CRUISE through the Carribbean
We went to Cozumel, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, Jamaica and the Caymen Islands for 11 days. Here are a few shots.
Random notes
Today was our first full day on the cruise. I am sitting on our balcony since it has warmed up enough. Our room is great. So far we have had a very relaxing day. The ship is mostly old folks but Greg and I feel very comfortable. Last night after the muster drill we were coming back in through the Centrum which is like this large indoor atrium at the center of the ship. It has a gigantic staircase and as we were walking up carrying our life jackets Greg tripped and almost fell into the planter and a waterfall. It was funny, especially since we had had a few drinks. Luckily he was not hurt.
We opted to sit alone at dinner since we didn't feel like having to chat with the oldies. This actually was a great thing since the food was sooooo amazing. We had wine along with multiple appetizers and entrees. The great thing about a cruise is that you can eat like a king and eat as much as you want. It was not uncommon for us to eat three appetizers, two entrees and two desserts a piece. Needless to say, we did not eat it all.
Last night we explored the ship and then got up early to have breakfast in our room. Eggs and coffee along with all sorts of other goodies were delivered to our room daily. We loved sitting on the balcony having our morning coffee. This is always one of my favorite things. I also managed to make it to the gym a few times which was good. I had a really good workout and it was nice running on the sea. After the workout we hit the bar and then went to a wine tasting event. It was fun. I learned that I am partial to chiantis and beaujolais and Greg liked the reislings. We had a nice lunch and took naps and that evening my mom ordered us a gift of a bottle of wine. It just so happend that she picked a great one that I was introduced to that day.
Cozumel was the first stop and it was only OK. I am not a big fan of mexican beaches. We had a formal night but we didnt really go all out. The food was great. I had duck and Greg had filet. Some of the other dishes we ate were: lobster tail, sushi, prime rib, cornish hens, all kinds of fish, chowders, soups, cheescakes, chocolate cakes, spring rolls, great bread, chicken, pasta...you name it and we ate it. IT WAS FEAST FOR THE TASTEBUDS! Best food I have ever had!!
After dinner we saw a show. It was a very campy musical type thing. The next day we were at sea all day so that was relaxing. After Cozumel we went to Costa Rica. Greg had been there before so he knew what to expect. A very beautiful place indeed. We decided to go white water rafting here which meant a 90 minute ride to the river. It was quite an exciting experience since Greg and I were in the front of the raft. It was even more exciting for Greg since he fell off! I almost fell out too since the water was very strong. He was not hurt but was quite surprised. Overall an amazing experience and the country was beautiful. That night we were beat. We did a bit of gambling too but it is a bitch to stay ahead. Sometimes you are up, other times you are down.
The next day was one of the highlights of the trip. Early in the morning we went through the Panama Canal which is such an incredible thing to see. We had a great view from our balcony. From there we were able to watch the ship enter the lock which was then filled with water. It was quite an amazing experience and I have complete and utter respect for the people who built it. Did you know that more than 20,000 people died in the process of building that thing? Once through we dropped anchor in the lake and Greg and I hung out by the pool. It is amazing how relaxing this is. Our biggest decision is what to eat!
Back to the food. The service is amazing too. We had two really nice servers named Virginia and Evertt who were Brazilian. We spent our evenings talking sweetly over great food and wine. If you see two or more entrees you want, they encourage you to order them all. Now where else can you do that?
I got a facial one day too. Greg got a massage and facial the next day. We were also in the habit of walking around the top deck after dinner. We would look at the stars and the moon. It was amazing how bright they were from out in the middle of the gulf.
The next day was a peaceful day at sea. Greg has already finished three books from the ship's library and I have been pretty good about running. The only down side to the food is that you CANT STOP EATING. I am on the balcony now having coffee and contemplating Jamaica. What a beautiful day!
We spent the day in Jamaica at the beach relaxing. No excursions here. Just sun and drink. The beach was great but afterwards we decided to walk into Montego Bay and shop. Big Mistake. Those guys are SOOOO agressive that everyone is trying to sell you something, plus they are friendly Jamaicans Mon. After buying some coffee we headed back to the ship for a nap. Food was outstanding again. We also met another gay couple on the cruise from Shreveport. They were nice and we chatted a bit. My only warning for those taking 10+ day cruises is the walkers and canes. There were sooooo many old folks from the midwest that they got on my nerves a bit. They were nice and I am sure they knew we were a couple. We think we even got a free bottle of wine since another gay couple got offended by someone...oh well, all the better for us.
Grand Cayman was simply outstanding. And while I woud not want to live there since they had 16,000 tourists flock to an island of 30,000 in about 3 hours. The harbor was filled with ships! We decided to do some snorkelling and swim with the Sting Rays. This was one of the highlights of the trip since you really do get to hold them and feed them. Greg walked away with a piece of squid and was followed in the water. Their mouths are on the bottom and they feel very weird. Apparently is you have a moustache they like to kiss you too.
The last two days at sea were very relaxing. We just took it easy, relaxed, had some drinks, sun and played chess. By the last day we were ready to get off the ship. All in all Greg and I thought it was the best vacation we had ever had. We might do it again one day, but next time it will be with friends or family and maybe not as long. It was worth every cent and I still wish I was on that balcony sipping drinks and watching the sun and water!
Independence Days
12 years ago
