LIVEish, 7 Days on Symphony (May 18, 2019) - Unlimited Dining Package Edition

[CGTLH]

The title to this post should give a hint of what to expect and why I figured this section is a better venue.

Ultimately, it is my unlimited attempt at running a dedicated LIVEish about the UDP. The goal really being a running dialogue on how Unlimited the Unlimited Dining Package really is. I'm also open to asking and answering any questions. Just keep in mind this is a snippet on the grand scheme of things, one week on one ship. So keep in mind, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Haven't really developed a dinner plan yet, staying in a Junior Suite so I'm part of #teamCK traditionally the first and last night. Lunch when boarding will be a strong chance at Playmakers. Seeing it was explicitly stated in an email when the package name changed. With three sea days I'll have plenty of traditional lunch location chances.

I'll also be invading the Live(ish) @Skid is running:

 

[Baked Alaska]

11 hours ago, CGTLH said:

The title to this post should give a hint of what to expect and why I figured this section is a better venue.

Ultimately, it is my unlimited attempt at running a dedicated LIVEish about the UDP. The goal really being a running dialogue on how Unlimited the Unlimited Dining Package really is. I'm also open to asking and answering any questions. Just keep in mind this is a snippet on the grand scheme of things, one week on one ship. So keep in mind, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Haven't really developed a dinner plan yet, staying in a Junior Suite so I'm part of #teamCK traditionally the first and last night. Lunch when boarding will be a strong chance at Playmakers. Seeing it was explicitly stated in an email when the package name changed. With three sea days I'll have plenty of traditional lunch location chances.

I'll also be invading the Live(ish) @Skid is running:

 

I will be interested in seeing if you really can do this in an unlimited way, e.g., specialty lunch, then a snack at a "specialty" venue, the dinner at specialty and perhaps desert/late night nosh at another specialty (after finalizing that night's dinner ticket). How unlimited are you going to go? I would be interested in a single day's adventure/extreme test of the UDP. Somebody's gotta do it. . . all in the name of research. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

I'm definitely interested in seeing how this package plays out.  I had it and cancelled it for SY this July when we upgraded from Sea to Sky class.  Hopefully I don't regret it after seeing this thread in the coming days.

[CGTLH]

On the dining package front... Was able to book everything, including Izumi Hibachi. Just had to be flexible on a few times.

Made all reservations at the podium right next to Sorrentos. Original thought was using the app in the terminal on Symphony's wifi, no luck getting it to processes the transition.

[CGTLH]

12 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Izumi Hibachi

Hit a snag, the podium person booked Sushi and not Hibachi. Was told to go down there to check about availability.

[WAAAYTOOO]

I hope you have better luck at this than I did last month on Freedom.  I had such good intentions of doing the "snack" thing and then the real meal, later.  I just couldn't do it !  It's just too much food for us.  I think the trick might be to skip breakfast altogether or else to eat breakfast REALLY early.  I am not very good at doing this as we both love breakfast but we also love sleeping in. If you can manage to actually be hungry for lunch (which truly, we rarely are), then maybe.  Wishing you luck !

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 minute ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I hope you have better luck at this than I did last month on Freedom.  I had such good intentions of doing the "snack" thing and then the real meal, later.  I just couldn't do it !  It's just too much food for us.  I think the trick might be to skip breakfast altogether or else to eat breakfast REALLY early.  I am not very good at doing this as we both love breakfast but we also love sleeping in. If you can manage to actually be hungry for lunch (which truly, we rarely are), then maybe.  Wishing you luck !

That's sort of what led to us cancelling as well (especially after we went to Sky and will get all day access to CK).  After that cruise in March, it was just too much food.

[CGTLH]

29 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Hit a snag, the podium person booked Sushi and not Hibachi. Was told to go down there to check about availability.

Yet another Hibachi related snag, claiming it isn't covered. Will only offer/cover $35, have to pay the difference.

[WAAAYTOOO]

9 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Yet another Hibachi related snag, claiming it isn't covered. Will only offer/cover $35, have to pay the difference.

Boooooooo

[CGTLH]

18 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Yet another Hibachi related snag, claiming it isn't covered. Will only offer/cover $35, have to pay the difference.

 

9 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Boooooooo

Reached out to the Facebook social media team and they will reach out to the ship. Maybe it was a one off person manning the podium at Izumi.

[CGTLH]

First hit is Playmakers! One suggestion from the server was make sure to mention you have the UDP prior to ordering. The system doesn't automatically indicate you have it when paying.

Playmakers Burger and 12 count wings. Note the wings were breaded but not too heavily. Minor league sauce was requested on the side.

[Miller Lite]

Having the UnlimtedDP for Hibachi would be useless because ($199/7 Days = $28.42 Per Day). Hibachi at $45.00 - $35.00 CREDIT = $10.00 + $28.42 for Grand Total of $38.42 (considering this was your only specialty* meal of the day which is what we usually do). My work around will be to arrive early, eat $35.00 (roughly 2 rolls) worth of sushi then just order off the Hibachi menu separately (unless someone can confirm using it at the same time, (which I think is HIGHLY unlikely). I still think that this concept is at the mercy of demand of the ship and will probably be just a trial by RCL. If they get negative feedback from the ships that the restaurant is overly busy (or red ink), I'm sure they will just exclude it again.

On a side note, I couldn't believe how small the Hibachi was on the Oasis class ships compared to Norwegian. Everybody for the most part loves Hibachi, even though the food is rather lack luster on both Cruise Lines. Still a fun time!

I will report back after my Mariner sailing (Memorial Day). 

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, CGTLH said:

First hit is Playmakers! One suggestion from the server was make sure to mention you have the UDP prior to ordering. The system doesn't automatically indicate you have it when paying.

My lunch sucked compared to this....

[CGTLH]

2 hours ago, CGTLH said:

Reached out to the Facebook social media team and they will reach out to the ship. Maybe it was a one off person manning the podium at Izumi.

Closure for now, got a phone call saying yes the Hibachi is covered and they would call down to make sure it was noted correctly. He made the claim that maybe the person misunderstood what package was trying to be used. He provided a name and number to call if any issues arise.

[hayley_bopp]

I am interested in all things food so will follow along with this blog whilst salivating over your photos

[CGTLH]

4 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I hope you have better luck at this than I did last month on Freedom.  I had such good intentions of doing the "snack" thing and then the real meal, later.  I just couldn't do it !  It's just too much food for us.  I think the trick might be to skip breakfast altogether or else to eat breakfast REALLY early.  I am not very good at doing this as we both love breakfast but we also love sleeping in. If you can manage to actually be hungry for lunch (which truly, we rarely are), then maybe.  Wishing you luck !

Thinking it all out the challenge is portion control. Go into it with the mind set of not trying to indulge in everything the venue has to offer. Plus the challenge of resisting temptation, good example is not getting more fries and rings while waiting for your order at JR. Key thing to keep in mind, marathon not sprint.

Then again I try and fail at this logic when doing Star class. 

[WAAAYTOOO]

20 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

Thinking it all out the challenge is portion control. Go into it with the mind set of not trying to indulge in everything the venue has to offer. Plus the challenge of resisting temptation, good example is not getting more fries and rings while waiting for your order at JR. Key thing to keep in mind, marathon not sprint.

Then again I try and fail at this logic when doing Star class. 

Oh....so you mean....self control ?  HA !  Fat (interesting choice of words) chance !

I offer my good luck again.  I simply cannot do it...hard as I have tried....

[WAAAYTOOO]

3 hours ago, CGTLH said:

The system doesn't automatically indicate you have it when paying.

Really ?  That's very interesting.  I wonder how they confirm that you DO have it.  If you tell them that you have the UDP and there is nothing on your account to indicate that you do....how do they know you are telling the truth ?  There has to be some way for them to confirm.

[WAAAYTOOO]

1 hour ago, CGTLH said:

Closure for now, got a phone call saying yes the Hibachi is covered and they would call down to make sure it was noted correctly. He made the claim that maybe the person misunderstood what package was trying to be used. He provided a name and number to call if any issues arise.

YIPPEE !!!

So....do you just receive a $35 PP credit or is the "regular" hibachi menu fully included ?

[CGTLH]

9 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Really ?  That's very interesting.  I wonder how they confirm that you DO have it.  If you tell them that you have the UDP and there is nothing on your account to indicate that you do....how do they know you are telling the truth ?  There has to be some way for them to confirm.

Think they have to look it up within your profile. Isn't an automatic discount like having a drink package would be.

11 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Oh....so you mean....self control ?  HA !  Fat (interesting choice of words) chance !

I offer my good luck again.  I simply cannot do it...hard as I have tried....

Yeah, I know... funny... self control... on cruise...

8 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

YIPPEE !!!

So....do you just receive a $35 PP credit or is the "regular" hibachi menu fully included ?

Based on what was told it would cover the regular cover charge for Izumi Hibachi ($45). Going to assume if I wanted one of the upgraded combos ($49) it would be the difference, going to say $4 plus maybe the 18% gratuity.

[The Cruise Junkie]

Following This "Food" Liveish  Blog

[CGTLH]

So plans did change from original thoughts, sorry @Lovetocruise2002 not going to be a part of #teamCK this sailing. Not all is lost, will be o  #teamCK for the Anthem GC.

So dinner plans wound up being Jamie's. Didn't go crazy but still was stuffed by the end.

Ciabatta with olive oil and balsamic vinegar 

Crab and Avocado Bruschetta

Arancini Margherita

Classic Meat Plank

Genaro's Tagliatelle Bolognese and Crispy Polenta Chips

Truffle Tagliatelle

Lamb Chops Scottadito

Amalfi Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

Epic Brownie

 

Dessert wise left behind half the brownie and took the lemon meringue cheesecake back to the room.

Keep in mind this the damage from two people, also left was probably half what was seen pasta wise.

 

Didn't make is over to Izumi for a to-go sushi attempt. Think at this point the only other pay venue open is Playmakers.

[Lovetocruise2002]

8 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

So plans did change from original thoughts, sorry @Lovetocruise2002 not going to be a part of #teamCK this sailing. Not all is lost, will be o  #teamCK for the Anthem GC.

Well with the unlimited package that is totally understandable.  I still would not have given up that filet though

Are you in a JS too for Anthem GC?  I am praying that we can get in each night. Fingers crossed. If not we will have to return the MDR or WJ

[CGTLH]

6 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Are you in a JS too for Anthem GC?  I am praying that we can get in each night. Fingers crossed. If not we will have to return the MDR or WJ 

Yup in a JS, don't recall hearing much in the way of having issues booking CK on Anthem. Not being connected to a Suite Lounge I believe takes away some of the demand.

[CGTLH]

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

 

[CGTLH]

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

[Baked Alaska]

Carpe Diem!

Edited May 19, 2019 by Baked Alaska
Subtle reference to fish.

[Sweety]

My husband wants to know about the hamburger at playmakers. We will be on Mariner in August.

[betatke1480]

12 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Well with the unlimited package that is totally understandable.  I still would not have given up that filet though

Are you in a JS too for Anthem GC?  I am praying that we can get in each night. Fingers crossed. If not we will have to return the MDR or WJ

For a small fee, I will operate as the RCBlog Sea Based Genie, similar to the Paul Crow land based Genie, and sneak you in to CK if need be.  

[CGTLH]

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.

 

[Baked Alaska]

53 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

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...

Go back for a snack in 30 minutes. . .for UDP research. . . I dare ya! :-P

[JLMoran]

52 minutes ago, CGTLH said:

 

Tuna Wasabi

 

Assorted Sashimi Combo (sub out octopus)

How did you find the tuna. I was very disappointed in Anthem’s tuna, found that without the jalapeño or other condiment that it was surprisingly bland. Hoping it was a one-off.

[Lovetocruise2002]

5 hours ago, betatke1480 said:

For a small fee, I will operate as the RCBlog Sea Based Genie, similar to the Paul Crow land based Genie, and sneak you in to CK if need be.  

LOL!!!  I was secretly hoping you would offer!  I just make take you up on that.  Like @CGTLH said, it doesn't appear to be as much of a problem on Anthem but we shall see.  You will find me at the CK podium upon boarding. 

[CGTLH]

2 hours ago, JLMoran said:

How did you find the tuna. I was very disappointed in Anthem’s tuna, found that without the jalapeño or other condiment that it was surprisingly bland. Hoping it was a one-off.

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

[CGTLH]

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

 

[Sweety]

I am Hooked. The food looks delicious.

[Sweety]

Thinking about a Symphony cruise.

 

 

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

I agree, Sweety !  That food looks GREAT !  I sure hope that Oasis gets Hooked. I can’t wait to try it ALL

[CGTLH]

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.

[tiny260]

22 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

LOL!!!  I was secretly hoping you would offer!  I just make take you up on that.  Like @CGTLH said, it doesn't appear to be as much of a problem on Anthem but we shall see.  You will find me at the CK podium upon boarding. 

You have us as a back up...