Hi everyone! My wife and I just got back from the Ecstasy out of Galveston for a 5 day to Progreso and Cozumel. I thought I could give a quick overview for anyone interested.
Day 1 - Arrived at EZCruise Parking at 11:05 A.M. and they were waiting to load a bus and we were loaded within 10 minutes and off to the ship. Immediately got in the check in line with only about 15 people in front of us and about 200 or so had already checked in and were seated before embarkation. Within about 10 minutes we were in line to get our embarkation photo taken and we were on the Lido deck having lunch by 12:10 P.M. Embarkation was a breeze. We went to our stateroom U85(perfectly made and clean as a whistle) around 1:30 and started unpacking, met our wonderful steward, Eko, and got settled in. We set sail around 4:05 P.M.
and the weather was cool but clear. Dinner was great for the 6:00 P.M. seating and we met some very nice people. The review show was great to get us excited, and oh, that Tina, our cruise director, was she a hoot!
Day 2 - Had a great breakfast in the main dining room and started off the day meeting some nice people from all over. We enjoyed the day by the pool and just relaxing. Ate a sandwich and salad for lunch on the Lido deck and just relaxed. Then, the Captain came over the loud speaker and told us we were heading North/NorthEast (?? not the way to Mexico??) because there would be an emergency medical evacuation. After several hours, everything came to a screeching hault as the Coast Guard helicopter came and hovered to make the evac. They did a superb job making the helo drop evac very safe...we all cheered and clapped! Ok, turn this baby around and go for Mexico!! This was meet the Captain and formal night, so we dressed up (Long gown and dark suit) and had an enjoyable time before dinner. Wife had the lobster and shrimp and I had the prime rib, and both were very good. The show was fabulous and those dancers and singers were great! No midnight buffet for us - we were tired and figured it looked like the last time.
Day 3 - Arrived at Progreso an hour late due to the medical evac., so the Captain gave us an extra hour in port. Got off the ship about 8:50 and we were off to our excursion to see the Dzibilchaltun Ruins by 9:15. About 30 minutes on the air conditioned bus, and we were there. We stayed nearly 3 1/2 hours and headed back. The tour guides were very knowledgeble and we had a great time. Bought a few things and back to the ship for hamburgers...and a rest! Went to the Past Guest party and then off to Dinner in the main dining room again. Had another great meal! And dessert!
The passsenger talent show was held, and we had five performers who all did an outstanding job - they were all very talented and we were glad they shared with us. Mexican buffet started at 11:00 P.M., but who could eat another bite! Off to bed for us.
Day 4 - Arrived at Cozumel around 8:00. Had breakfast in the main dining room and let all the excursion people get off ship before we tried. Went down about 9:30 and got right off with no wait and caught a taxi to Paradise Beach. Had been there before and found it as nice and clean and fun as the first time. Great food, clean restrooms, clean beach, and fun time. Got the $10 wristband for all the water toys and snorkel gear and snorkeled a little bit. Not any reefs, but plenty of fish to see. Caught the taxi back to the ship and got cleaned up and rested before dinner. Another great meal and great dessert. The Extreme Country show was great! Glad we didn't miss this one.
Day 5 - Fun day at sea - had a relaxing day, and I tried to do all I could while my wife had a long nap. The galley tour was great and I enjoyed it. We ate in the main dining room for lunch and the fish and chips were outstanding. Just hung out by the pool and relaxed while walking around the ship. We started that dreaded packing chore. We had a lady comedian on the last night and she was a hoot - a large lady and joked about her size. Off to the China Town bar for some good music. Stayed about an hour and off to bed.
Day 6 - that dreaded day of debarkation. After a nice and relaxing breakfast in the main dining room, we went back to our room and finished packing so we could clear the room. We knew Eko had some work to do to get ready for the next cruisers, so we wanted to allow him plenty of time. We waited in the Blue Sapphire Theater for about 50 minutes and they started calling our debarkation numbers. We were in group 7 and had our luggage and standing in that long line by 9:25. This is where the fun began. Nothing to do with Carnival at all, but those Customs Agents were soooooo slow. I think some of them were in training. Our line hardly moved while other lines were going very fast. We finally got to our agent after nearly and hour and half in line, and we finally got back to our car at EZCruise parking around 11:30. Debarkation takes patience, especially when it is so slow due to the Customs Agents.
Well, we had a great cruise, and this is just the highlights, of course. I will be glad to answer any specific questions and hope everyone on the Ecstasy has a great time!
Rodney & Jan
. I had the great Cozumel fish sandwich (grilled Mahi-Mahi..ooh, so good! 
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