My Passport’s Travels

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Up and at ‘em! We had pastries and coffee delivered to the room since we had to be in the theater by 8:45 for our excursion. Just after 9 we were called to board our tender, we made it within stepping on the tender and then were stopped – they were full. We had to go back up the stairs, sign back onto the ship and wait for the next boat – which was worth it, it was a little tender that only held 100 passengers (unlike the 500 passenger one we were turned away from), so we bounced our way into Belize City!

Once ashore, we boarded the school bus for a very bouncy ride through town (on the only highway that goes through the middle of a cemetery) and out to the airboat station.

No, this sign isn’t for knock-off chips, why would you ask that?

Once there, we were offered rum, chocolate and pepper sauce samples, then the cultural entertainment began. There were drums and a dancer, who started asking people to dance – the first two ladies next to me both said, “No” so I decided to show the fuddy-duddies how to have fun! After a quick picture op with the dancer and a few short moves, I made it back in one piece. And no, Mom and Eve weren’t the ruddy-daddies that refused to dance!

It was time to board our air boat, don out hearing protection and head out across a lagoon!

Into the mangroves!

The first officer stood at the front to help spot birds, although they were mostly herons and vulture buzzards.

It was fun to ride through, especially when our captain would get us going fast!

Sadly, no crocodiles or manatees for us today, but it was still a great ride.

Although, to be honest, not sure I’d do this excursion again. The air boat ride was great, but the 1 1/2 hour round trip bus ride and long drumming performance tips the scales downward.

After buying a couple pictures, we loaded up into the school bus and bounced our way back to the port – where the timing was just about perfect! We were among the last few to get on the 500-passenger tender back to the ship.

Time to eat! We swung by the buffet for a very late lunch before enjoying some down time in the stateroom. Mom and I stayed out on the balcony until it was too cold to stay out anymore. So we gathered up Eve for drinks at the Crooner’s Bar before finding a good game table outside of the Princess Live venue. Around 8:30, we made our way back to the buffet for a late, light dinner after which was bedtime!

Thursday, January 29 2026

Another lazy morning! After a very late breakfast at the buffet, we went ashore in Costa Maya to wander around the port area. There are four ships in port today: the Harmony of the Seas, the Rhapsody of the Seas, the Majestic Princess and us. The Rhapsody was really bouncing in the waves. We’d learn later that she snapped a bowline while in port.

We stopped to watch the flyers, then continued through the shopping area.

They used to have a lovely aviary set up above the port with suspended bridges connecting all the pods. However, both it and the dolphin encounter were marked as “in renovation” and the birds were gone. I’m not holding my breath for them to come back. The port is about to undergo a major makeover as it was purchased by Royal Caribbean and they intend to make it into a “Perfect Day” location. The flamingos are still here!

A little more shopping, then time to he’d back to the ship.

We came back to the ship for lunch at Alfredo’s, the pizzeria in the atrium Princess has amazing pizza!

Up to the bar on the back of the ship on deck 16 for some games – we had found a tucked away area this morning where we could see out, but not have to fight the wind too much.

It was time to sail away – first the Majestic, then we left at the same time as the Rhapsody. Time to start the journey home.

I went to the early showing of “Bravo” tonight – it was a mix of musicals, pop and opera music. The opera was all stunning – a couple pieces from Carmen and the Nessun Dorma was gorgeous. The musical numbers were mostly well done – “I Dreamed a Dream” in French was lovely, but sadly, the “I Could Have Danced All Night” ran a little flat. Definitely a good show!

Afterwards I met Mom and Eve at the buffet for dinner, then we played in the casino before calling it a night.

Friday, January 30, 2026

We had an alarm this morning. Only the second one of the cruise! But it was worth it – our Balcony Breakfast was delivered at 9am. Fruit, pastries, quiche, bagels, smoked salmon (ewwwww), bacon, fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee and half a bottle of prosecco! We had food everywhere and a lovely view off the balcony while we enjoyed it.

When we finally rolled out of the room, we made our way to the Symphony dining room to play games most of the afternoon. It’s wonderful being able to play at a table, with a lovely view and a peaceful setting. Except for when one of the tables gets crazy! Another group near us sounded like our family playing games: “It’s not cheating, I just made it a new rule!”

As it got closer to dinner time, we relocated up to deck 16 for some French fries and to finish out our game of Phase 10. We saw dolphins!!

After which we dropped the game bag in the room, took some lovely sunset pictures and had dinner in the buffet.

Dessert was in the gelato bar – where it’s probably a good thing we didn’t learn that the alcoholic sundaes are included in our package before today. Although I don’t know if they counted as a drink or as one of the two extra charge desserts we got with the package.

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Sadly, it’s here, the last full day of our cruise. The Gulf is making sure we know we have a sea day – we’re rocking and rolling. They’ve even closed the top deck and outside walkways because of wind! But the glass floor walkway was low enough that it was open!

I slipped out to enjoy a light breakfast in the buffet, stopping at the Shore Excursion desk on the way back to provide a little feedback on the Belize excursion (great once we were there, the school bus had no suspension making the 45 minute trip each way very long and rough on the tailbone).

I got back to the room to find some movement – around 10:40 we headed out, stopping for a bit in the casino since Alfredo’s doesn’t open until 11am. We had another great meal – although this time, we all ordered from the included pizzas, rather than the extra charge ones. After lunch, it was House of Mouse Music Trivia! Pedro played a clip and we had to name the movie. We were in a 4-way tie with 19 right (darn that Goofy Movie, if it had been I2I I would have known it!). Sadly, I wasn’t fast enough on the tie breaker – we didn’t win the Gucci bag, um, Princess backpack.

Time for dessert! Back to the gelato place – although this time, we all just had scoops of gelato. No ginormous sundaes – we have a huge dinner this evening! The view outside was spectacular – huge rolling waves!

We played some games in the Symphony dining room, but when the wine tasting started decided it was time to head back to the room for some downtime before getting ready for dinner and packing (bags have to be out in the hallway by 8pm and we probably won’t be back from dinner by then).

As always, we are ending our cruise with a fancy meal – tonight is the Crown Grill Steakhouse. Tony took wonderful care of us while we enjoyed a huge, delicious meal: Mom and Eve had the ribeye while I had the filet. We rolled back to the room and finished packing – throwing shoes in our suitcases that were still out in the hall, and dirty clothes in the bag we’re carrying off in the morning.

Time to let the ship rock us to sleep one last night!

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Time to go, they’re kicking us off. We had been given the first group of assisted debarkation, and they called us around 7:40 – 10 minutes earlier than they had told us to expect. A mile through the terminal, a lovely porter shepherding us through, a quick smile at the Customs and Immigration camera, and we were loaded on the parking shuttle. We grabbed breakfast at McDonald’s on the way out of town and made our way home after a fantastic cruise!