HAK1906

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

Very lazy afternoon. Tried Loco Fresh for lunch. The line wrapped around the deck and just went to Windjammer. As predicted ended up at Playmakers watching the Lakers game. Great crowd at Playmakers and love the venue. 
Winds continue to be high and Deck 16 has been closed the majority of the day. As a side bar bar there definitely it key appears to be lower traffic at Johnny Rockets than what I remembered in the past. Just an observation since Playmakers is right across from Johnny R.
 
My kids loved The Abyss. I’ll check it out later in the week. 

Very windy day today started off at Solarium Bistro for breakfast with two made to order eggs. I drink almond milk and just had to request it and they provided for my coffee. Will see how El Loco fresh is for lunch. 
 
in between lunch on deck 15 aft having a cigar with Buffalo Trace living a great life. YOLO. 

This morning!  Symphony all the down at a terminal A at the far end. 

Been trying to think of a lot of nifty things to say the night before the cruise (Christmas when you hope you are getting that new bike or New Atari game), so I’ll just step away from that as I look out the 19th Floor of the Hilton Downtown Miami and just say WE ARE READY!  Look forward to waking up in the morning and in the distance seeing Symphony!
We has a great time in Little Havana, then Bayside Market throughout the day and now the time is nigh. Our bags, are packed, our wine in our carryon, many shows and movies loaded from Netflix and Disney+ and just can’t wait for tomorrow. Look to get to the ship around 11am (remember ignore that boarding time thing).  We know things will be different with the temperature scan but after taking a Bay Cruise around Miami and seeing the beautiful Terminal A in person for the first time just made things even more excited. 
 
Shout out to anyone joining on this cruise especially those from Texas and look to have the best time ever. As “The Rock” would say “Can you smell what Royal Caribbean is cooking”.  Pun Intended “HAK1906” out!???

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

This morning had MDR breakfast, two choices main dining or buffet on deck 3. It was fine. Afterwards toured the ship. I’m that guy that likes to find places that folks don’t talk too much about or notice. 
I found the Vitality Cafe Today and the smoothies were fresh and great. The biggest takeaway is their mini blueberry muffins were incredible. Very good have to be made from scratch. Went by the gym and then walked down to the walking track on deck. There are o OU three ways to get on the track since the winds are extremely high. Two at the AFT by the aqua theatre and the third via the gym. Additionally there is shuffle board and ping pong table and the chairs give at the back of deck 5 provide great views. 
Went by the Card room and just did a lot of walking. Will give a second try for El Loco fresh for lunch. I’ve attached few pics. 
I also attached a few pics to show what the inside of the lifeboats look like on Symphony  as a crew member Was inspecting one  

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

Very lazy afternoon. Tried Loco Fresh for lunch. The line wrapped around the deck and just went to Windjammer. As predicted ended up at Playmakers watching the Lakers game. Great crowd at Playmakers and love the venue. 
Winds continue to be high and Deck 16 has been closed the majority of the day. As a side bar bar there definitely it key appears to be lower traffic at Johnny Rockets than what I remembered in the past. Just an observation since Playmakers is right across from Johnny R.
 
My kids loved The Abyss. I’ll check it out later in the week. 

This morning had MDR breakfast, two choices main dining or buffet on deck 3. It was fine. Afterwards toured the ship. I’m that guy that likes to find places that folks don’t talk too much about or notice. 
I found the Vitality Cafe Today and the smoothies were fresh and great. The biggest takeaway is their mini blueberry muffins were incredible. Very good have to be made from scratch. Went by the gym and then walked down to the walking track on deck. There are o OU three ways to get on the track since the winds are extremely high. Two at the AFT by the aqua theatre and the third via the gym. Additionally there is shuffle board and ping pong table and the chairs give at the back of deck 5 provide great views. 
Went by the Card room and just did a lot of walking. Will give a second try for El Loco fresh for lunch. I’ve attached few pics. 
I also attached a few pics to show what the inside of the lifeboats look like on Symphony  as a crew member Was inspecting one  

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

This morning had MDR breakfast, two choices main dining or buffet on deck 3. It was fine. Afterwards toured the ship. I’m that guy that likes to find places that folks don’t talk too much about or notice. 
I found the Vitality Cafe Today and the smoothies were fresh and great. The biggest takeaway is their mini blueberry muffins were incredible. Very good have to be made from scratch. Went by the gym and then walked down to the walking track on deck. There are o OU three ways to get on the track since the winds are extremely high. Two at the AFT by the aqua theatre and the third via the gym. Additionally there is shuffle board and ping pong table and the chairs give at the back of deck 5 provide great views. 
Went by the Card room and just did a lot of walking. Will give a second try for El Loco fresh for lunch. I’ve attached few pics. 
I also attached a few pics to show what the inside of the lifeboats look like on Symphony  as a crew member Was inspecting one  

This morning!  Symphony all the down at a terminal A at the far end. 

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

Very lazy afternoon. Tried Loco Fresh for lunch. The line wrapped around the deck and just went to Windjammer. As predicted ended up at Playmakers watching the Lakers game. Great crowd at Playmakers and love the venue. 
Winds continue to be high and Deck 16 has been closed the majority of the day. As a side bar bar there definitely it key appears to be lower traffic at Johnny Rockets than what I remembered in the past. Just an observation since Playmakers is right across from Johnny R.
 
My kids loved The Abyss. I’ll check it out later in the week. 

Hope you are able to get those CK reservations.  It's a great place to enjoy dinner.

Coming from the cruise Yoda himself I appreciate your feedback WAAAYTOOO!  As a Junior Suite Gold member trying to get reservations this evening for Coastal Kitchen. 

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

End of the first day. Checked out everything basically. Went to the 2nd floor and cross crossed. 20,000 steps in today ?. Main Dining Room Was pretty good. Wifey loved the Creme Bulee. Starbucks was great. I asked the manager if they run out of the pastries as the week goes and she said they do not. Checked out the sail away party, went to the Solarium during sail away and watched sail away from the area that has the glass floor. Extremely windy today. 
 Went to HIRO and the whole family thoroughiy enjoyed  wifey had a hot dog from the hot dog spot and the kids enjoyed Sugar and bought some candy and had ice cream additionally went to Playmakers for a beer and 24 wings with friends  I am a huge Wing Stop fan and they are not that, however, for the price and being on a cruise ship the wings were very good with good heat and flavor  definitely worth it  playmakers will get a lot of visits from me this week  walked through Central Park and set up my Wine Tasting for night 6.  No music out there tonight but love the sounds of the crickets and they were handing out free champagne at the Cartier store.  There were a lot of people around the Trelis Bar   
 
After HIRO hung around the Promenade, people watched, kids had Sorrentos and had another Starbucks.  Glad I loaded my card before the trip.  Baleros had a lot of energy this evening and the welcome party is currently happening.  A key takeaway is with 6,000 on board it never feels crowded.  Before we sailed and prior to the muester drill it felt packed but afterwards not at all and able to get an elevator.
We will be at sea tomorrow and will hit up JOHNNY Rockets for Breakfast.  A key dynamic is I use the app onboard ALL THE TIme!  To schedule events, set reminders, set up shows, etc.  
HIRO had a good crowd but not overly packed and people were able to just walk in. 
I am including pics of the Starbucks menu since I haven’t seen the menu with prices often.
 
 

The temperature check was done as soon as you walk into the cruise terminal and go up the first escalators.  They don’t touch you or your kids foreheads. There were at least 10+people checking at 11am. Very quick. 
 
Before getting on board there were at three if not more times it was requested to apply hand sanitizer (For those not going Diamond+).   Check in easy. About 20-30 minutes from when we arrived at 11 with 9 people and three families. 
 
it’s 1pm so you know what that means. Go check into your room. 
 
FYI, wifey and I split up and she went to get WOW bands while I went to set up speciality dining (14 people) and MTD (9 people).  Kids went with other family to grab an area in Windjammer until rooms were ready.  Highly advise setting up dining times ASAP. There were at three separate lines to do so.  We have the three night package and chose Chops, Wonderland and Park 150. Kids will only do Chops and Wonderland. Don’t think they are interested in Park 150. They are 11 and 13.   
 
in Windjammer they had a person Requesting you wash your hands as soon as you go in  

This morning!  Symphony all the down at a terminal A at the far end. 

Been trying to think of a lot of nifty things to say the night before the cruise (Christmas when you hope you are getting that new bike or New Atari game), so I’ll just step away from that as I look out the 19th Floor of the Hilton Downtown Miami and just say WE ARE READY!  Look forward to waking up in the morning and in the distance seeing Symphony!
We has a great time in Little Havana, then Bayside Market throughout the day and now the time is nigh. Our bags, are packed, our wine in our carryon, many shows and movies loaded from Netflix and Disney+ and just can’t wait for tomorrow. Look to get to the ship around 11am (remember ignore that boarding time thing).  We know things will be different with the temperature scan but after taking a Bay Cruise around Miami and seeing the beautiful Terminal A in person for the first time just made things even more excited. 
 
Shout out to anyone joining on this cruise especially those from Texas and look to have the best time ever. As “The Rock” would say “Can you smell what Royal Caribbean is cooking”.  Pun Intended “HAK1906” out!???

Yesterday ended up AMAZING!  After Playmakers had a 6PM at Park 150 for 10. Our server Ben went above and beyond. I had the short rib AND Caesar Salad for starters, both really good. Wifey had the beet salad that she really enjoyed. Their bread is the BEST EVER!  Hit, warm and buttery. For my entree I chose the Tenderloin AND Lobster. Everyone was trying to decide which “one” for their entree and a very nice lady behind said “ Get both” and everyone had the lobster and another. The lobster was fine I just didn’t like all that cream and cheese just lobster. Tenderloin was very good. 
For Desert most ordered from the menu, me and another person decided to be those folks. I had the warm chocolate cake from Chops and she had the brownie from Jamie’s as we dined at 150. Yes they can do that, as with everything cruise “you just have to ask”. Again, Ben was great and everyone tipped him accordingly. 
afterwards in that “ what do we do now”. Used the app and digital touch boards that help you determine “what to do now”.  We went tonBoleros for the Dj for about thirty minutes, then we landed on Vintages for the Karaoke show and Stevie Wonder review. The band was GREAT and a young girl killed it at the karaoke as the last performer singing John Legend’s “All of Me”.   The place was packed as the Karaoke was ending and Stevie Wonder Review began. 
On the way to the midnight “silent party” stopped by the jazz club, appeared very nice and a little bit of blackjack in the Casino. Then to the attic for the “silent party”. The line was LONG. For those who haven’t done it they hand out earphones to everyone and either you are on the blue or green station. Music isn’t playing out loud on the club speakers just on the earphones.  Two stations, green and blue. The 40+ crew I was with had the best time ever dancing we’ve had in years. It was fantastic. Haven’t danced that much since my late twenties. No need for workout today as that was 90 minutes straight of dancing and Enjoying ourselves. All ten adults in my party loves the concept and most importantly the music/Dj’s played everything we loved. Afterwards we went to Sorrento’s and to the room at 2:30am. Look forward to what day three has to bring. 

Very lazy afternoon. Tried Loco Fresh for lunch. The line wrapped around the deck and just went to Windjammer. As predicted ended up at Playmakers watching the Lakers game. Great crowd at Playmakers and love the venue. 
Winds continue to be high and Deck 16 has been closed the majority of the day. As a side bar bar there definitely it key appears to be lower traffic at Johnny Rockets than what I remembered in the past. Just an observation since Playmakers is right across from Johnny R.
 
My kids loved The Abyss. I’ll check it out later in the week. 

Very windy day today started off at Solarium Bistro for breakfast with two made to order eggs. I drink almond milk and just had to request it and they provided for my coffee. Will see how El Loco fresh is for lunch. 
 
in between lunch on deck 15 aft having a cigar with Buffalo Trace living a great life. YOLO.