2018 Cruise

The older we get, the better we were.

Cozumel, Mexico:
A cruise to Cozumel is about more than the limestone arches and beaches: the island is ranked among the world's premier dive and fishing spots. And a mere ferry ride away you can explore centuries of human splendor in the Mayan ruins at Tulum, spectacularly sited on the sea cliffs.
Stacks Image 7
26 October, Friday. Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico

Photo Link to Cozumel pictures

We banged along at 19 knots through the night to get over here, and arrived pier side at 1030. Rather hot today, or at least it feels hot and muggy (82*, 80%, 2mph). We breakfasted with Canadians from Calgary AB & discussed places we've visited in common, including Dawson City, YT.

The "have a good day" greeting was given and the troops hit the beach, except us. We are scheduled later.

Shortly afterward the crew held a Man Overboard drill. The Man must have drowned since we saw no action performed whatever.

Stacks Image 16
There are SEVEN cruise ships at four piers up and down the west coast of the island. The closest one to us (one of two at the next pier) is Oasis of the Seas, a huge thing belonging to Royal Caribbean, carrying over 5,000 passengers.

We had booked a 4.5 hour tour but our physical condition wasn't up to that, so we skipped it. Just too hot and sweaty in that sun.

We did go ashore briefly. One is forced to go through the shopping mall to get there (and return), so we were exposed to all the "bargains" in cigarettes, tequila, tropical wear, and so forth. Beyond it, we did visit a few stalls of the 20 or so that are enclosed in this plaza. The plaza is gated away from prying eyes (and natives). Going into town seems to be done only in groups on tours.
Stacks Image 20
Dolores bought a little thing in one of the stalls. Then we tried Three Amigos, a quasi-Mexican joint full of people drinking margaritas and being subjected to Mexican videos on the large screen with correspondingly loud volume. Wandering salespersons tried to sell you more "things".

We did eat, however. Enchilada and margarita for each of us, and it was quite good. We were seaside; D spotted a green fish but couldn't get pictures of it due to surface ripple reflections.
Stacks Image 25
Then we came back through the mall, where a tee-shirt was acquired, and returned to our cabin. We did get a good picture of Nieuw Amsterdam on this walk.

We returned to the cabin and took it easy for a while. Then it came time for happy hour in the Ocean Bar (1500-1600). Beak & Marlene, Rich & Joyce were there, so there was conversation on several subjects including our tour & cruise next August on Princess.
Stacks Image 30
Just past happy hour, the ship next to us got underway. A little later, we headed to our cabin to find all six of the other ships pulling our or on the horizon. The shops at the next pier were closed and most of the activity at our pier ceased. We have a couple of tours returning from mainland Mexico, then we will depart about 2300. Why we're still here is a mystery but probably is related to our arrival time in Fort Lauderdale the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow is an at-sea day.
Stacks Image 35
Next on our agenda is dinner at Canaletto, the Italian specialty restaurant on board. It's not a Gala night, so I'll just slip on slacks instead of shorts and go.

We somehow got together with Tom & Sandy for a table of four in Canaletto. We ate and we chatted and drank good wine, ending with sambuca with beans. Absolutely great company and food.

As we returned to the cabin and stepped onto the veranda, we found we were underway. Watched the pilot boat follow us out and then take him off. Then the ship cranked up 18 knots and headed north. Later tonight it will be NE toward the north coast of Cuba.

The bed animal tonight was the monkey in a clothes-hanger swing.