Flashback to Cruise 2016, Pt. 3

September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Cheers to the end of the work week! Gorgeous Friday, we’ve been waiting for you LOL!

I’ve already talked about last year’s cruise in this post and in this one. This final post will discuss one of the most popular parts of cruising: the cuisine!

(Asian-inspired salmon entree)

One of the perks of cruise vacations is the extensive list of food options. Cruises offer both complimentary and fee-based dining options. Don’t let the word “complimentary” alarm you: there are many fine dining options included in this category. In fact, the default “dinner” offered with many cruise lines are set up in luxurious dining rooms with detail-oriented waitstaff. In addition to fine dining, there are also buffet options for those that want even more variety, as well as complimentary room service that offers a wide variety of delicious options delivered directly to your cabin.

(Standard appetizers: miso soup and spring rolls)

The Anthem of the Seas is a little different from traditional cruises. The Anthem didn’t set up travelers with a “default” dinner option. All of the fine restaurants on the ship required a reservation in advance. Guests could view and select reservation options from their cabin or on computer monitors located at the service desk and in front of each of the restaurants.

Each of the restaurants had themes, including upscale luxury, fine American, eclectic and elegant Asian. I enjoyed my time at each of them. For me, the emphasis on excellent service and pristine presentation are what made the dining memorable. It didn’t hurt that the food was delicious, as well.

(My favorite themed restaurant was Silk. This one featured an Asian fusion menu)

Here are some photos of the dishes that I tried. I’ll add names for what I can remember, but forgive me for forgetting some of them: it’s been over a year.

(Left to right: Lobster, polenta, a lobster rolls and fries, and seafood bisque)

(an incredible seafood crostade, mixed green salad, peach bisque with strawberry garnish)

(Top row: Caramel pie, a puff pastry with mango coulis, green tea cheesecake. Bottom row: mochi and chocolate cake with chocolate ganache)

Thanks for checking out the Flashback to Cruise 2016 series! I can’t wait to share more of my adventures with you all 🙂

Flashback to Cruise 2016, Pt. 2

September 18, 2017September 14, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

If you missed Part 1 of this series, check it out here.

I mentioned that I would have an upcoming post about the ship’s decor, so here it is! I wish I had taken more photos, but I’ll share what I have.

I cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas when I went to Bermuda in 2016. As with every ship that I’ve enjoyed, there is an abundance of art in the corridors.

I believe that being surrounded by art – even if they are just good replicas of more famous pieces – adds a luxurious feel to any space. While the overall feel of luxury will come from a combination of ship staff, amenities, dining options, ports of call and fellow passengers, the decor can do a lot for setting the tone.

What was fun and unique about this cruise was that the ship incorporated inspirational quotes as artwork. These lined the halls where the guests cabins were located.

The ship didn’t stop with the framed artwork: art could be found on the elevators, too.

The art I enjoyed most, however, was the artfully folded towels that were prepared every evening while I ate dinner. My room steward was a doll that could expertly fold a towel into just about anything that you could imagine. The photo below was my favorite: it was a towel lotus.

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Part 3 will be available soon. Until then, take care!

international · travel

Flashback to Cruise 2016, Pt. 1

September 12, 2017September 9, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

I haven’t gone on a true vacation since last October. My current job is demanding (though enjoyable) so I won’t be able to really get away until November. In the meantime, I’m looking back fondly at my last vacation, which was a cruise to Bermuda.

I cruised with Royal Caribbean; the ship was the Anthem of the Seas. I’ve sailed with both RC and Carnival Cruises, and I almost always prefer RC. I’ve found that the service, dining options, and overall ambiance of RC is more luxurious than Carnival. However, I’m still looking for other cruise lines to try, and I’m positive that I could have an even more luxurious experience with a different line.

The trip wasn’t very long – 5 days – but it was just enough time to recharge me. I sailed from Cape Liberty in New Jersey, USA. Two short days on the water later, and I was stepping foot onto the Royal Naval Dockyard in Kings Wharf, Bermuda. The ship remained docked there for two days before sailing back to Cape Liberty.

I was focused on relaxation this time around, as opposed to exploring the island, so I didn’t see a lot of the island. I did take the ferry to Hamilton, which was nice. I’m including a few photos from Kings Wharf and Hamilton, Bermuda.

Have any of you cruised with Royal Caribbean, or have you taken a trip to Bermuda? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Stay tuned for the next installments, where I discuss the ship, the dining options offered, and the artwork on board!