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

[bobmacliberty]

Hmmmm…uncomfortable seating. That might severely impact my prediction of CP 150 being your favorite restaurant. Maybe I should switch my guess to Wonderland??  Would a Sea Dog like that kind of atmosphere??  Would another visit to CP 150 later in the week with better seating move it back to the top of your list again?? 
 

Think I’ll stick with CP 150 as my guess. Time will tell. 

[Sea Dog]

1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said:

Hmmmm…uncomfortable seating. That might severely impact my prediction of CP 150 being your favorite restaurant. Maybe I should switch my guess to Wonderland??  Would a Sea Dog like that kind of atmosphere??  Would another visit to CP 150 later in the week with better seating move it back to the top of your list again?? 
 

Think I’ll stick with CP 150 as my guess. Time will tell. 

 

Decisions, decisions..... Stay tuned. Excited to try Wonderland tonight.

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Day 3: Costa Maya, Mexico

 

 

Beautiful day arriving at Costa Maya. I wish I could have time lapsed the approach but you know what happened to my Go Pro.

 

After our experience yesterday in WJ we decided to have breakfast in the main dining room.

 

 

 

It was a special day in that this was the day for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Captain Rick made an announcement and then "God save the Queen" was played which is the national or royal anthem in most Commonwealth realms, their territories, and the British Crown Dependencies. It was very moving and emotional seeing all the crew stand at attention while the anthem was played. They remained silent.

 

 

I felt moved as I thought about all my UK friends here on Cruise Critic. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. This video is for you

 

 

 

I had Eggs Benedict which is one of my all time breakfast favorites. I also had an Espresso which was not hot. Very disappointing. 

 

 

 

While walking through Central Park I again saw the production film crew. I managed to see one of the crew and asked what they were doing. They said they were a film crew out of Miami that is doing promo videos and pictures for Royal Caribbean’s video and website.

 

 

I told him how I was in Broadcast television and we talked about cameras and lights. They still use the big 10K lights. Those things are heavy and get extremely hot. I’m glad I’m not doing that anymore.

 

 

Off the ship we go.

 

 

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

 

 

There is something about the lines and angles that they create that with the juxtaposition of the ship that can make for interesting photos. The key and the game is to get as close to the morning ball without being yelled at or a whistle blown at you for crossing the red line which is a no no. Extra points if you do get yelled at but I try to get the shot before that happens.

 

 

 

The maze at Costa Maya with no taxis signs but pink flamingos. I wasn’t sure where I was going in the maze of carnival barkers. I heard them yell at me “ hey sea dog", (my shirt), "hey Mr. Clean .” And the best one “hey Bruce Willis.” I’d take it as a compliment if he wasn’t dead.

 

 

I stopped off for a tequila tasting. This is how I ended up.

 

 

We arrived at Mahahual and Krazy Lobster, a short $8 cab ride with another couple . Took about 8 minutes to get there. Easy peasy. It was a nice, neat place.

 

 

We were met by staff who led us to table with two loungers at water’s edge.

 

 

 

There is a line of shops along the boardwalk that's nice to do some shopping.

 

 

 

We got a complimentary margarita to taste in a small cup. It was very good. I got a bucket of Sol beers (190ml) for $5

 

 

The water is not as clear as some of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean. They did have their area enclosed with fences to keep out the sargassum. 

 

 

They actually had a worker picking up sargassum to help keep the area clean.

 

 

One of the reasons I wanted to go here was that they offered a massage $20 for an hour. A little misleading as mine was only 45 minutes but it was adequate time as she covered every inch of my body…. Well maybe not every inch but I felt amazing afterwards. Considering a massage on the ship can run you over $200 this was a real bargain at ten times cheaper.

 

 

The speakers were playing some real nice smooth jazz in the background so I was in heaven.

 

 

For food I wanted the lobster tacos. So the menu says Lobster Tacos for $20 but you have the ability to pick out your own lobster. I said yes but after looking back wish I would have went with the $20. As you can see the 3 tails had prices on them. Mine ended up totaling $38. Not a good deal.

 

 

As you can see plenty of lobster meat. They were ok. Not much flavor. It was pretty much lobster meat in a tortilla. They had a variety of sauces you could put on the meat to make it spicy or not.

 

 

Linda had beef tacos.

 

 

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.

 

 

So if I had not wild on the lobster tacos it would have been a pretty cheap afternoon.

$5 bucket of beers

$5 bucket of beers

$14 for two frozen drinks

$10 tacos for Linda

$38 lobster tacos for me

$4 beers two for the road

$20 Massage with $10 tip

 

Time to look at the Flamingos again in the port area

 

 

 

Isn't she a beauty? I love looking at her just as much as the Flamingos.

 

We got back to cabin in plenty of time. I have a thing about being on the ship 2 hours before the gangway is put away. But that did not stop the usual gang of people who wait till the very last second to get back on board. You know them, you love or hate them, you laugh at them. Here are this cruise's edition of the "Keystone Pier Runners."

 

 

Needless to say no one was left behind. Time to get ready for tonight's adventure down the rabbit hole at Wonderland.

 

Great collection of photos and videos Greg.

[AlohaLivin]

5 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

I have heard great things about Jaime's. We will try that one next time.

Another vote for Jaime’s - nice people, great food/drink, and not crowded. Our favorite, laid back all inclusive. I’m interested to hear your take on Wonderland, we have not yet tried it.

Edited September 28, 2022 by AlohaLivin

[Sea Dog]

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.

[Sea Dog]

A beautiful sunset tonight. This is why I love to cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

[Sea Dog]

After gazing at the sunset beauty we had some tome to kill before the 1977 Ice Show. Time for some cocktails in Boleros.

 

 

 

Maria my excellent bartender makes a mean Patron Reposado Old Fashioned. These are really good.

 

 

2 oz Patrón Reposado

.25 oz Simple syrup

1 dash Bitters

Plus Orange peel for garnish

METHOD:

Over a double old fashioned glass, use a vegetable peeler to take off two strips of orange zest, making sure to express the oil into the glass.

Add Patrón Reposado, simple syrup and bitters.

Add ice—the biggest cubes you can find and stir.

Adjust sweetness to taste.

[Sea Dog]

1977 The Ice Show

 

 

Royal Caribbean always puts on amazing ice shows. How these skaters can do the things they do in such a small rink never ceases to amaze me. Now I don't really understand the story but Royal Caribbean describes the plot line as this.

 

"Join the time-traveling hero Tempus on a new adventure in 1977. After visiting Paris on Harmony of the Seas® in 1887, his latest journey brings him to Symphony of the Seas℠ — and to London, England. Her Majesty’s Crown Jewels have been stolen on the eve of her Silver Jubilee by a mysterious jewel thief with special powers of his own. And the clock is ticking. Luckily, time is always on Tempus’ side".

 

Did you get that? Anyway I just forgot the story line and immersed myself in the visuals. This show is not shy on the colorful visuals.

 

 

The synchronized drone show was my favorite part. here is a clip of it.

 

 

 

 

I don't have pictures of it but there is one sequence where the lead skater changes her costumes several time being covered. I don't how she did that. It was so fast. Almost like a magicians sleight of hand.

 

 

 

Great show with great talented skaters.

[Sea Dog]

Back to the Schooner Bar

 

After the show Linda crashed so I headed up to my favorite place the Schooner Bar to chat with my Bartender friend Donald. I had him make my own specialty cocktail The "Sea Dog Vieux Carre."

 

 

Sea Dog’s Vieux Carre

With Whistle Pig

1 oz. Whistle Pic Rye

1 oz. Hennessy 

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

1 oz. B&B Benedictine 

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

2 Dashes of Peychauds Bitters (which they did not have)

Orange Peel for Garnish

 

Whistle Pig 10 year Old Small Batch Rye is really good. At over $70 a bottle I was so happy to see this onboard and in my drink package. Win...Win.

 

 

A couple of those and I was done for the night. Big day tomorrow in Roatan.

[ReneeFLL]

16 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

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

These are a couple of good ones. 😁

Harmony Of The Seas 8 night Eastern Caribbean 01-21-2023

Odyssey Of The Seas 8 night Southern Caribbean 02-11-2023

[Ocean Boy]

7 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

These are a couple of good ones. 😁

Harmony Of The Seas 8 night Eastern Caribbean 01-21-2023

Odyssey Of The Seas 8 night Southern Caribbean 02-11-2023

I have been watching Harmony for 1/21/23. I'm hoping cabins open up and pricing drops. If so I'll jump on. I don't like what I seeing for balconies right now.

[Sea Dog]

Roatan and Maya Key:  Lions, Tigers and Parrots Oh My!

 

 

We have arrived at Roatan. After a quick breakfast at Johnny Rockets (sorry no pictures) we got ready for our excursion. A day at Maya Key. That's the small island off Roatan that you are looking at in the above picture.

 

 

Part beach, part zoo and part resort and part museum, Maya Key is great at all four. Just a 3 minute boat ride from the ship is a wonderful private island. 

 

 

 

Plenty of beach area and the water was clear today. They apparently have some good snorkeling at the end of this dock but we didn’t snorkel. 

 

 

Panorama from dock looking back

 

 

 

Water was nice and clear.

 

 

 

Around the whole island is various animals. Maya Key advertises itself as an animal sanctuary. 

 

 

 

Looked like this monkey was getting a pedicure.

 

 

You can leisurely wander and see the animals or they have a guided tour.

 

 

 

Here Kitty..Kitty...

 

 

They also had Sea Lions and Dolphins. Apparently there is a Dolphin show I think for an extra fee but we did not attend.

 

 

Ship wreck off the island.

 

 

The landscape and lush trees  makes you feel like you are at an upscale resort. 

 

 

Our lovely ship again in view.

 

 

On top of a hill is a constructed replica Mayan ruin. Inside is a museum of artifacts and the history of Mayan culture. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a resort feel, It even has a nice pool with lots of chairs and tables .

 

 

 

 

 

Our excursion included a buffet lunch of salad, rice and beans, fried banana chips, fried fish and bbq chicken. Water and tea are free and of course there are cocktails for a price.

 

 

 

I decided to stick to water and try and detoxify my body after 4 days of professional power drinking.

 

 

We even had a guest for lunch

 

 

Another added attraction is that Maya Key is in the direct flight path of Roatan’s airport. I felt like I was in Maho Beach in St. Maarten as the planes fly extremely low and right over us. The first plane scared the bejezzus out of me as I thought I was going to be on an episode of “Lost.”

 

 

This was the view from the dock. The planes literally fly over the pool area. Because of the trees you don't see them till the last second.

 

Here's a time lapse of the boat ride back to the ship.

 

 

 

We had a great time at Maya Key. I’m sure we will return because there was so much to see.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 29, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

Back on board time to hit the Mast Bar for a Lava Flow with a Kraken floater.

 

 

Nice selection.

 

 

And look what I spy. The first bottle of Bulleit Rye I've seen on board.

 

[jmh2006]

We went to Maya Key in 2015 and it looked exactly the same as your pictures.  I really enjoyed my day there as well.  Also I can't wait for and my bourbon loving hubby to meet in March!🙂

[Ozark_Kid]

13 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Then the appetizers:

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

Symphony was our 1st Wonderland experience.  We liked it enough we did it again on Harmony.  This was the 1st time I had smoked deviled eggs and I really liked it.  
What time was it when you dined there.  Your right, super bright.  When I first saw the pics I thought you went there early to get good pics.  Especially when I saw no one else in there.  It is a much better atmosphere at night.  On Harmony we actually sat next to the big window and the light was good.  

[Sea Dog]

8 minutes ago, jmh2006 said:

We went to Maya Key in 2015 and it looked exactly the same as your pictures.  I really enjoyed my day there as well.  Also I can't wait for and my bourbon loving hubby to meet in March!🙂

 

Thanks Jennifer. I will be happy to  have a few and talk bourbon with David. It will be here before you know it.

 

 

8 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Symphony was our 1st Wonderland experience.  We liked it enough we did it again on Harmony.  This was the 1st time I had smoked deviled eggs and I really liked it.  
What time was it when you dined there.  Your right, super bright.  When I first saw the pics I thought you went there early to get good pics.  Especially when I saw no one else in there.  It is a much better atmosphere at night.  On Harmony we actually sat next to the big window and the light was good.  

 

We had reservations at 6pm so yes it was too bright. It would be better after sunset for a better effect.

[dwp10mm]

4 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

I have been watching Harmony for 1/21/23. I'm hoping cabins open up and pricing drops. If so I'll jump on. I don't like what I seeing for balconies right now.

That may not happen.  The Harmony 8 day sailing for 2/4/23 was chartered.  So a lot of us had to move to either 1/21 or 2/18 sailing instead.  I called fast after my email to get a great cabin on the 2/18 sailing.  But they were going fast.

[bobmacliberty]

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

I decided to stick to water and try and detoxify my body after 4 days of professional power drinking.

I love this 🤣🤣. As opposed to amateur power drinking involving many buckets of beer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. 

[Sea Dog]

23 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

I love this 🤣🤣. As opposed to amateur power drinking involving many buckets of beer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. 

I'm glad those buckets of beers were the smaller size. 😉

[crewsweeper]

Back in the day when Maya Key was Fin and Feather. you used to need water shoes to snorkel, coral and rocks were pretty rough.

 

It's a bit of a stretch to have faux Maya artifacts and replicas on Roatan.  Some evidence they were in NorthWestern Honduras near Guatemala, but not on the eastern shore and Mayas didn't particularly like to sail and Roatan is 50 miles out to sea from the mainland.  So early population was probably Lencas or Pech.

 

We now return to the Seadog rye review.😜

Edited September 29, 2022 by crewsweeper

[Sea Dog]

27 minutes ago, crewsweeper said:

It's a bit of a stretch to have faux Maya artifacts and replicas on Roatan.

 

Yes I thought exactly that. A tourist thing for sure. It did look cool

[c-leg5]

1 hour ago, crewsweeper said:

Back in the day when Maya Key was Fin and Feather.

LOL, I think it was Fins and Flippers, Crew? we have also been going from before it became cruise line only excursion.
 

It has been a few years since our last visit but thinking of returning next year so nice to see updated photos although it doesn’t look like much has changed since the initial developments and included set lunch. Glad it is still looking maintained.

[Elsammo46]

As an orchestral musician myself, I absolutely love the way you're tying each restaurant experience to a movement of a symphony. Insanely creative, man.

[livingonthebeach]

@Sea Dog love your pics and review! What camera do you use?

[Sea Dog]

18 minutes ago, Elsammo46 said:

As an orchestral musician myself, I absolutely love the way you're tying each restaurant experience to a movement of a symphony. Insanely creative, man.

 

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.

 

12 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

@Sea Dog love your pics and review! What camera do you use?

 

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