I don’t know what’s harder, packing or unpacking?! No I’m
not complaining about either one. I think it is a requirement to cruise/travel
often so that you stay mentally alert and up on all the details required these
days for travel.
So along with the job of unpacking; I also came home to some
tax forms, my “free” (in quotes because you know they are not really free free)
covid test kits and a new Safety Third face mask from Mike Rowe Works
Foundation. His safety third idea is interesting and makes a good read if you
are interested. And I got the money bags from the events held while I was away
so I have a lot of money counting and reporting to do for the Cactus Gardens
Activities fund.
This was a fun relaxing cruise out of Galveston, ports of
call – Cozumel; Belize City; Costa Maya. Belize was the only new port of me. I
was a little disappointed. We took a trolley city tour and there was not much
to see and their street venders were very aggressive. This cruise was on Royal
Caribbean a line I have not cruised in several years. Holland America (HAL) is
my favorite and most cruised line. I was mentally comparing them, even wrote up
a list of differences. (you have time for this while cruising 😊)
It was really minor and mostly insignificant things. We had about 1600 passengers
on board with a capacity of about 4400, almost as many crew as passengers. We
were all treated “Royally”! I now need to cruise Celebrity to add those
comparisons but I am not sure I want to cruise again as long as masks are a
mandate. Leaving the ship about 8am yesterday; arriving home about 12 hours
later and wearing a mask the entire time is just not fun. If I really thought
it kept me and you safe I’d be more willing. (ties in with safety third)
The start of the cruise was not so good. After flying out of
Yuma at about 7am we arrived in Houston, got on our shuttle. First issue what
door are we really to wait. We could have gotten the 2 o’clock shuttle but when
I booked I wasn’t sure how quickly we’d get our baggage and find the pick up
place. So we had time to wait – and thank goodness moved over to the other door
around the corner. Our shuttle driver was quite funny, he was early and let us
get in and wait in the van which was nice as we were now seated and out of the
cool breeze. One other gentleman got on and then the joking and laughing began.
We wanted to stop for coffee the addnl passenger wanted to stop for gin. First
we had to stop at Hobby airport (BTW that is named after a person William P.
Hobby – not Hobby Lobby!) On to our hotel, we were the first dropped off. All
laughter ceased. There was not going to be a hotel breakfast as promised. And
no restaurants within walking distance. We later called for pizza but we were
outside of their delivery area. No brochures in the room about the area and
restaurants. Next morning when we check out this gal is very helpful, tells
about pizza that does deliver and vending machines in the hotel! That first
clerk had a lot to learn about customer service. There were several other
issues but the food or lack of was my priority. Coffee was almost an issue but
after a trip downstairs and requests for coffee, cups and sugar got that
squared away.
Originally two other couples were to be traveling with us,
they were driving in so would have had cars which would have made a difference but
still could have been much better customer service.
Port arrival. It actually went quite smoothly and we were on
board and eating! I had been concerned that this was a huge ship and I’d have
trouble navigating. However that was not the case. Once on board the ship did
not seem that large and they had a wonderful interactive map that was great
directing you to whatever venue or your room. Great use of technology in my opinion.
Going into dinner the first night, the hostess asked us
where was Charlie. It took me a minute but I figured out since there were 3 of
us gals, she was referring to Charlie’s Angels! And she called us that every
night. I think it is fun when they personalize your experience. And I will add
I think we 3 got along very well and enjoyed each other’s company and the
cruise.
And I could go on but will end it here. Thursday I will use
one of my covid tests, not because I’m worried but just to check and then can
assure everyone (since it will be negative) that I had a fun safe cruise. They
recommend testing 5 days after the cruise.
Dang it - I can't get my photos to load, it seems to work different every time!! so sorry as I know photos can make it more interesting.
