Z
Zia
Guest
I know that many of you are "hungry" for information about the Diamond Princess, so I'll give you some information in "parts" as I complete them for a total review.
DINING OPTIONS:
Horizon Court Buffet – Deck 14 Aft
The buffet was very good with many selections. The lines moved quickly and personnel were friendly and helpful. The cold food was cold and the hot food hot. My only complaint was that the coffee seemed to be “watered down.†If you like “a stronger brewâ€Â, just order some sent to your room in the morning or frequent the dining rooms.
Tea – Served daily from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Pacific Moon (Asian) – Fiesta Deck 6 Midship/Atrium
Tea was a very nice break in the day, but always too close to dinner for me. There was a nice selection of light finger sandwiches, cookies, cakes, and of course scones with jam and crème.
International dining room (Traditional seated dining) – Fiesta Deck 6 Aft
We only ate breakfast a couple of times since we had chosen Personal Choice Dining. The breakfast food was good, but service was a little slow.
Personal Choice Dining – 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Pick which restaurants you wish to eat in and make reservations immediately. Even if you have selected personal choice dining you won't be able to just "show up" at a busy restaurant and get in - especially if you want to go to the Princess Theatre. One couple we spoke with made their reservations too late, but enjoyed the experience because they were given a cozy window table at the same restaurant each evening.
Sterling (American Steakhouse) – Plaza Deck 5 Midships/Atrium
The Sterling was our favorite and we had dinner there twice. No matter which restaurant you dine at, you are also given the "traditional" menu to select from the International dining room. At each of the "themed" restaurants, there are usually two or three choices from that particular restaurant. For example, at the Sterling there was sirloin steak, filet mignon, and some sort of pork chop.
Vivaldi's (Italian) – Plaza Deck 5 Midship/Atrium
A very beautiful restaurant with good Italian fare. I sampled an entrée made with pesto that was delicious. Our waiter was very fun and insisted that we have the cannoli for dessert. I ended up having two since he delivered one to me personally!
Pacific Moon (Asian) – Fiesta Deck 6 Midship/Atrium
In my opinion this is the restaurant that Princess needs to improve on. I had roast duck and didn’t enjoy it at all. My dining partner had stir-fry and said it was “OK.†On the other hand, the sushi was “above average.†However, it’s a beautiful restaurant and you can order from the International Dining Room menu at all of the restaurants.
Santa Fe (Southwest)
Being from the Southwest I felt right at home. The colors were beautiful and the metal wall sculptures depicting Mimbes art were excellent. Excellent fajitas!
Sabatini’s Trattoria (Italian Upscale with $20.00/person surcharge)
It’s a real treat to dine at Sabatini’s. The service was impeccable and the food delicious. Sabatini's was an elegant and fun dining experience. Instead of selecting an appetizer, entree, etc..., we were given a small amount of everything! Sabatini’s Trattoria is an elegant and fun dining experience not to be missed!
DINING OPTIONS:
Horizon Court Buffet – Deck 14 Aft
The buffet was very good with many selections. The lines moved quickly and personnel were friendly and helpful. The cold food was cold and the hot food hot. My only complaint was that the coffee seemed to be “watered down.†If you like “a stronger brewâ€Â, just order some sent to your room in the morning or frequent the dining rooms.
Tea – Served daily from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Pacific Moon (Asian) – Fiesta Deck 6 Midship/Atrium
Tea was a very nice break in the day, but always too close to dinner for me. There was a nice selection of light finger sandwiches, cookies, cakes, and of course scones with jam and crème.
International dining room (Traditional seated dining) – Fiesta Deck 6 Aft
We only ate breakfast a couple of times since we had chosen Personal Choice Dining. The breakfast food was good, but service was a little slow.
Personal Choice Dining – 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Pick which restaurants you wish to eat in and make reservations immediately. Even if you have selected personal choice dining you won't be able to just "show up" at a busy restaurant and get in - especially if you want to go to the Princess Theatre. One couple we spoke with made their reservations too late, but enjoyed the experience because they were given a cozy window table at the same restaurant each evening.
Sterling (American Steakhouse) – Plaza Deck 5 Midships/Atrium
The Sterling was our favorite and we had dinner there twice. No matter which restaurant you dine at, you are also given the "traditional" menu to select from the International dining room. At each of the "themed" restaurants, there are usually two or three choices from that particular restaurant. For example, at the Sterling there was sirloin steak, filet mignon, and some sort of pork chop.
Vivaldi's (Italian) – Plaza Deck 5 Midship/Atrium
A very beautiful restaurant with good Italian fare. I sampled an entrée made with pesto that was delicious. Our waiter was very fun and insisted that we have the cannoli for dessert. I ended up having two since he delivered one to me personally!
Pacific Moon (Asian) – Fiesta Deck 6 Midship/Atrium
In my opinion this is the restaurant that Princess needs to improve on. I had roast duck and didn’t enjoy it at all. My dining partner had stir-fry and said it was “OK.†On the other hand, the sushi was “above average.†However, it’s a beautiful restaurant and you can order from the International Dining Room menu at all of the restaurants.
Santa Fe (Southwest)
Being from the Southwest I felt right at home. The colors were beautiful and the metal wall sculptures depicting Mimbes art were excellent. Excellent fajitas!
Sabatini’s Trattoria (Italian Upscale with $20.00/person surcharge)
It’s a real treat to dine at Sabatini’s. The service was impeccable and the food delicious. Sabatini's was an elegant and fun dining experience. Instead of selecting an appetizer, entree, etc..., we were given a small amount of everything! Sabatini’s Trattoria is an elegant and fun dining experience not to be missed!
