Thursday, September 3, 2015

*Tent on Wheels on Water AGAIN*

Because we just couldn't stay away, and, because it was RDB's 30-ifty-th birthday, and, because I got injured in a car accident in June and RDB wanted to do something to take my mind off the pain and frustration, and just maybe, we might be addicted to the aqua-blue-navy beautiful waters.  Which is why we booked an aft balcony on the Carnival Triumph heading back to Cozumel. And oh, was it worth it.

Yep. One big run-on sentence.  But grammar goes out the window when you get just a little excited!


This time around, we were sharing the adventure with Dad and Bunny - who had also cruised before.  It was a very laid back, make no plans, come and go kind of a trip.  Just what I needed!


And of course, RDB and me:


Just a quick note there - the above photo was taken during the life boat drill (muster).  On the older ships, you'll find yourself standing out on the deck adjacent to the actual boats, standing in line sardine-like with all the other passengers.  Two things I would *highly* recommend: ear plugs, as the announcements and sirens were deafeningly loud, and a folding fan, as it was hot and you'll be standing for a lot longer than you think.  Or, as RDB recommends, just don't travel on the older ships.  ;-)

Now, on to the fun stuff - like, our cabin!  We booked cabin 7427. It was a little small for a balcony - only a bed and table, no couch - but the extended area on the balcony more than made up for it!



Just like the last cruise, after booking I looked to see what Facebook groups were out there.  Come to find out, this was the second annual CCPPF Diva's cruise!  I've joined the group, and have had lots of fun getting to know the ladies on-line.  RDB and I attended the first night's event: a Cabin Crawl and Poker Run, and even hosted since we had an aft balcony to show off!


So, yeah.  We had Security called on us about half way thru the crawl.  Let's just say,it was a GREAT group of very fun and laid back ladies.... and I've got my eye on the next cruise with them coming up October of 2016!

Talking about our room, though - Cabin 7427 - on the aft port side.  I had read great things about having an aft balcony, and knew that I loved the view of the water, churned up by the propellers as we travel along, so booking it for this short cruise just seemed like the perfect idea.  


We loved it.


 Ok, so I loved the view.  RDB loved the bed....


In case you wondered - no, we didn't spend all of our time in the room or on the balcony.  We had one day at sea, one day in Cozumel, and another day back at sea heading home.  Lots of fun to be had all along the way.


Bunny introduced me to a new game in the casino: Jacks or Better.  Dad played his hand at the slots, and RDB tried the Cash Cube and the Quarter Drop a few times.  It was a lot of fun, as long as you remember: it's entertainment, not income!


RDB and I enjoyed our evening's before dinner in the World Atrium.  Triumph serves Thirsty Frog (Carnival's exclusive brew) and so we enjoyed a few rounds of it.  I found a spicy pineapple martini that I fell in love with, as well as a sage-infused strawberry martini.  The lounge singer had an amazing voice, and the shows were just 'ok' this time around.  They made a change to the line-up of shows the first night: I have a feeling one of the principal players may have been sick or injured, and that's what caused the change in entertainment.

But truth be told, we weren't on the ship for what Carnival could provide.  We were on our way back to Cozumel!!


To those beautiful blue chairs under the green and yellow palms, next to Pancho's Backyard and the pina colidas the size of your face!


Our server, Marco, dropped by shortly after we sat down.  He brought us the first round along with the check - we asked if he minded if we opened a tab, we were planning to stay for a while.  He snatched back the receipt so quickly and had a smile from ear to ear!  I had heard great things about the chips and guac, so when we ordered our next round, we ordered a snack as well.  Can I say: you will *not* be disappointed!




Not long afterwards, Dad and Bunny made their way down to join us.  


It really was just an enjoyable day; hanging out on the beach, looking back over the crystalline waters, enjoying a few drinks and great conversation.


All too soon, though, we were heading back to the ship that would take us back home.



The view from our balcony gave us the ability to watch as the pilot boat came to guide us out of the port....  



...with those beautiful blue aqua waters.  Oh, I love them so.





It was a short, but wonderful trip.  I really could see us taking this same trip once a year (*hint*hint* RDB, if you're reading this: my birthday is just 6 short months away!)


Still one of my favorite things that Carnival does, are the towel animals with the evening turn down service.  We had a few really cute ones:



Pretty sure he wanted to come home with us.  In fact, I think they all were sad to see us go.... 


Maybe next time, Towel Cuties.  Next time.

Why? Because, well....



For more cruising photos, go here!

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