La Veranda was excellent during our 10-day cruise in February. On days when there is something special in L'Etoile (for example, lobster), it was also available in La Veranda, so I don't think you will be missing anything. The ambiance is also different--much quieter, darker, more romantic, if you will. We enjoyed La Veranda so much that we ate there with friends we met on the ship 3 times. (I should add that I was not that big of a fan of the previous specialty restaurant in the same space, Apicius, when we were there in 2003.)

--------

Eugene