We too took the Sapphire. The food for us was excellent and yes I've been to "I'm lovin it."

It all depends on what you're used to, I guess. We're not gourmets, but we live in a big city and know good food. I expected "banquet food" (Poor hubby who loves to eat did not) and even then we were disappointed. This was several years ago - possibly they've improved the quality of their food, but somehow I doubt it. I've heard that Princess uses "coffee syrup" whatever that is, to make their coffee instead of brewing it??? Does anyone know anything about that? Just curious.

Do you think you are the only one who is used to better restaurants? I live in Chicago so exposure to better dining and variety is not an issue.

Not at all. I think those that live in big cities, NY, Chicago, LA,SF (especially SF) might have a greater multitude of good restaurants to choose from in general; however, I only assuming that. In any event, I thought the food on Sapphire Princess 3-4 years ago was coffee shop quality at best. That's our opinion and we're stuck with it. In the time since we traveled, it could have improved, but somehow I doubt it. From what I read on cruisecritic.com, most cruiselines are cutting back on the food in all aspects. I'm traveling on HAL 1st time in about 10 days. Don't expect much, but maybe we'll be surprised. That would be nice, wouldn't it?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. For us though the Sapphire Princess was not up to standards of the better restaurants we have been to it was fairly close and in no way could we say it was mere "coffee shop" or McD's. In fact the mention of that is bizarre as there was no resemblance at all. No offense. JM2C.
BTW as for the coffee syrup I have heard that too. It wasn't that bad but I bring my own coffee and a French press.

I liked the "banquet food" description. That's what you are essentially getting from a mass productioon kitchen (cruise ship).

As to the two eggs cooked differently on my plate, my speculation was that they were pre-cooked and sitting on top of a warmer. Obviously, one had been in there quite a bit longer.

I have a new trick for eggs. Put a raw egg in a cup of hot water and let it sit. It will take about half an hour to cook it to soft boil, depending how hot the water is. When I am at the ship nwxt January, I will ask for hot water (in a tea pot), two raw eggs and I will cook it myself!