LIVE from the Emerald - 14-day Circle Caribbean - 12/9/23

[CanadianBurger]

MDR Dinner last night. The pork tenderloin was so good I almost asked for seconds. The BBQ chicken broth was meh, though, as the diced potatoes were hard. And I think they forgot to flambé the bananas foster, because you could taste so much alcohol the flavor was ruined. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[trbarton]

On 12/16/2023 at 10:04 PM, CanadianBurger said:

So, Princess…

 

Let’s talk about your comedians. I figured tonight’s guy HAD to be better than the last one. The bar was very low. Unfortunately, Mike Brody couldn’t clear it. He didn’t even get close to it. I don’t often leave the theatre during a show, but after 15 minutes, I’d had enough. And it wasn’t just me. People were leaving in droves. I almost feel sorry for the guy, because I doubt he’s going to get a second show. If he does, nobody will go. 

I totally agree about the 2 comedians. Yes after the 1st show no need to see the 2nd one. 
 

Tom😀

[trbarton]

This is my 37th cruise & it’s one of the few cruises where the dinner service was sooo slow. Not sure why.  Anyone else on this cruise experience this?

 

There was one production show that started at 7 pm instead of 7:30 pm & as I like to sit in the front row I almost had to sit in someone’s lap. 
 

Other than that it’s been a great cruise. All of the staff has been great. 

Tom😀

[Simsonite]

Dumb question but any good holiday themed movies on demand in the rooms? 

[cjpj]

42 minutes ago, Simsonite said:

Dumb question but any good holiday themed movies on demand in the rooms? 

Almost all of them...

[CanadianBurger]

1 hour ago, Simsonite said:

Dumb question but any good holiday themed movies on demand in the rooms? 

No idea. Haven’t turned the TV on since the safety video. 

[CanadianBurger]

 

2 hours ago, Simsonite said:

Dumb question but any good holiday themed movies on demand in the rooms? 

Your wish is my command…

And, I agree with Princess, Die Hard IS a Christmas movie! Last pic has a different row of regular movies. 

 

 

 

 

[Simsonite]

2 minutes ago, CanadianBurger said:

 

Your wish is my command…

And, I agree with Princess, Die Hard IS a Christmas movie! Last pic has a different row of regular movies. 

 

 

 

 

Awesome! Thanks so much!

[CanadianBurger]

An end to a beautiful sea day. Calm seas, and little wind. 
 

 

 

 

[CanadianBurger]

Comedian (using the term loosely) Mike Brody played the theatre again. Out of curiosity I peeked in the theatre to see how big the crowd was 15 minutes into the show. Not very big. People were already leaving, saying they tried to give him a second chance but it was just as bad, if not worse, than the first show. 
 

[CanadianBurger]

I was so excited to see Beef Wellington on the menu, I forgot the pics, again! It didn’t disappoint, and the spaghetti carbonara was also excellent. The ox tail soup presentation was interesting with the pastry over the top, but I still prefer the French onion. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

[CanadianBurger]

Anggung, the Crooners bartender that replaced Michael after Barbados, getting into the Christmas spirit. 
 

[CanadianBurger]

Aruba day tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to going snorkeling again. 
 

 

[CanadianBurger]

Wonderful day in Aruba today. We went on a private snorkeling expedition, then dried off at a MooMba Beach bar before grabbing a taxi back to the ship. I think the snorkeling was better in Barbados, but I got really up close and personal with a sea turtle today. Pics soon from the GoPro. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CanadianBurger]

I found the mythical juice bar today. I was looking for some kind of physical place around the Calipso Bar on Lido, but it’s just a sign on the wall next to it, and the bartenders make the juice drinks. I tried the Tropical Twist, and was underwhelmed. 

 

[CanadianBurger]

On 12/16/2023 at 12:42 PM, canadarocks said:

@CanadianBurger can you please find out if Vines is open for Casual Dining (Crudites, Charcuterie, Truffles) on Embarkation Day and do they take reservations? Thanks so much in advance. 

Checked out the charcuterie today at Vines. The bar itself is staffed after 4pm, and they have the food available around 5. There are no reservations; just grab a table. The waiter wasn’t sure if the food was available on embarkation day. 
It wasn’t bad, but the Salty Dog, Planks, or Steamers beats it for Casual Dining food hands down. I’d go again for a glass of wine and to listen to music in the Piazza, but not for the food. 

 

 

[CanadianBurger]

The gingerbread houses are out. 
 

 

[CanadianBurger]

Another perfect day draws to a close. 
 

 

[CanadianBurger]

The ship was having a little A/C problem on Caribe tonight. It was hot all along the hallway, and in the cabin. It was fixed in about an hour or so, and cooled back down. 
 

[CanadianBurger]

We went to the Salty Dog Gastropub in The Wheelhouse for dinner tonight. I always enjoyed the Pub Lunches here (wish they would return) but haven’t really frequented the place otherwise. A mistake on my part. This was one of my favourite dinners of the cruise! Super thrilled with the food. Everything was delicious. When it arrived, I thought the beef short rib poutine was small, but there was an incredible amount of tender, succulent beef in that bowl that left me satisfied. The grilled cheese and soup was also excellent, as were the mini doughnuts for dessert.
When the menu says two plates included, what it really means is one plate from the cheese & veggie plates section, and one plate from the burgers & more section. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CanadianBurger]

All of our ports are done. Here’s the Patter for the first of two sea days before the cruise draws to a close. 😭

 

 

[canadarocks]

Thank you SO much for finding out about the Casual Dining at Vines for me!! You’ve convinced me to give the Salty Dog Gastropub a try instead. 👍

Edited December 21, 2023 by canadarocks

[CanadianBurger]

3 minutes ago, canadarocks said:

Thank you SO much for finding out about the Casual Dining at Vones for me!! You’ve convinced me to give the Salty Dog Gastropub a try instead. 👍

For sure! 

[c-boy]

 

12 hours ago, CanadianBurger said:

Checked out the charcuterie today at Vines. The bar itself is staffed after 4pm, and they have the food available around 5. There are no reservations; just grab a table. The waiter wasn’t sure if the food was available on embarkation day. 
It wasn’t bad, but the Salty Dog, Planks, or Steamers beats it for Casual Dining food hands down. I’d go again for a glass of wine and to listen to music in the Piazza, but not for the food. 

 

 

MMMmmm bread stix ...

 

 

   

Edited December 21, 2023 by c-boy

[fedexretiree]

Can you get Miller lite beer at any of the bars on the ship?