Decline in food quality?

[dchurchward]

Boards are open discussions, and when a product is bad, people like to share.

I am curious why you have so much hatred for Carnival? It seems to me that Carnival is fine for what it is which is a cruise line centered on fun activities and ports, not so much on high quality service and food.

 

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[AAAAmerican]

Yes the days of cruising have changed. Food consuption is so very subjective still now as well before.

The he and she days of Bon-Voyage parties aboard are gone.

Yes the reason is revenues too. When Carnival just announced the 6,600 Passenger ship the Largest ever going to be in the Orange Juice tanker Port in the Rocket launch area for NASA now. Carnival CCL : NYSE/LSE CUK :NYSE/LSE pays for the vessels where RCL :NYSE and that Nickle and Dime Cruise line finance the vessels. Yet with so many passengers will ythey now increase the Staff/Crew to Passenger Ratios too?

Will they get better orering management? EG: On the Maiden Voyages of the VISTA they ran out in a few days in the Casino Bar of a simple Kahlua and a few others.. Why have Pee-Pot Poor Mangement ?

[BlerkOne]

Will they get better orering management? EG: On the Maiden Voyages of the VISTA they ran out in a few days in the Casino Bar of a simple Kahlua and a few others.. Why have Pee-Pot Poor Mangement ?

 

Maiden voyageS? How many times were you a maiden?

 

Where were these voyages? The Mediterranean.

 

Where does Kahlua come from? Mexico.

 

Not worth it to ship over just to give it away.

[Don Kehote]

Yes the days of cruising have changed. Food consuption is so very subjective still now as well before.

The he and she days of Bon-Voyage parties aboard are gone.

Yes the reason is revenues too. When Carnival just announced the 6,600 Passenger ship the Largest ever going to be in the Orange Juice tanker Port in the Rocket launch area for NASA now. Carnival CCL : NYSE/LSE CUK :NYSE/LSE pays for the vessels where RCL :NYSE and that Nickle and Dime Cruise line finance the vessels. Yet with so many passengers will ythey now increase the Staff/Crew to Passenger Ratios too?

Will they get better orering management? EG: On the Maiden Voyages of the VISTA they ran out in a few days in the Casino Bar of a simple Kahlua and a few others.. Why have Pee-Pot Poor Mangement ?

Did I read this right, or did I just have a stroke?

[elcuchio24]

Oh yea! On my first cruise in 1985 on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Holiday, I paid 1,485 for an inside cabin. I can do two or more weeks for that price now. Of course something had to give and has, which is okay by me if it keeps prices low.:cool:

 

For sure, me too! I am always amazed that they have been able to normalize the prices where they are vs where they were a decade or more ago. Cuts are made but I am ok with that vs 3X prices.

[elcuchio24]

I am curious why you have so much hatred for Carnival? It seems to me that Carnival is fine for what it is which is a cruise line centered on fun activities and ports, not so much on high quality service and food.

 

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Usually the passion comes from some personal vendetta or bad experience. From someone who cruises alot, on most of the big lines, they are a great deal the same and only very incrementally different...

[Luckiestmanonearth]

I’m OK with the food overall but I get more jazzed about my breakfast omelette and my lunch (Mongolian Wok, Guys, BBQ), than I do with any of the dinners

 

Am I alone ?

 

 

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[Havingfun2010]

Having an opinion on a product you have never used is worthless.

 

I have been on 6 Carnival cruises, each one got worse. My last one was eventually renamed the "poop ship".

[sfaaa]

I have been on 6 Carnival cruises, each one got worse. My last one was eventually renamed the "poop ship".

 

Carnival is so bad in your opinion that you couldn't resist going back for more. Make no sense like the rest of your posts.

[BlerkOne]

I have been on 6 Carnival cruises, each one got worse. My last one was eventually renamed the "poop ship".

 

So you have nothing current.

[ProgRockCruiser]

Maybe we just got lucky, but we have sailed twice now with Carnival in the last year, both on Liberty, and the food in the MDR was very, very good, IMHO, with one exception - I ordered the Sea Bass the night where over half the ship didn't come to dinner due to rough seas, and it was overcooked/dry. But everything else that night was great, and the following night the flat-iron steak was fabulous.

 

Also, IMHO there was good variation in the menu with the Port of Call items, that there was no way I could get bored. Admittedly, these were 3 and 4 day cruises - maybe on our 8-day cruise in Dec we'll run the gamut, but that's why I have booked the Steakhouse one night, and expect to do Cucina del Capitano another night.

 

And we are foodies who make pretty good meals at home, IMHO.

 

I hope our string of luck continues, since we have three more Carnival cruises booked!

[FreudianSlipper]

I’m OK with the food overall but I get more jazzed about my breakfast omelette and my lunch (Mongolian Wok, Guys, BBQ), than I do with any of the dinners

 

Am I alone ?

 

 

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Not alone. I definitely enjoyed breakfast and lunch more on my cruise. If the line wasn't too long I would try to have the Chinese food option at lunch pretty much daily. If that was too long a line I'd get a yummy sandwich. Dinner was hit and miss and I often ended up getting a pizza later in the evening and splitting it with my cruise pal.

[broyles60]

Thirty years ago my parents paid $799/person for an inside cabin on the Carnival Jubilee. The food was terrific, high quality, lots of options, etc.

 

Next week my husband and I are sailing the Carnival Breeze in a a balcony room for $599/person. While I don’t exactly expect the same dining experience, I am sure we will have no trouble finding tasty options.

 

 

Carnival has kept pricing affordable and we cannot expect that they can do this without making some concessions.

[jetta8300]

We only started cruising in 2010, however people were saying the same thing back then, that food quality had seriously declined. Before our first cruise I was prepared for nasty slop based on what people were saying. But I found the food to be quite good. I personally have only noticed food quality improving since our first cruise in 2010.

 

Just my opinion, I feel like people are pickier about food than they used to be. People eat out more, are used to better tasting and better prepared food. The restaurants that my parents used to take me to when we were kids that were "fancy", we have been back to and now I think the food is just NOT good. (we would now refer to this as "old people food". haha) I"m from a pretty urban area with lots of restaurant choices though, and I just think that expectations with food nowadays are completely different.

 

The "free" food (buffet and mdr food) has always been for us just like medium quality banquet type food. Not bad, and some dishes are extra tasty. But the addition of the Guy's Burgers, Blue Iguana, etc, that definitely serves cheaper, yet VERY TASTY and good quality food in my opinion is an improvement in overall food quality.

[ProgRockCruiser]

We only started cruising in 2010, however people were saying the same thing back then, that food quality had seriously declined. Before our first cruise I was prepared for nasty slop based on what people were saying. But I found the food to be quite good. I personally have only noticed food quality improving since our first cruise in 2010.

 

Just my opinion, I feel like people are pickier about food than they used to be. People eat out more, are used to better tasting and better prepared food. The restaurants that my parents used to take me to when we were kids that were "fancy", we have been back to and now I think the food is just NOT good. (we would now refer to this as "old people food". haha) I"m from a pretty urban area with lots of restaurant choices though, and I just think that expectations with food nowadays are completely different.

 

The "free" food (buffet and mdr food) has always been for us just like medium quality banquet type food. Not bad, and some dishes are extra tasty. But the addition of the Guy's Burgers, Blue Iguana, etc, that definitely serves cheaper, yet VERY TASTY and good quality food in my opinion is an improvement in overall food quality.

I would have to say I concur with this sentiment. More folks these days actually know what good food tastes like and enjoy it regularly, so it is quite difficult to stand out. We make pretty darned tasty/fancy food at home (if I do say so myself!), so as long as my "fancy" MDR meal is as least as good as I would make it, then I am happy.

[Nic6318]

I would have to say I concur with this sentiment. More folks these days actually know what good food tastes like and enjoy it regularly, so it is quite difficult to stand out. We make pretty darned tasty/fancy food at home (if I do say so myself!), so as long as my "fancy" MDR meal is as least as good as I would make it, then I am happy.

 

 

Hi

 

I agree completely. On the cruise, for the modest price I am paying (on mainstream cruise lines) I am not expecting to be "wowed".

 

At home, with fresh products and only catering to relatively small groups I can certainly top the efforts of any cruise line dish. However, I am not spoiled enough to have ever refused to finish what was on my plate. If the dish doesn't suit your tastes, ask for something else.

 

If a cruise line continues to dissatisfy you, you have to make the effort to find a product that you enjoy. The fact that people (sometimes the same people but not always) will complain about something that they can correct themselves is mindless. Dozens of these same worded threads are started every year. Don't people understand? If you don't like something, don't whine. Find something better.

 

hope this helps

[Theosprey247]

People just like to complain.

[DaytonCruiser]

We all have different tastes and expectations when it comes to food, but when I read someone say that it’s inedible, I can’t really take them seriously. Bus seats, metal,glass, plastic,wood are inedible.

I’m sure if these people hadn’t eating in a week and were offered a meal from Carnival that inedible would become edible very quickly.

For whatever reason people feel like they have to use hyperbole to get their message across.

 

 

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[ProgRockCruiser]

For whatever reason people feel like they have to use hyperbole to get their message across.

Listen! I've told you a million times, that's not true!

 

;)

 

I wonder whether the folks that say the food is "inedible" (or less drastic descriptions) are choosing dishes that are just not likely to wow them ever, no matter how well prepared?

 

I can't imagine how the flat iron steak could ever disappoint, if cooked to desired doneness. Unless the diner asked for Well-Done, then that's harder to get "just right", and therefore can easily cross the line into shoe-leather.

 

And if all you eat at home is chicken, and you order the herbed chicken breast, served with peas and carrots just like you have at home, well, you will either be very happy that you are in your safe-zone, or disappointed it doesn't taste "exciting".

 

I just pulled up an MDR menu (posted by the Jellybeans family, thanks folks!), randomly selected "Day 2" (not an elegant night), and the Mains selections are:

 

Seared Tilapia

Veal Permesean

Rosemary Lamb Shank

Baked Ziti

Crisp Portobello Mushrooms

Featured Indian Vegetarian

 

Plus, from the grill:

Salmon Fillet

Flat Iron Steak

Chicken Breast

Pork Chop

 

That's 10 tasty-sounding meals (IMHO), and I have had several of them and they tasted very yummy, IME. I wouldn't be able to "run the table" on an 8-day cruise with those choices - and the other nights usually offer up something a bit different - two nights later the menu shows 5 of those 6 "Mains" swapping out for something else.

 

And I still haven't mentioned the Port of Call offerings!

 

I dunno, maybe some folks just have self-fulfilling prophesies: I have decided ahead of time I won't like the meal, so guess what? I didn't like the meal.

[Badfinger]

Listen! I've told you a million times, that's not true!

 

;)

 

I wonder whether the folks that say the food is "inedible" (or less drastic descriptions) are choosing dishes that are just not likely to wow them ever, no matter how well prepared?

 

I can't imagine how the flat iron steak could ever disappoint, if cooked to desired doneness. Unless the diner asked for Well-Done, then that's harder to get "just right", and therefore can easily cross the line into shoe-leather.

 

And if all you eat at home is chicken, and you order the herbed chicken breast, served with peas and carrots just like you have at home, well, you will either be very happy that you are in your safe-zone, or disappointed it doesn't taste "exciting".

 

I just pulled up an MDR menu (posted by the Jellybeans family, thanks folks!), randomly selected "Day 2" (not an elegant night), and the Mains selections are:

 

Seared Tilapia

Veal Permesean

Rosemary Lamb Shank

Baked Ziti

Crisp Portobello Mushrooms

Featured Indian Vegetarian

 

Plus, from the grill:

Salmon Fillet

Flat Iron Steak

Chicken Breast

Pork Chop

 

That's 10 tasty-sounding meals (IMHO), and I have had several of them and they tasted very yummy, IME. I wouldn't be able to "run the table" on an 8-day cruise with those choices - and the other nights usually offer up something a bit different - two nights later the menu shows 5 of those 6 "Mains" swapping out for something else.

 

And I still haven't mentioned the Port of Call offerings!

 

I dunno, maybe some folks just have self-fulfilling prophesies: I have decided ahead of time I won't like the meal, so guess what? I didn't like the meal.

 

Here is my take on that menu, as it was on our Breeze cruise last week (actually thought it was the worst MDR menu of the week):

 

Seared Talapia - No thanks. Talapia is a fish I avoid for a number of reasons. Not to say it would taste bad. I would pass on it even if the greatest chef in the world prepared it.

 

Veal Permesean: Nobody ordered it. Generally like it and would not be afraid to try it

 

Rosemary Lamb Shank: Not a fan of lamb. But if i ever wanted to try lamb, perfect opportunity.

 

 

Baked Ziti: My son ordered this. It was all white cheese. No tomato/ red sauce at all, which was weird. Flavor was good but really nothing more than mac and cheese.

 

 

Crisp Portobello Mushrooms: Other son ordered this. I like mushrooms, but typical to most any restaurant, buried in other flavors. Average for the industry IMO.

 

 

Featured Indian Vegetarian: I am from Texas. Vegetarian? Yeah right.

 

Plus, from the grill:

Salmon Fillet: BEST ITEM ON THE SHIP. I ordered it three times...including this night.

Flat Iron Steak: Good flavor, a bit tough as expected, cooked rare as ordered. No problems here.

Chicken Breast: Son ordered this. Good flavor but a bit dry.

Pork Chop: Good flavor but pretty tough...even by pork chop standards.

 

So yeah, overall nobody could honestly call this food inedible. Aside from the Ziti, which might not have been Ziti at all, everything was at least average compared to the restaurant industry if not better

[RaiderDuck]

People just like to complain.

Carnival is known as a mass-market family-oriented affordable cruise line. Whining about the Carnival dining room no longer serving Chateaubriand every night is like complaining that a Holiday Inn Express or Marriott doesn't have a round-the-clock valet: you're not paying for that level of food and/or service.

[RaiderDuck]

I have been on 6 Carnival cruises, each one got worse. My last one was eventually renamed the "poop ship".

So you haven't sailed on Carnival in over 5 1/2 years and therefore have no idea of Carnival's current food quality.

[tallnthensome]

So you haven't sailed on Carnival in over 5 1/2 years and therefore have no idea of Carnival's current food quality.

........ And based on your signature you have no experience with Carnival's past food quality. There's no reason that Carnival couldn't serve Chateurbriand anymore ..... except for the sake of shareholder profits. Cruising isn't a cheap hobby by any means. We paid a good amount for the four of us on Vista and many aren't asking for better food for a trip that costs $150.00. When you pay $4000 for an 8 day cruise, it isn't a lot to ask ..... but then you have the Carnival sympathizers.

[RaiderDuck]

........ And based on your signature you have no experience with Carnival's past food quality. There's no reason that Carnival couldn't serve Chateurbriand anymore ..... except for the sake of shareholder profits. Cruising isn't a cheap hobby by any means. We paid a good amount for the four of us on Vista and many aren't asking for better food for a trip that costs $150.00. When you pay $4000 for an 8 day cruise, it isn't a lot to ask ..... but then you have the Carnival sympathizers.

If you dislike Carnival's food that much, there's a simple solution. There are other major cruise lines serving North America and many smaller ones as well. Why not take your business to a cruise line that serves food you like?

[Nic6318]

........ And based on your signature you have no experience with Carnival's past food quality. There's no reason that Carnival couldn't serve Chateurbriand anymore ..... except for the sake of shareholder profits. Cruising isn't a cheap hobby by any means. We paid a good amount for the four of us on Vista and many aren't asking for better food for a trip that costs $150.00. When you pay $4000 for an 8 day cruise, it isn't a lot to ask ..... but then you have the Carnival sympathizers.

 

 

Hi

 

So, we understand. You traveled with Carnival a number of times, some years ago. You saw a continuous decline in service, which you didn't appreciate and you took the step to move on, you now sail with other cruise lines. Great! (I hope you have found something that meets your needs)

 

Why are you still spinning your wheels, repeating your same words, on threads dedicated to a cruise line you no longer travel on? It doesn't help you and it certainly isn't constructive to anyone else. You should seriously consider doing just as you did with the cruise line itself and just move on.

 

hope this helps