It Ain't What It Used To Be

[jimdicap]

and now that I am off the soapbox, thank God football has started today!

 

Which is also better than the old days, regardless of what people think about the relative ability of todays players versus players from the 60"s...

[Brad1185]

The main promotor of the class system is Cunard. 1st and 2nd class they call it Queen and Princess Grill, have thier own private formal dining rooms, private casual dining room, private lounges, private deck space, private elevator.

[amybear912]

and now that I am off the soapbox, thank God football has started today!

 

Which is also better than the old days, regardless of what people think about the relative ability of todays players versus players from the 60"s...

 

 

I see you've met Bakincakes... enjoy the ride:)

 

Your analysis is spot-on my friend...

 

GO COLTS!!!

[BobBeaSea]

and now that I am off the soapbox, thank God football has started today!

 

Which is also better than the old days, regardless of what people think about the relative ability of todays players versus players from the 60"s...

 

You bet!! Colts win the first one and dare I say, :eek: the Giants beat Dallas :eek:. :)

[amybear912]

You bet!! Colts win the first one and dare I say, :eek: the Giants beat Dallas :eek:. :)

 

 

HOORAY!!!! Another Colts fan on the boards... Giants beating Dallas???? You are a hopeful one aren't you??? Their best chance is that Jessica Simpson is in the stadium....;)

[Brad1185]

Amybear, did you make a mistake?, didnt you mean go Chargers. Glad I caught that for you!!

[amybear912]

Amybear, did you make a mistake?, didnt you mean go Chargers. Glad I caught that for you!!

 

 

Sir... with all due respect... that is blasphemy... I live in Indianapolis:)

 

May your tongue swell to a size that prohibits you from uttering anything more than GO COLTS!!!!;)

[BobBeaSea]

HOORAY!!!! Another Colts fan on the boards... Giants beating Dallas???? You are a hopeful one aren't you??? Their best chance is that Jessica Simpson is in the stadium....;)

 

It is most unfortunate but it appears Ms. Simpson will NOT be attending today's game. Her intent is to watch it on TV. This is indeed a very bad break for Giants fans....:D

[Bakincakes]

1) The quality of a cruise is subjective, and therefore, by definition, should depend on the class--different experiences lead to differing utility--this is indisputable by most intelligent people.

2) Extra add ons on board is NOT the same as reviving the class system. Maybe you are too "obtuse" to understand the difference. Similarly, would you say that a ford focus is the same class as a Cadillac CTS because of addons? of course not. Just because the focus had "addons" doesn't mean that Ford is targeting the same market. Nor is the end user buying from the other market. Again, your ignorance of basic economics leads you to not notice the difference.

3) Your generations "taste" versus ours ---why do you assume we have no taste? because it is different than yours? Sound like you have a class issue...

4) Buying power DOES include credit cards as far as RCI is concerned. They get their money regardless if the cardholder pays their bill. Maybe you are too "obtuse" to understand this.

5) "willing to accept whatever a line may throw you way"--again take an economics class. They are "throwing" it our way because we demand it. This is not a case of throw it to the wall and see if it sticks. It is a case of the business acknowledging and reacting to a changing market.

6) We get offended because your generation, as usual, has a condescending tone, much like your original post. It is that same sort of nonacceptance that leads to the majority of social issues. It amazes me that you say derogatory things, and them lament that I have "my panties in a bunch". Unbelieveable.....

 

If you would like to debate the issue further feel free. But stay away from the derogatory use of labels, and I will feel free to respond.

 

The quality of a cruise is subjective, and therefore, by definition, should depend on the class--different experiences lead to differing utility--this is indisputable by most intelligent people.

 

That entire quote makes no sense at all. Tough steak is tough to most people. Perhaps if they feel that someone did them a big favor by cooking it for them and slapping it on a plate they will be enamored of the experience.:rolleyes: If a line offers "better" experiences to some if they can pay for it then they are being exclusive .

 

2) Extra add ons on board is NOT the same as reviving the class system. Maybe you are too "obtuse" to understand the difference. Similarly, would you say that a ford focus is the same class as a Cadillac CTS because of addons? of course not. Just because the focus had "addons" doesn't mean that Ford is targeting the same market. Nor is the end user buying from the other market. Again, your ignorance of basic economics leads you to not notice the difference.

 

I'm not interested in "basic" economics. Why be bothered with hamburger when I can concentrate on filet mignon?;) Of course having "specialty" restaurants on board is classifying pax. Whenever there is a separation of people through wealth a class system is established. Is that something that your "basic" economics didn't cover?:p A ticket on a cruiseline used to be the "equalizer". Those that could afford suites ate the same food as those who purchased economy tickets. Period. The "classes" mingled and even sat at the same table. Now those that can afford it can escape the MDR and eat at a "classier" venue. They can also afford soda cards...Ben and Jerrys ice cream..massages at the spas...etc. The average Joe will content himself on the meager fare in the MDR.

 

3) Your generations "taste" versus ours ---why do you assume we have no taste? because it is different than yours? Sound like you have a class issue...

 

I'm not assuming anything. Your obvious contentment with an increasingly substandard product speaks volumes.

 

4) Buying power DOES include credit cards as far as RCI is concerned. They get their money regardless if the cardholder pays their bill. Maybe you are too "obtuse" to understand this.

 

"Buying power" is only as great as the ability of the buyer to pay for what he has purchased. They may get their money this time and that buyer may not be in a position to do the same in the future. "Basic economics"..only spend what you can afford to pay back.:p

 

5) "willing to accept whatever a line may throw you way"--again take an economics class. They are "throwing" it our way because we demand it. This is not a case of throw it to the wall and see if it sticks. It is a case of the business acknowledging and reacting to a changing market.

 

If you are stating that you are demanding a substandard product and are flushed with pride that you are getting it, I applaud you.:rolleyes:

 

If you would like to debate the issue further feel free. But stay away from the derogatory use of labels, and I will feel free to respond.

 

 

Placing "conditions" on my posts is certainly your call but please keep in mind that I really don't care if you respond to them. I don't value your opinion enough to meet your demands.:)

[Bakincakes]

I see you've met Bakincakes... enjoy the ride:)

 

Your analysis is spot-on my friend...

 

GO COLTS!!!

 

Thanks Amy. SMOOCHHHHHHHHHHHH...:p

 

They shoot horses, don't they?

[amybear912]

Thanks Amy. SMOOCHHHHHHHHHHHH...:p

 

They shoot horses, don't they?

 

I hope you know I was only teasing... a little bit... You and I actually agree on quite a few things (dress code being one of them)...

 

But I just couldn't resist when I saw someone trying to debate with you on the declining state of cruising... I can agree to disagree with you about that subject because I respect your views on many other topics...:)

 

And yes, they do shoot horses... You of all people should know that... What do you think they are serving in the main dining room these days...;)

[Bakincakes]

I hope you know I was only teasing... a little bit... You and I actually agree on quite a few things (dress code being one of them)...

 

But I just couldn't resist when I saw someone trying to debate with you on the declining state of cruising... I can agree to disagree with you about that subject because I respect your views on many other topics...:)

 

And yes, they do shoot horses... You of all people should know that... What do you think they are serving in the main dining room these days...;)

 

 

ACK!!!..I was talking about the Colts.....:eek: Peyton just got lucky...nice interception and run back by the Chargers..nullified by a holding call...:p

[mckinna]

I, too, think the quality and presentation of the dining room food has gone down, and it doesn't seem as if they are willing to do anything about it. Having said that, we are getting set to go on Voyager for Spring Break, and I have been searching for cruises for our upcoming 20th anniversary. As long as they continue to do well, they won't have an incentive to put more money into the food.

 

Other cruise lines have joined with famous chefs to update and improve their food. Even Carnival consistently gets better ratings for food than RCCL. Having said that, I would never cruise Carnival. I like the overall product that RCCL has, but that doesn't mean that I can't wish that they would take a serious look at the negativity regarding their food in the dining room. We have just started going to the specialty restaurants more and more. I have never cared for the Windjammer food at all.

 

However, good food or mediocre food, we will still cruise as long as there are great beaches to visit!

[Bakincakes]

I, too, think the quality and presentation of the dining room food has gone down, and it doesn't seem as if they are willing to do anything about it. Having said that, we are getting set to go on Voyager for Spring Break, and I have been searching for cruises for our upcoming 20th anniversary. As long as they continue to do well, they won't have an incentive to put more money into the food.

 

Other cruise lines have joined with famous chefs to update and improve their food. Even Carnival consistently gets better ratings for food than RCCL. Having said that, I would never cruise Carnival. I like the overall product that RCCL has, but that doesn't mean that I can't wish that they would take a serious look at the negativity regarding their food in the dining room. We have just started going to the specialty restaurants more and more. I have never cared for the Windjammer food at all.

 

However, good food or mediocre food, we will still cruise as long as there are great beaches to visit!

 

Nice post.

 

OK...you have been using the specialties "more and more"..so RCI is making more money....compliments of you and other pax who are "straying" from the MDR.

 

If you add what you spend on things that aren't included in your ticket price you still are getting a "bargain" vacation. BUT>>> Cruise lines are allowing pax to decide just what kind of experience they are willing to pay for. They are "classifying" cruises and separating pax into the have's and have nots. I also believe that they will continue to "experiment" with the quality of food they will offer in the MDR and will only cease dumbing down the quality when pax begin to complain and loudly.

 

I believe that pax are smuggling booze, not because they merely want a drink in their cabin, but because when you add on all of the extras they wish to do they cannot afford to drink as much as they would like. They can't exactly smuggle steak so they smuggle booze. That tells me that those that are buying tickets can afford the "basics" but the "specials" are out of their reach. So much for the cruise experience being "all inclusive".

[MsYukon]

I will soon be on my third RCCL cruise in 15 months So I guess I am one of the Newbies of which some of you speak.

 

I am also 47 and the proud Grandmother of two beautiful grandsons.

 

I have loved each and every one of my RCCL cruises - the dining room food (and the atmosphere in which it is served) has always been wonderful. And while I do not doubt that it may not be the food or service that some of you have had the opportunity to experience, it is still pretty darn good to me. The Windjammer is a buffet - but has always had a nice selection and has been well presented. But it is a BUFFET. The staff has always knocked themselves out getting me things I wanted that weren't on the buffet - for example Tomatoe Juice at Breakfast or white vinegar at the salad bar.

 

This thread kinda of reminds me of my wonderful 92 year old grandfather (who still lives independantly with my 92 year old grandother!) who bemoans the fact that his brand new Toyota Camry didn't come with a lighter or an ashtray - says its because Toyota is cheap and lazy and trying to save money. When told he could have ordered the car with it with them, he was stunned and said why - it should be standard equipment so why should he have to pay extra? He will not accept that times are changing - and I guess he shouldn't have to. FYI he doesn't smoke - guess thats how he got to be 92 and will be 93 in March.:)

 

So to those of you that think service was better years ago - I say good for you for having had the opportunity to have that experience. But for me - I am pretty darn happy with the experience I am having with RCCL these days.

[Alexis]

I will soon be on my third RCCL cruise in 15 months So I guess I am one of the Newbies of which some of you speak.

 

I am also 47 and the proud Grandmother of two beautiful grandsons.

 

I have loved each and every one of my RCCL cruises - the dining room food (and the atmosphere in which it is served) has always been wonderful. And while I do not doubt that it may not be the food or service that some of you have had the opportunity to experience, it is still pretty darn good to me. The Windjammer is a buffet - but has always had a nice selection and has been well presented. But it is a BUFFET. The staff has always knocked themselves out getting me things I wanted that weren't on the buffet - for example Tomatoe Juice at Breakfast or white vinegar at the salad bar.

 

This thread kinda of reminds me of my wonderful 92 year old grandfather (who still lives independantly with my 92 year old grandother!) who bemoans the fact that his brand new Toyota Camry didn't come with a lighter or an ashtray - says its because Toyota is cheap and lazy and trying to save money. When told he could have ordered the car with it with them, he was stunned and said why - it should be standard equipment so why should he have to pay extra? He will not accept that times are changing - and I guess he shouldn't have to. FYI he doesn't smoke - guess thats how he got to be 92 and will be 93 in March.:)

 

So to those of you that think service was better years ago - I say good for you for having had the opportunity to have that experience. But for me - I am pretty darn happy with the experience I am having with RCCL these days.

 

I am not a "newbie newbie" :D

I will probably get flamed for this as being too RCCL, but this is about every cruise line I have sailed, not just RCCL.

I have sailed 24 cruises on all different lines since 1989. We found RCCL in 1998.

We have our 11 and 12th cruises booked with RCCL for this year. I am as happy today as I was back then with RCCL. We are very comfortable with them. More so with the larger Voyager ships and Promenades etc.

I have never gotten off of a cruise and complained about their service or their food. I guess I am an easy person to please. I do not expect $50.00 - $100.00 a plate food on their ships and I don't look for it. I have never left the dining rooms hungry on any cruise either. I always find something on their menu I like.

We eat in the Windjammer every morning and at every lunch. I have to smack myself to stay away from all the things I should not eat there. Anyone who says there in no variety can't be in the same place I eat.

I am a happy cruiser. I go with the flow and roll with the punches.;)

So, believe it or not, some of us just love to cruise and do not notice what others complain about?

[frito58]

On our cruise on the AOS, we decided not to do the Dining room thing, our choice, but the food in the evening was poor and yes there was variety but the same thing each night. If I never see a black angus steak again it will be too soon.

[Fran Harp]

I hope you know I was only teasing... a little bit... You and I actually agree on quite a few things (dress code being one of them)...

 

But I just couldn't resist when I saw someone trying to debate with you on the declining state of cruising... I can agree to disagree with you about that subject because I respect your views on many other topics...:)

 

And yes, they do shoot horses... You of all people should know that... What do you think they are serving in the main dining room these days...;)

 

Well, even "declining" is a subjective judgment. If you go to certain members of my congregation, they will tell you our church is going to hell in a handbasket - and it's all because of ministers like me who want to change everything. (Not everything - they do tend to exaggerate.:D) If you go to certain other members of the congregation they will tell you that Fran is the best thing that ever happened, fresh air is blowing through and it's about time things changed.

 

Is our congregation declining? No - but we don't do things quite the same way as 50 years ago, and in an age when many people have no experience to draw from, we have to change the way things are done, and to the experienced people, that constitutes "decline".

 

So some long-time cruisers think it's declining - and others think it's just fine and you get exactly what you pay for....

 

Chops and Portofinos are not so expensive that they cut out a certain' "class" of cruisers....I am not sure where that notion came from.

 

Fran in Toronto

[Fran Harp]

We asked about this on the Mariner during our Thanksgiving cruise and we were told that safety regulations have caused these practices to be changed that anything flaming needs to be done in the kitchen and then brought out into the dining room.

 

And part of the reason for that was - as several of the cruise staff told us - a member of the dining room staff on one ship was quite badly burned when they did the thing with the baked alaska.

 

Fran in Toronto

[cruisindoggie]

:( Just back from 9 day Brilliance cruise and I will try to be as objective as I can be regarding my personal feelings and observations of RCCL. I have not cruised RCCL for about two years and convinced an old friend to join me, telling her what a great experience crusing is and how wonderful RCCL is. Well, I felt a bit foolish having lavished such praise when, in fact, I can say this cruise experience was only mediocre, at best.

 

First, let me say, the staff was supurb, as usual with the exception of not being able to take out enough cash on the casino account as I had deposited 2400 USD that I happened to have in cash and did not want to keep in my room. When I requested more than $100 USD, I was informed that because I had a "cash" account, I could not take more than 100 out per night! I would have preferred to have been told that so I could keep more money out but I suppose that left me with a bigger credit at the end of the cruise! BTW, I did hit $1000K on a twenty at the wheel of fortune!

 

I suppose my biggest dissapointment was in the quality of dining room food. When I first cruised with RCCL about 10 years ago, the DR food was all at least four star. This past cruise, there were a few occasions and dishes that ranked high and deserved praise but for the most part, the experience left a lot to be desired. There were perhaps two good dishes that we sampled the entire nine days. We dined at Portofino's and the servie and food were sublime. The Windjammer was sooo boring, with the same menu every day for nine days!

 

The fourth (I think) night there was a tremendous racket in the ship that sounded like someone in a fight (or several someones) to the point that it awoke quite a few people, some of whom called the desk. We had an early tour the next day and were exhausted after having been up from 2 a.m. until 3 a.m. due to the noise.

 

I also want to add that others were complaining about the DR and Windjammer food (unsolicited) as well as the middle of the night noise so I know I was not alone in my observences.

 

I thought that perhaps the Magic had worn off due to a few cruises under my belt but feel that unfortunately, RCCL has become only a step or two up from Carnival, now catering to those who are new at crusing and who have never experienced the "good ole days" that I fear are gone forever on RCCL. I did not know what to say to my friend other than "it used to be.... this has never happened before.... etc" It was sort of embarassing to have pumped up the cruise experience and then be let down. She doesn't plan a cruise, so I guess she wasn't too impressed with RCCL. At least it was warm and the isalnds were beautiful. Again, the crew was wonderful and I feel badly for them that RCCL corporate offices have made the decisions they have, making their jobs all the more difficult.

 

Just my opinion - which is - RCCL has really dropped the ball.

First of all my first RCCL cruise was in 1991 and the food was never 4 star and second of all I don't think your complaints are jutified. Maybe you shoud try Seaborn or some other 4/5 star cruise instead of a mass market line.

[TexCruise371]

The more I think about it, I think in our case it's "much better" than it "used to be" because we didn't get to cruise before. We were to busy raising a family. Now that they are grown, we can cruise and it has been a wonderful experience for us. Maybe you really get what you expect. We expect to have a great time and so far we have. :D

[jimdicap]

That entire quote makes no sense at all. Tough steak is tough to most people. Perhaps if they feel that someone did them a big favor by cooking it for them and slapping it on a plate they will be enamored of the experience.:rolleyes: If a line offers "better" experiences to some if they can pay for it then they are being exclusive .

 

 

 

I'm not interested in "basic" economics. Why be bothered with hamburger when I can concentrate on filet mignon?;) Of course having "specialty" restaurants on board is classifying pax. Whenever there is a separation of people through wealth a class system is established. Is that something that your "basic" economics didn't cover?:p A ticket on a cruiseline used to be the "equalizer". Those that could afford suites ate the same food as those who purchased economy tickets. Period. The "classes" mingled and even sat at the same table. Now those that can afford it can escape the MDR and eat at a "classier" venue. They can also afford soda cards...Ben and Jerrys ice cream..massages at the spas...etc. The average Joe will content himself on the meager fare in the MDR.

 

 

 

I'm not assuming anything. Your obvious contentment with an increasingly substandard product speaks volumes.

 

 

 

"Buying power" is only as great as the ability of the buyer to pay for what he has purchased. They may get their money this time and that buyer may not be in a position to do the same in the future. "Basic economics"..only spend what you can afford to pay back.:p

 

 

 

If you are stating that you are demanding a substandard product and are flushed with pride that you are getting it, I applaud you.:rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

Placing "conditions" on my posts is certainly your call but please keep in mind that I really don't care if you respond to them. I don't value your opinion enough to meet your demands.:)

 

 

That's fine with me........I expected nothing less from someone like you. Anyone with an introductory knowledge of psychology knows why you use such derogatory phrases. Much like why a baby cries when they don't get their way, you call people names because of your lack on intelligence. And of course you are not interested in "basic economics" because 1) you are probably too unintelligent to understand that economics is counterintuitive and 2) it proves you incorrect. Much like people who still think the earth is flat, and the moon landing was fake, you hold to your outdated beliefs regardless of the evidence.

 

Good luck to you.....try not making everyone around you miserable on your next cruise.....this will be my last post, so I will not be reading the surely derogatory stuff you will write......much like many of your generation I feel sorry for you.

[sarasotamom]

Tahoebob..what is up with shure..SURE..I have cruised 14 times on Disney and I took my first RCCL in December on the Brilliance. Not only was the food mediocore but also at the time the service was terrible..I know it was 60 percent newbies but that is not an excuse..Have you heard about training.. You had to be there on our cruise to experience the bad food and subpar service...The Windjammer was not only same old same old but ..they did not have ketchup, ranch dressing, french fries, and on the last night at the dining room they ran out of lettuce???? What is up with that??? I wull stay with Disney in the future..I take a cruise to be pampered...I don't need the aggrevation...Do you want to hear about the 3 hours it took to get off the ship when we carried our own luggage off???? N o one gave a sh********!! Elderly people were in tears~!!~ Shame on you Royal Caribbean!!! There is no excuse for the service our the lack of management that we experienced on our first and last cruise on Royal Caribbean.....

[pinkrosesdeb]

Wow, Sarasotamom, don't hold back on how you feel! After only 3 posts, it is a shame you had such a bad experience. We have never had a bad cruise on RCCL, had a less than memorable one on HAL but still not a BAD cruise. Maybe this isn't your cup of tea.

[sustyse]

Fran in Toronto

 

We asked about this on the Mariner during our Thanksgiving cruise and we were told that safety regulations have caused these practices to be changed that anything flaming needs to be done in the kitchen and then brought out into the dining room.

 

I thought the only flaming being done was on these boards.:D