Cruise Installment Six

October 1 - Day 6: Cozumel, Mexico!

The original itinerary had us leaving Cozumel about 5:30 PM, but the plan changed to allow the ship to stay in port until 1 AM. This was to allow the crew a little more time for fun on the island.

We were particularly excited about our day in Cozumel because we were going on an excursion there. We were going to do the Dolphin Encounter. My mom was really excited about this because she'd never been that close to a dolphin before.

We got up and got moving so that we wouldn't be late. We had to meet in one bars on a lower deck before our excusion. Only 7 of our 9 were venturing out for this, though, because no one thought that taking Caitlyn out there was a good idea. We had some breakfast before we left and then headed down to our meeting place. As we walked, I took a couple of pictures (amazed at that, aren't you???? :) ).

This was one of my favorites. It's Jaydin looking out at the island of Cozumel through this *big* port hole.








We finally reached our meeting place and found a place to sit. The area was nice, but smelled horribly of stale smoke. Ick!! I often wonder if smokers realize how badly they smell - and how badly places smell after they leave. I don't think they do, and I really wish they did.

Anyway, we filled out our forms and got our bracelets for our adventure. We were soon following a guide through the port area of Cozumel. We eventually got to the taxis hired to take us to Chankanaab National Park. About 20 minutes later, we entered the park and learned what it had to offer. I wish that we had been prepared to stay all day. It was a neat place.

After a little wait, a dolphin trainer talked to us about what we needed to do when we got in the water. We were told that it wasn't advisable for us to wear sunscreen (still don't know why) and that we could only take waterproof cameras with us (well ... duh!). That was a surprise, though, because from what we read, we couldn't take cameras at all. Soon, we were standing on the dock beside the containment area waiting to walk down the steps to the water. When we were told to walk down the steps, I went tentatively. I was waiting on the shocking cold of the water to hit me .... but it never did! The last time we did a dolphin encounter, it was at Discovery Cove in Orlando. The water there was 70-something degrees ... and COLD. The water in Cozumel, though, was nice and warm (unless you ask Jared - he's ALWAYS cold). We all had on life vests to keep us safe in the water - I have no idea how deep it was. It was so clear that it *looked* like I could just jump down there and stand up. I know better than that, though. The dolphins like it deep. We had a grate under us that we could stand on. Jaydin couldn't reach it, though, so one of us was holding on to her the whole time. She kind of floated around the area a bit. :) She was not thrilled with the lack of control or the big animal swimming right next to us. We were in a group with 2 other people - a couple from New Orleans.

It was then that we met Pakal. He was 18 months old and about 150 pounds. He had a face that you couldn't help but love. :) Don't you agree???


For the next little bit, we touched, watched, and got hit with waves. It was a great experience for all of us. Here are a few pictures from our encounter...

Jonah dancing with Pakal.











Mom getting a kiss!







Jared gives Pakal a kiss.









Jaydin gets up close and personal with Pakal.








Pakal put on a show.









These fish were swimming at our feet the whole time!










This is the beach in Cozumel. Not what we're used to, but absolutely beautiful. I would have loved the chance to explore it a little more. The little tide pools were just so cool.







Isn't that gorgeous?!









When our encounter with Pakal was over, we were shown all of the pictures and the video that the park staff made while we were in the water. Yeah, we bought them all. :) I'm thrilled to have them and thrilled, too, to have the 'snapshots' that I took of our day. It was so cool to be able to take my camera in there with us to get the shots *right* there. :)

We decided that, because of how much we had walked and how much sun we'd already been in, we'd head back to our ship after we finished there. Like I said, I wish we had been more prepared. I would have loved to stay there longer. Before we left the park, though, Becky helped Jaydin discover the joy of an inground fountain ....










How fun on a hot day!!








When we got back to the shopping area, Mom bought Jaydin a beautifully embroidered dress. Jaydin was thrilled with that. We were glad to get back aboard the ship for some lunch and to get a shower. Jaydin was glad for a nap.

Our dinner that night was, again, at Parrot Cay. This time, we would have the normal Parrot Cay menu. It was very good, and we enjoyed it. Jonah joined us for supper, but Jared didn't. I think this was Jonah's favorite dinner. He had a twice baked potato and relished every bite! He still talks about that potato.

You can tell in this picture that he got a little more sun than he should have.







We had a few characters to meet and greet this night, too.







Donald and Jaydin.









Donald, Daisy, and Jaydin.











Mom wanted to take some banana nut bread back to her room for the night. Here's the little 'basket' that Sasha made for her to carry her treat in.







Our guests for the night ....





Live the life, and live it well.