality restaurant with an up charge.

20 or more years ago eating in the MDR was a 5 star experience. No more. Lucky if 1 star or maybe 2 stars on formal nights. Check a menu from before mid 90's. 5, 6, or 7 course dinner. Even had antipasto.

 

 

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[BlerkOne]

that Carnival spends more per person for food than the other lines and it was between $10 and $15 pp/pd. Our last sailing included two sets of people new to cruising and they liked the food just fine.

 

I think that is an accurate figure for raw food costs, but obviously not labor or, for example, maintenance costs of equipment.

 

There is a huge difference between Carnival raising prices because of demand and raising prices because of optional cost increases. If demand falls, Carnival can quickly drop prices and still make sufficient profit. Not the case with increasing costs where Carnival would sign contracts for an enormous quantity of food. And with about 5 million cruisers a year, supplies and suppliers have to be able to satisfy the demand. A concept completely foreign to any snooty land restaurant.

[BlerkOne]

Decline of dining experience and food quality is not only due to cutbacks but is somewhat intentional by Carnival and other lines to try to encourage or maybe even force you to eat in a speciality restaurant with an up charge.

20 or more years ago eating in the MDR was a 5 star experience. No more. Lucky if 1 star or maybe 2 stars on formal nights. Check a menu from before mid 90's. 5, 6, or 7 course dinner. Even had antipasto.

 

I was wondering when a conspiracy theory would surface. I don't believe it for a second, but if true, then NCL would be a pioneer and leader of the pack with many extra cost restaurants, and Royal not far behind. Carnival would be a distant third.

[Cruisegirl6]

I have found the food in the MDR on. Carnival the past years to be horrible actually, with a handful of exceptions such as the chilled soups and desserts. When I cruise, we go to the specialty restaurants every night and avoid the MDR. Unfortunately my next Carnival cruise on the Elation does not have a steakhouse which means I will be eating unhealthy and low quality type foods, its ok, I loose some weight that I will gain from all the booze lol. Also, any cruise is better than no cruise.

[simplelife]

Carnival has never promised gourmet food or 5-star quality. That said, there is a lot of good food to be had, and it does not cost you a thing to ask for something else if you encounter a dish you do not like.

[sfaaa]

Hi

 

Your quote "Any negative discussion is is a good discussion on the Carnival forum." Really? Are you a joker of some kind? What is the point?

 

 

Stick around long enough and you would know Havingfun2010 has a personal vanditta against Carnival. Besides, anyone worths a grain of salt would know restaurant outlets are seldom big money maker in hospitality industry due to their low mark up and being a labor intensive operation when comparing to say Room Department or Casino. Let him spin all he wants and waste his own time. We know better.

[Moviela]

What I notice is that the quality of the food is great from a service and preparation perspective. The quality of the provisions has slipped. Not only on cruise lines, but across the board, even in your supermarket. There are few suppliers, and few farmers that can supply enough food for a week to feed 5000 people. My company uses the same suppliers as Carnival in Long Beach. We cannot get the quality at any price for the quantity of food needed. Perhaps filet and lobster might creep back on the menu, now that food shipments to China have suddenly stopped.

[oncruisecontrol]

We thought the buffet and MDR food on the Vista last year was the worst food we have ever had on a cruise. Some of these people who think that the quality of food has not dropped or "magically" gotten better must have just started sailing Carnival in the last 5 years. I remember years ago being served filet, lobster, prime rib, and Chateubriand on the Inspiration 15 years ago. Food used to be excellent. Now people rave about a small shoe leather steak, a greasy Guys burger and a breakfast burrito from Blue Iguana as "good food". It hasn't stopped me from sailing but anyone that doesn't think the food quality and selection has deteriorated has a screw loose.

Barring your last statement which I've highlighted in red, I agree with you 100%. For anyone who has cruised with Carnival since, at least, the year 2000, I cannot see how they could believe that the food quality has not deteriorated significantly.