Onboard Mardi Gras Now & they are having some challenges

[BlerkOne]

59 minutes ago, TNcruising02 said:

Maybe they had to allow some adults exemptions for legal purposes so they could not be accused of age discrimination.

I doubt anything to do with age. Perhaps ADA.

[SNJCruisers]

39 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

I believe it is the LAW.

Throw them a bone and give them 1 unvaccinated adult and make the rest kids. The CDC is requiring 5% max, not that a certain percentage need to be adults. 

The higher percentage of unvaccinated adults on board equals the higher percentage of a possible Covid positive person on board.  It would behoove Carnival to keep those unvaccinated adults on board to a minimum.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

7 hours ago, KmomChicago said:

...We like to eat early; if all else fails we’re happy with a Guy’s burger or whatever is at the Marketplace. ...

 

 

Guy's - just make sure you hit it by 6 pm, I believe they're closed after that.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

OK - so I'm reading things here and there about issues with specialty dining, but I have not come across (I'm sure it's out there, just haven't spent time looking for it) reports from either the Steakhouse or Rudi's --- what I would consider a step up from the numerous "free specialty" dining options currently offered.

 

I trust that they're ensuring those that are actually paying full price will have a little better service.

 

Tom

[firefly333]

18 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

OK - so I'm reading things here and there about issues with specialty dining, but I have not come across (I'm sure it's out there, just haven't spent time looking for it) reports from either the Steakhouse or Rudi's --- what I would consider a step up from the numerous "free specialty" dining options currently offered.

 

I trust that they're ensuring those that are actually paying full price will have a little better service.

 

Tom

I've seen half  dozen comments on the steakhouse from other ships, so they paid for the experience. Anything from overbooking, long waits and the steak didnt seem up to par or as good as they remembered it. Of course most commenting are because they had complaints.

 

I'd like to read how great it was. Not they got my appetizers mixed up. Doesnt matter what ship.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

2 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I've seen half  dozen comments on the steakhouse from other ships, so they paid for the experience. Anything from overbooking, long waits and the steak didnt seem up to par or as good as they remembered it. Of course most commenting are because they had complaints.

 

I'd like to read how great it was. Not they got my appetizers mixed up. Doesnt matter what ship.

To me, it does matter which ship: The ship I'm going to be on, and eating all 7 nights in this two places. 

 

Hopefully I'll be able to report back positive findings!

 

Tom

[ryanpatricksmom]

56 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

OK - so I'm reading things here and there about issues with specialty dining, but I have not come across (I'm sure it's out there, just haven't spent time looking for it) reports from either the Steakhouse or Rudi's --- what I would consider a step up from the numerous "free specialty" dining options currently offered.

 

I trust that they're ensuring those that are actually paying full price will have a little better service.

 

Tom

We ate in the Steakhouse last night.  Service was definitely better than Chibang, though that's not saying much, LOL!  We were promptly seated and offered drinks, so that was a step in the right direction.  Our steaks were very good, though  they did not have the Wagyu available.  I ordered the stuffed mushrooms, which were fine, but exactly the same version served in the dining room so I was a bit disappointed.  The sauces that we ordered weren't brought to the table with the steaks, but I wasn't concerned enough to get the server's attention. We didn't have dessert.

 

We eat in Rudi's Thursday night.

 

I had to cancel our Chef's Table because I'm having back issues and was afraid that I wouldn't be able to sit for the entire experience.  Of course, when I made that decision I didn't know that it would take nearly that long to eat in the MDR. 🙄  I believe that they are holding the dinner in the Carnival Kitchen space which is very cool, so I that would be a great choice for a night away from the Steakhouse.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

3 minutes ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

We ate in the Steakhouse last night.  Service was definitely better than Chibang, though that's not saying much, LOL!  We were promptly seated and offered drinks, so that was a step in the right direction.  Our steaks were very good, though  they did not have the Wagyu available.  I ordered the stuffed mushrooms, which were fine, but exactly the same version served in the dining room so I was a bit disappointed.  The sauces that we ordered weren't brought to the table with the steaks, but I wasn't concerned enough to get the server's attention. We didn't have dessert.

 

We eat in Rudi's Thursday night.

 

I had to cancel our Chef's Table because I'm having back issues and was afraid that I wouldn't be able to sit for the entire experience.  Of course, when I made that decision I didn't know that it would take nearly that long to eat in the MDR. 🙄  I believe that they are holding the dinner in the Carnival Kitchen space which is very cool, so I that would be a great choice for a night away from the Steakhouse.

 

THANKS for the update!

 

So, the mushrooms did not resemble this:  ?

 

 

 

We often never make it to the dessert!

 

Sorry to hear about your back - yep, the Chef's Table is an endurance eating event. Any word if they've changed the menu since before the shutdown?

 

I hope you enjoy Rudi's !!

 

Tom

 

[KmomChicago]

17 minutes ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

We ate in the Steakhouse last night.  Service was definitely better than Chibang, though that's not saying much, LOL!  We were promptly seated and offered drinks, so that was a step in the right direction.  Our steaks were very good, though  they did not have the Wagyu available.  I ordered the stuffed mushrooms, which were fine, but exactly the same version served in the dining room so I was a bit disappointed.  The sauces that we ordered weren't brought to the table with the steaks, but I wasn't concerned enough to get the server's attention. We didn't have dessert.

 

We eat in Rudi's Thursday night.

 

I had to cancel our Chef's Table because I'm having back issues and was afraid that I wouldn't be able to sit for the entire experience.  Of course, when I made that decision I didn't know that it would take nearly that long to eat in the MDR. 🙄  I believe that they are holding the dinner in the Carnival Kitchen space which is very cool, so I that would be a great choice for a night away from the Steakhouse.

Hmmmmph. Thanks for the review, a little disappointing.

[ryanpatricksmom]

3 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

THANKS for the update!

 

So, the mushrooms did not resemble this:  ?

 

 

 

We often never make it to the dessert!

 

Sorry to hear about your back - yep, the Chef's Table is an endurance eating event. Any word if they've changed the menu since before the shutdown?

 

I hope you enjoy Rudi's !!

 

Tom

 

 Yep, those are the mushrooms.  They're fried though, which I knew was the preparation in the MDR,  In the Steakhouse I was hoping for something less heavy.  I used to love the mushroom appetizer that they served, but that one is no longer offered.

 

I don't know if they have changed the menu for the Chef's Table.  They seem to have reservations available every night, so I'm sure that you can find out onboard and call an audible.  With a designated space available it's created a lot more opportunities.

[ryanpatricksmom]

One thing that's been a bit weird with regard to the MDR...you check in on the app and they assign you a table without any means to communicate as to whether you want to share a table or not.  If you prefer to eat alone check with the hostess before you start the walk to your table.  We were assigned a table with others, so we were left with the choice to suck it up or to reject our table mates, AWKWARD.  We shared the table.

[crewsweeper]

Well, for 1 I'm glad we avoid the casinos.  And as time goes on will watch the barkeep progress.  But having sailed on several "new" ships in early voyages, there's nothing the OP ranted on that would really upset me or ruin a cruise.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

15 minutes ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

One thing that's been a bit weird with regard to the MDR...you check in on the app and they assign you a table without any means to communicate as to whether you want to share a table or not.  If you prefer to eat alone check with the hostess before you start the walk to your table.  We were assigned a table with others, so we were left with the choice to suck it up or to reject our table mates, AWKWARD.  We shared the table.

 

Yep!  Years ago we would start off the cruise by seeing the Maitre d' following embarkation - in order to request a table for two. We had encountered great table mates in the past, but then there were "the others"!

 

The strangest experience was on the Legend (as I recall). We had our table the first night. On the second night we opted to eat elsewhere. On the third night, we were seated back at our original MDR table. A few minutes later, we noticed some people standing nearby pointing our way. The assistant Matire d' approached us and asked to see our S&S cards. We obliged, and then were told that this was not our table - apparently it had been given away to the other couple (who had dined there the night we were not there), but we were never informed of any change. Talk about awkward !  We did not return to the MDR that cruise, despite treats sent to our cabin and a call from the Maitre d'. In fact, that probably began our avoidance of the MDR for dinner altogether!  We've enjoyed easily 150 steakhouse nights, and we're not looking back !

 

Tom

[lobster1313]

6 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Throw them a bone and give them 1 unvaccinated adult and make the rest kids. The CDC is requiring 5% max, not that a certain percentage need to be adults. 

The higher percentage of unvaccinated adults on board equals the higher percentage of a possible Covid positive person on board.  It would behoove Carnival to keep those unvaccinated adults on board to a minimum.

There are definitely by a far margin more unvaccinated kids than adults and from speaking with them they all heard within the last few days before sailing. The children were mostly approved between 2 and 3 weeks out.  The adults were getting 50% off a future cruise offers at the end so Carnival was trying to limit the number of unvaccinated adults.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

23 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Yep!  Years ago we would start off the cruise by seeing the Maitre d' following embarkation - in order to request a table for two. We had encountered great table mates in the past, but then there were "the others"!

 

The strangest experience was on the Legend (as I recall). We had our table the first night. On the second night we opted to eat elsewhere. On the third night, we were seated back at our original MDR table. A few minutes later, we noticed some people standing nearby pointing our way. The assistant Matire d' approached us and asked to see our S&S cards. We obliged, and then were told that this was not our table - apparently it had been given away to the other couple (who had dined there the night we were not there), but we were never informed of any change. Talk about awkward !  We did not return to the MDR that cruise, despite treats sent to our cabin and a call from the Maitre d'. In fact, that probably began our avoidance of the MDR for dinner altogether!  We've enjoyed easily 150 steakhouse nights, and we're not looking back !

 

Tom

 

I stand correct (by ME, lol)

 

On that Legend sailing, it was not the third night of the cruise where we had our issues. We dined there on the third night, with some odd looks from the waiter - we'd later realize why! It was on the FOURTH evening that we crossed paths with the other couple. They had dined there on night two (when we were elsewhere), and they dined elsewhere on night three (when we returned), and we BOTH came on the fourth night... What are the odds? !

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

22 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I stand CORRECTED (by ME, lol)

 

On that Legend sailing, it was not the third night of the cruise where we had our issues. We dined there on the third night, with some odd looks from the waiter - we'd later realize why! It was on the FOURTH evening that we crossed paths with the other couple. They had dined there on night two (when we were elsewhere), and they dined elsewhere on night three (when we returned), and we BOTH came on the fourth night... What are the odds? !

 

Tom

 

Correct...d

[KmomChicago]

All these issues are why we also mostly just do buffets and grab and go's of various kinds. We are not (simply) slobs who can't appreciate the finer things in life. We (simply) do not see all these finer experiences as all that much finer after all.  Sounds like our original strategy will be the right fit for Mardi Gras next week. 

 

I do realize Street Eats, Guy's Burger, Shaq's all close at 6pm but we usually try to eat dinner early anyway.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

4 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

All these issues are why we also mostly just do buffets and grab and go's of various kinds. We are not (simply) slobs who can't appreciate the finer things in life. We (simply) do not see all these finer experiences as all that much finer after all.  Sounds like our original strategy will be the right fit for Mardi Gras next week. 

 

I do realize Street Eats, Guy's Burger, Shaq's all close at 6pm but we usually try to eat dinner early anyway.

 

Well - good luck, at least, on your Steakhouse evening!  🙂

 

Tom

[kdr69]

On 8/3/2021 at 6:21 AM, TNcruising02 said:

I cruised on the first 7 day cruise on the Panorama.  I think the first cruise was a three or four day.  Anyway, the service was awesome.  

I did not know you were on that cruise too?  Too bad i would have bought a round and said hi!

[ryanpatricksmom]

1 hour ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

One thing that's been a bit weird with regard to the MDR...you check in on the app and they assign you a table without any means to communicate as to whether you want to share a table or not.  If you prefer to eat alone check with the hostess before you start the walk to your table.  We were assigned a table with others, so we were left with the choice to suck it up or to reject our table mates, AWKWARD.  We shared the table.

Update....This morning we had breakfast in the MDR and there WAS a feature on the app to request to share a table.  Either it wasn't there on Tuesday, it isn't offered at dinner, or the Vicodin that I'm taking for my full blown sciatica caused me to miss it. You have to opt in for a shared table, so maybe it was there and the hostess just screwed up. It would have been difficult to request by accident, so I'm assuming that it was not user error on my part.

 

 

[kdr69]

13 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

The confusing thing to me is I've heard John say Cucina is an extension of YTD. And I want to say he showed someone eating lobster the the smokehouse on elegant night. Does that mean I can't go to Cucina and order Italian because it's filled with YTD people? Or are they doing both?

YTD dining in Cucina is open to book on the App up to a certain time (think its 7:30) then its open to everyone.

[kdr69]

I see Mardi Gras is listed as Yellow status now has there been announcements of cases on board or are you aware of any?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

6 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

I see Mardi Gras is listed as Yellow status now has there been announcements of cases on board or are you aware of any?

 

I'd guess that Carnival would try to keep that kind of info as close to the vest as possible. Ignorance is bliss after all!  😉

 

Tom

[kdr69]

17 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I'd guess that Carnival would try to keep that kind of info as close to the vest as possible. Ignorance is bliss after all!  😉

 

Tom

True i just note that they were announcing cases on the Celebrity Edge and was wondering if that was happening on Mardi Gras or the other Carnival Ships that had sailed.

[TNcruising02]

1 hour ago, KmomChicago said:

All these issues are why we also mostly just do buffets and grab and go's of various kinds. We are not (simply) slobs who can't appreciate the finer things in life. We (simply) do not see all these finer experiences as all that much finer after all.  Sounds like our original strategy will be the right fit for Mardi Gras next week. 

 

I do realize Street Eats, Guy's Burger, Shaq's all close at 6pm but we usually try to eat dinner early anyway.

We don't want to spend a long time on dinner.  We are usually out watching multiple shows or enjoying live music.  Spending 1 1/2 to 2 hours on dinner isn't something we enjoy when there are other things to do.  We can go out to eat on land and have long meals.  I know that many people love the long meals as part of their cruising experience.

Edited August 4, 2021 by TNcruising02