CHICAGOPAUL LIVE!!!!! 15 Night Bering Sea & Japan TRANSPACIFIC CRUISE - LIVE BLOG

[MamaFej]

Yeah... meatloaf is highly subjective, one's own, (or their parents' own) is good, and others can be iffy.

However, I'm fairly confident that most folks would agree that it should not look like sliced canned pet food. 

[mikkirm]

12 minutes ago, calicakes said:

We didn't order it, but the server brought it anyway. It was one of his recommendations. Lol. Julie said it was not that good. The potatoes were cold.

 

 

That looks like the meatloaf available in the MDR on our British Isles cruise 4 years ago (Silhouette). I had it; the flavor was okay, but the look and "mouth feel"/texture was really off-putting to me. Not something I'd ever order again.The others at our table who ordered it had the same reaction.

 

I'm really enjoying the live blog! I've always been tantalized by a trans-ocean cruise, but not sure how I'd react to so many at-sea days in a row. 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

Good Morning! I’ll start by answering your questions but first let’s post he daily. Today the sun was out early but we quickly traveled into fog. The temp on the TV says 45 degrees but I’m currently sitting at sunset and it definitely feels warmer than that. 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

21 hours ago, MamaFej said:

Paul, one of the things I'm looking forward to on my first Aqua Class cruise is the Persian Garden. I haven't seen you mention it. Is that sort of thing just not your cup of tea, or have you been too busy relaxing elsewhere? 

 

Thanks, again for all your posts! I truly enjoy reading what you have to say and the comments by others.

 

On the M Class the Persian gardens are center ship from what I can see so there isn’t a view like on the S Class so we haven’t visited them. But I’ll try to make a point of checking them out for the blog. One of our friends has used the spa and Persian gardens multiple times so I’ll ask him his thoughts. From his initial impressions he liked them though he said the rooms in the gardens were smaller than he expected. 

 

7 hours ago, stefndoug said:

So looks like wifi works well in the crossing?  We are doing this cruise in April 2021 and have the free wifi. I am enjoying this.

 

Yes! The WiFi has been working great this cruise. I was actually chatting with someone yesterday who said he’s had no problem logging into his work server each morning. 

[chicagopaul]

22 hours ago, musik07 said:

 

We had Steve the first week of August. He is very nice and personable. He did a presentation on the last day (after we did Hubbard Glacier) where he talked all about his travels, the lessons he has learned and the people he has met. It was a great way to spend an hour or so! 

 

He seems very nice and I’ve really liked his explanations of everything on the cruise director channel. We saw the show last night and he gave a quick minute talk with info and kept it simple but with lots of enthusiasm but genuine, not faked. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to chat with him at some point. 

 

10 hours ago, surething said:

Paul,

   I notice the nice neat line of shirts hanging in your closet.   Do you use the laundry service on the ship & if you do what instructions do you write on your laundry sheet?

 

   How did you get the prime rib at Blu on meat loaf night?   I looked at the menu three times & I didn't see it listed.   Doesn't mean it wasn't there - I just didn't see it.

 

Thank you, Barbara

 

We brought the dry cleaning from home. We find traveling with the shirts in dry cleaning bags helps decrease wrinkles and keeps wrinkles off in the closet especially when you have to shove stuff in!  Thanks for commenting that they’re neat! I almost wanted to color coordinate them before taking the picture but the martini bar was calling my name or else it would’ve looked even better. 

 

We have used the laundry serve on the ship for pressing and regular laundry. The shirts unfortunately don’t come back in bags. 

 

The Prime Rib was on the MDR menu that night. Our waiter for the night Owenn suggested it. So that means no problem ordering from the MDR in Blu, at least on the millennium. 

[chicagopaul]

48 minutes ago, MamaFej said:

Yeah... meatloaf is highly subjective, one's own, (or their parents' own) is good, and others can be iffy.

However, I'm fairly confident that most folks would agree that it should not look like sliced canned pet food. 

 

MamaFej you’ve said it perfectly! So true. 

[chicagopaul]

15 hours ago, hcat said:

Also interested in feedback on any spa treatments, gym,  Solarium and hot tubs and spa cafe.  Thanks

 

No spa treatments for me. However one of our friends has had several. Here is his thoughts. 

 

He had a facial, 80 minutes that he said was probably the best facial he’s ever had. 

 

He went for a deep tissue massage that he said he was the WORST he’s ever had. He said the woman not only was barely giving any pressure but there were several times she stopped touching him for more than 5 minutes at a time. He spoke to the manager who apologized and invited him back for another deep tissue on the house. he requested Vitney (definitely spelled that wrong) and he said she was phenomenal and it was an amazing massage. 

 

Hot tubs have gotten a fair amount of use. I’ve heard some complaints about the hot tub on the retreat deck not staying cold enough. Staff says it’s turned up all the way but the wind is cooling down the water. I checked the water of the hot tub in the Solarium and it was hot. The air temp in the Solarium is not overly warm on this cruise. I’m used to it being very humid but this cruise it’s not at all. In some cases it actually feels a bit cool in there. 

 

We havent hit the spa cafe but I’ve been wanting one of their green smoothies so I’ll be sure to check it out and report. 

[chicagopaul]

Yesterday afternoon Edward watched one of the free movies that everyone is apparently now talking about, haha, while I did a little work and blogging at the casino bar in the afternoon. 

 

We headed to the martini bar early yesterday as we wanted to catch the 7pm show last night. We also decided to make last minute reservations for Tuscan. So at 6pm we headed down to deck 3 aft to Tuscan to see if we could make an 8:30 dinner reservation. We had no problem. We then went to the martini bar which, for the first time this cruise, was standing room only! Tada made us our regular drinks and we chatted with Tada a bit and people watched. 

 

We went to the show just before 7pm. The show was iBroadway which basically features songs and dance acts from broadway and west end. Usually I find the theater not overly crowded but last night it was packed! We had to go up to deck 5 to find seats and even that deck ended up filling up to standing room only. The show itself was well done and entertaining. Most people really seemed to enjoy it mainly because everyone knows the songs. I thought the Frankie Valley portion was done the best. 

[chicagopaul]

After the show ended we said hello to our friends at the martini bar, had a quick drink then went off to dinner at Tuscan. This night we decided to bring the bottle of Hall 1873 to dinner (2014). 

 

We arrived at Tuscan at exactly 8:30. The manager greeted us warmly and we had a nice window table in the back. The restaurant was not very busy but it appeared all the tables by the window were full except the one reserved for us. 

 

The menu has not changed in Tuscan but I feel like some adjustments have been made to the recipes. Here is the menu for those of you who haven’t seen it or just need a refresher. 

 

 

 

We started with three appetizers. We had the Burrata, carpaccio, and the meatballs. 

 

 

The burrata was soft and creamy. The tomato you see in the photo is marinaded in a balsamic marinade of some sort and it’s really fantastic. It has a vinegar taste but when you bite into it the sweetness from the tomato itself balances out the flavors very nicely. 

 

 

The carpaccio was sliced very well and you’ll see what is like an olive spread on the two sides of the plate. The quality of the meat I thought was good and it could stand on its own. It didn’t need an overdressing of sauce. 

 

 

These are obviously the meatballs. These were the best I’ve had in Tuscan. Very moist, not overly packed. Well balanced on the seasoning and I think the sauce had changed! Last time I had this sauce I thought it was too sweet. Now there is more acidity and it’s a well executed sauce. 

 

For our entree we decided to both get the filet mignon along with a small order of carbonara, broccoli, and polenta fries. 

 

 

 

The filet was cooked a great medium rare and was seasoned well with extra pepper (per my request). The carbonara was tasty and not over salted. Polenta fries were well cooked with a nice exterior crust and soft inside. They are not too heavy and make a nice little side dish with the steak. The broccoli was cooked well but was a bit bitter, though to be expected with broccolini. 

 

For dessert we split the tiramisu and had a double espresso. 

 

 

The tiramisu was very creamy and tasty as always. It’s one of my favorite desserts on any ship. 

 

The wine paired very nicely with the steak. This wine has a bit more tannins than the vineyards “Kathryn Hall” cab but still a very smooth finish. Prices for the Hall 1873 are around $85 in store if my memory serves correct. 

 

The sommelier, Wily from Indonesia, gave us just as much attention as if we bought the wine from her. We actually started chatting about Cabernet and wines they have on the ship and on the Edge as she helped open the ship. She was very friendly and provided great service. 

 

Our waiter was Max from Ukraine. Very nice guy, quick service throughout the entire meal. It was a great balance of checking on our needs while also leaving us alone to enjoy our meal together. 

 

The manager made a couple of table touches and was always observing the restaurant. He was very cordial, asked us about our meal on the way out, shook our hands, etc. 

 

Overall we had an excellent and “very solid” experience in Tuscan. Speaking to other people we’ve been talking to, including a couple Zeniths, Everyone has been very happy with Tuscan this cruise. 

 

 

 

Edward forced me to take this photo. You can see the excitement in my eyes for this photo. I just wanted to eat! Haha 

[chicagopaul]

Silent Disco was last night but none of our friends wanted to go. So we found ourselves in the casino again and Nina and myself at Single Deck Blackjack. It was a great night at the table. I’m finally back to even! We had a few great dealers and had a lot of fun. We then decided to of course visit Amitava at the casino bar and ask him to smoke us some whiskey because why not?! 

 

 

Unfortunately we drank a lot last might so even with the hour back we skipped breakfast this morning. It was a bit of a rough morning for us in the hangover department. On the bright side the seas have been very calm today. The weather is still cool and today there has been a dense fog most of the day. 

 

 

Our position from earlier today. 

[chicagopaul]

Dry Cleaning. Edward dripped a good amount of syrup on a tie during Chic night. My tie. One of my favorite ties. So we sent it to the cleaners and it just returned back and they got it all out. They did a great job and I’m very happy to report it. 

[hcat]

Still enjoying  the review...seems the sea days are passing quickly.

 

Thanks for spa info..

Did you try the green smoothie yet in solarium cafe?

[cruzers j&n]

Hi Paul,

 

 Thanks for doing another live review,  I have always enjoyed how informative your reviews are, not to mention entertaining.  I have to comment on your last photo of you standing outside Tuscan.... it is great and screams: “ hurry up and take this picture, would you?”  😅. Seriously, your expression is priceless and captured perfectly.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to do these reviews, you are a wonderful blogger.

[chicagopaul]

Good Morning from a sunny Sunset Bar. As we are on the last sea day of our long stretch of sea days we finally have some sun and warmer temps. I’d say it is around 60/62 right now and feeling a bit warmer in the sun with a very pleasant breeze. 

 

Before I get into last nights wonderful Indian dinner in Blu let’s post the Daily for today. Also note below the bar special, spa deals, and laundry bag challenge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

Last night we had an Indian dinner in Blu. Basically it came about by our friend Nina asking in Blu it the chef would be willing to cook us an Indian dinner as we noticed he was from India. 

 

One of our friends at the table, who is Indian was not a big fan of the idea as he didn’t think the food would compare with what he’s used to. So when we sat down at dinner he even ordered his own entree off the Blu menu just in case. However after trying it he was thoroughly impressed and really enjoyed every bit of it. 

 

We started Ted by ordering appetizers off the regular menu and the entrees themselves were then brought out after. You’ll notice in the photos that each person receive a plate with naan, shrimp curry and rice and then several other dishes were served family style in the center of the table. 

 

For starters I had the escargot served Blu style and then the salmon tartare which was excellent. For a side entree to split we wanted to try the short rib manicotti. The short ribs inside were good but the sauce which should have been spicy to some degree was overly sweet so we weren’t a fan. 

 

All the Indian dishes, but specifically the shrimp curry, were absolutely fantastic. We greatly appreciated it and it will add another unique memory to this cruise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

Here is the cocktail and wine list from Rendezvous lounge along with a list of spirits and beers included in the different packages. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

Aqua Spa Cafe menu and photos from today. It looks like a nice spread and the space was well staffed and clean. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[chicagopaul]

Here are a few photos of a sunny sea day 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[di T]

10 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

Last night we had an Indian dinner in Blu. Basically it came about by our friend Nina asking in Blu it the chef would be willing to cook us an Indian dinner as we noticed he was from India. 

 

One of our friends at the table, who is Indian was not a big fan of the idea as he didn’t think the food would compare with what he’s used to. So when we sat down at dinner he even ordered his own entree off the Blu menu just in case. However after trying it he was thoroughly impressed and really enjoyed every bit of it. 

 

We started Ted by ordering appetizers off the regular menu and the entrees themselves were then brought out after. You’ll notice in the photos that each person receive a plate with naan, shrimp curry and rice and then several other dishes were served family style in the center of the table. 

 

For starters I had the escargot served Blu style and then the salmon tartare which was excellent. For a side entree to split we wanted to try the short rib manicotti. The short ribs inside were good but the sauce which should have been spicy to some degree was overly sweet so we weren’t a fan. 

 

All the Indian dishes, but specifically the shrimp curry, were absolutely fantastic. We greatly appreciated it and it will add another unique memory to this cruise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks delicious Paul, A couple of years ago before we started to do The anytime dining we had a big table of lovely folk one couple were Indian and they asked if the chef would do an Indian meal for the table, this was in MDR it was fabulous, and as you say just another great memory from our cruises. Have loved following your blog as always, you always seem to be doing one just as we are ready to board! Which will be on Connie this Sunday. Dianne

[bigbeergut]

As you are getting ready to finish your long series of days at sea, are you ready to get off the ship?  I don't remember much about your daytime activities, but have you been bored?  Do you sense from the other passengers that they are getting anxious to get off the ship?

 

Thanks for your review

 

 

[lamondys]

15 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

Good Morning from a sunny Sunset Bar. As we are on the last sea day of our long stretch of sea days we finally have some sun and warmer temps. I’d say it is around 60/62 right now and feeling a bit warmer in the sun with a very pleasant breeze. 

 

Before I get into last nights wonderful Indian dinner in Blu let’s post the Daily for today. Also note below the bar special, spa deals, and laundry bag challenge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul, thanks for posting the picture of the laundry service. What would be the regular price of a bag of laundry for non elite, non suite guests?

 

Thanks!

[wrk2cruise]

Can people please stop quoting photos.  It makes the thread unnecessarily long.   You can just enter your question/comment in the Reply to this topic box. 

 

As to the laundry question.  I think these specials are the only way they offer bag of laundry service.  All other laundry service is priced per piece.  The price list is listed on the Celebrity site at this link https://www.celebritycruises.com/company/customer-support/help-and-faqs/during-your-cruise/all-during-your-cruise-faqs

 

Search for "Laundry Services" for the price list.

Edited September 17, 2019 by wrk2cruise

[pd7277]

6 hours ago, wrk2cruise said:

Can people please stop quoting photos.  It makes the thread unnecessarily long.   You can just enter your question/comment in the Reply to this topic box. 

 

In the alternative, you can quote the post, but PLEASE click on any (or all) pictures that are irrelevant or unnecessary to your response, and simply hit the delete key.  While we appreciate the OP photos, to scroll through them multiple times, to only receive a message of "glad you had fun" or something of that nature, can get annoying. Thanks for your understanding.

Edited September 18, 2019 by pd7277

[wrk2cruise]

Another tip I learned just recently is that you can select a part of a post.  You will then see a place where you can click on "Quote Selection".  You can do this on multiple sections to multi quote in your response.

[wmwmarmstrong]

6 hours ago, pd7277 said:

In the alternative, you can quote the post, but PLEASE click on any (or all) pictures that are irrelevant or unnecessary to your response, and simply hit the delete key.  While we appreciate the OP photos, to scroll through them multiple times, to only receive a message of "glad you had fun" or something of that nature, can get annoying. Thanks for your understanding.

 

 

Thank you pd7277 I am sure people like myself simply did not know how to do the deleting while quoting. Thanks again.