At last!! A morning I was able to sleep in--and by sleep in I mean until 7 am!!
No rush to get off the boat today as we weren't docking until 9:30. We booked Dolphin Discovery on our own--which ended up working out really well for us, more on that in a bit.
We headed up to topsiders as usual, had a big breakfast and then wandered around deck waiting to dock in Cozumel. I had my camera ready and took a few pictures...we docked right next to another crusie ship--which was so close it looked like you could reach right over the rail and touch it! Again there were 5 or 6 ships in port that day--some docked, some running tenders. We disembarked around 11, and poked around the shops for a bit, we made a stop at Diamonds International, where I fell in love with a pair of small diamond studs...that cost $3000 US!! Sometimes having good taste really stinks! We quickly left that shop!! We also went into a little alley/market to browse, we did a little negotiating and picked up a few souvenirs! We then grabbed a taxi to Chankanaab National park where Dolphin Discovery is located. Here is one of the reasons I am so glad we booked on our own--we got free roundtrip taxi transportation to the park included with our admission. The ride only took about 10 minutes.
We had plenty of time to wander around the park, I stayed in the shade with DS and the others went for a quick swim in the turquoise water. While admiring the beautiful the lagoon, I decided to sit down on the rock wall...I noticed something moving out of the corner of my eye and looked over. It was an Iguana covered with orange spikes, that was over 5 feet long!!!! I think my heart stopped beating for a good 30 seconds.
While the others were swimming I also ran into two more Iguanas, though there were far less intimidating than the first!!
Now it was time to swim with the dolphins!
We booked two groups, the first DS and I, did the less active Dolphin Encounter...our instructor was Fernando and our dolphin was Tatiche--an energetic youngster of 4 years...a bit on the smaller side compared to most of the other dolphins I saw. DS was ok with everything until Tatiche started creating some real waves, and DS just didn't care for that. It was not a big deal to me as DS's admission and participation was free. I got to pet, kiss, and dance with Tatiche. After DS and I finished, we were wisked upstairs to see the video that was taken, we opted not to buy since DS's cries were pretty noticeable. It was now time for the other group--DH, DD, and the IL's. They were participating in the Dolphin Adventure swim, which was much more involved than the encounter DS and I did. They had 2 dolphins to work with, Tatiche and Malinche. They also, pet, kissed, and danced with their dolphins, but they also got to get a push on a boogie board, and a belly tow!! DS and I watched from a distance, and we also purchased the photos and video--it was just too amazing to go home without it, pricey as it was, it's worth it!!
As I mentioned, we were quite happy with booking on our own...not only did we get free roundtrip transportation, DS was free, and since we weren't part of a cruise ship excursion, our groups were very small in size allowing for more one on one time with the dolphins.
We headed back to the cruise ship to get ready for Pirate night, both DS and DD were pirates for halloween for the exact purpose of having costumes for the cruise. On our way back to the room, we met CruisinPenguin, whom I'd been chatting with in the months leading up to the cruise--she and her family were all decked out in their pirate gear!
We got into our things and made our way to the atrium in search of Captain Jack Sparrow. DS was in heaven as he had recently "discovered" pirates--now he was surrounded by them! We got into line for pictures with Captain Jack, and as soon as DS saw him in person, he let out a huge "ARGHHHHHH", loud enough for everyone around to hear! We walked around some more until it was time for dinner, then made our way to Parrot Cay for the Pirates IN the Caribbean dinner--one of my favorite menus the entire week! We enjoyed dinner and the "show" during dinner. DD, DS, and I all got up with our server Toto and did the Limbo. By the time dinner was over, DS had had enough of his pirate costume, so we quickly stopped by the stateroom to change him into the next best thing: pirate pajamas! We headed up to deck 9 for the deck party.
DS was in awe over everything--complete sensory overload. Though he was excited, we could see him tiring quickly trying to keep up with everything as he watched from atop DH's shoulders.
After Captain Mickey's arrival and fireworks, we all headed to the buffet...everyone got something to eat but me since I was still stuffed from dinner--you would think that this being my third pirate night on
DCL, I would know better and save a little room...I guess I'll have to try harder next time.
DH took DS off of his shoulders and DS was fast asleep within minutes...passed out clutching an empty bottle. Again, I'd like to know what is in that milk?
DD wanted to stay on deck and watch Pirates on the big screen, but after about 10 minutes was ready for bed too. We turned in for the night excited for another day at sea the next day.
Oh, how beautiful!! I just watched the DVD and LOVED it. I have tears in my eyes!! That was such a beautiful spot for a vow renewal!! Everyone looked wonderful...You are such a great D-I-L for putting this together and being able to keep it a surprise. what a special memory for your family to share together!
