Caribbean Cruise Feb 2011

We have returned from our annual Caribbean Escape. This time our group of cold weather escapees cruised aboard Carnival Glory to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and Grand Cayman. Other than being late dis-embarking at almost every port (not much but enough to cause a little shortening of the time allocated for shopping), the Glory is a well laid out ship and the food was incredible, as usual. One thing I discovered was how much I enjoyed chilled, fruit soups as an appetizer...I guess it's the 85 degree days vs. 10 degrees. Cozumels port was a surprise and I really thought it was a nice addition. The other port was more of a formal shopping mall while this one is more like the "native" areas. Finally got to swim with the Dolphins in Cozumel so I can write that off my Bucket List. We returned to the Altun Ha Mayan ruins in Belize, and the tour was quite good and informative...this time no rain so we got to explore. Although much had been made about the Tender difficulties Carnival has been having in Belize, it worked out just fine for us. Roatan continues to impress with it's natural beauty and has begun adding activities. Our day was spent mostly sightseeing with our private guide (the Monkey Farm is worth a stop) and had an outstanding lunch on the beach at a place called Bananarama. People were very nice and friendly...it's a family group that runs it and if you are in the mood for a longer time in Roatan would recommend you try the resort. Off to Grand Cayman and a date with the Sting Rays and as usual after everyone looks questioning at me about swimming with them...turns into a highlight ! Finally went to Hell (Grand Cayman that is) and saw what prompted the name---dead coral. Another fantastic lunch on the beach, getting awed by 100 year old turtles and then a day at sea. Final day was to attend the art auction again, but had to leave to host the Sand Run Travel Cocktail party before the art I was interested in came up...probably saved a few bucks due to that! Wasn't super happy with the location Carnival gave us for the party, but with free booze, no one seemed to really mind. Can't close with mentioning the fashion show we hosted with Teri Ketchens and her designs...she really outdid herself and we hope it helped create some new avenues for her. I know the fellow cruisers who modeled for her enjoyed themselves....