Recent Princess changes

[Host Mike]

• Gratuities: Minis and Suites $12 pp pd, all other cabins $11.50 pp pd.  This includes kids.
• No Smoking: All cabins and all balconies.  Begins 1/15/12.
• Zumba classes in the fitness program.
• Free blue logo tote bags in all cabins.
• Gourmet salt offered in specialty restaurants.
• Kindermusik@Sea in the kids program.
• Leaves Tea Lounge coming soon to Princess ships.  Already on the Grand Princess.
• Aloha Spirit Program on 14 day Hawaii cruises.
• Chef's Table with wine $95, without wine $80. Excludes Sun/Sea/Dawn in Australia.
• Facebook roll call.

[f-mattox]

Chef's table without wine?  Can't even imagine it.

Even at $95 that is still worth every penny.

[RichC]

There should be plenty of open spaces at the Chef's Table. No more rushing onto the ship to make reservations. 

[f-mattox]

Do you think $20 will make much difference?  I really don't, Rich.  At least it won't deter me.

[RichC]

Do you think $20 will make much difference?  I really don't, Rich.  At least it won't deter me.

I was one to consider the old price outrageous since the meals in the dining rooms are great with us. We live a low key lifestyle & just being served a decent meal on the ship is more than enough for our taste. We fine it hard to justify the extra expense in Sabatini's at $20 p/p even if we have extra CC to spend so you can see that we are not spenders like most Princess cruisers. If they depended on people such as ourselves for their profits, they would no doubt be in big trouble. 
That being said I think most people might back off with the higher price, but who knows?

[f-mattox]

I most heartily agree with you when considering the Crown Grill; I didn't think it was that much better than the main dining room--and the service wasn't as good . . .at least the one time I ate there.  But I find Sabatini's completely unique and well worth the additional cost.

And the Chef's Table, to me, was absolutely amazing.  I'm no foodie but that was the best dining experience of my life.  It's not something I would do every cruise--I don't think anything could top my first experience--but I would surely suggest everyone try it . . . .at least once.  I've paid $95.00 and more for shore excursions that I didn't enjoy a fraction as much as I did the Chef's Table.

[RichC]

I most heartily agree with you when considering the Crown Grill; I didn't think it was that much better than the main dining room--and the service wasn't as good . . .at least the one time I ate there.  But I find Sabatini's completely unique and well worth the additional cost.

And the Chef's Table, to me, was absolutely amazing.  I'm no foodie but that was the best dining experience of my life.  It's not something I would do every cruise--I don't think anything could top my first experience--but I would surely suggest everyone try it . . . .at least once.  I've paid $95.00 and more for shore excursions that I didn't enjoy a fraction as much as I did the Chef's Table.

Just to let you know, they've changed the way Sabatini's serves their menu. It's not the same with numerous courses but more of an order off the menu type of place. I don't think the items have changed but only the way it's ordered & presented. We might hit it once again in Nov.

[f-mattox]

Well thank you, RichC; that would make it not quite so special anymore.  Like you, I will give it another try.

[Two Tumbleweeds]

We tried Sabatinis once, but never again. The service was mediocre, and the food wasn't anything to brag about. In comparison our table steward and his assistant were excellent, friendly, and very knowledgeable, and everything we ate was of the highest quality.

[NSWP]

We have tried Crown Grill and Sabatinis.  Whilst the food/service was good, there was way too much food for me.  I am quite content with dining traditional 2nd sitting in the MDR and ordering what I like. 

As for the Chef's table, I doubt I would pay $95.   I really think these 'cover charge dining experiences' - Crown Grill/Sabatinis, Chefs Table, just like the ships tour are a commerical enterprise by Carnival Corp.

Sure if you have the $ and want to spend do it ! Above all..ENJOY !