SB Odyssey update please

We are considering B2B next Feb-Mar on Odyssey. We would appreciate any comments about entertainment [shows, music in lounge, dancing] and

enrichment/lecturers.

DW and I boarded the Odyssey in Auckland on 2/7 and disembark in Dubai on 4/8- it's our 3rd time on this ship. Here's some information and observations.

Captain Bathgate took over from Captain Dexter and Chef Graeme Cockburn took over for Chef Martin Kitzing in Sydney. Daniel Putzhammer is the HD, Jan Stearman is the CD, Kevin Huxham is the F&B manager and Ben Luckx is Destination Manager. All familiar faces who we have sailed with before. The service has been excellent and the food outstanding. We were on the Sojourn World Cruise last year and thought that some of the meals were uninspiring. Not so on this cruise. The chefs have been doing lots of local shopping with an emphasis on seafood, especially fresh fish, which has been just downright outstanding.

In Melbourne, the ship received new veranda furniture along with new chairs for the patio grill. The new veranda chairs are very nice, however, the new tables are smaller and are more like a cocktail table. Not really great for eating on your veranda. Also, the new patio grill chairs are not as comfortable as the old ones.

In the club there is a solo guitarist, Jason, who plays before and after dinner and then the band plays staring around 11 PM on most nights. However, on some occasions the band plays before dinner. Jason is very good and plays a nice selection of music. Pierre took over for John as the piano player in the Observation Lounge - both are very good. They play both before and after dinner. We have had one Rock the Boat party and it was great. Tonight is the second Dancing Under the Stars event.

We don't do many shows, however the ones we did see have been good. Jim McDonald, the comedian, was on board to do 2 shows. On this leg, Brett Cave, a piano player whom we have seen on Princess has joined and he did a wonderful show a few nights ago. There also was a violinist, Kateryna Sychova, who was very good and put on 2 shows. Vocalist Toni Warne who competed on UK's The Voice also performed one night.

The guest speakers seem to be the typical ones who are experienced and knowledgeable in the area the ship is traveling. We currently have Dr. Chris Drake and Captain Peter Martin.

Jason who plays in the Club is excellent. A great addition to the entertainment on Odyssey.

Thank you for this comprehensive update. We have sailed with several of these staff members and enjoyed them. Love Capt Bathgate's sense of humor!

I do not know Jason so this is not a personal statement...I just very much wish that SB would return to at least a duo [keyboard & singer] in the Club. Entertainment, including opportunity to dance, is important to us.