As another PG first timer I think Marc's comments are spot on.

There were a lot of indiscrepancies. Sheri and I got the welcome champagne in our cabin, the box of Godiva truffles, AND every early evening we received a plate of hors d'oeuvres left discretely on the table. Was it Amex Plat? The fact that Sheri was a third timer on the PG? My number of nights? All or none of the above? Whatever it was it worked for us!

Like Marc I found the food in L'Etoile to be hit and miss at dinner, and lunches everywhere were a little disappointing. I greatly enjoyed our dinner in Apicius (Thanks to Ken for correcting me from saying Apicus, I somehow missed that other "i"). It was too bad though they couldn't block out the "buffet section" of the restaurant at night to further the Michelin star ambiance.

Another agreement about the seeming aloofness of the officers (I'm refering to the ones who actually "drive" the ship not those related to hospitality). I recall Captain Kingston on the Diamond used to enjoy a beer (or two!) every afternoon at the pool bar with some of the senior officers. Any and all guests were made to feel welcome to join in. It was great fun to chat with them when they didn't have to be "on". I also believe Ngaire mentioned to me that it was the first time no officers attended her party. You couldn't keep 'em away from the gift exchange the final night on MINT! Different strokes...

The wait staff whether at the pool bar or in the dining room were great. My morning cappuccino was brought to me without my having to ask, Gloria always remembered I prefered the NZ Sauvignon Blanc, and Bernard at the pool was a willing participant in my shenanigans and recognized my evil twin on sight.

The only comment I will make about the stateroom is that none of our bathroom ammenties were ever replenished. All the bottles were totally empty at the end. I pocketed (Shhh!) the bath gel early on and it was never replaced. I put it down to cutbacks, but I heard others were getting new bottles all the time. Go figure...

All in all it was a great experience, but it was the LCT group that made it so for me!