Cruising In Todays Oceans

[chefedb]

Just returned from 10 day cruise to Panama Canal. The only thing I will discuss here is food as this is a food oriented site. I have been on 10 to 12 cruises . Two of them on the old cruise lines(over 20 years ago) The experience has really changed. It still is unlimited food and 10 meals if you want, but overall quality has declined.On many lines you can eat whenever you want in any dining area. The trend however  is added theme dining rooms where in addition to price of cruise you pay an additional surcharge. Italian , Japanese like Benehama, Chinese, Steak House, all are additional in price..  

 This I believe is the future of cruising. The base price of the trip will be cheaper, but no food will be included. It will all be billed extra. This is good in one respect since I eat no breakfast then why should I pay for it like I do now in the base price. They must stabilize their food cost and this is the way to do it. Additionally by sitting in a dining room and being served you will tend to order wine and cocktails more. I have been on most of the top lines and have found very little difference hence I would recommend if all are cruising to same place , look for the least expensive way to get there. Gratuities are added on your tab at the rate of $10-11.00 per person per  day for meals and cabin service, bar gratuities are added on to bar tab. Also wait till you hit a port to take a scenic trip. You can do it at almost half of cruise line charge for same thing. Still cheaper the Disney

 

[gobblygook]

I think it would be disadvantageous to the cruise lines to cut out food altogether.  That's one of the selling points to a cruise.  The fear from cheapskates is "captive audience syndrome" where they can charge whatever they want because you have no other choice.  Even if it's just hamburgers and hot dogs, it's an option other than simply not eating. 

One thing that might actually "work" would be a "foodie" cruise.  Dealing with the "foodies" might get annoying fast, but having the focus of the cruise be cutting-edge food by top chefs, would open up a whole different demographic.  My expectation would be a "one price" access to everything, but that the price base price would be raised.  Imagine the killing from wine they could make though. 

 

[chefedb]

The prices of the alternative dining rooms is pre posted on cruise itinarary and each dining room has a different pre set price so cheapskates as you state can review it earlier. The new selling points of cruising is'' free style'' which means your time, your choice, your location on the ship. No have too's or formalities

 

[homemadecook]

I have tried once, I think it was a decade ago. Never knew that, the changed the way billing. /img/vbsmilies/smilies//smile.gif

 

[tylerm713]

I can understand the desire of cruise lines to start charging for food in order to stabilize food costs. However, I think this would be a turnoff for some people, unless the reduced cruise fare were enough to cover the estimated food cost for the passenger. In other words, I wouldn't mind the concept if a $1000 all-inclusive 4 day cruise was reduced to $500 and didn't include food. That would leave me $500 for 4 days on a ship. Like all things, it comes down to cost/benefit, both for the cruise lines and the passengers.

 

[chefbillyb]

I think its a good idea, I would wait to eat at the better restaurants in every Port........

 

[chefedb]

True and at averages of $15.00 to 20 per meal enough for  25 meals or more if you wanted to eat that much.