Cruising

Tom and I just returned from cruising aboard Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas. Our only previous cruise had been a family event filled with shore excursions, shopping, and onboard activiites. This one was decidedly different. This time we skipped most of the scheduled activities in favor of relaxing in the Solarium. I made use of the spa and Tom spent some time in the casino. Instead of staying up half the night partying most night we turned in before midnight. This 5 night cruise was only scheduled for two ports, Costa Maya and Cozumel, and ended up with only one. I had been looking forward to a ruins tour near Costa Maya but we were unable to dock there due to high winds and rough waters. I got a few photos of the shore we never set foot on. We headed to Cozumel early and stayed there overnight. Many of the passengers took advantage of the extra shopping and partying time but the noise and pushy vendors at the port annoyed me enough to make me get back on the ship without heading to town. The next morning we took our scheduled excursion to Passion Island. I can't reccomend Passion Island highly enough! It was a beautiful peaceful island that our group of about 30 had to ourselves. The food and drinks were good and plentiful. I only wish that we had been able to stay another hour or two. Upon our return from Passion Island we again skipped shopping and/or drinking town in favor of returning to the pool onboard the ship. I think cruise vacations are something we need to do more often. :)