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Royal Caibbean Vision of the Seas

Our 2015 Vision of the Seas Cruise: Days 5 & 6 Recap

March 13, 2015

We took a 7-day Royal Caribbean cruise on the Vision of the Seas to visit the Western Caribbean for my 30th birthday/pre-wedding honeymoon. We visited Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Georgetown in Grand Cayman, and Belize City in Belize, sandwiched between 2 days at sea cruising.

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{Wednesday – Costa Maya, Mexico}

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While we were eating breakfast we noticed this rainbow that was shining brightly over the coast of Costa Maya. I was so glad to capture it We learned our lesson of sticking to the rule of ‘bring the camera with you everywhere!’ as Price missed getting pictures of dolphins swimming and jumping along side the ship on our day at seat and I missed a double rainbow over Grand Cayman when I ran up for lunch that afternoon. Still so bummed about the dolphins!

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Costa Maya was the first, and only, cruise port that was docked. This truly made the process of getting on and off the cruise ship so much easier than the previous tendered days. Instead of having to wait your turn to get on a small boat to shuttle you to and from the port, you just walk right off. Simple as that!

There was a free trolley from the ship to the port entrance, which we didn’t use, as we didn’t think the pier was too long, but others with limited mobility might have found the trolley useful.

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The most amazing thing about the Caribbean to me is the crystal clear water. We got to see a school of Moorish Idols (I think!) bobbing around the long pier on our walk into the port.

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When we arrived in port we are greeted by a grand entrance and men adorned in ancient native dress. You could take pictures with them but we just breeze by as we were on a mission to get to the beach as soon as possible. Top priorities!

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There are shops, a craft market, restaurants, a hotel, and a pool in the port area. We were blown away by the fact that pool was free and so well maintained. We briefly considered stayed there to hang out at the pool and the beach, but there is a rock wall preventing access into the water.

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We took a $2 per person trolley ride to get to the beach. While you can actually see the ship from the beach the trip is far too long to walk, so the trolley ride was worth it.

The trolley makes several stops along the beach before going into downtown. We decided to just get off the first stop, which brought us right to the beach that ran in front of a Senior Frogs Restaurant and Bar.

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Just like the beach in port, the beach and the equipment were free. There was a cabana set up on the beach where there were some women giving out massages. I was tempted to inquire about prices but I really just wanted to relax with Price and Autumn.

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I swear there is nothing better than enjoying a cold beer while on the beach.

While we were on the beach we ordered a plate of chips, salsa, and guacamole. The drinks were dirt cheap. Super, super cheap! Our bucket of 4 beers was just $5. But the food was pretty expensive, which is why we only got the plate of chips for $10.

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The only thing to note about the beach where we were is that there is a big section where there was plant growth. There were some people snorkeling along the edges to check of aquatic life but most of the small fish I saw was right along the water’s edge. We had water shoes, which I highly suggest if you get the least bit squeamish when stepping on unkonwn squishy stuff (like me!!!). In general I found them to be a great investment just to avoid some of the sharper rocks on the beaches, which was very prominent in Grand Cayman as well.

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Autumn did amazingly well at the beach as she played in the sand with her toys, enjoyed dips in the water, and playing on the beach chair.

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It was such a wonderful day at the beach. Our beach babe was so tired afterwards! Thankfully, the reentry on to the boat was just as easy as getting off. Just through security and we were on our way back to the room. Much easier than being tendered!

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We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon and the time to rinse off all the sand and salt water. Endless

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It was formal night so we were a bit under dressed, at least compared to the couples wearing tuxes and ballgowns, but at the same time we were on par with others on the ship too. At least everyone loved Autumn’s frilly aqua dress.

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I started to not feel that great later on in the afternoon so I kept dinner pretty plain with some chicken and rice. It was done beautifully, but I just wasn’t feeling so great. Maybe a combination of the foods I had been eating, the sun, or the fact that there was a small out break in Norovirus on the ship on the cruise prior to ours. I never got sick but just felt off, which is why we also, sadly skipped dessert.

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We were all quite satisfied with our meal, and our day, and I think that Autumn’s happy, smiley face shows it.

{Thursday – Belize City, Belize}

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Autumn is normally an early riser so it was no surprise that she was up early on the cruise but at the same time she never slept well at night so we had been hoping for some ‘later’ mornings to make up for it. Sadly, that was not the case, but we did get to enjoy some amazing sunrises while on the cruise.

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To change things up a bit we took our breakfast (6.15-10.30am) out of the Windjammer  Cafe to enjoy the fresh morning air as we approached the port in Belize City. Plus, this way we could see all of Autumn’s best friends on the deck. She took a liking to an older gentleman named Michael. So sweet.

After breakfast we went back to the room to stick to our morning routine of Autumn napping while I pumped. And then we’d gear up for the time in port.

While going to the beach would be have been great, I still wasn’t feeling too well so we decided that we would keep our time in Belize quick. Plus, Price had to do his time sheet for vacation week, so we’d have to bring the laptop with us. We figured the laptop and beach sand wouldn’t be a good mix.

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We had wandered around the Belize City port a bit trying to find a good spot to stop and use Wifi before we settled on a friendly open air bar that had a $10 minimum for Wifi (pretty average rate in port) and a 2 of $10 drink special. Perfect. Plus, the friendly waitress also gave Autumn a cup of mango juice, which she really enjoyed on the hotter than normal day.

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“You have a baby… in a bar.”

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We didn’t spend too much time in the port area as there honestly wasn’t too much to do. It seemed that the excursions required a taxi or bus ride to get there, which would have been fine to experience but decided it was too much to juggle with Autumn, our stuff, and a laptop. Next time Belize, next time…

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I’d suggest keeping an eye on the schedule for the ferries that bring you back to the boat as we got on one immediately, and then had to wait and wait and wait for it to leave, which is hard with a frigidity 1 year old.

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I kept my lunch simple with some plain pasta as I was feeling off but Price and Autumn enjoyed their lunches in the Windjammer Cafe. Autumn tried jello for the first time and loved it so much that she had a bowl and a half.

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After lunch we spent some time during the afternoon enjoying the Open Play  Session (1.15pm-5.15pm) in the nursery. They has set up musically themed toys that day. And then it was time for Autumn’s nap. As usual, Price and I took turns resting or roaming around the ship during the afternoon naps.

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Stripes and baby shorts. Perfection.

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We took advantage of the daycare provided by the nursery staff for another ‘date night’ dinner together. We dropped Autumn off right at 5.30 with some snacks & yogurt (for her to have as dinner), her bottle, and diaper bag before we headed over to the Aquarius dining room.

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During the afternoon, we had scoped out the menu on the information screens located outside of the dining room so that we could learn what the theme was for the dinner that night. We figured that with the Italian themed dinner we would best enjoy the bottle of red wine that we brought on board.

Man oh man, it was so enjoyable to enjoy a dinner together without having to get up to allow Autumn to stretch her legs and burn off that frigidity energy. Plus, she enjoyed her time at the nursery watching some Mickey Mouse, reading stories, and cuddling up with the sweetest nursery staff.

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A couple that stripes together, stays together. ha!

After dinner we strolled around for a bit while Price finished off the bottle of wine. Wine and the fresh Caribbean breeze… to die for! We picked up Autumn from daycare and got settled back in the room.

Another very fun day on our cruise!!!

Filed Under: Cruising, Exploring Tagged With: Belize, Belize City, Belize City cruise, Belize City port, Costa Maya, Costa Maya Mexico, cruise, Mexico, Royal Caibbean Vision of the Seas, Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise Review, travel

Our 2015 Vision of the Seas Cruise: Days 1 & 2 Recap

February 9, 2015

We took a 7- day Royal Caribbean cruise on the Vision of the Seas to visit the Western Caribbean for my 30th birthday/pre-wedding honeymoon. We visited Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Georgetown in Grand Cayman, and Belize City in Belize, sandwiched between 2 days at sea cruising.

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{Saturday- Embarkation}

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Our cruise departed on Saturday from the port of Tampa. As my dad lives about 30ish minutes South of Tampa we stayed with him prior to leaving for our cruise. We left Boston on Thursday night so that we could spend Friday  with him checking out Tampa, doing some relaxing, and having dinner with family. Plus, it gave us plenty of added time to ensure that we wouldn’t have any issues making the cruise in case of bad weather and our flight down was greatly delayed/canceled.

He dropped us off at the port and we said our good byes for the week.

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We only dropped off our BIG bag at the curb and took the rest (carry on sized suitcase, a stroller we borrowed from one of my dad’s friends, Price’s diaper bag, my diaper bag, and a big canvas tote that held my pumping bag, packages of wipes and diapers, and wine) with us through security. It all was pretty painless with quick moving lines and accommodating Port of Tampa staff who bumped us to the front of the line as we were traveling with an infant (win!).

Once through security and on the boat we headed up to the 9th deck to have lunch and kill some time until our rooms were ready at 1pm.

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Autumn had her first try of ice cream. I wish I was recording and not taking pictures because her reaction was priceless. She definitely didn’t like how cold it was. ha!

As soon as we were done with lunch we headed to our room on the 4th deck. Our room 4010 was located near the bow (front) of the boat and on the port (left) side. Our big bag was in a staging area on its way to get delieverd to our room so we grabbed it on our way. We then spent the next hour or so getting all unpacked and getting our stuff organized in the room.

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The pack and play had not yet arrived so Autumn took a nap on the bed. The pack and play actually gets delivered with the luggage that gets delivered to your room so they have until 8pm to do so. I didn’t know that but it makes sense considering everything that the house keeping staff has to do that day as one ship of passengers disembarks and shortly afterwards another ship of passengers embarks.

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Price hung out in the room but I took a walk around the boat while Autumn napped before out Muster station (station 2) drill. I took that time to make a 5.30pm at the Aquarius dining room (4th and 5th decks). As we had the flexible My Time dining serve we have to make dinner reservations for when we want dinner. I picked 5.30 as it was when they opened and at Autumn’s normal dinner time

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Thankfully autumn woke on her own before the Muster drill sounded so it didn’t scare her and we were ready to bring her up. The drill was run quickly and efficiently. Before long we were back to the room to get ready for dinner, stop by the nursery to sign up to use it, and watch as the boat left Tampa.

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While at dinner, our mini fridge, for storing my pumped breastmilk, arrived and within about 10 minutes of getting back to the room our room steward Julio Benjamin, who went by Benjamin, brought in a set up the pack and play. As this was about an hour after Autumn’s normal bed time, she was exhausted so she easily went to bed.

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Price wandered around a bit while I briefly read before taking a nap, which basically turned into going to bed around 8pm. HA! VACATION!!

{Sunday- Day at Sea Cruising}

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Happy 30th Birthday to me!!!

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As Autumn didn’t have her normal bed time bottle since she was so tired, she woke around 1.30am for it. Once full, she again went to sleep quickly and slept until about 6am. We gave her another bottle and she played around and kinda watch Tom and Jerry cartoons while I pumped.  Ready to start the day we got ready quickly and headed up to have breakfast in the Windjammer restaurant (9th deck).

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After breakfast we headed up to the 10th deck to walk around before heading back in to wander around the 5th and 6th decks. Basically we were just checking out the main atrium, casino, and shopping areas while we killed some time before getting back to the room for Autumn’s nap.

Autumn and Price napped while I read and worked on random blog stuff- sans internet.

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After the morning nap session, Autumn and I got ready quickly and headed out giving Price some time to get ready. There was a sushi making demonstration from the restaurant Izumi in the main atrium so we watched that a bit. After the demonstration there were samples to try. Yum!

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We met Price and then grabbed some cocktails to solidify the birthday celebrating. I had the cocktail of the day and Price had a Miami Vice- a strawberry daiquiri & pina colada combo.

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And of course I had to wear Lilly pants on my birthday. They just make me so happy. Overall it was my goal to wear as much prep as possible during the trip and I think I nailed it with all my Vineyard Vines, Sperry’s, and Lilly.

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We grabbed lunch at the Park Cafe, located on the 9th deck next to the Solarium (adult pool), which honestly was really bad. Thankfully it was the only bad meal of the whole cruise, but it was really blah and just bad overall. We ditched it and Price ran into the Windjammer Cafe and got other food for us. Much better.

As we finished up our lunch we got to enjoy the start of the belly flop contest.

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The cruise director introduced crew that would help out judging in the contest. It was fun getting to see all the different people that help in the operations to run a fun cruise ship.

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The group of guys that participated in the belly flop contest were hilarious dancing and strutting their stuff before taking that big, loud jump into the pool.

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There are “Open Play Sessions” every day in nursery for the kids (6 months- 3 years) and parents to come in to play together. We wanted to check it out so we stopped by so Autumn could really stretch her legs to crawl around on a clean surface and play with a bunch of toys. And there were tons of toys! She loved it, so we all loved it.

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Oh my goodness!! The cutest thing ever! Our room steward Benjamin really went above and beyond by always making Autumn’s crib up. Often Owl got tucked in. Adorable.

We came back to the room so Autumn could take her afternoon nap. Once she got settled I left so that I could check out a shopping information session put on by the shopping guides. While I knew that we wouldn’t be doing much shopping I wanted to have a better understanding of the islands we were going to. I didn’t stay for the whole thing since I actually started to get tired and was afraid I’d fall asleep in the auditorium (ha!), so I left mid way through. But it was successful as I got maps to all the places, which were really beneficial to have on hand for every stop.

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We got ourselves ready for dinner and Autumn ready for her time at the nursery before we heading up to the 9th and 10th decks to enjoy the beautiful night. Plus, it was so much fun getting to watch the Seahawks play the  NFC Championship game on such a big screen.

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To celebrate my birthday Price and I went to dinner at Izumi, one of the specialty restaurants on the ship. We hadn’t had sushi in awhile so I was thinking that would be a fun dinner, and then I solidified my decision after trying the sushi after the demonstration I had seen that morning.

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The food and service at Izumi was so fantastic.

We enjoyed drinks, appetizers, entrees, and dessert. The staff came out and sang happy birthday to me too. Normally that would give me the chills and make me want to hide under the table but I enjoyed it as 30 is 30 and, hell, I was on a cruise. Live it up!

After dinner we went up to the nursery to get Autumn, who did really well there. The nursery staff was awesome with her giving her dinner, a bottle, and putting her down. She snuggled in my arms on the way down to our room and went back to sleep really quickly.

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And a towel animal to end the night.

It was such a wonderful birthday. I loved every bit of it.

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Stay tuned for my upcoming cruise recaps for the rest of the trip!

Filed Under: Cruising, Exploring Tagged With: Cruise recap, Royal Caibbean Vision of the Seas, Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise Review, Vision of the Sea, Vision of the Seas Review

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