Jump to content

FINALLY FROUFIES ESP (extra special pictorial) REVIEW OF THE VALOR - JAN 24-31/10


Froufie

Recommended Posts

Well here it is! Finally after working on uploading the pics and writing the 'text' and cross checking with my Capers I am pleased to present my first attempt at a pictorial review.

 

Warning - it is LONG, it is DETAILED so for those who are looking for a brief summary - look elsewhere.

 

Happy to answer questions as we go along

 

Enjoy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saturday morning - a regular weekend day - NOT - WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? This is a very extra special day - the day I FINALLY get to leave on my much awaited Valor cruise trip!!! YAY.

 

The bags are packed (and have been weighed), carryon ready to go...off to the shower to beautify myself, then a big breakfast.....then to the airport at 11 am for my 1 pm direct Westjet flight from Ottawa to FLL!

 

Background - I am a very fun loving immature Froufie who loves to travel - this is my 13th cruise and 8th on Carnival. I reside in the cold north - Ottawa, Ontario Canada and love nothing more than the ability to go south in the winter and get away from the cold! I will be joined by my favorite cruise buddy Ray who lives in Las Vegas and who will be ‘celebrating’ his 50th birthday on this cruise. We actually met 3 years ago on the Valor thru our roll call and have cruised together a few times as we are most compatible. (I make the plans, tell Ray where to go, what to do and he listens! :D)

 

So due to ‘enhanced security’ from Canadian airports I do arrive early but no real panic as the airport and US customs area not at all crowded on a Saturday morning so I zip thru customs with only a cursory check of my carryon (they were befuddled by my digital portable luggage scale - a necessity for me!)...and a few ‘buzzes’ with the wand due to various bangles/bracelets and my watch and I was IN the US of A.....took about 20 mins for the whole procedure.

 

Of course my flight was going to be delayed (it always is!!) as they were awaiting a new flight attendant but Westjet was so fun playing trivia over the airport communication system and giving away prizes to pass the time. Then we were off - and I spent 3.5 hours playing with my own personal seatback satellite TV - and eating my snacks!

 

Ray and I were very well coordinated - he had spent the prior week at Disney and his Orlando flight was arriving at 4:30 pm in Terminal 1 and I was supposed to land at the same time in Terminal 3 - of course I landed around 5 pm and Ray was already waiting for me at the luggage carrousel and once my luggage arrived we phoned SAS shuttle (made previous reservation) and left a message. Carlos called us back and we waited outside about 15-25 mins (he was picking up another late arrival in another terminal) and we were then picked up and on our way to the luxurious 4 star Hyatt Regency in Downtown Miami (which I picked up on Priceline for a mere $65 per room)....for the cheap transportation cost of $15 per person! Very convenient and easy and another couple on the shuttle was going to the same hotel - we were the first stop. My only ‘upset’ was the weather - of course it was hot and muggy in Miami (and I am coming from below zero temps)...but were those raindrops I saw outside? And big gray clouds in the sky? Where was that shining sun I saw from the plane window (when I was most probably flying above those nasty clouds?). Oh well.....

 

Arrived at the hotel around 6:30 pm. Check in was a breeze and they were more than happy to comply with all my requests which I had faxed to them a few weeks before (rooms close together, upper floor possibly with a view, 2 non-smoking king bed rooms away from elevators and ice machine). You should have seen my face when I opened the door to my room!!! WOW - It was gorgeous....huge, wall of windows on the 19th floor, lovely bed area with a gazillion pillows....then a granite ‘stand’ with the plasma TV which could be rotated to face the ‘sitting area’ - yes a couch, coffee table, end tables, chair, even a desk - then a walk in closet (with a safe!)...and large bathroom - I almost didn’t want to go on the cruise the room was so lovely (I did say almost!). Ray’s adjoining room was equally lovely and HUGE as well. Certainly worth the $65 per room!!!

 

"bed area'

2628752180059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

'sitting area'

2836855640059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

'Pillar' in middle of room with moveable plasma TV (note wall of windows on left)

2265309710059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Bathroom:

2403992210059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Opened luggage, sorted out a few things, filled the safe and we were off again to Bayside for dinner. Spoke with the Concierge about getting there and where to eat and we were off to the metromover close to the hotel. Now of course we had heard of the scary stories and I had done a ton of research on downtown Miami, and I come from a big city, but honestly getting to the metromover was a bit spooky as we were walking down barely lit corridors, up and down escalators in what seemed to be deserted downtown office buildings? I’m sure it has a different ambience during the daytime, but several lights were burnt out and there were no other humans around!

 

Well the metromover was quick and efficient and you get a great look at downtown Miami. There were some sketchy looking characters at some of the stations but no one really bothered us and maybe we were just a bit paranoid to begin with? We got off as directed and walked about a block to the big lights and sounds of Bayside. Decided to eat at Mambo Café - where I had my first very yummy Mango Daiquiri. Ray had a mojito and we shared the mambo café ‘fajitas’ - as expected it was delish (beef, chicken, shrimp, sausage, ribs and peppers, onions with tortillas, rice, beans, guacamole, etc). Stuffed ourselves good then walked around a bit listening to the music and window shopping. We then decided to walk back cuz a) did not really want to get on that metromover again and b) I really needed the exercise and wanted to walk off some of that dinner. So we just followed Biscayne Blvd all the way down to our hotel street - felt very safe and comfortable as they are lots of people out and tons of cars (more like a parking lot?) along Biscayne. We were back at the hotel around 10:15 pm to relax and get ready for tomorrow and embarkation!!!

 

Bayside:

2027622000059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Woke up to gray skies and what looked to be very blustery winds (so much for working on my hair!).....sent Ray outside to check the weather......looked cold - but actually it was quite warm - just looked deceiving with all that stuff blowing around. Decided to have breakfast at the hotel - nice café downstairs. They had a breakfast buffet which we both skipped (but it did seem to be quite popular - I felt it was quite expensive - $18 for ‘continental buffet’ and $24 for the whole deal with hot foods)....and ate off the menu. I had a lovely bowl of oatmeal - $7 (I love oatmeal by the way - esp the homemade kind!) with lots of brown sugar, milk and even some stewed fruit on the side. Then back to the room to ‘close’ everything up and head off to the port.

 

Cab was quick and easy at the hotel entrance - and only a 10 min drive to the port! I believe we got there around 10:45 am - were heading in shortly after that - and boarding the ship by 11:30 am! Ray has extra special Platinum Powers which he shares with me so getting onboard was quick and easy. And yes we are those that sneak down thru the closed doors and ask the stewards, very politely if we can just leave our carryons in the cabin? (And this time we really had to SNEAK! They actually had ‘guards’ (carnival staff?) standing at the staircases to make sure no one used them - we scooted around them when they were not paying attention - we’re so bad!).

 

Our 'ship' has come in!

2902105830059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Turns out Ray’s cabin was ‘ready’ so we dropped stuff off there, filled the safe, put on those lanyards and were out the door with our cameras to explore and take pics. Having been on the Valor before I knew what to expect, but still found those backlit dead peoples’ faces in the atrium a bit spooky - reminding me of those haunted mansion rides at Disney.....and too many eagles all over the place - but I do love that ‘inlaid’ floor in the atrium that resembles the American flag.

 

Pics around the ship:

2481729950059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

2271627500059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

2838304890059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Ray relaxing in the Atrium area:

2168283050059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Ended up at the Fish and Chips place to try the ahi tuna and watermelon which others have raved about - very interesting flavor and yummy but not something I couldn’t live without. Ray had some buffet lunch as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Off to my cabin to check it out - so very very very cute! We had ‘matching’ porthole cabins - I was in 1211 - solo 1A cabin - single bed, couch, the other ‘usual’ stuff and 2 portholes with a magnificent window ledge! Ray was on the opposite side in 1212 (and had the unfortunate experience of hearing that anchor drop when we were in a tender port - I understand it sounds like a train going thru your cabin!!!). Checked out the cabin to make sure everything worked (yes I used my Lysol wipe to ‘disinfect’ stuff) and left a note for cabin steward for some ‘necessities’.

 

Cabin pics:

2369087140059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

2208996730059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Single bed:

2499049400059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Loved my portholes and window ledge!

2489364380059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

At 2:30 pm it was time for our 1st roll call meet and greet! Aft pool bar/pizza area - found a group with beads on and had a blast matching screen names to real names to faces. Sat down and chatted with everyone til muster and made a lot of new friends. Got to muster (front row thank goodness) and no more life jackets so not that uncomfortable. Took about 15 mins then we were done. Ray’s luggage had of course arrived at his cabin. No sign of mine yet?? However cabin steward Suni has already left me my ‘extra’ hangers and 2 red wine glasses, box of tissues and was around later to introduce himself. Such a nice guy and funny too - reminded us of the Asian version of Vincent Price I kid you not! Looked like him and even spoke like him - so funny every day!

 

Cruise critic bunch (1st meet & greet):

 

 

Of course at 5 pm it was sushi time! (I still had no luggage by the way!).....So off we went to have our first (and turns out only :() sushi snack. I think I also had a glass of white wine from the wine bar. Very nice bartender there - I think her names was Ildiko? Or something like that - very knowledgeable about wines and made fantastic martinis

 

Sushi time:

2518670810059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Back to the cabin where finally the luggage had arrived. Ray had decided to change (he was in his special embarkation shirt - Ray’s 50th birthday cruise - and for some reason was getting tired of everyone stopping him to wish him a happy birthday? Such a party pooper! .....I of course showered, changed, unpacked and was ready to go for late dinner in the Washington dining room. We did try to check on our table assignment earlier in the day but either a) the dining room was locked or b) when we did sneak in could find no table numbers. We of course ended up with a table for 2 which we did not want! (and we knew we could easily get rid of it and/or sell it off to the highest bidder!).......so off to the Maitre d stand to ask for a change - he was a bit frazzled, but finally got to us and we were switched to a 10 top - we were guests 7 & 8 (and that was it for the week - 2 empty seats?). We always like to sit at a large table for the social opportunities and meeting new people and frankly the odds are good if there are more people that you will hit it off with someone right?

 

So here’s the eclectic group we end up with - 2 young and GORGEOUS young ladies, 2 older gentlemen, 2 other ‘southern’ young ladies. I of course start all the introductions and begin asking people where they’re from, what they do and before you know it we are all chatting up a storm. The 2 beauties turn out to be TWINS (one blonde, one redhead) 23 yrs old and they can drink anyone under the table :D. They were so cute and so fun and pretty wild esp after getting that wine package - every night there was lots going on - and lots of ‘attention’ from other waiters at our table salivating over the girls. The other 2 young ladies were emergency room nurses from Georgia (I love that southern accent) - a bit too much complaining for me the 1st night but things got somewhat better as the week went on - very picky eaters - sending back their original dish almost every night. Our waiter Zoran was the best as was his assistant - and he got to know these girls and started showing up with alternate plates before they even asked - too funny (well how did you know we wanted summthin else? - well cuz you have every other night?)..... The 2 older gents were from Long Island new yawk - and had those great accents as well. Retired schoolteachers/principal - Victor and John. John was the more conservative of the two and was very appreciative every evening of my excellent menu recommendations! Victor was a college drama teacher and hit it off quite well with the twins so lots of teasing and joking going on (by the end of the week we were all calling them frick and frack!). We were so well bonded that on the last night we couldn’t bare to say goodbye - had to go to the Legends show together and sit together and hug and kiss when it was over! I had so much fun with my tablemates!

 

 

Tablemates:

 

Twins Ashy & Taylor:

 

2316869200059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Keena & Katie:

2626074600059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Victor and John:

2092467430059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

So dinner being done (I had the tilapia - recommended by our waiter - very good and my first of many chocolate melting cakes - with fresh fruit on the side to dip - think chocolate fondue!) it was off to the welcome aboard show. Loved Big Tex our cruise director and show was great along with the comic Percy Crews - laughed til I cried. After that it was off to bed for Ray (he is 50 after all - poor darling needs his sleep)....I wandered about a bit more checking out the other hot spots on the ship, losing some $$ in the casino and I am very sad to advise that Larry the piano bar guy was as bad as reported. There were a few people there that evening but by day 3 or 4 the place was empty and Larry was serenading himself! Finally got a cup of tea on the Lido (which turned out to be a new night time ritual for me) and off to bed (or really to watch Seinfeld reruns on my cabin tv with no one else HOGGING the remote!). And a towel animal friend to greet me of course:

 

2540008450059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well first on the agenda was breakfast - at the buffet - oatmeal of course and some fruit and danish and coffee and then onto the IMPORTANT STUFF - the mandatory winning of a SHIP ON A STICK. Yes I am a collector and feel obligated to return from each cruise with such a memento - in fact I have a row of these trophies in my office at work and would have to hang my head in shame should I return trophyless! First up was Super Trivia - in teams - but quite interesting - Ray and I ended up on a team aptly named The Winners (we felt positive vibes would help). Most of our group was made up of the most hilarious and intelligent seniors one could hope to meet. These guys knew everything! Their knowledge, combined with Ray’s dice throwing skills (after all he does come from Vegas) and we quickly took the lead and were able to hold onto it til the end! So the Winners were really the Winners - and we each got a Medal for our efforts.

 

The medal winners:

 

2588018190059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

2053623260059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Okay nice medal - and good start - but still need that ship on a stick. So off Ray goes to the slot tournament (having a free entry due to his Platinum Powers) and I stick around for Scattergories - something I have never played before but seem to be quite good at as I end up getting 15/20 which is good enuf for that coveted gold statue! I am thrilled to pieces as my work is now done, and the pressure is off. I don’t have to fret and worry at each and every trivia game as to how it will all end. YAY.

 

And finally the coveted Ship on a Stick!!!

2019776010059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Met up with Ray and had a lovely lunch in the dining room.....

 

2:30 pm - time for our 2nd/final roll call meet and greet - deck 5 near the wine bar! Lots of new faces show up and we get to chat again and make more friends...then some are off to tea time but I am itching to get outside!

 

Forgot to mention it was raining this morning - decks were wet - pretty windy- I believe they covered the aft pool but by mid afternoon the sun appeared and it was time to get out to do one of my most favorite shipboard activities in the whole world - walking! Yes you heard me right walking - but not just any walking! No - this is ocean walking - this is walking on the top deck jogging track with my ipod on, listening to fantastic music, enjoying fabulous scenery, and warm ocean breezes and sunshine - what more could a person want? Yes I was that silly grinning woman walking and smiling and singing along while I went round and round on the top deck (as I convinced myself I could now get an extra dessert with dinner!).

 

Tonight was first elegant night - so after the walk it was time to go get all fancied up in my black sequins. What fun! After getting all ‘beautified’ Ray and I went off to the Promenade deck for those $1 off drinks (I am still not impressed by that and wish they would bring back the ‘traditional’ captain’s welcome aboard cocktail party!). I headed for the martini bar where Ildika made me an extra special French Martini - pretty powerful stuff - pink and yummy - and I am a very cheap drunk so by the time I get to dinner I am a very happy camper!:)

 

Yummy:

2912220250059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Dinner was super delish and I really enjoyed my lobster tail (and had a few bites of Ray’s prime rib - he did the surf and turf thing - and it was really really tasty - I find the ‘beef’dishes sometimes are hit and miss!). Off to the show ‘Nightclub Express’ - have seen this before on some other cruises altho it seems to have been revamped a bit? Gotta love that talking sofa! Ray of course is off to bed but I’m hoping to catch the midnight adult comedy show by Percy Crews (who we had seen the night before). The adult comedy shows are no longer in the theatre - and were all in the Eagles lounge back of deck 5 - a nice venue but typically very crowded - I ended up standing in a corner for a while and to be quite honest after about 15 minutes cuz the show was just not that funny - or not as funny as the night before. Many people seemed to be enjoying it tho and I think the ratio of liquor to jokes had something to do with it?

 

And my newest 'friend':

2452402870059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Next up: Grand Caymen (but 1st suppertime)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is GREAT! Love that you are posting it so fast... you must have pretyped it!

 

We will be on the Valor May 30th, and we're sooo excited for it to get here! It's awesome to live vicariously through others... THANK YOU!

 

You're welcome! Glad you (and others) are enjoying it. Definitely pre-typed - figured that would be easier in the end - as I could 'review' and then cut and paste as required once my pics were upoaded (that took forever!). So yes should have it up pretty quickly - depending on how 'slow'fast' my computer is? And how much time I have to spend on it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Had put out my room service breakfast card the night before and was looking forward to a fix of smoked salmon - I love smoked salmon and try to get my fill on each and every cruise! Breakfast came as scheduled and I was able to sit on my couch, watch the news and have my smoked salmon/bagel and melon plate (which was excellent - had it almost every day: honeydew, canteloupe, watermelon with a couple of strawberries thrown in!). Started packing up my ‘beach bag’ and applying that sunscreen and getting ready to disembark. This was a tender port so we had to go to deck 0 and line up to get off. We anchored around 8 am and by 8:30 we were on the tender being whisked to Georgetown. A nice 5 minute ride.

 

Once we got off we found our “Nativeways’ contact as we had booked the Rays, Reef and Rumpoint tour with them - $62.50 pp - about 5.5 hours including lunch. Were told to meet up at a certain spot at 9:10 am - fine with us. Ray forgot a sunhat so off we went to get him a Grand Cayman baseball cap and then wandered thru some of the shops til it was time to go.

 

Tour was very well organized, after a roll call we were off for a short walk to our ‘bus’ which would take us to the boat. I would say there were about 25 people on this tour so it did not feel crowded - altho the bus was pretty full. After a 10-15 drive we are at this ‘marina’ place - lovely waterfront homes and a ‘marina’ with different boats/yachts.....we board our boat (Ray and I scoot up the ladder to the top deck) and then are given a rundown on how to interact and feed the rays! I am so excited - I really want to do this but not sure how I will react when I see these creatures! And I definitely need to do that kissing thing cuz I could sure use 7 years good luck (heck I could use 7 minutes).

 

The boat ride out is magnificent - the wind blowing thru my hair - the sun sparkling on the ocean - and all I can think of is ‘man this sure beats being in the office’.....what a way to live. I could have stayed on that boat all day, but about 15 mins later we are arriving at Stingray city sandbar and can see a few other boats already there with their groups.

Well turns out I was a bit freaked out by the rays - not the holding them - or even kissing them (as you can see) - but it was the flitting about underwater and brushing by my legs or swimming around and thru my legs that made me squeal.....kinda sneaky I thought. I know they were not trying to ‘attack’ or anything but I stood pretty close to Ray keeping my eye on those swimming rays (thanks Ray!) making sure they were not getting too close! Lots of pics were taken and squid was passed out to feed the rays - yes keep that thumb tucked in or else!

 

Me and the sitngrays:

2877045550059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

A salty kiss:

2796681590059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Ray interacting with a stingray:

2040777780059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

After about 30 mins there we were off to snorkel at a nearby reef - current was pretty strong and of course this was when my snorkel decided to act up (like cutting off my AIR SUPPLY when I needed it?) so I was back on the boat in a few minutes just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Got to see our pics on the computer (taken by the tour photographer) and of course Ray had to buy the CD as he was not too swift with that camera when I was interacting with the rays! (I of course got some EXCELLENT pics of him with his underwater digital camera while he was holding the rays, but he did not seem to be ready when it was my turn...hmmmph!)

 

Once we were all back onboard menus were passed around (for the Wreck bar/restaurant on Rumpoint Beach) and we got to order our lunches - info was radioed ahead and after the 20 min ride when we disembarked at Rumpoint our lunches were ready and waiting for us! I ordered the blackened mahi mahi with mango mayonnaise - very yummy a bit spicy - but good. Ray had the chicken sandwich - looks like all meals came with fries and iced tea (and there was a bar where you could get ‘stronger’ refreshments’ if you wished).

 

Then off to the water - the beach was gorgeous and one of the reasons I picked this excursion. I know 7 mile beach would be quite crowded with 5 ships in port so wanted somewhere a bit more secluded and Rumpoint fit the bill! The sand was soft, the water clear and ocean lovely and blue. Also lots of loungers available along the beach and clean washrooms with shower facilities as well.

 

Beautiful Rumpoint beach:

2625356560059010061S500x500Q85.jpg[/url]

 

Love this picture:

2543269210059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

I grabbed the underwater digital and tried to ‘catch’ some fish videos (hard to do with only a mask due to the non functional snorkel!)....got some videos but since the fish were mostly silvery white it is very hard to see them against the white sandy bottom. Oh well - I did have fun trying and enjoyed splashing about.

 

Also found some pelican friends. They were sitting on a row of rocks on the beach and were literally posing for the camera. I could get up real close - this is like a foot away and they were not spooked or anything - guess they are used to the tourists sneaking up and taking pictures of them?

 

Friendly pelican:

2640620300059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Relaxed in the sun a bit then it was back on the boat for the lovely ride back. Thru the marina past the fancy homes.....back on the bus and back to Georgetown. We noticed a line in the parking lot and asked what it was - seemed this was the TENDER LINE for the Valor which was already a few blocks long snaking from the port all the way down the street into this parking lot- it was around 2:15 at this time and last tender was at 3 - so we just added ourselves to the line and waited. Actually took turns visiting a nearby store - Ray got some diet coke to bring onboard and I bought a diet pepsi to drink in line (and glad I didn’t buy any to bring onboard cuz it did not taste quite the same as the diet pepsi I’m used to!).

 

Now what is it with people that have to bitch and complain while waiting in line? Does it make the line move faster? No! Does it make you feel better? No! For goodness sake - you are in GRAND CAYMAN, in the sunshine, in your bathing suit, not at work or in the cold, and yes you have to wait in line to get to the tender - so just button it up and enjoy it. This is of course directed to the people in line behind us - who just never had to wait in such a line and last time on the (insert ship name here) this did not happen and why does it take so long, and why the big line.....enuf already!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Finally made it onto the tender for the ride back to the ship - spoke to others and compared excursion notes but noticed the ride back was not at all as smooth as the ride out??? Seas getting a bit rougher? Definitely true - as getting from the tender to the ship was quite a feat. Picture the tender boat bobbing up and down and on every second ‘bob’ it reaches the ‘gangplank’ to get on the Valor - but if it is up - well a big drop and you can’t get on the ship (well you can but you’ll probably hurt yourself?)....then the tender actually banging sideways into the ship every few seconds as well jarring those of us waiting to get off. In fact I would say this was the closest I got to motion sickness - ha ha ha. Was fine the 1st rocky night out of Miami but this constant banging and bobbing on the tender was starting to make me feel yucky! Of course the process was now taking twice as long as you could only get one person off every 45 seconds or so.....as you waited for the ‘boats’ to connect. Well we finally made it off and back to the cabins to change and relax but 1st a stop on deck 9 for my first ice cream cone! Tonight’s late seating show was at 7 pm - before dinner! But first up the 5 pm past guest party (I thought 5 pm on an excursion day was a weird time? Oh well).

 

Tender visual (for those unfamiliar with this procedure!)

2070579050059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

And this is when I end up ‘getting’ another ship on a stick!!! TWO OF THEM - YES I ENDED UP WITH TWO OF THEM. After numerous drinks - that blue margarita stuff....and lots of snacks (chicken salad was very good)......Big Tex gets up on the stage (we are in the Ivanhoe Theatre and there are LOTS of past cruisers) does his spiel, we see the video and then he pulls a name for winning of the door prize - dinner for 2 at Scarlett’s! First of all he butchers the name a bit, and a little old man finally comes up on stage....and says “I only speak French and Spanish!’ Well poor Tex is at a loss and not sure what to do - says he has never been in this situation before. He then asks is there anyone here who can translate from English to French and that is when I raise my hand!!! (I'm so brave!) And mine is the only hand up!!! Go figure!

 

So I am invited up on stage to be the ‘official Carnival translator’ for the door prize. Now I am an anglophone however I grew up in Montreal, did the French immersion thing so yes I can speak French altho it is a bit rusty (and I figured most people in the audience would not even know if I made a mistake or not). I was absolutely able to relay the questions and answers back and forth. The gentleman responded appropriately - lots of clapping and I sat down and was told to come see him (actually Sam the assistant Cruise Director) later for a special prize! I was so thrilled to have yet another trophy and was already planning the special display in my cabin!

 

Dinner was quite fun however the twins were ‘missing’! Probably drank too much during the day and slept thru dinner? A bit of peace and quiet was nice too :D

 

That night’s entertainment was Manuel Zuniga, a juggler, followed by comedian Jim Brick (and the late seating show was before dinner at 7 pm). Now Manny was pretty good, but the ship was moving and it seems there was something on the ‘stage floor’ which was causing him some concern and he was dropping things once in a while. He was pretty funny tho so that made up for any juggling mishaps. Jim Brick was very funny – and a warning again to not sit in the front row or bring any attention to yourself – OR ELSE! He had quite some fun with those sitting near the stage. In between the 2 acts Big Tex came out and exhibited some of his ‘cool’ dance moves (which he would reprise later in the cruise). Jim Brick was also doing a late night adult show the following evening.

 

Tonight I decided to check out the Seaside Theatre – I have been on many ships with the big screen but honestly never sat out there to watch a movie. So this was my chance (as of course Old Many Ray had already retired for the evening). 10:30 pm for The Proposal with Sandra Bullock. Grabbed myself once of those ‘blue rockers’ on deck and watched the people appear. The cutest was the young teenage girls who all showed up wearing bathrobes and bringing pillows with them so relax on the loungers! Talk about coming prepared. Others brought snacks and drinks (and I was sorry I had not gotten anything but dared not leave my primo deluxe spot). Watched the movie for a while - then got very tired so off to bed I went!

 

The ocean view drive in theatre:

2007286530059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

And my newest friend (ready to take notes?)

2443009430059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well at least we got to sleep in today as we did not dock til 12 noon! Met up with Ray for breakfast on the Lido deck - enjoyed the buffet and yes I was intending to ‘work out’ but alas too much yapping and eating and the time flew by and we had to go pack up and get ready to disembark.

 

Just wanted to mention here how clean the ship was and what a great job the waiters were doing on the Lido deck - past cruises I remember walking around with my tray trying to find a clean table - not this time. I swear these guys were lurking everywhere and just itching to grab your tray and dirty dishes. One guy kept hovering so I finally grabbed my coffee and danish and gave him the rest of the dishes and let him wipe up the table (and asked him if we would come home with me and clean my house!)......so no worries about finding a clean spot to eat!

 

So we are packed up and ready to disembark at the new Mahogany Bay pier. I had booked us with Rony’s tours - private tour guide to take us around and I really had my heart set on visiting the Mayan Princess resort. (More background: Nov 08 Glory Cruise - Ray and I ready to disembark in Roatan when CD comes on the intercom saying there was a ‘problem’!!! May not be able to disembark due to ‘civil unrest’ - captain on the phone with Miami HQ - about 30 mins later comes the bad news - we are leaving Roatan and having another fun day at sea! We all run out on deck to take pics of the island we didn’t visit! I think it was the right decision to make however I was still disappointed and kept reading all the wonderful reviews of the island so was very anxious to make it back one day).

 

Mahogany Bay:

2619214080059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

If you are aware you know that the independent tour operators are not allowed on the pier - or even outside the gates but can be found a short walk away up a hill. No problem - off we go for the climb and meet up with Rony (and see our other CC friends who have also booked a tour with him) and are introduced to our guide Fito. Sky looks gray with clouds but I am hoping it will eventually clear up. We wait a while for more to show up then board a small van to take us to the parking lot where we split up in our different cars/drivers.

 

Me and Fito our tour guide for the day:

2465660080059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Our first stop is the Iguana Farm - and I wish I had a pic of my face when I rounded that corner and saw the millions (okay I am exaggerating) of iguanas all over the place and people feeding them leaves. I was a bit sceptical but was assured the iguanas were vegetarian and would not eat me....but I did keep my distance. Ray on the other hand, who believes himself to be the new up and coming Dr. Doolittle starts to ‘commune’ with the iguanas encouraging them to swarm around him - and I of course keep my distance. You really do need to be careful where you step cuz the iguanas are everywhere and you can very easily step on a tail or two if you are not careful.

 

Be prepared - thsi is what 'greets' you when you round the corner from the ticket booth:

2678638120059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

A 'face' only a mother could love!

2249403340059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Dr Doolittle in action:

2170824780059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

 

Also see some rooster and turkey friends wandering about and some birds in cages.

2269337620059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

Washrooms were okay (no soap in ladies so had to scoot into the mens). Wandered down the path to see the coatmundi, and the monkey (both in cages) - Ray of course starts to ‘relate’ and ends up chatting with the monkey while providing a much wanted back scratching! At the bottom of the path is water with fish and other ‘sea creatures’? and a lovely view. After about 30 mins there we are back in our ‘taxi’ and off to the Monkey Stop (Victor Bodden’s place) as I am determined to see some Roatan Rabbits which I understand reside there (I am a bunny lover and felt it was crucial that I see these ‘distant relations’).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh yes we also stopped at a pharmacy in French Harbour on the way so Ray could buy some illegal drugs (okay I am exaggerating but this buying of prescription drugs in foreign ports sure makes me wonder! I know they are cheaper but do we really know where they are made and how ‘pure’ they are? I will now admit to my personal bias - as I am a federal public servant working for Health Canada in the area that approves all pharmaceuticals and medical devices for sale in Canada so I am well aware of manufacturing issues/controls and find it hard to believe that buying drugs in foreign countries is a good idea!). So Ray finds one of the ‘drugs’ he is looking for and off we go.

 

We pay to enter Victor’s place and are ‘assigned’ a guide (like a 13 yr old boy?) who walks us around describing some of the animals. Most are in cages however there is a large monkey enclosure you can enter to interact with the monkeys, same for some parrots and the deer. Dr. Doolittle thinks he has died and gone to heaven and takes his big fancy camera in with him to ‘talk to the animals, learn their languages’, etc, etc.....I stay outside and take pics and watch Ray do his thing. (Okay I also did a stint at the Animal Diseases Research Institute where we tested different animal blood samples for various diseases - hence my reticence to real close interaction!).

 

Now here's a happy face!

2734638090059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

A bird friend for Ray:

2207097510059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

And Ray has a great time in the monkey enclosure - mionkey was very interested in Ray's hat (esp trying to find out if he had anything interesting hidden in there!)

2911865810059010061S500x500Q85.jpg

 

We finally get to the Roatan rabbits enclosure and I am sorely disappointed! These don’t look anything like bunnies - more like large rats! No big ears or puffy tails or hopping in evidence - oh well. I take some pics/video and move on.

 

Believe it or not - these are roatan rabbits - all huddled into that far left corner!

 

2332943450059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

We visit with the deer - hear the cows mooing in the background and we are soon done and on our way. The best news is the sun has come out!!! YAY - just in time for a beach visit as we are both hot and tired now and would love a dip in the ocean. First a stop for a photo opp and visit to the grocery store for some cold drinks and off to try and get into the Mayan Princess Resort.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now as you can see I had my heart on getting in the Mayan Princess Resort however recent Valor cruisers were reporting no luck as the place was usually full and by the time they got there and no more day passes were being given out! I had communicated with Rony about this - and he said we could try but if not there was Foster’s next door or other beaches along the way. It was thought that the fact of the Valor docking at noon was the issue since other ships having arrived earlier had lots of cruisers going to MP first thing in the morning and by the time Valor cruisers arrived the place was full.

 

So off we go down some ‘beaten path’ of burned out cars, untended fields, gravel roads and end up in this parking lot? But as we walk into the ‘open lobby’ and look ahead we see PARADISE! And what is this? The nice young man at the desk is holding out some wristbands? Could it be? We’re in? Yes - $10 pp for use of the facilities and off we go to grab some loungers on the beach after arranging for our driver to come back in around 2 hours!!!!

 

First glimpse of the pool area as we enter the property:

2900309390059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

After settling in (and assuring the nice woman bothering us we don’t really want a foot massage right now)....I am off into the water to cool off while Ray relaxes in the shade of some trees (Ray is not quite the ‘beach/water’ person I am). I start chatting with some cruisers off an RCCL ship who have been there since morning - they confirm that in the morning the place was packed and you could not find a lounger anywhere on the beach - but it has since cleared out as many have left. So here’s the deal - if you are a Valor cruiser and want to visit the MP I would suggest not going there right away when you disembark (as that is when it still seems to be full). We got there around 2:15 roatan time and the bulk of the morning cruisers had left so we were able to get in and honestly the place was not at all crowded.

 

Beach shots:

2191383400059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

2222762800059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

The beach was beautiful as was the water so I splashed around a bit but upon exiting to our loungers I am accosted with VERY VERY LOUD salsa music...now I like salsa music but this was a bit much? I look up to notice we are located under a speaker in the trees and Ray does not look too happy? Do you want to move to pool area? Yes he replies - between the music and the beach vendors he has had enuf. Fine with me - I love the pool. So we find a lounger for Ray in the shade (mine in the sun of course). Ray is off to take some pics with his big fancy camera and I am in the pool....ahhh...so lovely and refreshing and interesting with some spraying water feature things from the little bridge.....steps everywhere so you can sit and lounge in the pool...the place was beautiful - looks like separate 2 storey villas with patios facing the ocean - everything pristine and well kept. I had a great time floating and swimming around - of course chatting up some ‘neighbours’ - people from Toronto who were actually staying at the resort!

 

Made up of 2 level villas/patios facing the ocean:

2515595500059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Another gorgeous pool view:

2199523810059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Then some ‘sun time’ but we are both getting hungry realizing we have not eaten since breakfast. Ray goes on the hunt for food but alas the hotel beach restaurant is now closed so I have to satisfy myself with my ‘emergency’ fibre 1 bar and some crackers!!! oh well...

 

Fito shows up at the appointed time for the ride back - very scenic - and yes one more pharmacy stop for more ‘illegal drugs’ and we arrive at the port just as the sky turns black and buckets (and I mean buckets) of torrential rain begin to fall (it is now 6 pm ship time and we are to be onboard by 6:30 pm). And the independent tour guides are allowed to drop you off right in the parking lot at Mahogany bay so no real walking required (as on the way out). So we pay Fito and tip him and scoot out and under the ‘roof’ of the taxi area wondering if we should wait or go?

 

My flip flops are not doing well in the big lakes and puddles so while under the shelter I have a brain wave and pull out my water shoes...put those on....we wrap ourselves in our Carnival beach towels and like others around us begin the short walk (run?) back to the ship. The poor people in the Dufry store were none too happy as this is one of those ports where you have to walk thru their store to get to the ship - and the ‘walkway’ was already on a bit of a slant - so here comes water pouring into the store along with hundreds of soaking wet cruisers slip sliding around. It was a miracle no one fell and hurt themselves as they were continually trying to mop up the floors!

 

We were both frozen by the time we got on the ship - and all I could think of was a hot shower! (And then food). Ended up going to the pizza place for some caesar salad and garlic bread - was hungry but did not want to eat too much as dinner was coming up pretty soon!

 

Felt great after cleaning up and ready for dinner and a night of fun.

 

This evening’s show “More than Magic’ starred Rand Woodbury and of course some of the Valor dancers – he did some really cool disappearing tricks and the usual stuff – a bit hokey at the end tho...but all in all pretty entertaining.

 

Tonight at midnight it was off to see Jim Brick ‘insult’ some more people in the Eagles Lounge – it was pretty packed and he ‘delivered’ however some may have been ‘offended’ and a few people did walk out (and it was very noticeable as there were sitting right in front). I enjoyed his comedy tho – and then off to my cabin to get ready for the next day!

 

...and this is what I call a RABBIT!!!

2712144890059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love Belize - was there in Nov 08 on our Glory cruise and did the Lamanai excursion with island marketing/belizecruiseexcursions.com - and yes we were almost left behind having missed the official last tender, but luckily Carnival held up a tender for us (group of 11) and we made it back as the anchor was being lifted and gangplank pulled. I had planned to do some shopping then after our tour but having to run thru the port area with our sign and sail cards in our hand precluded any such event. So this time we had booked a Carnival excursion (River Wallace/Altun Ha) and I had promised my kids that I would get those souvenirs this time (dd wanted a ‘chanel’ purse and big ds wanted a belikin beer t-shirt).

 

Again the day was a bit overcast and seas a bit choppy as we took the long tender ride out to the mainland (after meeting in the Ivanhoe at 8:15 am and off the ship around 8:45 am).....we were divided into groups and off we went (The Happy Group) with our leader Gus who was the most informative guide I have ever had. Seriously he was teaching the Americans facts about their own country - says he watched the Discovery Channel a lot - ha ha ha. The worst part was having to wearing those disgusting life jackets for the trip out of the dock into the ocean area but we were allowed to remove them once we reached the river part (maybe 20 mins or so?). I also decided to take some bonamine at that point just in case things stayed rough - did not want to chance being sick and not enjoying myself.

 

Gus, fearess leader of the "Happy Group'!:

2816274240059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Lots of interesting flora and fauna along the way:

2144057280059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

First stop was finding the elusive manatee - supposedly there were some showing their noses out of the water but alas I could not really capture this on film or video. Then the lovely ride down the river stopping a few times to take in the local flora and fauna. It was actually very warm when we stopped the boat despite the cloudy sky and was comfortable when we were moving. I can only imagine how hot it would be on a sunny cloudless day. After about 1.5 hours on the River we docked at the Black Orchid Resort for lunch and rest stop (and this is where we applied the bug spray - yes I was already bitten on the boat!!! only me of course - one big bite by something on my shoulder which is just now ‘healing’!).

 

Homes along the waterfront:

2573683700059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

The resort is so very peaceful and relaxing. The thing I noticed most was the lack of ‘noise’...seriously it made me realize how we are constantly surrounded by noise and the lack of it was actually noticeable! We had lunch in the resort restaurant (I believe others were served outside in another big building?) - I think inside the resort is much nicer - we were like in a covered porch area with a view of the river with few people there - while the bigger building is much busier and noisier and looked fairly crowded! A very limited lunch menu is available....if I remember correctly, all meals were $8 US and you could get a hamburger /cheeseburger/veggie burger meal or chicken with rice and beans. Ray ordered the hamburger plate and I share the chicken plate with Liz. Liz was another Canadian on our roll call who was on the same excursion - her husband chose to do something else so we ‘took care’ of her and enjoyed her company on this tour. She was lots of fun and we were glad she came along.

 

Arriving at the Black Orchid Resort:

2237978080059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

It rained briefly while we were having lunch, and afterwards many went outside to see the ‘wild parrot’ in the tree outside who was making some noise. The stop there was a bit too long but we were waiting for the bus to take us to Altun Ha....the other group does the tour in reverse...visiting Altun Ha first then driving to the Black Orchid where we switch. The bus finally arrived and The Happy Group was off again over the bumpy roads of Belize to Altun ha (free bum massage as our guide put it!)

 

2173471060059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now Gus kept talking the whole way there about various topics and was very knowledgeable about the mayans and other peoples of Belize but I think most people were no longer paying attention and some were even nodding off! (Altho given the bumpy roads I don’t know how!).

 

Finally get to Altun Ha and Gus takes us around describing the ancient mayan civilzations and what went on here...and the excavations and what has been found. All very interesting but I am just itching for THE CLIMB! Yes I love to challenge myself climbing temples - how silly is that? I have climbed Chichen Itzen in Cozumel (super scary, very challenging and quite high) and most recently Lamanai in Belize - also quite difficult and HOT. On my wall at work I have pics of these temples reminding me if I can climb those I can do anything and I was anxious to add Altun Ha to the wall of Temples I Have Climbed.

 

We eventually get to the Temple of the Sun God and coincidentally this is when the sun starts to come out, intermittently, which is NOT what you want when planning to climb a temple in the jungles of Belize. At last we get the go ahead - but wait we are not actually climbing the steps we have been looking at? We go around to the right side of the temple...where there are STAIRS and a WOODEN HAND RAIL? What is this? Is this like the ‘cheating’ temple climb? Where are the steep crumbly steps? With only a rope for assistance? Hmmmmm. Well it turns out the stairs are a steep climb, and are uneven with a couple of twists, but really now this is not to be compared with my other climbs. Why even a grandma makes it as do the 2 little kids on our tour? Oh well - looks like the government built these steps and the ones in the back going down to make it easier for everyone. So yes I have added Altun Ha to my ‘wall’ at work however I am glad I did this after Chichen Itza and Lamanai for if this is what I thought temple climbing was really like I would have been very ill prepared for those more strenuous and challenging climbs.

 

 

Temple of the Sun God - the one we would be climbing:

2419497170059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Look up - waaay up:

2943750480059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

And the view from the top:

2555990910059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

After taking some great pics at the top we realize we need to get moving. Rumors are spreading that its an hour drive back to the port and it is now 3 pm and the last tender leaves at 4:15 pm? Can this really be happening? Again? Now I know we won’t miss the ship cuz they will hold it for us being on a ship sponsored tour but will I not be able to do some shopping now? Well this sucks!

 

By 3:05 pm we are on our way and I am getting very cranky thinking that once again I will need to rush thru the port to get on the tender despite being on a carnival sponsored tour.......but what is this? The bus ahead of us is having trouble? A flat tire!!! They pull off to the side of the road while Gus radios for the ‘backup’ emergency bus to come get them.....bet they are THRILLED they are on a ship tour so they won’t get left behind.....but I am now realizing that since they may be delayed and the ship will wait for them....then perhaps I do have a bit of shopping time coming my way (despite the fact that is due to the misfortune of others?).

 

We get to the port at 4:15 pm - and split up - Ray has been assigned the task of finding the Belikin beer t-shirt and I run into some stores looking for the perfect chanel knock off for my daughter. Ray is more successful than I am. Seems like the stock has been depleted during the day and what is left is not really suitable....so no purse is bought but t-shirt is taken care. Off we go to the tender and it is now 4:30 pm! We get back on the ship and we do not seem to be delayed at all as we haul anchor and are on our way at the appropriate time.

 

Back on the ship we stop off for some ice cream - and Ray just needs to also have some pizza as well - just cuz he smelled it and it happened to smell good - no kidding! (I now realize the only pizza I had all week was a small piece of Ray’s leftover pepperoni slice! ). It is 2nd elegant night and the show is again before dinner at 7 pm - so off I go to relax, clean up and get ready.

 

Table pic on 2nd elegant night - we all clean up so nice!:

2831739570059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Tonight’s show was called ‘Far from Over’ and was excellent – lots of different music styles – mostly eighties – with an appearance by these great break dancers who were outstanding. I can’t even imagine how these guys train for the type of stuff they can do – truly amazing.

 

That night after dinner (11 pm) I plan to attend the Liars Club (since the show was before dinner) - Ray of course can’t handle staying up this late so off to bed he goes. I head to the Eagles Lounge to save some seats as the Twins (and possibly) other tablemates hope to join in. I am able to grab a table for 4 and save it eventually being joined by the twins and no one else. I fill them in on the ‘raunchy’ nature of previous such shows I have seen on other cruises - thinking this one might be pretty tame - BUT IT IS NOT! It is so funny to see what you thought was your ‘conservative’ straight talking Cruise Director start badmouthing his social staff and calling the women nasty names - and they were doing pretty good themselves. It was a riot as expected.

 

There is also a midnight comedy show tonight starring Darren Sanders – but I am way too tired to attempt watching this so off to bed I go!

 

2530416360059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been counting the days til I can again visit Nachi Cocum (was there in Nov 08) and have been staring at my NC beach wallpaper on my work computer for a few weeks now so I am happy that the day has finally arrived.

 

Another room service breakfast - this time cereal and fruit as I am anticipating lots of yummy food at NC (and drinks too of course). Packed up and we are ready to go around 9 am. Grab a cab to NC and enjoy the ride - gorgeous day out - sunny but not super hot. We get there around 930 am have the mandatory sombrero picture taken and are inside in minutes. The place is barely open but Carlos - who ends up being our super duper fantastic waiter - sets us up at the 2nd palapa to the right of the stairs - the 1st one already being occupied by CC roll call friends, Judy, her husband Rick (from Iowa) and Jodie (from Alberta) whose dh is off fishing so she is hanging out with us!

 

As beautiful as ever:

2577579870059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Our 'special' spot for the day!

2087223900059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

CC friends right next to us!

2229425760059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

We set ourselves up and I am off for a walk along the beach - want to investigate Mr. Sancho’s which is the closest beach club to NC - so off I go - with sunhat on - I did test the ocean which was a bit cool but nothing I couldn’t get used to. The walk took longer than I thought and my poor feet got quite a workout and felt sensitive the rest of the day due to walking on all that ‘scratchy’ sand and broken up shells. I did find a lovely ‘almost whole’ big shell thing which I brought home to little ds for his ‘collection’. Sancho’s looked okay but you could see it would get more crowded there and the pool was way smaller and not as nice as the one at NC. Walked back, then went into the water to find some ‘fish’ and try some video.

 

I was quite disappointed to find NOTHING - no fish or anything swimming about? Last time there I got some great video near that ‘seaweed/grassy’ spot about 100 feet off shore but this time I could not find anything to film - very disappointing. Back to the lounger and my first pina colada of the day at 10:45 am - how decadent is that? All I could think of was back home I would be on my 2nd cup of coffee at work and here I am enjoying tropical drinks - way better don’t you think?

 

I had very high expectations of NC having been there before and having had an excellent experience. Recent reviews were saying service had gone down hill with not enuf beach waiters and crowding! I was pretty nervous and did ask Carlos how many people they expected - said they would be at capacity with 100 !!! (Wow I thought but not surprising given there were 7 ships expected in port today). How many servers I ask? 4 now and 2 more expected - don’t worry he says - and he was right. As soon as there was about ½ inch left of my pina colada a fresh one would appear.....so yummy.

Pool was not that warm and the hot tub was actually the ‘warm’ tub but everyone was gravitating there as the day progressed given the temp of the ocean and pool. Things were getting a bit more exciting in the warm tub as the day progressed given the liquor consumption of some and I am happy to report I saved a woman from falling into the hot tub and possibly hurting herself. She was coming down the steps and I was sitting on the ledge nearby - I guess due to slipperiness and the bubbles she couldn’t see well and lost her footing - and started falling headfirst into the tub towards the ceramic tile ledge!!! I was able to grab her arm and hold her up (thanks to all my strength training in the previous months) and help her get stabilized. Unfortunately her face still SMASHED into my shoulder but I was able to keep her upright. Asked her if she was okay and she said yes and headed over to her hubby on the other side of the pool. She looked quite upset and kept touching her cheek and I don’t blame here - cuz later that day (and for days afterward) when someone touched my shoulder I would flinch in pain! She really came down hard and I can only imagine how she felt if my shoulder was that sore!

 

Around 11:30 am the menus appeared and Ray ordered up some nachos - I had a few and I esp love the homemade guacamole.....and now that I think of it all I ate that day was a few nacho chips and then later that day a serving of coconut ice cream (shared with Ray) - with LOTS and LOTS of pina coladas in between (and a few diet cokes as well) - guess I was full of liquid and now I am sorry I did not eat more (but was just not hungry then).

 

CC friend Judy and I enjoying a drink in the 'warm tub':

2881076310059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Got more sun, swimming, drinking and chatting with our CC friends until sadly it was time to go. We all shared a cab back to the port (around 3:30 pm) and Ray and I did some shopping before getting back on the ship. Finally got to a Del Sol store to get dh some t-shirts - found another store with shorts and pretty bracelets for dd and another t-shirt for little ds. Back to the ship before 5 pm sailaway.

 

Shops at Puerta Maya:

2696543720059010061S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...