We chose this cruise for two reasons, the itinerary and the Muse being an elegantly new ship and weren’t disappointed. Overall the ship is well appointed in a neutral palette with pleasing art. The suites are bright, airy, spacious and have loads of storage. For us the chair and sofa could be more comfortable. We had no problems with noise and the television/entertainment system in the mirrors is ingenious. You have two viewing options, seated or from the bed. Servicing of our suite was impeccable. Our suite attendant, Jobie, was so attentive to our personal requests, especially with making our bed more comfortable for our needs.
For us our major complaint is with the dining venues. We experienced weather where outdoor dining was not an option. That automatically eliminates the Grill (Hot Rocks in the evening) and Spaccanapoli. We cruise to relax and not to be held to dining in formal attire. We do dress very appropriately for the evening but choose not to wear tuxedos, dinner jackets, ties and evening gowns. With that said, dining in Kaiseki or La Dame is then not an option. Thus, that leaves five options, Atlantide, La Terrazza, Indochine, Silver Note or room service. Two of the above require advance reservations well before your cruise departure date. The menus are set for one week with very few or no nightly specials so a 17 day voyage became tiresome when dining in the evening. The Arts Cafe needs much improvement in food selection and level of service. An elegant afternoon tea in the Reception Lounge would be a lovely addition to the shipboard experience. Puzzling, the setting in the Arts Cafe is not befitting in elegance or size for 596 passengers to enjoy afternoon tea.
Ports of call were either excellent or very good. I will say we did use use 6 private tour excursions and 4 ship excursions.
Our portside suite was exceptional. It was the highlight of our shipboard experience. Very well thought out. Being portside on this particular cruise we had fabulous views when in most ports and the balcony space is much better than some other ships. Cruising the Avenue of Glaciers was simply the best from our balcony and being able to hear Corey Sandler’s commentary!