GregT3

A quick statement from a very discerning, and typically tough as nails critic- Royal Carribean ROCKS! And I mean Rocks in the kick-butt kind of way, although it did rock quite a bit the first two days due to severe winds, but no complaints..) Let me start with the food, because people, I am as much of a foodie as anyone out there (I SERIOUSLY love food, which is a huge reason for me to even be drawn to a cruise). That being said, the food was simply fantastic. Lunch in the dining room alone, that's right, lunch- blew my friend and me away- from the ribs, the chicken ceasar salad, the fried calamari, the fresh made-to-order pasta bar, etc., etc. As much as you like, served with class in the very classy My Fair Lady dining room. Please take my word for it- as good and satisfying as the Windjammer Buffet is (they really do a nice job with it), it is VERY worth it get yourself to the dining room between 11:30 and 1:30 to treat yourself to a nice full-service luncheon. I never did make it to breakfast in the dining room due to early hours, but I would have like to experience that as well- especially the eggs benedict. The breakfast buffet was nice, with made-to-order omelettes, lox and bagels, meats, etc., but I just love that dining room service. DINNER: My friend and I had dinner in the dining room the first two nights, and trust me- you will certainly find at least an entree or three that you'll really enjoy. Remember to order anything and everything you want- go nuts on the apps, and save room for a couple of entrees. It was all quite good. But here's where the most important tip of the day comes into play- CHOPS STEAKHOUSE. Listen very carefully- cough up the $20 surcharge and reserve at least one night here when you arrive on the boat. It was, in each and every way, one of the finest dining experiences my friend or I have ever been a part of (and we're a couple of fellas from the Big Apple, mind you). The waiters are in another class- 5 star service from the moment you enter the restaurant. The ambience, a 9 out of 10. And then, of course, the food. Ok, so by now you know I love to eat, and eat a lot (although somehow I've managed to stay thin until this point..). But let me say this- over the last three nights, we went to Chops for all three dinners. During those nights, I sampled just about everything on the entire menu, and I can say with confidence that I enjoyed the best veal chop, chicken dish, and crab cake I've ever had. Almost in that category was the Ceasar Salad, the filet mignon, the roast pork on a huge bone (takes 45 minutes to make and is simply awesome), and the deserts? FUGGETABOUTIT!! I don't really have a sweet tooth, but um, yeah- you'll freak. The only thing that wasn't noteworthy as the lamb (which I usually love), and I didn't have the porterhouse which looked ridiculous just because I wanted to have stomach room for other things. But trrrust me- go to Chops. Ok, let me tear myself away from those thoughts, and move on... BARS: Not sure why, but I really never see any reviews concentrating on the nightlife aside from the shows, casino, karaoke, etc. I'm talking the REAL nightlife- the Viking Lounge where it all goes down every night. What a great place to go every night and know that everyone (at least those 40 and under) would be. We just let loose and embarrased ourselves on the dance floor and had the best time doing it. Granted, the other events at night were great too- the Magician was a really funny guy- and not so shabby at the slight of hand either. The adult comedian was quiet good and had the packed audience falling out of odur chairs. Good stuff. Didn't make it to the real "shows" but I heard they were great. Karaoke is the real deal- I'm talkin' 300 people sitting in this cozy theatre looking right at you- think American idol, but a few million dpeople less in the crowd. And oh, the adult game called Quest is 100% worth it. Do it, and you'll be happy- trust me.