We toodled about the main square visiting with locals. With Mary on wheels, we were able to give her a quick overview of the place and to have lunch at La Choza, one of our favorite restaurants. Mary enjoyed her serenade. Alone, we probably would have stayed for hours. We consumed enough guacamole and their unique salsa to hold us until we can get back, but I would have enjoyed another yummy maragarita. Move over Jimmy, these guys make the best.

We popped into a few of the major shops on the main drag and watched a bunch of kids compete at maneuvering complicated sequences on their bikes at the main pier. On one of the back streets, Roger located a couple of intriguing cigars and I popped into a shop to purchase a couple of sun dresses. When I came out, there was a small crowd surrounding Roger and is mother. A local fire fighter had spotted Mary’s blood-stained pant leg. Apparently, she had bumped her leg on the wheel chair foot rest and probably before we ever let the boat. Her thin aging skin took a hit, but a trip to the ship’s medic proved her seaworthy as ever.

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Another time we might rent bikes to investigate the 2 by 5 mile long island to see more of the flora and fauna rather than the commercial side of things. Or maybe snorkel with sea turtles. We learned of that possibility over dinner Friday evening with Loren, Renata, Walter, Ida and Natalie.

Roger can never pass up the chance to make the acquaintance of canines en route, and Bruno was kind enough to pose – and sing – for us. He did a much better job than the Elvis impersonator down the street. Roosters and chickens strut their stuff wherever they like. We passed many handsome fellows.

We had a quick snack at the Hogsbreath Tavern and tried conch fritters. As much as I love seafood, conch is an acquired taste that has passed me by. And we’re always disappointed when the local brew isn’t local.

We found the heat and what we were looking for at Pepper’s, a specialty shop selling all things related to peppers of every kind. Their tasting bar sports an extensive inventory of hot and barbeque sauces, and the proprietor is good at quickly discerning preferences in order to offer appropriate samples. We purchased three sauces with kick: one hot, one barbeque, and a curry. Can’t be timid with heat when facing what looks to be a long, cold New England winter back home.

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• Day one – Connecting flight from Manchester, NH to Fort Lauderdale. Transfer to the ship in Miami.
• Day two – Half day in Key West and then out to sea.
• Day three – Almost a full day in Cozumel
• Day four – Day at sea
• Day five – Back in Miami for debarkation and the trip home

We were blown away by the Celebrity’s international staff. In particular, Vincey, our stateroom attendant, seemed to have a sixth sense about when we would emerge from our room and return from various activities. He was frequently at the ready to open the door to our room for us. Sudi, the martini mixing magician extraordinaire kept us in stitches.
All of the waiters and bartenders were friendly and helpful. We enjoyed learning where each was from: Thailand, Slovenia, Russia, Mozambique, and the Philippines to name just a few. We were surprised to learn the typical schedule is six months on the ship and two months off. Such a different lifestyle. Kind of like running away with the circus.

Our stateroom was amazingly clever in its layout. Cubbies, closets, and drawers built in everywhere. Two people could have been very comfortable even with a trans-Atlantic crossing. The best part was the unexpected balcony (now I couldn’t imagine being without it, especially as back-up dressing room). Interesting to sit out “on” the water noting our progress both early morning (feeding our new friends was fun!) and late at night (with a full moon), as well as while docked scoping out the other ships in port. Our ship of 1750 passengers and 768 staff was small compared to most others we saw.
The last two nights, I became obsessed with the slot machines. We grew our initial dollar into $40 or $50 at some point, but happily closed out with $7 to the good. The craps table and various poker games looked a little dangerous to me, but taking a chance with quarters I found dropped behind curtains was fun.
In addition to the on board casino, we visited the various lounges, and duty-free shops, and lounged by the pool. We attended the “Broadway Review,” magic show, and second variety show – all better than we expected. We took a pass on the seminars and receptions designed to encourage purchase of artwork, jewelry and vitamin supplements.

Eating in the Grand Restaurant was an amusement, as we were seated with an extended family of five (a young couple, two single parents, and one grandmother celebrating her 80th birthday on ship) for all of our meals. Nice to have something familiar over the few days in different places, but also odd to become an instant group. Overall the food was pretty good. We quickly learned which options would be most promising.
Without trying very hard, we could easily have filled our days with snorkeling at each destination and then swimming, reading, and eating and drinking way too much while in transit.
Ships are designed for romance and adventure, I think. Roger and I decided we’d like to try another cruise, but likely next time as a duo rather than a trio. ;^)

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