Almost every business day is interesting, but not all days are created equal when it comes to the blog. Some days are more confidential than others. This is the time of the year when we finalize our business plan for the next year, and there isn’t anything I can blog about on that. At all times there are projects underway that may or may not come to fruition. If they are going to happen, we generally go public with a press release followed by a blog entry while other communication efforts unfurl. Prior to that, there is nothing I can write about the initiative. So, if I’m not writing about new news there are two main possibilities: i) nothing is happening; ii) something is happening.
One thing happened the other day that was notable. We got to participate in a taste test luncheon of the new Samba Grill restaurant that will debut on Allure of the Seas. That was a major Wow, and I don’t even eat red meat! I’ve been to churrascaria restaurants over the years – I’m still feeling full from the first one I ever ate at in Brasilia in 1984 – but not to one with the quality we experienced in our test kitchen. While I did not sample the various cuts of sirloin and Filet Mignon, there was plenty for me starting with the fabulous appetizers and continuing through skewers of salmon, shrimp, and chicken before concluding with a selection of tasty desserts. The advance bookings for Samba Grill are behind only those of Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table, even though we really haven’t marketed the new concept beyond the press release. This will be an excellent addition to Allure of the Seas.
We’re going to combine two of my passions on the December 12th. Allure of the Seas cruise – running and cruising. With the help of numerous interested parties, we are offering the opportunity to do an actual 5K run/walk race in St. Maarten on Thursday, December 16th. In addition to the race, there will be fun runs and instruction both onboard and in Nassau and St. Thomas opportunities to meet high profile racing athletes, and more. Unfortunately, I cannot take the whole cruise, but I am hoping to run the race.
hi adam
Cruise #100 and 30 year with RCCL in Oct2010
We love your ships
Bjorn & Gitte
Thank you for that update. I hope to sail on the Allure next year. To change the subject we are headed to a Mediterranean cruise in a couple of weeks and the terror alert does make us somewhat anxious. Without giving away confidential security tactics, alerts have included popular tourist spots, air and maritime concerns. One would hope that getting on to a ship would be more secure than getting into a hotel (attack in Mumbai)?The ship also has excursions to favourite tourist spots in port cities. What realistic reassurances does RCI offer passengers who are heading to Europe?
We are aware of the travel alert issued by the US Department of State. We are in continuous communications with the appropriate government agencies and will communicate any relevant safety information to our guests if necessary. Like all international travelers, we encourage our guests to be aware of their surroundings while visiting familiar sightseeing and tourism locations in Europe. The safety and security of our guests and crew members is always foremost in our minds
My husband and I are looking forward to trying the Samba Grill on the Allure’s inaugural sailing in December. I don’t eat meat, but do enjoy seafood, so it’s nice to see that there will be options I can enjoy. We can see from the Royal Caribbean website that desserts are a la carte, and not included in the $25 per person cover charge. Can you tell me how much the desserts will typically cost? We like to budget for all of our extra indulgences such as excursions, the spa and any specialty dining we might choose to enjoy prior to cruising. This information would be useful to us, as well as to others, I’m sure.
While I’m here, I’d also like to ask why Royal Caribbean chose to go with an a la carte pricing option for the desserts. That seems a bit strange and does tend to put Samba Grill at a higher price point than other options such as Chops or Giovanni’s, which don’t have the additional charge.
One final question before, I go – Will hotdog stand on the Boardwalk be offering any vegetarian options? I love veggie dogs, but, since I don’t eat meat, traditional dogs are out for me. Even my husband, a meat eater, will only eat the veggie dogs!
Hi Beth, we are looking forward to having you try the Samba Grill on Allure of the Seas during the month of December. You’ll be pleased to know that the desserts will indeed be included in the Samba Grill, and there will not be an a la carte option. As for the Boardwalk Dog House, there are currently no vegetarian options, but thank you for the suggestion! We’ve taken note and keep it under consideration, but don’t worry; there are plenty of vegetarian options onboard for you to choose from.