Cozumel was a wonderful port, and I wish we had more time there. We went to Playa Sol, a beach with drinks included. It was very relaxing. My son loved the swimming pool and ocean. We parasailed, relaxed in hammocks, used the paddleboats, playground, and trampolines. It was very fun and very relaxing. I highly recommend it for people with kids who are ready for some free drinks! It only cost $38 for all of us. We went back to the ship for dinner, and dropped off our son so we could do some shopping and see the clubs.

The Calica port was in the middle of nowhere. We went to Excaret, which was beautiful. If you do the river float, don’t get out at one of the exits! Go to the end, or you will be walking on rocky paths in bare feet and become very grouchy as I did. Then we go to the entrance to retrieve our shoes and clothes to discover they take your belongings to the end of the river, which they didn’t tell us. We had to walk all the way back, with bare feet, holding my 45 pound 3-year-old, with sun-burned skin from the day before. I got pretty ugly at that moment. The highlight was the dolphin experience! My son and I did it together and it was worth it! He freaked out when the dolphins jumped over him and splashed, but other than that, he did well. There was not enough time at the port. We didn’t even see Cancun.

At first, we were unsure about the cruising thing, but by the end of the cruise, we didn’t want to leave! We’ll probably cruise again, but not for awhile. My son really did love it. He DID NOT want to get of the “big boat”! At debarkation, the hosts were telling him “goodbye”. He stuck his tongue out at them because he didn’t want to leave! This is a nice cruise for a fist timer. It’s a good length. I think people of any age would enjoy it, though it wasn’t as wild and crazy as I had thought- and hoped. But we went the week college classes started. Uppity high-class types may not enjoy this, because it was very down-to-earth for a cruise ship. It was just our speed, and we made many wonderful memories. Also, it was a pretty good value. Total cost including everything from our doorstep and home again was about $2000 for all 3 of us. Not bad for a week long vacation!