We think we’re getting pretty good at this cruising lifestyle! Another leisurely day at sea, and we’ve settled into a routine that we could definitely get used to. Sleep in, enjoy a relaxing breakfast, head off to whatever activities catch our fancy, meet up for lunch, do a little more exploring, squeeze in some relaxation, and then get dressed up for another fabulous evening aboard the Star Princess.
Life is tough, but somebody has to do it! 😎🍹
Tonight, we’re looking forward to trying The Butcher’s Block by Dario, one of the ship’s unique specialty dining experiences. Inspired by legendary Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini, this restaurant celebrates the Italian tradition of enjoying exceptional cuts of meat in a lively, communal dining atmosphere. Think hearty Tuscan flavors, generous servings, and a true meat lover’s paradise! 🥩🍷🇮🇹
After dinner, we’ll head to the theater—or the Arena, as they call it aboard this ship—for another evening of entertainment. With so many wonderful performances, there’s always something to look forward to.
As for The Butcher’s Block, we’ll reserve judgment until we’ve sampled the goods! Will it live up to its reputation? Stay tuned for our verdict on Dario’s later!
Until then, it’s another beautiful day of doing a whole lot of nothing—and loving every minute of it! ❤️🚢
UPDATE:
Butcher’s Block by Dario — A Meat Lover’s Paradise… But Not Quite Our Cup of Tea!
As promised, we’re back with our review of Butcher’s Block by Dario, and while it was certainly an interesting dining experience, we have to admit we left a little disappointed.
First, don’t expect a traditional menu where you can pick and choose your favorite dishes. At Butcher’s Block, everyone is served the same meal at the same time — whether you’re ready for it or not! It’s a unique concept, but one that doesn’t leave much room for personal preferences.
The various cuts of meat were flavorful and nicely prepared, but there was simply way too much food! Along with the parade of meats came an abundance of sides — baked potatoes, French fries, vegetables, and Tuscan beans. Oddly enough, the side dishes didn’t arrive at the same time as the meats, which left us scratching our heads a bit. We would have preferred to enjoy everything together rather than in separate installments.
And a word of warning: If you’re not a serious meat lover, this probably isn’t the restaurant for you! Meat is the star of the show, and there are no alternative proteins to choose from.
Dessert was a bit underwhelming, lacking the wow factor we had hoped for after such an elaborate meal.
But there was one very nice surprise! Every table received a complimentary bottle of Chianti, a lovely Italian touch that we thoroughly appreciated. In fact, there was so much food and wine that we couldn’t even finish the bottle!
Our verdict? Butcher’s Block by Dario is definitely an experience, especially for those who love their steaks and hearty Italian-style dining. We’re glad we tried it, but once may be enough for us. After all, part of the fun of cruising is trying new things, and not every culinary adventure has to be a home run!
After our carnivorous adventure, we made our way to The Dome for a beautiful performance of orchestral music from around the world. 🎻🎶 It was a wonderful change of pace and the perfect way to wind down after dinner.
Then it was back to our cozy cabin, where we called it a night. Another entertaining, and memorable day aboard the Star Princess! 🚢✨