Boarding the ship as one of the later groups worked out great. It took only 10 minutes. Unfortunately, we still did not have our luggage by dinner time, so we were a sweaty mess in the Grand Epernay.

Dinners in the main dining room, the Grand Epernay, had wonderful and kind waiters/waitresses and an attentive Head Dining Attendant. I have not yet been to France, but the French baguettes seemed amazingly delicious (crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside). The gelatos and home-made pistachio ice cream were divine. Otherwise, the food was a disappointment overall. Unfortunately,out f the 12 evening dinners in the Grand Epernay, only the rib-eye steak was good. The duck, even the skin, lacked taste and was chewy. The fish was "fishy". The pastas were bland. Sadly, I cook better meals at home.

The Specialty Restaurant, Silk Harvest, would not have any customers if this restaurant was on land. Definitely avoid Silk Harvest! The Tuscan Grill was decent and worth the extra $35 per person. We did not try Murano, but I heard that it was good. Read more