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

[Sea Dog]

11 minutes ago, taznremmy said:

 

I don’t know if  I can keep up with all of your drink recommendations.  I’m traveling solo and have to be able to walk to my cabin.  Crawling is so unlady like. 😹

Tonight I think I’ll try the Lavender Daquiri……or maybe the rum old fashion…or maybe……

Decisions…decisions.

 

At least you are not the one driving. 😜 Or try both!!!

[Jimbo]

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Movement 3: Central Park 150 You had me at Louie!

 

Central Park 150

 

 

There is just something about walking into a restaurant and seeing a bottle of Louie XIII encased in glass with it gorgeous Baccarat Decanter and you just feel opulence. That is what I love about this restaurant. Going there on formal night just made since even though I just wore a jacket, dress pants and open collared shirt. I hate selfies. I have never figured out how to take a good one.

 

 

Adorned with a beautiful fresco, heavy curtains and subtle lighting I felt like this was going to be a special place.

 

 

 

 

 

To start you must try the Urban Garden Martini. Basically a cucumber martini. Cucumber Martini was refreshing and

light as air tasting. The cucumber flavor mixed with lemon grass syrup is sweet but not overpowering. Just a delight to drink this cocktail with grey goose vodka with lemon grass syrup and a sweet and sour mix

 

Here's the recipe email from Royal Caribbean:

Cucumber Martini

3 (1/4 inch) Cucumber Wheels

2 Large Basil Leaves

4 Count or. 75 oz

Monin Lemon Grass Syrup

“Muddle”

2 oz. Sweet and Sour

(1 part water 1 part Island Oasis Sour - Pour)

1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka

 

 

Our Server Tharshini from  Maylasia was excellent. So sweet and personable. She really took care of us. After getting us our martinis she brought some delicious garlic bread with lemon thyme and pepper with sea salt. So moist and buttery.  More flavorful than Jamie’s the night before.

 

 

For appetizer I had the Braised Short Rib. It is served over creamy mascarpone polenta, roasted heirloom carrots, crispy onion and natural jus. This just melts in your mouth after being slowly cooked for 4-5 hours. The creamy mascarpone was so good as a base for the ultra tender short rib.

 

 

The soup was incredible. Called a Sunchoke Veloute it is made with a black truffle cream sauce, shallots, thyme and turmeric. Tasted like liquid velvet.

 

 

The only problem I had was siting in the over sized wide velvet balloon chair . The seat when I sat down are so low that the table height came to my chest. It needs new cushions. Maybe If I was 6’5 it wouldn’t be a problem but I’m 5’7”.

 

 

For our mains we had the beef tenderloin for two. Served with truffle potato puree, chips, local baby vegetables, black garlic, and a selection of Bearnaise and Bordelaise sauces. 

 

 

We order individual portions. If you order the beef for two they carve it for you table side. In this case our entree was delivered to us. It was divine, perfectly cooked medium rare for me

 

 

For dessert being a chocoholic I had to have the Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte with a black currant port sorbet.I really thought the sorbet complimented the chocolate well.

 

 

Linda decided on the Fried Cheesecake

 

I was so tempted to get a glass of the Louie XIII. I actual bought a glass for my retirement cruise last November. This cognac does live up to its hype.

 

 

As you can see the prices are expensive. I thought about it long and hard. Maybe I use our $75 OBC to help for it. I finally came to my senses after being beaten up by the angel one shoulder and the devil on the other. It would be time to wait. Hmmm.... I thought we are coming back here on Day 7, oh the torture.

 

 

I settled on a much cheaper and within our drink package glass of Hennessy Cognac there’s something about Cognac and chocolate that goes so well together. All I needed was a comfy leather couch in front of a fireplace with a smoking jacket on even though I don’t even smoke. Opulence and decadence,  just how I like it.

 

 

I'm guessing if you order that tenderloin rare the cooks just wave that meat over the pan and it never touches the pan?

 

I bet you  are the one when we go to the grocery store and find an  empty meat container in the paper aisle, you walked in for a snack.   lol 🤣😲  Just kidding, but dang that piece of meat was rare.

[Ozark_Kid]

10 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

 

My second roll was the Truffled Creamy Lobster Roll. The roll had 8 pieces. It consisted of Hamachi, Salmon, asparagus, lobster tempura chunks, house ponzu, spicy chili thread, spicy mayo, scallion, truffle oil and unagi sauce. Wow this was so good. By far my favorite out of all the times I have eaten at Izumi.

 

Presentation of the sushi was well done. That’s what I like about sushi. Good sushi should be a work of art.

 

I ate about half of everything I received. It’s a lot of food. I feel kind of feel guilty wasting some of the food but I have to save room for dessert and then another dinner in 5 hours. 
 

Izumi is will always be one of my favorite places to dine. Such as great atmosphere with beauty in food and a not rushed tempo. This was slow beauty at it's finest.

 

Hey Greg, sorry for the slow response.  It’s been a real busy week and hard to keep up with all of CC.

Izumi is my favorite. Sharon and our cruise friends couple will eat there and like it but not like I do.  I think I will be spending some lunch times by myself in a couple weeks.  We do have a new single cruiser joining us so maybe he will join me.

The Truffled Creamy Lobster Roll was my favorite too.  Soooo good.  
 

Some questions;

Is Izumi crowded enough at lunch that I should make a reservation?

You said it was hard to eat it all.  With the UDP could you do A La Carte.  Or maybe have them charge you for the fixed cost but ask them not to bring it all?

If you do the Hibachi can you get a side roll like the Truffled Creamy Lobster Roll with the UDP?

Can you order a take out and then eat the sushi outside by the pool? 
 

When we were on Symphony we did several Specialty Dining and I was getting stuffed.  One evening before going to diner I mentioned to DW that I wasn’t that hungry.  She said, You don’t have to be hungry to eat.   😂 I am sure you understand.

[perfect match]

On 9/26/2022 at 8:29 AM, Sea Dog said:

Love it! Stay tuned for mine.

I was hoping you would say that! I’ve been taking mooring line pictures since we first started cruising. My DH thinks I crazy 😜 and just keeps walking when I stop to take them. 😱🤷‍♀️ It’s nice to find others who enjoy those mooring lines as much as I do. 
 

On 9/26/2022 at 6:13 PM, Sea Dog said:

 

 

Great advice I will be doing that next time. My Octopus bendable tripod's legs were not long enough to wrap around the railing. May be awhile before I buy another Go Pro. I still have two old ones a Hero 3 and a Hero 7. Guess I could drag those out of mothballs.

 

 

I was really disappointed in how my knee did on this trip. It was sore and hurting everyday.

 

Looking forward to Liberty in two and half weeks.

 

 

Sorry to hear about your GoPro. Hope you can get it repaired under warranty. 
 

On 9/26/2022 at 9:49 PM, Sea Dog said:

 

I'm only 7 months in on the knee. Doc says it may take a year. I really liked the lamb chops, so tender.

I had both knees replaced seven years ago. It does take time to get them fully broken in. I still have days when they act up on me. However, when I look back on how bad they were before the surgery the occasional bad knees days I have now are nothing in comparison to what they were before I had them replaced. My best tip I can offer is to keep doing your rehab exercise that you were given post surgery. I do mine, I have good knee days. I slack off, that’s where the bad days come in. I’m just grateful to still be walking rather than being pushed around in a wheelchair because that’s where I was at before my knee replacements.

Edited September 28, 2022 by perfect match
Correct autocorrect!

[grapau27]

7 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Movement 3: Central Park 150 You had me at Louie!

 

Central Park 150

 

 

There is just something about walking into a restaurant and seeing a bottle of Louie XIII encased in glass with it gorgeous Baccarat Decanter and you just feel opulence. That is what I love about this restaurant. Going there on formal night just made since even though I just wore a jacket, dress pants and open collared shirt. I hate selfies. I have never figured out how to take a good one.

 

 

Adorned with a beautiful fresco, heavy curtains and subtle lighting I felt like this was going to be a special place.

 

 

 

 

 

To start you must try the Urban Garden Martini. Basically a cucumber martini. Cucumber Martini was refreshing and

light as air tasting. The cucumber flavor mixed with lemon grass syrup is sweet but not overpowering. Just a delight to drink this cocktail with grey goose vodka with lemon grass syrup and a sweet and sour mix

 

Here's the recipe email from Royal Caribbean:

Cucumber Martini

3 (1/4 inch) Cucumber Wheels

2 Large Basil Leaves

4 Count or. 75 oz

Monin Lemon Grass Syrup

“Muddle”

2 oz. Sweet and Sour

(1 part water 1 part Island Oasis Sour - Pour)

1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka

 

 

Our Server Tharshini from  Maylasia was excellent. So sweet and personable. She really took care of us. After getting us our martinis she brought some delicious garlic bread with lemon thyme and pepper with sea salt. So moist and buttery.  More flavorful than Jamie’s the night before.

 

 

For appetizer I had the Braised Short Rib. It is served over creamy mascarpone polenta, roasted heirloom carrots, crispy onion and natural jus. This just melts in your mouth after being slowly cooked for 4-5 hours. The creamy mascarpone was so good as a base for the ultra tender short rib.

 

 

The soup was incredible. Called a Sunchoke Veloute it is made with a black truffle cream sauce, shallots, thyme and turmeric. Tasted like liquid velvet.

 

 

The only problem I had was siting in the over sized wide velvet balloon chair . The seat when I sat down are so low that the table height came to my chest. It needs new cushions. Maybe If I was 6’5 it wouldn’t be a problem but I’m 5’7”.

 

 

For our mains we had the beef tenderloin for two. Served with truffle potato puree, chips, local baby vegetables, black garlic, and a selection of Bearnaise and Bordelaise sauces. 

 

 

We order individual portions. If you order the beef for two they carve it for you table side. In this case our entree was delivered to us. It was divine, perfectly cooked medium rare for me

 

 

For dessert being a chocoholic I had to have the Chocolate Peanut Butter Torte with a black currant port sorbet.I really thought the sorbet complimented the chocolate well.

 

 

Linda decided on the Fried Cheesecake

 

I was so tempted to get a glass of the Louie XIII. I actual bought a glass for my retirement cruise last November. This cognac does live up to its hype.

 

 

As you can see the prices are expensive. I thought about it long and hard. Maybe I use our $75 OBC to help for it. I finally came to my senses after being beaten up by the angel one shoulder and the devil on the other. It would be time to wait. Hmmm.... I thought we are coming back here on Day 7, oh the torture.

 

 

I settled on a much cheaper and within our drink package glass of Hennessy Cognac there’s something about Cognac and chocolate that goes so well together. All I needed was a comfy leather couch in front of a fireplace with a smoking jacket on even though I don’t even smoke. Opulence and decadence,  just how I like it.

 

 

Lovely photos Greg especially of you and our wife.

[Bailey & Sophie]

6 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

I have never had one but it sounds like something I would enjoy. I need to try one. Guess I'd better book a cruise.

 

Could we get you interested in the Bella cruise?

[Ocean Boy]

1 hour ago, Bailey & Sophie said:

 

Could we get you interested in the Bella cruise?

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

[h20skibum]

1 hour ago, Ocean Boy said:

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

Those are my thoughts too. 

[Ourusualbeach]

8 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Is Izumi crowded enough at lunch that I should make a reservation?

You said it was hard to eat it all.  With the UDP could you do A La Carte.  Or maybe have them charge you for the fixed cost but ask them not to bring it all?

If you do the Hibachi can you get a side roll like the Truffled Creamy Lobster Roll with the UDP?

Can you order a take out and then eat the sushi outside by the pool? 
 

We have needed reservations at lunch

You can definitely not order as much as allowed.  I've substituted and ordered 2 mall plates and one large instead of the included 1 small and 2 large.

Anything ordered off the sushi menu while at Hibachi is an extra charge

We have ordered take out. Be prepared for a 30 to 45 minute wait.

[Sea Dog]

8 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

 

Some questions;

Is Izumi crowded enough at lunch that I should make a reservation?

You said it was hard to eat it all.  With the UDP could you do A La Carte.  Or maybe have them charge you for the fixed cost but ask them not to bring it all?

If you do the Hibachi can you get a side roll like the Truffled Creamy Lobster Roll with the UDP?

Can you order a take out and then eat the sushi outside by the pool? 
 

When we were on Symphony we did several Specialty Dining and I was getting stuffed.  One evening before going to diner I mentioned to DW that I wasn’t that hungry.  She said, You don’t have to be hungry to eat.   😂 I am sure you understand.

 

I would make reservations to be on the safe side. I made reservations for lunch at noon and I was the only one in there for awhile. It was not full

 

I think as @Ourusualbeach said you can mix and match. I'm not sure of the answer to the A La Carte question. I guess the best thing to do is ask. Also as @Ourusualbeach said and I confirmed any rolls on the Hibachi side are extra. With the amount of food they give you at Hibachi trust me you will not need a roll.

 

 

2 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.

 

But you would be with us! Isn't that good enough? 😉

 

1 hour ago, h20skibum said:

Those are my thoughts too. 

 

Come on Mark join us. It's going to be a blast.

[grapau27]

6 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Lovely photos Greg especially of you and our wife.

Lovely photos of the food and of you and your wife Greg.

[h20skibum]

36 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Come on Mark join us. It's going to be a blast.

I had thought about booking it, but with everything that is happening, that would have just been a sixth cruise to cancel.  We canceled everything through our May TA. 
 

I am sure we will be back cruising by next fall.  We have a few FCC’s to use.  
 

Enjoying your review. 

[Sea Dog]

 

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.

 

Edited September 28, 2022 by Sea Dog

[Sea Dog]

21 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

I am sure we will be back cruising by next fall.

I completely understand Mark. I know that we will cruise together some day.

[h20skibum]

8 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

And the best one “hey Bruce Willis.” I’d take it as a compliment if he wasn’t dead.

He may take exception to that.  He is alive, but just retired due to aphasia.  

[dltodaro]

I am completely enjoying your review.  I sail on Harmony in April.  

[Ozark_Kid]

Costa Maya sure has a long pier.  Our visit there was because of an itinerary change.  We didn’t have time to plan anything so we just hung out at the port.

I hate the lobster was not that good.  It probably was not Maine lobster.

Did you get any new TSOTD  on this journey?  

Edited September 28, 2022 by Ozark_Kid

[AlohaLivin]

36 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Mahahual and Krazy Lobster

Thanks for the heads up. We have been in Costa Maya more times than I will admit to and somehow have never heard of this. A kitty added in always makes it a better day 😊

[cruisegal40]

I was wondering how The Krazy Lobster was. We sent to Jaime's.  Right down the street.  Liked it because there was a minimum allowed there so not crowded at all.  We also tried 150 Central and liked it.  Food was very all over the place that's for sure on this cruise. 

 

p.s.  PG Pinot Grigio.   

[Sea Dog]

33 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

He may take exception to that.  He is alive, but just retired due to aphasia.  

 

 

Oops my bad I should have researched better.

 

 

11 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Costa Maya sure has a long pier.  Our visit there was because of an itinerary change.  We didn’t have time to plan anything so we just hung out at the port.

I hate the lobster was not that good.  It probably was not Maine lobster.

Did you get any new TSOTD  on this journey?  

 

No I did not I looked for any Sea Dog shirts but did not see any.

 

 

3 minutes ago, cruisegal40 said:

I was wondering how The Krazy Lobster was. We sent to Jaime's.  Right down the street.  Liked it because there was a minimum allowed there so not crowded at all.  We also tried 150 Central and liked it.  Food was very all over the place that's for sure on this cruise. 

 

p.s.  PG Pinot Grigio.   

 

I have heard great things about Jaime's. We will try that one next time. Oh Pino Grigio I should have figured that one out.

[crewsweeper]

2 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

 

.

 

 

 

I have heard great things about Jaime's. We will try that one next time. Oh Pino Grigio I should have figured that one out.

We have gone to Jaime's since he opened No Hoch Kay.  And to his seafood place up in Playa before that.

Used also swing by Tropicante and BS a bit with Steve, but he sold it the spot to Carolina, his manager.  And she's changed it up a bit.  Nevertheless, the ever expanding  Krazy Lobster is  really one of the better spots along the malecon if you're not doing an All Inclusive.  

[NHProud]

Great review , Greg !  You’ve done a lot of work putting it together and it shows . 

[Mary&Jim]

Great review! I'm loving all of your photos.

[rudeney]

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Day 3: Costa Maya, Mexico

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Great photos! I agree - the angles make it interesting and make the ship look even larger.

 

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

 

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.

 

I am sure he was your friend after you fed him $6 worth of lobster! 

 

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

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

 

Not bad - By my calculations, you saved over $250 compared to onboard prices!

 

2 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

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.

 

 

 🤣  🤣  🤣  🤣  🤣

[LATTELOVE]

Love all of your photos and postings.

It brings back good memories,

Symphony is one of our favorite ships. 

Thank you for all of your postings.