Well, that's it for this cruise. So sad to be leaving as I have discovered that I like the longer cruises so very much. Gwen and Frieda are up and at it this morning, while, I, on the other hand, are moving very slowly. I guess we need to get up and join them since we are already docked at the port and have a 7:30 departure. Get going girls. One last look at our menagerie and we are outta here.
With the port days behind us, our last sea day begins and we're starting with a pasta making class. I've been super excited about this one and am ready to learn and taste yummy Italian goodness.
Our final port day is today and Kelly is in charge. We are going to be in Cozumel, Mexico and just do some exploring around the island. However, before that happens (we are not even docked yet) I am wandering the ship in the early hours and have a few more pictures for you. The towel animals are on display on lido today. Take a peek.
What a beautiful morning! It's another port day and today we are stopping in Costa Maya, which is simply the name of the port (and, again, pretty much owned by the cruise lines). The town is Mahahual. New to you? Yep, me too and I've been to Costa Maya before. The last time was in 2005 and I was with a ton of family, so not venturing too far out. I'm up before the sun again this morning and it's simply divine.
Buenos Dias! We are getting our feet on land today and I'm super stoked. THIS day is why I booked this cruise. Well, not completely truthful - turning Platinum was the main reason, but this itinerary was because of today. Hello Isla Roatan. The pilot boat is guiding us in as I arrive on the upper decks.
With another Sea Day at hand, we're relaxing and taking it slow this morning. Well, I was until I realized the ship had stopped. As I was dressing, Kelly woke and asked the same question, "Why are we stopped?" I replied that I was on my way to find out. Up to the deck I went and discovered that we are meeting up with the Coast Guard from Cancun as we have a couple of people who need to depart due to a medical emergency. Okay, that makes sense. I take a picture of the Cancun shoreline to show how close we are, go back to the room to share info with Kelly, and then leave to meet Frieda for breakfast. The ship is back to cruising.
We are at sea and the only thing on the agenda for today is a sushi class that Gwen and I are taking later this morning. For now, breakfast in the dining room.
Good morning Y'all. Not much sleep last night - most due to worry about Ryan but a teeny bit because I'm excited for today. Ryan made it through the night and is being life-flighted today to Denver. It's a good sign so far and it looks like maybe no surgery. We'll know more later.
We have packed and re-packed, the car is loaded, shirts match and the girls are on their way. Galveston, next stop.
Ahh - the BEST way to kick of a new year? A trip with the girls. For sure, for sure. I am soooo excited to get this one underway. Kelly has made the supreme effort to drive four hours just to give little old me a ride today. There are days when having only one car bites, and today is one of them. She arrived last night and after some sleep, we are ready to drive (once again, out of the way - oh, poor Kelly) to Frieda's for the night. Let's get this party on the road - some stops may happen along the way.
It's time once again to start the preparations for this years Christmas Cookie and Ornament Exchange. The end of October has arrived and I'm up in Montana. Gwen has selected this years make and take and gifted them to all. Today is the day to make the sample. What do you think?
With our ports behind us, we've hit the final sea days and are on our way back to Baltimore. As I walk past the map in the atrium, I thought I'd snap a picture to share. This shows how totally crazy our trip has been and how we didn't even come close to Greenland. You can see the backtrack towards Boston and all ---- We hadn't even reached Halifax when the decision to forgo our main destination took place. The top --- which doesn't show well has us going up and down the Gulf of Lawrence numerous times. St. Anthony and Corner Brook are further north.
The added port for this cruise is Halifax, Nova Scotia. Today is her day. She's not Greenland, but we've have a great time no matter what. I'm ready to go, but . . .we have to get to port first.
After yesterday, I'm kinda glad for a day to relax. We have definitely put in some miles with climbing a mountain added in. Taking it slow - some casino time (I JUST sat down when Mister took this picture, but I DO love the piggies), towel art, and . . .
We've hit the 10th of the month and have another sea day ahead. Out towel art for today is:
Today is Port Number Two and we are in Sydney. Nope, not Australia (wouldn't that have been funny after wandering the seas?), but Nova Scotia. Land is in sight again.
6th - We are still wandering the sea, slowly. The girls and I are working on projects on Lido and Mister goes to an Indian lunch in the dining room.
3rd - We have four more sea days before a port and so it's time to just settle in. We did have another medical emergency late last night - the ship had to go back several hours towards Boston to meet a Coast Guard helicopter. I was beat and slept through it all. However, with a late start and two stops for medical, one that included a HUGE backtrack, we are not making much progress. However, it's a new day. Enjoy.
Kelly and I booked this trip in July of 2022 and the wait has been sooooo long. We are packed and Uber'ed to DFW a wee bit early. I think Mister got just a little nervous as we had not used this method of transportation before. All went well and even though we are early, we are killing time riding the train (after lunch, of course). We meet up with Shonie and finally get to board the plane. Look out, Baltimore, here we come. A time change and we arrive in early evening. I have landed in Baltimore before, but never spent any time here. I'm looking forward to this.
I am in shock that this year will be the 6th Christmas Party. Time just zooms by each year, but this is something I really look forward to. Let me share the process leading up to the party AND all of the fun of the actual day. Come along and enjoy.
July - I'm already thinking ahead. I have picked out the make and take ornament and ordered green buttons. In September I realize that that will not be enough and add some red ones to the plan and await their arrival.
I am an older woman, as she was - there was only a year between us - and when I first attended funerals everyone dressed in black because it was a time of mourning. However, it is not a time of mourning but, rather, a time of celebrating her life. I'm going to bring it a bit brighter and happier today, as she would want it.
