Back home now after a fabulous cruise and a far better experience than our Alaskan Star Princess experience last June, where we were disappointed with the overall service and very much so by the food.

Here, I have to say the food from start to finish was excellent, far better than expectations and of good quality and presentation. Service was excellent too and despite staff in the majority swapping over after week 1 in Club Class (CC) dining, we got to know both sets well, great rapport, interaction and humour from all which really made the experience special. CC dining, however controversial, was, imho, a huge success and we would do it again like a shot. Relaxed, civilised, attentive, top service, a few specials we liked, no wait, we could more or less pick out table..... what's not to like? We had a great head waiter who let us in on some interesting corporate titbits, and it looks like CC is here to stay. It caused some upset with other guest in line, next to the CC entrance, and why were we being whisked to the front, but it was explained to them. CC is advertised and can be had for a premium, but as we were staying in a full suite (Roma Suite, R604), we were automatically classed as CC guests, getting all their perks as well (not the wine set up, as we get a free mini bar instead).

The suite concierge room was a nice little haven for a quick snack rather than going down 11 floors to the IC, and Michael there was superb. He couldn't do enough for us, nothing too much trouble and all our requests attended to, including swapping our disembarkation colour tickets over without a quibble! Every ship should have a Michael! Read more