We have noticed the difference in the food on RCL, and even to our surprise Celebrity. Princess usually has good food, but as was stated, on Sea Princess we didn't enjoy some of the food as before. Don't know what the difference could be, but somone told us its becausethey deal more with people from other countries, I guess they are cutting back, but there is always something to find to your liking! I have heard more praise on Carnival food, so will have to see for mylsef next year.
I'm a real foodie. I love to cook, and I make everything from scratch. I shop around for the best ingredients. I care a lot about combinations of flavors, what seasonings work best together and what side dishes compliment an entree.
I am not one of those people who figures "well, as long as I am not cooking then I am happy". In fact, for me it's the other way around! I want a restaurant - whether on land or on a ship - to WOW ME with something I can't do better myself.
If anything served to me isn't right I will notice it right away...but I won't ever say anything to anybody unless it's downright awful. I'd rather be polite and enjoy the evening than make a fuss about something not quite right. Life's too short to fuss!
On my recent Celebrity cruise I can't say the food was much different from the HAL cruise we did a few years ago. Everything was nice. Not great, just nice. There was a wide variety to please anybody...but I wouldn't call any of it 'gourmet'.
I didn't expect it to be like Regent, and I try not to compare mainstream ships to luxury ships. But from all the talk about Celebrity cuisine I thought it would be a little better than it was. But we had an awesome time and the company and excitement of cruising overshadowed a little mediocrity in the dining room.
Actually, in the main dining rooms it's the quality of the BEEF that seems to "Slipped" and more than a little!
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Originally Posted by Cruise Planner
Personally, I've noticed a slip in the quality on RCCL more than others - this has been confirmed by several of my clients who have commented about the decline. I think Carnival has actually improved slightly over the last several years, while the "upscale" lines of Holland America and Celebrity have also decline somewhat.
I think the economy has had an impact on the cruise industry and this is reflected in the declining quality of food - of course, this is just my personal opinion, but it's reinforced by the comments I've been receiving from my clients.
It also appears that at least in the case of RCCL, they are spending so much time and energy building the latest and greatest ships, that they are not paying attention to what got them there in the first place; good food and good service. Unfortunately, they seem to be slipping in the food quality.
Pete
Yep, show me the beef and RCCL really doesn't.
Unfortunately I agree with all your points Pete. Sailing Celebrity every year I noticed a drop, particularly in the beef entrees this year too. I'm hoping it was just an anomoly.
I wouldn't say the QUALITY of the food has "Slipped A Little" in the Main Dining Room. I would say it has Slipped a LOT in the last 20 years. Also same with the service. The waiters/servers and bus boys have larger sections now then they use to. The service and quality is no better than an average restaurant, IMO. That's what mandatory tipping does. There is now NO reason to give good food or service. Now that is not saying I don't enjoy cruising as much as I use to. I still love sailing, making new friends, and going to the different ports...even with suck food and service ( I also think the bar drinks have been "watered down" a little.)
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Has the QUALITY of the food "Slipped A Little" in the Main Dining Room?
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I have heard more praise on Carnival food, so will have to see for mylsef next year.
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