Day 6: Grand Cayman Island

On day 6 we arrived at Grand Cayman Island.  The ship is actually not able to dock due to the corral reefs, so it drops anchor, and you travel to the island via a tender boat.  We were signed up for the Dolphin Discover adventure this day.  Megan was very exited to see and touch a dolphin.

As part of our excursion, we went into a pool with a dolphin, Galileo, and a trainer, Jose.  Galileo did a few tricks for us, then we all learned how to give him 5, shake 'hands', give and receive a kiss, and get him to smile.  I have no pictures of any of this.  The company has a policy that no pictures can be taken for the safety of the dolphins.  A highly qualified, professional photographer stands by the pool with you to take pictures of each and every special moment.  In fact, as part of each trick we did with the dolphin, we had to turn our head to the right so we could smile at the camera.  Then, following our time in the pool, we could purchase these pictures.  The lowest package was priced at $140.  You could not buy individual shots.  The professional photographer was really just one of the staff who escorted you to the pool, and had a fancy Nikon camera.

Following the dolphin time, we went through the turtle farm that is part of the Dolphin Discovery exhibit.  There were huge turtles!  There was one area where you could pick up and hold some of the baby turtles.  I started to take pics of Eric holding one, and was told by a staff member that for the safety of the turtles, no pictures could be taken.  He had a fancy Nikon, and was of course taking plenty of pics that I'm sure I could purchase in a package for $140.
The Grand Cayman was pretty, but not really a place I'd want to return to.

The pics aren't really in order of the day's events....

 Shoreline of Grand Cayman

 The AquaDuck water slide.  Coolest thing ever.  No lines in the morning usually.

 The largest tv I've ever seen (aside from the one on the Dream) played Disney animated movies all day long.  We would watch them while swimming.

 The quick service food area was Cars themed.  There were 4 different food stations, serving pizza, hot dogs, burgers, chicken strips, fried, sandwiches, wraps, and fresh fruit.

 Michelle from Italy (pronounced Mee KEL ah) was our assistant server, who took care of our drinks each night.  Shirley Temples with extra cherries were waiting for Megan and Emily, our table mate, each evening.

 Jonathan ordered the 'make your own pie' dessert

My 'sweet temptations' dessert 

 on the tender to Grand Cayman

The kids at the turtle farm.  

Day 5: Mexico

Day 5 we were docked in Cozumel, Mexico.  Along the way to Mexico, we had a nice view of the island of Cuba.  It was pretty from a distance.

We had an excursion through some Mayan ruins this day.  Our tour guide met us as we got off the ship.  He gave us stickers with his name on it (Patrick), so we knew group we were in.  The ruins were in a National Park.  Patrick was very proud of his Mayan heritage, and gave a good tour.

 Mopeds are a popular form of transportation in Cozumel.  Gas is very expensive.   Helmets are required.

 Some of the ruins.  

 These pillars have a religious significance.  I already forgot what it was.  

After the ruins, we toured a museum on Cozumel/Mayan history.  There was a dancing exhibit/ritual.  We had a little buffet for lunch.  The next stop was a chocolate factory.  Eric got to help make chocolate.  It was yummy stuff.  More pics that are on my iphone...

Our evening meal was at Animator's Palate, which is the kids' favorite place!

Day 4: At Sea

Day 4 was a lazy day.  Eric was exited to get to Cabanas for breakfast to get his chocolate donuts and bacon, his standard cruise breakfast.  The boys explored the sports deck.  Megan splashed in the pool.  We went to a comedian in the afternoon.  There was some ping pong and mini golf competitions in the afternoon.  Our supper was at Royal Court this evening.  The napkins were folded into tuxedo jackets.  Eric tried escargot to be fancy.  He will not try it again.  After supper, Megan and I went to see the play "Aladdin" while the boys went to see "Ant Man"

 waiting to see the comedian

 Nemo's Reef

 He was not smiling after eating this

 Askra, our head server.  He was from Indonesia.  The kids got origami figures after each meal

Carles, also from Indonesia, was our host.  He made towel figures every night and left chocolates for us.  Megan joked one night that we needed more, so the next night we had 15 chocolates instead of 5.