CGTLH

So here is the "Breaking News", new menu at Playmakers... Just started today and Symphony is the first ship to use it. Today was our first port of call, St. Kitts. So after getting back on the ship it was decided to go an make yet another visit to Playmakers around 2pm when they first opened. Seeing this new menu and having the UDP I just had to do some sampling. First up were the Poke Nachos, requested no scallions and the truffle sauce on the side. After just about devouring the entire basket I realized the chips were fried wonton skins/rounds. Only complaint it could have used a bit more tuna. Next to come out was the Chili Burger, with only the chili and cheese. Only major complaint was the chili, seemed to be the same stuff that Windjammer uses for "beef chili". No, I'm not getting in to the beans vs no beans chili debate. Final selection of the afternoon was the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll. These beauties were egg roll skins stuffed with a blend of buffalo chicken and some sort of cheese. Then it seemed they where coated in some sort of cornflake style breading. Plus as the menu mentioned served with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side. Between the Poke Nachos and the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll it would be hard to decide on a win. I would say the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll wins by just a hair. Mainly on the stand point of bang for the buck. If the Tuna Nachos maybe had a bit more tuna the victory would have gone the other way. Overall the out of pocket cost would have been $22 (plus 18% gratuity) if it wasn't for the Unlimited Dining Package. For the record I'll eventually get to that dang Campfire Cookie. That is still a bucket list item, along with the sundae...

We're not going to take it any more! Your drink package that is....

Pacman invasion!

I'm mixed on this one... The concept art almost seems like it is a modification to the dance floor/space in Boleros. I know the bar in On-Air would be right side if facing towards the back wall where the stage might be. But the space the rendering gives makes it seem much larger. Crazy I know, the band stage would be the right spot for the DJ. The back wall area the location of the bar.

Seeing the claim about an outdoor space. I'm wondering if it might not end up in the Adventure Ocean area on 14. Outdoor deck space being part of that forward open deck.

Think I've discovered the answer to Portside BBQ location! Ref: http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Oasis/19067374_OA_Amplified_Infographic.pdf

Got some breaking news, but will wait and see if it trickles out first. Insiders at the Emerald level and on Facebook already know.

Went to Playmakers once they opened. Logic was thinking Chops and Jamie's might have been crazy due to The Key lunch. Hooked isn't open for lunch. Figured give JR a shot on another day.

Was covered last night, so I'd say it should be fine. Was the first time trying a "second meal".

Still have a hard time visualizing from the renderings it being the Solarium area. The Solarium bar area is a bit more closed in on Oasis view wise. So I'm wondering if they plan on relocating the Teen's Club area. To me it almost seems where the Back Deck, Living Room, and Teen Disco area is on 15, right next to Wipe Out. Would also somewhat match the "Postside" name aswell. So scratch all the Teen club thoughts, unless it is relocated to a completely different part of the ship with outdoor access.

Wondering where Portside BBQ and El Loco Fresh will end up going. Lot of reading between the lines I'm visualizing the Diamond Lounge is going away due to Blaze being renamed "Blaze Nightclub and Comedy" Wondering if Music Hall is reusing/branding Dazzles. Current Diamond Lounge seems too small.

Going overtime at Playmakers

Time for the Izumi Hibachi update. This time around no captions, just let the photos do the talking. Passed on dessert Most of the show was centered around the preparation of the fried rice. Primarily the egg used in the rice. I had ordered a two protein combination, wasn't charged anything extra and the bill was $0. Don't know if this was due to the social media reach out or not. At the same time, also overheard what I think was the same zero bill explanation to the party next to us for having the UDP. Didn't try getting anything extra from the sushi side or even starting off/ending on that side. Still on the fence trying a to-go order after visiting another venue.

First round for the day is complete. Lunch was at Chops, dinner will be Izumi Hibachi. Now for the lunch photo journey... Starting off was the new bread plate, rustic sourdough and pretzel sticks. The butter has what tasted like a toasted rye seed powder on top. Appetizer was the shrimp cocktail, not shown wedge salad. Entrees, dry aged burger and the 8oz filet Sides were asparagus, macaroni and cheese, and fries* (*not shown, standard fries used on the ship. If you really want to know what they looked like reference the fries from Hooked a few posts above. Tastes like they had been tossed in truffle oil or truffle salt used. Truffle flavor wasn't indicated on the menu.) In the background is the 8oz filet. Dessert time, sampled both the key lime pie and warm chocolate cake.

Random 1 am observation at Sorrentos Also the Cafe Promenade hot offerings (top shelf) Top shelf hot items: Roasted Apple, Brie, and Pecan Panini; Hotdog; Muffuletta; and Cuban Ham Croquette. Want to say it was setup and ready for ordering around 11:30 pm or so.

Time for tonight's Hooked photo lineup Cheddar Biscuits Shrimp cocktail, requested grilled shrimp (yeah forgot to take a picture before enjoying) Oysters Rockefeller plus Leeks and White Wine Crab Cake Lobster, grilled Lobster, steamed Sides: Fries, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and Seasonal Vegetables Dessert: Whoopie Pie

No HiRO tonight

Yup, forgot about some of those smaller bars like Trellis being walkup. Will say when not busy I've seen the folks behind counter at Trellis walk around. Playmakers also comes to mind, but that can also be viewed as a special case between counter and the surrounding tables. As mentioned the upper deck around the pool can be hit or miss when it comes to lounger side service.

To me it had the typical flavor. I've never found tuna have that much of a strong flavor to begin with.

Yeah that line for El Loco Fresh was muy loco.

Yes, they do have roaming bar servers in the various venues including the pool deck. Just keep in mind they can be sparse at times and also be very busy with others orders. This is where giving a little extra can help with the roaming waiters. They will remember the extra tippers and tend to make sure their drink is fresh and topped off. Crowds at the bar/counter, just depends on when and where. Sometimes you'll be able to walk up and be immediately served other times it might be three deep. Funny thing is sometimes when the bar/counter is backed up the roaming waiters are free and standing around. If you see one just politely place your order, no need to really be seated for their service. Hope that makes sense and answers your question.

Back from Izumi Sushi side, sure it won't be the last visit either. Spoke with the hostess and I'm still unclear about to-go orders. For viewing pleasure... An empty plate Shrimp Wonton Soup (hold mushrooms and scallions) Tuna Wasabi Assorted Sashimi Combo (sub out octopus) Champagne Lobster in Yuzu Wrap Izumi Spider Roll Notes: Japanese Pancake has been removed from the menu.

Today's battle plans: Izumi Sushi for lunch and Hooked for dinner.

$49 has been the running average price from what I've noticed. Sometimes it will jump up to $52 or even $59 at times. The lowest I've noticed in the past few months has been $46. On board price you're looking at the $66 to $70 range. As of late on the first day they've been running a BOGO50 promotion for the first day. However on board discounts are never a guarantee.

Cross posting... First time I've seen hot offerings at Cafe Promenade...