Osso Bucco from Canaletto Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

We started out Saturday and had no idea how lucky we would be with our stateroom. About a week or so ago, we received an opportunity to upgrade to a verandah suite at a reasonable cost. When we called, not only were we upgraded to a verandah suite, we were fortunate to get a spa suite, that provides all sorts of extra amenities, still to be discovered.

 

We always enjoy the main dining room, but on this venture we will explore dining offered in the additional restaurants that have a surcharge. Not everything, as we don’t want to break the bank, but quite a few. Last night, we enjoyed Canaletto ($10 surcharge). The menu is Italian and extensive and the service outstanding.

 

The Mille-Feuille of Madagascar Chocolate with walnut praline and ice cream Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

We both knew right away we wanted to enjoy the Osso Bucco, even though the other choices were outstanding. MDH–I don’t usually eat much meat, so I knew I just had too skip the delicious starters. NEH—I wanted to be sure to have room to savor one of my favorite dishes, so I went straight to the entrée too. Plus, we both wanted dessert.

 

As we hoped, the Osso Bucco was delicious. Norm polished his off without a problem and Maralyn managed to eat about a third of hers.

Trio of Tiramisu in three flavored variations, espresso, lemon and Amaretto Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

 

Dessert was easy for Norm, as he ordered The Mille-Feuille of Madagascar Chocolate with walnut praline and ice cream. Maralyn was more in a quandary between the Trio of Tiramisu in three flavored variations, espresso, lemon and Amaretto, or the Limoncello Crème. Consequently, the waiter brought both selections. The Limoncello won Maralyn over and Norm helped polish off the Tiramisu,,, which was also exceptional.

Limoncello Crème Photo: Maralyn D. Hill

Today’s a sea day, so we are off to walk the deck and get our exercise, plus take part in various activities of interest. In general, we prefer to relax on a cruise, and only take advantage of a few of the huge variety of activities offered.

 

Tonight, our dinner will be at Tamarind with Pan Asian Cuisine.

 

Maralyn D. Hill & Norman E. Hill

Board Member & Member of

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Society of Professional Journalists

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.