Stateroom 8054

We had booked a regular verandah, but were upgraded to a mini-suite*. It was great: spacious, well-appointed, great service.

The space was large and sufficient for entertaining. Eight of us could sit comfortably around the table and chat (large couch, two desk chairs, one chair from the verandah, and one sitting on the bed). There was an enormous amount of storage space. I pack light, but we used less than a quarter of the available closet and drawer space.

The verandah had a table for two suitable for dining, as well as two comfortable sitting chairs. It was a little chilly, so we didn't use the verandah as much as we would in warmer weather.

Stateroom amenities included:

• well-stocked minibar (unlocked, presumably since they knew we had no under-21s and were drinkers from our pre-ordered wine -- love it!)
• fruit basket (and they ask what type of fruit you prefer!)
• super-plushy robes
• safe (the combination type, far better than the card-swipe type)
• personalized stationary (everyone gets stationary, I think only this category and above get the personalized kind)
• DVD player
• always-filled chrome ice bucket and a nice assortment of wine and champagne glasses
• hair dryer (mother-in-law approved!)

My only additional wish: a carafe of filtered water (I had this on Azamara, though there it was never refilled...)

Bedding: We are fussy, and we were not disappointed. The mattress was supportive and pillow-topped. The sheets were buttery soft. The pillows in this category come in three types (with a printed guide!): firm, medium and soft feather. The feather pillows are yummy. I normally prefer a duvet at home, but the blanket was triple-sheeted and perfectly fine. The accent runner added an appealing splash of color.

Bathroom: I really like the huge bathrooms in this stateroom class. Whirlpool bathtub with a shower, plus a separate shower as well. Dual sinks. Elemis spa-type shampoo / conditioner / bath gel were a nice touch. I'm not a huge fan of the countertop material they use, but otherwise I'd like to clone that bathroom for my next home.

Service: Edi, our stateroom steward, was wonderful: efficient as well as unfailingly polite and gracious. He introduced himself on the first day. He always always greeted us in the hallway, and asked if we needed anything. He never knocked if we had the "do not disturb" card in the door (unlike on Azamara, where the "butler" thought "do not disturb" meant "knock repeatedly before entering"). He never failed to straighten up nor whispered any indication of stress when we stayed in the room even as late as noon (unlike on -- okay, okay, I'll try to stop comparing with that disappointing Azamara cruise).

Bottom line: the mini-suite was wonderful. I'm officially spoiled.

*We love you, Martha!