Sea Dog Conducts: Symphony No. 1: Food Fantastique with the UDP “As if Live”

[bobmacliberty]

19 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Thank you that means a lot being a life long musician myself. The only problem I have is usually a Symphony is four movements. In this case I will have 9 movements for all the specialty restaurants we went to. Hopefully Beethoven will approve.

 

 

For the food pics I'm using a Nikon D3300 with a Nikon 18-55mm and a Nikon Short 50mm f/1.8D. I also shot pics and videos with my iPhone 11 ProMax. I do some photo editing in Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom

i think you’re OK as far as Beethoven is concerned 😉. Love the nifty fifty lens. I have the Canon version. Awesome for those nice bokeh shots. 

[Sea Dog]

57 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

i think you’re OK as far as Beethoven is concerned 😉. Love the nifty fifty lens. I have the Canon version. Awesome for those nice bokeh shots. 

 

Yes and actually the iPhone in "Portrait" mode is good for that too. I ordered the new iPhone 14 Max Pro with it's new 48mp camera in "Raw" mode. I may never bring the Nikon on a cruise again.

[LATTELOVE]

The Lava Flow likes amazing!

What's in it??

 

All of your pictures are so beautiful,

we love them, Thank you!

Edited September 29, 2022 by LATTELOVE

[DaKahuna]

23 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Yes and actually the iPhone in "Portrait" mode is good for that too. I ordered the new iPhone 14 Max Pro with it's new 48mp camera in "Raw" mode. I may never bring the Nikon on a cruise again.

I have adopted my iPhone Pro Max 13 as my go to camera.  I no longer bring my DSLR and or my point and shoot.  The camera's on the phones these days are amazing. 

 

[Sea Dog]

17 minutes ago, LATTELOVE said:

The Lava Flow likes amazing!

What's in it??

 

 

Royal Caribbean Lava Flow
Glass: Poco Grande/Souvenir Hurricane
Technique: Island Oasis/Blend *Note* Royal doesn't use the Island Oasis brand any more and I forget the new brand but you get can order Island Oasis through Amazon.
Garnish: Orange flag
Ingredients:
2 oz. Cruzan Estate Light rum   *Note* I like to use Kraken Dark Spiced Rum
1/2 oz. Island Oasis strawberry 
4 oz. Island Oasis piña colada
Mixology: Add rum & piña colada mix in blender cup. Blend & fill glass 1/3 of the way. Add strawberry then fill glass with the remainder of the piña colada
ServeSafe equivalent is approximately 1.5 drinks

 

Enjoy Cheers!!!!!

 

14 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

I have adopted my iPhone Pro Max 13 as my go to camera.  I no longer bring my DSLR and or my point and shoot.  The camera's on the phones these days are amazing. 

 

 

I agree. The only thing they lack in is the digital zoom. It still is not as good as a good optical lens. I was hoping to get my new phone before our October 16th Liberty cruise but I'll receive right when I get back.

Edited September 29, 2022 by Sea Dog

[DaKahuna]

11 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

I agree. The only thing they lack in is the digital zoom. It still is not as good as a good optical lens. I was hoping to get my new phone before our October 16th Liberty cruise but I'll receive right when I get back.

 

 Good point.  I have been very pleased with the zoon as well as the Pano features on my 13-Pro.  It's a shame you will not receive yours before you next cruise.  Can't wait to see pictures you take with the 14.  I am going to pass on upgrading and wait until the next iteration (15??) before I upgrade. 

 

[Sea Dog]

5 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Good point.  I have been very pleased with the zoon as well as the Pano features on my 13-Pro.  It's a shame you will not receive yours before you next cruise.  Can't wait to see pictures you take with the 14.  

 

 

I will use it on the Bella Cruise with @John&LaLa on Oasis in March.

[A&L_Ont]

@Sea Dog Maya Cay is great and we have been there numerous times. The one thing you did not mention, their great bathroom facilities.  Not important, until it’s needed. 

[c-leg5]

13 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

@Sea Dog Maya Cay is great and we have been there numerous times. The one thing you did not mention, their great bathroom facilities.  Not important, until it’s needed. 

The other point worth mentioning,  is convenience.

 

Since it became cruise line excursion, water taxi is directly from the dock at Coxen Hole right next to the ship. No need to take road transport, or hassle with vendors inside or outside of the port area. We have found it especially convenient with toddlers.

[perfect match]

On 9/28/2022 at 9:44 AM, Sea Dog said:

 

 

 

I love those mooring shots. Why? Because I do.

 

We found a new friend. This cat decided to hang out with us.

 

 

He (I think the cat was a he?) obviously loved us especially when I gave him chinks of lobster. his coat was worn and he may have been old but he was a sweetheart.

I love the mooring shot! Thank you 🙏! 
 

I would have been in big trouble if I’d seen that cat! He looks so much like our rescue boy Oreo that I would have been doing my very best to smuggle him onto the ship so I could bring him home. 
 

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

I have adopted my iPhone Pro Max 13 as my go to camera.  I no longer bring my DSLR and or my point and shoot.  The camera's on the phones these days are amazing. 

 

I have an iPhone 13 Max that I got for the camera. Problem is, I’m still trying to learn how to use the camera, and how to position my hands when holding it so I’m not accidentally touching things and changing settings that I never meant to do and then try to figure out how to get back to the settings I originally meant to use. It’s going to take a lot of practice, lots of baby steps, but slowly  I’m starting to learn.

 

 

Here’s Oreo. He’s much better fed now than he was when we first rescued him two years ago. He’s still a little rough around the edges, but he’s the sweetest little boy we could ever want. 

Edited September 29, 2022 by perfect match

[Sea Dog]

46 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

@Sea Dog Maya Cay is great and we have been there numerous times. The one thing you did not mention, their great bathroom facilities.  Not important, until it’s needed. 

 

Ha you know I almost took a picture of the bathroom because it was so clean but didn't. I was afraid someone would walk in on me and think I was perv.😜 

 

I did take a pic of the nice lockers they have.

 

 

29 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

The other point worth mentioning,  is convenience.

 

Since it became cruise line excursion, water taxi is directly from the dock at Coxen Hole right next to the ship. No need to take road transport, or hassle with vendors inside or outside of the port area. We have found it especially convenient with toddlers.

 

I failed to mention how wonderful that was as the water taxi pulled up right beside the ship. You can really see the convenience on my time lapse return video.

 

[bobmacliberty]

3 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Yes and actually the iPhone in "Portrait" mode is good for that too. I ordered the new iPhone 14 Max Pro with it's new 48mp camera in "Raw" mode. I may never bring the Nikon on a cruise again.

 

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

I have adopted my iPhone Pro Max 13 as my go to camera.  I no longer bring my DSLR and or my point and shoot.  The camera's on the phones these days are amazing. 

 

I made the difficult decision to leave my DSLR kit home for this trip and go exclusively with my 12 Pro Max. There have been a couple of times where I thought that was a mistake but I’ve been satisfied for the most part. Shooting raw with LR can deliver some great results. Maybe not blow up and hang on a wall great, but plenty good for online social media. 
 

I’m upgrading to the 14 Pro Max when I get home. I’ve read great things about the camera. 

[Sea Dog]

Movement 5: Chops, Carnivore Dreams, and the Classic Steakhouse

 

 

I love steakhouse and even better a good Filet Mignon. To me there is nothing better. I know some people have a love-hate relationship with Chops and it can vary day by day and ship by ship. I have never had a bad steak there but that's just my opinion.

 

 

The decor is classic steakhouse .Dark woods, leather chairs, dim lighting since the windows from Central Park let in natural sunlight. It hard for taking pictures but that’s ok, it's a classic steak house.

 

 

Leroy from Mauritius a country in South Africa by Matagascar presented us with our menus.

 

 

 

Linda ordered wine a Malbec Trumpeter. Very nice tasting.

 

 

I ordered a Manhattan cocktail which I normally do at a steakhouse. I was told we have "no rye."  Are you kidding? I know Chops uses the trellis bar for their cocktails but a classic Manhattan with Rye Whisky is a staple of most modern day steakhouses. Don Draper of “Mad Men” would be extremely disappointed as I was. I settled for an old fashioned which is also a staple of a good steakhouse.

 

 

 

Tuna Tar Tar was delicious over a bed of avocado . The tuna had a little kick to it with the Japanese wasabi but not overly powerful. tasted lovely.

 

 

Linda had the Beef Carpaccio. Rare charred beef, parmesan cheese, arugula with a truffle-mustard dressing. I've had it before and always enjoyed it.

 

 

Next up, a Goat Cheese Salad. I Love the combination of the fried warm goat cheese with the cool salad. The sweetness of the candied walnuts and thinly razor thin sliced apples added with

cranberries mixed with warm crispy goat cheese is a match that’s  better than the tinder app. 

 

 

They really crank out the food. Almost too fast for me but I’m sure a lot of people would like the faster pace so they can get to their evening shows 

 

 

The steak is simply seasoned with salt and pepper thyme and garlic. Olive oil is rubbed on which helps the steak have a seared outside and tender inside. After the seasoning the filet is rested for a small amount of time to let those spices settle in. but The key for added flavor is to ask for some melted butter and pour that over the steak. Cooked to perfection medium rare.

 

 

I love having them put the sauces on the side. Great for dipping. They had three sauces , Bearnaise

with green peppercorn and a Bordelaise with bone marrow .

 

 

For dessert I went with the Three Layer Red Velvet Cake. It was super moist and towering. This is a large dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of espresso and you will be ready for the rest of the evening or bed.

 

 

 

Of corse I'm not ready for bed. Time for some bar hoping.

Edited September 30, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

 

 

Schooner Bar once again to take advantage of the Whistle Pig. A few if these and some great conversations with guests. I love meeting new people. In this case it was a man and wife from New Zealand. Lovely people.

 

 

 

[Bailey & Sophie]

On 9/28/2022 at 4:50 AM, Ocean Boy said:

I've been thinking about it. However, I don't really like sailing out of Miami or the Western Caribbean.

 

I think this one is gonna be more like a floating spring break. Down a few drinks & you'll be able to forget you're sailing the western Caribbean out of Miami. 

After a few days, if you really don't like it, just have another drink or 2 and it will be over soon. 

 

[grapau27]

On 9/29/2022 at 1:42 AM, Sea Dog said:

Movement 4:  Down The Rabbit Hole at Wonderland

 

 

The 4th Movement of any Symphony is usually fast and furious, showing off the virtuosic prowess of the orchestra. In this case not so much fast and furious but the virtuosity of the food and drink is in full display

 

 

Wonderland is a psychedelic take on the classic story of Alice in Wonderland. It features some creative decor and distinct tasting menu with several elements.

 

 

So let’s venture down the rabbit hole.

 

 

Located on deck 12, the decor in this two story space evokes magic and surrealism like non other.

 

 

 

One seated you are greeted by the lively maitre’d the mad hatter. This host would stop by from time time and really enhanced the experience with his silly antics. In our case he came by once. With the mask on I couldn't understand a word he said.

 

 

Our server Gene from the Philippines gave us some specialized menus. We began our adventure by painting our menu to see what amazing creations would be created for us. To browse the options you must dip a brush in magic water and paint over a blank sheet; the invisible ink reveals the menu magic.

 

 

Note: Video sped up for time

 

The Menu:

 

 

The food elements were divided by elements: sun, ice, fire, earth and sea

Everything is fun and experimental. This is molecular gastronomy at its best.

 

 

But first we must start with a cocktail. When I see Rye whiskey on the menu, it perks my interest. Here Is Smoke Rings. Made with Rittenhouse Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, and cold smoked then served table side. This is more or less a classic Manhattan that is smoked. I loved the taste but it was little too smokey. Some craft bartenders I know say it’s better to just smile the glass so it’s not so over powering. However by doing both the glass and cocktail under a dome it makes for a better presentation.

 

 

Linda had the Cheshire Cat Cosmo, a cotton candy type cocktail that tasted as good as it looked.

 

 

It was made with Grey Goose Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Patron Citronge, Cranberry Juice, Raspberry cotton candy. After the liquid was poured into the cotton candy it was like there the Cheshire Cat goes disappearing again.

 

 

Then the appetizers:

The Bird’s Nest a set of deviled eggs on a bed of crispy noodles that was smoked at the table.

 

 

Linda had the Reconstructed Caprese with Liquid Olive, Ricotta Powder and Basil.

 

 

 

Mad Hatter’s Purple Potted Shrimp which was wrapped with crispy noodles dipped in a cutesy mug of scotch bonnet.

 

 

Crispy Crab Cones with cilantro and avocado mousse, kind like a decadent ice cream cone.

 

 

Liquid Lobster with bone marrow and caviar. I wish it was warmer like a good hot soup.

 

 

Citrus Sea Shhh...  of spicy tuna and floral yuzu granite in hollowed limes topped with citrus shaved ice. A nice palette cleanser.

 

 

And Finally in the Sun category, Tomato Water a pepper spherification, and bread foam. Not my favorite thing.

 

 

We both had the Short Rib. Wow so tender with a variety of little sauces to dip in. One thing Royal Caribbean does well in their kitchens is short ribs. Every restaurant we tried it in was excellent.

 

 

I also had The Branzino in crispy bread. It was very good but I prefer the Branzino I got at several of the Chef's Tables. That was outstanding.

 

 

Dessert was my favorite. The star of the show was The World.  I have had this before on several chefs tables and it's my all time favorite. The World is a chocolate globe that when hot caramel is poured over reveals a delectable peanut butter ganache, chocolate mousse and salted caramel ice cream. Check it out in action.

 

 

 

Also the Mystical Mushroom Garden was outstanding. Made with pistachio, white chocolate mousse, red velvet and chocolate soul and soft centered meringue, mango sorbet and berries. Yummmmm....

 

 

The only thing I did not care for was the atmosphere. It was too bright with the two story windows.

 

 

We needed to go later when it was darker and there was more ambience with the lighting.. The large 2 story window is nice looking out at the AQ but with the cool purple led lighting.

A dark ambience would make the experience that much better.

 

 

I really like this concept and I can see myself going again. I wish I could have tried more courses.  I wasn't full in the end. I do wonder how long till the novelty wears off. If the ambience was just a little bit better it would help fulfill the fantasy of Alice in Wonderland.

Great photos Greg.

The Oasis class ships Wonderland location and experience is much better than Wonderland on Anthem.

Graham.

[grapau27]

8 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Movement 5: Chops, Carnivore Dreams, and the Classic Steakhouse

 

 

I love steakhouse and even better a good Filet Mignon. To me there is nothing better. I know some people have a love-hate relationship with Chops and it can vary day by day and ship by ship. I have never had a bad steak there but that's just my opinion.

 

 

The decor is classic steakhouse .Dark woods, leather chairs, dim lighting since the windows from Central Park let in natural sunlight. It hard for taking pictures but that’s ok, it's a classic steak house.

 

 

Leroy from Mauritius a country in South Africa by Matagascar presented us with our menus.

 

 

 

Linda ordered wine a Malbec Trumpeter. Very nice tasting.

 

 

I ordered a Manhattan cocktail which I normally do at a steakhouse. I was told we have "no rye."  Are you kidding? I know Chops uses the trellis bar for their cocktails but a classic Manhattan with Rye Whisky is a staple of most modern day steakhouses. Don Draper of “Mad Men” would be extremely disappointed as I was. I settled for an old fashioned which is also a staple of a good steakhouse.

 

 

 

Tuna Tar Tar was delicious over a bed of avocado . The tuna had a little kick to it with the Japanese wasabi but not overly powerful. tasted lovely.

 

 

Linda had the Beef Carpaccio. Rare charred beef, parmesan cheese, arugula with a truffle-mustard dressing. I've had it before and always enjoyed it.

 

 

Next up, a Goat Cheese Salad. I Love the combination of the fried warm goat cheese with the cool salad. The sweetness of the candied walnuts and thinly razor thin sliced apples added with

cranberries mixed with warm crispy goat cheese is a match that’s  better than the tinder app. 

 

 

They really crank out the food. Almost too fast for me but I’m sure a lot of people would like the faster pace so they can get to their evening shows 

 

 

The steak is simply seasoned with salt and pepper thyme and garlic. Olive oil is rubbed on which helps the steak have a seared outside and tender inside. After the seasoning the filet is rested for a small amount of time to let those spices settle in. but The key for added flavor is to ask for some melted butter and pour that over the steak. Cooked to perfection medium rare.

 

 

I love having them put the sauces on the side. Great for dipping. They had three sauces , Bearnaise

with green peppercorn and a Bordelaise with bone marrow .

 

 

For dessert I went with the Three Layer Red Velvet Cake. It was super moist and towering. This is a large dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of espresso and you will be ready for the rest of the evening or bed.

 

 

 

Of corse I'm not ready for bed. Time for some bar hoping.

Fantastic photos.

[Deeliteful]

Really enjoying your review, thank you.

However, you have just cost me a new iPhone! Just upgraded to 14 after reading how good the camera is 😂

[h20skibum]

11 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Tuna Tar Tar was delicious over a bed of avocado .

My Go to appetizer at Chops has always been the black pepper bacon.  I love it, and could make a meal out of just that.  

[Sea Dog]

16 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

My Go to appetizer at Chops has always been the black pepper bacon.  I love it, and could make a meal out of just that.  

That's what I usually get and it is my favorite. This time I wanted to try something different.

[crewsweeper]

11 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

 

Schooner Bar once again to take advantage of the Whistle Pig. A few if these and some great conversations with guests. I love meeting new people. In this case it was a man and wife from New Zealand. Lovely people.

 

 

 

I would have gotten up from Chops and headed to Schooner and asked for the Manhattan there. Then bring it back and say to the barkeeps at Trellis... There's Rye on the ship!

But an Old Fashion is a good sub.   How was the TrumpeTer Malbec?

[Sea Dog]

Day 5: Cozumel and Nachi Cocom

 

 

It's a beautiful morning when we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico.

 

 

And oh how I love sunrises.

 

 

Time to get moving and get off the ship for a day at Nachi Cocom.

 

 

 

Your daily mooring shots. No yells, no whistles today.

 

 

No Moorings were harmed in the taking of these pictures.

 

 

We headed to Nachi Cocom, a short 10 minute cab arise away from port $17 per taxi'

 

 

Nachi Cocom is an all inclusive resort.

For adults it’s $59 per person 

$45 for kids 12-15. per person

$19 for kids from 4-11 per person

Free for kids 3 and under

The deposit was made online for $24.

Reservations must be made online since the beach club limits the number of guests to 100.

 

 

 

The beach club also offers activities like snorkel, massage, banana boat rides and towels for an extra charge.

 

 

 

Wonderful clear water. 

 

 

 

Inflatable water lounger a great buy. The only kind of breathalyzer test I want to take. I do wonder what my blood alcohol content is in that tube.

 

Link for those interested:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SG6HGNC/ref=tsm_1_tp_tc

 

 

Only 50 guests today here as opposed to over 200 to 300 guest at Mr. Sanchez and Paradise Beach each. I counted only about 35.

 

Time for lunch

 

 

Food was incredible.

 

 

Loved their chips and guacamole.

 

 

Had the nachos with a layer of refried beans then Gouda cheese. Still had crunch to the chips thanks to being put in an oven stead of microwave.

 

 

Quesadillas with chicken and gouda were great

 

 

Dessert was a cheese cake and side of ice cream 

 

 

At 12:45 after being here for 3 hours it

started  raining and thundering but it was nice being in this covered pavilion. Rain lasted only 10 minutes and then it was back out in the sun. A great day a Nachi Cocom. I loved the laid back atmosphere with not a lot of people and great service.  We will be back that's for sure.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

16 minutes ago, crewsweeper said:

I would have gotten up from Chops and headed to Schooner and asked for the Manhattan there. Then bring it back and say to the barkeeps at Trellis... There's Rye on the ship!

But an Old Fashion is a good sub.   How was the TrumpeTer Malbec?

 

Linda like it I had a sip a little dry but good. We liked it as a glass of it was covered under our DDP.

[George C]

Greg how was the music on the ship? Piano player at schooner,  entertainment in pub , did you visit the jazz club ? 

[Sea Dog]

12 minutes ago, George C said:

Greg how was the music on the ship? Piano player at schooner,  entertainment in pub , did you visit the jazz club ? 

Tge music was exceptional. The house band that played in the theater was top notch. During Hairspray I wondered for a moment if the music was pre recorded. We were sort of behind the sound board and noticed a video monitor of the keyboard player who served as conductor. They showed a remote camera of the band at the end. They also backed up the main headline singer who flew in the day of and they had just one rehearsal.

 

I did not get to see the Jazz on four but I’m sure it was great. I did see them again performing big band music on the promenade.

The Piano player  in Schooner was really good but I have heard better. Pop and Karin bands were very good as well.