Virtual Travel Is the Cure for the Mind-Day 6

Diary Day 6 -Our Journey on Carnival Cruise Line- Sailing along the Mexican Rivera.

After the last 5 days of non stop activities, we welcomed the opportunity to slow down a bit. We were like children on Christmas Morning grabbing and exploring everything in site with an energy force that could rock any ship.

For the next two days aboard the ship, we got to slow down a bit and enjoyed all that the ship had to offer from dancing, singing, shows, comedy clubs, and games of all sorts. With eagle eyes, we did not miss a beat.

When one end of the ship activities ended, we headed to the opposite end of the ship for another. There was always something happening, never a dull moment, unless you desired a dull moment.

As we sailed away from Puerto Vallarta, our hearts leaped with joy for the wonderful time we had had, the culture, food and stage production was priceless. We retreated to the top deck of the ship, where I lounged around as my husband and tons of passengers clicked away with their cameras and phone capturing the beautiful sunset and the scenic night in all it’s splendor.

While the lights reflected onto the water, the skies illuminated the waters and the island’s buildings were lined in what looked like a perfect formation of each. The passengers must have clicked away for almost an hour as the ship sailed away from Puerto Vallarta as I dozed off and on from the breeze that flew over my entire body.

Now, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatland and Puerto Vallarta had become a vivid memory for many of us. It rewarded us with all it’s beauty and splendor and was well worth every dollar spent. Vising with the locals was a highlight. My husband thought that mexico was a land of poverty and discovered just the opposite. All was an eye opener for him to see how content the locals were in their own state.

Up early in the morning, off to the gym and then onto breakfast. Breakfast was punctuated with an array of activities for all ages and interest. With the daily schedule in hand, we hardly missed an event. Attended all the must do’s for sure.

We attended a few workshops, I remained after my husband departed to do something different. How to eat properly and take care of your body was not an interest of his at that moment. Off to the races, he went. He suggested that we’d meet back at the cabin to explore other ventures. I returned much later than expected and found a note advising me of his whereabouts, the art auction.

I was enthralled with the workshops, The Detox Solutions, How to increase your metabolism and the Ladies Pampering party. Also, there were other highlights, i.e. Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, a one of a kind breakfast, a feast of “Green Eggs and Ham”, and a Chocolate extravaganza, a chocolate lover’s dream created by Carnival Miracle Culinary Team for which we were unable to attend.

No one could attend everything. All were on different locations of the ship and at various times. Also, we never got to experience Nick & Nora’s steakhouse, a high end exclusive dinning experience.

The ship possessed two beautiful pools that were filled each day with adults and children swimming to the loud sound of music along with a hot sauna. All spaces were filled with fun all day from sports, games, jogging track, Joker card room, The Raven Library, Wizards Video Arcade, Basketball Court, Mini golf, daily puzzles, ping-pong and bridge.

There is much fun to be had, from music, drinks, you name it you can find it aboard the ship. Each night passengers crowded into the Lido Stage, Atrium Lobby, Alchemy Bar, Redfrog Pub, Sam’s Piano Bar and Dr. Frankenstein’s nightclub for nightly entertainment.

Even the casino was a big draw for many. We didn’t gamble so we always passed through, inhaling the second hand smoke that was in the air from the many smokers. Even the smokers had there areas on one of the decks. As we walked through felt dazed from all the second hand smoke.

Regarding gambling, we played a bit of bingo, didn’t win but enjoyed the challenge together. Also there were Scratch-Offs: Bundles of fun, Fireball Raffle and Scratch & Spin for other who wanted to exercise their winning hand.

Even the shoppers had their den from sun up to sun down. The stores ranged from candy stores to high end jewelry stores and everything in between. Even the Grant art auction was a big draw for art enthusiasts as they bid the night away.

Regarding health and exercise, there were tons of classes like the Sunrise Stretch class, Abs Class, Yoga, Cycling, Improving Posture, Improve Walking and Posture, Burn Fat Faster and Secrets to a Flatter Stomach.

After such a fun fast moving day, lunch time was upon us, we grabbed a quick bite to eat as we chatted with another couple sitting at the same table. Truefully, we gossiped about all the food that people were eating and how big they were, children and adults. An associate advised that’s why people go on cruises so they can eat all they want. You learn something new everyday.

After lunch we indulged in a couple’s guessing game, not too good at it, and left to attend the “Build-A-Bear” Workshop. That turned out to be fun. My husband and I made bears. They weren’t too bad actually. Considering it was our first time. We proudly carried our handicraft back to our cabin where they stayed until we left the ship.

As we walked along the upper deck, we look down and saw the main bar was packed with excited passengers along with the ship’s staff. We descended down the steps and joined the fun for about an hour or so. Dancers, the passengers, competed and won medallions. All was so much fun to watch.

Upon the request of my husband, we returned to the art auction. He was fascinated with one the artists. It was impressive to watch the auctioneer and how she prodded the audience to buy and they did. No sooner than the art was presented it was sold to the highest bidder. Bidding paddles went up quicker thank I could think. Also, there was a raffle, but we didn’t win.

After dinner, we hastily made our way to the Phantom Theatre for the production, “88 Keys: The Rock N Roll, where amazing singers and dancers entertained to the nth degree. Then onto the Mad Hatter’s Ball Room where two comedians, Russ Nagel and Spike Davis made the crowd roar with laughter!

As we retired to our cabin, for a much needed rest, we took solace in a very rewarding day aboard the ship. As usual we checked the next day’s activities list, move my towel animal friend and off to bed we went happy as a lark! my little friend from the bed and off to bed we went tired and satisfied.

In closing, the night had come to a close and we had explored more on this day than any other day on the ship. Fun on the seas best described our day. Cruising is a great way to vacation where you leave the sailing to the captain, the planning to the cruise director, the cooking to the chef and the cleaning to the maintenance staff. It was like being a child again! Hope you enjoyed the cruise through our eyes.

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