wannabecruiseexpert

Our tour was the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon. So we’re about 2 hours late for a 7 hour tour. Gangway up is 3:30 and it’s 9:30. The tour guide said it’s no big deal and we would just shorten the stops by a little and we should arrive back by 3:10. He told me let him do all of the worrying about time.
The drive to the ruins was full of information about the locals and Mayan history. I found it very interesting. We get to the ruins after about 1 1/2 hours or somewhere there abouts. Told us to load up with bug spray and sunscreen and we started walking. Lots and lots of walking. We were told we could take photos but if we wanted to take video we needed to pay a fee. 

The little one probably enjoyed the ruins more than anyone else! She was practicing her Spanish with the tour guide. She walked up ruins I didn’t even go up due to being exhausted. After seeing all of the ruins we ended at a shop which only took cash. I wasn’t prepared for that and had cash for tipping so unfortunately we didn’t purchase anything. That’s been my only regret of the trip so far. 
 
We got back on the much needed air conditioned van and headed for the lagoon. Pictures looked amazing. It was anything but. It was like a dirty lake. When we first got there, there was 1 big bus full of people. We went to the buffet of chicken (good), steak (not good) and fruit and veggies that were good. There was an open bar and the staff made sure we always had a drink in hand. After we ate, we realized we were the only ones there. So that part was really nice. The had kayaks but we didn’t use them. The young teenagers were being grumps so they took naps on the chairs while everyone else changed into swimsuits and relaxed in the water. Very rocky so if you ever go, make sure to have water shoes! We left about 2 to head back to the ship. Everyone, including the tour guide, took a catnap 😂😴
We arrived back at the port right at 3:10, just like he said. The way back to the ship was VERY confusing. We would follow a sign that said back to ship and end up at a dead end to a pool. Or a bar. We were so confused. We were in a rush due to time and I still wasn’t able to get a souvenir from any of the shops. We try to get a magnet and shirt from every new stop.  We will be back in April so at least I can get one then. We finally find our way of the crazy maze and see a third ship, Carnival Breeze. I forgot to mention earlier that we were at Cozumel with Liberty OTS and a couple from the dolphin excursion told us they’d be in port with us at Costa Maya too. We step on the ship at 3:31. Not too bad for being 2 hours late and practically getting lost on the way back.










 
 
 
 

Day 4. Our first time to Costa Maya.  We have a 7 hour excursion scheduled. At some point throughout the night, DD6 started coughing more than usual. Like she needed mucinex. About 6 in the morning she “got sick” and was acting pretty whiny. 7:00…. still acting whiny. I understand a cough and throwing up isn’t abnormal for a little kid but in these covid times, I’m not taking any risks of us being responsible for getting someone else sick. 
 
So I messaged Smitha a little after 7 and told her what was happening and that I was going to call medical. By 7:20 I was off the phone with medical and they were sending a nurse to give her a covid test. 7:30 Smitha told me she had contacted shore excursions and told them what was happening. 7:35 test was done and we were told we’d get results in 45-60 minutes and for everyone to stay in the room. Now I’m not exaggerating when I say this but by 7:45, little one was 100% back to her normal self. No coughing. No whining. It was like someone flipped a switch. 8:33 she messaged me to see if I heard anything. Nope, still waiting. Since it has been an hour, she called medical. 8:37 she told me they have the results and would call me (if they had the results, what were we waiting on??) 8:42 they called and said it was negative but I needed to take her to get checked out. Smitha met us with an elevator at 8:47 and took us to medical and told us it’d be really quick and then left to go get the rest of my family so we could all go on the tour.
 
When we walk into medical, there’s a few people who appeared to be filling out paperwork and waiting. She’s triaged immediately then taken to a room. Doctor comes and explains to me that their typical swab test tests for 4 things….covid, influenza a, influenza b and rsv and that DD was negative for all. Told me not a gastro issue and that she seems phlegmy from allergies and needed to take benedryl and also that she needs to stay out of kids club today and tomorrow (days 4 and 5)
After making sure there’s no issues getting off the ship, we went to the elevator lobby where Smitha was waiting with my family. When we scanned our cards to get off, DD6 flashed red and said she couldn’t get off due to being unvaccinated and not having a ship sponsored excursion. Smitha talked to them and we got off. At this point it’s 9:30, almost 2 hours late. She handed us over to the shore excursion manager who walked us down the pier to meet our tour guide. 
 
Next up: the tour and being scared we were going to miss the ship

Day 3 dinner was at Samba Grill, located at the Solarium. I absolutely loved the space. It was right at sunset and absolutely gorgeous in there! It’s the first sunset we saw. The food received mixed opinions from my bunch. These are some of the prepared foods from the buffet area and appetizers. Sorry I have no clue what anything is called.
 

When we were walking back to our room, I was stopped by spa employees selling a package. I’ve never been to any spa on a ship before. The package was $129 for 75 minutes including: various massages and facial. I signed up, just to be able to experience it. I loved every minute of it other than the sales pitch at the end. Scalp massage and feet/leg massage tie for my favorite.
 
We didn’t have any dinner planned so we split up and had a “do your own thing tonight” night. We had the a headliner show scheduled at 8:00. The 4 big kids sat in the lower seating while DH, DD6 and I sat in the balcony due to her being unvaccinated. Kevin Johnson (ventriloquist) was very funny and even DD6 laughed out loud multiple times.
 Next up: Beach Club and sharks 

When we were walking back to our room, I was stopped by spa employees selling a package. I’ve never been to any spa on a ship before. The package was $129 for 75 minutes including: various massages and facial. I signed up, just to be able to experience it. I loved every minute of it other than the sales pitch at the end. Scalp massage and feet/leg massage tie for my favorite.
 
We didn’t have any dinner planned so we split up and had a “do your own thing tonight” night. We had the a headliner show scheduled at 8:00. The 4 big kids sat in the lower seating while DH, DD6 and I sat in the balcony due to her being unvaccinated. Kevin Johnson (ventriloquist) was very funny and even DD6 laughed out loud multiple times.
 Next up: Beach Club and sharks 

Day 6 - Nassau
I know that a lot of people don’t like Nassau. I’ve been one of those people.  This day was great though! Very busy but one of my favorite days. I’ve found that picture taking slows down as we go. We had our usual breakfast from Johnny Rocket’s. 
 
The 4 big kids went snorkeling for the first time and DH just went shopping. DD6 and I did Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge excursion and it was both of ours favorite thing we did. I HIGHLY recommend it for younger kids. It left right at the pier so no long walking. The pirates were so great with the kids and have them tons of attention.
 
I won’t spoil it so you can enjoy it too. There was an open bar with water, punch for the kids and alcoholic drinks for the adults. 
 














We got back on the ship about 3, enjoyed another round of delicious snacks and drinks from Smitha, rested for a few and then 3 of us had an ice skating session from 4:30-5:00 (big kids were still on their excursion) it was our first time ice skating and none of us liked it. I thought since we can roller skate we’d be decent at it. I was wrong! Gave me a new respect for the skaters in the show.
 
When we got back to the room, the kids were back and they all had a great time. They said there was about 50 people on their boat and well over 100 people snorkeling. Seems like too many people to me but I’ve never been snorkeling either so wouldn’t  know what to expect.
 

Day 4. Our first time to Costa Maya.  We have a 7 hour excursion scheduled. At some point throughout the night, DD6 started coughing more than usual. Like she needed mucinex. About 6 in the morning she “got sick” and was acting pretty whiny. 7:00…. still acting whiny. I understand a cough and throwing up isn’t abnormal for a little kid but in these covid times, I’m not taking any risks of us being responsible for getting someone else sick. 
 
So I messaged Smitha a little after 7 and told her what was happening and that I was going to call medical. By 7:20 I was off the phone with medical and they were sending a nurse to give her a covid test. 7:30 Smitha told me she had contacted shore excursions and told them what was happening. 7:35 test was done and we were told we’d get results in 45-60 minutes and for everyone to stay in the room. Now I’m not exaggerating when I say this but by 7:45, little one was 100% back to her normal self. No coughing. No whining. It was like someone flipped a switch. 8:33 she messaged me to see if I heard anything. Nope, still waiting. Since it has been an hour, she called medical. 8:37 she told me they have the results and would call me (if they had the results, what were we waiting on??) 8:42 they called and said it was negative but I needed to take her to get checked out. Smitha met us with an elevator at 8:47 and took us to medical and told us it’d be really quick and then left to go get the rest of my family so we could all go on the tour.
 
When we walk into medical, there’s a few people who appeared to be filling out paperwork and waiting. She’s triaged immediately then taken to a room. Doctor comes and explains to me that their typical swab test tests for 4 things….covid, influenza a, influenza b and rsv and that DD was negative for all. Told me not a gastro issue and that she seems phlegmy from allergies and needed to take benedryl and also that she needs to stay out of kids club today and tomorrow (days 4 and 5)
After making sure there’s no issues getting off the ship, we went to the elevator lobby where Smitha was waiting with my family. When we scanned our cards to get off, DD6 flashed red and said she couldn’t get off due to being unvaccinated and not having a ship sponsored excursion. Smitha talked to them and we got off. At this point it’s 9:30, almost 2 hours late. She handed us over to the shore excursion manager who walked us down the pier to meet our tour guide. 
 
Next up: the tour and being scared we were going to miss the ship

Yesterday started with breakfast on the balcony from Johnny Rocket’s. I was worried about the temperature of the food but it was still hot.  
 
Today was a sea day and our first formal night. The big kids roamed the ship and we took the little one to the pool. I haven’t noticed any capacity limits for the pool but they were enforcing a limit of 7 (or 8 ) on the circle current thing that makes you swim around in circles. Not sure what it’s called but it was really neat and after a a few minutes we were told to get out, even though there were no people waiting to get in. I’ll take pics of it later.
For lunch, half of us went to Johnny Rocket’s and the other half went to Izumi for sushi. I don’t eat sushi but they said both the food and the service was great!
 
Our waiter at Johnny Rocket’s began telling us all the prices and how shakes were extra and then I asked if it was included in star class and he was like, “oh you have a black card? Forget everything I just said” Told us we could order anything we wanted and as much of it we wanted and then told us we could take the chairs if we wanted😂 Kids thought it was hilarious! It was also really great seeing the staff dance. DD6 got up and danced with them and it was so cute 🥰 
 

Day 6 - Nassau
I know that a lot of people don’t like Nassau. I’ve been one of those people.  This day was great though! Very busy but one of my favorite days. I’ve found that picture taking slows down as we go. We had our usual breakfast from Johnny Rocket’s. 
 
The 4 big kids went snorkeling for the first time and DH just went shopping. DD6 and I did Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge excursion and it was both of ours favorite thing we did. I HIGHLY recommend it for younger kids. It left right at the pier so no long walking. The pirates were so great with the kids and have them tons of attention.
 
I won’t spoil it so you can enjoy it too. There was an open bar with water, punch for the kids and alcoholic drinks for the adults. 
 














We got back on the ship about 3, enjoyed another round of delicious snacks and drinks from Smitha, rested for a few and then 3 of us had an ice skating session from 4:30-5:00 (big kids were still on their excursion) it was our first time ice skating and none of us liked it. I thought since we can roller skate we’d be decent at it. I was wrong! Gave me a new respect for the skaters in the show.
 
When we got back to the room, the kids were back and they all had a great time. They said there was about 50 people on their boat and well over 100 people snorkeling. Seems like too many people to me but I’ve never been snorkeling either so wouldn’t  know what to expect.
 

Day 6 - Nassau
I know that a lot of people don’t like Nassau. I’ve been one of those people.  This day was great though! Very busy but one of my favorite days. I’ve found that picture taking slows down as we go. We had our usual breakfast from Johnny Rocket’s. 
 
The 4 big kids went snorkeling for the first time and DH just went shopping. DD6 and I did Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge excursion and it was both of ours favorite thing we did. I HIGHLY recommend it for younger kids. It left right at the pier so no long walking. The pirates were so great with the kids and have them tons of attention.
 
I won’t spoil it so you can enjoy it too. There was an open bar with water, punch for the kids and alcoholic drinks for the adults. 
 














We got back on the ship about 3, enjoyed another round of delicious snacks and drinks from Smitha, rested for a few and then 3 of us had an ice skating session from 4:30-5:00 (big kids were still on their excursion) it was our first time ice skating and none of us liked it. I thought since we can roller skate we’d be decent at it. I was wrong! Gave me a new respect for the skaters in the show.
 
When we got back to the room, the kids were back and they all had a great time. They said there was about 50 people on their boat and well over 100 people snorkeling. Seems like too many people to me but I’ve never been snorkeling either so wouldn’t  know what to expect.
 

Day 6 - Nassau
I know that a lot of people don’t like Nassau. I’ve been one of those people.  This day was great though! Very busy but one of my favorite days. I’ve found that picture taking slows down as we go. We had our usual breakfast from Johnny Rocket’s. 
 
The 4 big kids went snorkeling for the first time and DH just went shopping. DD6 and I did Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge excursion and it was both of ours favorite thing we did. I HIGHLY recommend it for younger kids. It left right at the pier so no long walking. The pirates were so great with the kids and have them tons of attention.
 
I won’t spoil it so you can enjoy it too. There was an open bar with water, punch for the kids and alcoholic drinks for the adults. 
 














We got back on the ship about 3, enjoyed another round of delicious snacks and drinks from Smitha, rested for a few and then 3 of us had an ice skating session from 4:30-5:00 (big kids were still on their excursion) it was our first time ice skating and none of us liked it. I thought since we can roller skate we’d be decent at it. I was wrong! Gave me a new respect for the skaters in the show.
 
When we got back to the room, the kids were back and they all had a great time. They said there was about 50 people on their boat and well over 100 people snorkeling. Seems like too many people to me but I’ve never been snorkeling either so wouldn’t  know what to expect.
 

Day 5 was our last sea day and started with our usual breakfast and Starbucks. We didn’t really do much other than enjoy the pools and the most comfortable beds ever for much needed naps 😂 I seriously want to buy their mattress and bedding!
We went to the ice show, Ice Games (based on monopoly) and we all loved it! Very entertaining! Then we had Chops for dinner. I think I’m all steaked out by now. 







 
 

Day 6 - Nassau
I know that a lot of people don’t like Nassau. I’ve been one of those people.  This day was great though! Very busy but one of my favorite days. I’ve found that picture taking slows down as we go. We had our usual breakfast from Johnny Rocket’s. 
 
The 4 big kids went snorkeling for the first time and DH just went shopping. DD6 and I did Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge excursion and it was both of ours favorite thing we did. I HIGHLY recommend it for younger kids. It left right at the pier so no long walking. The pirates were so great with the kids and have them tons of attention.
 
I won’t spoil it so you can enjoy it too. There was an open bar with water, punch for the kids and alcoholic drinks for the adults. 
 














We got back on the ship about 3, enjoyed another round of delicious snacks and drinks from Smitha, rested for a few and then 3 of us had an ice skating session from 4:30-5:00 (big kids were still on their excursion) it was our first time ice skating and none of us liked it. I thought since we can roller skate we’d be decent at it. I was wrong! Gave me a new respect for the skaters in the show.
 
When we got back to the room, the kids were back and they all had a great time. They said there was about 50 people on their boat and well over 100 people snorkeling. Seems like too many people to me but I’ve never been snorkeling either so wouldn’t  know what to expect.
 

Day 5 was our last sea day and started with our usual breakfast and Starbucks. We didn’t really do much other than enjoy the pools and the most comfortable beds ever for much needed naps 😂 I seriously want to buy their mattress and bedding!
We went to the ice show, Ice Games (based on monopoly) and we all loved it! Very entertaining! Then we had Chops for dinner. I think I’m all steaked out by now. 







 
 

Day 5 was our last sea day and started with our usual breakfast and Starbucks. We didn’t really do much other than enjoy the pools and the most comfortable beds ever for much needed naps 😂 I seriously want to buy their mattress and bedding!
We went to the ice show, Ice Games (based on monopoly) and we all loved it! Very entertaining! Then we had Chops for dinner. I think I’m all steaked out by now. 







 
 

Agreed. It’s the cutest one we’ve ever had! It also had mini stuffed animals set up like “students”
Breakfast has been my favorite! We had Coastal Kitchen delivered once and Johnny rockets every other time. Their cheesy bacon lovers is soooo good!
When we first booked this, for 4 people was less than $8,000 and like you said later, each person added since was a little over $700. I don’t think that’s bad at all considering we paid right at $5,000 for 2 balcony rooms on Adventure in June. 
No worries at all! The only reason I booked this is because I saw other conversations on here about pricing and some deals!

On this trip we’re celebrating my oldest daughter’s college graduation. We arrived back to our room with this







She loved it!

Day 3 dinner was at Samba Grill, located at the Solarium. I absolutely loved the space. It was right at sunset and absolutely gorgeous in there! It’s the first sunset we saw. The food received mixed opinions from my bunch. These are some of the prepared foods from the buffet area and appetizers. Sorry I have no clue what anything is called.
 

Day 5 was our last sea day and started with our usual breakfast and Starbucks. We didn’t really do much other than enjoy the pools and the most comfortable beds ever for much needed naps 😂 I seriously want to buy their mattress and bedding!
We went to the ice show, Ice Games (based on monopoly) and we all loved it! Very entertaining! Then we had Chops for dinner. I think I’m all steaked out by now. 







 
 

Day 4 dinner was at Izumi. Most everyone knows now that the hibachi side is for vaccinated only. And like I said earlier, my little one couldn’t go to the kids club. So one of us decided we were going to not go and stay with her, but Smitha had better plans. She worked some genie magic and created a plan for all of us to go. I’m keeping that between us but let me just say, she is so great and anyone who gets the chance to have her, you will not be disappointed!
Izumi was awesome. My favorite out of all of the specialty dining. We eat at hibachi grills at home frequently and have never had rice as soon as Izumi! DH & I both ordered the same steak and chicken but he got the thick filet and I got the flat ny strip. Not sure what happened but not worth complaining. I just ate some of his. He also ordered some saki and when they bright it to him, they said they were out and if he wanted more he’d have to buy the whole bottle. That was weird.

After dinner, we watched the Aqua show from our balcony. I would have liked to watch it from the seats in addition to from the balcony but we barely had time to do the things we have done! So many things, not enough time!

Day 5 was our last sea day and started with our usual breakfast and Starbucks. We didn’t really do much other than enjoy the pools and the most comfortable beds ever for much needed naps 😂 I seriously want to buy their mattress and bedding!
We went to the ice show, Ice Games (based on monopoly) and we all loved it! Very entertaining! Then we had Chops for dinner. I think I’m all steaked out by now. 







 
 

Day 4 dinner was at Izumi. Most everyone knows now that the hibachi side is for vaccinated only. And like I said earlier, my little one couldn’t go to the kids club. So one of us decided we were going to not go and stay with her, but Smitha had better plans. She worked some genie magic and created a plan for all of us to go. I’m keeping that between us but let me just say, she is so great and anyone who gets the chance to have her, you will not be disappointed!
Izumi was awesome. My favorite out of all of the specialty dining. We eat at hibachi grills at home frequently and have never had rice as soon as Izumi! DH & I both ordered the same steak and chicken but he got the thick filet and I got the flat ny strip. Not sure what happened but not worth complaining. I just ate some of his. He also ordered some saki and when they bright it to him, they said they were out and if he wanted more he’d have to buy the whole bottle. That was weird.

After dinner, we watched the Aqua show from our balcony. I would have liked to watch it from the seats in addition to from the balcony but we barely had time to do the things we have done! So many things, not enough time!

Day 4 dinner was at Izumi. Most everyone knows now that the hibachi side is for vaccinated only. And like I said earlier, my little one couldn’t go to the kids club. So one of us decided we were going to not go and stay with her, but Smitha had better plans. She worked some genie magic and created a plan for all of us to go. I’m keeping that between us but let me just say, she is so great and anyone who gets the chance to have her, you will not be disappointed!
Izumi was awesome. My favorite out of all of the specialty dining. We eat at hibachi grills at home frequently and have never had rice as soon as Izumi! DH & I both ordered the same steak and chicken but he got the thick filet and I got the flat ny strip. Not sure what happened but not worth complaining. I just ate some of his. He also ordered some saki and when they bright it to him, they said they were out and if he wanted more he’d have to buy the whole bottle. That was weird.

After dinner, we watched the Aqua show from our balcony. I would have liked to watch it from the seats in addition to from the balcony but we barely had time to do the things we have done! So many things, not enough time!

On this trip we’re celebrating my oldest daughter’s college graduation. We arrived back to our room with this







She loved it!

Our tour was the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon. So we’re about 2 hours late for a 7 hour tour. Gangway up is 3:30 and it’s 9:30. The tour guide said it’s no big deal and we would just shorten the stops by a little and we should arrive back by 3:10. He told me let him do all of the worrying about time.
The drive to the ruins was full of information about the locals and Mayan history. I found it very interesting. We get to the ruins after about 1 1/2 hours or somewhere there abouts. Told us to load up with bug spray and sunscreen and we started walking. Lots and lots of walking. We were told we could take photos but if we wanted to take video we needed to pay a fee. 

The little one probably enjoyed the ruins more than anyone else! She was practicing her Spanish with the tour guide. She walked up ruins I didn’t even go up due to being exhausted. After seeing all of the ruins we ended at a shop which only took cash. I wasn’t prepared for that and had cash for tipping so unfortunately we didn’t purchase anything. That’s been my only regret of the trip so far. 
 
We got back on the much needed air conditioned van and headed for the lagoon. Pictures looked amazing. It was anything but. It was like a dirty lake. When we first got there, there was 1 big bus full of people. We went to the buffet of chicken (good), steak (not good) and fruit and veggies that were good. There was an open bar and the staff made sure we always had a drink in hand. After we ate, we realized we were the only ones there. So that part was really nice. The had kayaks but we didn’t use them. The young teenagers were being grumps so they took naps on the chairs while everyone else changed into swimsuits and relaxed in the water. Very rocky so if you ever go, make sure to have water shoes! We left about 2 to head back to the ship. Everyone, including the tour guide, took a catnap 😂😴
We arrived back at the port right at 3:10, just like he said. The way back to the ship was VERY confusing. We would follow a sign that said back to ship and end up at a dead end to a pool. Or a bar. We were so confused. We were in a rush due to time and I still wasn’t able to get a souvenir from any of the shops. We try to get a magnet and shirt from every new stop.  We will be back in April so at least I can get one then. We finally find our way of the crazy maze and see a third ship, Carnival Breeze. I forgot to mention earlier that we were at Cozumel with Liberty OTS and a couple from the dolphin excursion told us they’d be in port with us at Costa Maya too. We step on the ship at 3:31. Not too bad for being 2 hours late and practically getting lost on the way back.