2010 Spring Break Cruise

In April 2010 Sophia and I took a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Tampa to Cozumel and Costa Maya. We sailed on the Grandeur of the Seas. This was a good size boat for us as it was big enough to have most amenities but small enough that we quickly understood the layout. We got a room with a window and Sophia enjoyed sitting on the ledge watching the sea move.

We took a cab from the airport (cost $25) and quickly moved through the embarkation process. Everyone advised me to immediately go up and sign up for the Kids Club. We signed Sophia up and filled out all of the paperwork. She received her special kids club lanyard. After that we had a snack and our bags had made it to our room so it was time to use the pool. We went swimming and participated in the sail away festivities. We had a lovely dinner in the dining room where Sophia was excited to order off the regular and kids menu. She couldn't get over the fact that we were not given a bill at each meal.


The next day was at sea so I spent the day in the solarium reading books and watching movies. This area was adults only so this was fabulous. Sophia woke up at 6 AM demanding to go to Kids Club. I told her to wait until after we ate breakfast together at 8 and then I would take her. I Came and took her to lunch around 1 and she really did not want to leave. We went to the dining room and had the awesome salad bar, which is cooks creating a custom salad for you, and I quickly took her back. Every hour there was a new activity in kids club and she did not want to miss a moment of it. We repeated our formal dinner of the night before and again Sophia wanted to return to kids club. The club picks the kids up right from the dining room so the family can eat together but the adults can linger. Royal Caribbean was very accommodating to families which is why the ship was full of families on spring break.

The next day we were in port in Costa Maya. We arranged for a separate excursion with Native Choice called the Mayan Experience. This took us to the Chacchoben Ruins and for a visit with a Mayan family that included lunch. We were able to get to the ruins before the excursions booked via the ship so we had the place nearly to ourselves. Our guides were knowledgeable and one was the grandson of the man who re-discovered the ruins. It was a long bus ride to the ruins but our guide really knew a lot about this area of Mexico and gave us a very thorough history lesson. Once we went to the family compound we made tortillas and ate an extremely tasty lunch. The family danced and sang for us and gave us more history lessons. Then it was back to the ship for swimming, dinner and of course a return to kids club for disco and Karaoke night.

The next day was Cozumel. We took a taxi to Chankanaab Park. We saw the sea lion show and the dolphin presentation. Sophia played on the play set and built sandcastles on the beach. We both swam in the pool and the reef. It was a nice lazy day and with all the things that are included the admission is well worth the price. It is all man made but the site is well cared for and clean.
The final full day of the cruise was a sea day. Of course Sophia wanted a full day in kids club so after a late breakfast I allowed her to stay there until dinner. I spent the day in the spa and solarium, which had been invaded by the teenagers at this point. After dinner all of the kids club particpants have a pirate parade through the ship which also includes the captain and other officers. They get their faces painted and put on eye patches and pirate hats. Then this is followed by a pajama party where pillowcases were decorated and friends were told good by.
I would recommend this trip to any families looking for a fun cheap getaway for spring break.