Day 7: Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya isn't the most exciting cruise port unless you want to shop, swim, or hang out at the bars at the arrival area.  The most popular ruins near Costa Maya are Chacchoben which means the place of the red corn.  Three words:  jungle, ruins, monkeys . . . I was hoping to see all three today.  I picked this excursion and my parents just went along because they are easy going!  We are headed to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins.  I picked a small group excursion in a van with only 10 people . . . it only cost $10 more per person!  So much better than a big bus of 50 people.  The drive was about an hour so not too bad.  

The first human settlement dates back to around 1000 BC.  Our guide did an excellent job sharing historic facts, how the site used to be, what was eaten by the people and how life in this lush jungle area was for them from day to day.

Beautiful plants growing out of trees.

More remains of a pyramid/temple base.

Steps that we did not climb . . . apparently the view was amazing on the other side.

It is a very well kept area . . . easy walking path that is clearly marked.  The grounds were so full of lush plants and vines.

I found this interesting as it looked like a pinecone but was actually a variety of coconut.  Each one was the size of a large nut.  The individual pods were hard but inside was a smaller pod that was the actual coconut/nut.  I do not remember exactly the name or what they are called but they are pretty cool.

. . . and finally the grand ruins of Temple One.

It was a quick hour drive back to the ship . . . we were pushing it on time which I hate but knew the ship would wait since we were on one of the ship's organized excursion.  We got back onboard with 10 minutes before the all on board time and had a nice lunch at The Local.  We were only in port for 5 hours so everyone was out and about making it crowded on board . . . and we were over an hour late leaving due to some tardy parties that didn't seem to think the all on board time was for them.

Day 6: Roatan, Honduras

We have our first official excursion today.  My choices are a lot more low key due to my limitations with shoulder surgery and my parents need easier these days.  I gave them a list of excursions and let them pick.  We are headed to a Coconut Farm with an Island Lunch.  I had low expectations but knew it would just be nice to be off the ship and seeing how the locals lived.  The drive was far and it seemed as if there was only one way to get to our stop.  We arrived at the Coconut Adventures near the French Harbour.  

We enjoyed a very informative and educational talk on all that coconuts had to offer.  My dad was in heaven!  Each tree will produce 175-200 coconuts a year.  The flower is the long skinny thing you see in the photos above.  A coconut has 3 faces and 3 sides.  The coconut milk is used as a laxative and to help with menopause symptoms.  They passed around samples of fresh coconut milk and people were afraid to try it because they stressed so many times how effective and quickly it would work.  

  

At the end of the presentations we were served a local lunch of chicken cooked in coconut milk, rice & beans, and fried plantains with coconut lemonade.  The meal was amazing!

I am usually a bit picky about eating local food when on tours, but I was hungry.  The food was so good!

As we drove back to the cruise port our guide was telling us about the local culture.  I always find the information about education interesting.  School is not required!  Uniforms are required if you attend school.  She told us most kids that do go to school stop going around 12 so they can work and earn money.  I found this crazy.  Most go work labor jobs and she said the craftmanship is awful.  Of course it is when you have 12 year old uneducated kids doing the job.  Electricity is very expensive and gasoline was $6 a gallon.  Everyone on the island loves Bojangles . . . I've never eaten at one but there is one near me in a gas station.

It was back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon and sail away.

Day 5: Harvest Caye, Belize

Welcome to . . . . 

Today we are at one of Norwegian Cruise Lines private islands,  Harvest Caye.  

There are many things to do around the island but for us it was a nice relaxing day on the beach!

As we were leaving, we walked through the Wildlife Experience.  They had a few animals and a beautiful butterfly house to walk inside!  There were so many big beautiful blue butterflies.

 

I found this Ceiba Tree really interesting.

It was a long walk back to the ship, but they had golf carts available for a small tip . . . my parents appreciated the ride back!

Day 4: Cozumel, Mexico

For the first time ever, I have not planned an excursion in Cozumel.  We are just getting off and walking around.  We docked in Punta Langosta which is the heart of downtown San Miguel de Cozumel.  

There is a waterfront walkway that goes to the Parque Benito Juarez so we started walking.

We walked around and then headed back to the ship.  It was a lot of tourist souvenir shops which we were not interested in visiting.  It was nice to just get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunny day.  So we went back to the ship.  These desserts look so good but no so much!  I do love they are only about 3 bites so not a lot of waste.

We ended the night with the production of Beetlejuice.

Day 3: Sea Day

It was a dreary day with a rough sea!  I had planned to lay outside in a lounge chair most of the day but well it was rainy and cold so spent a lot of time in the cabin relaxing.

Day 2: cruising the VIVA again

Here I go again . . . I loved the NCL VIVA so much that when she came to Texas; I booked another cruise!  I have been to all the port stops but that is okay.  I needed a break and this will be a great week of hanging out, eating, and relaxing.  The ship seems a bit crowded with limited menus, but it was fun being back onboard and showing my parents around.  We have connecting interior cabins . . . think small but the bathroom is really big to me.

 

Good-bye Galveston . . . see you in a week!

If you remember I sailed this same ship from Istanbul to Athens last October and loved the Indulge Food Hall.  I could not wait for my first meal!

And of course there was pineapple for dessert!

Day 1: Galveston, Texas

It has been a long recovery from shoulder surgery and I am still not fully recovered.  I booked this trip months before my surgery thinking I would be good to go.  I am but with limitations . . . I figured I could sit on a cruise ship just as easy as I could sit in my recliner at home!  It was an easy drive to Galveston and we wasted no time to grab lunch.  Our usual place was packed with no parking so we tried a new place, BLVD Seafood.  I think this is my new favorite restaurant in Galveston.  I loved every thing about it!  I had crabby crab cake sliders with a side of shrimp and grits.

 

Oh and let's not forget the creme brulee trio for dessert!

My parents are on this trip with me . . . it was a gift to them for doing so much for me while I am away enjoying life and traveling . . . we took a stroll down The Strand.  Honestly, I was disappointed as it was cheap touristy shops and bars . . . oh well it isn't like I remembered.  We hopped back in the car to explore more and ended up at a cemetery.  We are fascinated by old historic cemeteries and this one was no different.

Another favorite stop is pizza at Mario's Seawall Italian Restaurant.  We love the thin crust pizza and friendly staff!  And a quick view of the beach before calling it a day.

Tomorrow we board the cruise ship!

New Orleans, Louisiana day 2

It was an early wake up for the tour of Saint Louis Cemetery 1.  We could not get the same time slot so did back to back tours.

I was on a mission to find the best pecan praline.  But first a quick lunch at Johnny's . . . 1/2 shrimp po-boy and seafood gumbo.

. . . and back to walk some more!  We walked a lot and were off the tourist beaten path.  We explored some of the old neighborhoods and just enjoyed being away from the crowds.  We ended up at the Roosevelt Hotel for a little iced tea and praline tasting.  I bought three and they each had things I liked but only one wasn't broken to pieces!

We needed a nap in order to prepare for the late night Halloween festivities.  

I was rested and about as Halloween festive as I could be with my light up flying bat headband!

We booked a mixology class at The Maison which was a lot of fun!  We learned the history of each drink, made the drink, and drank it.  It was a lot in one hour and boy was I feeling it!  We made a Pimm's Cup, Hurricane, Sazerac, and The Vieux Carre.  They were alcohol heavy drinks.

It was about a mile walk to dinner at Jewel of the South.  We were a bit tipsy but laughed the entire walk and made it on time!  I did not really enjoy my meal or drink that I ordered but it was a nice atmosphere with excellent service and might would give it another try.  And then it was off to Bourbon Street and it was insane to say the least!  

We called it a somewhat early night as I had a 5am flight to catch.

New Orleans, Louisiana day 1

Halloween in New Orleans . . . it was never a dull moment that's for sure.  It was a quick trip and probably took my last flight on Southwest before they completely change every concept of flying that made them unique.  No more lining up and watching the endless line of wheelchairs boarding only to see those same people miraculously walk off the plane on arrival!  If you know; you know.  It always bothered me so many used it as a way to board early while some really needed to board early due to a disability.  I like Southwest, but I am sad they are changing so much.  I have a lot of points to burn and probably won't get a good value in 2026.  Oh well . . . as a forever reminder of how it used to be . . . so long ABC group boarding.

I met up with my friend Marilyn because she really wanted to experience New Orleans on Halloween . . . me not so much but being the good friend I try to be . . . I said okay.  New Orleans never disappoints on food and people watching.  I arrived several hours early so I was able to hang out in my hotel room and nap . . . speaking of this hotel room.  I am staying on points at Hyatt Centric French Quarter.  It's free using points and the location is very good but it is in an old building and it creaks which means it is probably haunted.  The room is large and the decor is interesting.  

 

The wall of curtains drove me crazy as it would hang on the back of the television and looked off.  I know; I am weird.  That maroon velvet sofa was something else too.  Again, location was great, room was clean, and it was free!  It was late by the time Marilyn arrived and did a late night walk around the French Quarter and popped in at Napoleon House for a muffuletta and red bean with rice.  Yummy but it was so dark inside.

And do you even go to New Orleans if you don't stop at Cafe Du Monde?

Trip Review: Istanbul to Athens

What do I even call this trip?  
EurAsiaAfr?  

I do not know, but I do know that I had a great time!

4 countries:  Türkiye, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece 
3 continents:  Europe, Asia, Africa

With a cruise in the middle.  

WOW, that was a lot of ground to cover!  I loved every minute.  I always get asked what was my favorite trip and honestly every trip is my favorite.  I find I am a better person when I am traveling!

FAVORITES

Turkish Hamam

Pyramids and Sphynx

Delos Island

Greek Food

Santorini sunset was amazing!

I had three British Airways flights and must say all were amazing! I was in business class so I can’t compare how things were in the back of the plane.

NOT SO GOOD

Istanbul.  While it is a beautiful city, I found it crowded and not exactly what I thought it would be.  Of course the taxi scammer will never be forgotten, but as a solo female traveler; it is a one and done for me.  There are other places in Türkiye that I would like to visit so maybe I will be back in the future.

Crowds.  I have read for years about how locals really do not like cruise ships stopping due to the crowds.  I did not understand as it brings in so much money when the people visit.  This trip I got it.  They are correct especially at some of the Greek island stops.  Most days we were the only ship in port but it was nearing the end of the season.  I can not imagine what Santorini would be like with 5 ships!  I do not know the solution but when people stop coming will they complain about the lack of revenue those people brought to their town?