Food and dining on P&O ships

[terrierjohn]

Just off Iona and there was hardly any waiting in queues, probably less than pre covid cruises for freedom dining. However we generally asked for a sharing table, but were often offered a table for two, and we only saw a pager being given out once.

[Interestedcruisefan]

Although we weren't impacted I thought I should warn others that Arvia still has issues in MDRs on celebration/formal nights

 

(Both nights we went smart casual to The Quays and Buffet so never saw the problems but a Scottish lady told us about the issues)

 

On Captain's night her and her husband had booked MDR for 8.30pm. 

 

They had to queue for 45 mins. At 9.15pm when they got to the front of the queue. They were told they would need to wait another 45 mins or else there are tables available for celebration meal to be served in the buffet for them

 

(This now explains the large number of tables we saw that had dining cloths and table settings ready in the buffet that night. We couldn't understand why anyone would go in there)

 

So it seems they are the overflow. We were in there early so nobody was using them when we were there. But there were many tables set so they must have known they would need them later

 

The lady we spoke to was angry they were left to queue for 45 mins to start with knowing tables wouldn't be available for them. And was not accepting captains night in the buffet nor dining at 10pm.

 

So she went to guest relations to complain and they found her a table in Olive Grove at 9.30pm

 

So just passing it on that on Arvia on the formal nights you may need to book early MDR timeslots to avoid big queues and disappointment later on or maybe book a speciality restaurant that night?

 

MDRs still having problems coping clearly. And the ship clearly know the MDRs can't cope

 

Like I say we were happily oblivious to all of this or I would have told you guys sooner

Edited March 5, 2023 by Interestedcruisefan

[davecttr]

As I mentioned in another topic I entered geek mode and counted the number of covers in a Carnival ship of the same class. The larger MDR had less than 2000 covers or maybe it was less then 2000 for both dining rooms

Edited March 5, 2023 by davecttr

[Selbourne]

Am I correct in thinking that this is an issue that is unique to Arvia, due to it only having the two larger MDRs and not the additional two smaller MDRs that Iona has?

 

When we are on Iona in August we intend to use the MDR for formal night(s) and will probably use the speciality restaurants for the rest. Unlike most Brits, I don’t do queues and an experience such as that described above would drive me nuts.
 

I know that the Chefs Table is a way of establishing a set time, but we can’t see the point of dressing formally to dine in a cafeteria, even if there are tablecloths!

[Jennizor]

Totally agree terrierjohn. We got home yesterday, we had a lovely cruise although Iona is a bit on the big size for us, she is however beautiful. I booked the Limelight club twice and Sindhu and the Captain’s table all prior to the cruise. We also used The Olive Grove and the Glasshouse and the Coral MDR, we were able to walk straight into them all, never needed a pager and all were really good. 

[sandancer]

Well that’s decided for us now. Both of our reservations for Epicurean now changed to Celebration nights. Neither my DH or I can stand for long periods of time so not taking the chance that our evening could be ruined. We planned to eat  twice in Epicurean anyway.

[Interestedcruisefan]

14 minutes ago, sandancer said:

Well that’s decided for us now. Both of our reservations for Epicurean now changed to Celebration nights. Neither my DH or I can stand for long periods of time so not taking the chance that our evening could be ruined. We planned to eat  twice in Epicurean anyway.

I think that's a good move

 

And/or booking the MDR for early sitting on celebration nights as I mentioned

 

I assume the queues only start after the first sitting  overruns?

[cbjroms]

Thanks for the information - much appreciated.

[ElmaLee]

Just off Arvia yesterday.  No problems getting a table for 6 of us in MDR any night. We liked the table we got first night in Zenith and asked for it next few nights when using “app”.  Never more than 10 minute wait around 1845 - 1900.  After that we didn’t book.  The waiter kept it for us as long as we arrived around 7pm.  Restaurant duty manager just waived us in.

 

There is no Captain’s Night, nor can you book a table for 8:30pm.  After 6:30 you need to join a virtual queue.  When you join a virtual queue it tells you how many ahead of you.  You can join multiple virtual queues, so can hedge your bets.

 

MDR is busier on formal nights.

[Interestedcruisefan]

7 minutes ago, ElmaLee said:

Just off Arvia yesterday.  No problems getting a table for 6 of us in MDR any night. We liked the table we got first night in Zenith and asked for it next few nights when using “app”.  Never more than 10 minute wait around 1845 - 1900.  After that we didn’t book.  The waiter kept it for us as long as we arrived around 7pm.  Restaurant duty manager just waived us in.

 

There is no Captain’s Night, nor can you book a table for 8:30pm.  After 6:30 you need to join a virtual queue.  When you join a virtual queue it tells you how many ahead of you.  You can join multiple virtual queues, so can hedge your bets.

 

MDR is busier on formal nights.

I think you must have missed the queues for celebration night by dining early??

 

Perhaps their virtual queue was telling them their table was ready at 8.30pm

 

They weren't making the story up. I could tell. They were positive about their cruise like us apart from the issues above

 

They said the  only issue they had with MDR apart from formal nights was when she joined virtual queues they didn't  last long enough for her to dry her hair properly!! Lol

 

She clearly hadn't figured out how to swap queues if they moved too quirky 

 

And I saw for myself all the tables set for celebration night in the buffet. There were many many tables set and  cordoned off. I mentioned them in my live thread. 

 

They've clearly done that for a reason.

 

Must be the later times when the problems start

 

 

Edited March 5, 2023 by Interestedcruisefan

[molecrochip]

A few points from me:

 

@Selbourne This does seem to be an Arvia problem, due to the lack of two smaller dining rooms.

 

@ElmaLee How do you join multiple queues? Last time I tried, you had to cancel one to join another. Also, as each booking is given 15 minutes to turn up, having multiple requests just leads to more tables sat empty unless you're actively cancelling your reservation?

 

@Interestedcruisefan How do you swap queues? Again, this is new on me. Also, the Chef's Table has proved popular in the buffet - that is probably the tables you're seeing all nicely dressed - they have been pre-booked, although

 

A lot of research has gone into working out how many formal and informal covers should be available on any given night. I wonder if Arvia is suffering from new ship syndrome - everyone wants to do thinks as they have always done. Currently, the number of returning customers will be high as people want to try the ship, some will never go back, some will love it. Ultimately, the hope is that offering the variety of dining options similar to an RCI or MSC will entice a younger new breed of passenger - the type who are less bothered about dress code to get into the MDR. Hence it really might just be teething problems.

 

 

[molecrochip]

The MDR booking was indeed a trial - you'll note that its something that other cruise lines allow.

 

People get really upset about the virtual queues but i've never heard someone complain about waiting 30 minutes with a pager on Britannia.

[Selbourne]

2 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

A few points from me:

 

@Selbourne This does seem to be an Arvia problem, due to the lack of two smaller dining rooms.

 

@ElmaLee How do you join multiple queues? Last time I tried, you had to cancel one to join another. Also, as each booking is given 15 minutes to turn up, having multiple requests just leads to more tables sat empty unless you're actively cancelling your reservation?

 

@Interestedcruisefan How do you swap queues? Again, this is new on me. Also, the Chef's Table has proved popular in the buffet - that is probably the tables you're seeing all nicely dressed - they have been pre-booked, although

 

A lot of research has gone into working out how many formal and informal covers should be available on any given night. I wonder if Arvia is suffering from new ship syndrome - everyone wants to do thinks as they have always done. Currently, the number of returning customers will be high as people want to try the ship, some will never go back, some will love it. Ultimately, the hope is that offering the variety of dining options similar to an RCI or MSC will entice a younger new breed of passenger - the type who are less bothered about dress code to get into the MDR. Hence it really might just be teething problems.

 

 

Thanks for clarifying. Am I correct in thinking that on the 7 night cruises on Iona & Arvia there will only be one formal night? If so, I can imagine that everyone will want to try it, which adds to the pressure. Maybe if there were two formal nights (as there used to be on 7 night cruises) there would be less pressure, as some people may decide to attend one and skip the other for a speciality restaurant?

 

We might have assumed that the new breed of cruiser that P&O is targeting might not have been keen on formal nights, but this doesn’t appear to be the case!

[ElmaLee]

10 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

A few points from me:

 

@Selbourne 

 

@ElmaLee How do you join multiple queues? Last time I tried, you had to cancel one to join another. Also, as each booking is given 15 minutes to turn up, having multiple requests just leads to more tables sat empty unless you're actively cancelling your reservation?

 

@Interestedcruisefan

 

 

Multiple queues - easy.  Each passenger has the “app” and joins one queue.  Other passengers join different queue.  Whichever one comes first, you use and cancel others.  We tried it once.

[ElmaLee]

4 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

 

 

We might have assumed that the new breed of cruiser that P&O is targeting might not have been keen on formal nights, but this doesn’t appear to be the case!

Formal nights on Arvia are well attended.  I was pleasantly surprised.  
Being such a large ship there was plenty space for those not participating- Brodies and casino, sky dome and buffet .

[Interestedcruisefan]

21 minutes ago, molecrochip said:

A few points from me:

 

@Selbourne This does seem to be an Arvia problem, due to the lack of two smaller dining rooms.

 

@ElmaLee How do you join multiple queues? Last time I tried, you had to cancel one to join another. Also, as each booking is given 15 minutes to turn up, having multiple requests just leads to more tables sat empty unless you're actively cancelling your reservation?

 

@Interestedcruisefan How do you swap queues? Again, this is new on me. Also, the Chef's Table has proved popular in the buffet - that is probably the tables you're seeing all nicely dressed - they have been pre-booked, although

 

A lot of research has gone into working out how many formal and informal covers should be available on any given night. I wonder if Arvia is suffering from new ship syndrome - everyone wants to do thinks as they have always done. Currently, the number of returning customers will be high as people want to try the ship, some will never go back, some will love it. Ultimately, the hope is that offering the variety of dining options similar to an RCI or MSC will entice a younger new breed of passenger - the type who are less bothered about dress code to get into the MDR. Hence it really might just be teething problems.

 

 

To swap a queue you leave the queue you are in and join a longer one if you need more time

 

We've done that before a few times

 

I saw people wearing formal clothes to do buffet early followed by Brodies bar

 

I don't even think they  knew they didn't have to wear formal clothes to do those venues

 

If you don't research on places like here there's an awful lot people wouldn't understand about the cruise and their options

[Interestedcruisefan]

14 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

Thanks for clarifying. Am I correct in thinking that on the 7 night cruises on Iona & Arvia there will only be one formal night? If so, I can imagine that everyone will want to try it, which adds to the pressure. Maybe if there were two formal nights (as there used to be on 7 night cruises) there would be less pressure, as some people may decide to attend one and skip the other for a speciality restaurant?

 

We might have assumed that the new breed of cruiser that P&O is targeting might not have been keen on formal nights, but this doesn’t appear to be the case!

I think many of the new breed of cruiser don't realise it's optional

[cjc23]

Are you able to book all MDRs before you embark?

my parents cruise next month and no great mobility or tech savvy, so standing in queues or using an app wont be possible.  Hoping I can make the bookings for them before they embark. 

[Selbourne]

16 minutes ago, ElmaLee said:

Multiple queues - easy.  Each passenger has the “app” and joins one queue.  Other passengers join different queue.  Whichever one comes first, you use and cancel others.  We tried it once.

With all due respect, P&O need to put a stop to people being able to do this. No wonder there is chaos if this is happening. @molecrochip thoughts?

[doog442]

1 hour ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

And I saw for myself all the tables set for celebration night in the buffet. There were many many tables set and  cordoned off. I mentioned them in my live thread. 

 

They've clearly done that for a reason.

 

Must be the later times when the problems start

 

 

 

My understanding is that these are marketed as the 'Chefs table' (as mentioned a few posts up) which we were able to book in advance. There's been loads of chat about them, I booked two but then changed week two to a speciality restaurant having found out exactly what was happening here . In short yes its the overflow to take the pressure off the MDR's on formal nights if I'm not mistaken.  

[ElmaLee]

2 minutes ago, Selbourne said:

With all due respect, P&O need to put a stop to people being able to do this. No wonder there is chaos if this is happening. @molecrochip thoughts?

No.  Supposing I’m ready to dine at a table for four.  One couple joins Meridian queue and other joins Zenith.  When a table becomes available unused one gets cancelled, immediately moving others up the queue.  All we did was hedge our bets on which queue would move fastest.  This causes no delay to anyone else.

[Interestedcruisefan]

5 minutes ago, doog442 said:

 

My understanding is that these are marketed as the 'Chefs table' (as mentioned a few posts up) which we were able to book in advance. There's been loads of chat about them, I booked two but then changed week two to a speciality restaurant having found out exactly what was happening here . In short yes its the overflow to take the pressure off the MDR's on formal nights if I'm not mistaken.  

I thought chef's table was a more exclusive area and option?

 

These were lots and lots of tables set for 4 people??

 

Not exclusive in any way. And not somewhere you would want to sit on Celebration Nights?

 

Same tables you eat breakfast and lunch from in the buffet

 

But perhaps you are right?

 

Chef's Table needs changing to 

 

Little Chef's Tables!!

 

If that's what I saw

 

Lol

 

 

 

Edited March 5, 2023 by Interestedcruisefan

[Interestedcruisefan]

3 minutes ago, ElmaLee said:

No.  Supposing I’m ready to dine at a table for four.  One couple joins Meridian queue and other joins Zenith.  When a table becomes available unused one gets cancelled, immediately moving others up the queue.  All we did was hedge our bets on which queue would move fastest.  This causes no delay to anyone else.

If you are cancelling then I agree the app is fluid enough to cope with that and adjust 

[doog442]

1 minute ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I thought chef's table was a more exclusive area and option?

 

These were lots and lots of tables set for 4 people??

 

Not exclusive in any way. And not somewhere you would want to sit on Celebration Nights?

 

Same tables you eat breakfast and lunch from in the buffet

 

But perhaps you are right?

 

 

 

 

 

In a dedicated area of the Horizon restaurant (suitably styled for the occasion), you’ll be served an exclusive menu; a culinary collaboration from three of our illustrious Food Heroes in one extraordinary meal. 

 

https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/dining/the-chefs-table

 

Its a bit shabby isn't it 🤣

 

[Selbourne]

5 minutes ago, ElmaLee said:

No.  Supposing I’m ready to dine at a table for four.  One couple joins Meridian queue and other joins Zenith.  When a table becomes available unused one gets cancelled, immediately moving others up the queue.  All we did was hedge our bets on which queue would move fastest.  This causes no delay to anyone else.

I absolutely get the logic of this cunning plan and would be very tempted to do the same myself (now you’ve put the thought in my head), but I can’t help but feel that this must cause issues somewhere along the line for P&O, if not for the customers.