We docked at Cozumel early, and it's apparently old home week-- across from our ship is the Carnival Legend, yet another ship we once sailed (on its maiden voyage, way back in ‘ought two). Also hanging out--a ship from the Margaritaville line and Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas.
Early morning on deck
After breakfast at the Windjammer, we set off for Cozumel, where you have to go through duty-free both entering and exiting. We wandered about as salespeople were hawking their wares from the shop doors.
For our MSTies—No, Lupita!
On the mean streets of Cozumel.
Then into a bus (not as nice as the last one) for a series of culinary tours. The guide had a microphone that apparently wasn't on--it was all gibberish to us, except the word familia, which I think she used every time she didn't know the English word.
Our first stop was the Mayan Bee Sanctuary. You only find these stingerless bees in this area of the world. I was happy to keep my distance regardless. They don't generate nearly as much honey as your standard bee, so it's muy expensivo. It's mostly recommended for for medicinal purposes. We each got a sample.
Not actual size.
I guess they found the volume control on the bus, because you could hear her fine during the second drive. On the way to the Mayan Cacao Company, we saw signs of crocodiles...
That bird is about to be dinner
Our guide walked us through multiple stations showing the culture surrounding cacao, then a mixing demo, followed by some samples--mole sauce on a tortilla, and a selection of 13 different varieties of chocolate bars going up to 70% cacao. We got a couple drinks and some bars.
Speaking of bars, it was time for a tequila tasting. Our host explained the long process to make it (remember to look for 100% blue agave, and SIP IT). Then we had two samples--Horchata, which was smooth, and Margarita, which had more of a bite.
Overall, I would have rather seen actual manufacturing processes than an explanation with some photos.
Some quick shopping back near the dock, as the trip ran late, before we scurried back onto the ship (traveling through the duty-free gauntlet as we did so).
We cleaned up for dinner--tropical night. On the menu--coconut shrimp, pork bao tacos, jerk pork chips, tiger shrimp, pineapple sunshine cake, and “royal” chocolate cake.
After a post-dinner nap, we caught the last big production show, “Stage to Screen”, moving from West Side Story to Chicago. A decent show, but again the technical side was sloppy.
Found a new friend in the cabin.
Off to bed--tomorrow is our last full day, and it's at sea. Expect a lot of dozing.