We make our way down the 1 mile pier, through the pavilion and out to the tour bus. We’re off to the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben with our tour guide Lizbeth and a geography, culture and history lesson along the way. Lizbeth tells me that for a tourism diploma they study 500 hrs in the classroom and 270 hrs. in the field but she has a degree in tourism as well - her professionalism shows. The coconut palms, jungle, red mangrove swamps, ceiba trees, thatched huts and dusty villages fly by the windows of our air conditioned bus. No jaguars but lots of egrets, toucans and other birds during the 1 hr. drive.
It is 100 F today with 85% humidity and you sure know it when you’re climbing the steps of the Mayan structures. Words can’t describe the feeling that civilization existed for centuries here. These ruins were discovered in 1972, excavated 1994 - 1996 and opened to the public in 2000. We learned about the Mayan civilization and it’s practices including sacrifices, the archeological digs etc. A shopping area with crafts, jewelry and carvings completed our trip. An onyx chess set for the veranda, pure vanilla, onyx turtles for the collectors, and my partner got a beautiful azul sundress. A relaxing return trip to the pier. What a great idea this was.My better half would love this and I’d decided by the first day in Belize that it was a mistake to come on vacation without him (certainly not because my travel partner is a problem - far from it - the most fun I’ve had for some time) because my life partner would really enjoy this and I would enjoy having him here. My room mate and I discuss why people travel without their spouses and decide that it’s either because a) the spouses don’t travel well - get sick, complain, won’t try new things, don’t like different food, act badly etc. or b) because they don’t like them. Since neither of these defines my situation and because he is such a good travel partner this girls only trip will have to be a one off.
Back to the ship to grab a bite to eat at the Windjammer Café. Of course we have to try everything - now we know why there are platters instead of plates in the buffet line (it’s only the first day when you would ask yourself that before sampling the goodies). Reprovisioned we head back down the pier (catching a wagon being towed) and head out to catch a cab to Majahual.
The village of 400 is overwhelmed with the three large cruise ships burping out a possible 10,000 passengers. The main street (a sand strip) is flanked by tourist shops, bars, and beach sports all of which are fronted by very aggressive salesmen “senorita, senorita, I show you something” while chasing us down the street. One of the best lines of the afternoon uttered by a plump Mexican in his lawn chair with a grin was “come on in and let me rip you off” as he played to the stereotype. The sign on the shop above saying Mexican Wol Mart isn't too bad either. The open air massage tables did a brisk business for the non sunburned tourists. My room mate (a former jewelry store owner) proved to be quite the aggressive haggler - I just couldn’t bring myself to be that tough - so I scored some nice jewelry and a bottle of tequila. We catch a cab and straggle through security - that air conditioning sure feels great!Just in time to get spiffed up and have our gentleman host escort us to Studio B for Planet Ice - a very professional ice show - what great entertainment. A quick hustle to the Maharajas lounge where there is a special reception for ’frequent floaters’ being held. Mario is the star of the evening (apparently after 99 cruises with Royal Caribbean the 100th one is free) and we enjoy champagne and caviar while we’re introduced to the senior officers. Then it’s time for our 9 p.m. reservation at Portofino’s and what a place/meal that is. If you’re ever on a cruise and there is a specialty restaurant - try it! The $20 cover charge is really a token (and besides the gentleman host was footing the bill anyway so we weren’t out of pocket) . We had scallops over saffron risotto, greens with walnuts, pears and gorgonzola with house dressing, seafood shish kebabs and veggies and dessert was a sinful flourless chocolate cake and chocolate dipped strawberries. The gentleman host chose an excellent merlot to accompany the meal and the service was impeccable. What an experience!
Down to the pool party just to see the midnight buffet complete with ice sculptures and every imaginable type of food - no room to even smell the offerings but fun to watch - and a live band as well. The dancers catch dance fever and head to the disco for latin music but these feet need to get into bed as Cozumel awaits in the morning. Now when crawling into bed at 1:30 a.m. is getting to bed early that’s pretty bad - good thing I ordered breakfast before crashing unconscious. While we’re steaming at night to make up time there’s a gentle rocking sensation as you lie in bed (sort of like on a train but not as pronounced) which lulls you to sleep but certainly nothing to remind you that you’re at sea - not sure why folks are concerned about the mal de mer.
