THE CRUISE!!!!

July 30th we were all up early in the morning ready to get in the truck and head out for Tampa.  We spent the whole day getting down there, checked into our hotel and went exploring.  Tampa is a beautiful city with a lot of fun places to visit.  We also found where we were going to board the ship and park the truck.  So exciting!!!  Eventually, our stomachs got the best of us and we stopped at a little Mom and Pop's place where we were served a truly amazing, home-cooked meal.  Back at the hotel we crashed pretty fast.  It had been a long day full of adventure and we were all excited about getting on the cruise ship the next morning.  

DAY 1 - July 31st

All of us, even the boys (which is saying a lot for them), were up early, had eaten breakfast and were packed up and ready to leave the hotel by 9:00.  Our boarding time wasn't until 11:30 so we tried to slow things down and take our time but we were all so excited we ended up at Terminal 3 by 10:00. Steve dropped us off with the baggage and parked the truck.  We did a little exploring around the outside of the terminal and watched the birds for a bit until 11:00 and couldn't stand it any longer.  We had to get in line and start our adventure!

Our first view of the ship. 

Killing time, watching the birds, taking pictures, etc.  

A rare picture of me and Steve. 

'Nuf said!

Me and Nick waiting....waiting...waiting.

The line wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be.  We got through security and into the main terminal area in about 30 minutes.  We were then directed to another line where we would get our room keys, Sign and Sail cards, etc.  While waiting I heard someone yell, "Mrs. Cannon!"  I turned around and saw Sarah Stankiewicz.  She is in Nick's grade and one of my favorite kids when I sub.  She was on our same cruise.  Too cool!  We talked for a bit and then she had to get back to her family. (The ship was so big with so much going on I only saw her three more times throughout the course of the cruise). Once we got all our boarding information we didn't have to wait long until they started boarding the ship.  We all headed to the Lido Deck to get some lunch first thing.  It was so much fun sitting on the deck and watching all the people.  We were finally on our cruise!!!

Eating some lunch on the Lido Deck.  Steve sent this picture to everyone in his office!

A view of the Lido Deck from up above.  So much fun.  I took this one after the ship had left the terminal.  That is Tampa in the background.  

We regrouped after eating lunch and explored the ship some more. The lady who had issued our room keys gave us the tip to find the spa and have the boys shower there every day.   It would help alleviate congestion in our little cabin bathroom.  The boys weren't all that excited about this suggestion. On the top deck there was a full spa and I mean FULL spa.    You could have any type of massage, facial, hair treatment, acupuncture, etc.  We took a full tour and the boys decided they liked this suggestion after all.  The best part of the spa was the full weight room at the front of the ship with windows all around.  Steve and Nick spent every morning up there working out.

Naomi was brave and tried the acupuncture while on the tour. 

She said she couldn't even feel the needle in her elbow.  

At 4:30 the ship pulled away from the terminal and we were on our way to Mexico!  We stayed on deck until we were out in the Tampa Bay and the buildings were getting smaller by the minute.  We eventually made our way to the cabin to drop our stuff and get ready for dinner.

Jeremy is standing in the doorway and I am at the end of the hall into the sleeping area.  The bathroom is the opening to the right.  

I turned around and took this picture of Naomi.  It is amazing to me they fit beds for five people in such a small spot.  It didn't really fell all that cramped.  

We did some rearranging to make the space more usable and maneuverable.  I am standing in the same spot at the end of the hall to take this picture.  

At dinner our family shared the table with another family.  We got along instantly.  The Johnson Family is from Cincinnati, Ohio.  They had three kids all of whom were in college.  The twins, Allison and Matt, were in their second year.  Katie had just graduated and was off to Westminster College in Salt Lake City.  Of course that news got a big reaction out of us.  Sharon and Todd (the mom and dad) were surprised and happy when they found out Steve and I were born and raised in Utah.  We spent the whole time at dinner answering their questions and getting to know everyone better.  Sharon and I both agreed it was not a coincidence we were put at the same table. 

After dinner we explored the ship some more and ended up in the Normandie Lounge watching the Hasbro game show.  They had full size versions of several Hasbro games and people from the audience were chosen to be part of the games.  It was fun to watch.  We all went back to the cabin to get ready for bed.  The kids were amazed how fast they fell asleep with the gentle rocking of the boat.  I wasn't surprised at all.  

DAY 2 - August 1st

Nick and Steve were up early and at the gym working out before any of the rest of us were even up.  Eventually we all spilled out of bed, dressed and headed up to the Lido Deck for breakfast.  Naomi loved sitting at a table on the open part of the deck and watching the waves go by while we ate.  We even saw some flying fish and a dolphin.  

After breakfast we went to a shopping while on shore class that highlighted where to find the good stuff.  Naomi sat on the front row and got some good freebies.  I was glad we went to the class because it helped all of us decide what we wanted and where to get it.  That saved a lot of time when we were actually in port and gave us more time to do the exploring and fun stuff  

Afterwards we made our way up on deck to do some relaxing and have lunch.  

Jeremy enjoying a book and some sun.  He had been looking forward to this moment all summer long.  He did work really hard throughout his four years of high school to get to this moment.  

Naomi wasted no time getting into the hot tub. 

Nick loved the pool.  The water sloshed around with the rocking of the ship. 

Naomi, Steve and Nick chilling in the hot tub. 

While we were relaxing on deck the captain came over the intercom to tell us due to an engine failure (one of the four engines was having problems) we would not be able to make it to Grand Cayman the following day.  We would be docking on Costa Maya, Mexico, where there was a crew and the part they needed to make the repair.  As compensation for not being able to get to Grand Cayman they were putting a $25 refund on everyone's Sign and Sail card and excursion money was being refunded.  He was sorry for any inconvenience but the Excursion desk was open if anyone wanted to book another excursion in Costa Maya.  We were disappointed because Grand Cayman sounded fun, but we ultimately didn't care because our Grand Cayman plans had been to take a taxi to Seven Mile Beach.  This is the beach that is featured in all of the beer commercials.  There is white sand and waves for miles.  We were told there was a beach at Costa Maya that was just a short taxi ride away.  Our plans didn't change much.  During our exploring the night before Nick had found an Invictus watch he really wanted but it was too much.  With this credit on our card we (Jeremy, Naomi, Steve and I) decided to let Nick use that money toward the watch.  If we didn't use it we would lose it, so...  Nick was over the moon excited.

The towel animal Andre, our room steward,  left for us.

At dinner that night, Katie, Matt, Jeremy and Naomi all decided to spend the evening playing Monopoly in the library.  I loved watching the kids all get along so well.  That was one thing I really worried about - that the kids would be bored and not find anything fun to do.  I wasted too much time worrying.  They enjoyed every minute of the cruise.

Playing Monopoly in the library.  They were so into the game they didn't even notice I was taking pictures at first.  

They finally noticed I was there and posed for a picture.  

While the kids were busy playing their game and Nick was busy exploring his new watch, Steve and I wandered around the ship and took pictures of the sunset.    I had forgotten how beautiful the ocean was.  It was so relaxing to just watch the waves roll by.  Nick joined us just as the sun was going down.

Beautiful sunset. 

View of the side of the ship during the day light. 

View of the side of the ship at night.  All the cabin lights down the side reflecting in the waves was really cool, mesmerizing and beautiful.  Jeremy took this picture. 

DAY 3 - August 2nd

We were all up by 8 the next morning and getting ready for our day in Costa Maya, Mexico.  Naomi and I went to our usual spot for breakfast which was especially amazing today because we got to watch as the ship pulled into port.  Steve and the boys found us just as we were finishing up with our breakfast.  We all watch the stunning Mexico shore get closer and closer.  

Our first view of Mexico.

Naomi loved the big, fluffy clouds.  

There was a good wind blowing over the tops of the waves which would cause a spray of water.  I was trying to capture the beautiful rainbows that were in the spray.  It was so cool and pretty.  

Naomi captured this gem.  

Nick loved the color of the water.  It was the most brilliant color or blue-green.  

The jungles of Mexico

Once the boat docked we ran back down to the cabin to get our gear for the day.  We had to wait 45 minutes before we could go into Costa Maya.  I guess the ship has to be cleared by the local authorities.  Plus, this was a surprise for the port.  We weren't supposed to be there.

That's Costa Maya in the background.  WE ARE IN MEXICO!!!!!

There was another ship in port the same day.  

Once again, MEXICO!!!!  It is like a dream. 

At the end of the pier this group was all decked out and ready to take pictures with all the tourists.  We couldn't resist.  It was just too cool.  Steve said he felt like he was back on his mission.  

I don't know exactly how tall this pole is but it was swaying in the breeze while they were getting ready to perform.  

They swung around and around by their feet as they got closer to the ground.  It made me dizzy just watching. 

Naomi found a waiting spot while the boys looked in this cool shop. 

This is the public bathroom area.  I  love the nautical feel.  

There were so many people in the shopping area we quickly headed to the shuttle area and hopped on one that was leaving for town.  The kids wanted to spend the day on the beach playing in the water.  

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Walking down the main street of town was an adventure.  Vendors were coming at us from all directions trying to get us to buy from them.  

We eventually found a little piece of beach on which to settle.  Moses, the gentleman who owned this particular section of beach, set up chairs and umbrellas for us.  He said he made really good money selling food and drinks to his guests.  I want his job, seriously!!!  We spent the next three hours just chilling in the waves.  I didn't get any pictures of the vendors that were walking up and down the beach.  They were all loaded up with their merchandise.  One gentleman was selling leather purses and bags.  He must have had 100 bags hanging on him.  Steve and I each bought a bag from him.  His craftsmanship was stunning.  I now have an authentic leather purse from Mexico.     

Our ship as seen from our new little piece of Heaven!!!

She is one happy girl - waves + sand = happiness

The boys just goofing off.  

Steve enjoying some much-needed R&R

Nick chilling in the waves.  

My little red-head and his poor, sun burned legs.  

Yup, Heaven!

I don't know what it is with the legs up, but it was the favorite pose whenever the camera came out.  Silly boys 

They actually let me take a picture.  Handsome boys. 

There is nothing better than sitting in a beach chair in the water while making wet sand sculptures.  

Always being so silly. 

They sort of got a little serious.  

Our view from the beach.  I love all the different blues in the water. 

I gave the camera to Steve and joined the kids in the water. 

Relaxation in photo form.  Steve took this picture for his office as a reminder to relax when he is stressed out at work. 

Yup, still Heaven!

More silliness with the legs.  

The seaweed was really cool.  

I think they are starting to get sunned out for the day...

...but not Naomi.  She would sleep here if we would let her.  

My beautiful girl collecting shells. 

Love, love love the blues of the water.  

The wind is not blowing.  That is just how the palm trees are.  

This is what it looks like on a beach in MEXICO!!!  Pinch me. 

All good things must eventually come to an end.  We decided to pack up and head back to the ship.  There were several taxi drivers waiting to take us back to the port.  On the way to the car Steve found an authentic bakery and bought some bread.  Every time Steve starts talking about Mexico he describes how amazing the bread is.  I thought he was exaggerating but he was not.  The bread was truly delicious.  I have never tasted anything like it before.  The taxi ride was another adventure.  There were five of us, plus the driver, crammed into his Nissan Sentra.  The kids and I were crammed in the back seat.  There are no lanes on the streets in Mexico, you just drive and pass where ever you want.

A view from the back seat of the taxi.  

Back at the port we had some time to look around before heading back to the ship.  We all did a little shopping now that the crowd was not so intense.

Naomi watching the flamingos.  

The boys found a parrot.  

I love this picture with the boat in the background.  

Naomi wanted to see the dolphins.  She told us, "Next cruise I want to swim with the dolphins."  They are already planning our next cruise.  

Nick took this picture of the village restaurants.  He thought the thatch roofs were cool. 

Leaving Costa Maya and getting back on the ship.  I was a day we will not soon forget - absolutely perfect!!

Naomi liked the waves crashing onto the rocks.  

The gorgeous sunset after a gorgeous day!

Back on the ship we all got ready for dinner.  As always, we enjoyed spending dinner with the Johnsons.  We laughed about the adventures we had during our stay in Costa Maya.  They are so much fun.  The kids decided they wanted to check out the kareoke together.  I loved that they were making friends, exploring new things and having a good time.  We all went to bed quite late that night.  

DAY 4 -  August 3rd

This is the day we were all looking forward to the most - Cozumel and our excursion to Tulum.  We had enough time for a quick breakfast before we had to meet the excursion group.  

The sun coming up over Cozumel.  

Once we were all together the group leader took us to the tender that was waiting to take us to mainland Mexico.  The tender ride was bumpy and Jeremy wasn't feeling well.  Thankfully he fell asleep for most of the ride and woke up just as we pulled into Playa del Carmen.  

Heading to the tender.

Waiting to get going and appreciating the air conditioning.  

Our tour guide, Fernando, was waiting for us when we got off the boat.  He led us a short distance to the bus that would take us to Tulum.  During the ride Fernando gave us a little history lesson on the Mayan culture and what to expect when we got to Tulum.   Fernando helped us navigate through all the crowds and get into Tulum without having to wait in any long lines.

This is a tree of life.  It is hollow and filled with water.  The Mayan use it to make canoes,  Once it is chopped down it will continue to grow back into a full tree,  

Heading into Tulum. 

Going through the entrance.  There is a 10-foot thick  wall on three sides of the city.  The ocean makes up the fourth wall.  

Our first view of the ruins.

Fernando told us that in each house there is a burial site.  The deceased loved ones were buried in the middle of the house.  The ancient Mayan believed that their loved ones would watch over and protect the house.

Jeremy soaking it all in.  

The block in the middle, toward the back was the burial site for loved ones.  

This is a house on the hill that is amazingly still intact.  

A close-up picture of the house.  It is on a cliff area with a cenote below.  The cenote provided fresh water to the household.  

A view into the cenote under the house.  

I love the striking orange flowers on this tree.  They were everywhere.  

Naomi got this picture of one of the ruins.  I don't know how she got a picture without people in it because Tulum was really crowded while we were there.  She is a natural photographer.  

The main temple.  If the village was expecting visitors they would light up the main temple that would act as a lighthouse and guide the visitors through a channel they dug in the reef.  If the approaching boat was an enemy there were two other "lighthouses" that were far off to the sides that would guide the enemy boat right into the reef where they would crash.  I have a picture of the other "lighthouses" further down in the blog. 

Fernando talked about how the Mayans were able to predict the eclipses and solar events.  They used a disc of obsidian to safely study the sun.  He let each of us give it a try.  I didn't think it was going to work because it was so thick. I was wrong. 

Jeremy in front of the main temple.  

Naomi and Nick taking pictures.  

That tree with the beautiful, orange flowers was wonderful to look at but we also enjoyed the shade.  Fernando said it was the hottest day of the year so far.  We felt like we were melting, but the views were worth it.  

There were iguanas everywhere.  Naomi loved taking pictures of them.  

If you look hard enough there is face on the corner of this building.  It was meant to ward off evil spirits.  

This beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  We all agree!

A view to the left.  

This is the back side of the main temple as seen from the cliff top. 

A hottie in paradise  

Proof we were really there.  

Even me.  

Paradise squared.  

That is one of the enemy "lighthouses" in the background.  

The view from one enemy lighthouse to the other.  

Just in front of the darker blue of the ocean you can see where the ancient Mayans dug out the reef to grant safe entrance into the harbor.  Follow the line of waves to the left and you will see an area of lighter water and then it gets dark again.  That is the entrance. 

Jeremy loved this picture of the lone palm tree between the buildings.  

Another view of the temple.  

One last view of the beach before we leave.  

Enjoying a little bit of shade with the sun peaking through the leaves.  

The jungle surrounding Tulum.

Naomi liked the coconut trees. 

Nick captured with stunning view.  

A well in the middle of the village. 

Heading out of Tulum. 

Before we got back on the bus we were treated to real Mexican Coca Cola and some nachos.  

We all loaded back onto the bus and headed to the Mayan village which was only about 15 minutes from Tulum.  This is where we would get to canoe, swim and have an authentic Mayan lunch. 

Fernando and Nick canoeing on the river.

Naomi liked the island in the middle of the river.

My view from the canoe.  Jeremy and I were in no hurry to get to the other side of the river.  We took our time and enjoyed the view.    

Steve and Naomi in their canoe. 

We got to relax in hammocks for a few minutes after our canoe ride.  

Swimming in the cenote was definitely the highlight of the trip for all of us.  The water was crystal clear and amazingly refreshing after such a hot day.  We all took turns jumping off the 9 foot cliff into the water.  

Steve attempting a cannon ball. 

Jeremy is FINALLY cool.  

My brave girl jumping off the cliff. 

Nick and Jeremy doing a double jump quickly followed by Naomi. 

My one and only jump.  It was really scary, but I loved it.  Nine feet felt like 100.  

Jeremy and Naomi.

Steve showing off his perfect form. 

The kids are cheering him on. 

Everyone clapped and cheered when he hit the water.  

Jeremy showing off his unique form.  

She is fearless!!!

As if it wasn't already high enough, Nick got some impressive air before executing a perfect cannon ball. 

It was an impressive splash. 

Me chilling in the water.  Look how crystal clear it is.  

So beautiful. From the dock area to the left.

From the dock area to the right. 

After a heavenly half an hour in the crystal clear, cool cenote we were treated to an authentic Mayan barbeque.  

We ate off terra cotta plates. 

We had slow roasted chicken, beans, rice and freshly-made tortillas.  Fernando made some hibiscus water for all of us to try.  I really liked it.  

After lunch I headed to the changing room to put my shorts back on and came across some cute Mayan girls selling homemade bracelets.  The girls were so cute and let me try out my limited Spanish on them.  They giggled a lot.  Naomi and I bought several of their beautiful bracelets.  Then it was back on the bus to head back to the tender.

Getting off the bus and heading to the tender.  I loved the bright yellow of the buildings.  Is this day over already?

The ride back to Cozumel took longer than expected.  There were several large ships in our path and we had to detour.  We only had 15 minutes in Cozumel before we had to be back on the boat.  Because we had gone to the shopping class we all knew what we wanted and where to find it.  We did a whirlwind shopping trip and hurried back to the ship just in time.

Some of the fun art in Cozumel. 

Goodbye Cozumel.  We will come back another day to explore some more.  

So beautiful. 

On our way back to the boat after a perfect day. 

This is what was waiting for us in our room when we got back.  

Since we didn't get back to the ship until 7:30 we had missed our time for dinner.  We all went up on the Lido Deck to grab something from the buffet and then watched as Cozumel slipped into the distance.

Once again, a Naomi original.  She has such a good eye for these things. 

Another gorgeous sunset.  

Naomi took this picture of me.  I think this is what happily exhausted and content looks like.  

Pulling away from the dock.  

Another view of the sunset. 

Naomi loved how the sun played with the line of clouds.

Goodbye Mexico!  We will come again soon. 

That night while the kids were off exploring doing more kareoke with the Johnson kids, Steve and I went to the Love and Marriage show.  It was so funny.  Jamie, the cruise director, picked a newly wed couple, a couple who had been married for about 25 year and the oldest married couple in the room (70 years).  She asked each couple questions and they had to write their answer down.  It was hilarious having Jamie read the answers and seeing if they matched.  Tom and Katherine (the oldest couple) knew each other the best and their answers were hilarious.  We laughed until our sides hurt.  

DAY 5 - August 4th

We actually slept in this morning.  We were all so tired from the day before.  After a good breakfast Steve and I went to a meeting where we were given instructions about disembarking the next day.  At the end of the presentation Jamie brought representatives from all the different service areas on the ship to the front and they thanked all of us for letting them serve us the whole time.  They got a standing ovation from the audience.  The captain showed up as well.  

A picture of the captain and some of the crew that had served us all cruise long.  

After the meeting Steve and I went up on deck to enjoy the sun and relax.  Nick joined us and went down the water slide a couple of time.  We enjoyed one last lunch on the Lido Deck while watching the waves and then it was off to pack up all our stuff.  We didn't want to be scrambling the next morning as we would be disembarking at about 9 am.   

Nick giving the slide a try.  

Once the bags were packed we all did some more exploring around the ship and met up for one last dinner with the Johnsons.  By now we were good friends.  We had bonded over escargo, calamari, frog legs and other new delicacies as well as an amazing cruise experience and other common interests.  Like I said earlier, there are no such things as coincidences.  We were meant to meet and get to know each other.  We exchanged contact information so we can stay in touch. I gave Katie my parents numbers so she could contact them when she wanted a home-cooked meal or if she needed anything.  My parents are always adopting grand kids.  

Starting with Nick and going clockwise:  Nick, Jeremy, Katie, Allison, Sharon, Todd, Matt, Alfredo (our waiter), Steve, me and Naomi.  

After the meal the waiters all did a dance for us and invited the kids to join in the fun.  

Alfredo, Allison, Katie, Made and Naomi dancing to the music.  

Made (Ma-day) and Naomi showing everyone how it is done.  

After dinner we had some time to explore a little bit before the family-friendly comedy act started.  Seth Buchwald was so funny.  He and the entertainment director did an act where the kids could ask the "Super Computer" a question and the "Super Computer" had to answer it.  The "Super Computer" consisted of Seth, the entertainment director, and a volunteer from the audience all taking turns one word at a time from each answering the question.  It was really funny.  Of course Naomi had to get in on the action.  She asked if a twin was it's own doppelganger.  They really liked that question.  We laughed until our sides hurt (again!).  Me, Steve, Nick and Naomi were ready to hit the hay after the show ended at 11.  Jeremy wanted to stay out longer with his friends.  He and Katie stayed out until 2 just talking and having fun.  I am so glad he found such a good friend.  

Naomi asking the "Super Computer" her doppelganger question.

Jeremy got to take a picture with Seth Buchwald after the last show.  He was so excited his hand was shaking a little (the boat was also really rocking the last night).  It's blurry but it is still fun. 

LAST DAY/SAD DAY - August 5th

We were not happy about getting up this morning.  We only had time to get breakfast before heading, with all our gear, to the Normandie Lounge to wait for our turn to disembark.  

Disbelief that our adventure is over. 

They are definitely not happy about having to go back home.  

Considering how many people there were on the boat that had to go through Customs, we didn't have to wait long before we were off the boat, back in our truck and on the road.  Our plan had been to stop in Charleston and spend the rest of the day and night and a little bit of Sunday exploring and playing on the beach, but the weather was not cooperating.  Also, we didn't get off the boat and to the truck until almost 10:30 which would put us arriving in Charleston about dinner time.  We all decided to head straight home and go to Charleston another weekend when we could spend more time and the weather would be better.  We stopped at a Cracker Barrel for a late lunch right on the Florida/Georgia line.  

Jeremy and Naomi playing checkers while we wait to have lunch. 

We were home by 9:00 that night and even though we were sad about the trip being over and disappointed about not getting to go to Charleston, we were glad to be in our own beds.  We all slept well that night and dreamed happy cruise dreams.  The conversation the whole way home was when we were going to cruise again and where we wanted to go.  I think it is safe to say this trip was a success. It will definitely be a trip we all remember for the rest of our lives.  WOW!!