Our First Cruise - This Cruise and Ship Set The Mark So High

Seamless / Perfect

We ate in all restaurants. We were also Aqua Class so had Blu as our dedicated restaurant and, apart from breakfast and lunch, ate most of our evening meals here after trying the other restaurants. The menu changes nightly. If there is something on the menu one night (ie. escargot or French onion soup, all you need to do is ask). My commentary about the restaurant experience is mostly in regards to Blu. From the very start, our maitre'd, Ljiljana ("Lili") greeted us by name and always remembered us (and we remembered her) whenever we saw her elsewhere around the ship. She is a wonderful, thoughtful and sincere person. Zorem, the hostess, as well, is a gem. Our primary waiter in this restaurant was Roger. One he got to know us, we asked him his recommendations for the evening meal, starter (sometimes several) and dessert and he selected our meals and coordinated our wine with the sommelier, either Ernesto and Anastasia. Both Ernesto and Anastasia made beautiful pairings and sometimes gave us tastes of wines and ports that were, I suspect, particularly special and not on the usual list of what was being served. I think appreciating and recognizing the skill set of Roger, his assistant waiter, Anton, and our sommeliers made for the best experience possible for all. As for the chef, Umesh, he was behind the scenes and we never got to meet him but his menus were delightful. Food was flavorful and unique. Portion sizes were perfect. Meat was done to perfection. I get board with mainstream menu selections, especially, when I can cook the same thing better myself at home, so this was pure pleasure for me. Best creme brule I've ever had. Chocolate lava cake perfect. I can't remember everything (lost of different sorbets and ice creams) but all of the deserts are worth a try. Even though we usually sat in Roger and Anton's section, we got to know and sometimes had other servers, including Emilia who convinced us to try 3 desserts...absolutely loved her as well) all of them had a smile on their face, appeared to enjoy their job and made the customer their priority. Jerome is a very good server - both in the Martini Bar and then in the Theatre although I think he should stay in the Martini bar because he was so prompt in getting drinks and nice to talk to. Shontae is another wonderful server we got to know at the Magic Carpet bar and in the theatre. My husband and I felt like we got to know these people. It was hard to say goodbye because they are such nice people. The buffet breakfast greeter is such a nice man. He said good morning to me every day and gave me a hug. I neglected to take down his name but I think everyone knows who he is. To those of I have not mentioned, you were all wonderful on this cruise.

Thermal Spa (included with Aqua Class) is a great way to relax after a day of excursions although I don't understand the crystal or salt rooms ???? They should work or be converted to something else. Many of the scheduled activities (mixology, sketch class with Paris, escape game, music trivia games, Luigi's famous dance til you drop classes are so much fun. There is something for everyone.

The theatre and what the stage in the theatre can do is absolutely incredible as were all of the performers in the main singing and dance troupe on the ship. But the additional entertainment was also incredible (comedian, Uptown (Motown performers), Jo Rochell, Tommy Proulx) were also great as was the song and dance troupe from Eden and all of the other bands that played the Martini Bar and at the Club. The Beyond band is very talented. Any music they were handed by any of the performers they were able to perform very, very well to make the production go without a hitch. My husband and I felt very, very spoiled by all of the very high qualify entertainment we were able to take in on this ship.

Our stateroom attendant was Nasveeta. If we needed something, it was there in minutes. Our room was so well maintained and replenished every day and throughout the day. In addition to the service she provided to us, Nasveeta is such a sweet and thoughtful person in that she was always asking us how our day was, what we were planning for the day and what she could do to make us comfortable in our room.

This ship is BEAUTIFUL! with so much thoughtful decor and decor transitions throughout the ship. Loved the walkway to Eden and its otherworldliness - even after you get out of the illusion tunnel.

Great cabin. Open and bright. Balcony window down most of the time and push out doors to the balcony never closed. Bed is so comfortable. Shower is great.

Seamless