Final Video



     So here is the final video from my 2006 cruise to the Western Caribbean.  The final 2 ports that are on this video are Belize and Costa Maya. I must say it is hard to believe that it was 6 years ago that I was on the Carnival Miracle. The Miracle is a Spirit Class ship whose sisters include the Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend.

    I am very excited because the Miracle is repositioning to the West Coast to replace the Splendor on the Mexican Riviera itinerary. I look forward to being aboard her again. Well enjoy. 



Ports of Call

Costa Maya Mexico

          Where would you like to visit? How long would you like to cruise? These are a couple of  questions that cruisers have to ask themselves. From the warmth of the Caribbean to the spectacular scenery of Alaska; the ancient ruins of Greece to the canals of Venice. Of course there are always those who don't care where the cruise because the ship is the destination. Three days, seven days, ten days, fourteen days or how about a 103 day cruise around the world.  There is a cruise length and itinerary for everyone.

Belize

     In January I am headed to one of my favorite destinations the Mexican Riviera. Though it has been much maligned in the news it is still a very safe and beautiful destination. Since I live on the west coast in beautiful Oceanside California it is easy to drive to Long Beach, San Pedro or San Diego to embark on a 7 day cruise. Just load up the luggage and head for the cruise terminal without the extra stress associated with flying.  

San Diego

   

     I like to research the port stops and decide what I would like to do while there. With limited time it pays to have a game plan. Since I have been to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta several times I usually play it be ear and just kind of hang out. However this year my wife and I have booked a snorkle shore excursion in Cabo. We are going to Santa Maria and Chilean bay. My wife is an avid diver and I enjoy snorkling so we are looking forward to visiting this marine sanctuary in the Sea of Cortez.

     In latter posts I will go in to greater detail about my up coming ports of call. In the meantime enjoy my next installment of our cruise to the Western Caribbean.





    

Cruise Ship Evening Activities and Excursions



     So after a day of laying in the sun, eating at the buffet, laughing at the hairy chest contest, playing trivia, contributing to the Casino fund or line dancing, the time has come for the night time excitement.  Most cruise lines continue the tradition of elegant night. On a seven day cruise there are usually 2.

     I know a lot of people complain about having to get dressed up on vacation, however, I am not one of them. I love putting on my tux (yes I own one) while my wife puts on a great evening or cocktail dress and strolling the ship before dinner.

     The ship's staff has several photo stations set up and they take the best formal pictures. It is a joy to watch couples, friends and families smiling as the pose. The next day you can go to the photo area and look at your pictures and decide whether to purchase them. I know several people who wait till they are on a cruise to do formal pictures.

     Of course on elegant night the ship's chefs prepare a wonderful feast. Our favorite it Lobster night. The courses are prepared to perfection and are presented with an artistic flare. Add a nice bottle of wine and it makes for a grand evening.

      After dinner it is time to head to the show and then some dancing to burn off the calories. I am often asked why I enjoy dressing up for the formal nights. In our busy lives I believe we don't take enought time to enjoy the finer things. This is an opportunity outside of a wedding or a funereal to get dressed to the nines and have fun.

     People cruise for a variety of reasons. Exploring new places and sampling other cultures is one of my favorites. I have cruised the Mexican Riviera and visited Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Iztapa and Manzanillo. In the Caribbean I enjoyed Cozumel, Grand Caymans, Costa Maya, Belize, Grand Turk, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Princess Cays. I experienced the majestic beauty of the Alaskan Inside Passage with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, the Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway and Victoria Island B.C.

  I have taken shore excurison and explored on my own. I must say that Lyndelle and I decide to try ziplining in Puerto Vallarta. It was one of the best experiences we ever had in a Port of Call. The guides were incredible and the views were spectacular. At the end of all of the zipling we had to repel from a 70 ft platform. I don't know if I would ever be physically fit enough to do it again but I sure would give it another try.

     I hope you have time to check out the video below. It  begins at the end of the hairy chest competition followed by the first formal night and captain's cocktail party. It ends with the first half of a shore excursion on Grand Cayman. Enjoy.