Days #2 and #3 Sea Day and Cozumel

 Greetings from Cozumel! At least, that’s where I am for about the next 2hrs. Tonight we sail to Belize, but let’s talk about the last two days first. 

Yesterday was a sea day, as we sailed from Miami to Cozumel. Lots of fun things to do. I got room service for breakfast, then hung out in a lounge chair until it started raining. From there it was lunch, gelato, dinner and more gelato. I’m thinking this is going to be a theme on this cruise - wine and gelato. :) 

I’m really amazed at the difference between the smaller river cruise and the larger cruise ship as far as offerings. It’s day 2 on the ship, and I’m still getting lost sometimes. The others in my group were socializing after lunch, and it took me three tries to figure out where they were. It’s a big ship! Everyone is so nice though - haven’t had even a mediocre experience with a crew member (and you know I ask a LOT of questions). 

One thing that’s interesting…..you can really tell the difference between those who travel like this (more luxury travel) regularly, and those for whom this is a special occasion, or slight stretch (like me). There can be a tremendous difference in attitudes, and also in dress. I’ve saw one person change outfits at least 3-4 times yesterday. Granted, each outfit was absolutely gorgeous, but wow! Kelly opinion: Being nice gets you a lot farther, no matter how much money you may have. 

Which brings me to dinner last night. I am sooooo not used to fine dining. I walked in with my drink from cocktail hour, and a member of the wait staff instantly appeared, asking if she could carry it for me. Apparently it’s a thing that they carry your drink to your table for you, usually on a tray. Well all-righty then. Also had my chair pulled out for me, and napkins were replaced every time someone left the table. It was a bit like Eliza Doolittle…..just trying not to make too much of a mess.  :) 

Today was a catamaran day! One of the excursions that Explora offered was a 5hr trip on a catamaran. Cruise the coastline of Cozumel, then have the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, or other activities. I got to snorkel for the first time ever. So cool! The other thing I couldn’t believe was how absolutely blue the water is. If you’ve heard my discussion of the definition of “normal”, this is definitely a different “normal” that what you see at the NC / SC coastline. 

And now, pictures! 

Several people asked me about how much walking you did on trips like this. If you enlarge the picture, you can see a covered area held up by four white poles. That’s the end of the pier. I’m standing where our ship was docked. You had to walk from the ship to the end of the pier before your journey started. 

One of the many sculptures around the pier. To be honest, she creeped me out a bit, but was definitely cool. 

The Explora II (our ship!) 

Cozumel in the distance

Taken from the boat. The water was the most gorgeous shade of blue! 

The crew said they were asked to prepare a “local” lunch for us. The best I can describe - small corn tortillas with chicken, fish, and fresh veggies. Also the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted. 

I’m on a boat! This is the front of the ship - lots of spaces to sit and / or lounge 

The crew was nice - made a big deal that this was my first time snorkeling. Got pictures!

I love signs like this. Will always take the opportunity to take a picture with one. 

There were two Starbucks in Cozumel…..I got a pink drink while I was there (miss those in America!). My goofy self - it took a moment when all the menu items were in Spanish! Well of course they would be….. 

Dinner last night - lobster risotto. I’m challenging myself to try new things. 

Escargot…..

Lunch yesterday. I asked if I could add chicken to my pasta. They said they couldn’t mix the two while they were cooking (different prep methods) but they could bring me chicken to add myself. This is what they brought…..two full meals! Definitely not in Kansas…. 

The main lobby bar…..two stories tall. 

Lounging…..

Day #1 - Day at Sea

 Good morning from the Straits of Florida! At least, that’s where Google Maps tells me we are. Today is a day at sea. Breakfast will be delivered in about an hour, and I’m planning to spend the day catching up on my tan and my reading, preferably out by one of the pools. 

Can I just tell you - this is a big ship! My only other cruising experience was a 3-floor ship on a river cruise, and this is much, much larger. 11 floors of stuff to do, and yes, I’ve gotten lost multiple times so far. :) I’ll put in some pictures below so you can see what I mean

Yesterday’s travel day was pretty uneventful. Plane down to Miami, then an Uber to the cruise port. The one thing I didn’t consider - my Spanish skills are getting a workout. Both of my Uber drivers only spoke Spanish. I know some Spanish from when I was teaching….here’s hoping I remember! 

And now, the pictures! 

I got brave at dinner last night…..that’s octopus on that cute little slice of bread! 

Evening view of one of the pools…..absolutely gorgeous. 

 

I had to laugh….I’ve heard some cruise ships sell “gently used” luxury bags, but this was my first time seeing it. I’ve also heard they’re massively overpriced, so I’m going to check it out later today. 

Two story bar in the lobby area. 

A member of the staff stopped me as I was walking around (probably because my mouth was hanging open in a very unclassy way) and said “You look like you need your picture taken in front of the staircase.” Ummm…..sure! 

Waiting for me when I got to my room - champagne, water bottles and chocolate (in the cloche). 

View of downtown (uptown?) Miami from my room. Wish I had more time to explore the city. 

My room - very nice! 

My crew for the week - Amanda, Alex, Michael, Nora and me :) 

The Explora II - it’s a big ship! 

My uncle worked for Piedmont Airlines for years….I always look for little signs that he’s still hanging out sometimes. This was the lady that loaded the baggage onto our plane, made me smile. 

Had to get a picture of this gentleman’s shirt (he and his wife were also going on a Mexico cruise). He said it was either this shirt, or one from “Sandwich Guy” - the one who threw a sub sandwich on the Border Patrol agent. Love it! 

6:30am, the rocking chairs at CLT airport. There are plenty of chairs available this early in the morning!