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

[Mirrasis]

Okay wow on that intro. RCCL should be paying you to make their commercials!

[Sea Dog]

22 minutes ago, Rubyfisch said:

The bakery at Versailles is amazing - we stopped there after a Christmas cruise in 2017.

 

 

Linda got a dessert to go but I forgot to take a picture. Everything in that bakery looked amazing. We will be going back.

 

 

4 minutes ago, Mirrasis said:

Okay wow on that intro. RCCL should be paying you to make their commercials!

 

Thank you very much that means a lot to me.

 

[Sea Dog]

 

Tiki Time

 

 

Now time for a nightcap. Now Sea Dog is a pirate at heart but he loves nothing better than a good tiki bar. I love everything about the tiki lifestyle, the music, the art, food and especially the drinks. 

 

 

To get you in the mood here is some tiki music from the king of exotic Les Baxtor and his classic track "Taboo."

 

 

Close to the hotel was a fabulous place called “Esotico.”

 

 

The drinks are really good but they can get expensive. The Mauna Kea Volcano for two is $49 and even goes up to the treasure chest that serves 6 to8 people for $190.

 

 

Linda had the Big Bamboo (comes with the souvenir bamboo mug) $25 made with El Dorado Demerara Rum, abacardi Cuatro, citrus mix and passion fruit.

 

 

 

I had the El Zombi $17 a mezcal version of the classic Beachcomber zombie drink that had mezcal layers of Recuerdo De Oaxaca Mezcal, Diamond 151 Demerara Rum and Plantation Dark Rum. Wow this really packed a punch.

 

 

The drinks were presented to us with a bowl of dry ice fog that really gave a great effect. Check out the video.

 

 

 

 

We met the owner and founder Daniele Dalla Pola who was a great host. He gave us some complimentary shots of a great rum they are producing and even gave Linda another Tiki glass.

 

 

If you ever want to have a wonderful tiki experience with out of this world cocktails, décor, and ambience try the Esotico Tiki Bar.

 

 

1600 NE 1^st Ave.

Miami FL, 33132

305-800-TIKI

www.esoticomiami.com

 

[h20skibum]

I am finally caught up on everything.   
 

That Tiki bar looks great.

[Ocean Boy]

The price of those drink makes RCI look ecomonical!😯

[Sea Dog]

Here are the souvenir mug that Linda got with the Big Bamboo and the souvenir glass that the owner gave Linda. I thought it was very cool.

 

[Mrs.Dukes]

Loving your trip report. Can’t wait to hear about the cruise!

[jmh2006]

4 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Tiki Time

 

 

Now time for a nightcap. Now Sea Dog is a pirate at heart but he loves nothing better than a good tiki bar. I love everything about the tiki lifestyle, the music, the art, food and especially the drinks. 

 

 

To get you in the mood here is some tiki music from the king of exotic Les Baxtor and his classic track "Taboo."

 

 

Close to the hotel was a fabulous place called “Esotico.”

 

 

The drinks are really good but they can get expensive. The Mauna Kea Volcano for two is $49 and even goes up to the treasure chest that serves 6 to8 people for $190.

 

 

Linda had the Big Bamboo (comes with the souvenir bamboo mug) $25 made with El Dorado Demerara Rum, abacardi Cuatro, citrus mix and passion fruit.

 

 

 

I had the El Zombi $17 a mezcal version of the classic Beachcomber zombie drink that had mezcal layers of Recuerdo De Oaxaca Mezcal, Diamond 151 Demerara Rum and Plantation Dark Rum. Wow this really packed a punch.

 

 

The drinks were presented to us with a bowl of dry ice fog that really gave a great effect. Check out the video.

 

 

 

 

We met the owner and founder Daniele Dalla Pola who was a great host. He gave us some complimentary shots of a great rum they are producing and even gave Linda another Tiki glass.

 

 

If you ever want to have a wonderful tiki experience with out of this world cocktails, décor, and ambience try the Esotico Tiki Bar.

 

 

1600 NE 1^st Ave.

Miami FL, 33132

305-800-TIKI

www.esoticomiami.com

 

Thinking this would be a good group place in March??

[Sea Dog]

17 minutes ago, jmh2006 said:

Thinking this would be a good group place in March??

I was thinking the exact same thing! The cocktails are amazing. We could chip in for a “Treasure Chest.”

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by Sea Dog

[taznremmy]

@Sea Dog Enjoying following along.  I bet your former employer really misses you.  You have a fabulous style.

[Sea Dog]

4 minutes ago, taznremmy said:

@Sea Dog Enjoying following along.  I bet your former employer really misses you.  You have a fabulous style.

Funny you should say that. I get periodic calls on where video footage is at and where I store effects and other tidbits of production. I was very analytical about organization. When the great KC Quarterback Len Dawson passed away they asked where all my footage was that I created and collected over the years to make a obit. It’s nice to be be still needed.

[perfect match]

18 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Funny you should say that. I get periodic calls on where video footage is at and where I store effects and other tidbits of production. I was very analytical about organization. When the great KC Quarterback Len Dawson passed away they asked where all my footage was that I created and collected over the years to make a obit. It’s nice to be be still needed.

I’m here and looking forward to enjoying your Symphony! 
 

If your ears were ringing on the 17th, that was me thinking of you as I took my own version of your mooring line pictures. I did not cross any forbidden lines and no whistles were blown at me. 😂😇

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by perfect match

[sgmn]

Great review Greg. You have a lovely way with words and your videos are amazing. Looking forward to more 😀 

[sgmn]

9 hours ago, Mirrasis said:

Okay wow on that intro. RCCL should be paying you to make their commercials!

Agree, you could have a whole new career with RC if you wanted Greg

[Sea Dog]

7 hours ago, perfect match said:

 

If your ears were ringing on the 17th, that was me thinking of you as I took my own version of your mooring line pictures. I did not cross any forbidden lines and no whistles were blown at me. 😂😇

 

Love it! Stay tuned for mine.

[Sea Dog]

It's Embarkation day!

 

 

We summoned a Uber to take us from the hotel to the terminal. We booked a Uber and within 2 minutes one arrived for us.

 

 

 

We had an early arrival time of 10:30 but it looked like everyone ignored their arrival times because everyone decided to just come early.

 

 

We did arrive at the terminal by 10:15am and were told that ship was cleared, and boarding had already started. Time to get checked in.

 

 

We were onboard by 10:30am, a new record for us.

 

 

First order of business restaurant reservations for our Unlimited Dining Package. I headed up to Central Park where several of the restaurants were located.

 

 

I walked into Chops where the hostess was already at the podium. I ended up getting everything I wanted and most of the exact times except for a couple where it was 30 minutes later. Important note about Hibachi. I could not make reservations for Hibachi any place other than Hibachi. SO after all my main reservations were made I ran down to Deck 4 Aft to Hibachi and made those reservations. Hibachi fill’s up real fast since there were only 3 tables that seat 8 people each. Luckily, I got the day and time that I wanted.

 

 

With the reservations stress out of the way. I met Linda up at the Mast bar and I had my first official cocktail at 10:45, It’s going to be a beautiful day.

Most of you who know me know what I start every cruise with, a Kraken Colada 

 

Cheers to all my friends on Dani's thread and the Bella thread. This Kraken's for YOU!

 

 

Kraken colada recipe :

16oz ice

5oz colada mix

2 oz Kraken Dark Spiced Rum

Mix in blender

Pour 1 ox Kraken on top as a floater

 

Afterwards  we squeezed in a Miami Vice before Muster.

 

 

Miami Vice Recipe:

2 oz rum

1 cup Strawberry’s

1 oz fresh lime juice

2 oz cream of coconut 

2 oz pineapple juice

Note 1 cup of strawberries equals 8 large strawberries 

 

 

Muster Drill is so much better with the new system. We watched the safety video at the Mast Bar while drinking a Kraken Colada. We went to our meeting point at the Muster Station got our name checked off and then it was time for one of the Key's perks. A Chops lunch in the MDR.

 

[Ourusualbeach]

10 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Important note about Hibachi. I could not make reservations for Hibachi any place other than Hibachi.

That will by ship and person you speak to.  We have rarely had issues getting our Hibachi reservation done at the same time as others, most times they just call Hibachi

[Sea Dog]

1 minute ago, Ourusualbeach said:

That will by ship and person you speak to.  We have rarely had issues getting our Hibachi reservation done at the same time as others, most times they just call Hibachi

 

Yes I figure it doesn't hurt to ask. It wasn't that big of a deal to go to Izumi but it sure is nicer if you can do it all in one spot.

[TravelGirlinDallas]

Enjoying your review! Looks like you are having (had) a great time!

[Sea Dog]

Chops Lunch With The Key

 

 

 

Lunch at Chops with the Key is available from 12pm in the Main Dining Room on deck 4. With the Key, guests can leave their carry ons and it will be delivered to their stateroom. We checked in both our bags with the porters so all we had were our backpacks which we just kept with us.

 

 

This is a great leisurely lunch. It wasn't crowded like the Windjammer usually is on Embarkation day and is quiet.

 

 

It's not the full Chops menu but it had all the hits.

 

 

I don't know what kind of bread this is? Weird shape.

 

 

Classic Caesar Salad

 

 

Chops lunch had very petite filet maybe 4oz adorned with a garlic clove and a rosemary twig. 

 

 

Mine cooked perfectly at medium rare.

Probably a good size for lunch

 

 

Mac and Cheese was just ok not very flavorful. It was very  bland.

 

 

Warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and a berry compote is always good as a dessert. I love this dessert.

 

[ScubaCat3]

The light colored Chops bread is onion bread. The dark bread is pretzel bread.

[George C]

We like chops for lunch , from what I remember the normal chops lunch has a larger menu to choose from. 

[Sea Dog]

Move In Time

 

 

Our Stateroom Balcony Cabin 8550.

After lunch our cabins were ready. Your standard balcony on Symphony of the Seas. It was on Deck 8 in Central Park.

 

 

 

 

I love staying on this level. It’s so enjoyable to get to your cabin by walking through the lush greenery of Central Park. 

 

 

 

Nice balcony stateroom

 

 

 

 

 

I love this shower.

 

 

 

My only complaint is that there should be outlets on each side of the bed.

 

 

I also missed not having a closet. After staying in a Junior suite on Explorer I got spoiled by having a closet.

 

Outlets by the vanity table. We used everyone of them.

 

 

Our view.

 

 

This later would be the scene of "The Accident."

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

We quickly noticed that even though we had the Key there was no instructions on how to get hooked into the internet on the ship. I  went down Guest Relations and found someone at the entrance to the line that could help me go through the steps to get on line.

 

 

 

On my way back I walked past the Copper & Kettle Pub just to take stock on what they had bourbon and whiskey wise.

 

 

 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear? It’s 8....(tiny reindeer...oops wrong story)  bottles of bourbon and whiskey including:

Buffalo Trace

Elijah Craig

Four Roses

Woodford Reserve

Angels Envy

Old Forester

Gentlemen Jack

Jack Daniels

Jim Beam

Makers

Jamison Irish and assorted Scotch.

 

 

It’s the first time I’ve seen that many bourbon and whiskey brands on a ship. Nice to dee that Royal is upping their bourbon game.I met a nice couple from Florida who love good bourbon and we had a great conversation while drinking a glass of Elijah Craig.

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

Go Pro Fall From Grace

 

So you read me talk about an "accident." Well here is the story.

 

 

I decided to use my Go Pro Hero 9 Black to record a time lapse of the sail away. I wanted to use my bendable octopus tripod mount as it wraps around a balcony railing very nicely. Symphony's railing is not round and is wider so I decided to use my suction cup mount. I secured it to the railing and tested it. It seemed secure and went back into the cabin.

 

A few minutes late Linda asks "where is your go pro?" I looked and it was gone. It must have fallen eight stories to the ground. I looked but did not see it. I yelled down to a dock worker if they saw a go pro on the dock. He said yes and that they turned it into security. I contacted guest services about getting the go pro back. They said come down to guest services and they would contact security. I was so relieved that they found it but had no idea what condition it would be in. Would it still be intact or would it be in a bunch of pieces? Soon it was returned to me.

 

 

The mount was broken from the fall but the Go Pro looked fine. I was happy when it powered up but the rear screen that has all the touch screen menus and modes did not come on. The front screen worked and it would even record but the camera is basically useless without the rear screen working. I wish I would have purchased the Go Pro subscription service as they have a no questions asked replacement policy. I may contact them anyway and plead my case that the suction cup mount failed and see what happens.

 

I did take out the card to look at the footage. Keep in mind it was in time lapse mode so it was recording a frame every 10 seconds but here is video of my "Go Pro Fall From Grace".

 

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by Sea Dog