Formal nights on Iona

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CaroleF
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#51

Post by CaroleF »

I was expecting a menu along the lines of the Epicurean dishes. I've eaten quite a few of the options on this Chef's Table menu. I can't quite see the point of the Chef's Table especially if it's sited in the Buffet.

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Onelife
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#52

Post by Onelife »

Stephen wrote: 22 Jun 2020, 09:24
towny44 wrote: 22 Jun 2020, 08:58
Manoverboard wrote: 22 Jun 2020, 07:47

Timing is everything old chap :sarcasm:
I hope this link works.

file:///C:/Users/John/Downloads/SAMPLE_The-Chefs-Table.pdf
SAMPLE_The-Chefs-Table.pdf

:thumbup:

Nothing to get too excited about that I can see. No chips ;)
You're as cheap as chips Stephen :sarcasm:

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david63
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#53

Post by david63 »

The menu reads a bit like a cross between a "Gala" menu and a watered down Epicurean menu to me

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Meg 50
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#54

Post by Meg 50 »

it sounds like regular menus used to be when we first started cruising about 20 years ago
Meg
x

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Gill W
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#55

Post by Gill W »

It sounds like a nice menu.

I think the concept of 'The Chef's Table' is to buy into some peoples need for a feeling of exclusivity.

Personally, I'm not sure I'd book, mainly because I feel it's dubious to have to give your credit card details for something that apparently is not a paid extra
Gill

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Manoverboard
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#56

Post by Manoverboard »

Gill W wrote: 22 Jun 2020, 16:33
It sounds like a nice menu.

I think the concept of 'The Chef's Table' is to buy into some peoples need for a feeling of exclusivity.

Personally, I'm not sure I'd book, mainly because I feel it's dubious to have to give your credit card details for something that apparently is not a paid extra
As Meg said it is nice but to her, and me, it is basically a rerun of finer dining days with P&O. Taster Menus have of course been available for yonks ashore but for a first timer it would be a special occasion on, say, an anniversary.

Card details are as per booking an excursion or a ‘ extras ‘ dining venue, suggesting to me that it is a promotional offer at the moment but will be charged for at a later date.
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being

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Mervyn and Trish
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#57

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Surely there will a charge for the wine pairing? That's not free anywhere else on board

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Manoverboard
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#58

Post by Manoverboard »

Mervyn and Trish wrote: 22 Jun 2020, 18:35
Surely there will a charge for the wine pairing? That's not free anywhere else on board
Normally not, I would agree, but to get the folks dining formally in the buffet area then a sweetener is logically required, perhaps the card is for a ' No show ' ?
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Elaine 38
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#59

Post by Elaine 38 »

Booked on Iona and really disappointed to find only have two formal nights for two weeks. Have avoided other cruise lines for this reason and travelled with P&O for years but think they are cutting too many corners now . May have to start looking around.

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screwy
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#60

Post by screwy »

Welcome Elaine.

Personally I think 1 a week is fine but it’s each to their own I guess. It doesn’t stop people dressing smart casual,I do object to shorts and t shirts in the evening though.
Mel

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barney
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#61

Post by barney »

Elaine 38 wrote: 24 Aug 2022, 16:59
Booked on Iona and really disappointed to find only have two formal nights for two weeks. Have avoided other cruise lines for this reason and travelled with P&O for years but think they are cutting too many corners now . May have to start looking around.
They are leaning towards a different demographic Elaine.
Under 40, with kids, looking for a fun holiday.
There are alternatives for us more ‘experienced’ cruisers should we wish.
Saga for one.
For the price, P&O still hits the spot for us.
Once a week is enough for me.
Ooh err !
Last edited by barney on 24 Aug 2022, 18:32, edited 1 time in total.
Empty vessels .. and all that

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Mervyn and Trish
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#62

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Yes Barney is right. Saga does the formal wonderfully. That said, as noted in my recent Iona review, the one night on there was well observed and had a great atmosphere. And the week on Iona for 5 of us was only about 20% more expensive than 2 on Saga! We love Saga and were ready to hate Iona but she won us over.
Last edited by Mervyn and Trish on 24 Aug 2022, 19:27, edited 1 time in total.

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Stephen
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Re: Formal nights on Iona

#63

Post by Stephen »

Welcome to the forum Elaine 38

Like screwy I personally feel one formal night a week is enough. I agree with you though about the noticeable cut backs which I thought were more than Savile Row ;) since our last cruise in 2019.

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