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- Joined Apr 3, 2010
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
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