drjc

We had a group of 9 on the Emerald Princess from 5/9 to 5/13/18. We had two additional with us for the BVE and boarded at 11:45 am and were at the aft MDR at noon when it opened for lunch. The menu was limited, but the food was good and service was excellent. Before taking our order, I was able to book 9 for Share that night in the semi-private at 6:30 pm. Four of us had dined at Share last October on the Ruby Princess and wanted to dine there again with family and friends on the Emerald. We all enjoyed the food and service, including the 5 that had never been. We dined and talked for almost 3 hours. Share was maybe half utilized that embarkation night; quiet, private, and relaxed; perfect for us all on our first evening on the ship. Looking forward to Share again on our next cruise.

We all dined at Crown Grill our last night on the Emerald, food and service were good, but a step down from Share in our opinion.

We dined in the Da Vince MDR two nights at one large circular table for 9. It was nice, but I don’t think 10 would fit comfortably. Food was good to very good, except the steak from what I heard from the one person that ordered it. I heard the beef kabobs were good, but I didn’t order either. I figured it would be best to order steak from the Crown Grill, where I have before and enjoyed it. The hit was the Fettuccini Alfredo I ordered as a side and many tried it and ordered it as a side that night and again the next. I did not eat in the Buffet at all and most of the rest of our group did not either, so I can’t really comment on it.

All, but one in our group booked mini-suites. My wife and I were upgraded to Club Class, which was an unexpected surprise. Because were with others, we only had breakfast in the Club Class ding area twice. No wait, excellent service. Same items as the MDR menu plus one other table-side preparation item. Neither of us wanted the first option, don’t recall what it was now. The second breakfast, it was pancakes with Nutella and whipped cream, which I’ve never had. I decided to order it and found it tasty. Sorry, but i can’t comment on the Club Class dining for lunch and diner, but can see the benefit for those that want any time dining with no wait and an additional menu item choice. However, since we like to travel in groups and dine together, I don’t think we would ever pay for Club Class.

We were on the Emerald Princess from May 9th to 13th with the same itinerary. I was at the top deck and watched us pull away from the Victoria dock at about 10:30 pm, about half an hour early. We arrived at the Vancouver port the next morning at about 8:30. The Captain’s summary lists 80 nautical miles at 13.3 knots.