It was my understanding that the ship had undergone massive renovation. It's ok, but it did not wow me. You can tell there has been some partying done on this here boat. Also, it feels crowded to me. There are people and more people everywhere. They all seem to be in a good mood and friendly, however, you really have to search out peaceful spots. Music is playing everywhere, and some of it is LOUD! The giant screen over the main swimming pool area is positively obnoxious. There is usually a DJ just below it spinning pop music which lends a frenzied party atmosphere. I do love me some pop music but this was pretty intense. It did make for some excellent people watching, however!
This picture was taken early in the morning before the partiers got there. People were watching TV. For reals? There is one very cute little 10 year old girl on the second row of seats that made it all so worthwhile.
This same little girl promised to do schoolwork while we were on the cruise. Here she is in our room making good on that promise.
Our room was just fine. We enjoyed looking out at the waves. One night it got a little rough, but it was exciting and fun! I loved getting room service. Paige loved the towel animals. And the gift shop. And the candy store. And the water slide. And the free self serve ice cream. Basically she was in heaven the whole time. I think her favorite thing, though, was attending the shows in the theater every night. She was entrance by the singing, dancing, and costumes. I knew she would be. The magic show was cool too.
She also enjoyed dressing up in her black patent heels for the formal dining room each night. I was thrilled she was being exposed to more formal dining ettiquite. We ate lobster and baked Alaska! Cool! The waiters seemed to enjoy trying to get Paige to perform with them.
The shore excursions were really the highlight of the trip. I opted for the knock off versions of course. I read up on what the ship offered then took a shuttle bus into town and got my own tour for half the price. At Progresso, Mexico we caught a shuttle bus out to some Mayan ruins that also had a cenote where you could swim. The site is not too large and is unique in that they let you climb on the ruins. It was just right. I wished for a couple of extra hours so we could have gone through the onsite museum. Nevertheless, less we had a blast checking out the buildings.
There she is on the top holding up her arms.
Temple of the Dolls
The cenote was very clear and clean. It is part of an underground river system and was here when the Mayans inhabited the city.
Folks were putting their feet in the water to let the little fish nibble off the dead skin.
Paige really enjoyed the snorkeling.
I wish I had had a bit more time to hike around in the woods. There were so many birds, butterflies, and IGUANAS! Too bad I totally failed to get a picture of the iguanas. This butterfly will just have to do.
We bought some souvenirs. My brother and I used to get these in Mexico when we were kids. Keeping the strings straight is a real challenge!
Our next stop was one of my favorite destinations, Cozumel. I determined we were going to swim with dolphins and snorkel in the ocean. We caught a cab out to Chankanaab. It really could not be more beautiful.
We got our gear on, and I worked up my courage ( not sure if I am fit enough!) and we plunged off the steps into the waves. Thank goodness my body fat turns out to be really buoyant and, against all odds, I floated. This was really fortunate because I had just checked in with the lifeguard and he was not very attentive at all. Of course Paige, waterbaby that she is, took to it like nobody's business. Anyway, I got one of the best thrills of my life. I got to be the first one to introduce my granddaughter to the wonders of the ocean. It was beautiful. It was magical. I know I will never forget it and I don't think she will either.
The girl is totally sold on Mexico .
Swimming with a real live mother dolphin and her baby was awesome even if we did feel really conflicted about them being kept in captivity. At least they are kept in the ocean instead of swimming pools. You can see the enclosure above. It was thrilling to touch them and look into their eyes. Too bad I have no pictures as cameras weren't allowed. I was glad we had done some studying up on dolphins prior to our visit. It was a good learning experience. Sometimes it's tough having a retired science teacher as a grandmother.
Sadly, we had to get back to the ship and so did not have time to explore the little village dedicated to tequila. Grammy was bummed.
Really, I asked myself, why am I not spending a month here gazing into this crystalline blue water everyday? I know somebody who would gladly stay with me.
All in all, I have to say the cruise was a success and I can not wait to do it again. I still have three grandkids and a nephew to go! Woo hoo!
Location:Carribean
