Trip Report - Cruising the Caribbean - July 2009

[policegirl]

Bonton Girl,

I always love reading your trip reports and seeing your pictures!! THanks so much for sharing your trip with us! I have been trying to talk my husband into a cruise and he is dead set against it, lol, after seeing how crowded that ship was Im not sure I could handle it!! lol!!! Thanks for the picture too!! I love the pic of the baby ocelot cat, what a beautiful cat!!!

[Bontongrl]

Originally Posted by policegirl

Bonton Girl,

I always love reading your trip reports and seeing your pictures!! THanks so much for sharing your trip with us! I have been trying to talk my husband into a cruise and he is dead set against it, lol, after seeing how crowded that ship was Im not sure I could handle it!! lol!!! Thanks for the picture too!! I love the pic of the baby ocelot cat, what a beautiful cat!!!

Hiya policegirl,,,,,

Thank you and glad you enjoy them

If you go during the summer, there's sure to be hundreds of kids onboard, so of course the pools will always be crowded, and the lido deck restaurant, but there's LOTS of areas that are not crowded, so if you want to get away and be secluded, plenty of space for that too.

And lots of little bars that were never crowded, so don't let that scare you away

[Bontongrl]

Cozumel !!!



We were now on our 6th day of the cruise, and it was quickly coming to a close,
<> This would be our last port day.

We woke up to find ourselves already docked in Cozumel. We had not made any set plans or excursions for this day.

By now, we had learned that its hard to burn the candle at both ends,,,, ,, staying up late on the ship each night and then getting up early for each day, we needed a lil more sleep so, today we were going to wing it, and just grab a cab to a beach somewhere and relax and snorkle.

Last year we had gone to Playa del Carmen for a week long vacation, and on one of those days, we had taken the ferry from Playa to Cozumel for a day trip. We had spent the entire time on the frontage street, doing some shopping, having some drinks and food, and generally wandering around, but hadn't gone to any of the beaches or really saw anything of the island.



The weather this day was the most perfect of all the days on the cruise.

It was gorgeous,, and the water was the prettiest colors of anywhere we had been all week.

I love the water in this area of the Caribbean. It really does look just like the postcards and travel brochures show it to be. You just wouldn't believe that, until you see it for yourself.





We quickly dressed, packed up our snorkel gear and off we went.

A sister ship, the Conquest was also pulling in to dock at the same pier.






Just off the dock is the prettiest area full of shops, and gardens and restaurants and bars.. So, if you are looking to shop, or just hang out at a fun bar, this is the place to be.




I had to take a picture of this store,,,,,, There's just something strange about a store with the name "Drugs and Deli"






Of course, there are lots of people just off the dock, vying for business to their areas, so we talked to a few of them, and got some ideas, and decided to go to
the Dzul Ha Beach Club. It was about 10 minutes down the road,, so we hopped in a taxi ($12 for the 4 of us) and were there in a few minutes.









This was such a pretty lil Beach Club, but its for snorkeling and swimming and not beaching. In fact, there IS no beach here. It's all rocky, so if you go here, bring some swim shoes,,,, or walk gingerly.


They DO have sand, but its up by the lounge chairs, not at the water.









They have all the equipment you need for snorkeling, masks, snorkle tubes, flippers so you don't need your own. And lockers , for $2, to store your stuff if you don't want to leave it at your chair,

They have a bar and a restaurant and lounge chair service. The drinks were great, the food was yummy,,, ( we had pina coladas and potato skins, yum ) and the service was Excellent !!

[Bontongrl]

We did a lot of snorkeling here, even though we weren't at a reef. A reef must have been a little further out than where we were, because a lot of boats,, (and I'm thinking these were excursion boats from the ships) were anchoring just out from where we were and letting their passengers snorkle.

So, we had picked a good area !!

Here's some of the snorkeling pictures.













WOW,,,, I bet that one scared ya, didn't it ?

I figured I'd get a picture from a fish's point of view ,

Try it sometime,,, just turn your camera around while its in the water and take a picture of yourself,,,,, It makes for an different kind of picture












A few more snorkeling pictures,,,,,,











Right next to the restaurant, they had massages available on the beach.

Now, I love a good massage,,,,, I even love a bad massage and I'd never had one on the beach before, soooooo,,, I decided this was the perfect time. The cost was $30 for 30 minutes,, but the masseuse whispered to me she would give me an extra 10 minutes for free. I jumped on that and headed right over,,,,







I like a firm massage, and for some reason, if its good, I will drift off to a zoned out state,, ie,, asleep. lol She was very good, and under the shade with the breeze blowing through,, and listening to the ocean, off I went.

How much better can it be than that ?

She was so sweet, and she didn't want to wake me ,,, so she came over to DH afterwards to tell him I was asleep. He had to come wake me up,,, She got a good tip for that

I highly recommend a beach massage if you ever get a chance to have one.

After another pina colada to pep me up again, back into the ocean for some more snorkeling.











Can it get any better than this ?







The guys really enjoyed the snorkeling a lot..... they spent most of their time in the water,,,,,,had to snap a quick picture of them one of the few times they were OUT of the water






and this is how I spent the rest of the day,,,,





If you don't know how to float,, or you just can't do so very well, the ocean is the perfect place to learn how. There's something about salt water than makes you so much more bouyant than in fresh water. I don't think you would sink even if you wanted to.. I spent a lot of time floating..

We love the swing bars they have at a lot of the bars down there,,,,, always have to get a picture on a swing !!

[TAPPY]

Awsome pics - let the good times roll !

[Bontongrl]

At last, it was time to leave and head back to the ship,,,,, <>

A quick taxi ride and we were back in the pier area in no time. We spent the last hour doing a little shopping, and, of course, taking some pictures.

I hadn't seen it before it was demolished by the hurricane a few years ago, but I was very impressed with the area.














DF doesn't look too happy in that hat, does he ?




I guess hats are more of a girl thang,,,,,,



I loved this tree,,,,,,,,!!!





This is one of my favorite pictures ,,,,,







I've never ridden a zonkey before,, so I had to hop on










The line was pretty long to get back aboard the ship. We stood in line at least 45 minutes just to reboard. I guess everyone waited until the last minute so it took a while. At least we were in the shade between the Conquest and the Valor.





Looking up between the sister ships






We finally made it onto the ship, and headed to the room to relax, have a drink on the balcony and get ready for our last "elegant" night

[silvergirl]

Hey Debbie!
Of course I'm loving your report, as always. I can't beleive how different the pier area looks since we cruised there in December 2005 which was right after the hurricane. From what I remember, they were just starting to build up the pier area when the hurricane hit. Totally demolished the two docks.

Here's some pics of the devastation as we tendered into to Coz.........

As you can see, quite the difference. I hope you don't mind me posting the pics....

[Bontongrl]

Originally Posted by silvergirl

Hey Debbie!
Of course I'm loving your report, as always. I can't beleive how different the pier area looks since we cruised there in December 2005 which was right after the hurricane. From what I remember, they were just starting to build up the pier area when the hurricane hit. Totally demolished the two docks.

Here's some pics of the devastation as we tendered into to Coz.........

As you can see, quite the difference. I hope you don't mind me posting the pics....

Hey Kim ,,,,,,,,

Glad you are enjoying it,,,,,,,,

I had heard about how bad it was from the Hurricane, but because I'd never seen it before I had nothing to compare it to. I'm glad you put your pictures for me and everyone else to see.

Thanks !!

[Bontongrl]

We headed back to the room, and sat out on the balcony for a while, sipping a drink and just relaxing before getting ready for our last elegant night.

I had snuck on those little mini Bailey's Irish creme bottles, and they were perfect for a balcony cocktail each evening. This had become a daily ritual,, DH could spend hours just staring out into the ocean while waiting for me to get dressed,,,,,

He even saw porpoises following along with the ship late one afternoon. After that, he was out there all the time

We were at the dining room doors a little bit after 8 and , yeahhh, they were already open. No waiting this time ! We had a great waiter and assistant all week long. They always remembered our drinks, and served them immediately after we sat down.


Here's a few more food pictures,,,

Stuffed mushrooms,,,



Fried oysters,,,,




Another shrimp cocktail,,,,, I had them almost every night. I love shrimp,,,,




A table picture of the 4 of us,,,




DH had the escargot and I wasn't able to get a pic of it,,,,, he dug into it too fast but he said it was great.


steak,




and DH got the barbecued cornish game hen,,, he said it was Great, it was one of the best meals he had all week long..





Just as we were finishing dinner,,,,, it was time for the dining room show.

We loved watching the staff finally getting to cut loose and have a little fun after all their hard work.

They do seem to really enjoy performing for the crowd.

We were finally able to get some video of them singing and dancing......


Here's the link if you want to check it out,,,Again, its not professional but will give you some idea of their performance...


YouTube - Carnival Valor, Washington Dining Room Staff



Some of them were really getting into it,,,,,,,,















I think this waiter was a chippendale dancer in his previous life,,,,,, He had all the moves and you could tell he was loving what he was doing








I think our Asst Waiter was a little shy. I tried to get him to dance with me but he wouldn't do it... ,,,, but at least I got a picture with him. He was a sweetheart !!

[janied]

Loving your report! Great pics!

[Bontongrl]

Originally Posted by janied

Loving your report! Great pics!

Thank you Janied,,,,,

Almost finished now,,,

[Bontongrl]

After dinner, we headed to the Ivanhoe Theatre once again for the 10:30 show.

I don't think we missed a show all week.

Tonight's show was "Far from Over" . The dancing and the singing were really top notch. They have some great talent on their ship. After the show was over, we stopped by the photo gallery to do a scavenger hunt for our pictures. Found some and didn't find others, and then back down the Promenade deck just in time to see the midnight "adult" comedian show. Tonight's comedian was Allyn Ball. He was soooooo funny, and we laughed so much. The lounge was packed. Everyone likes the "adult" nights.....





After the show, we made a quick stop in the Piano Bar, to sing a few songs, and then decided to try our luck at the casino again. Earlier in the week, the guys had had luck on their side here, but tonight wasn't their night. They gave back to Carnival this night,,, but were still a little ahead when we left.


By now it was pretty late, and we were all pretty tired, We'd had a long and fulfilling day and that comfortable bed was calling.

Poor DF,,,, he's not one to miss out on anything, and fell asleep while reading the next day's Capers.




Next day, our last day and night at sea !!








DH and I slept in a little the last day of the cruise. I know, you say, HOW could you sleep in your LAST day at sea ? Well,,, we'd been burning the candle at both ends all week, not wanting to miss out on anything, so it was inevitable it would catch up to us at some point.

But that's ok,,,, we'd had enough sun all week long, so we weren't planning on spending the day in the sun. We were a toasty brown by now,,,

DFs on the other hand, they like their toast a VERY dark brown,,,,,,,so they still had some cooking to do,,,,,,,

After having coffee, hot tea and danishes delivered right on time via room service,, we leisurely strolled out to the Lido Deck to find our friends. It was another glorious sun shining day as had been our first day. A fitting day for our last day at sea...

It was busy as ever, and the pools were full as always,,,,,











We found our friends,,,,,who were roasting on the hot deck,,,







And DF, who needed just a little more sun on his back, figured out a way to drink and sun at the same time,,,,,,,, He's such a smart guy,,,,







There was an ice carving exhibition going on, on the Lido Deck,,,,,, Wow, its amazing what they can do with ice, isn't it ? and all I can ever think to do with it, is use it in a DRINK !!




and the final product,,, a beautiful swan !!






It had been announced earlier in the day, that there would be a galley tour for those who are interested. Everyone was to meet in the Washington Dining room at 3:30.

We all went,,,,,, I was excited to see the kitchens !!


The maitre'd talked for a bit about what it takes to feed 3,600 on a full cruise. The statistics of just the food information is really amazing. Over 20,000 meals per day. Us cruise passengers sure are a gluttonous lot !!! They spend over $250,000 per week JUST on food. And here I thought MY grocery bill was big. I will never complain again,,,


After the talk, they led us through the kitchens. By this time it was almost 4:30 and the first seating was only 1 1/2 hours away, and the place was spotless, and I mean spotless. I have NEVER seen a cleaner kitchen !! I don't know how they could do a tour and still manage to get all that food ready in that short span of time. They must have some MAJOR size microwave ovens in there,



















Some more galley pics,,,












I thought this was soooooooo cute,,,,,,



Just SOME of the storage facilities,,,,,

[Bontongrl]

After doing the Galley Tour, we went to Rosie's and got a lil bite to eat...
Didn't want to ruin our last dinner,,,,

Had to stop by and see my favorite Grillmaster !! He still has the sweetest smile,
amazing for someone working 9 hours a day, with barely a break, !




then walked around the decks,, for one last time,,,,,,

Funny, we knew about the adult pool in the back of the ship, just never seemed to make it there during the week. We should have,,, it was a lot quieter and more room in the pool,,,,,

The only time we really made it back that far, was going for pizza really late a few nights,,,,,,,I wasn't a big fan of the pizza,, but that must have been just me, because DH and DFs liked it. So did lots of others, because there was always a line of people waiting for pizza














and while I did this,,,,,,,





DH was back at the rail doing this,,,,,,,,he could never get enough of just looking out over the ocean,,,,







Decided to head back inside, and walk around the ship again for a bit,, and get a few more pics

Actually some that we hadn't gotten before,,,, amazing

There was a band playing in the Atrium Lobby. We sat and listened to them for a while, then moved on.






If you look really close on that far wall, you can see the picture gallery, with thousands of pictures







We found the sports bar next to some of the gift shops.. I don't know why we hadn't seen this bar before, but if you want to keep up with sports, this is the place to be. It was the cutest lil bar, all done up in a baseball motif...






Stepped outside for a few minutes ,,,,,,,,this is the perfect area to take a peaceful nap, as some people were doing just that...







then back in and down the promenade once more,,,

Passed the Sushi Bar,,,, and strange thing is, this was the first time the entire cruise we had seen it open for business,,, ,,,,,,,,, I guess its only open during the day and we were rarely inside in this area during the day







All I needed was a bunch of bananas, right, ? Just had to be a little silly






Then headed back to the room to dress for our last dinner,,,,,


Our last cute towel animal,,,,






I'd say we ate at least 5 out of 7 nights in the dining room. We took full advantage of the wonderful dinners,,,,, its not often you get to eat like that for a full week.

Here's a pic of the crowd waiting outside the dining room. It was like this every night,,,,so, as I said before, big hint,,,, Don't even show up for the late seating till about 8:10 or 8:15. Otherwise you will be packed in like sardines and it gets hot




We enjoyed our last dinner in the dining room,, and made sure to thank our wonderful waiters with a lil sumpin extra,,,

The staff then serenaded us all one more time,,,,,,









One more thing,,,,, the cappuchino is FREE in the dining room !!!.

There's only one show on the last night of the cruise and its at 10:30 in the Ivanhoe Theatre. Since there's only one show, it was pretty packed. This is the show with the contestants from the karoake audtions from earlier in the week.

They all did a good job,, better than I ever could have,,,,,
You couldn't pay me enough money, or ply me with enough liquor to do karoke,,,, so any brave soul that can get up there and do it, gets my applause !!!

We went to the casino to try to win back SOME of the money we'd spent during the week,,, but,,,,, no such luck,,,, Oh well,,,,, we had a good time trying


Went to the Lido Deck for ONE more ice-cream. I will say, we ate more ice-cream in a week than we have in 6 months !!!

DH is even considering buying his own personal soft serve ice-cream machine

Then off to bed,,,, we still had to finish packing and be up early for disembarkation.

[Bontongrl]

The next morning we woke up to see this,,,,,,,,



We had docked .....

We had put out our luggage the night before,,, so we didn't have much to do, but pack up our carry bags and head out the door. We were told we have to be out of the rooms by 8:30,,, so we went to the dining room for a last breakfast. (Even though it was MY first breakfast all week in the dining room )



I FINALLY got my eggs benedict !!! I realized I should have been going all week. I love eggs benedict !!

We had a while left to wait until they called our area to disembark, so just strolled around again, getting last looks at everything.

The Ivanhoe Theatre




The Lobby




The lobby piano,,, quiet at last,,,,,



I was sad to go,,,,



but it was time,,,,,

Our area was finally called, and off we went. Didn't take long to pick up our luggage and then get in that long line to go through customs. Even though the line was long, it went fast, at least for us. Our DFs were not so lucky, and got stuck for quite a while longer than we did...... we thought they'd never get out of there..

Then off to the airport, where we had another 2 hours wait for our flight, and then finally on the plane and home by 5.

We had a great time on this cruise. Like I said in the beginning, DH and I had not cruised in 18 years and our DFs NEVER had. But I don't think we'll be waiting too long until our next cruise. !!!!

[Tlyn]

Loving this report!

That galley tour looked awesome!