Yesterday we stopped in Mexico and had a chance to go to the Mayan Ruins at Tulum. It was a full day of travel. We left the ship before 8 in the morning and did not get back until just before 5. Another long and tiring day in the heat. We needed the ferry ride to the main land and then then the 1 hour bus ride to the ruins. Of course we had the needed pit stop at the shop selling the expensive "hand made" items we all have come to know. Rugs in Morocco and Turkey, items in Russia, etc. all these tours stop at the preferred location.
The ruins were interesting and we are glad that we went but there really is not much there other than the main sacrifice altar which we could only see from a distance for obvious reasons. We would go back to many places with ruins that we have been lucky enough top visit but this would not be one of them. we did stop for some local beer (DOS XX) and a snack with was tasty after the hours in the sun. By the time we got back to Cozumel all the shops were closing, not that we would be buying anything.
Last night we enjoyed a drink in the bar at the top. I won a free drink in this bar and so we decided to make it the place for our cocktail. A bit more expensive but the olives they serve are a very nice touch. Today it is a day at sea and then the Princess Cay beach tomorrow!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Ashore in Roatan and Tulum
We had a bit of trouble getting some good computer time but things are better today. For the past 2 days we have been in ports. 2 days ago we stopped on the the Island of Routan. Carnival has developed a brand new facility which will be the key site for them. We were the first ship of the corporation to actually dock there. It has all the shops - some still being finished as well as a well developed beach with all the things you would expect. They even have a ski lift to take you the short distance if you choose not to walk.
We selected a "mountain" hike and it actually turned out to be a good climb through the forest. Our group had 4 people in it so there was plenty of time to see the variety of plants. The guide was very good and explained the many different types of plants and trees and what they can be used for. It was a good but very tiring hike. Part of the way had a rope to hang onto as the slopes were quite steep.
The rest of the place was pretty depressed and I can see why they built a new dock outside the main area. There were at least 2 other ships in that port that day. We were pretty exhausted when we returned to the ship. That night we went to the wine and cheese are party and we were the first name pulled for a free piece of are. we picked something that will eventually hang in the Florida condo.
We selected a "mountain" hike and it actually turned out to be a good climb through the forest. Our group had 4 people in it so there was plenty of time to see the variety of plants. The guide was very good and explained the many different types of plants and trees and what they can be used for. It was a good but very tiring hike. Part of the way had a rope to hang onto as the slopes were quite steep.
The rest of the place was pretty depressed and I can see why they built a new dock outside the main area. There were at least 2 other ships in that port that day. We were pretty exhausted when we returned to the ship. That night we went to the wine and cheese are party and we were the first name pulled for a free piece of are. we picked something that will eventually hang in the Florida condo.
Monday, November 30, 2009
This is day 3 of our current Caribbean Cruise. The drive down from Palm Harbor went well and we found a good parking spot right across from the ship at the Lauderdale dock. Check in was a bit slow as there were many people there at the same time. We did meet up with someone that we know from the China trip but so far we seem to have recognized only 1 couple from any other trip. We are still looking among the 3400 people on board.
Yesterday was a sea day and we just sat around most of the day. I think that after the month of November we just needed a rest. Certainly the Black Friday shopping last week and the packing for both the trip and the the ride home also took some energy out of us. However we did manage to drag ourselves to the meals at the regular times.
Today we are at anchor in George Town, Grand Caymans. This is just another shopping stop for the cruise lines. Currently there is a Royal Carib ship in as well. We did go ashore and walked around but other than shops, there is very little of interest with a nice walk of the tender port. We will be taking tours the next 2 days so that will keep us a little busier. Actually we went ashore at around 9 and were back here by noon. Seen it all, did it all! It was still too early for a beer or a drink although it was humid enough. We headed back to the ship.
Actually they have a very nice little "cafe" station in the lobby. We sat and had some fresh shrimp and a prosciutto sandwich. Tiera Masu for dessert. That should keep us going until afternoon tea! Judy is at the pool (where else) and I am going there soon!
Yesterday was a sea day and we just sat around most of the day. I think that after the month of November we just needed a rest. Certainly the Black Friday shopping last week and the packing for both the trip and the the ride home also took some energy out of us. However we did manage to drag ourselves to the meals at the regular times.
Today we are at anchor in George Town, Grand Caymans. This is just another shopping stop for the cruise lines. Currently there is a Royal Carib ship in as well. We did go ashore and walked around but other than shops, there is very little of interest with a nice walk of the tender port. We will be taking tours the next 2 days so that will keep us a little busier. Actually we went ashore at around 9 and were back here by noon. Seen it all, did it all! It was still too early for a beer or a drink although it was humid enough. We headed back to the ship.
Actually they have a very nice little "cafe" station in the lobby. We sat and had some fresh shrimp and a prosciutto sandwich. Tiera Masu for dessert. That should keep us going until afternoon tea! Judy is at the pool (where else) and I am going there soon!
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