Cozumel for 8 hours

Nine days of vacation... and my wife and I, for the first time, have it off together. I wanted to go to Namibia and see the dunes, she wanted a Hawaiian vacation. I pleaded and begged her to "OK" Namibia, and it was a definate "No way." So about 5 days before, I am sitting at the computer looking at cruises, and said "How about Cozumel?" She said ok. (not looking up from the book she was engulfed in) I pushed the button and started booking a cruise for 2. She did not even realize what I was doing until I was about ready to put the credit card number in the computer. The five days flew by, and before I knew it we were off. 

Now I dont like to book hotels, rental cars, and get everything down to the nitty gritty. I feel that it destracts you from being spontanious. But its not all about me, so the day before my wife started asking questions... where are we staying? How do we get from Houston to Galviston?... my answer "We'll figure it out."  Well of course now I am booking a hotel, and shuttle van to Galviston, and anything else that we need.  The next day we fly in to Houston, and head streight over to the phones for hotels. I punch the number for the "booked" hotel, asked for the shuttle bus to pick me up, and was informed that I needed to have booked it at least 24 hours in advance. "I didd'nt make the reservation 24 hours ago!" The lady on the other line said "I'm sorry but there is no one to pick you up." I then promptly cancelled my reservation, and found a less expensive hotel that was closer. I then took notice to a Galviston shuttle service located there at the airport. The next morning I called to confirm my reservation for the shuttle to Galviston (They were closed when we arrived) and they informed me that had no reservation for me, and being that I paid online, I would have to re-purchase. I told them no way and we would not be travelling with them. (Meanwhile I am laughing inside, trying not to let it show on my face, that my wifes "planning ahead" is no good) As we were leaving to the airport I started talking to a guy that just happened to be heading to Galviston. He said that he would be happy to drop us off. (I tried not to smile when I informed my wife.)

    We arrived at the cruise on time and ready to go. When we checked in we found out that the cruise schedule had changed. We would no longer be staying 2 days in Coxumel, instead the ship would stop in Progresso for a day, then head on to Cozumel. Everything went well from here on out. This was my first cruise, and I was amazed at the size and grandure of these boats. Sure I had seen them before, but not the inside. Upan entry of the ship a string quartet was playing near the glass elevators. I was told that all the food was free, and the only thing that I would have to pay for was drinks (including soda). We quickly dropped everything off in our room and headed to the dining room. There was decorated food galore, not to mention the fruit bar, 24 hour pizza bar, sushi bar, hamburger bar, and dessert bar. I knew that I would be gaining weight.

    I am used to sleeping in tents in Uganda, or maybe hostels in Zambia... but the free room service, nice rooms, and posh beds made me feel a bit out of my element. After a day at sea, my wife and I decided to check out the shore excursions. Progresso is a small fishing village, known for only one thing... a four hour drive to Chichin Itza. Therefore we decided to explore the town and forego 4 hours one way on a bus, then 30 min at the ruins, followed by 4 more hours on the bus. (plus it would have been $240.00 for the both of us) We were amazed that you could buy beautiful homes on beachfront property for only $4000.00. Why? The hurricanes had destroyed the inside, therefore you would have to re-do the interior. Good luck finding a Home Depot. I was also amazed at the local workers taking down the houses with only a hammer and a shovel. Aside from that the town seemed deserted. (Minus the tourists and the locals scamming the tourists.)

    Back on the ship was the real luxury. I enjoyed more great food, some Las Vegas style shows, and some more food. (I love sushi.) Anyways we decided to book an outing in Cozumel. The thing was  called Eco- Jeep and Snorkel. The catch was; driving jeeps offroad through a river, past saltwater crocodiles, and to a private beach in order to snorkel some of the best waters that Cozumel has to offer. After arriving in Cozumel, the ships had to ferry you in on smaller boats, due to the docks all being destroyed by the hurricane. We found our party, and after an hour of preperation on shore we were off... all 35 jeep fulls of us. I didnt really have this in mind... I am not really a crowd person. After arriving at the beach (past the non-existing river, and the single salt water crocodile) the tour guide said "see the red flag? That means no swimming! Its Dangerous water!" Unfortunately that meant that we were to get back in the jeeps, and drive to an intermediate stop, then drive back and go snorkeling within walking distance of where we got off of the boat. What a waste of $200.00. (especially since we had brought our own snorkel gear) Within 8 hours we were back on the boat and heading back towards Galviston. Bummer. It was time to make my money back... Time to go eat!

    All in all I thouroughly enjoyed the cruise part of it, especially after that night when I had Sushi, then 2 hours later a shrimp starter followed by Lobster tail, a huge steak, and 2 desserts, I felt that I had got back a little of the money that I had lost on the eco ripoff jeep and crap snorkel. I do realize that it wasn't entirely Carnival Cruise's fault, but thats why I didn't have that second lobster tail. :)