“Suite!” Just Retired to be a pirate at sea with Sea Dog and Polly The Pirate Semi Live Explorer Nov. 7th

[Luckynana]

45 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Yes it tastes similar to a Chocolate Martini. The main differences are in a Brandy Alexander the key alcohol component is Cognac or Brandy where as in a Chocolate Martini it's vodka. They both have Creme de Cacao and heavy cream. Very good.

I should've been making a list of all of the wonderful and tasty drinks you've been posting, to be prepared for when I get onboard this February🛳️😉

[DaniDanielle]

Have you have tried a frozen Brandy Alexander made with ice cream? yummmy!

[George C]

36 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

Have you have tried a frozen Brandy Alexander made with ice cream? yummmy!

My favorite upscale restaurant makes them with ice cream , that is normally my dessert , going there tonight.

Edited November 17, 2021 by George C

[Luckynana]

3 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Izzumi

When Jonathan was born I hatched a plan in my brain to teach him how to love sushi. It could be our bonding time. A lot of fathers bond with their sons in different ways. For some it’s scouting, for others it’s sports. Jonathan and I bond over our love of film making and sushi.

 

I’ll never forget the time a month ago he and I got together for sushi and he picked up the he tab. He said "all those years you took me out and taught me. Now that I’m working a good job it’s my turn". I was overjoyed and filled with tears. As a father you hope you raise your kids right. So far I’m a winner.

 

What a wonderful, loving Dad you are, Greg, and Jonathan is a lucky and loving young man as a result.

You are Blessed, Greg!❤️

 

[jmklade]

3 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

A RETIREMENT GIFT TO MY SELF

 

I love good french Cognac. For years I’ve kidded my wife about buying a bottle of LOUIS XIII. At the time you could buy it for around $1000, 25 years ago. Now it’s over $3000 a bottle.

 

 This Cognac is often considered the most unique and special spirit in the entire world. Made with a blend of up to 1,200 different eaux-de-vie ranging in age from 40 years to over 100 years old. And yes you pay for it. Part of it is the beautiful Baccarat crystal decanter. It is a work of art.

 

So what do you do to celebrate your retirement you ask?

I did this and it was oh so grand.

 

 

Yes it was expensive with tip for a 1.5 ounce was $160.00. It was incredibly smooth and rich. Its aroma and taste are light and complex. This is probably the first and last time I will taste my friend Louie. Thank you it was well worth it.

 

That is awesome!  I am happy that you did it.  Sometimes you just have to throw money aside and enjoy the moment.  I read a couple of your posts on other live cruise threads before you went on this one asking if they had it and how much.  So glad you did!

[jmklade]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

ST. KITTS

 

Another perfect morning for a sunrise sail into St. Kitts.

 

 

First I have to get another Indian Breakfast at the Windjammer

 

 

For a day at St. Kitts, it requires everyone to do a Royal Excursion (I hear that's changed now) if you want to get off the ship. The port area was even fenced off so to not let people in and keep people from the ship venturing out.

 

Originally we were booked on the 4x4 Rain Forrest and Beach. We did this tour with Greg’s Tours 4 years ago and loved it. It combined a great tour, history, rum tasting and then some beach time.

 

We got notified a week before the cruise that the excursion had been cancelled due to once again, “Operational Issues.” We decided on booking the Carambola Beach Day.

 

A bus picked up is at the port area and then took us to soak up St. Kitts' sun, sand and surf with a 3.5-hour getaway to the upscale Carambola Beach Club,  along South Friars Beach.

 

 

 

Our bus ride  took us across the mountainous Southeast Peninsula, including a photo stop atop Timothy Hill. 

 

 

What a beautiful view. The 360-degree panoramas of the island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, and the island of Nevis in the distance.

 

 

 

We then arrived at the Carambola Beach Club where we got a complimentary beach chair and bottled water to  welcome you.

 

 

 

 

One note: Umbrella’s are extra. For 3 it was $30. In hindsight I did not really use the beach chair that much and probably could of done with out the umbrella. We also had access to the bar and restaurant. 

 

 

Polly the Pirate loved this place it's all she could squawk about.

 

 

 

if you choose to buy tropical cocktails, I recommend the “Dirty Banana.” Oh boy was this tasty.  The day was so relaxing. Very nice sandy beach with warm water and gentle waves to move you around. I love that. A perfect seaside serenity.

 

 

Once our 3.5 hours were up we boarded our bus back to the port area where you could shop, eat or drink inside their fence enclosed area. It's sad to think this would be our last day. I say we go out in style. Tonight it's Chops again.

My wife and I got hooked on Dirty Bananas in St Thomas a couple of years ago.  During the Covid break, we had a Dirty Banana day.  It did ended a little foggy.  They still taste much better for some reason in the Caribbean. 😃

[Ozark_Kid]

4 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

I don't think I've ever had a bad wine, well maybe Boone's Farm (Is that wine?) but most taste pretty good. I do like blends like Shiraz or Malbec's the best.

Along the same line if I remember the 70’s correctly there was Boone’s Farm and Strawberry Hill. 

[gfargo53]

22 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Along the same line if I remember the 70’s correctly there was Boone’s Farm and Strawberry Hill. 

and don't forget about mad dog 20-20

[cruisingpeople]

On 11/16/2021 at 6:07 PM, Sea Dog said:

THE SECOND FORMAL NIGHT

 

And then the main course a lobster tail.

 

 

And yes Jonathan and I had two.

 

 

 

Only two each ? ? ?  Just Kidding.

 

Generally, I get four. I did go a little crazy on one cruise by not having any appetizers beforehand. The end result was nine for the entire meal.🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞

[Fa-Li]

4 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

When Jonathan was born I hatched a plan in my brain to teach him how to love sushi. It could be our bonding time. A lot of fathers bond with their sons in different ways. For some it’s scouting, for others it’s sports. Jonathan and I bond over our love of film making and sushi.

 

I

 

4 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

 

I hardly ever play in the casino on a ship. Partly because we have casinos back home and more importantly I want to do other things.

 

Since this was Jonathan’s first cruise we decided to go to the casino because he wanted me to teach him craps.

 

 

 

 

 

Loved these two posts.  When I was young, my dad decided the way we would bond is by me learning to play craps.  He actually made a table that we had in the rec room, and I grew up playing for pennies and eventually silver dollars.  I think his proudest moment was when he could finally take me to Las Vegas 🤣  I do wish he'd also taught me to love sushi though.

 

Such a great review, thank you for taking the time to bring us along with you!

[beshears]

Seadog, I finally FOUND your posting, which you said a while back you would do. I can see, I have a LOT of pages to go through to read/see everything, but I'm interested in what you put in these postings. I want to congratulate you on your retirement, as I did the same thing from DFA (Frito Lay, Bordens, Starbucks) about 3 years ago. You also mentioned about moving to Florida, which I would love to do, as we have family/friends there, but most of our family is here in KC, MO.  You also mentioned about Ruth Chris Restaurant in Kansas City. My question right now is, were you visiting this restaurant, or did you live in some area of Kansas City, as I was born here and have lived here all my life.

[akcruz]

Have to comment on your relationship with Jonathan, it is so wonderful to hear how you two get along and the things you share.  It is great to see a young adult have such a connection with a parent, doesn't seem to be the norm anymore.

 

As for Caymus discussion, I couldn't  understand how a wine could be worth that price until I had a glass, provided by a neighbor.  I am definitely not a wine snob but that was a really great glass of wine.

[DaKahuna]

2 hours ago, cruisingpeople said:

 

Only two each ? ? ?  Just Kidding.

 

Generally, I get four. I did go a little crazy on one cruise by not having any appetizers beforehand. The end result was nine for the entire meal.🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞

Our middle grandson put away 17.  He asked the waiter what the most anyone had ever eaten, was told 14 or 15 and he wanted to beat that number. 
 

[Sea Dog]

4 hours ago, Arzeena said:

Great pictures Geg!

And what a lovely family!

 

Thank you very much. We normally don't do family pictures as I am camera shy. Imagine that coming from a professional camera person.

 

 

4 hours ago, Luckynana said:

I should've been making a list of all of the wonderful and tasty drinks you've been posting, to be prepared for when I get onboard this February🛳️😉

 

Here you go Maryann. This is for you. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

Have you have tried a frozen Brandy Alexander made with ice cream? yummmy!

 

 

No but I will now. That sounds wonderful.

 

4 hours ago, George C said:

My favorite upscale restaurant makes them with ice cream , that is normally my dessert , going there tonight.

 

Let me know how it is. Sounds great.

 

 

4 hours ago, Luckynana said:

What a wonderful, loving Dad you are, Greg, and Jonathan is a lucky and loving young man as a result.

You are Blessed, Greg!❤️

 

 

Thanks Maryann. I feel very blessed and lucky. Sometimes you never know. I'd rather be lucky than good sometimes.

 

3 hours ago, jmklade said:

That is awesome!  I am happy that you did it.  Sometimes you just have to throw money aside and enjoy the moment.  I read a couple of your posts on other live cruise threads before you went on this one asking if they had it and how much.  So glad you did!

 

You only live once right? I'm glad I did it because I've always wanted to know what it tastes like and it does taste very good.

 

3 hours ago, jmklade said:

My wife and I got hooked on Dirty Bananas in St Thomas a couple of years ago.  During the Covid break, we had a Dirty Banana day.  It did ended a little foggy.  They still taste much better for some reason in the Caribbean. 😃

 

I'm going to try and make one this weekend. When I tasted it my first response was "Hey there's no crushed ice?" I assume they blend the banana which gives it the creamy texture. So good.

 

3 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Along the same line if I remember the 70’s correctly there was Boone’s Farm and Strawberry Hill. 

 

Yeah I my worst hangover was a result of that stuff. Never touched it again.

 

 

2 hours ago, gfargo53 said:

and don't forget about mad dog 20-20

 

Another killer.

 

2 hours ago, cruisingpeople said:

 

Only two each ? ? ?  Just Kidding.

 

Generally, I get four. I did go a little crazy on one cruise by not having any appetizers beforehand. The end result was nine for the entire meal.🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞

 

Wow, I was full after two and my tummy was very happy.

 

2 hours ago, Fa-Li said:

 

 

Loved these two posts.  When I was young, my dad decided the way we would bond is by me learning to play craps.  He actually made a table that we had in the rec room, and I grew up playing for pennies and eventually silver dollars.  I think his proudest moment was when he could finally take me to Las Vegas 🤣  I do wish he'd also taught me to love sushi though.

 

Such a great review, thank you for taking the time to bring us along with you!

 

Great story. It's those moments that we will always look back on and cherish. It's all about connections.

 

2 hours ago, beshears said:

Seadog, I finally FOUND your posting, which you said a while back you would do. I can see, I have a LOT of pages to go through to read/see everything, but I'm interested in what you put in these postings. I want to congratulate you on your retirement, as I did the same thing from DFA (Frito Lay, Bordens, Starbucks) about 3 years ago. You also mentioned about moving to Florida, which I would love to do, as we have family/friends there, but most of our family is here in KC, MO.  You also mentioned about Ruth Chris Restaurant in Kansas City. My question right now is, were you visiting this restaurant, or did you live in some area of Kansas City, as I was born here and have lived here all my life.

 

Thank you! I'm still trying to get used to this retirement thing. Linda and I have our official retirement party this Saturday at the Quaff at 1PM . Stop by and introduce yourself. Linda and I will be easy to spot. Look for the tan.

 

1 hour ago, akcruz said:

Have to comment on your relationship with Jonathan, it is so wonderful to hear how you two get along and the things you share.  It is great to see a young adult have such a connection with a parent, doesn't seem to be the norm anymore.

 

As for Caymus discussion, I couldn't  understand how a wine could be worth that price until I had a glass, provided by a neighbor.  I am definitely not a wine snob but that was a really great glass of wine.

 

Jonathan being an only child, he was really raised as a adult. He was always more mature than most kids his age. He likes hanging out with adults. He can relate to them. He's funny and very bright and not afraid to kid me since I am fairly gullible.

 

I need to try the Caymus and see what all the talk is about.

 

 

44 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

Our middle grandson put away 17.  He asked the waiter what the most anyone had ever eaten, was told 14 or 15 and he wanted to beat that number. 
 

 

Wow that is a lot. I wish I had a tapeworm and maybe I could eat that many.

Edited November 18, 2021 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

CHOPS THE FINAL FAREWELL

 

Once aboard it was get ready for our book end dinner at Chops. Nice way to start and end a fantastic cruise.

 

 

Our waiter Armand was amazing. He remembers everything about us. So friendly and on top of his game. It was nice for him to pull down his mask so we could see his face. I hope to run into him again.

 

 

Manhattan. My first team starter. Always good. Made with Templeton Rye.

 

 

Jonathan decides to photobomb my cocktail. He got one too and really enjoyed it.

 

 

Appetizer. Tuna Tar Tar.

 

 

Loved these chips with it.

 

 

My salad. Crispy Goat Cheese salad. This was the best salad I ever had in my life. The fried goat cheese was hot on inside and melted into the salad. A perfect mixture of warm and cold. A balsamic vinegar dressing that was just right.

 

 

 

9oz filet which I had to do again. Medium rare and so good. I’m not usually a sauce guy but the red wine and bearnaise sauce was really good with the steak. I also tried the bearnaise sauce with the mashed potatoes. It was like the perfect gravy.

 

Sides were Cheese Tater Tots, Mac-n-Cheese and Garlic Mashed. Sorry no picture.

 

 

With dinner I tried a Blue Curacao Martini. It looked so cool with it’s blue color. I loved the taste, sweet but not too sweet.

 

 

Dessert was red velvet cake with a chocolate martini

 

I was completely stuffed. This was the most food I’d eaten for a week in a long time. Next week back to the diet and working hard. I got to get in shape for next September on Symphony of the Seas.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

Edited November 18, 2021 by Sea Dog

[Ocean Boy]

Thanks for the drink list. Now I need to plan out my C&A vouchers.☺

[Bailey & Sophie]

38 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a great list. Are these available in the suite lounge (excepting the frozen ones)?

Love the Miami Vice.

[Sea Dog]

DEBARKATION

Oh my God I hate that word. It's worse than any four letter word this retired pirate can spew from my mouth.

 

 

San Juan still as beautiful as ever.

 

First one final breakfast in the Windjammer. Again I had to have breakfast with Indian food. I'm hooked.

 

 

Originally we were in group 8 that would leave at 8am. We have a 2:30pm flight so that needs to change. I went to guest services and asked if we could get a later time. They said because we had prepaid transfers the latest we could leave was 9am.

 

Now that I know that, in the future If we have a later flight I will not prepay transfers and just get a cab and leave the ship at 10am.

 

Everything went smooth as silk. Off the ship at 9am, bus left terminal at 9:15am at airport with luggage in hand, at 9:30am went through Ag Screening to see if there was any fruit in your bags and then off to the gate to sit, then sit, then sit. In the future with this late of a flight we will book a excursion.

 

After 6 hours we arrived home to anxiously unpack my precious cargo.

 

 

It made it intake. I'm going to save it for Christmas.

 

 

Cheers everyone. Next some final thoughts.

[Sea Dog]

3 minutes ago, Bailey & Sophie said:

 

This is a great list. Are these available in the suite lounge (excepting the frozen ones)?

Love the Miami Vice.

Great question that @John&LaLa could answer better than me. If I were to guess I would say no. The frozen drinks take more time to make. My guess is the drinks are your standard mix drinks. Cape Cod, Rum and Coke, etc..... John care to weigh in?

[Sea Dog]

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

My final thoughts.

This was one of the best cruises I have ever taken even though that’s not saying much as I’m still a gold member.

 

What stands out is Royal Caribbeans commitment to safety and the protocols to make cruising safe in this COVID world that we live in.

 

Everything was centered around safety and cleanliness. The crew was cleaning everywhere at anytime. I was so impressed. 

 

Not only was the crew amazing but I have to applaud the guests. No one complained about the protocols. Everyone wore their mask.  If you have a problem with that I suggest you don’t cruise. Everyone on this cruise was happy to comply. I never once heard anyone complain about wearing a mask. If the crew can do it 24/7 surely you can do while strolling the common areas on the ship. Even in the vaccinated venues where we could take our mask off, the crew kept theirs on.

 

That’s why this crew was so impressive. They genuinely were grateful to have us back. We were treated as royalty and for that I am thankful. I made some new friends that were crew. I hope to stay in touch and see them again. They made every moment special for me.

 

The only negative thing for me was the internet. I was planning on doing a whole diatribe on it but then thought about this, the only reason I cared about the internet was to do a live review. Most people don’t do that. And to be honest, I think it’s better to completely unplug on a cruise. I did it because I care about our Cruise Critic community. In the end I may go back to semi-live. I’m a producer and like things to be organized and laid out and presented well. I need the time to do that. My only complaint in the whole internet fiasco is that Royal should not bill something as a surf and stream on a ship that has old infrastructure and can’t handle it. Enough said.

 

Well this is it for now. I may post some more pictures only because I have over 1,000 that I took. I will here to answer your questions. My words and even my pictures can’t do the justice of beauty that is the Southern Caribbean. I am now a lucky retired pirate. The only thing left to do is plan my next adventure and drink some more rum.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!

[davekathy]

Great job. Thanks for taking us along. 🥃

[Ocean Boy]

48 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

 

Everything went smooth as silk. Off the ship at 9am, bus left terminal at 9:15am at airport with luggage in hand, at 9:30am went through Ag Screening to see if there was any fruit in your bags and then off to the gate to sit, then sit, then sit. In the future with this late of a flight we will book a excursion.

 

One other option would be to store your luggage at the Barrachina...no charge, just tip the attendant... and spend some time in Old San Juan. Then just take a cab to the airport when ready.

 

Great thread!

[Sea Dog]

37 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Great job. Thanks for taking us along. 🥃

 

Thanks It was my pleasure. I'm always inspired by all the others here on this board that take the time to take us along on their voyage.

 

 

18 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

One other option would be to store your luggage at the Barrachina...no charge, just tip the attendant... and spend some time in Old San Juan. Then just take a cab to the airport when ready.

 

Great thread!

 

Duly noted for next time. I have a feeling I will be returning to San Juan a lot to cruise out of.

[Sea Dog]

POST SCRIPT

After going through some of my footage, I realized I can offer some other musings. Some may be of interest others may not. I'll let you be the judge I'll just throw some of them out there.

 

Vaccinated Bands.

Early on Royal was doing rubber bands to show those who were fully vaccinated. Now they use a cloth band with clasp that can not be slid off or adjusted.

 

 

The problem is the tail (best term I could come up with) can be long. The first night at dinner I dipped that "tail" into my food several times.

Solution: Go to guests services and have them take a pair of scissors and cut the excess off. Worked great.

 

 

I really appreciate everyone kind comments about my son Jonathan and our close relationship. In an effort in full transparency here is a pair of pictures that my wife took to illustrate "like father, like son." This was after our submarine excursion, and a few really good Kraken Colada's.

 

 

 

Life is good !

Edited November 18, 2021 by Sea Dog

[Ozark_Kid]

@Sea Dog. Thanks again for sharing the adventure with us.  I really enjoyed it.  I loved the itinerary and your pics are encouraging me to sail out of San Juan.  We have stopped there before but haven’t enjoyed the southern Caribbean starting from San Juan.  Good job.