A Tucson Guy

My report from last night's dinner in Chef's Table ($180 pp). This really was dinner and a show. There were 9 or 10 mini courses and food was exquisite. Wine was a little above average. Dinner took 3 hours and there was only 3 couple and max is 18 people. It was like an intimate dinner party and met some wonderful people. One was a retired US senator and her husband and just amazing conversation. I took a lot of better pictures than the small menu in post above- sorry. For us, it was too much food but that is not the fault of SS. I would suggest that you try it once for yourself and decide. For us, the jury is still out for doing it on the Nov. 2023 cruise. Maybe having an intimate dinner with very interesting people would have us try it again. I will try posting some food pics when I have time

This is the best picture of the menu in Chef's table-

This is the wine served in Chef's table last night. A little above average

I will post here regarding dress codes on the Nova. I think The Nova is what will be the SS future. Last night was optional formal and hardly any tux's at all. Many men did not wear jackets in the evening in Salt or Atlantide. Take it or leave as we still had a great evening. The show called Broadway in the Venetian lounge was just fabulous. A far cry from past entertainment.

All the wine you can drink for :house" wines.

I didn't think they were expensive but just much nicer than the normal house wines.

I am on board the Nova and I asked the Future Cruise sales person and she thought around the middle of this Sept.

The new StarLink internet is much faster and I am not using the premium wi-fi.

Last night in La Dame on the Nova, dress code stated men must wear jackets in La Dame regardless of the dress code for the night. It was 75% full and I saw 2 men not wearing jackets and nobody said anything.

I also forgot to mention that La Dame has a lot of 2 top tables right next to the windows and it was a great setting watching the ocean.

I agree. If you are not a wine drinker, the ROI is very low. Similar menu to other ships.

I was told NO last night.

That seems to be correct and we had some of those. See previous post.

We really liked the Chateau Marac Sequineau Margaux 2020, a white burgandy that we forgot to take a picture of andLa Chapelle Lafauie-Peyraguey Sauternes 2017.

Last night was dinner in LaDame. I went into dinner thinking that since the menus were similar to Dawn and Moon last year, it was not going to be a good value at $160 pp. I left the dinner feeling like it might be worth the new up charge. First the "house" wines were way above what is served in the other restaurants. We had a great dessert wine also better than before. I ordered caviar and it was way better than the stock caviar. Since we normally order a nice bottle of wine in La Dame which is usually $100 to $150. We did not feel the need to order a special wine. Food was similar but a few new nice touches. The butter dish was topped with olive oil infused with garlic, truffles and another spice. We had them drizzle the truffle infused olive oil and the taste was subtle but you could taste the truffles. It was a magnificent meal and we felt the new up charge was OK. Restaurant was 3/4 full on the first night of the cruise. We then went to the Venetian show lounge and sat in the upper story. It felt like a concert hall and we loved it. Time to get ready for excursions and will be back.

Last night was dinner in LaDame. I went into dinner thinking that since the menus were similar to Dawn and Moon last year, it was not going to be a good value at $160 pp. I left the dinner feeling like it might be worth the new up charge. First the "house" wines were way above what is served in the other restaurants. We had a great dessert wine also better than before. I ordered caviar and it was way better than the stock caviar. Since we normally order a nice bottle of wine in La Dame which is usually $100 to $150. We did not feel the need to order a special wine. Food was similar but a few new nice touches. The butter dish was topped with olive oil infused with garlic, truffles and another spice. We had them drizzle the truffle infused olive oil and the taste was subtle but you could taste the truffles. It was a magnificent meal and we felt the new up charge was OK. Restaurant was 3/4 full on the first night of the cruise. We then went to the Venetian show lounge and sat in the upper story. It felt like a concert hall and we loved it. Time to get ready for excursions and will be back.

Two of us can easily use the bathroom at the same time- impressive!!

We are going to Nova LaDame in 45 minutes and I will report back my ROI or return on investment opinion.

Oh my God!!! This ship, the Silver Nova, is just amazing. We call it sensory overload. We were on the Dawn and the Moon last year and I don't think we could go back and we just got on board and did a quick tour- it is amazing. We have two SS cruises next year- one on the Moon and one on the new Ray. We may have to cancel the Moon cruise and find one on either the Ray or the Nova. I will try to post random thoughts on the major differences. We are in a basic veranda suite and the layout is day and night from the veranda suites on the Muse class ships. Huge bathroom, large double sink, huge shower with a bench (don't really need a tub), so much storage and a closet that does not feel like a small cave. Lunch on the pool deck and I think they got the hamburger patties worked out perfectly- yumm. The person that asked about the head of housekeeping, that person is not on board. Dinner tonight in La Dame and we will see if it is any different from the Dawn and the Moon for a lot more money. We are doing the Chef's Kitchen on Wed. at $180pp and we will report back. If I have time, I will try to post pictures but there are beautiful pictures all over the internet. All I can say is that most people will really be impressed.

Getting ready to board shortly. I will say that we thought the Hilton Molina Stuckey hotel was fabulous. Great rooms and breakfast. The location is on Giudecca island and much less crowded.

We are having dinner on the Nova tomorrow, Wed., and I will report first hand.

Just landed in Venice and checked into the Hilton Molino Stuckey with all luggage. It is a lovely hotel and we will check out Giudecca Island and dinner at Trattoria Ai Cacciator.

Thanks