We crossed the threshold into the Magic and our names were announced. I have to admit it didn't seem "magical" to me, just a bit odd. The lobby was so beautiful. We headed straight for Parrot Cay, as I wasn't ready to face the heat and humidity yet.
The mango cream soup was as good as advertised. I wanted to go back for seconds, or maybe even thirds, but decided that wasn't the prudent way to start the cruise. We did some exploring on Deck 3, dumped our carryon in the stateroom (7070, Port side with a verandah), and explored some more before the lifeboat drill.
That was not fun. I'm Pooh sized, and don't adapt quickly to the heat and humidity. The lifejacket was my own personal sauna. I know you're supposed to wear them all the way back to your room, but I just couldn't wait to get out of it. And we were on the shady side of the ship.
All of our luggage was delivered by 4:30ish, so we quickly unpacked before heading to deck 10 for sail away. It was cloudy, with lightning off in the distance, and the wind whipping through our hair. It took about two minutes from the time we started to move for me to be hooked. I just loved being there, moving through the water, foo-foo drink in hand. That was it, I knew I wanted to cruise again - and again......
Dinner was late seating, LAPLAPL. Our table mates were a mother and her 11 year old daughter from Connecticut. We had a great time with them, and with Girish and Jennifer (and Simon). The food was good. Considering that they have to provide 1200 dinners at the same time, the food was very good.
We used room service for the cheese and cracker platters, chocolate chip cookies, coffee, orange juice, and our champagne breakfast (from the REAS package). Everything was very good. Having coffee and juice on the verandah every morning was wonderful. We saw flying fish and dolphins.
Had breakfast and lunch at Lumiere's one day, and that was good. Also chicken tenders and fries from Pluto's and frozen yogurt from Scoops.
We had brunch at Palo's on Sunday. It was Father's Day, which may be why it was so empty. It was really nice being there as we pulled into Key West. The food was spectacular, as was our server, Gemma. We liked it so much that checked availability for Thursday brunch (successfully). We had dinner there Wednesday night (REAS package). We did take the champagne from our REAS gift basket to dinner, and they swapped it for a cold bottle. Gemma was our server for the other two meals. We did have reservations for high tea on Thursday, but cancelled them. Just too much food.
We didn't schedule any excursions for the trip. It was our first cruise, and we didn't want to pre plan a lot of things.
Key West was HOT. We wandered around near Mallory Square, then took the long trek down Duval Street. The original goal was the southernmost point, but we gave up at US1 and went over to Whitehead Street to see the Hemingway House. The tour was interesting, and they had shady benches to sit on, and fans to stand by. We got to pet some of the cats, and cool off a bit before heading back. Saw a lot of strange people, not to mention free roaming poultry, on our walk.
In Grand Cayman we just wandered around George Town, window shopping and enjoying the beautiful view of the harbor. Tried (and purchased) Tortuga Rum cakes. Liked them better than the competition (Blackbeard?).
Cozumel was a blast. We wandered along the main drag, trying to avoid all the sidewalk/street construction - and the people trying to lure you in to their shops. We window shopped (and did some damage at Goodmark's Jewelers). Stopped for something to eat at Palimera's. It's down by the ferry terminal - and on the shopping map. We had a table right by the sidewalk, with a view of the water. It was beautiful. They have excellent coconut ice cream, by the way.
Then we headed inland, in search of Cozumel Sally's minigolf. It's only a few blocks from the water. We had a great time playing the course. The iguanas added a nice touch, but never interfered with play. The sangria was a mistake, however. Very good, but a mistake. We hadn't really felt the heat until that point.
Made our way back to the waterfront, stopping to enjoy the peace and quiet of the main square. It was a pretty, shady spot to rest.
We continued away from the ship till we reached Los Cinco Soles. It's a huge store, and they sell everything. We bought vanilla there, and color changing shirts for our niece and nephew. Also COLD, 1 liter bottles of water - for $1.50 each. I'd like to spend more time there when we go back. We were hot and tired by then.
Meandered back toward the ship, stopping at a store near Goodmark jewelers that sold 1 liter bottles of Kahlua for $9.50, two for $17. Had to take that home.
Castaway Cay was gorgeous. We went to Serenity Bay. I've never seen water that clear. Even with SPF 48 sunscreen, hiding in the shade and, eventually, wearing a t-shirt washed in Rit sunguard, I was sunburned, but it passed quickly.
Next, more people we met, my favorite parts of the cruise, and the journey toward home.
The mango cream soup was as good as advertised. I wanted to go back for seconds, or maybe even thirds, but decided that wasn't the prudent way to start the cruise. We did some exploring on Deck 3, dumped our carryon in the stateroom (7070, Port side with a verandah), and explored some more before the lifeboat drill.
That was not fun. I'm Pooh sized, and don't adapt quickly to the heat and humidity. The lifejacket was my own personal sauna. I know you're supposed to wear them all the way back to your room, but I just couldn't wait to get out of it. And we were on the shady side of the ship.
All of our luggage was delivered by 4:30ish, so we quickly unpacked before heading to deck 10 for sail away. It was cloudy, with lightning off in the distance, and the wind whipping through our hair. It took about two minutes from the time we started to move for me to be hooked. I just loved being there, moving through the water, foo-foo drink in hand. That was it, I knew I wanted to cruise again - and again......
Dinner was late seating, LAPLAPL. Our table mates were a mother and her 11 year old daughter from Connecticut. We had a great time with them, and with Girish and Jennifer (and Simon). The food was good. Considering that they have to provide 1200 dinners at the same time, the food was very good.
We used room service for the cheese and cracker platters, chocolate chip cookies, coffee, orange juice, and our champagne breakfast (from the REAS package). Everything was very good. Having coffee and juice on the verandah every morning was wonderful. We saw flying fish and dolphins.
Had breakfast and lunch at Lumiere's one day, and that was good. Also chicken tenders and fries from Pluto's and frozen yogurt from Scoops.
We had brunch at Palo's on Sunday. It was Father's Day, which may be why it was so empty. It was really nice being there as we pulled into Key West. The food was spectacular, as was our server, Gemma. We liked it so much that checked availability for Thursday brunch (successfully). We had dinner there Wednesday night (REAS package). We did take the champagne from our REAS gift basket to dinner, and they swapped it for a cold bottle. Gemma was our server for the other two meals. We did have reservations for high tea on Thursday, but cancelled them. Just too much food.
We didn't schedule any excursions for the trip. It was our first cruise, and we didn't want to pre plan a lot of things.
Key West was HOT. We wandered around near Mallory Square, then took the long trek down Duval Street. The original goal was the southernmost point, but we gave up at US1 and went over to Whitehead Street to see the Hemingway House. The tour was interesting, and they had shady benches to sit on, and fans to stand by. We got to pet some of the cats, and cool off a bit before heading back. Saw a lot of strange people, not to mention free roaming poultry, on our walk.
In Grand Cayman we just wandered around George Town, window shopping and enjoying the beautiful view of the harbor. Tried (and purchased) Tortuga Rum cakes. Liked them better than the competition (Blackbeard?).
Cozumel was a blast. We wandered along the main drag, trying to avoid all the sidewalk/street construction - and the people trying to lure you in to their shops. We window shopped (and did some damage at Goodmark's Jewelers). Stopped for something to eat at Palimera's. It's down by the ferry terminal - and on the shopping map. We had a table right by the sidewalk, with a view of the water. It was beautiful. They have excellent coconut ice cream, by the way.
Then we headed inland, in search of Cozumel Sally's minigolf. It's only a few blocks from the water. We had a great time playing the course. The iguanas added a nice touch, but never interfered with play. The sangria was a mistake, however. Very good, but a mistake. We hadn't really felt the heat until that point.
Made our way back to the waterfront, stopping to enjoy the peace and quiet of the main square. It was a pretty, shady spot to rest.
We continued away from the ship till we reached Los Cinco Soles. It's a huge store, and they sell everything. We bought vanilla there, and color changing shirts for our niece and nephew. Also COLD, 1 liter bottles of water - for $1.50 each. I'd like to spend more time there when we go back. We were hot and tired by then.
Meandered back toward the ship, stopping at a store near Goodmark jewelers that sold 1 liter bottles of Kahlua for $9.50, two for $17. Had to take that home.
Castaway Cay was gorgeous. We went to Serenity Bay. I've never seen water that clear. Even with SPF 48 sunscreen, hiding in the shade and, eventually, wearing a t-shirt washed in Rit sunguard, I was sunburned, but it passed quickly.
Next, more people we met, my favorite parts of the cruise, and the journey toward home.
