LIVE from Wonder of the Seas Transatlantic April 2022

[laurieal]

Hello from the ocean (but more specifically, Central Park)!

 

I started my day yesterday with a first visit to the Diamond Lounge. There were a lot of people in there already, but I bravely approached the coffee machine. When it was my turn, I selected a cappuccino and hoped for the best. When liquid stopped pouring, I grabbed my cup, eager to make room for the best person in line. But the machine wasn’t done and out came more liquid. And that’s the story of how I got myself a cup of hot milk in the Diamond Lounge. Embarrassed, I fled the scene with my hot milk and found some regular coffee to pour into my cup, but I vowed to try again tomorrow. 

 

 

Then, I had breakfast in the Solarium Café, which was one of my favourite spots on Harmony. The outdoor seating was lovely, if a bit warm. I can’t compare the selection to the Windjammer, yet, but here’s a look at that you can find in the Solarium. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a first course that was on the fruity side, followed by a plate of bacon and doughnut to congratulate myself on a healthy first course. 

 

 

 

 

I was in the Solarium for a while watching the waves (we were really moving and grooving) and struggling to upload pictures to my review. Once I was done, I ran a few laps on the obstacle course. It’s a great idea to add flying ping-pong balls and kneeling photographers to the running track. Makes things more interesting. 

 

 

 

I got a strawberry açai refresher at Starbucks (I was able to use my Starbucks app to pay for my drink) and took it to Central Park. It had been cloudy with some bubbles of sunshine and the occasional drizzle for most of the day, but at one point it started raining heavily and I fled Central Park. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took it as a sign that it was probably time for me to finish unpack, so I returned to my stateroom for some unpacking and balcony shenanigans. It was very windy, so for anyone who ran into me last, yes I was aware that my hair looked like that. It was ~windy chic~. 

 

I had a meeting with some friends for dinner at Wonderland. I’ve always been curious about Wonderland, but I’m not a very adventurous eater so I’ve never tried it. It seems like the kind of experience that’s better when shared with other people, so I decided to go for it this time. 

 

I arrived early to try some of their cocktails. I started with the Cheshire Cat Cosmo, which really wasn’t as sweet as I expected…until the last sip where all the melted cotton candy had accumulated. The rest of the cocktail was delicious. I also tried the White Rabbit-Rita, which was very sour but also lovely. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the appetizers, the waitresses was in charge and she brought us surprises from the chef. We got the reconstructed caprese, crispy crab cones, bird’s nest, Mad Hatter’s purple potted shrimp, and liquid lobster. The caprese and cones weren’t for me (mostly a texture thing), but I really enjoyed the others, especially the liquid lobster which was my favourite. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my main, I had the Snap, Crackle and Pork, which was very good. The pink peppercorn sauce that came with it was phenomenal and I need to investigate how I can replace my blood with it. 

 

 

For desserts, the waitress again brought up surprises from the chef. We got the forbidden apple, the world, and the mystical mushroom garden. I was very excited about the world, which was very good, but the winner for me was the forbidden apple. So, so good and light. 
 

 

 

 

Because I still had two Diamond vouchers, I decided to try Down the rabbit hole with the blue pill. It was good, but probably the one I enjoyed the least out of the three. Still unsure if the pill is supposed to make me bigger or smaller, but for now I haven’t noticed anything. 

 

 

A note about the accessibility. There are stairs to go down to the dining section of Wonderland, but the staff will take you backstage to use an elevator if you cannot do stairs. 

 

I really enjoyed my meal at Wonderland and I would do it again without hesitation. However, it’s probably not a place I would do solo. The whole theatre aspect with the Mad Hatter makes me feel a bit awkward and it was nice to have people with me to share that part of the experience. Also, being with others, I got to try more of the appetizers and desserts, which is a definite plus for me. 

 

For those tracking, I still had a voucher left. We headed to the Mason Jar where the country band was playing. The place looks lovely and the atmosphere was super fun. I tried the PB&J Old Fashioned, which I found ok. It was mostly the texture that didn’t quite work for me as the jelly left a kind of gelatinous residue. It was such a great experience and I hope to visit that venue again to try more of their cocktails and maybe some nibbles. 
 

 

 

After that, it was time for bed and for my first towel animal!

 

How it started:

 

How it’s going:

 

Edited April 22, 2022 by laurieal

[FionaMG]

Great commentary and pics. You're helping me get through a very boring afternoon at work! 

[laurieal]

Day 3 Compass

 

 

 

 

 

 

[laurieal]

Day 3 Very Important Pet Update

 

Cat is alive!

 

But so is towel doggo!!

[Tree_skier]

Enjoying your review... 

[Margarita Jane]

Following along and enjoying your review. I have a friend on the sailing with you, so I am checking your pictures to see if I see her 😁. 
 

Forget to add that internet is sometimes spotty (or non-existent) on TA’s….

Edited April 22, 2022 by Margarita Jane
Added internet comment

[MillbrookMom]

We have friends on this ship, so will be following

[TexasRon]

3 minutes ago, MillbrookMom said:

We have friends on this ship, so will be following

I believe, based on a FB post, that I also know someone on this cruise.  I will be checking the pictures…

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

I'm following this thread too as I have a 2nd cousin, his wife & 2 friends from Ontario sailing with you. Maybe they'll show up in one of your photos. The ship sure looks Wonder-ful!!

Have fun & stay safe.

 

~ Jo ~ 😊

[chawkjewel]

1 hour ago, Margarita Jane said:

 

Forget to add that internet is sometimes spotty (or non-existent) on TA’s….

Not always true. We were on the Harmony WB transatlantic in 2016. I worked the whole trip and never had any issues. 

[djyellowsub]

If that was corn beef hash with the bacon and doughnut, it was way less than I take.  I appreciate your self-control.  I am glad you enjoyed Wonderland, and I agree it is more fun when shared.  The red and blue pill refer to the Matrix actually.  Basically, the red is for those who are willing to be adventurous, and the blue is for those contented to keep everything the same.  My daughter had to explain that to me when the waiter asked.  I ended up getting both pills. Cute idea but adds nothing to the actual drink.

[Tee & Chilli]

Excellent review. Keep it coming.

[taglovestocruise]

Looks like Windjammer, DL and  the Bistro are back to full self serve, is that correct.  Love Oasis Class TA'S, happy cruising 

[jules27556]

Absolutely loving your Live Report!  Your writing is wonderful. Filled with facts and fun!

And the kitty pictures, yours and others, a bonus!

 

I will be following along until May 2nd when I fly to Rome for my first cruise in 12 years!  Looks like

things have changed!  Celebrity Edge to Greece. Going solo but busy port schedule.

 

Thank you for sharing your journey!    Just TERRIFIC!!  

 

Julie

 

My rescue doggie, Dewey, has a stuffed kitty animal that does a real meow!  Her name is Kitten!

[floridagal83]

3 hours ago, chawkjewel said:

Not always true. We were on the Harmony WB transatlantic in 2016. I worked the whole trip and never had any issues. 

I agree. We were on Harmony TA in November and there was only one short internet outage when they were switching networks.

[Fall2010]

I am enjoying your review and pictures!  Thank you for taking the time to do this.  I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

[topnole]

My goodness your writing style and skills are tip top.  Best review I’ve ever read!   

[JamesEM]

Enjoying your review, nice photos.

[lazydayz]

Thanks for bringing us along.  We haven’t done a TA yet but have some long cruises planned for 2023 (Greenland and Canada) and 2024 (Long Beach to Hawaii, round trip).  We did a Panama Canal crossing from Tampa to Long Beach and loved all those sea days.  And the crossing brought out the geek in me.  
 

Your cabin looks nice and comfy.  
 

Look forward to following along. 

Edited April 23, 2022 by lazydayz
Sp

[perfect match]

On 4/21/2022 at 10:27 AM, laurieal said:

Thanks to everyone who shared their transatlantic and transpacific crossings experiences. It was a pleasure to read while I was having my breakfast this morning. 
 

Never hesitate to hijack my thread with cat pictures. It’s my first time leaving mine for so long and I miss all her little sounds. Hopefully I won’t get too much cattitude when I come back. 
 

She doesn’t look like she’s missing me too much. 
 

Now for the question of the day. What is everyone’s favourite cocktail on RCI? I tend to stick to the menus, but I would like to branch out and try some new things. I’ll drink anything that doesn’t have bananas in it. Bananas should be ashamed of themselves. 

You may want to be careful when you ok cat pictures in your thread! 
 

Here’s Double Stuff Oreo on the Total Gym. He doesn’t seem to be putting much effort into his workout - thus the Double Stuff portion of his name and obvious by his picture! 🙀 

 

 

Oreo packed himself for our Independence cruise. 😻

 

Huntly packed himself, too! 😻 Actually, he explained to Oreo that Mom and Dad were getting ready to go on a cruise and showed him what to do so they could both be stowaways! Sadly for them their plan was unsuccessful, but the cat sitters took great care of them while we were gone.

 

Edited April 23, 2022 by perfect match

[alohayall]

Following along.  Keep it coming…

 

 

Readers could throw in a few good dog photos, too.  Well, good dog photos is redundant, isn’t it.

 

I wondered about Wonderland, not necessarily on the Wonder, for a solo diner. Thanks for the perspective.  You confirmed my suspicions.

 

 

[laurieal]

12 hours ago, djyellowsub said:

If that was corn beef hash with the bacon and doughnut, it was way less than I take.  I appreciate your self-control.  I am glad you enjoyed Wonderland, and I agree it is more fun when shared.  The red and blue pill refer to the Matrix actually.  Basically, the red is for those who are willing to be adventurous, and the blue is for those contented to keep everything the same.  My daughter had to explain that to me when the waiter asked.  I ended up getting both pills. Cute idea but adds nothing to the actual drink.

That’s interesting, thanks for sharing! I was sure they were the Alice in Wonderland pills. 

[laurieal]

11 hours ago, taglovestocruise said:

Looks like Windjammer, DL and  the Bistro are back to full self serve, is that correct.  Love Oasis Class TA'S, happy cruising 

Yes, it’s self serve in the three venues. They still have some grab and go items, but not that many. 

[laurieal]

1 hour ago, alohayall said:

Following along.  Keep it coming…

 

 

Readers could throw in a few good dog photos, too.  Well, good dog photos is redundant, isn’t it.

 

I wondered about Wonderland, not necessarily on the Wonder, for a solo diner. Thanks for the perspective.  You confirmed my suspicions.

 

 

If you have good one on one banter with strangers or are good at conversation, I’m sure it would be a very fun solo experience. I’m kind of awkward with strangers, especially if there’s a theatre-like element to the interaction. I would still have enjoyed my meal solo, but I know I would have spent most of the time trying to avoid eye contact with the Mad Hatter. 
 

We had a chat with him after the meal while he wasn’t in character and it was absolutely lovely. Much more comfortable for me. 

[laurieal]

Someone mentioned the drinks package earlier in the thread and I found this in Playmaker’s. I’m day one, they had a Buy One Get One 50% off discount, but nothing more exciting than that.