Belize and Mexico - 31 Jan to 02 Feb 2019

 

31 January 2019 - Thursday
Harvest Caye Belize - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

It is pouring rain as Phil and I eat breakfast in the Terrace Cafe -- we are hoping it will subside.

Pat on the dock at Harvest Caye Belize

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which also owns Oceania.   On this island are resort amenities, shops and wildlife exhibitions, including a butterfly house.  

Phil ventures out with his umbrella in hand and reports back rather quickly that this is a resort with nothing else of interest.   By 11:00 am -- I'm bored so we both go out for a walk.   This island looks like it can accommodate thousands of people -- perhaps from one of NCL's mega ships.

Phil amid the 'sea of chaise lounges" - Harvest Caye Belize

There is a huge pool with a bar at one end allowing bathers to order a drink without getting out of the water and then sit on one of the underwater stools to enjoy their libation.  Many of Riviera's passengers are using this amenity.   The beach is quite large and looks man-made.  On the sand are a sea of chaise lounges ready and waiting.

Back on board -- we have lunch and spend a leisurely afternoon.  There is a half-hour pre-dinner show focusing on a member of the entertainment team who has a wonderful voice.

We turn our clocks forward one hour.




01 February 2019 - Friday
Costa Maya, Mexico - 8:00am to 7:00pm

Phil brings me coffee this morning at 7:30 am --- very nice and it wakes me up as we are close to arriving in Costa Maya, Mexico.   I meet Phil in Horizons -- the lounge at the bow of the ship on Deck 15.  This place is glorious in the morning -- quiet -- with a continental breakfast buffet from 6:30 am to 11:00 am daily.   There are wonderful views of where ever we are and very few people.  This is a nice place to start the day. 

Three ships in port at Costa Maya Mexico

Costa Maya is another port developed to service the cruise industry except it was developed by Mexico.    We are one of three cruise ships in port --- the other two carry at least twice the 1250 passengers that Riviera does.   

Amid the shops and bars there is a fenced area for Flamingos who seem very bored by all the attention.   Then there is the space reserved for passengers to swim with the Dolphins for a price.  A marina completes the package with tour and party boats at the ready.


Flamingos in Costa Maya Mexico

As we walk around, we discover a shuttle to the small village of Mahahua.     I approach the ticket counter and first ask the clerk, "What is in the village? Is it different from the this area?" She says, "Yes and No.  More shops and restaurants -- but there is a beach."  Then I ask how much is the shuttle and she says $4 each so I order two round trip tickets.    I am told there is no round trip -- once in the village taxis are available for the return trip.    Taxi fare is $16 per person.   My response:  "I don't think so but thanks for the information."    It seems they have figured out a way to keep their taxis in business.  

Swimming with the Dolphins in Costa Maya Mexico

We are back on board Riviera in time for lunch.   I spend the afternoon reading the new Jon Meacham book, "The Soul of America" which I found in the swap section of the ship's library.

Phil by Mexican Dancers in Costa Maya Mexico

Tonight we attend the Captain's cocktail party for previous cruisers  -- and since we are all dressed up we have dinner in the main dining room.




02 February 2019 - Saturday
Cozumel Mexico - 8:00am to 5:00pm


Phil and I start our day in Horizons for a cup of coffee before having breakfast in the Terrace Cafe.

We dock in Cozumel -- right downtown -- on a very long wharf -- but there are Pedi cabs so for the price of a tip passengers can get a ride.  These guys are busy all day long.

We are off the ship early and on our way to the Mega Store -- Phil has found the "Wal-Mart" of Cozumel.  It is a clean and well-stocked store that has everything from groceries and wine to clothing and housewares.  

Pat in Cozumel Mexico

While I use the very clean restroom at the Mega Store --- Phil strikes up a conversation with one of the employees about how nice the store is.
Of course -- we don't buy anything so we have not added to their coffers.  

After the Mega Store -- we walk the other way passing what seems like a million shops selling the same stuff -- with a few high-end retailers thrown in for good measure.

Super Bowl is alive and well in Cozumel Mexico

We are back on the Riviera in time for lunch -- again.  I stay put as it is really hot and humid but Phil goes back to the Mega Store to purchase some liquor at reasonable prices.


The very long dock in Cozumel Mexico - pedi-cabs to the rescue.

We have dinner in Red Ginger -- the Asian restaurant onboard.  It is excellent best we've had so far.

We consider staying up to see the comedian who was pretty good on his previous performance but we just couldn't make it.  

Thanks for Reading.

Pat

Location: Belize and Mexico

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