Hello friends and happy travelers!!! I just returned from a “Caribbean Cruise” and as always, it was wonderful.
My family and I have been in more than 20 cruises since we move to Florida 31 years ago, and every time we get on the ship is like the first time. The moment we start planning the trip, we start counting the days until we get on board. Going on a cruise is the most relaxing way to vacation. If you like to get pampered, relax, have fun, go to parties, have great meals, a house keeper, a butler and an all together great staff to see to all your needs…….by all means go on a Cruise!!!
We sailed from Port Canaveral, Florida on the Carnival Glory a 110,000 tons mega ship with everything on board; Casinos, Pools, Jazz Clubs, Mini-Golf, Basketball Court, Sushi Bar, Pizza Shop, Coffee Bar, Shopping Mall, Broadway Style Shows, Spa, Health Club, Sauna, Supper Club, two restaurants, Library, children programs and so many more things to do, that it will take you more than seven days to see it all.
We left on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 and as soon as we entered the ship we could feel the energy coming form the passengers and the party mood. Our cabin was on the Lido Deck ( the pool deck and the food court deck, so we were close to all the action) we had a Balcony Suite, big enough to have a California style king bed, sofa bed, three closets and a balcony, with two chairs and a table. On a Carnival Cruise the cabins are usually larger than in other cruise lines so you can accommodate three to four people and have plenty of room.
The Carnival Glory is a very elegant ship, with works of art on walls and fresco paintings in the public rooms. Elegant stairways and glass elevators in the 11 stories Atrium. An art gallery on board, sells art pieces from artist from all over the world and the jewerly store on board sell watches from Piaget to Rollex. Perfumes from Nina Ricci, Dolce Gabbana, Gucci, Estee and many more, the selection is enless and the prices are great (you don’t even have to pay tax!!!)
We sailed to Cozumel, Mexico and took a tour to a beautiful beach called “Playa Mia” with golden sand, azure water and warm Caribbean breezes. We went shopping by the port, also tax free and with a great selection of local items as well as up-scale shops selling from diamonds to jade an more. Cozumel is a great port to visit and there are many interesting places and things to do.
Next day we visited Belize, SA we were taken to the mountains on air condition buses for a visit to a Butterfly Farm. While walking in the path we could see people horseback riding in the trail, orchids in the trees, butterflies every where, Iguanas, gold winged birds, exotic trees and many more typical things of the area that it is an Eco lover paradise. Lunch was provided at the end of the trip in a beautiful spot, by a natural spring and some of the guest went kayaking and some of us took advantage of the natural waterfall and the pool that was close by. An enchanting end to a great adventure.
Our next stop was Roatan Island, Honduras, this was the first time we visited this wonderful spot and we will visit again. A ride to the mountains, on well paved roads, was cool and relaxing. Our guide was very informative and was able to tell us all about the native fruits and trees as well as their medicinal uses, it seems they do not need modern medicine to take care from the flu to fevers or any other ailments.
Our destination was a dock by the bay, we boarded a native boat (a flat boat with built in seats) and we were taken on a tour of the reefs and even got to see two ships that had run a ground many years ago. All that remains today is their rusting hulk, and the memory of their journey. Clear waters, blue sky and Caribbean breezes…. who can ask for anything more!! but their was more, as we continued our trip, we arrived to and idyllic place in the mountains, it is a working farm that produces the best jams and jellies I have ever eaten. The whole place is an Eden of fruit trees, from mangos, guavas, papayas, lemons, limes, bananas and so many other fruits that I would need ten pages to name them all, they grow them all for the production of their jams and jellies. A tasting table was provided and local fresh bread in small squares was the vessel for the tasting treat….Uhhh, delicious!!!
The farm is situated on a mountain top, overlooking the Caribbean sea, and it is home to hundreds of birds, lizards and many other wild life (such as a rabbit that grows to be about 20 pounds or the size of an small pig) but the greatest thing of all, is the hundreds of “Humming Birds” that are all over the property and do not seem to fear human proximity (of course, they know we could never catch them). Feeders are everywhere and you can see them feeding three and four at the time with their wind flapping at incredible speed. we took great pictures as well as movies of the little wonder jewels(blue underside, golden heads) you can really say that after seen and hearing the sound of the Humming Birds flying, you has witness a little of Heaven.
A day at sea followed our adventures of the last three days( in all there were two days at sea) so we could recharged, relax and eat some more ( I must say, the food on this ship was great) We took a tour of the “Galley” a massive place with big freezers and many people working all day to feed all 2,974 plus of us. They do all their baking on board as well as all the salads and everything else on the menu. Do you know that they have a chef that only makes “Bake Potatoes”? well they do.
After a whole day of relaxing, it was time to go back to the grulling task of having more fun!! We arrive at Freeport, Bahamas and were taken to our next adventure, a whole day at “Yonkanu Beach” another golden beach, with miles of drift wood and shells, steel drums and Bahama Mama’s drinks….we were suffering once again:-}}
Egg toss game ( I was disqualified on the second toss, but at least I tried), sack races, limbo dancing, great food, sun and sand….who can ask for anything more.
Now comes the sad part, it was the last day of the cruise and we had to pack. We said goodby to the new friends we made, gave a last look to our home away from home and prepared to place our bags by the door so they could take it off the ship the next day (do remember if you go on a cruise to leave something to wear for the next day….otherwise you will have to leave the ship in your pj’s or wear a towel(warning, the towels are ship’s property and they will confiscate it before you leave the ship:-})
A great experience to be have by all…we will do it again soon (we already have a cruise booked for New Years Eve…want to come alone? let me know).
I hope you like the recount of my resent trip and find in it the inspiration to spread your wings and go cruising or plan a great adventure any where your heart desires. Around the world or around the corner, the world is a great place to be and it is full of glorious places and faces.
Until next time…. Happy Traveling….Be Safe…Be Happy!!!
