Showing posts with label New Royal Menus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Royal Menus. Show all posts

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Diamonds are Forever- Day 3

Semi-Sub Fun Cozumel, Mexico July 6, 2026 

Cozumel is our "home away from home" and it never disappoints! 

Morning
It was 7AM and Chris did not sleep very well so I grabbed Luke and we went up to the Lido Deck to watch our approach into Cozumel. We have been to Cozumel so many times but the arrival in the sunrise is one of my favorite things to do. 

Mondays SUCK... But not on a cruise ship! 


Hello Cozumel! It's been... well, less than 2 weeks! 


Me and my guy! 


The peace of early mornings are my favorite! 

Once we arrived into Cozumel, Luke and I went down to the Vitality Spa to get some fresh orange juice and some Gatorades for our day in Cozumel. TIP- The Vitality Spa is one of 2 places onboard to get the Fresh OJ: 1- Vitality Spa and 2- Windjammer. We went back to the stateroom to make sure Natalie was awake and then we all met at Park Cafe for breakfast. TIP- Park Cafe is one of my favorite places for port day breakfasts as it allows a much faster and less crowded start to your day. They offer grab and go breakfast sandwiches, fruit and pastries. I LOVE a good omelet and a fresh hot plate but sometimes the convenience of “grab and go” is more important. Be sure to check it out on your busy port days. 


We got off the ship around 9:45AM and made our way to the Margaritaville Restaurant to check in for our Semi-Sub Tour. We purchased this from Royal Caribbean for only $55/ person and it was a phenomenal excursion. In fact, we were not crowded at all and the tour was not even sold out. Once we got checked in to our tour we enjoyed the fans and the free Wi-Fi before boarding our semi-submarine. We walked straight to our submarine from the restaurant and were able to all spread out to one side of the boat which allowed incredible views of the water below. 

We love the walk from the ship to the shore. And there is ALWAYS time for a Ship Selfie!

Family Selfie #1 of the day!


Before the boat even started the tour we were able to see a nurse shark swimming right off the pier. It was incredible and the kids absolutely LOVED it. We were able to go to the Cozumel National Reef and see all kinds of marine life including 3 nurse sharks, a large eel, sting rays and a crazy amount of gorgeous coral. The tour lasted right at 90 minutes and was an incredible value- even for a Cruise Line shore excursion. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cozumel. Keep in mind... It was a little claustrophobic but we all survived. 

Within minutes of boarding the ship... We see this nurse shark!

Hello from our Semi-Submarine!

Another GORGEOUS coral near the Cozumel National Marine Park!

The entrance to boarding our submarine. Literally at the foot of the ship... It was SO EASY!

After the tour we were dropped off right at the Cozumel sign overlooking the International (Royal Caribbean) pier. This is a GREAT place to get some pictures and even take a swim and snorkel right at the foot of the pier and ship. After some pictures, the boys left to get back on the ship and Natalie and I stayed around to do some shopping and get her hair tinsel that she likes to get in Mexico. TIP- This area by the Royal Caribbean Terminal proved to be much cheaper this cruise than our Harmony Cruise in February. I am not sure if that is due to more people in the summer cruises or what but her hair tinsel was only $20 and in February it was $40. 

Greetings from Cozumel... our home away from home!

I love my family!

This area is PERFECT for FREE swimming and even snorkeling. Be sure to check it out next time you're in Cozumel.

The Symphony of the Seas at the International Terminal.

It is her Mexico tradition... Hair Tinsel!


Afternoon
Natalie and I got back on the ship shortly after 12:30PM and grabbed some lunch. I decided to go back to the Park Cafe for a “Salata” type build your own salad and Natalie met the boys at the Windjammer. Chris went to take a nap and the kids and I went to the hot-tub outside the Solarium but we only lasted less than an hour since it was SO HOT. The temperature in Cozumel on this day was 98* and it was so very humid. The kids were able to ride the Waterslides at this time with minimal wait and enjoyed all the open slides. The yellow slide was still under repair/ maintenance during our sailing.
Quiet and peaceful lunch by myself in Park Cafe!

A quick stroll through the Solarium!

We all took showers and got ready for the rest of the day on board the Symphony of the Seas. We met in the Pub to play cards while the ship began getting full from people coming back onboard. The Pub offered the World Cup games on a small TV and was a hidden gem throughout the cruise for sporting events. TIP- I highly recommend packing cards for your cruise (especially with kids) as Royal does not give away decks of cards for free (since Covid). If you purchase these in the store they are $6-10 per deck. Grab those at the Dollar Tree before you get onboard. We played together for a few hours and then went to the Schooner Bar for afternoon drinks. 


Evening
We got ready for White Night and then went to the Promenade Deck to watch the sail away from Cozumel. I think sail away and arrivals are one of my favorite parts of cruising. We then went to the Crown Lounge to enjoy Happy Hour. On this night they had several small hot appetizers and the bacon-wrapped scallop was incredible and the best option they had during this sailing. 
We are all ready for WHITE NIGHT!

These Bacon-wrapped scallops were TO DIE FOR! 
Thank you Crown Lounge... We earned these and they were delicious! 

The early evening was spent in On Air for The Friends and Office Trivia's. I was able to win (tie) for the Friends Trivia but we did not place in The Office trivia but these are always some of my favorite things to do on a cruise ship. 

It's time to WIN some Trivia!


After the trivia's we went to Studio B to watch the USA vs France World Cup Game and the vibe was incredible. The entire venue was PACKED and the fans were crazy excited. It almost felt as if I was at the game! We loved this and it was a surprise hit to our evening. 

This was a HUGE hit and I loved being on a ship (two ships - Mariner and the Symphony) during the World Cup!


We had reservations at Izumi at 7PM so despite the game being close (at first) and the vibe being so cool, we had to leave before halftime to get to Izumi. TIP- Izumi is a specialty restaurant that is NOT included in your cruise fare. It costs about $40-50 per person but can be purchased prior to your cruise a discount. We paid $37/ per person about 3 weeks prior to our sailing. Izumi itself was amazing and it always proves to be one of our favorite specialty restaurants. The service was a little slow compared to our experiences in Izumi recently but the food made up for it as it was easily our favorite meal of the cruise. 

Izumi is always a hit!

Sunset on a cruise NEVER gets old!

Miso Soup Luke & Chris- 4.0, Natalie & Kellie- 3.0

Dumplings Kellie- 4.5

Luke's Sushi He gave it a 5++!

This kid LOVES sushi!

Chocolate Dessert Chris- 4.5

This is always one of our favorite meals and the kids LOVE Izumi!


We then went to the Love and Marriage show in the Royal Theater with the kids. TIP- The Love and Marriage is an “adult” show but honestly it’s not that bad on Royal Caribbean. This time, it was especially lame but still funny. 


After the Love and Marriage show the kids went to play Ping-Pong on deck 16 while Chris and I went to the Adult Comedy in the Attic on Deck 4. This show was terrible and easily the worst comedy we have been to on any cruise line, in a LONG time. The comedians were NOT funny and cursed every other word to make up for it. Then in the middle a few teenagers came in and started being dumb which ruined the vibe as well. 


We met up with the kids and they went to bed while Chris and I enjoyed live music at Boleros until midnight and then we called it a night.

Check out our day in Cozumel:

 

It was a great day spent on board the Symphony of the Seas and in Cozumel. 


Did you miss a day? Day #2- Click HERE Day #1- Click HERE


Up Next… Sea Day #2.

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Mariner of the Seas- June 2026










 


Carnival Conquest- 2006
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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Diamonds are Forever- Day 2

 From Hardy to the Gulf
Sea Day #1
July 5, 2026 


I love and miss you Keener! 

Morning
I met the boys for breakfast in the Windjammer and as soon as I walk in I see a familiar face from my time at CC Hardy Elementary- Stacey Keener! Stacey and I taught together for 4 years and had the best time. We gathered breakfast and talked for over an hour just catching up. It is amazing how you can live near a friend for years and not see them and then get connected on a cruise- Life is wild sometimes! 


I loved this view from breakfast! 


Keener...Let's not go 6-7 years without seeing each other again! 

We left the Windjammer and went to the Flowrider as it opened at 9AM and Luke was the first in line. He was able to get 2 full sessions in before the line got too busy and he went to the hot-tub. TIP- Always try and be at the Flowrider just as soon as it opens to avoid a 15-30 person deep line. Chris and I stopped at the Sand Bar on Deck 15 before going to the Crown Lounge to see what continental breakfast items were offered. 

I don't even really like Bloody Mary... except on a cruise! 

The Sand Bar on Deck 15:



This was a perfect morning (in the shade too). 


I am officially in my HAPPY PLACE! 


It's going to be a great day! 


Luke absolutely LOVES the Flowrider... And he's gotten really good at it! 

Luke on the FlowRider: 

The Crown Lounge offered light breakfast options like donuts and muffins. 
Don't forget about the Latte Machine as well. It is a great option for a less stressed and crowded breakfast option. 

We met up with Luke at Boleros for the Morning Trivia but we did not even come close. The boys tried to win at the Flags of the World Trivia and did well but still did not win. Natalie grabbed Luke and they spent an hour at the gym before grabbing a smoothie from Vitality Cafe and meeting us at Schooner Bar for the Search for the Nations scavenger hunt. We have always watched this from afar but Natalie really wanted to participate so they grabbed the paper and took off looking for signatures. TIP- Royal Caribbean offers this crew member scavenger hunt on most longer cruises and it is a 4-6 day search for crew members from specific nations. The kids had a lot of fun with this but it is not for me. I come on a cruise to relax- but to each his own. 


This boy used every single Diamond drink coupon for a virgin Strawberry daiquiri.
I think he had a total of 37 for the entire cruise! 

On Air (Trivia and Karaoke) on Deck 5:

We opted to meet the kids at El Loco Fresh on Deck 15 aft for lunch and that is where we first felt the 6K other passengers. The food and overall experience at El Loco was good and much better than we remember on Allure of the Seas 2023 and remarkably better than the Harmony of the Seas 2026 but it was definitely not worth the over 20 minute wait we endured. I think this would be a great option for a later lunch after returning from port but the sea day noon rush, I would not recommend. 

Afternoon
We enjoyed a slower afternoon of listening to live music in Schooner Bar and enjoyed the less crowded venue before trying to layout for an afternoon nap in the Solarium. The Symphony of the Seas Solarium is better overall than that of the Harmony but it offered quite literally ZERO shade. At least the Harmony offered an upper deck to the Solarium that was completely covered. The Symphony only had 1 level for this adults only area and the Solarium Bar was smack dab in the middle of sun. The hot tubs were larger and there was a "pool" in the Symphony Solarium but we much prefer the Harmony since it allows shade. Unfortunately, we did not spend a lot of time here as it was just too hot most of the time. 

Despite only laying out in the Solarium for 20 minutes we were hot and sweaty and needed some AC so we ventured to the Casino knowing it blows super cold air to try and overpower the smoky smell. The bar service at the Casino Bar was fantastic and we enjoyed talking to the bartenders. We spent a little time in the Smoke Free Casino on Deck 4 and after nearly an hour we grabbed some drinks to go and met the kids at the AquaTheater for the World Cup game but it, too, was not in the shade and we got really hot really quick. Of course this is nothing a Johnny Rocket's shake cannot fix so we all got a treat and enjoyed the Boardwalk on this gorgeous afternoon. 

While Chris took a nap and the kids went looking for more signatures, I got my walk in on the Promenade Deck 5. The weather was hot but at least half of my walk was in the shade and I loved getting to see the wake each lap! I walked over a mile and it was glorious! 


And afternoon walk with a wake view is PERFECT! 

We got ready for the Formal Night spent aboard the Symphony of the Seas and then all met at OnAir for the Big Bang Theory Trivia. Natalie really loves this show and Luke is getting into Young Sheldon as we speak but, once again, we did not win. 

Evening
We made our way to the Crown Lounge for Happy Hour and enjoyed the Formal Night appetizers and bar service before going to a comedy show before dinner. The comedians were not that funny but we enjoyed the evening.


Time is a thief... that is all! 


Luke is almost as tall as Natalie! 


We love Formal Night on a cruise ship! 


Central Park for Formal Pictures is one of our favorite things on an Oasis Class ship! 


Be still my heart! 

As per our usual, we stopped in Vintages for our pre-dinner drinks and enjoyed the peace and quiet this venue provided while the kids went searching for more signatures for the Search for the Nations. TIP- We loved the service from Roger and Richard and they are quite easily some of the best bartenders we have ever had. 


I love these moments SO MUCH! 

Dinner in the Main Dining Room for our 8:30PM dining time was fantastic and we all really enjoyed the menu selections and the service was some of the best we have ever had in all 30 cruises. We were in and out of the Main Dining Room (on a formal night) within an hour. 

The Taste of France Menu in the MDR 

French Onion Soup 
Kellie, Natalie & Luke- 5.0
This was our favorite of anything in the MDR. 


Calamari 
Kellie- 4.0 & Chris- 4.5


Steak a Parve 
Luke- 5.0
He devoured this and loved the asparagus. 


Seafood Linguini 
Kellie & Luke- 4.5, Chris- 4.0, Natalie- 3.5


Creme Brulee 
Kellie & Natalie- 3.5, Chris- 3.0

After dinner Chris went to take his medicine and the kids changed and played ping-pong on the outside promenade of deck 5 while we wait for the 10PM showing of the Aqua-Show HIRO. This show was phenomenal and I still cannot believe they can do all of this from a CRUISE SHIP. We all agreed this was the best Aqua-Show we have seen to date! After the show, they all went to bed and I went to listen to live music in Dazzles before calling it a night shortly before midnight. 

Check out our day onboard: 


It was a great sea day spent onboard and we were able to see and do a lot of things the Symphony of the Seas has to offer but I am so grateful for a longer cruise to try and get to enjoy every single part of this ship! She is a beauty but is also a BEAST!

DID YOU MISS DAY #1? Check it out:
Click Here- Symphony Day #1

Up Next... Cozumel, Mexico! 

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Mariner of the Seas- June 2026










 


Carnival Conquest- 2006

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