Washey! Washey! Washey! Indy Cruise 10/25

[karmacats]

A little more on the JS for those who wish to know. The cabin comes with a coffee maker although it was a poor machine. It had (2) robes, a nice walk in closet. Bathroom toiletries were there as well. A surprise to us were two loungers instead of one. It was a larger space than a D1 Balcony, as was the balcony. It was offered quite a lot of storage, drawers, etc. It did get very warm in the room in the late afternoons. We also enjoyed double the points for Crown & Anchor. I do believe our next sailing will be w/ a JS !!!

 

Junior Suite #9634 gets 9 out of 10 Good Times.

 

thank you for the JS info! we will be in an aft JS on indy in feb - our first JS (though we've been in other suites) and first time on indy, so this thread is like gold for us. :D

[John&LaLa]

I'm putting this slogan on a T-shirt asap. Nice!

 

Send me one. ;)

[John&LaLa]

It sounds like Laura plans your cruises. And I agree Laura was right! :D

 

I'm not much of a gambler, but Eat, Drink & repeat works for me!

 

Nope, I'm the planner. Used to over think everything, but not anymore. I do have a spreadsheet or two with what's coming up, current point totals and when's the next Crystal Block.

[Ander026]

Great review of the cruise. I was also on that same cruise.

 

[Setting sail for fun]

I am the planner in the family. I have a colored folder for each adventure.

 

DH asks "what ship are we going to?" So far it works, we always have a good time!

[Tiggercat]

My husband and I are in #9634 in January so thanks for the pictures!

[Goodtime Cruizin]

I am the "organizer" of our group. My folder is sometimes an inch thick with printouts, reservations etc. Organizing a trip is only the beginning of the fun for me.

 

I'm one that believes that no matter who you are and how many cruises one has taken, there are always some level of planning that takes place. It appears that you & I are the deignated planners! I truly do not believe my book is over done, but rather a tool that can be used to keep me a tad organized that also serves as a point of reference. Each of us have our own methods to our madness of cruising.

 

Hope you're enjoying the review!

[Goodtime Cruizin]

thank you for the JS info! we will be in an aft JS on indy in feb - our first JS (though we've been in other suites) and first time on indy, so this thread is like gold for us. :D

 

Happy you're enjoying it!

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Great review of the cruise. I was also on that same cruise.

 

 

Welcome to the review and feel free to jump in!

[Goodtime Cruizin]

My husband and I are in #9634 in January so thanks for the pictures!

 

Tiger, you have an impressive resume' of past cruises. I think you'll enjoy 9634. We never experienced any issues and/or problems at all. I can only suggest that in the afternoons that you keep the drapes completely closed when out & about on the ship as it does get a tad warm. We requested that Antwian assist us in this and leave them closed for us. :D

[Goodtime Cruizin]

As I metioned earlier, our TA organized a group cruise of 270 strong. She, along with her staff not only orgainized special events throughout the week but they also joined us on the cruise. This added to our cruise experience although we did not join the group for every function and excursion. We were able to meet & enjoy the company of a number of those in our group as we particpated in the Slot Pull, the Amazing Race, a great St. Kitts excursion and the group awards. I'll cover these throughout the cruise. Here's a great group pic. I give photo credit to the TA and in an effort to follow the guidelines of Cruise Critic, I've taken the liberty to remove the name etc on the banner. We appreciated and applaud their efforts as they worked hard to bring enjoyment & some extra activities for everyone in the group. If you'd like more info please PM me!

 

Our TA & Group gets 9 out of 10 GoodTimes!

 

Extra points will be issued to those that can find us!

 

 

Buddy Cruise - This group consisted of about 250 of Children of all ages with Down Sydrome and their families and/or chaperones. We met multiple family members. This group, adults & kids, all were having a great time.

 

AquaFest - LGBT, another large group of about 400 that takes an annual Halloween cruise. They had a large enough group that their organized mixers at certain locations made the listings on the Cruise Compasses!

 

Singles Group - I'm not sure how many was in this group, but we figured at 100, maybe more. They had their own activities director that kept this group busy!

 

With so many groups, our Roll Call was pretty active & I have to admit that there was some concern that with so many groups that it might effect the ship. Meaning certain venues closed at certain times. But this was not the case at all. RCL did an amazing job in that none of these groups dominated any venue or a part of the ship. We enjoyed meeting so many people from these diverse groups. It was actually pretty cool and fun.

 

Dinner at the MDR is next so Washey, Washey, Washey!

[LisaAtlCruiser]

I was getting on Indy when you got off!

 

Thank you for the information on the JS, I have wondered about getting one and this info is helpful.

[CruisinBarb63]

Aww! A roll call follower. Cool. I hope you enjoyed your Indy cruise as well as we did. I don't believe I had the pleasure to say Hello while on the cruise and I'm sure I missed out. So glad you're following! Please feel free to add to something along the way!

 

We had an amazing time and loved this ship. We were with the Buddy Cruise group and they kept us pretty busy so we missed the M&M but I heard many did. I ran into a few of the roll call group but I don't believe you were among those we met.

 

Thanks for sharing!

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Washey, Washey! Time to eat! We had a big breakfast at the hotel so we were not too hungey at lunchtime, although we did grab a couple of small sandwiches in the Cafe' Promenade. But it's dinner time and we're hungry!

 

I'll be covering our MDR experience(s) for the week in this one post. If you have any additional questions, ask away!

 

 

Rohan brought out the bread to the table and as all servers do, he went from person to person offering our choice of bread. The bread was cold. I'm not talking, 'not warm' cold, but actually cool to the touch as if it was refrigerated. As a group we openly discussed this and Rohan overheard & explained that it was difficult to serve warm bread at dinner for everyone. Of course I didn't buy into his theory as you, like me expect our entree to be served warm. We guess that he spoke to Aila about this as she quickly stopped by the table to say the same thing. We just nodded and returned to conversation. It wasn't a make or break situation but rather odd. None of us was expecting warm or hot bread, but cold to the touch bread wasn't expected either. As we were discussing the bread amongst ourselves and the Head Waiter popped up to greet us and asked, "How is your dinner? Is everything fine?" I told him the dinner was great, as were our servers, but the bread was cold. I was surprised to hear the same line of basically lots of people to serve in a short period of time. We didn't let this issue bother us, but when he asked us, I told him. It wasn't that big of a deal and we continued our dinner and actually enjoyed ourselves and the meal itself.

 

I tell you this because... due to all of us having Chops scheduled Monday Night, dinner plans in San Juan on Tuesday Night, and then the Mystery Dinner at Giovannis on Wed. Night. Then the DW & I decided on WJ for Thurs Night while Ron Don & his DW took in 2nd dinner at Giovannis. As such we did not return to the MDR until Friday Night. The Maitre'd of course was aware of our schedule but the Head Waiter reached out via a phone message to Ron Don to inquire as on if something was wrong with service or our dining experience on Sunday Night as they missed us at the table. Of course RonDon told him everything was fine and that we had different dinner venues planned throughout the week etc. It was thought that the Maitre'd and the Head Waiter did not communicate. But we all agreed that the follow up on us was a good thing. It was thoughtful on his behalf. Needless to say, that when we returned Friday Night for formal night (also lobster night) that we were served a covered plate of bread that was warm. :D This was not requested but it was a very nice gesture. I looked around and noticed that we were the only table within my line of sight that was served bread this way. Kudos to the staff.

 

As previously mentioned, I'm not really a food porn guy. It's not that I'm so much against it as I really enjoy the process of a great dinner, wine and company. And I do so while living in the moment vs snapping pics for the future etc. But I can attest to you that everything that was served to us was very good. From appetizers, salads, to entree', the were in an attractive & inviting display and delightful to the tastebuds. None of us had issues, but for the one occasion of cold bread!

 

The MDR experience from service, food, and drink was initially a 7 out of 10 Goodtimes, but the phone call and subsequent warm plate of bread earned them a 9 out of 10 GoodTimes.

 

Time for the Welcome Aboard Show followed by a nice Stogie & sips of fine Whiskey.

Edited November 11, 2015 by Goodtime Cruizin

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Day 2, Monday

We awake to room service w/ coffee. :D Damn fine way to start a day! Sitting on the balcony and reviewing the book tells us we have the following listed as things to do...

 

Amazing Race, Olive or Twist @ 9:30am

Meet & Mingle, Olive or Twist @ Noon

Chops for dinner @ 7:30pm

 

But before we get the day started we head out to the WJ to grab some breakfast. It was our first experience of....

 

"If you're happy & you know it Washey Washey! If your happy & you know it Washey Washey!"

 

"We will we will Washey...Washey"

 

Yes we were greeted with a wonderful ambassador of RCL who worked the front of the WJ w/ the greatest personality we've witnessed on any of the four cruises with RCL. She had a wonderful smile and it was nice to be greeted in such a fashion as someone singing many songs about washing your hands. Her charm was infectious (pun intended). She made many friends quickly. Having a greeter standing in front of the WJ reminded all to clean your hands is not new. But how she did this was. Smiling & singing about it was pretty cool. I'm not sure if this a new campaign for RCL and if this is currently being done on other ships, if not, it should be. As it was a great way to start our day! She earned a WOW card from us before week's end.

 

Now that we've Washey, Washey'd, we go all the way to the back of the Windjammer for seating as we always do. I go direct to the Omelet Station to place my order while the wife makes her way around as well. I often read that seating is an issue. Never for us in the WJ. The only issue I ever have w/ breakfast @ WJ is I wished they'd cook the bacon a tad longer. It's always very limp while I like mine a bit crisper. The WJ wasn't much different the balance of the week. It's buffett. It's painless & quick.

 

I lunch one time in the WJ on this cruise. There were issues. No untensils/silverware. :eek: Everyone was scrambling for utensils. Ron Don's DW sat for a bit with a plate of food in front of her, but no tools to eat with. It passed and within a few minutes she was able to enjoy her lunch. But it was indeed an odd situation.

 

The food was good though w/ always a nice variety.

 

WindJammer gets a 7 out 10 Goodtimes. Gotta have spoons, forks, knives!

 

 

With a good breakfast it's time for the Amazing Race. We'll see at Olive or Twist.

[Who Cares?]

Great review. Can't wait to board this ship in less than 3 weeks.

[Goodtime Cruizin]

The Amazing Race was an event organized via the TA Group. It consisted of ten groups of 6 people each competing against each other with four timed events. The DW & I were placed on a team with two of the nicest couples from Boston. Both couples were in their 80's and had cruised with one another a number of years. One couple was celbrating their 61st wedding anniversary. They were absolutely a blast and inspired us to have faith that we too can be cruising in our 80's as well as these guys.

 

Event One - Animal Towel, Swan. A room attendant was brought in to show us how to fold a room towel into a Swan. She was also the judge of what was considered acceptable. We did not do too well in this event. 9th out of the ten teams.

 

Event Two - Basketball. Three of the six team mebers were required to participate. Each taking 5 shots, then rotating until a total of ten free throw baskets were made. So the guys took this challenge. Unfortunately, although they tried hard, my partners could not reach the basket. Via rotation, I managed to sink all of the ten required baskets in just over 4 minutes. I think we did average w/ a most likely 6th place or so.

 

Event Three. Hole in One. The ladies turn although one requested that I take her shots. Low & behold one of the nailed her first shot! 2nd place

 

Event Four. Creative a selfie @ Johnny Rockets. While this sounds easy, it more difficult than I initially thought. Trying to get 6 people in a selfie wasn't easy especially when attempting to be creative. I have no idea how we did in this challenge but it was fun!

 

This was a creative, fun event that allowed us to meet and then spend time with two great couples. We shared a few other times with them throughout the cruise.

 

GoodTimes!

 

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[Goodtime Cruizin]

The DW isn't feeling too well. Actually she's very tired/sleepy. She believes it maybe a side effect from her sea sick patch. So she retires to the cabin for much needed rest. I had lunch w/ Ron Don & his DW which we covered earlier. Next up was the Ice Show called Freeze Frame.

 

Freeze Frame has a total of four showings...

 

Day 2 Monday, 2:30pm & 4:30pm @ Studio B, Deck 3 Aft

Day 7 Saturday 2pm & 4pm, @ Studio B, Deck 3 Aft

 

You no longer need a ticket or reservation for the Ice Show. All seatings are done by Muster location as listed in the Cruise Compasses. Ron Ron, his DW Jennell have differing schedule seatings than I do. But I go anyway. They seated themselves and I waited until everyone was seated to determine if I could find a seat. No problemo. Studio B was only about 65% full so while I was not able to sit w/ the gang, I quickly found a 3rd row seat.

 

I don't know all of the technical jargin of the moves the skaters make etc. But I do know and understand music. The skaters were from many different countries and all skated very well, but what got my attention was the production of the show. IMO, it was the best of the Ice Shows from my three previous cruises. Freeze Frame takes you through time. Through the musical eras of the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. The music soundtrack was very solid and themed clothing and outfits the skaters wore complimented the music. This was a well done production which I highly recommend.

 

Freeze Frame gets a 9 out of 10 Goodtimes.

 

The pics aren't the best, but it's all I have!

 

 

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It's formal night tonight and we're taking in Chops Grille. Want to join us? Dress as you wish of course, but we're doing smart casual. Nice dress for the DW and a sports coat & open collar for me. See you there!

Edited November 11, 2015 by Goodtime Cruizin

[Goodtime Cruizin]

To enter Chops Grille, one must go through the WJ. Tonight it isn't the same young lady singing as this morning but once again we experience another young lady singing out loud to the music playing over the ceiling speakers. She inserts a "Washey Washey" as you walk by. I'm really a big fan of this.

 

The wife is looking beautiful as ever & we've made it to Chops. We're all really looking forward to a nice steak! I've read reviews and many different threads discussing Chops. We went to Chops on Liberty and enjoyed it. We had a fairly nice table and soon servers were at our side, taking drink orders and discussing the menu. Shortly, two large tables of (8) people each sat on both sides of us. The place was suddenly busy and bustling.

 

The DW ordered the small strip, as did Jennell. Ron Don ordered the fillet and I chose to upgrade for an additional $18 and ordered the 16 oz strip. I wanted to compare the diffence between my upgraded strip steak and the DW's menu strip steak. Kinda like a taste test! We're enjoying our appetizers, drinks and conversation. After a bit, out come our steaks. Wait. There's only 3 streaks delivered. The DW's wife is a no show. Issue #1. After a minute or two we get our waiter's attention and explain the missing steak. He sends out her steak right away. Issue #2. It's cooked well done. She ordered Medium. I think they quickly grabbed someone else's steak and served it up. The wife says, "No worries, I'll eat it" But I did request the waiter to her a steak that was properly cooked. He obliged. I was going to share my steak with the DW anyway, so I cut her a nice chunk of mine. My steak was delicious. It was cooked as I ordered, Medium. Within a few minutes the wife's steak arrived as ordered too. The difference between the two steaks was quite noticeable. My steak I figure was about an inch thick, twice that of the wife's steak. Ron Don enjoyed his fillet. Jennell did not care for her menu strip either. The Strip on the menu was not much better than a Western Sizzler steak in our collective opinions. In fact, we all agreed that the Texas Roadhouse served a better strip steak.

 

Having said this, I recognize that Specialty Restaurants steaks are the same as the MDR, but cooked in a different kitchen and served in a different setting. The specialty spots serve us cruisers as a place to break up a string of nights eating at the same place etc. I suspect the steak mix up was due to our waiter covering two large tables of eight and somehow our four top table was breifly lost in the shuffle.

 

Going forward, if I eat at Chops, I'll be ordering the fillet. I'll pass on upgraded $18 Strip although it was good. Service is another issue. Not delivering an entree to one person while the balance of any group getting theirs always makes for an awkward meal.

 

On this night Chops only gets 3 Goodtimes. :(

[alexadeparis]

I admit I am puzzled by what washey washey means?

[Goodtime Cruizin]

I admit I am puzzled by what washey washey means?

 

Hi Alex, right before you enter into the WindJammer, there is always a greeter! Typically they stand right by or in front of one of several hand santizer dispensers. In our past cruises, the attendant did little but say Hello, Good morning, and so forth. On the Indy, the attendants, one in particular, actually sing songs to remind you to wash your hands, hence, "Washey, Washey" She uses quite a number songs to accomplish her request. It's a fun, pleasant greeting while at the same time, it delivers a great message. She mixes up pretty good as she does a little jive and actually has people dancing w/ her and mixing up. It's very innovative.

 

Hope this helps!

[John&LaLa]

Hi Alex, right before you enter into the WindJammer, there is always a greeter! Typically they stand right by or in front of one of several hand santizer dispensers. In our past cruises, the attendant did little but say Hello, Good morning, and so forth. On the Indy, the attendants, one in particular, actually sing songs to remind you to wash your hands, hence, "Washey, Washey" She uses quite a number songs to accomplish her request. It's a fun, pleasant greeting while at the same time, it delivers a great message. She mixes up pretty good as she does a little jive and actually has people dancing w/ her and mixing up. It's very innovative.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Not half as irritating as the song on the TV

[Goodtime Cruizin]

After our dinner at Chops we went to the Production Show, 'Once Upon a Time'. This show offers two showtimes, 9:00pm & 10:45pm, Alhambra Theatre, Decks 3 & 4. It was entertaining. Nothing over the top great, but a boring show either.

 

After a stogie and some sips of Whiskey, it was time to retire for the night.

 

Day 3 Tuesday.

 

San Juan here we come! Our first Port day. But, we don't arrive til 4pm so we have some time. The Pool Deck chair hogs are in full force. But no biggee. DelRoy fixes me up a nice Bloody Mary and we grab a spot and slowly let the morning come to us. After awhile, Ron Don & Jenell join us. Ron has some fun news! He tells us that his Conceirge, Raj has extended to us an invitation to join them in Chops for a special Brunch for suite guests. To be honest, I'm a bit reluctant after spending 2 1/2 hrs there last night, but he assured me that it was a very nice brunch, with no menu, but a rather very nice spread of many different foods. Plus many of the officers would be there in a meet & greet format. We didn't hesitate as we joined them. It was very nice. We of course met Raj. This Conceirge is on top of his game. He knew our names, first & last, as well as adressing most in attendance by their names. He made us feel very comfortable. We met the Capt, several officers and multiple Directors of various depts. We sat with a nice couple from California and had a great conversation about RCL's absence of cruises on the West Coast. In addition, the spread of food was amazing. The wife snapped a pic of her plate. Sushi, Desserts, Bloody Mary's & Mimosa's are served and all of it was delicious! We enjoyed this event and as such, it allowed RCL to re-establish our faith in Chops after last night.

 

Chops Suite Brunch gets 9 Goodtimes out of 10

 

 

 

 

The Slot Pull was next. Another event organized by the TA Group. Eighty entries @ $20 each on two machines. When it was all said & done. We all made $1. It was another opportunity to mix & meet with others in the group and we visited w/ our Amazing Race buddies as well.

 

Next up...our first visit to San Juan!

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Finally we get to the Port Days and first up is San Juan. As mentioned earlier, we planned to do a self-guided visit while in Old San Juan. Our plans were to basically stroll through the city streets, grab a beer or two and take in the few sights and buildings along the way while making our way to El Morro Fort in time to catch the sunset for some pics. As with most Forts, they are built on some of the highest ground possible. El Morro was no different. So the stroll was uphill. But it was enjoyable as we stopped a few times to shop and beer up! After less than an hour we made it to the Fort. But there was still a long walk to the Fort itself. We noticed a tram going to & from, so we jumped on and made our way to the base. The fort closed at 6pm and we did not have the time to tour the Fort so we just walked to the farthest left as we could. The setting was nice. The sunset was great. We hung around for awhile, took our pics and now dinner was on our mind.

 

RonDon found a few restaurants on Trip Advisor. One stood out to both of us, http://www.cafepuertorico.com/intro.htmlHe had a buddy that lived in PR a few years back and reached out to him. It was confirmed the Cafe' Puerto Rico was near the port and had been a round along time and was a nice place. So we head back to the port. Our return to the port area was via the tram that carried us close to where we started. I whip out the iPhone, open the Maps ap, type in Cafe Puerto Rico, set it to walking, and we're off. It was less than two blocks away. Along the walk, I found a great cigar stand & grabbed a few stogies. I look up, and boom, Cafe Puerto Rico was right across the street.

 

When we arrived, there was only one couple sitting on a small patio. Perfect as we were quickly seated w/ menus in hand. Within a half hour, there were about 30 people lined up outside for a table. The place was now rocking and we knew why as the food was excellent. I enjoyed the Seafood Stuffed Mofongo. Umm, good stuff.

 

There are many things to see & do while in Old San Juan. If you don’t want to do a walking tour, the tram is free (donations accepted) and offers multiple stops. Perhaps the tram ride to Fort El Morro and then walking back as this would allow for you to walk downhill. But it wasn’t too bad really. Old San Juan was a nice stop. Arriving at 4pm didn’t allow for the time to fully explore. We have had a cruise planned in Oct 2016 out of San Juan since this past May. I'm thinking it would be nice to arrive a couple of days early.

 

We’ll see you then San Juan!

 

Old San Juan gets a 9 out of 10 Goodtimes!

 

View of Old San Juan from the ship

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[Goodtime Cruizin]

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