Oct 26

Oct 26 Day Four - San Juan, PR (Shaq's Big Chicken and Pig and Anchor)

This morning, Mardi Gras is docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is a typically hot day here, but the humidity is a tolerable 50%. We dock next to Norwegian Joy.

Our media group met this morning to greet Miss Puerto Rico just outside of the cruise terminal next to the “I LOVE (heart) PR” sign. Many local photographers were on hand to photograph all of the Miss Universe title holders with Mardi Gras in the background.

After we shot photos and video of the gathering, Rickee and I headed off to find our much desired Coca Cola products which are not available on Carnival ships. Carnival is Team Pepsi, and we are Team Coke. There is a Walgreens a couple of blocks away, right on the street that runs in front of the port. So, if you are looking for Walgreens, just exit the cruise terminal, walk across the street, turn left and walk two blocks. You can’t miss it. We bought our Coke products and some sunscreen. Carnival allows you to bring soft drinks back on board, but liquor and wine will be confiscated and held for you until disembarkation.

After we drop off our Walgreens haul in our stateroom, we head up to Deck 16 aft for lunch at Shaq’s Big Chicken.

Rickee brought a Coke with her from the stateroom, and I brought a Diet Coke. We were able to get cups of ice at Big Chicken for our drinks, just a little insider tip.

After we placed our order at the walk-up counter, we treated ourselves to some of the condiments available here. There are sweet and spicy pickles (very good), spicy close slaw (good), and potato salad (okay, but a little bland). There is a variety of dipping sauces from which to choose (see below).

I ordered the chicken tenders and fries. In my opinion, the chicken tenders are some of the best I have had anywhere. They are very hot and fresh and crispy. There is a nice seasoning on the batter that I like. I can’t decide if I like the thin wide crispy fries here more than the ones at Guy’s Burger Joint. It’s a toss up, they are both good. As for dipping sauces, I like the Shaq Sauce and the BBQ Ranch.

Rickee ordered the dark meat M.D.E. Chicken Sandwich. She was not as impressed with her sandwich as I was with the chicken tenders. I tried a bite of her sandwich, and the chicken was not as crispy as my tenders, actually, a little mushy.

Below is the menu from Big Chicken. Personally, I really liked it and will definitely go back. Also, they have a breakfast Chicken & Biscuit that sounds amazing.

This evening, our media group met on Deck 18 where we were to get a ride on The Bolt, Carnival’s roller coaster, and the first and only roller coaster on a cruise ship. Well, unfortunately, Bolt was undergoing some repairs and our ride had to be delayed. But, Rickee did get a chance to sit on a Bolt coaster on display just to see what it feels like.

Rickee checks out the seating position on The Bolt

After enjoying cocktails with our media hosts and friends, we decide to try Guy’s Pig and Anchor BBQ for dinner. This lively and raucous joint is located on Deck 8 aft and, even though it is crowded, we were able to be seated right away. Ordering is done on small paper order sheets. You can choose a meat combo platter with any three meats (Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs, Sausage, Chicken (white or dark meat), or, you can choose the daily special. There is also a Pig and Anchor Melt pulled pork sandwich or salmon dish you can choose.

You can also choose up to 3 side dishes and a dessert.

I ordered the three-meat platter with brisket, ribs and sausage. For my side items, I chose the Collard Greens, Green Beans w/ Bacon and Crispy Onion Strings. Okay, honestly, I have had much better BBQ. After all, we are from Texas. That said, I am not sure I have had any better BBQ on a cruise ship. The meats were all good and there are four different sauces on hand to add flavor when needed. The brisket was tender, the ribs were also tender but had the texture of ribs that had been cooked in an oven. The best meat of all was the cheddar sausage, I really like that one. As for the sides, all were near room temperature when they arrived. None were hot.

Rickee ordered the Pig and Anchor Melt. Her sides were also cold, and her Mac and Cheese needed seasoning. But, she did like the pulled pork, which she ate after deconstructing the sandwich.

Neither of the desserts we ordered were anything special, I am sorry to say. My Apple Cobbler was warm, but needed more of the crusty bits. Rickee’s Bourbon Banana Pie was so cold it was as if they had not fully thawed a frozen pie before serving it. The vanilla ice cream that accompanied both dishes, however, was very good.

Our final analysis is that Guy’s Pig and Anchor was our least favorite meal so far on Mardi Gras. We left wishing we had gone back to Bonzai Sushi, which is amazing.

Tomorrow, Mardi Gras will be in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic.