My first B2B will be live from Mardi Gras, Feb 4 to Feb18

[IntrepidFromDC]

Sorry for the delay!  Password reset issues compounded by the laggy wifi onboard...

[IntrepidFromDC]

So my foot swelled up, like a balloon, as Pink Floyd would say... so I didn't do any walking on Friday except to Florida's Fresh Grill because it was right across the street from the Hilton. #1 on TripAdvisor,  it did not disappoint,  both the lobster bisque and fresh caught sea scallops were excellent,  tasted like chef-prepared. FFG is very busy and they don't take reservations, but your wait time is much shorter if you phone ahead and get on the waiting list,  rather than just walking up. Highly recommend ! 

[IntrepidFromDC]

I forgot to mention about Florida's Fresh Grill, there are choices for sauces on the scallops and shrimp, and the haricot verts and skin-on mashed potatoes were fresh and great sides. I chose the bacon-jalapeno cream sauce and it was great with the delicate scallops.  Riki Tiki next time!

Edited February 7, 2023 by IntrepidFromDC

[IntrepidFromDC]

Uber from Cocoa Beach to the Mardi Gras was $14. I arrived at 1040am for my 1030-11 timeslot and it was busy but they kept us moving. I think I only really stopped once,  to show passport and get boarding pass stamped, plus slowed down at the baggage scanner. Carnival people at this port have their act together. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

First stop after dropping carry-on in the room... it was yummy,  real chicken and the Shaqs  Sauce was good.

[IntrepidFromDC]

I chose Chibang for dinner and all three dishes were enjoyable. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Wall art outside Brass Magnolia in French Quarter 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Casino... the chairs at the table games are terrible!  Multiple large tears in most chairs, and all have stretched out fabric.  I'll try to get pics when the casino is closed.  Embarkation day I won $400 on top of the $250 casino cash Carnival gave,  but first sea day I lost $550 so I'm just above break-even.  I'll enjoy that status while it lasts.

[IntrepidFromDC]

Here are a few casino pics...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

17 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Casino... the chairs at the table games are terrible!  Multiple large tears in most chairs, and all have stretched out fabric. ...

 

Perhaps I should bring a cushion !

 

Tom

[IntrepidFromDC]

Pics of the table games in the non-smoking and smoking casinos. Non-smoking tables have floor to ceiling windows with unobstructed ocean view.

[IntrepidFromDC]

1 minute ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Perhaps I should bring a cushion !

 

Tom

I don't think you need a cushion,  they are cushioned ok, it's just the general condition of most of the chairs...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Man - those chairs should be an embarrassment to Carnival. I can't fathom why they haven't had them either recovered or swapped out. Cost should not be an issue with an eyesore like that. It would be one thing if the ship were 5-10 years old!

 

Tom

[IntrepidFromDC]

Cozumel, the woman is making a custom bracelet with the name of my daughter's recently deceased ferret's name.

[IntrepidFromDC]

I had lunch in Cozumel at La Mission,  it never disappoints with the fresh local lobster.  Their guacamole and complimentary salsa and homemade chips are also fantastic.  See the orange habaneros in the salsa!

Edited February 7, 2023 by IntrepidFromDC

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

If nothing else, let's see the chairs replaced at the $25 tables!  😉

 

Tom

[IntrepidFromDC]

I had lobster and Filet mignon at Teppanyaki last night.  The lobster was not as good as La Mission but everything was good, 5 appetizers include miso soup and salad with the yummy dressing you always get at Teppanyaki places. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Guys. I didn't eat there but I know a lot of us really like those burgers...

[IntrepidFromDC]

Instead,  I grabbed some habanero sauce from Blue Iguana and some chicken tenders from Shaq's. 

[Knights on the Beach]

2 minutes ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Instead,  I grabbed some habanero sauce from Blue Iguana and some chicken tenders from Shaq's. 

 

Now we're talking! 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Costa Maya today.  Hoping to expedite my foot healing,  I stayed on the ship. Bummer.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

11 minutes ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

 

 

 

What's this?

[13cheermom]

58 minutes ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

I had lobster and Filet mignon at Teppanyaki last night.  The lobster was not as good as La Mission but everything was good, 5 appetizers include miso soup and salad with the yummy dressing you always get at Teppanyaki places. 

Have to agree everything was pretty good here and the desert bento box was very interesting.  We felt like it  was a good value for the cost of this specialty restaurant. Wish we were still on the ship 🥲. We just got off the ship and I had to re-book for this itinerary in the fall. 

[starstruck05]

All the times I've been to Cozumel I've never seen LA Mission. How far is it from the pier? We usually go to Pancho's if we aren't going to the beach.

[IntrepidFromDC]

23 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

What's this?

Green asparagus wrapped with pork belly, broiled and white asparagus deep fried. Both yummy.