Showing posts with label cozumel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cozumel. Show all posts

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Sailing from South Beach- Cozumel

  Chops Grille Never Disappoints
June 4, 2024
Cozumel, Mexico


Another great day onboard the Independence of the Seas. 

Morning
We booked this cruise fairly last minute in February due to probable scheduling concerns for my job. By that late in the booking game, Galveston cruises had skyrocketed and prices were MUCH higher than we wanted to pay. So we looked at Miami prices and found several options but this cruise on Independence of the Seas was the best option calendar wise PLUS it went to Perfect Day at Coco Cay which we had been eye-balling for the past 2-3 years. HOWEVER, it also went to where else but Cozumel, Mexico... Our home away from home. No kidding... We have been to Cozumel 20 times on a cruise ship. They say some things "never get old" but I beg to differ. We are pretty much DONE with Cozumel. With that in mind- We chose to stay on the ship on this port day! 

TIP- This may not always be the case but we ended up saving $274 total by taking this cruise out of Miami. The Galveston 5 day option (Mariner of the Seas) inside cabin was so much higher that we were able to pay for the flights to Miami AND the hotel and still come out CHEAPER than sailing 80 miles from home. It is really sad that the cruise industry has figured out that Texans will PAY to cruise. I enjoyed the old days of cheap cruises out of Galveston! I miss those days! 

We woke up shortly after 8AM and got ready for a very relaxed port day onboard the Independence of the Seas. We ate breakfast in the Windjammer and enjoyed another made-to-order omelet plus our favorite, freshly squeezed orange juice from the Plaza Bar. 

How is it already Tuesday? 

We then spent the next 6 hours, literally, in the Solarium. We were able to enjoy the Solarium pool all to ourselves for a brief time and the hot tubs too. The sun was out but the "swim up bar" area of the Solarium pool was still in the shade until nearly 11:30AM so we stayed there for a while. We also enjoyed the gorgeous cantilever hot tubs with very few other people. 



Great way to spend the day! 

Afternoon
We took a break from the Solarium, sun and cocktails to grabbed lunch at Fish and Ships on the Lido Deck. Once again, this was not a fantastic lunch option but it was better than the Windjammer. TIP- Chris and I both agree that the actual fish and chips is the best option of this menu. Once done with lunch, we went back to the Solarium for a few more hours. 


I love that Royal Caribbean serves the ice cream for everyone. 
TIP- This means there is usually a line, but it's worth it! 

Around 3PM we decided to get out of the pool and shower/ get ready for my favorite part of any Royal Caribbean cruise... dinner at Chops Grille. We got ready and then went to the Star Lounge for The Office trivia. This is a trivia we had won on a Carnival cruise so we were ready to maintain our trophy... But that was not the case. We missed one too many questions and were stuck with 2nd place. 

We then stumbled upon a True or False trivia in Schooner Bar and we teamed up with another couple but once again, we did not win. Chris went back to the stateroom to take a nap while I got ready for dinner. We then went to listen to live music by the orchestra in Boleros. TIP- This is another win for Royal Caribbean. They do live music and jazz bands INCREDIBLY well. 


I am ready for dinner... Let's do this! 

The live music from these musicians was AMAZING. 
It made me miss my gigue days! 

Evening
We made our way to Deck 4 to watch for pier runners around departure time. We arrived right at all aboard time and were able to see the Mariner of the Seas set sail for Galveston. This was SO MUCH fun as we knew this ship was LOADED with Texans so we flashed the "horns down" sign and made a few people mad. It was GREAT! 


The Carnival Valor sailing back to New Orleans.
(Been there done that... TWICE) 


Hello Mariner of the Seas... one of our "Home Ships" right now in Galveston. 
We do not have any cruises booked on her... for now! 


This was SO MUCH fun. Once we knew people were seeing us and then yelling at us from the ship... We started having way too much fun! 
saxeT still SUCKS! 


I have never seen this from any ship but this was cool! 

We learned the Independence of the Seas was waiting for 2 people who were on their way to the ship via taxi. We were getting so excited to see them run down the pier in disgust when all of the sudden... The taxi actually drove onto the pier and delivered the couple straight to the gangway. C'mon... Where's the fun in that! The ship still booed the couple but it wasn't the same. The Independence set sail for Miami shortly after 6PM. 


In 24 cruises... This was a first! And just not as much fun! 


My how the turn tables have... It used to be people would RUN from the terminal to the ship but not any more! 


The wife literally got out of the car and ran on the ship. The husband had a little more trouble! 

We made our way to inside the Windjammer to Chops Grille for our favorite night of the cruise. TIP- Chops Grille is offered on Voyager, Freedom, Quantum and Oasis class ships as a specialty restaurant offering American Steakhouse options. It is quite easily the best food I have ever had and the experience and ambiance is second to none. You can choose Chops Grille as a single dining option or the Chops +1 for an excellent price. It is also MUCH cheaper to book before you sail but since our onboard credit did not load until we were on board, we had to wait to book this dining option and it ended up costing about $40-50 more than if we would have booked ahead of time.  


This is my FAVORITE! 


The Chops Grille menu! 

This meal was incredible and we enjoyed and savored every bite. The service was exceptional and we enjoyed a relaxed evening together. TIP- The pretzel bread is THE BEST! Also, the menu states ONE salad OR soup but we have always had success with ordering BOTH! 


Tuna Tar-Tar- Chris 3.0


Crab cake- 4.5
This was the freshest crab meat I have had in a LONG time! 


Cream of Mushroom Soup- 5.0+ (Chris 5.0)
We both agree this is the STAR of the entire meal.
Chris- "No need for a salad, just bring me more of this" 


Goat Cheese Salad- 4.5 (Chris 4.0)
I will never understand how they FRY cheese and accomplish such a lite fare salad but this hits the spot every time! 


Ribeye (Chris- 5.0) 
"One word- Unbelievable" 


Petite Filet- 5.0
This was cooked PERFECTLY! 


Side Dishes (Family style) 
Mac and Cheese- 4.0 (Chris 3.5) 
Creamed Spinach- 2.5 
Gruyere Tater Tots- 3.0 (Chris 3.5)
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes- 3.5 (We both agree Carnival is better on this side dish) 


The Chops Grille dessert menu. 


Red Velvet Cake- 4.0
This is just too rich for me but WOW, so good! 


Bavarian Coffee- 3.5
This was very pepperminty! 


The Haute and Steamy- 5.0
Chris talked about this NON-STOP and LOVED it! 

The side dishes were not the best on this trip but the experience was still second to NONE! We LOVE Chops Grille so much and look forward to it on every RCCL cruise! 

After dinner we walked Deck 4 and then went to Vintages for post-dinner drinks and then to the Royal Theater for the Love and Marriage show with Cruise Director Mario. TIP- This is a great show hosted by the CD on most cruise line ships. This show varies by sailing but is usually an adults only show as the topics are often sexual in nature. Chris and I jokingly talk about getting on this show but we never have. We didn't even try to get on the show this time- maybe we're getting too old! This was a funny show and we enjoyed it. 


This time of day (7:30PM) on a cruise ship is my favorite! 


This would be my biggest complaint on Independence of the Seas: 
The luggage racks were stored at the aft on Deck 4 which blocked the gorgeous views of the Wake. It sincerely dampened the ambiance of the aft and wake views! 


Day #4 is a wrap! 

After this show we went back to Vintages to enjoy the live DJ on the Royal Promenade. For whatever reason the promenade was BUSY on this night (even more so than the 70s party the night before) and everyone was having fun. We enjoyed it all from Vintages before heading back to the Royal Theater for the adult comedy show. This comedian was not great but this show ended up better than expected. 

We ended the night in where else but Vintages. Martiguea, the cork master, had received a large sample of a new dessert wine as we were in Cozumel and allowed Chris and I to try this wine before they placed it on the menu for the following sailing. It was a great German Riesling and they ended up giving us a bottle to take back to the room. Thank you Marti! We grabbed a few slices of pizza at Sorrento's and called it a night around 12:45AM. 

It was a great day on board and we didn't even miss Cozumel. 

Up Next... Our last day onboard the Independence of the Seas! 

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Carnival Radiance- February 2024






 


Carnival Conquest- 2006 

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Monday, August 21, 2023

The Allure of Royal Caribbean- Cozumel, Mexico

 The One Lobster Work-Around
Friday, July 7th 
Cozumel, Mexico 

Welcome Home... It's been too long! 

Morning
After a decent night's sleep, we both woke up around 8:15AM and got ready for our day in Mexico. We opted to go to Johnny Rocket's on the Boardwalk for breakfast. TIP- Johnny Rocket's is an additional charge restaurant; except for breakfast which is FREE. It does not require a reservation and you can walk right in. Be aware there often is a line, though. 


Hello Friday... I love you! 


We are excited to try Johnny Rocket's for BREAKFAST! 


Johnny Rocket's on the Boardwalk!

This was a great experience and we would do it again in a heartbeat; especially on port days. The food and service were exceptional. I had the Bacon and Cheese Lover's Scramble and Chris had the Work's Scramble. The Work's included chili and it was a bit overpowering for Chris but one statement to the waiter and within 3 minutes Chris had a new dish in front of him. I could not believe they were that fast and efficient. We left a very hefty tip! 


I loved this scramble! 


Chris's Works Scramble was a little too "chili heavy"! 

After breakfast we made our way down to the Royal Promenade to get a specialty coffee at Café Promenade. TIP- Reminder, these ARE INCLUDED in your Drink Package on Royal Caribbean. We then went back to the room so Chris could take his medication for the morning before we got off the ship. 


The free coffee (for all passengers) in Café Promenade


The Starbucks Specialty Coffee (included in all DRINK PACKAGES) 


This is SO NEEDED... I am feeling the tiredness! 

We got off the Allure of the Seas right after 9:30AM and made our way through the International Cruise Terminal to look for a local massage spa that a crew member told us about. It was located near the Royal Village tourist area just beyond the International Terminal. This turned out to be a true hidden gem. The massages were very well priced and more professional than those offered in Costa Maya, plus offered a cooler environment as well. We would HIGHLY recommend this if you are in Cozumel and looking for a good massage. 


It was hard to believe but there were ZERO Carnival cruises in port with us! 
There were 2 other ships at the downtown terminal... 


We love COZUMEL and the Allure of the Seas! 


The Mexican Massage room. 


Time for massage #2. 


We loved this place and WILL BE BACK! 


Right in front of the Royal Village area near the HUGE Shark... You cannot miss it! 

Once done with our massages, we wondered around the Royal Village area to look for souvenirs for our kiddos and parents before heading back towards the ship. This was in the middle of the day heat and that walk was VERY SWEATY and hot! 


This is a GREAT photo op outside of the Royal Village. In 17+ times of coming to Cozumel, we have never made it here! 


I LOVE this souvenir shop in the International Terminal. It is ran by the sweetest family and it has the cheapest gifts that are still high quality! 


Time to get back on this beauty! 


It is all coming to an end... NO! We are loving this cruise!  

Afternoon
Once back onboard we got into our swimsuits and then made our way to the Solarium Pool. As I mentioned on previous blogs, the Allure of the Seas Solarium Pool is very small for the amount of passengers it holds as well as a very oddly shaped pool. We spent the next 2+ hours between the pool and the hot tubs, just enjoying our Drink Package. We went to the shade level of the Solarium on Deck 16 to lay out and dry off right before getting a late lunch.


Vian did such a great job with this towel animal! 


Hello shaded Solarium... You're my favorite! 

We grabbed a late lunch in Park Café around 3PM but we tried to eat very light as we knew Formal Night in the Main Dining Room would be a very heavy meal. After a quick lunch we went back to the room to take showers and naps before the evening activities. 

Around 4:45PM we went to Deck 5 to try and watch the sail-away and look for pier runners but it seemed this was a very responsible crew and all passengers were back on board early and the Allure of the Seas made it departure for Galveston around 4:50PM. TIP- I really do not like the Promenade Deck of the Allure of the Seas and the lack of area to watch sail-aways from the lower deck. I really miss the large are of the Voyager and Freedom class ships. 

Evening
We grabbed another coffee at Café Promenade before going to our nightly pre-dinner spot at Vintages. We talked to Roger and learned so much about red wines on this night. We left Vintages around 6:20PM for the Ocean Aria show in the Aqua Theater. 


We are ready for Formal Night #2. 
Notice how "relaxed" we are with this "formal" night.
It really is whatever makes you comfortable!

We got there early and were able to get great seats on the aisle. However, as we waited for the show to start and the crowds started to form, we noticed the ship swaying a LOT and sure enough, around 7:07PM, Cruise Director Steve (from Canada) said the show would be delayed for safety. And then around 7:25PM, the show was officially cancelled. During that time of waiting, we saw GIGANTIC amounts of water sway out of the Aqua Theater pool so I am sincerely glad they called the show for the safety of the performers. They would try the show again on the following night and all ticket holders would be guaranteed seats. 


We are ready for the Aqua Show! 


CD Steve (from Canada) confirming that the show will be rescheduled! 

We were pretty bummed about the cancelling of the show but we completely understood the safety of the performers. We went down to the promenade level on Deck 5 to watch the sunset over the aft of the ship. This is always one of my absolute favorite parts of ANY cruise; however, this lack of seating on the Allure of the Seas made this experience not near as good as other cruises. 


Even with the clouds, God sure does paint a pretty picture! 


This view is PERFECT! 


I love this wake view... it doesn't get much better than this! 

We then made our way to dinner in the Main Dining Room a little early since it was Formal Night. Once again we sat at our exquisite table and the service was incredible. It was LOBSTER night in the MDR and the crowds were arriving. TIP- Royal Caribbean had a change in it's dining policy in 2023 and now only allows ONE Lobster per passenger at this Formal Night. If a passenger wants an additional lobster, they have to pay a $16.95/ per lobster fee. This was a bummer as Chris and I LOVE Lobster Night and in the past have ordered two or three. The rest of the menu was fantastic and we were pleased with just one lobster tail. However, we did notice many passengers and tables getting around this new rule. 


Night #6- Formal Night Menu 

We were sitting around 3 different large party tables and many had several kids, even toddlers, at their table. These tables would order 1 lobster PER person. It didn't even matter if the 2 year old (or the 95 year old Grandma) wanted lobster... They were ordering it. In fact we heard this sweet innocent Grandma tell her son "But, I don't like lobster" and he replied "I don't care, you're ordering it". I think Chris and I nearly spit out our drinks trying to not laugh out loud. We watched as this just became the norm for the tables around us. And sure enough, the lobster would get delivered to Grandma and she would just pass it right down to the other adults. We thought this was hilarious and for a brief moment, we were jealous we did not have our kids on board with us. So that is how you get around the "One Lobster" new rule. Just make your toddler order it for you! 

Our dinner was spectacular and we really enjoyed the food and service especially. We were in and out of the Main Dining Room on a FORMAL NIGHT in less than 80 minutes.


Vidalia Onion Tart- 4.0
I do not know why, but I always really enjoy this! 


Escargot- 5.0
LOVE THIS! GET IT... TRUST ME! 


LOBSTER TAIL- 5.0+ 
Too bad I cannot get a 2nd... 


Cheese Tortellini Pasta- 4.0
This was good and rich. 


Baked Alaska-4.5
This is a true staple of any good cruise! It was light and delicate! 


Strawberry Shortcake- 4.5
This was a new addition to the menu and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

 After dinner we went back to the room so Chris could take his medication and then watched a replay of a comedy show before making our way to Studio B for the Battle of the Sexes and quite possibly our favorite entertainment of any cruise... The QUEST. 

We arrived late for the Battle of the Sexes but it is always a funny show. TIP- Be sure to have a GREAT sense of humor and NOT BE SHY if you plan on volunteering for this show. Then we got ready for the QUEST. TIP- This is an adults only scavenger hunt. The Cruise Director will split everyone into teams and then call out completely RANDOM items to bring to them, These items can be things like: a printed cruise compass, a "flip" phone, money with a specific president on it, and etc. Or they can be completely risque' items like; a jock strap, padded bra, false teeth and so much more.  Be sure to come ready to be offended! We never participate but we think it is hilarious and this round of the Quest was another hilarious night laughing at the stupidity and boldness of other quests! 


It has been a GREAT day aboard the Allure of the Seas! 

We ended the night back in the Schooner Bar and closed it down with Iputu. He is such a great server and we love the atmosphere of this bar. We closed down the Schooner Bar and then went to Sorrento's for some late night pizza. We finally went to bed around 2AM. 

This was a GREAT day spent in our Caribbean "Home-Away-from-Home"- Cozumel, Mexico! We love this island!  

Up Next- Sea Day #3 and our last day aboard the Allure of the Seas!

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Adventure of the Seas- February 2023




 


Carnival Conquest- 2006 


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