Regal Princess Cruise to Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize and Cozumel - March 2025

Our favorite activity now that we've retired is cruising. Where we go isn't as important as the journey and the friends we make along the way.

We saved faithfully for years, doing without the luxuries so we could enjoy our golden years. And now, we're reaping the rewards. I only wish we were younger.

Despite our advanced years, we still enjoy listening to live rock and roll bands, dancing, zip lining (oh, yes!), and exploring new and familiar ports. We like collecting T-shirts and a hats from every port we visit.

Our trip this month was probably the best one we've ever had. The ship made it to every port and the hubby finally got to visit Costa Maya which we missed on the last cruise, due to high winds and swells.

Our suite was spacious, warm and inviting. The view from the balcony was fantastic. The service by our steward, Leo, was without a doubt, one of the best experiences. He made sure our cabin was properly stocked, cleaned and even helped when the maintenance folks were out on the deck repairing some pipes. He cleaned up and restored everything to its place.

The food this trip was excellent, from the Lido Deck pizza and burgers to the high-end steakhouse, The Crown Grill. We ate breakfast each morning at Sabatini's where we were treated like honored guests. The evening we enjoyed a specialty meal there, the chef went out of his way to prepare an off-menu item for two of our party - chicken Parmesan, which was in my friend's words, "the best he'd ever had" (other than his wife's, of course.)

This is French Toast with an apple compote and link sausages at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria.

The entertainment in the Piazza kept us hopping to the beat with performances by Everlasting Now and Asian Soul who played all the feel-good songs of the 70s 80s and 90s along with  performances by Cam Dunbar on acoustic guitar and Simon and Olga on violins.

We didn't have time to see all the other performers whose talent was showcased on the ship. We even missed the Theatrical production of Ashlie Amber celebrating Whitney Houston, but we heard she was fabulous.

Our first port, Costa Maya was a hub of activity with four other cruise ships in port. Surprisingly, the tourist center  in the town square wasn't too overcrowded. We were able to visit many of the shops and find some great deals on merchandise.

We didn't take any excursions on this stop. Just walked around in the square, got our passports stamped and then went back onboard.

It was a calm day with tropical temperatures and a refreshing breeze. Still, it was good to get back to the air conditioning and comfortable seating on the ship.
 

Our Effy "family," Star and Nikola went out of their way to make us feel welcome. With their help, I found the perfect gifts for my hubby's upcoming birthday. I was able to trade in a pair of earrings that I'd never worn for a man's necklace and a ring and a bracelet for myself that I absolutely love.

This is the third cruise where we've seen Nikola and he actually remembered us! He's such a nice guy who got us an extraordinary deal on the jewelry.

Effy's founder, Mr. Hermatian's story is a rags-to-riches tale that is truly inspiring. He worked until he no longer could even after his terminal diagnosis. He passed away in 2023 after three decades of designing beautiful jewelry.

Since Effy is based in New York, no taxes have to be paid on purchases. That's a tremendous savings.

At our second port of call, we signed up for a ziplining excursion with Extreme Zip Line Adventures of Roatan. Our friends, Keith and Renee joined us for their first time to try out the experience. After signing waivers and getting fitted with equipment, we had a slightly wait for the truck to take us up the rugged, dirt road straight up the mountains. That was a "hold onto your seat" kind of ride, but once we made it to the first station, the incredible view was well-worth it.

This is us on Station No. 1, 910' feet of up to 20 mph at a maximum of 60 feet above the ground. What a ride! The longest run was about 1610 feet long.

Five stations later, we were back at the Hideaway Bar on Mahogany Bay Beach to rehydrate. Our adrenaline was pumping.

Unfortunately, the professional photographers who usually film videos of the participants were not available for our visit. The guides, Donny and Harold, used our phones to capture a few runs for us. They were exceptionally patient with the four of us who are inexperienced zip liners.

They told us there was no need to rush and they patiently guided us through the whole excursion.

The stairs are steep and strenuous and the heat takes its toll on sedentary septuagenarians like the four of us. But, even when the hubby had to take a quick break to cool down, our guides remained cheerfully understanding. Harold used the wait time to tell us some of the island history and features.

Later that evening, we were invited to a Caribbean Party in the Concierge Lounge onboard with live music by Cam Dunbar and a table full of snacks and mixed drinks at the private function.

Our Suite Experience Concierge, Millie Coulson and newbie Serban Muresan welcomed us warmly and gracefully. We had a fantastic time. In fact, we were partying so loud the musician was told to turn down the volume. Ah, good times!

Cruising to Cabo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta on the Royal Princess - March 2019

What is it about being aboard a cruise ship that's appealing? For us, it's everything.

From the moment you move past the embarkation process, which is like standing in line at a theme park, the journey begins. Your personalized medallion, issued in advance or at the pier, ties purchases like specialty drinks or onboard merchandise to your primary credit card making shopping easy. It also allows access to your cabin for a keyless entry.

Time to Explore

While you're waiting for your cabin to be ready, you can explore the ship. 

One of the first areas to explore includes the different food venues on the Lido Deck. Poolside, there's a place to get freshly made, thin-crust pizza by the slice.

If hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken sandwiches sound good, stop by the  kiosk where fresh food is grilled in front of your eyes. There's also a place to get soft-serve ice cream.

Like the atmosphere of a carnival or fair, the smells and sights keep the senses alert.

Grilled chicken sandwich and fries

We believe that the destination is not nearly as important as the journey. Cruising on the open seas is refreshing and enjoyable, allowing time to relax and recover from the daily rigors of work and worry. Aboard ship, the concentration moves from task completion to enjoyment and discovery

Take a seat along the rail and watch the seafoam flow past as the ship makes its way forward.

The wait staff comes by to take your drink order and there's no fumbling for cash or a credit card. Charges post via your medallion to the credit card you submitted prior to boarding.

Pizza by the slice

All your non-covered expenses like sodas and alcoholic drinks are available for an additional charge. Or beverage packages can be purchased. Iced tea, lemonade, milk, and other non-alcoholic drinks are no charge.

Our first two days were sea days, arriving in Cabo San Lucas Monday morning around dawn.  Approaching Cabo is a treat in itself with land appearing well before the port. Photos of the gorgeous coast are a favorite for cruisers who flock to the rail as we grow closer to the bay.

The ship remains in the bay as Tender boats take tourists to and from the ship. At the port is a small shopping market with places to eat and drink within walking distance.

Off-ship excursions are available while the ship is in port. Rather than take a chance with unregulated local tour guides, stick with sight-seeing trips offered and arranged by the cruise line to remain safe while on foreign soil. 

Mazatlan

Tuesday's destination was Mazatlán for the day and onward to Puerto Vallarta. Our favorite port was Mazatlán for its quaint, shaded walking tour, colorful decor, and artful displays.

At the port in Mazatlán, the ship provided a shuttle to the Blue Line walking tour which led through the side streets near the pier. At regular intervals, there were English-speaking volunteers to assist in answering questions and keeping tourists on the right path to the square. We were cautioned to stay on the Blue Line.

At one point, we were advised to walk toward the center of the street to avoid the big dogs housed in nearby fenced yards. They like to lie in wait and sneak up on the unsuspecting tourist.

All along the walking trail were colorful, picturesque houses, flora, and traditional decor. Following the blue line to the Juarez Market, we passed Cantinas, museums, and art galleries. In the square, authentic costumed Aztec dancers performed and posed with visitors. Later, the break-dancers put on a high-energy hip-hop show.

We were the only people at the church where the altar had fresh flowers from a recent funeral. It was quiet and cool inside and reminded us of days gone by.

The Square was a popular spot where vendors and crafts were sold. There was a steel butterfly structure at the center with a rickety staircase and no handrail.

Despite the questionable sturdiness of the structure, people lined up to climb to the top and pose for a photo.

The Marketplace

Puerto Vallarta

Disembarking at Puerto Vallarta was easy with the dockside access to the port. No tender ship transport was necessary, just a quick walk to the ship-side waiting area to wait for our number to be called. Then down the gangplank and off on our own.

The heat was on once we got off the ship. There were hordes of taxi drivers hacking to take us downtown. We elected to walk to the "nearby" flea market we were told was a ten-minute walk.

After 20 minutes of fruitless walking in bus fumes on a narrow sidewalk with traffic only inches away, we turned around.

We headed back to the ship but not before we passed an unfortunate homeless person on a bus bench wrapped up in layers of blankets in the sweltering heat.

Puerto Vallarta

Sea days are our favorite time aboard ship. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to walk off the calories on the Sports Deck, Level 18, where a walking and running path stands ready for action. Those of us in the slower group stepped aside for fast-track walkers as we meandered along at the speed of a turtle. Even so, we were happy to report a weight loss of a couple of pounds due to our diligence.

When not walking, we found things to do like Bingo, Movies under the Stars, Theater presentations, the Casino, Mariachi band serenades, dance lessons, contests, and more.

Guests can choose their preferred dining time and are assigned a specific table each night should they choose to eat in the main dining room. We were treated to delicious food at the Allegro Dining Room with excellent service from our designated wait staff, Anastasia and Yuri. Originally from Ukraine, they've been sailing and working on cruises for over seven years.

We opted for one specialty dinner in the Crown Grill which requires reservations and a small upcharge to dine ($39 per person). Proper attire is required like shirts with a collar and a dinner jacket are preferred. Some even wear tuxedos for on formal night but it's not required.

Tips for 1st Time Cruisers

There are thousands of reasons to sail away on a cruise ship. Here are a few tips:

• Balcony mini-suites have a full bathtub, a large closet, a writing desk, mini-refrigerator, blow dryer, hide-a-bed sofa, and a super comfy bed along with two large-screen TVs and a side chair. Lounge chairs on the balcony provide a sea-worthy view. We highly recommend the mini-suite over interior cabins.
• Be sure to bring along anti-motion sickness medication. The Sea Band wrist straps worked well for me using an acupressure method.
• Bring any prescription medications in your carry-on luggage to assure you'll have them when needed.
• Bring along over-the-counter medicine that might be helpful like Day Quill, Tums, Aspirin, or Dramamine. The medical center is available when needed.
• Carry on an dinner outfit for the first night in case your luggage is late arriving.
• Pack a swimsuit to enjoy the pool on boarding day while it's relatively undiscovered.
• Order the water package to have bottled water ready in your cabin. Bring a few powdered or liquid drink additives for a quick, inexpensive beverage.
• Check out the International Cafe, open 24/7 for late-night snacks, Panini sandwiches, and delicious desserts like chocolate mousse.

There are so many things to do and see you'll never be bored. Between the movies under the stars, the theater productions, the games and contests, the dance lessons, line dancing, musical performances, the Casino, the miniature golf course, the sports deck, the pool, spa and all the lounges, there's something for everyone.

My Take on the Sun Princess US Inaugural Voyage

 

We're seasoned cruisers with nearly a dozen trips behind us. At this point, we know what we like and don't like about the different size ships.

In October 2024, we took an inaugural cruise on the Sun Princess which had just completed its European tour. This was the first time the ship was heading out from the United States.

We flew in the night before and enjoyed a wonderful room at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

The hotel was directly across from the Atlantic Ocean with a beautiful view. The hotel staff was friendly, the room was clean and quiet and we were pleased with our short stay. Walking distance from the hotel, we found the Casa Blanca Restaurant where we shared a burger and glasses of delicious sangria.

Casa Blanca in Ft. Lauderdale

The next morning we took an Uber to the port.

Embarkation day is a big challenge for many of the cruise lines. There are hundreds of people showing up at the same time, all needing to go through processing to get badges, check their luggage, go through security and then walk through the maize of jetways to board the ship.

It was clear this was the first time the port employees had seen such a volume of passengers and they were ill prepared to process so many people at once.

Hopefully, with some experience, they will have ironed out the embarkation issues and have a better method of crowd handling.

The walk back to the hotel.

We entered the queue of waiting people, after making our way all the way to the end of the line which had doubled back on itself. Standing in the tropical 90 degree heat with no cross breeze or fans in the outdoor warehouse-type space was stifling. A couple of times I thought my hubby was going to pass out.

We had checked our roller bags at the entrance, so we were carrying our heavy backpacks as the line crept slowly towards the door.

There's supposed to be a priority boarding for seasoned cruisers who've achieved "Elite" or "Platinum" status due to loyalty or number of cruises taken, but there was no such thing in place.

Once inside, the line crept slowly through a security checkpoint where, everything must be placed on the conveyor belt - hats, purses, phones, luggage, all had to go through the scanner.

It was not the highlight of our trip.

The send-off when the ship first left the port was spectacular. We watched a pair of tugboats gracefully dancing in a performance with water sprays that created a rainbow effect. It was amazing!

The Tugboat Show

We couldn't help but make comparisons to other cruises we've taken. We've been on the Ruby Princess a few times. It's a smaller ship built in 2008, that holds around 3,080 guests plus a crew of  1,200. We love the quaint feel of the cozy restaurants and public places that are welcoming and warm. The Piazza has an ambiance that brings back times gone by.

In contrast, the Sun Princess, the newest ship in the fleet, holds up to 4,300 guests with a crew of 1,600. You'd be surprised at the difference 1,600 extra people make on a ship, even of this size. The shops were crowded, the restaurants had wait lists and even the bars had long wait times for service.

In port at Amber Cove

We found ourselves engulfed in a sea of passengers no matter what the venue, whether in ship stores, dining rooms, bars or at the Piazza. 

The Piazza

Speaking of which, the multi-level seating in the Piazza on the Sun, although convenient and comfortable, lacks personality.

While the super large screen makes it easier to see performances, games or magic shows on the Sun, the comforting ambiance is lacking.

We bought the drink package because we like specialty coffee, premium desserts, and the reserve dining experience where you can dine at anytime without waiting in line. With the new Sanctuary collection, the reserve collection option is removed and passenger's are assigned a restaurant of their own.

This was my dinner the first night in the Sanctuary restaurant. The steak was tough, the baked potato was hard as were the veggies. The hubby sent his Alfredo back as it was hard and cold. The Maître de wasn't too accommodating and we left with food uneaten.

As mini-suite Sanctuary guests, we were allowed to have breakfast each morning in the Sanctuary dining room but mostly skipped the restaurant and went to the buffet where they had prepare-to-order omelets and assorted breakfast food and pastries. 

For specialty restaurants, we had difficulty getting a reservation at our favorite, Catch by Rudi, so we chose the Crown Grill. It was our first time to be disappointed with the service and "quality" of the meal. We ate less than half of the lobster dinner and left before dessert.

We had much better luck with a new specialty dining place called Umai, Teppanyaki which is a hibachi grill-type venue where you sit with other people and the chef puts on a show of cooking, singing and telling jokes. 

The shrimp flipped into the chef's hat trick was different when he tossed in an egg and caught it expertly.

The food was fantastic, the whole meal was fabulous. We couldn't have asked for anything better.

Returning from a tiring day in port, we tried another new place called American Diner. That was far and away from anything resembling a diner that we could imagine. Service was slow - we must have been between shifts because we gave our order to three different people before they finally got it.

Milkshakes were watery and tasteless. The hot dogs were served on a Brioche roll (where's the beef?) with a smearing of "bacon onion jam" which we had asked them to leave off. We left most of our meal on the table.

For us, it's an easy choice to book on the smaller ships. They're more personable, friendly, and less crowded. 

Despite my complaints about this voyage, we remain steadfast cruisers who will continue to sail on the Princess line of ships. Just, for now, not the mega sized ones. See you on the sea.

Cruise Ship Fun

There were a number of reasons I refused to go on a cruise. That was, until last October when I found out about a themed cruise with one of my favorite TV show actors. Now that we're back from our first voyage to Cabo San Lucas, it's certain we'll be taking another one.

There was never a dull moment during our 6 day, 5 night trip. We walked the decks from one end of the ship to the other. Whenever we could, we took the stairs to burn off calories from the delicious meals in the Horizon Court, The Crown Grill - an upscale steakhouse and the Botticelli Dining Room. We visited the casino, Club Fusion for a frozen Margarita, dropped by the International Cafe to try some dreamy chocolate mousse, watched line dancing on the Lido Deck, and Zumba exercise classes at the pool. At the port, we boarded the tender ship to Cabo where we shopped for souvenirs in the quaint Mexican village.

The star of the Investigation Discovery TV Series, Homicide Hunter, Joe Kenda was featured at a number of events where he patiently greeted fans and signed autographs for his book, I Will Find You. For the Kenda Cruiser group, there were question and answer sessions with prizes, an off-shore lunch excursion in Cabo, and other activities aboard the ship.

Another Kenda Cruise is planned for next October from NY to Halifax Canada. Search #KendaCruise and Jim Seeley of VIP Tours Cruises and events on Facebook for details.

Beyond the celebrity events there were fun things to do like watch the theater production, Magic To Do, a delightful live musical. Grease and The Incredibles 2 movies were playing on the big screen under the stars. With all the food and exercise, we found ourselves too exhausted to stay up late enough to attend the disco party and costume party events.

To remain safe from illness, observe safe health standards such as disinfecting often touched objects like door handles, TV remotes, room telephones and bathroom shelves. Doing this provides an excellent chance of remaining healthy while cruising. Packets of disposable wipes and are highly recommended for frequent use as you travel about the ship. Or seek out the Purell dispensers when visiting at the buffet.

The food was amazing, the soft motion of the ship en route was calming, the entertainment and the joy of having cell phones off provided a much-needed break from workplace stress.

We truly came back refreshed and new again. We're already signed up for a future trip! Bon Voyage.

Beach Therapy Please

Tomorrow my best friend will face the hardest day of her life. She's scheduled for an appointment at the cancer center to find out what options she has.

Our days go way back in time, way back to working in a hair salon, sitting for our real estate exams, climbing the corporate ladder, each trying to be a good step-mother to our ex's only child. We've faced hardship and joy together over the decades and now, she faces the hardest times ahead.

I think of her comforting me during my darkest days and realize there's no comparison to what she must be going through. Even now, in these days of bad news, P.E.T. scans, emergency room visits, missed diagnoses and pain, she keeps reminding me that God is in control. She is assured that He will do what's best for her and help her get through whatever lies ahead.

The last time I saw her, I couldn't believe my eyes. She was thinner than I had ever seen her. She has always battled extra weight, up thirty pounds, down ten, up twenty, down five. Now, she tells me she weighs only a few pounds more than I do. Down a hundred.That's not necessarily a good thing.

We've shared a week together on the beach at her timeshare right on the Gulf nearly every September since 1988. The memories we made won't fit into any photo album. There are thousands of scenes in my mind, captured along the way. Seagulls soaring, dolphins swimming, surf roiling, Hurricane Gilbert, poolside chats, beach strolls, sangria toasts, apple strudel, Beach Boy Video and precious time together with no cell phone anywhere near.

We've spent thousands of hours sharing personal issues, dilemmas, new jobs, joy, unemployment, stories of our past lives and loves. She has truly been a sister to me and a genuine friend in thick and thin. Time for some beach therapy.

I'm thinking of her today and praying.

Vacation on the Florida Gulf Coast

Toward the end of June, as our scheduled vacation grows closer, phone calls between me and my life long friend revolve around our week when she invites me to spend time with her. 

Since 1988, we've enjoyed relaxing together in the sun, swimming in the Jacuzzi, and catching up with each other's lives during a care-free seven days on the beach. Over the years, much in our lives has changed, but that time remains consistent.

The routine is the same year after year. I fly in from Dallas and she picks me up at the airport. We drive to her house to get the dogs ready for the kennel then we wait for Saturday afternoon when we can check in at the resort. She wisely invested in a one-bedroom timeshare years ago, and every year, come rain or shine, she has something to look forward to. What I've learned about vacations from her is that if you don't plan one, it won't happen.

Howard Frankland Bridge by By Miscelena 1

We drive across the Howard Frankland Bridge connecting Tampa Bay mainland to the west coast, stopping at Publix to pick up a supply of groceries for the week: steaks, baking potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, hot dogs, and hamburger, veggies and an assortment of bread, cereal, milk, sodas, chips and snacks.

We travel light, our suitcases filled with shorts, tank tops, swim suits, flip flops and a good hat to protect our skin from the blazing sun. No fancy attire is required even when we eat out at beach side restaurants. Casual attire is king in Florida.

Next, we detour to the package store to pick up a gallon of burgundy and brandy for an endless pitcher of home made Sangria to share with our neighbors. Once we settle in to our room we visit the nearby shops to stock up on sunscreen and touristy things like T-shirts emblazoned with palm trees, sea oats and pelicans.

We're assigned the same room year after year, so we know exactly what to expect when we arrive. Each year, when we pick up the keys to her balcony apartment overlooking the sparkling pool and check in, it's like a step back into time. 

The keys are attached to green plastic tags with the room number. 

The kitchen has a full-size refrigerator, a range and oven, microwave, coffee pot and even a dishwasher. The unit is equipped with pots and pans, real dishes and silverware.

The kitchen is small but equipped with everything we need.

There's cable TV, although it holds less interest than usual for the week while we bask under umbrellas reading our paperback novels.

The couch makes into a hide-a-bed, and there's a queen sized-bed, comfortably allowing for four guests in this unit.

Our days are spent swimming in the pool, soaking in the Jacuzzi spa, grilling out on gas barbecue grills, and searching for shells. We alternate between dips in the pool and the Gulf  listening to the squawk of seagulls scrabbling over scraps of food.

Rhythmic waves pound against the glistening beach shore providing a relaxing and soothing reassurance that the ocean is eternal. We doze off in our lounge chairs, heads nodding while the warmth of the sun performs its magic, baking away our cares as we sit in the shade of the umbrellas and watch the waves roll out. (Sitting on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding)

Over the years improvements have been made at the resort. The balcony railings, formerly made of dark stained wood, have been replaced with practical white plastic rails. 

The uneven concrete walkway has been upgraded with beautiful patio stones that surround the pool and travel along the path leading to the outdoor shower. A locking storage unit has replaced the open lean-to which once housed the bright blue lounge chair mats.

Beach loungers are available at the resort

A crew of young college students perform routine maintenance vacuuming the sparkling pool and cleaning the swim spa jacuzzi. It always looks fresh and inviting for our week of vacation.

Perhaps the best part of the week is the quiet appreciation of nature in the evenings. The residents tend to gather under the umbrellas near time for sundown each night to enjoy that gift of serenity and beauty, a momentary splash of every color imaginable before the sun dunks into the ocean one more time.

As evening draws near, a contingent of beach goers gather at the shoreline in anticipation of the evening's spectacular view. Taking photos at sunset is a standard part of the week's ritual. And once that lightning fast week is over, sharing the photos brings back the joy of the week for years to come.

1 Photo of Howard Frankland Bridge, By Miscelena (http://www.flickr.com/photos/miscelena/403636460/) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons