Grand Cayman

At the Pier in Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman map was for Carnival news letter.  They have a couple of folks they like on this island.  But, this was our first port of call.  Here, we got on small boats, tenders, that ferried us between the Inspiration and Grand Cayman.  This was another place for long lines.  Just remember, only one person at a time could get on a tender or off a tender.  Consider that each tender might take 40 to 60 people and some 95%0 or more people went ashore; lines to go ashore and lines to go back to the Inspiration.  It was a beautiful place to visit.  

At the Pier in Grand Cayman

Shopping in Grand Cayman

We shopped a little had some drinks, but did not believe we had any extra time for sight seeing.  I believe the first tender ashore was after 8:00 AM and the last tender was at 2:00 PM.  We did not get ashore until after 10:00 AM and the lines was 1/2 to an hour long, This gave us about 2 to 3 hours ashore.  But, taken everything into consideration, it was well worth the in convenience to visit Grand Cayman.  If you looked at the water, it was crystal clear, even with the ferries operating in and out of the pier area. 

Next stop Cozumel

The next day after the Grand Cayman we were at the pier in Cozumel, Mexico.  The lines to go ashore took less time because we could walk off onto the pier.  We had last visited Cozumel in 1985.  Then maybe a cruise ship a week would visit Cozumel.  This Wednesday we found at least 10 cruise ships either at piers or anchor off shore.  They average over 38 cruise ships per week, no more sleepy little island.  We enjoyed it more in 1985 than this visit.  I believe there were 5 to 10 shops for tourist on our first visit and now we stop at over 50 shops selling silver and there were 95%'s more.

Cozumel by the sea

If you are an experience driver, this is one of the better locations in the world.  Check it out!!

Sorry, you can not enlarge the picture of Cozumel above.  They are links for two of the better sites about Cozumel "Let's Go To Mexico" and Cozumel On Line.  But please remember, you are in Mexico!!!   Our dinning companions, the Popel, rented a car from Hertz with full insurance coverage.  A local taxi hit them going extremely fast.  The accident was the taxi driver's fault, everything ok.  No, they had to pay $95% or wait around for some legal action.  The Inspiration was sailing at 5:30 PM.  Either pay or miss your ship!  You should read the article below about driving in Mexico, but if you do not have to drive, do not drive....

Driving Into Mexico article

Now Back to Sea

Sport Deck looking Aft

Taking in the rays!

Laying on the Lido Deck, next to the Swimming Pool, just taking in the sun rays.  We are now steaming toward New Orleans, our next port of call.  It is a beautiful day until 2 to 3 in the afternoon.  That is when the temperature drop at least 30 degrees.   No more pool or hot tub...

We changed and got ready for the second formal dinning night with numerous opportunities to get picture taken.  

Back in the USA - New Orleans

We reach the mouth of the rivers at around 11:00 PM  and tied up to River Walk at New Orleans' Cruise Terminal.  New Orleans around 7:00 AM.  We were in the River Walk shopping center prior to 9:00 AM.  It was extremely cold for us some were in the 50's.  Carmen call her sister Pepi who lives in New Orleans.  Pepi came and gave use a tour of New Orleans.  This is one of the most enchanting city in the world.  A cross between the old world and up town USA.  The city is laid back, easy going, fun for all.

River Walk

Bourbon Street

Carmen and her sister on Bourbon Street

Carmen and Ica on a street in New Orleans

We had a fantastic time in New Orleans.  Visiting family and the streets of New Orleans.  We went to the French Quarters and the French Market.  We ate lunch a the Fire Station near the center of old New Orleans.  The food was excellent.

A typical street in New Orleans

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