Prestonscotty

We're less than two weeks from our (first) cruise from Corfu but haven't had any information yet on check-in. When we arrive at the boat off the coach can we proceed straight on to the boat to check in or is it all done at a set time? We will be arriving about mid day so was also wondering if you check in can you get back off the ship (to explore Corfu Town) or once you are onboard is that it? Is anything open on the ship when you first get on or does it all open up once you set sail? Thanks

The standard email says the following: CHECKING-IN YOUR LUGGAGE To check in your bags in the UK you'll need to have printed and attached your Marella Cruises luggage tag from Cruise Control. Once at the airport, you need to check into your flight as normal. Once you've landed, collect your luggage and make your way through to the Arrivals Hall. A Marella Cruises Representative will meet you and direct you to your transfer coach. When you reach the port, your luggage will be taken straight to your cabin.

First time cruise and this may seem silly but I don't understand the speciality dining. I presume it is a cover charge and then a set menu to choose from and you can choose one item from the starter, main and dessert course. Would I be right? Also what do you actually get in the main dining room. Do you get to choose from a menu or is it just a fixed menu? Is the menu the same all week or does it change daily and if it changes how do you know what the menu is any given day? What's so special about the speciality compared to the main dining? Is it better quality food or just quieter ambience? Finally - and this sounds like I'm a greedy git - but if you were to say eat at a speciality restaurant can you still go and eat at the main dining room as well or can you only eat in one venue each evening? OK I am a greedy git, but my real reason for asking is that her indoors really wants to go to the sushi place and I really am not a fan of sushi. It is the only place available to book currently (my cruise is in May) so is the only sample menu I can access and it doesn't particularly inspire me personally. But equally I don't want her to miss out because its not my bag so will probably book it anyway. I just wondered what my options are if we go and I find it not to my liking. I've copied the sample menu and it is a good example of my not understanding what from it you actually get? Although this may just be that I don't understand sushi or have ever really had much of it (hate fish and not a big fan of rice!!) Thanks for your help in advance and any hints and tips to help me understand the dining side of things better, or links to typical menus, would be greatly appreciated.