Western Caribbean Cruise Final Day

Absolutely calm seas our final day of the cruise. The Captain tells us this will give us an early arrival back in Tampa. Should be there around 2am. We've had a blast these past 6 days and have already started shopping our next cruise!

Western Caribbean Cruise Day #6

Awoke in our last port, Isla Roatan Honduras. Without a doubt our favorite port! Wooded hills and sandy beaches, not to mention the true blue of the Caribbean Sea :)

Barb couldn't wait to board the Jolly Roger catamaran and don the snorkel gear! The water was crystal clear and she saw many of the colorful fishies that one sees in a salt water aquarium. Also brought up a genuine conque shell :)She was the LAST one out of the water. They almost had to net her to get her aboard!! I stayed on the boat, took pictures, and drank rum (of course). I didn't want anyone mistaking me for Shamu and spearing me....haha

After the snorkeling adventure we walked through Gumbalinda Park, a developed "natural" rainforest filled with monkeys, iguana, birds, and tons of other wild critters. While exploring the caves we stumbled across a Conquistador and a pirate looking over his shoulder !!

We walked across a genuine rope bridge with crocodiles anxiously waiting for us to stumble and fall into the river.

The monkeys love snatching glasses and hats from the wandering humans below and will hop on your shoulders without warning. The parrots are also pretty tame.

Back on the ship for our last day at sea!

OH LOOK!!!! Barb brought a monkey back to our stateroom!

Western Caribbean Cruise Day #5

Today we're in Belize City. For a large Central American city, there are no high rises, just a cluster of small, old buildings. We were told by Tucson buddy Virgil Haugen to avoid the city proper so we opted for the Wallce River and Mayan Ruins tours. Great choice! We first boarded a small boat for a 5 mile journey up the Wallace River. Lots of jungle critters and crocodiles, iguanas, and birds. After the river, we boarded a bus to tour the Altun Ha Mayan Ruin Site. While not as dramatic as Chichen Itsa in Mexico, these ruins were pretty awesome! We climbed the steps of the main temple for a spectacular view. Barb leaned against the sacrifical altar...watch out for the blood!!!!! Quick bus trip back to the port and we're off to next stop. Barb can't wait to snorkle in Honduras!!!

Western Caribbean Cruise Day #4

Next stop was Cozumel Mexico. Weather is improving the further south we travel :) AT the pier was a "commercialized" Mexican village that caters specifically to the cruise ships. Having experience with Mexican goodies, we found the prices reasonable :) Didn't venture far beyond the gates of the village as once we did, it was a typical Mexican town. The beach resorts are located on the other side of the island, so we just stayed in our little faux Mexican village !

Western Caribbean Cruise Day #3

Arrived in Grand Cayman early in the morning. Rain and clouds prevailed but we still took the tender to shore. Watch out for that pirate ship!! Took a taxi to the public beach and hung out at a beachside bar and drank pina coladas until the rain broke. We drank a lot of pina coladas...haha Beautiful white sand beach and blue water even without the sun :) Friends Susan and Nick and Barb and I enjoyed the water! Cayman has many nice and spendy resorts along with a lot of banks to support its reputation. You can even catch your own dinner as the chickens wander everywhere!

Western Caribbean Cruise Day #2

Monday at sea :) Lots of time to explore the ship, check out the huge showroom, the decks, and the fantastic view from the balcony of our stateroom! Barb has decided that the balcony is the only way to cruise. We leave the door open and the sounds of the sea are quite romantic :) Now, on to the buffet...whooohooo!

Tomorrow morning we'll be in Grand Cayman.

Western Caribbean Cruise Day #1

We arrived in Tampa Sunday and boarded the Carnival Legend for a 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise. Ports of call will be Grand Cayman, Cozumel Mexico, Beleze, and the Isle of Roatan Honduras. We're traveing with our friends from Vegas, Nick and Susan. Barb snagged a cabin upgrade last minute so we have an outside balcony stateroom!!!

Stay tuned for the daily posts......