Embarkation Day on Celebrity Ascent | Celebrity Cruise BlogThere's a special thrill when you pull into the port and see your cruise ship in person on embarkation day. 
Celebrity Ascent in Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades
This 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Ascent departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In This Post:Checking in at Port Everglades | Celebrity cruise Review BlogWe had already checked in for our cruise on the Celebrity App, but as you can imagine from this picture, checking in is an efficient process in this elegant cruise port terminal. We were dropped off outside at 1pm, took the following pic at 1:04pm and were inside our room by 1:18pm! 
A classy and efficient check-in process
When can you check in for a Celebrity Cruise? You can check in for your Celebrity Cruise 45 days before embarkation using the Celebrity Cruises app or website. Infinite Veranda | Celebrity Ascent ReviewWe spent the week in an infinite veranda stateroom 8280. This is a balcony cabin on Celebrity Ascent. 
Infinite Veranda 8280 on Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
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Padrino's Cuban Cuisine Pics & Review
FORT LAUDERDALE RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Affordable Fort Lauderdale Tours
FLORIDA HOTEL REVIEWS
- Port Everglades Cruise Port Hotel Review: Gallery One Doubletree by Hilton Fort Lauderdale
- Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel Review with Photos
- Holiday Inn Sebring Florida Hotel Review (HGTV Hometown Takeover) - coming soon
- Hyatt Regency Miami Cruise Port Hotel Review with Photos - coming soon
- Villa Lemon Tree Venice Beach Pool House Review with Photos - coming soon
Miami Restaurant Reviews
- El Primo Red Tacos Miami Review - Too Good To Go Review
- Meraki Greek Bistro Restaurant Review - Miami Happy Hour Review
- A Family Brickell Review - Too Good To Go Review
- Dumplings Mi Amor Review - Miami Ramen and Dumpling Restaurant Review
- Marabu Coal Fired Cuban Cuisine - Miami Happy Hour Review
- Raccoon Coffee and Kitchen Miami Food Truck Review - Too Good to Go Review
- Versailles Cuban Cuisine Miami Restaurant Review
- Azucar Ice Cream Company Review - Miami Little Havana Calle Ocho
- Miami Slice Review - Pizza Review
Port Everglades Cruise Hotel Review
After disembarkation day from our Southern Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, we checked in to GalleryOne a Double Tree Suites by Hilton in Fort Lauderdale for a few days.
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In This Post:Port Everglades Cruise Hotel Review
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If you're looking for a hotel near Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades for an overnight stay before or after your cruise, hopefully this photo review will help you decide if GalleryOne DoubleTree is the right fit for you!
Water TAxi Stop 7
You can purchase a water taxi ticket for $38 that gives you unlimited rides. They also offer multi-day passes and annual passes.
Outdoor Space
One fun thing outside of the hotel was the placement of outdoor games to pass the time along the water.
Would you be playing corn hole or jenga?!
Outdoor Bar
There is a nice outdoor bar if you would like to enjoy a drink along the waterway with plenty of palm trees in view!
This area gets lively in the evenings and when the hotel holds events.
Pool
Lobby Cafe
There is a small cafe counter in the lobby of the Double Tree where you can order a latte if the in-room coffee isn't cutting it for you.
Cafe Menu with prices
Below you can see the menu with prices for some non-coffee beverage options including Julius Meinl teas.
You can also grab a quick breakfast yogurt parfait, fruit cup, piece of fruit or croissant/bagel.
Vue on the Water Restaurant Menu with Prices
If you're wondering what the prices are like at the restaurant and what kind of foods they offer, here is the menu for Vue on the Water.
Smoothies for $10 and beers are $7.50/8.50.
Lobby Bar
If you'd like to enjoy pre-dinner drinks with your friends, there is a bar in the lobby.
Second Floor Views
With some time to kill before check in, we explored the public spaces of the hotel. On the second floor you can enjoy some nice views from these floor-to-ceiling windows!
Checking In at Galleryone Double Tree Ft Lauderdale
It was finally time to check in and if you have allergies you will be happy to know that Double Tree now carries allergy friendly cookies for their guests!
More on the cookies later.. 😉
Room Tour
The GalleryOne Double Tree in Fort Lauderdale offers suites, meaning the rooms are very spacious as you will see!
Kitchen
Upon entering the suite, the kitchen was located to the left. It is well equipped with a dishwasher, microwave, and small refrigerator.
Coffee Station
The in-room coffee setup was a cuisinart double brewer. There were coffee pouches, sugar and sweeteners, creamers and some tea bags.
Dining And Living Areas
A dining table that seats four makes eating a meal or working on a laptop very convenient at this hotel.
Of course there is also a couch to lounge upon as well as an oversized chair in the opposite corner.
A pocket door separates the living/dining space from the bedroom.
bedroom
The spacious bedroom includes a large king size bed, 2 night stands and a dresser, Tv, recliner and closet space.
If you have hanging clothes, you will appreciate that there is a closet.
The hanging height is a bit short as there is an upper shelf in the closet which houses the in-room safe and iron. There is also an ironing board.
The closet doors offer full sized mirrors which is a great and often overlooked detail in accommodations.
Bathoom
A tiled walk-in shower with rainfall shower head await. The DoubleTree also provides shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower.
There is a spacious countertop surrounding the sink and a large mirror.
The View
Being on an upper floor, our suite had nice views!
In the other direction you could see the intercostal waterway and the ocean!
Looking straight down you could see the pool area along the waterway.
The Doubletree Cookie
And this is definitely one of the best backdrops you can get for your Double Tree Cookie!
We opted for the original cookie as we don't have any relevant allergies and my is she a beaut!
Not only is this cookie a looker, but it's actually an absolutely delicious cookie.
As a big chocolate chip cookie girl, I was actually shocked how good this cookie was!
| And I don't mean it was "good for a free cookie". I mean it was legitimately one of the better chocolate chip cookies I've had ever. Hands down better than the one from this French Boulangerie. |  |
PF Changs Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Irrespective of how delicious the double tree cookie was, we were starving and needed to get some real food.
It had been a long day after disembarkation and waiting around for check-in time so we just wanted to get take out and call it a night.
If you're looking for somewhere within walking distance from GalleryOne Doubletree Fort Lauderdale, try PF Changs!
PF Changs Lettuce Wraps Pics
We went for the cult favorite chicken lettuce wraps.
PF Changs Spicy Chicken Pics
PF Changs Spicy Chicken bowl.
Mongolian Beef
PF Changs Mongolian Beef
| The only disappointment was that we could not eat our meal outside as we were shooed away by the restaurant management. We assumed the outdoor tables and chairs were available for hotel guests. The sign was promptly pointed out to us. |  |
Good thing our suites have nice dining tables! :)
Galleryone Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel REview
The GalleryOne by Hilton near Port Everglades can be a great choice before or after a cruise. It's conveniently located, the rooms are spacious, and the access to a kitchen is convenient.
And we can't forget the cookies! ;)
If you have time to kill you can take the water taxi all over creation as a DIY excursion, visit the mall next door, or walk to the beach.
There are also plenty of great restaurants to try near by!
Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Reviews
- Best Hoagies In Fort Lauderdale - Laspadas Hoagie Review
- Manhattan NY Pizza in Ft Lauderdale - Delivery Review
- Primanti's Fort Lauderdale Pizza Review - A Pittsburgh Favorite in Florida - coming soon
- Padrino's Cuban Cuisine Ft Lauderdale Restaurant Review - coming soon
FLorida Hotel Reviews
- Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel Review with Photos
- Holiday Inn Sebring Florida Hotel Review (HGTV Hometown Takeover) - coming soon
- Hyatt Regency Miami Cruise Port Hotel Review with Photos - coming soon
Want to Get a Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay?
Check out this post: Hilton Free Night Certificate
Royal Caribbean Review Blog - Last Day Of The Cruise
You've made it to the final day of our Royal Caribbean Cruise review!
In This Post:
Brunch In the Main Dining Room
After sleeping in, we decided to take advantage of our last chance to eat brunch in the main dining room on Symphony of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Brunch Menu
The main dining room Brunch Menu had a nice variety of breakfast-y choices and lunch-y choices, besides desserts - this is a cruise after all!
Royal Caribbean Brunch Menu | Symphony of the Seas Review
Here's what we went for:
Baked Potato Soup
Rich and creamy, served with cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and fresh chives.
Baked Potato Soup | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Fried Chicken & Waffles
Tender chicken fried golden brown, warm homemade waffles and a side of Tabasco®. infused honey.
Gotta love hot honey! :D
Fried Chicken & Waffles | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Eggs Your Way
Two (or one if you only want one!) farm fresh eggs served any style with (very!) crispy bacon, sausage links (skipped), hash browns and white or wheat toast.
Eggs Your Way | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
NY Bagel and Lox
A plate of smoked Atlantic salmon, sliced cucumber, pickled onions, arugula and cream cheese served with your choice of plain or everything bagel.
NY Bagel & Lox | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
This one was a miss for me. I was excited for it, but in the end I didn't get the everything bagel I hoped for and the bagel itself was cold and tough. I felt really bad that I did not finish this. You can't win them all!
Key Lime Pie
Tangy key lime custard in a brown butter graham cracker crust.
Not even a huge key lime pie fan in general, but this made up for the bagel miss. :)
Royal Chocolate cake
Layers of dark chocolate cake and decadent chocolate.
Royal Chocolate Cake | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
After Brunch we strolled around the ship some more to see what details we could learn for you to help you on your next Royal Caribbean cruise!
Macallan Tasting
On the Royal Caribbean app there was a Macallan Tasting at 1pm in Vintages. This is a paid activity and you can see the set up at this special table.
While the app indicates that there is a fee for the activity, it does not indicate how much the tasting costs.
Hot Sauce at El Loco Fresh
We carried on to El Loco Fresh to capture a shot of some of the hot sauces they have as mentioned here.
Hot Sauce at El Loco Fresh | Symphony of the Seas Review
Then we proceeded to the pool deck for some final runs down the water slides and on the flow rider.
Cruise Ship Laundry
The last bit of laundry needed done before we disembark the cruise ship, and in order to help things dry more quickly we implemented a few tips:
We propped the shower door open with the trash can and left the bathroom door open. This allowed more airflow to the clothes as they dried on the line.
Next thing we knew it was time for our final dinner of this Southern Caribbean Cruise Review!
Royal Caribbean Bon Voyage Menu
Royal Caribbean Bon Voyage Menu | Symphony of the Seas Review
Here's what we ordered!
Seafood Cake
Panko breaded and deep-fried until golden brown, served with mango-carrot slaw and a spicy garlic.
Mediterranean Tapas Medley
A spread of hummus, chilled tzatziki, classic Greek salad and soft pita bread.
Mediterranean Tapas Medley | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Vegetable Greek Moussaka
Layers of grilled eggplant, Roma tomatoes and tender potatoes and onions, topped with panko breadcrumbs and served with oregano-tomato salsa.
Vegetable Moussaka | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Grilled Steak with Chimichurri
Marinated strip steak prepared to order with chimichurri, garlic potato wedges and tender roasted vegetables.
Grilled Steak with Chimichurri | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Black Forest Tart
Vanilla tart shell wth rich dark chocolate ganache and cherry filling, topped with raspberry whipped cream, lemon zest and a maraschino cherry.
Crema Catalana
Smooth and rich Spanish-style custard finished with a crackly caramelized sugar topping.
Huge shoutout to our incredible dining team - Wiryawan and Bayu - who took care of our group all 8 nights of this Southern Caribbean Cruise!
Best Dining Staff | Symphony of the Seas Review
On Air Karaoke
Karaoke was buzzing on the last day of the cruise in On Air in the Royal Promenade. I've never done karaoke on a cruise ship myself, but it's great fun to watch others have a blast with it.
The Night Before Disembarkation
The sad moment has arrived when we start to see all the suitcases lining up in the hallways. If you would like luggage assistance you need to pack your bags the night before and place them in the hallway.
You can then pick them up after you disembark.
Night Before Disembarkation on Symphony of the Seas
In our case, we prefer to keep our luggage with us so we don't have to rush off the ship in the morning. We only have carry-on bags anyways, so it's not too burdensome.
After packing up our bags we ran up to Sorrento's Pizza one last time.
Royal Caribbean Sorrento's Pizza Menu
Royal Caribbean Disembarkation Tips:
The cruise line provides some helpful tips for an easy departure and explains what to do the night before and the morning of departure. These are very helpful tips for first time cruisers and veterans alike.
Royal Caribbean Disembarkation Tips
Needless-to-say, I appreciate the bottom right corner outlining the locations and hours food will be available on disembarkation day. :p
Royal Caribbean Disembarkation Times
You may be wondering, "When can I get off the ship? How early can I disembark?"
On this particular cruise the scheduled departure times were between 7:15am and 9:45am. They often call all luggage tag numbers before the listed time of 9:45.
On this particular cruise the scheduled departure times were between 7:15am and 9:45am. They often call all luggage tag numbers before the listed time of 9:45.
Royal Caribbean Disembarkation Times
If you are "Self-assist" meaning you have your own luggage, you can depart at any time. You do not have to depart at 7:15am.
As we usually don't have a flight scheduled until later in the day we take our time, try to enjoy some breakfast, and make our way off the ship toward the end. :)
Windjammer on Disembarkation Day
If you can't make it to the main dining room on the day of departure, you can always head to the Windjammer, Park Cafe, or Solarium Bistro for "regular" guests (meaning non-suites).
View of a Princess Ship in Florida Cruise Port from Windjammer Buffet on Royal Caribbean
A few more helpful details
As we did a final pass through the room we thought we would share a few documents in the cabin that could be helpful to you.
Royal Caribbean Show Summary
On embarkation day we received a printout which described the main scheduled entertainment shows onboard during our cruise. On the reverse side it outlined the days and time each would be showing.
Royal Caribbean Entertainment Symphony of the Seas
I found this very helpful as you can decide if it's something you are interested in or not and plot out when you want to reserve tickets.
Remember, all the shows are free, but you do need to reserve a space in advance to ensure you'll have a seat!
You can see all this information on the Royal Caribbean App too, which is great, but something about having it consolidated to one piece of paper and seeing it all at one time was very appealing to me. :)
Royal Caribbean Laundry PRices
Here's the price list for Laundry Service on our Royal Caribbean Cruise. If you cant DIY your laundry, then here are your options. Please check your Crown and Anchor Loyalty Status perks for any applicable discounts on laundry. :)
Royal Caribbean Laundry Prices
Prices range from $1.99 to $14.99 per item, but you can usually also send an entire bag for around $35 before discounts so check for that option in a pinch if you have a lot to send in as it may be a savings.
Royal Caribbean Room Service Menus
Room service on Royal Caribbean is not free. There is a flat fee of $7.95 + 18% gratuity for each delivery. So if you order 1 item from this menu or 10, the charge is the same.
If you order Lunch and Dinner, you'll pay the charge twice. If you order once a day every day for a 7 night cruise you'll pay it seven times.
If you order Lunch and Dinner, you'll pay the charge twice. If you order once a day every day for a 7 night cruise you'll pay it seven times.
Lunch, Dinner, Snacks Room Service Menu
Royal Caribbean Room Service Menu
Breakfast Room service Menu
Continental Breakfast Room Service Delivery on Royal Caribbean is FREE!
If you want hot cooked eggs under the American Breakfast Category then the $7.95 + gratuity service fee mentioned above still applies.
If you want hot cooked eggs under the American Breakfast Category then the $7.95 + gratuity service fee mentioned above still applies.
Royal Caribbean Breakfast Menu
Continental Breakfast Door Hang Tags
There is a strange amount of enjoyment that comes from filling out your order on these breakfast menus and hanging them on your stateroom door at night.
Feel free to write a little note of appreciation on here too. :)
You can select your preferred delivery time but please know it's hard from them to deliver exactly within that window some days so it could come earlier or later.
I'll really miss having coffee, juice, fruit, and pastries delivered to my door in the morning.
Until next time, Royal Caribbean!
I hope you have enjoyed this Symphony of the Seas Review!
Up next: Gallery One Double Tree By Hilton Fort Lauderdale Hotel RevieW W/ Photos
Double Tree Hilton Fort Lauderdale Room Tour and Review
More Royal Caribbean Blogs:
- Lobster Night On a Cruise
- One Day in Aruba Cruise Port: DIY Walking Tour Aruba Cruise Port
- Aruba: A Taste of the Caribbean Dinner
- Embarkation Day: Symphony of the Seas Embarkation Day
- Sea Day: Exploring the Ship on a Sea Day
- Sea Day: A Taste of Italy Dinner
- Curacao: Missing Curação Cruise Port
- Breakfast at Johnny Rockets - Free on Oasis Class Ships
- Symphony of the Seas: Water Slides & Flow Rider
- El Loco Fresh Review - Mexican Inspired Food
- The Royal Night - Royal Caribbean Dinner Menu
You May Also Like: Grocery Store Food Reviews
Labadee - Royal Caribbean's Private Resort on Haiti
When you get off the ship in Labadee you have a great photo opportunity, if you're patient, with the Labadee sign and the ship in the background.
In This Post:
- One Day in Labadee Cruise Port
- Exploring Labadee
- Walking Trails on Labadee
- Souvenirs on Labadee
- Labadee Beach Bar Menu
- A Taste of UK Royal Caribbean Dinner Menu
- Hairspray Broadway Production
- Labadee, Haiti Royal Caribbean Cruise Port Review
This lovely tropically colored building is a shop "Boutik Logo Store" as well as excursion counter on either side.
While there are paid activities at Labadee including Kayak Adventure, Sip and Paint, Walking Tour, Aqua Park, Coaser, Flight Zip Line, there is also plenty to do for free, just follow the signs!
While there are paid activities at Labadee including Kayak Adventure, Sip and Paint, Walking Tour, Aqua Park, Coaser, Flight Zip Line, there is also plenty to do for free, just follow the signs!
Plenty to do on Labadee - paid and free - just follow the signs!
If you don't feel like walking around the island, you can catch a free tram and hop off at your beach or food establishment of choice.
Barefoot Beach Tram Service
There is a special Barefoot Beach Tram Service exclusively for Star, Sky, Pinnacle, and Concierge Suites guests. Guests who have reserved a Barefoot Beach Club Cabana can utilize this particular tram service.
Labadee Chair Photo Opportunity
If you decide to wander by foot you will find classic vacation photo ops for your friends and family like this giant Labadee chair. :)
Trails on Labadee, Haiti
There are some nice paths to walk around the lush greenery of the island that lead to some 'secret' look out points where you can take in some nice views and get some nice pictures of your crew.
You can get a view of the Aqua Park (paid activity) from this lookout as well.
Souvenir Shopping on Labadee
For the uninitiated, on Labadee you have the opportunity to venture into this Market section with local vendors. Many cruisers find the selling culture to be a bit aggressive and you should be prepared to haggle if you want to shop in this area.
Shopping from local Vendors on Labadee
Some love this type of shopping and interaction, but if it's not for you there are other options.
Cost of Souvenirs on Labadee
If you're curious about the prices for souvenirs on Labadee, here are a few from one of the main shopping options.
The environment in here is calmer and you are able to pay with Visa, so if you don't bring extra cash but want a souvenir this is a good option. They have all the usual things, some manufactured mugs and some more unique options. They have Rhum Punch (Rum Punch) and T shirts which started at $9.95.
Larimar Necklaces were listed at $35 and carved Limestone animals were plentiful. The elephant was $15.
Labadee Beach Bar Menu
Labadee Beach Bar Menu with Prices
Cocktail Prices |
Beer prices |
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An additional service charge will be added to these prices unless you have a Royal Caribbean Beverage Package.
You can also order items not on the menu, of course. Like the Labadoozie - basically a frozen rum punch or even a whisky to sip on the beach.
Beach Time on LAbadee
Please Leave Nothing But Your Footprints Sign
Even on an overcast day, the views are beautiful with calm waters nestled between lush mountains, it's exactly what you're hoping for on a Caribbean Cruise.
Private Cabanas on Labadee
If you have cash to splash you can rent one of these private cabanas for the day or do an excursion like kayaking in these tropical waters.
Free Food On Labadee
When you're hungry on Labadee you can enjoy a beach picnic including things like hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, rice, corn on the cob, fruit, salads, cookies, cakes and the like. The food is included in your cruise fare.
A Taste of UK Royal Caribbean Menu
Enjoy this cruise food photo review!
A Taste of UK Royal Caribbean Dinner Menu
Goat Cheese Tart
Goat Cheese Tart Royal Caribbean Cruise Food
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Mozzarella cheese coated with crispy garlic-seasoned panko breading and fried until golden brown, paired with a zesty marinara dipping sauce.
Clearly that is not mozzarella cheese.
Due to a supply chain issue, the culinary crew had to make a cheese swap out. So it was surprising when you're expecting mozzarella, but hey - when you're talking about breaded and deep fried cheese it's hard to go wrong. :)
Due to a supply chain issue, the culinary crew had to make a cheese swap out. So it was surprising when you're expecting mozzarella, but hey - when you're talking about breaded and deep fried cheese it's hard to go wrong. :)
Traditional English Fish and CHips
Tempura-battered Atlantic cod fried until golden with thick-cut potatoes, mushy peas, creamy coleslaw and tartar sauce.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Indian Food on Royal Caribbean is almost always a home run if you're not sure what to order. I've said it before and I'll say it again. :)
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm steamed date pudding with caramel sauce and whipped cream.
Hairspray Broadway Production
Good Morning Baltimore!
After dinner we squeezed in a production show. On Symphony of the Seas you can watch the Broadway production Hairspray. It's one of the longer shows you will see on a cruise.
After dinner we squeezed in a production show. On Symphony of the Seas you can watch the Broadway production Hairspray. It's one of the longer shows you will see on a cruise.
Hairspray on Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
Labadee, Haiti Royal Caribbean Review
I love Royal Caribbean's offerings of Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Some argue that these cruise line owned resorts or islands are not an authentic experience of the island, and sure I get that. But I view them as a high value "freebie" day where I don't have to plan or spend any extra cash if I don't want to or don't have it.
Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas Docked at Labadee, Haiti
Labadee offers a low pressure day where everything is taken care of for you and close by. You have beach chairs and umbrellas included for free at the various beach locations. You have food included without having to go back to the ship or spend extra cash. You have tram service if you're unable or don't want to walk as much. And the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
While I do love exploring cruise ports and trying local food and having that "more authentic" experience, I am always happy to see either Labadee or Perfect Day on a Caribbean Itinerary.
More from this Royal Caribbean Cruise Review:
- Lobster Night On a Cruise
- Aruba: DIY Walking Tour Aruba Cruise Port
- Aruba: A Taste of the Caribbean Dinner
- Embarkation Day: Symphony of the Seas Embarkation Day
- Sea Day: Exploring the Ship on a Sea Day
- Sea Day: A Taste of Italy Dinner
- Curacao: Missing Curação Cruise Port
- Breakfast at Johnny Rockets - Free on Oasis Class Ships
- Symphony of the Seas: Water Slides & Flow Rider
- El Loco Fresh Review - Mexican Inspired Food
- The Royal Night - Royal Caribbean Dinner Menu
Day 6 of our Southern Caribbean Cruise on Symphony of the Seas was a sea day and realizing the cruise was quickly winding down we had a few more spots on the ship to tick off our list before the highly anticipated lobster night on a cruise.
Breakfast at Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
Johnny Rockets is a fun old fashioned American Diner styled specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, but not many people realize that on Oasis Class Ships you can eat breakfast for free at Johnny Rockets!
Coffee and Orange Juice
They really lean into the old school diner vibes with the plastic coffee mugs and the huge glasses of 'orange juice'. I recommend sharing a glass if you order it as it's just a LOT of juice. :)
Coffee and Orange Juice at Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
Eggs "My Way"
Served with potatoes, applewood smoked bacon or sausage and sourdough toast.
Eggs My Way at Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
buttermilk Pancakes
"Three classic buttermilk pancakes served with your choice of applewood smoked bacon or sausage and maple syrup"
Buttermilk Pancakes at Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
"The Works" Breakfast Scrambler
"Scrambled eggs, applewood smoked bacon, grilled bell pepper and onions, mushrooms and chili topped with shredded Wisconsin cheddar, served with potatoes and toast"
"The Works" Scramble at Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
Condiments
With our breakfast at Johnny Rockets they served some ketchup for the potatoes, jelly for the toast, and "maple" syrup for the pancakes.
Condiments at Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
Breakfast and a Show
We were delighted by the show the Johnny Rockets crew put on during our breakfast! Nothing like a surprise break out into song and dance!
Entertainment at Johnny Rockets on Symphony of the Seas
Afternoon Water Slides and Flow Rider
The final sea day on a cruise is a last call to cram in all the fun ship activities you haven't done yet, or haven't done enough because it was so fun. So for us we needed to do some serious waterslide time and some flow rider time.
Racing Water Slides
Here is a good view of all the slides (aside from Ultimate Abyss the dry slide) on Symphony of the Seas. You can see the Blue and Yellow slides which you can race your friends on if you want.
And on the right you can see the green/yellow "toilet bowl" water slide.
And on the right you can see the green/yellow "toilet bowl" water slide.
Symphony of the Seas Dueling Water Slides
The toilet bowl slide
The toilet bowl slide, as it's affectionally called, drops you into a bowl before you finish the slide and depending on your speed you may loop around the bowl multiple times quickly before finishing the ride.
And as you can see in these pictures, there is actually a "see-through" section on some of the slides so if you keep an eye out you can catch a glimpse of your loved ones as they shoot down the water slides!
Above you can see the splashes are pretty great whether you shoot down the yellow/blue slides or the toilet bowl slide.
Which would you try?!
Rainbow on a Cruise SHip
We were delighted to catch a rainbow at sea just over the pool deck before grabbing a quick bite for late lunch.
Rainbow on Symphony of the Seas Southern Caribbean Cruise
El Loco Fresh Mexican Lunch
El Loco Fresh is a popular Mexican casual dining restaurant on Symphony of the Seas. It's a free restaurant and great for grabbing a quick bite.
You can grab a quesadilla or premade burrito or you can DIY you own plate with an assortment of rice, meat, beans, taco shells, tortilla chips and so on.
There is also a bar with lovely fresh toppings including various salsas, pico de Gallo, delicious guacamole, and a huge display of hot sauces.
There is also a section with little desserts like this chocolate cake topped with caramel topped with chocolate mouse that I think would be a great dessert to make for a party in individual cups. A future recreated recipe for Inspired By Travel for sure.
And they always have plastic cups filled with cut up fruit - watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. This is one of my favorite features of El Loco Fresh.
Pro Tip: I would often grab a cup of fruit and bring it to the fridge of my stateroom and when I wanted a healthy fresh snack I didn't have to go anywhere! :)
The Royal Night Dinner
The Royal Night Menu
Royal Caribbean's The Royal Night Menu Photo
Avocado and Melon Salad
Sweet cantaloupe, ripe avocados, orange segments and figs in a maple-lime dressing, topped with toasted pine nuts.
Avocado and Melon Salad - The Royal Night Menu
Vidalia Onion Tart
Sweet onion tart baked with smoked bacon and Parmesan cheese, served with sautéed bell peppers and creamed leeks.
Vidalia Onion Tart - The Royal Night Menu
Maine Lobster Tail
Broiled lobster tail with melted butter, saffron rice and sautéed vegetables
Maine Lobster Tail - The Royal Night Menu
Baked Alaska
Layered Neapolitan ice cream wrapped in sponge cake and torched meringue.
Baked Alaska - The Royal Night Menu
Red Velvet Cake
Fluffy layered cocoa-infused cake with sweet cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of chocolate.
Red Velvet Cake - The Royal Night Menu
After Dinner Drinks at Vintages
If ever there is a night to splash out for a drink on a cruise it's formal night!
We went to Vintages in Central Park where they have a great collection of scotches to try including Travelers Editions you can only buy or taste on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
We went to Vintages in Central Park where they have a great collection of scotches to try including Travelers Editions you can only buy or taste on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
Macallan on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
And what better way is there to end an evening in a park, on a cruise ship, sipping Macallan and playing chess at this adorable mosaic table?
Chess Board in Central Park on Symphony of the Seas
More from this Southern Caribbean Cruise Review:
Cruise Travel UGC Blogger
How To Do Laundry On A Cruise
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We always travel carry-on only these days and that means that there is a good chance we will need to do laundry at some point on a cruise.
Pay per bag of laundryEvery cruise line has laundry options where you can send a bag of laundry out and have it returned washed, pressed, folded and hung for a set rate. This can run from $15-30 per bag (stuff that bag people!). Different cruise lines may also offer discounts at various loyalty levels with the line. |
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Free Laundry on Princess Cruises
On our 15th anniversary Sun Princess Mediterranean Cruise , we were soo happy to have laundry included in our fare as we were granted elite status on the line.
Is there a laundromat on board?
Princess and Cunard are among the very few lines to have self-service laundry available to guests.
How To DIY Laundry On A Cruise
Aside from our Sun Princess Cruise (review here), we always do laundry in our stateroom. It's easy.
We always bring this Wash & Stain Bar and brush and wash clothes in the sink!
We always bring this Wash & Stain Bar and brush and wash clothes in the sink!
You will find that some cruise cabins have a line to dry clothes, but others do not. Therefore we always bring a portable clothes line.
This particular one has clips on either end, but can also be tied around an anchoring point as needed. The portable clothes line is durable and braided, so you don't need clothes pins to hang your clothes. Rather, you pull down on a loop of the braid and feed a piece of your clothing in that way!
This is a very small item to toss in your luggage and it can come in handy if you need to do laundry on your cruise!
This is a very small item to toss in your luggage and it can come in handy if you need to do laundry on your cruise!
If it's safe in your cabin type, you may wish to leave the shower door open as well as the bathroom door while clothes are drying to help things along.
Do be careful of leaving loose items outside on your balcony as they can fly away when the winds pick up.
Do be careful of leaving loose items outside on your balcony as they can fly away when the winds pick up.
What to do if the clothes aren't drying fast enough
I hear you, I hear you. You ran out of undies and now you're in a bit of a situation as the ones you washed earlier are not quite dry and it's time for formal night dinner. What to do, what to do?!
Easy. Grab the hair dryer, folks!
Rather than blowdrying from the outside of the garment, try to find a way to close off the openings of the garment so the hairdryer can fill the garment with air from the inside and essentially be drying in all directions simultaneously.
A simple example is to put the tip of the hairdryer inside a sock. The sock balloons out and is dry in a really short amount of time.
Try the same trick with other clothing items if possible to reduce dry times in a pinch!
A simple example is to put the tip of the hairdryer inside a sock. The sock balloons out and is dry in a really short amount of time.
Try the same trick with other clothing items if possible to reduce dry times in a pinch!
While none of this is exactly a stroke of genius revelation, maybe some of the points above are things you hadn't thought of before and will help you out on your next cruise!
Happy sailing!
Unfortunately I woke up in the middle of the night after our day in Aruba cruise port, and was pretty ill.
I'm looking at you, pork chop. -.-
I opted to sleep it off and we decided not to get off on Curacao during this cruise. Fortunately, we had been here before in the past, but it was still really disappointing, needless-to-say.
Eventually we made it up to the Windjammer buffet for lunch and I snapped this pic of Willemstad through the glass.
I'm looking at you, pork chop. -.-
I opted to sleep it off and we decided not to get off on Curacao during this cruise. Fortunately, we had been here before in the past, but it was still really disappointing, needless-to-say.
Eventually we made it up to the Windjammer buffet for lunch and I snapped this pic of Willemstad through the glass.
Willemstad, Curacao Cruise Port
Shockingly, the only food item we took a picture of was this tasty little mini pastry filled with chocolate!
Chocolate Filled Pastry on Royal Caribbean | Windjammer Food Pics
We then took the opportunity to enjoy some of the features of the ship we hadn't yet. We rode the carousel together in the Boardwalk Neighborhood.
And I screamed more than I needed to going down the Ultimate Abyss slide.
Ultimate Abyss Slide on Symphony of the Seas
I came out the other end laughing and I would do it again, for sure. Do it people!
Never in my life have I tried rock climbing and I'm not sure how I would do, but I really wanted to try climbing this rock wall on a cruise ship!
Rock Wall on a Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ship
That's still on my to-do list. I wasn't quite up for it yet. :)
But I was up for exploring the staircase art before dinner!
A Taste of Mexico Menu | Royal Caribbean
The dinner theme was a Taste of Mexico and here's a little sample of the menu using the Royal Caribbean App.
Dinner Menu on Royal Caribbean App
Tbh, I spend way too much time every day on the app checking the menus and plotting out my orders. lol
Here's what we got!
Roasted Poblano Pepper Soup
"Rich and silky, topped with roasted corn, red peppers, fresh cilantro, and sautéed chorizo."
Roasted Poblano Soup | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Tortilla Soup
"Tomato broth with hearty black beans and sweet corn, topped with cilantro, crunchy corn tortillas, and fresh lime"
Tortilla Soup | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Grilled Sweet Corn Cakes
"Served golden brown with grilled vegetables, tomato-avocado salsa, and fresh cilantro."
Grilled Sweet Corn Cakes | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Carne Asada
"Marinated grilled flank steak served with rice, pinto beans, sautéed vegetables and a bright salsa verde"
Carne Asada | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Chili-Lime Crusted Salmon
"Baked and served over a sweet potato, mushroom, and kale hash topped with tangy mango and bell pepper salsa"
Chili LimeCrusted Salmon | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Caramel Flan
"rich, sweet dulce de leche custard soaked in caramel with fresh strawberries"
Caramel Flan | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Sorrentos Pizza Menu
Despite a hearty dinner, an evening show tends to work up an appetite. It's almost as if YOU were the one pulling those dance moves or walking the tightrope. Naturally you want a late night slice of pizza.
So we headed over to Sorrento's Pizza in the Royal Promenade.
So we headed over to Sorrento's Pizza in the Royal Promenade.
Sorrento's Pizza Menu
The menu can vary from day to day and I do believe you can always request a gluten free pizza at Sorrento's on Royal Caribbean. 8)
Primavera Pizza froM Sorrento's
"Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, grilled banana peppers, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese"
Sorrento's Pizza Primavera | Royal Caribbean Cruise Food Pics
Not bad, Royal Caribbean, not bad.
With that it was time for a little in-room laundry session and to bed to rest up for a fun filled sea day onboard Symphony of the Seas!
More From This Southern Caribbean Cruise:
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We're Justin and Marissa
We love to travel and eat!
Traveling Through Food is a place to share some of our adventures in travel and food so you can find inspiration for your next big trip whether it's around the world or down the freezer aisle at the grocery store. :p
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