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

[Sea Dog]

59 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

 

That's really disappointing they can't even make  a good Lobster Mac and Cheese. 😞

 

Yes making a good one is not that hard. I make a real good one and it's pretty easy.

[Sea Dog]

36 minutes ago, cruising twosome said:

Yes, TA connected with RCCL for refund and we had insurance for flights and hotels.

 

I imagine this response was meant for a different thread??????

[clskinsfan]

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I cant imagine trying to eat a burger after the tower of onion rings and the poke nachos. I love raw fish. As I've said I lived hawaii for 10 years. ...so I got to love poke there. With chili pepper eater.

 

I'm not a dress up type so this place and fare is top of my bucket list. It looked sooo good.

I agree with you completely. I always laugh when my wife says "I am not eating raw meat". She has no idea what she is missing when it comes to raw tuna. We catch them offshore and always filet one for lunch immediately. Dip that bad boy in some soy sauce and you are in heaven. She will make me grill her a burger or something instead. 🙂

 

Really enjoying this review. We are on Allure in 28 days. Not like I am counting or anything. Pretty surprising the difference in the restaurants between Allure and this ship. But when I am cruising I am drinking so much that it doesnt really matter in the end. 

[Jimbo]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

 

I imagine this response was meant for a different thread??????

Yes, this was suppose to be on Bob's Thread on the TA from Vancouver to Hawaii. Weird how it got over here.😲

[clskinsfan]

4 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Weird how it got over here.😲

Just blame it on the internet gods. Always seems to work for me. 

[Jimbo]

24 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Yes, this was suppose to be on Bob's Thread on the TA from Vancouver to Hawaii. Weird how it got over here.😲

TP*

[clskinsfan]

1 minute ago, Jimbo said:

TP*

Not again. Bwahahahaha!

[A&L_Ont]

4 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

Flight is easily my favorite Royal production show. From the opening weightless floating scene to the flying plane at the end…just spectacular. Glad that you enjoyed it as much as I did. 

For us too. A spectacular show. 

[A&L_Ont]

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Yes making a good one is not that hard. I make a real good one and it's pretty easy.

The photo looked good but clearly it missed the mark for taste. The poke nachos look interesting and the campfire cookie is a favourite of mine. 

[Ocean Boy]

7 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Movement: 8 Hooked Seafood, Am I Hooked?

 

 

The 8th movement in our musical Symphony of food was Royal Caribbean's Hooked Seafood. Hooked is located on Deck 16 forward, overlooking the Solarium and Solarium Bistro. The entrance to the restaurant has a typical dining room look and feel, but the venue itself has a nautical theme with lots of blues, whites, and natural wood tones. Kind of a new England-style eatery. Although it is an upscale seafood restaurant, Hooked has a casual vibe with casual attire.

 

 

When entering the restaurant, you can not escape the massive bar in the center. While seating here is limited, the showcase is the ice and raw bar. Funny thing is there was never any real food in this area. It was all for show. Why not put some of the food out there? Let people see what they are going to eat. 

 

 

The Menu:

 

 

 

 

We first served their Savory Biscuits made up cheddar cheese, scallions, chives and garlic melting butter. I thought they tasted kind of dry but I could taste the cheddar flavor.

 

 

 

For a cocktail I ordered the St. Peter Spritzer. It has St-Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Aperol , Lemon Juice and is topped off with Prosecco. It tasted rather bitter with the Aperol and the Prosecco and its dryness. 

 

 

I started off with the Baked Oysters.

 

 

Which included Oysters Rockefeller, Leeks and White Wine and Brie and Champagne. They were very good but small oysters. There was not much there. I really liked the Brie and Champagne oysters.

 

 

For a main, I had the Captains Platter with a 4oz lobster tail, fresh fish filet and grilled shrimp. The fresh fish was Alaskan Salmon. It was very good, flakey and moist. Shrimp had good seasoning on it.

 

 

 

The lobster was nice and buttery.

 

 

The biggest disappointment was the Lobster Mac and Cheese. It was horrid. It was bland, dry and not very cheesy. I prefer a heavy cream based cheese sauce. This was like a dried version of Kraft macaroni and cheese. It hardly had any lobster in it. And no bread crumbs on top. Total failure. I am a lobster mac and cheese freak and I have tasted some of the best in dozens of restaurants. My favorite is Capitol Grill and their dish.

 

 

 

Or Hal Hancocks Lobster Mac and Cheese. This is how it should be done.

 

 

Chocolate Brownie for dessert was very good but not in the same league as the campfire brownie.

 

In the end I wish I would have ordered the whole main lobster. I saw it being brought out to a couple of tables. It was huge and look very good. Next time I guess. I really liked Hooked but the failure of a good lobster mac and cheese ruined the experience for me. I guess I was not Hooked.

Do you know the cost with no package?

[Ourusualbeach]

16 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Do you know the cost with no package?

$54.99

[Ourusualbeach]

3 hours ago, Jimbo said:

did you work something out with Royal for a FCC or refund of some kind?

Royal is offering refunds for guests that contract Covid within 10 days of departure through April 30, 2023

[Jimbo]

2 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Royal is offering refunds for guests that contract Covid within 10 days of departure through April 30, 2023

I knew that just wanted to make sure the poster knew they could get a refund from Royal.

[Sea Dog]

Day 7: A Perfect Day at Coco Beach Club

 

 

You know you are going to have a perfect day when you wake out and go out on your balcony on the ship to this.

 

 

 

Our destination for today. Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

 

 

I soon realized we were going to have another guest with us, Mariner of the Seas. It always amazing to watch a ship dock. Here's the video.

 

 

Note: Parts are sped up for time.

 

 

It was a little funny watching the crew throw the lines to the dock workers. At least twice one guy failed to throw the monkey fist heaving line to the dock worker getting an earful from the rest of the crew. Looked like an episode of Below Deck.

 

We headed down to gangway to start our perfect day. Having been here before we decided to take advantage of the courtesy shuttles to the island instead of the long walk of the pier. As we exited the gangway we saw a courtesy cart and jumped on. Just so happened the other couple on it was going to the beach club also so the driver took us all the way over to the beach club not stopping at all. How nice that was?

 

 

The Coco Cay Beach Club is an exclusive part of the island. For a fee it has an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. We purchased it because we got a decent price and felt like it was like having an excursion.

 

 

 

 A pool attendant is always near to take your drink order. There is also complimentary dining.

 

 

There are nice loungers and daybeds available and for another added cost you can purchase a private over the water cabana with complete concierge service.

 

 

Being one of the first people to arrive we snagged a beach bed to relax on.

 

 

My view. Life is good.

 

 

Life is now "REAL GOOD" !

 

 

After a few hours time for lunch.

 

 

Appetizers included Ceviche spicy with bass . Cilantro.lime, corn, red onions and jalapeño and shrimp.

 

 

Also Hummus chickpeas, garlic and lemon  with pita bread.

Baba Ghanoush Spread with eggplant, garlic and tahini

and Tzatziki Greek Yogurt

 

 

Then a beautifully cooked Filet Mignon, served  medium rare. The steak was marinated for over night and cooked on open flame which they can’t do on the ship. *This is what our server said. This tasted incredible and had that wonderful charbroiled taste.

 

 

 

The full Bahamian Lobster was seasoned with sea salt, and olive oil, it came with truffle fries, grilled vegetables with garlic  and had a saffron aioli butter dipping sauce. This tasted wonderful.

 

 

Dessert was a caramel and chocolate brownie. Nice and gooey inside, Still not as good as the campfire brownie but very good none the less. Overall the food was outstanding. One of my favorite meals all week.

 

 

I did do some walking around the island to see how crowded the other spots were. The Oasis Lagoon was packed.

 

 

 

 

Some other areas were not as crowded.

 

 

 

Some people don’t think the Beach Club is worth all the money you pay extra when most of the island is complimentary. While that is true, I don’t have a problem if the price is right to have an exclusive area that is not as crowded and have a wonderful lunch.

 

 

The pool alone was a great spot. Will I book it again? Absolutely if it’s a good price. It truly was a perfect day for Linda and I.

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Ocean Boy]

These pictures are beautful, especially the sunrise.

 

I'm sure the folks on Mariner were really happy to sail In and find Symphony there to greet them....😉

[firefly333]

21 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Day 7: A Perfect Day at Coco Beach Club

 

 

You know you are going to have a perfect day when you wake out and go out on your balcony on the ship to this.

 

 

 

Our destination for today. Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

 

 

I soon realized we were going to have another guest with us, Mariner of the Seas. It always amazing to watch a ship dock. Here's the video.

 

 

Note: Parts are sped up for time.

 

 

It was a little funny watching the crew throw the lines to the dock workers. At least twice one guy failed to throw the monkey fist heaving line to the dock worker getting an earful from the rest of the crew. Looked like an episode of Below Deck.

 

We headed down to gangway to start our perfect day. Having been here before we decided to take advantage of the courtesy shuttles to the island instead of the long walk of the pier. As we exited the gangway we saw a courtesy cart and jumped on. Just so happened the other couple on it was going to the beach club also so the driver took us all the way over to the beach club not stopping at all. How nice that was?

 

 

The Coco Cay Beach Club is an exclusive part of the island. For a fee it has an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. We purchased it because we got a decent price and felt like it was like having an excursion.

 

 

 

 A pool attendant is always near to take your drink order. There is also complimentary dining.

 

 

There are nice loungers and daybeds available and for another added cost you can purchase a private over the water cabana with complete concierge service.

 

 

Being one of the first people to arrive we snagged a beach bed to relax on.

 

 

My view. Life is good.

 

 

Life is now "REAL GOOD" !

 

 

After a few hours time for lunch.

 

 

Appetizers included Ceviche spicy with bass . Cilantro.lime, corn, red onions and jalapeño and shrimp.

 

 

Also Hummus chickpeas, garlic and lemon  with pita bread.

Baba Ghanoush Spread with eggplant, garlic and tahini

and Tzatziki Greek Yogurt

 

 

Then a beautifully cooked Filet Mignon, served  medium rare. The steak was marinated for over night and cooked on open flame which they can’t do on the ship. *This is what our server said. This tasted incredible and had that wonderful charbroiled taste.

 

 

 

The full Bahamian Lobster was seasoned with sea salt, and olive oil, it came with truffle fries, grilled vegetables with garlic  and had a saffron aioli butter dipping sauce. This tasted wonderful.

 

 

Dessert was a caramel and chocolate brownie. Nice and gooey inside, Still not as good as the campfire brownie but very good none the less. Overall the food was outstanding. One of my favorite meals all week.

 

 

I did do some walking around the island to see how crowded the other spots were. The Oasis Lagoon was packed.

 

 

 

 

Some other areas were not as crowded.

 

 

 

Some people don’t think the Beach Club is worth all the money you pay extra when most of the island is complimentary. While that is true, I don’t have a problem if the price is right to have an exclusive area that is not as crowded and have a wonderful lunch.

 

 

The pool alone was a great spot. Will I book it again? Absolutely if it’s a good price. It truly was a perfect day for Linda and I.

 

I took a lot of time.. .a couple of years from cruises. I used to go out of florida more often. I haven been to coco cay since it's been all built up. Oasis last time went to labadee. I think I'm going to feel lost in coco cay. Some I've read couldnt find the free food, just part of it, it's in 2 different places. I read 2 different pay areas. Chill beach and another. I just feel confused. 

 

I hope it's not so large and confused as it seems when I read about it. Your lunch did look amazing.  Great way to start to end the week. Lobster and filet with a grilled taste. I remember a cook out kind of lunch lol with little ears of corn. Now I read of funnel cakes. ..pictures look nice. It was all free it's been so long since I've been there. I did have coco cay booked on jewel jan 2021. Of course cancelled. Oasis goes there. See you there. When oasis goes there have you booked a certain area again?

 

Radiance goes to coco cay and would have booked it but too close to oasis. Dates just dont work out for twice. Oasis it is. Cant wait to see the new coco cay all built up. Water looks beautiful.

 

What are truffle fries.

[Sea Dog]

Movement 9: Encore, Back to CP 150

 

 

Yes for those wondering, Central Park 150 is our favorite restaurant. We loved everything about it. The decor and elegant feel, the food and the service. This is fine dining to me. We requested our wonderful Tharsini again and were happy that she was our server and I got seated in a better chair than the velvet balloon chair I sat in earlier in the week.

 

 

Once I taste something I like I tend to get it again. So I had to have another Cucumber Martini.

 

 

And again, the Braised Short Rib. Still amazing. So very tender , marinated and then cooked 4-5 hours.

 

 

 

To be different I decided to not get the Filet and get the Veal Medallions. These were very good. Beautiful flavor and tender.

 

 

Also the Lobster Thermidor. Two small lobster tails in a cream sauce which was a little bland . Could be because it was a lighter cream sauce . I love the heavier cheesy cream sauces. I was hoping for more flavor.

 

 

And again because it was so good the Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart with a Raspberry Sorbet perfect with a glass of Hennessy Cognac. I really wanted to get a glass of the Louie XIII but decided to be a good boy and be responsible. Maybe another time.

 

The only downer was the restaurant was being used as a day car center for 2 different babies who wanted fuss and cry. I’m sure the parents could get a side order of Gerber’s  with their tenderloin for two. Sorry not bashing babies, I get it. I was just hoping for a little more of a quiet evening.

 

Like I said this is our favorite restaurant. If I had to rank all the restaurants we went to this week I would rank them like this.

1) Central Park 150 The total package

2) Close tie between Chops and Jamie's. Linda felt Chops at Number 2

3) Wonderland Great gastronomical experience

4) Playmakers Incredible burgers and oh that Camp Fire Brownie.

5) Izumi Great Sushi but I can get great sushi in my home town as well.

6) Hooked I would have ranked it higher but the Lobster Mac-n-Cheese was a huge downer.

7) Hibachi only because it's about the show not the food.

 

I'm stuffed. Do I have room for a couple last night cocktails? You bet.

 

[Sea Dog]

21 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

 

 

I hope it's not so large and confused as it seems when I read about it.

 

Your lunch did look amazing.  Great way to start to end the week. Lobster and filet with a grilled taste.

 

Oasis goes there. See you there. When oasis goes there have you booked a certain area again?

 

 

What are truffle fries?

 

 

I think it is easy to get lost but they do have maps which will help plus a lit of signage.

 

 

I was amazed how much the grilled Filet over open flame added to the taste.

 

 

Seriously considering booking the Beach Club again. Or maybe we all go in on a floating Cabana???

 

 

Truffle Fries.

Parmesan truffle fries are a simple recipe that combines white truffle oil, parmesan cheese, and French fries. White truffle oil is a neutral oil, like canola, or safflower oil, that has been infused with white truffle peelings. In fact, you will usually see a small white truffle shaving at the bottom of the oil.

[Sea Dog]

It was great week at the Schooner bar with my bartender friend Donald who took real good care of me. It always helps to tip a buck or two for every drink. You would be amazed what a difference in service it does make.

 

 

Final.  Whistle Pig on the rocks

 

 

Then Donald brought out the big boys. The Macallan Terra which I had the night before and was covered in my drink package. And the Macallan Enigma which was over my limit but only cost me about $7. This bottle of Enigma usually sells for $499.

 

The difference between the two:

Macallan Terra: Only first fill Sherry casks were used here, especially “seasoned” for Macallan with Sherry that comes from wood suppliers Tevasa and Vasyma in Jerez de la Frontera. 43.8% ABV.

 

Macallan Enigma presents whisky that only was matured in seasoned first-fill Sherry butts of the Tevasa Cooperage, bottled at 44.9% ABV.

 

The McCallan Enigma was so good. I'm not a real good scotch drinker and I'm learning but this was really nice. Very smooth. I loved the sherry overtones in the taste.

 

 

On my way back to cabin and one last stroll through Central Park. A stop at the Trellis Bar for a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned to sip on the balcony one last night before having to face reality. We would be leaving in the morning.

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

CODA Part Deux

 

 

This is what I live for.

 

We sat out on the balcony one last time to soak in that sound of the waves being carved away from the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Momof3gurlz]

What would you say was the single best thing you ate all week?  And along those lines, your best cocktail of the week?

[Sea Dog]

Debarkation

 

As The Key holders we got to have a special debarkation breakfast in the MDR and could leave at our leisure.

 

 

A good steak and eggs breakfast complete with a small filet. We took our time eating as we knew our flight was not until 2PM.

 

Once we finished we bypassed all the lines and went straight to the sign for "The Key" disembarkation and was in the terminal in less than two minutes. Our luggage was in a special area reserved for the key up front. We snagged a porter (which I highly recommend) as they will load up all your luggage and lead you directly to the taxis. Total time disembark was about 5 minutes.

[Sea Dog]

4 minutes ago, Momof3gurlz said:

What would you say was the single best thing you ate all week?  And along those lines, your best cocktail of the week?

 

That's a hard one. I would say because I have a sweet tooth that Campfire Brownie was to die for and only because I have had the World before which is my all time favorite dessert. the Campfire Brownie was unique and quite different than most desserts I have had except for the World.

 

For Cocktails, The New Old Fashioned in the Schooner Bar was very good. I was extremely pleased with the taste.

[bobmacliberty]

Just now, Sea Dog said:

Yes for those wondering, Central Park 150 is our favorite restaurant.

Nailed it!

[cruisingpeople]

Excellent review. We leave in 4 weeks for the same cruise on the Symphony except our itinerary is in the opposite order. We don't have the Dining Package, but will try to go to some of the venues you were at. We are also booked at the Beach Club on CocoCay. It will be our 2nd time there. I do like your idea of possibly getting a group together for one of the "over the water cabanas" on the Bella Cruise. With enough people, I think it would be worth the price.