PAYING for Pizza in Sorrento’s

[not-enough-cruising]

4 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

This is your personal link. I hope you don't mind all the responses being associated with you. 

Nope; not mine. I didn’t receive an invitation to participate. 
This link has been posted on many discussion boards. 

[nanseev]

Interesting comments.  Some additional thoughts:

 

1. What about those ships that don’t have Sorrentos - will they charge at the Cafe Promenade too?

 

2. They HAVE to do better with overall later evening food options (after MDR).  Right now it’s pitiful - on Nav, it’s literally crappy Cafe Promenade or pay for Playmakers.  No ice cream, no snacks, good sandwiches, nothing.

 

3.  I usually do early dining, enjoy our evening/casino/drinks, then stop for a quick few slices of pizza before bed - this will for sure have me adjust to late dining, which will impact the money I spend in casino/alcohol.  The only way that would not happen is if they offer something in place of the pizza (free).

 

4. The current pizza is not that good - but I’m wondering if they will up the quality of pizza/toppings/other offerings like a pizza “parlor” and make ordering more like Playmakers - not really a sit down, but food available….and not as pricey as their specialty options.  I could see them doing this, but without improving the quality.
 

5.  They are underestimating the need for late night food for those of us with the alcohol munchies.
 

6. Charging for more food….I think it’s ironic that in every survey I mention how the food at Johnny Rockets should be free, aka Guys Burgers on Carnival.

 

7. I’m not sure if it would impact my future bookings….but it would make me consider other cruise lines and re-adjust food.  And it would definitely irritate me.  I swear I’d probably do a “picnic” and pack cold items from the WJ to save for a late night snack instead.  

[LobsterStalker]

I am reading a lot of answers in this thread that are based on the quality of the pizza . 

I feel the greater point is being missed here by many . I personally feel Sorrentos pizza is just fine and certainly hits the spot for late night cravings ( especially when there is virtually nothing else available ) , but as an answer to the survey question I couldn't care less about that  .  I wouldn't care if the pizza tasted like my living room carpet after the dog had a good back scratch on it ... I would still say that it would be Sooooo unacceptable to put a fee on yet something else .

 As I have said in previous threads , With all the current changes to the MDR experience , it almost seems that the ultimate goal is that the MDR as we know it will also go by the wayside and we will be left with no free dining experience . Seems the push to specialty is already in full force by lowering the quality at MDR. Anyone remember when MDR Was considered a fine dining experience .

This Sorrento's bit just seems like yet another blow to the "included " experience that used to be expected (should it actually happen ) !

JMHO....Rant over

 

 Cheers

[LobsterStalker]

8 hours ago, Jumping Cruiser said:

This is what happens when one of the longest serving CEO’s steps down and is replaced by a CFO (Chief Financial Officer), everything becomes all about money. I can’t help but think that when Richard was CEO of RCG, he actually cared about the guests and feedback was very important to him and was careful to balance guest experience with finances. Nowadays, Jason Liberty is just trying to squeeze every last penny out of you, while trying trying to keep his pennies in his pocket! Cruise prices are going one way and the experience is going the other! If they carry on with all of these cut backs, then they will just dilute the brand and start to build a bad reputation like MSC, where food and service quality becomes poor and every activity and dining venue is at an additional cost.

Did anyone listen to his recent conference call ? It was very clear he feels more (much more ) can be squeezed out of the cruising community. Great (in the short term ) , for shareholders ... We'll have to wait and see how it all pans out Loooong term ..?!

 

Cheers

[Ret MP]

I haven't read every post, so if I'm repeating someone else's post/idea, so what!!!  LOL

 

I think  <that means that it is my opinion>  that Royal's Mother Ship has observed the lines, via many means, at Sorrento's and confused it with popularity, affirmation of wonderful taste, and quality.  However, again, I think it is an affirmation of "FREE", period, nothing else.   Don't get me wrong, I eat pizza at Sorrento's probably 2 times a day while on an RCCL ship.  But, what I really like is their marinated cheeses and olives.  Their pizza is less than average as far as I'm concerned.  I eat their pizza because it is free, convenient, and not terrible.  I usually special order with extra pepperoni and extra cheese and then pick off the pepperoni and cheese and throw away the rest.  

 

Having said that, the newbs who don't know any better will be willing to hand over their cash for the substandard pizza (and many other things as well), and then there are those that will just "turn the other cheek" and say/do nothing different, even defend it.  We wonder why there are so many adverse changes, that's one of many reasons why.  

 

I can tell you, on my next cruise, Jan 2024, I will make it a point to discuss many of these situations with management IF I am affected by them personally.  Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on one's view) I'm cruising Star and I won't be affected by the once-a-day cabin service, price of meals, and drinks.  But, if I notice that the specialty restaurants have downsized, lowered quality, and have fewer choices, I'll be vocal.  Also, my post-cruise survey will be a piece of art.  

 

 

[Jumping Cruiser]

10 hours ago, Carnival Cheerleader said:

When was the last time you were on an MSC cruise? I was on the Meraviglia in January and the food was the same, if not better quality, than Royal. A little more European but very good quality.

 

Everyone will have their own opinion on things, especially food related. One of the main comments regarding MSC is about food and service quality, so I was referring to this generally. Also, I was talking about before recent changes in dining on Royal, where there was a clear difference in the quality that both lines offered, but that gap is becoming ever smaller now.

[Trixie21]

8 hours ago, George C said:

You should like Apex we have done two Edge classes better entertainment than Jewel and better buffet.

We are excited to try something different , and Apex looks pretty stunning from the images I have seen.

[icsys]

12 hours ago, Another_Critic said:

And that has been the problem from the beginning.

 

Royal added specialty restaurants and people continue to pay $$$, so Royal cuts back on quality of free food.

Royal expanded Coco Cay and people pay $$$$.

People continue to pay $$$$ for beverage packages.  

People continue to pay $$$$$ for suites.

People continue to pay extra gratuities when service is cut. 

 

And, ↑ right there ↑ , is the problem!

 

[FSHLOT]

Seems like some strong opinions on cruise ship pizza.

 

It is kind of nuts that they are thinking of charging for that stuff. I think ships pizza is a step above Lil Ceasers pizza. 😁

 Although i hear MSC has great pizza. 🍕

[lovesthebeach2]

18 hours ago, nelblu said:

Not sure that was the reason why he got fired.  The replacement is Iger.

Yes…. Spellcheck must have changed the name I  typed. 😁

[Ret MP]

16 hours ago, Another_Critic said:

And that has been the problem from the beginning.

 

Royal added specialty restaurants and people continue to pay $$$, so Royal cuts back on quality of included food.

Royal expanded Coco Cay and people pay $$$$.

People continue to pay $$$$ for beverage packages.  

People continue to pay $$$$$ for suites.

People continue to pay extra gratuities when service is cut. 

I agree but I did tweak it a bit.  

 

[JimInBuffalo]

On the ships that don’t have Sorrentos, the pizza is available at the Park Cafe 

[deliver42]

I'm not sure Sorrento's is a step above Little Caesar's. It's probably the worst pizza at sea. They'd better get rid of Jason liberty, and put a more passenger friendly person as CEO. Liberty was CFO, and that doesn't translate to CEO. Too many take aways, and not enough give backs. I'm Diamond, but if this keeps up, I will stop cruising Royal. There are too many other options.

[cublet]

Hello,

 

I thought the least said about pizza in general and Sorrento's pizza in particular the better.

 

That was until my last Royal European cruise when I discovered:

 

 

In France of all places. But that was probably a 'dig' from the French at Italian cuisine.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[cublet]

20 hours ago, Jumping Cruiser said:

This is what happens when one of the longest serving CEO’s steps down and is replaced by a CFO (Chief Financial Officer), everything becomes all about money. I can’t help but think that when Richard was CEO of RCG, he actually cared about the guests and feedback was very important to him and was careful to balance guest experience with finances. Nowadays, Jason Liberty is just trying to squeeze every last penny out of you, while trying trying to keep his pennies in his pocket! Cruise prices are going one way and the experience is going the other! If they carry on with all of these cut backs, then they will just dilute the brand and start to build a bad reputation like MSC, where food and service quality becomes poor and every activity and dining venue is at an additional cost.

Hello,

 

I said this would be the case when Richard Fain stepped down.

 

I don't know how many of you good people follow the X board and the perturbation over increased costs and unannounced reduction in amenities/services post booking (in particular butlers) but I think Fain, being a lawyer, would have been more circumspect in his use of the 'once you've booked with us you're scr*w*d' provision in the contract.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[cublet]

4 hours ago, FSHLOT said:

Seems like some strong opinions on cruise ship pizza.

 

It is kind of nuts that they are thinking of charging for that stuff. I think ships pizza is a step above Lil Ceasers pizza. 😁

 Although i hear MSC has great pizza. 🍕

Hello,

 

But only 'real original' pizza. Hawaiian - nope. Pepperoni - nope.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[Ret MP]

23 minutes ago, deliver42 said:

I'm not sure Sorrento's is a step above Little Caesar's. It's probably the worst pizza at sea. They'd better get rid of Jason liberty, and put a more passenger friendly person as CEO. Liberty was CFO, and that doesn't translate to CEO. Too many take aways, and not enough give backs. I'm Diamond, but if this keeps up, I will stop cruising Royal. There are too many other options.

100% right-on!

 

I've said many times in here that I'm loyal to Royal.  This is true, I'm loyal to Royal's Ships and Crew.  I do, however, think that the Mother Ship is, as already stated, married to greater and greater profits/margins.  I'm a capitalist, for sure, but I think there are limits and I think RCCL (the mother ship) has "Jumped the Shark" as far as their pricing and service policies are concerned.  I love their ships (Oasis and Quantum class) and I have nothing but good to say about the crew members I've had interaction with.  

[footzz]

I might consider paying for Sorrento's pizza if Mario Batali or Giada De Laurentiis were personally hand tossing pies using the finest ingredients available. Until then, Sorrento's is worth exactly what we now pay for it.

[deliver42]

Oh, how I miss Richard Fain.

[crazy4themouse]

20 hours ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Speaking of Bob “Paycheck “?  😂. I agree and it’s now hurting them with park attendance significantly down.  Pretty soon you break the camels back.  We love Disney World as well and have cut back with them due to the price hikes and new charges (Genie+ and $ILL)

 

That's the first thing I thought of when I read about this survey -- that it sounds an awful lot like Disney when it comes to WDW... "Why are we giving this stuff away when we could be charging for it??" 😞

[Falling_down]

1 hour ago, deliver42 said:

I'm not sure Sorrento's is a step above Little Caesar's. It's probably the worst pizza at sea. They'd better get rid of Jason liberty, and put a more passenger friendly person as CEO. Liberty was CFO, and that doesn't translate to CEO. Too many take aways, and not enough give backs. I'm Diamond, but if this keeps up, I will stop cruising Royal. There are too many other options.

You may have gotten that backwards...Little Caesar's is a step above 🤣

[The Fun Researcher]

19 minutes ago, Falling_down said:

You may have gotten that backwards...Little Caesar's is a step above 🤣

Personal preference but I agree.  I do have roughly a slice of Sorrento’s each day and it’s ok.

[boscobeans]

What next?? Coin operated elevators?

[DamonG]

22 minutes ago, boscobeans said:

What next?? Coin operated elevators?

 

$20 cover charge and 2 drink minimum at all shows!

[FamilyCruiserUK]

1, I was surprised that it was free the first time i went on Royal.

 

2, After having it, its ok for a little munchy and daughter loves it ( Margherita only) but i would NOT pay for it. 

 

3, Am i surprised royal are thinking of another way to get money out of you for your cruise. NOPE not in the slightest.