smokeybandit Posted December 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2022 Oh sure, drop the podcast on a day I have all day conference calls mom2mybugs and Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinJ Posted December 14, 2022 Report Share Posted December 14, 2022 Our last cruise on Voyager in Oct I was not real impressed by the MDR food. However we did have a beverage waiter that after a couple days was right on top of things. I'm Diamond but we were traveling with extra family that I wanted to use my vouchers for since I had the DBP, last time I got that for $65. He did a terrific job handling the various drink orders by my family and using either my of my wife's vouchers to cover them, Dinners were longish, but we were a table of nine. I actually was served by the same beverage waiter in Windjammer, the Solarium, and the Royal theater. It was really nice having that personal server Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted December 14, 2022 Report Share Posted December 14, 2022 1 hour ago, smokeybandit said: Oh sure, drop the podcast on a day I have all day conference calls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted December 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2022 1 hour ago, Matt said: This is some good info in that podcast, thanks. If you can ever do a follow up, I'd be curious how they'll be able to continue to manage dietary restrictions with the more limited menu. Some of the classics have been fall back items when the night's rotation couldn't be adequately adapted for, in this case, gluten free. Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yo2slick Posted December 14, 2022 Report Share Posted December 14, 2022 So increase prices, chop the menu, make changes to the UDP and say its because service takes to long...Got it BennyandBo, MichelleB1234, Mike.s and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowTieBrigade Posted December 15, 2022 Report Share Posted December 15, 2022 I found it enlightening when he spoke of the lack of tenure among RCCL staff post-pandemic. That would make a lot of sense why they were able to handle the expanded menu before Covid and not after. Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate91 Posted December 19, 2022 Report Share Posted December 19, 2022 I had the new menus on Symphony this past week. I think they're actually a big improvement. Overall, there is a lot more selection on each menu that is not the classics, and it seems that each former classic appears at least three-four times per week on the new menus. Lot of new dishes and new selections, and they handle food allergies just as well as before (my wife is gluten free, dairy free, and soy free). Time to complete dinner was around 90 minutes or so each night, sometimes 75, sometimes 105. Felt reasonable always. We were at a two-top so service for four or six may take longer, but our wait staff was also serving two tables of six and they seemed to mirror our course timings throughout the week. Overall I love having more options! I always had more choices than I could order that sounded good each night, and even the classics that I love (escargot) I was still able to have them as many times as I would have them with the old menus. Definitely a welcome change. Also food quality was great! WAAAYTOOO, smokeybandit, asquared17 and 11 others 11 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bretts173 Posted December 20, 2022 Report Share Posted December 20, 2022 2 hours ago, nate91 said: I had the new menus on Symphony this past week. I think they're actually a big improvement. Overall, there is a lot more selection on each menu that is not the classics, and it seems that each former classic appears at least three-four times per week on the new menus. Lot of new dishes and new selections, and they handle food allergies just as well as before (my wife is gluten free, dairy free, and soy free). Time to complete dinner was around 90 minutes or so each night, sometimes 75, sometimes 105. Felt reasonable always. We were at a two-top so service for four or six may take longer, but our wait staff was also serving two tables of six and they seemed to mirror our course timings throughout the week. Overall I love having more options! I always had more choices than I could order that sounded good each night, and even the classics that I love (escargot) I was still able to have them as many times as I would have them with the old menus. Definitely a welcome change. Also food quality was great! Exactly, who wants to eat the same thing everyday of the week at home or on a cruise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted December 20, 2022 Report Share Posted December 20, 2022 4 hours ago, nate91 said: I had the new menus on Symphony this past week. I think they're actually a big improvement. Overall, there is a lot more selection on each menu that is not the classics, and it seems that each former classic appears at least three-four times per week on the new menus. Lot of new dishes and new selections, and they handle food allergies just as well as before (my wife is gluten free, dairy free, and soy free). Time to complete dinner was around 90 minutes or so each night, sometimes 75, sometimes 105. Felt reasonable always. We were at a two-top so service for four or six may take longer, but our wait staff was also serving two tables of six and they seemed to mirror our course timings throughout the week. Overall I love having more options! I always had more choices than I could order that sounded good each night, and even the classics that I love (escargot) I was still able to have them as many times as I would have them with the old menus. Definitely a welcome change. Also food quality was great! appreciate this insight!! we are sailing on symphony in february and are also cautiously optimistic about the new menus. thank you for your candor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swar Posted December 20, 2022 Report Share Posted December 20, 2022 Just off the Brilliance this morning. Had dinner all four nights in the MDR. Excellent service for our table of four. Ordered 2-3 rounds of drinks and they were delivered promptly. First time in @10 cruises that we ate in the MDR. Service 10/10, food 7/10. Average time to consume a meal @1 hour. Looking forward to the new menu. asquared17, Neesa and FloatyBoaty 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexster Posted December 20, 2022 Report Share Posted December 20, 2022 2 hours ago, bretts173 said: Exactly, who wants to eat the same thing everyday of the week at home or on a cruise. I would get the creme brulee every night, thank you very much. Not happy about this change for that reason alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted December 20, 2022 Report Share Posted December 20, 2022 I’m sure there will be some who will miss being able to get a favorite dish each night. I, for one, would revolt if I couldn’t get my plate o’bacon every morning . I am trying to hold judgment until we get more feedback. Neesa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCG Teacher Posted December 20, 2022 Report Share Posted December 20, 2022 Semi-related note? Yesterday I received an invite to a survey. Turned out to be entirely about how important the dining experience on a cruise is to me and what types of venues and dining experiences I prefer for each meal. asquared17, KristiZ and WAAAYTOOO 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 The actual new menus seem quite a compromise from the test menu vs. the old menu. I look forward to it https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/01/07/first-look-royal-caribbeans-new-main-dining-room-menus TheMaxRebo and Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexster Posted January 7, 2023 Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 I would still massively prefer the old menus. I still say if you're that worried about taking two hours, then go to the Windjammer. I like taking my time at a nice dinner. Jjohnb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 7, 2023 Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 I only did a quick perusal, but I didn't see any cream of mushroom soup on any of the menus and they have removed the lamb shank and replaced it with braised lamb. Is there still a lobster night ? I didn't see it. We don't eat in the MDR anyway so it really won't affect us but it's a shame to see some of the old favorites pitched. PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 On 12/14/2022 at 10:13 AM, Matt said: I encourage everyone to listen to this week's podcast episode with Royal Caribbean's head of food and beverage to get a better sense of why and how Royal Caribbean is retooling the main dining room menu. I found some interesting insight into the change: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-479-inside-look-the-new-main-dining-room-menus Hi I'm new here. I am new to cruising, having done our first just last year, but liked it so much we have booked another. I really enjoyed this podcast, although the audio quality was a bit dim in places. I am not new to hospitality, having worked in hotels for many years. What jumped out to me in this podcast was the special requests and what that really meant. Special isn't just dietary, all kitchens are set up to deal with dietary. But apparently special could mean requesting food that comes from a completely different restaurant on the ship!!! That's over the top. What a mess it would make of the line and expo. But Royal Caribbean would do it, and more and more people were asking for similar and it was out of control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reigert2008 Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 No matter what the menu is, Royal can’t win. Some people complain that the menus never change, so Royal makes changes and then people complain about the change. I’m personally excited about the new menus. We’re frequent cruisers and have rarely done any speciality dining. We truly enjoy the MDR and as a party of two we’re in and out quickly without even rushing. We tend to plan our dinner selections early so we don’t overlap during the day, no sense in eating chicken twice! So when we sit down we already know what we’re ordering and it goes really smoothly. i also hope these changes “get rid” of the “secret menu”, like the curry dishes since I mostly forget to ask about them and hopefully they are just on the menu so I can easily see them im sure we will miss some of our favorites over time, but I bet we can find a new favorite! KristiZ, teddy, TheMaxRebo and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 I'm excited about the new menu..almost bummed I don't have many longer cruises scheduled where I will be able to partake as I'm sailing with specialty dining fans. There are several dishes each night that I'd be interested in trying. I am also an adventurous eater and I can see how those who aren't could have trouble with the menu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaa Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 The food looks fine to me. We were sad to see Lamb Shank disappear, but we'll see what Braised Lamb is all about. For us, it's plenty of choice, I can certainly see for picky eaters how it will be more difficult, but I'm sure those folks will find their path as well. The worst part of the whole affair to me is the BS about doing it to reduce the dining time. This menu, alone, will have no impact on dining time. Now if they add a little more staff, that might do it. I suppose, if fewer people come to MDR because of the choice that would be like more staff per passenger. I know that one of the functions of marketing during a change is to find and cling onto any positive you can find, but this one was a stretch. The real MDR complaint is the time to get a drink. That's practically universal. FloatyBoaty and TXcruzer 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexanTwoStep Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 2 hours ago, Xaa said: The real MDR complaint is the time to get a drink. That's practically universal. YES. I usually stop at the bar on the way to dinner and grab drinks before we head to dinner. It takes forever, especially if you're ordering alcohol. Pooch, FloatyBoaty and Neesa 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asquared17 Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 1 hour ago, TexanTwoStep said: YES. I usually stop at the bar on the way to dinner and grab drinks before we head to dinner. It takes forever, especially if you're ordering alcohol. we also do this and i thought it was just standard practice, honestly. where else can you stroll into a dining venue WITH a drink from legit anywhere Neesa, EvergreenCruzers and TexanTwoStep 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 3 hours ago, Xaa said: The worst part of the whole affair to me is the BS about doing it to reduce the dining time. +1 Jjohnb and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 Just updated the menus with the printed copies for all 7 nights https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/01/07/first-look-royal-caribbeans-new-main-dining-room-menus slusher, StayFrosty, Reigert2008 and 3 others 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 22 minutes ago, Matt said: Just updated the menus with the printed copies for all 7 nights https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/01/07/first-look-royal-caribbeans-new-main-dining-room-menus Mexican night has some intriguing options. Though Mediterranean night amuses me. "We have to fit the turkey dinner in there somewhere!" Turkeys are native to the Americas! BeachGal, WAAAYTOOO and Pooch 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 I didn't realize the bs over Maine lobster affected Royal Caribbean. Thanks for passing that along in your article. slusher and Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StayFrosty Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 The new menus look pretty good to me. I appreciate the variety. I can see how some would miss the classic section. Maybe with enough feedback it might come back. Looking forward to trying it out in June. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexanTwoStep Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 2 hours ago, asquared17 said: we also do this and i thought it was just standard practice, honestly. where else can you stroll into a dining venue WITH a drink from legit anywhere I honestly think this is the best part about cruising -- being able to eat and drink whenever (and wherever) I please! WAAAYTOOO and asquared17 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexanTwoStep Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Matt said: Just updated the menus with the printed copies for all 7 nights https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/01/07/first-look-royal-caribbeans-new-main-dining-room-menus The Mexican night is.....depressing. No elotes, spaghetti as a main course, and no chips and salsa CrimsonCruiser and Carlos A. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottD Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Matt said: Just updated the menus with the printed copies for all 7 nights https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/01/07/first-look-royal-caribbeans-new-main-dining-room-menus Thanks for getting the kids menu up! I'm leaving in 3 weeks and was a little worried about my very picky (aka: pain the ass) eater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexster Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 1 hour ago, TexanTwoStep said: The Mexican night is.....depressing. No elotes, spaghetti as a main course, and no chips and salsa Yeah, I feel like a couple of these theme nights are a little half-assed, but I'm sure it'll change over time. Also a bit sad there's no Indian night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 56 minutes ago, Lexster said: Yeah, I feel like a couple of these theme nights are a little half-assed, but I'm sure it'll change over time. Also a bit sad there's no Indian night. An Indian night wouldn't appeal to the masses. But there is an Indian dish on each night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nferr Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 I really like these new menus. Looking forward to my Oasis cruise. KristiZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 5 hours ago, smokeybandit said: Mexican night has some intriguing options. Though Mediterranean night amuses me. "We have to fit the turkey dinner in there somewhere!" Turkeys are native to the Americas! Frankly I’m glad they put the turkey that night. It’s the only thing I think I would like. The rest of the menus look pretty good. Looks like I will be eating a lot of fish/seafood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorntor Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 Since when is tofu a Mexican dish? The only Mexican dish on Mexican night is carne asada. I think if I went into a Mexican restaurant and ordered tofu, I would be giggled out of the place. Also, why are 17% of the MDR menu choices Indian cuisine? Give me a break Mr. Bayley. TexanTwoStep and Jjohnb 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 31 minutes ago, Thorntor said: Also, why are 17% of the MDR menu choices Indian cuisine? Because they are cheap to prepare. No meat ! BennyandBo and Jjohnb 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjpoe Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 Is there a separate Vegan menu like in the past. Or is it just the 1 or 1 items listed? I'll miss the Vegan appetizers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 31 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Because they are cheap to prepare. No meat ! Actually all the Indian dishes on those 7 menus have meat. 4ensic, Rackham and WAAAYTOOO 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXcruzer Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Thorntor said: Since when is tofu a Mexican dish? The only Mexican dish on Mexican night is carne asada. I think if I went into a Mexican restaurant and ordered tofu, I would be giggled out of the place. Also, why are 17% of the MDR menu choices Indian cuisine? Give me a break Mr. Bayley. My favorite Mexican joint here has tofu fajitas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Censored Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 On 12/12/2022 at 9:33 AM, smokeybandit said: LOL get your super chat $$$ ready Smokey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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