Team Stag

^^^ This should be your first step in the process.

Having done both class of ships as well, my thoughts are similar to the OP. I enjoy the more small bar areas like the S-Class ships have vs the large bar areas of the E-class. The E-Class bar areas simply feel like a large hotel bar similar to what you would find near convention centers. That fact combined with we enjoyed a real veranda and the sky lounge is one of our favorite areas of the ship; we will only book the E-Class in a Suite. S-Class we are plenty happy in a Veranda or above. Everyone has their own criteria and of course port stops play a large part of that as well but this our travel and cruise strategy currently.

I'm also a saki fan. I typically go to Raw on 5 with that purpose but do typically order at least one dish (like edamame) or my wife will get something to try. No one has ever given us a hard time or made us feel unwelcome by doing this. We typically tip well too simply because we know we are taking up a table but as others have mentioned; we have never seen it with a wait either.

If the desserts offered don't meet you need, I suggest a drive by of the buffet after dinner. We normally always stop by at some point following dinner for later night dessert treat.

Excellent info. Thank you!

Anyone have any experience with scuba diving in either location? Do you have any operators that you have used that you would recommend (or recommend to avoid)? Is the diving any good in general at these spots? Thanks in advance.