Our beautiful ship the Carnival Magic. We departed from the Port of Galveston, TX for our cruise to the Carribean.
On this cruise, we decided to pay the extra $$ and get a stateroom with a balcony - it was a good decision. If you take a closer look on the photo above, you might be able to see our Stateroom immediately below the lifeboats..hah!
Beautifully equipped room, lots of space, fluffy bathrooms and endless supply of towels, ice bucket.We were allowed to bring on board 1x750ml bottle of wine per person, however the alcohol and wines weren't too overly priced. We knew in advance what we were in for, unlike our Alaskan Cruise a couple of years back on the Norwegian Cruise Line where they hid all the prices of the alcohol.
A retreating view of Galveston on Deck 11 from the Carnival Magic as we sail away to 7 days of fun and pampering. For cruise novices, a word of advice: bring lots of loose fitting clothes! Your waistlines will be put to the test!
Our cabin server came up with a different "towel" animal every night. Can you tell what it is?
Our first view of land after 2 days of cruising - Montego Bay, Jamaica. Yeah Mon!!...Jamaican version of "No Worries Mate".
As we pulled into Montego Bay, the C. Magic's sister ship the Carnival Conquest was also heading for the same port. In fact, we had a convoy of 3 ships - the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas was in the entourage.
Check out the absolutely stunning colour of the water. Freedom of the Seas was pulling up alongside us.
A pit stop along the way to the Appleton Rum Estate in Montego Bay. The local ginger beers are quite refreshing.
Tom in Rum Nirvana, Paradise, Eden - Rum, rum and more rum...in fact 13 different rums to try.
This is Norman, our guide at Appleton - he made me his personal Court Jester the moment he noticed how vertically challenged I was...I was so glad I made his day! On arrival, we are treated to all you can drink fruit punch that had 2 different rums in it..no pain felt thereafter. It was a 2 hour bus ride up a rather "challenging" mountainous road, with lottsa blind corners, hairpin bends. I swear the Afro American couple sitting up front behind the driver looked "white" a few times. There were quite a few not so subtly stifled screams...from the guys. They needn't have worried, Johnson our bus driver was an accomplished phd...Pot Hole Dodger.
Onwards...and we are in the Grand Cayman-the weather looking rather ominous as we docked. The Harbour at Grand Cayman was too shallow for the Magic so we were transported in "tenders" to shore.
We had opted for the Stingray and Dolphin encounters. After docking, it was a short drive, where we took a boat ride of 45 minutes to where we could swim and frolick with manta rays!
Outstanding!! we are standing in about 3-4feet of water (had to have a life vest as I don't swim....at 4'6" even 4 foot of water is too much).
Scores of tourists are in the water with us...as you can imagine it is a very popular attraction. Thankfully, the area is a protected area, ie no fishing etc.
One of the many Manta rays swimming around us - they have to be the best fed rays around. We are given cuttlefish to feed them. Don't let the Chinese in on this place....stingrays are actually quite tasty eating...sorry!!
Saw a few of these iguanas lying around the place.
Cozumel, Mexico.
One of the several eateries just off the pier at Cozumel, Mexico.
It was windy at Cozumel. We were able to dock right up at the pier - have never seen water this colour.. a glorious azure.
We had the option of having lunch on board our ship or go and sample the local restaurants. We settled for the 3 Amigos Mexican Rest. - US$45 for 2 mains and 2 cocktails.
A lovely hibiscus....I love flowers.
One of the many local craft stalls that I didn't get to spend money on.
Another shop that I didn't get to step inside...that's a real person in army fatigues. He must have a share in turps..he's painted black all over.
Cozumel, Mexico - ready to get back on the ship after a very minor purchase.
Deck 5 - the beautiful Mezzanine Level of the Magic.
There were lots of nooks and crannies that one can sit and read and be away from the hoi polloi.
What we loved about the Carnival Magic - we get allocated a table for the whole 7 days at one of its fine dining restaurants. This is our waiting team...they were so cheerful and friendly. Bosko who is 6'1" is from Serbia, Toshi is from India and Ryan is from the Philippines...and oh, did I mention - there's high tea at 3pm every day.
The winds had been picking up all day at Cozumel and by the time we left, the ship was definitely rockin' and a rollin' a bit more.
Tom took these 2 photos of the waves being whipped up by the winds.
Alas, after 7 magical days it was time to go back to land. Sunrise onboard the Magic as we drew closer to the Port of Galveston.
Gotta love cruises. They sure are a great way to experience new ports. You look like you had a great experience.
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