This was a special cruise for me because I was celebrating my big-50! We sailed out of Galveston after a short wait in the port terminal. My husband and another couple were all excited that our sail date had finally arrived. We were directed to go to the Lido deck for lunch while our luggage was being delivered to our rooms. Buffet was not bad and people seemed to enjoy the variety between burgers and Mongolian. Our luggage arrived around 1:30. Weather was chilly but not unbearable. First night on ship we had a chance to explore and take in the shows. Tuesday was my birthday and cold or not I was going down that slide! I did and it was very cold! I can see why the kids flock to this slide as it was very tall and very fast moving. We had dinner in the Wind Star dining room where our server, Ann took very good care of us including singing Happy Birthday with some of the crew. Food was good, my fish was cooked perfect and no complaints. Flat iron steak was given an 8 by my husband and friend. Play the casinos early soon as they open. They seemed to pay out quicker. Maybe because off the passengers losing the day before. Not sure. Kind of smokey in there also.

Wednesday Progresso 60 degrees- Stay on the ship! This port should be removed from the trip. We were shocked at how the town was so ran down. Not pretty at all and the women kept coming up to us and asking if we wanted a massage for $20. Very annoying. Some decent shops farther into town but afraid to walk further. We got back on the bus and headed back to the ship early. Also, might note the armed security or police at every main entrance. That was unnerving to say the least. I will get off the ship at this port again if we sail with Carnival.

Wednesday night's entertainment was good as was our dinner! If you have a sensitive stomach don't touch the eggs. Desserts seemed to all taste the same except for the chocolate pudding cups! Coffee was like mud, however our friends drink lots of coffee and loved it. Thursday-Cozumel and 72 degrees. We had to wait for disembark due to Carnival's sister ship trying to get into the port. This put our excursion late about 30 minutes. We took the buggy ride, lighthouse, snorkel tour. Our guides, Memo and Arthuro were great! They told us of the Myan history and took care of our group that went snorkeling. No fears here. Safety is number one. The Mexican buffet on the beach needed help. Be sure to take drinking water and or soda. If you are not snorkeling you also might want to take snacks with you. The buffet does not set up until later. After returning to the port we took a cab downtown to Jimmy Buffett's Margaretville Bar for some t-shirt. Cab ride was $18 plus tip. If you speak Spanish you might have gotten a cheaper ride. Back to the ship and long line to board again. We learned that night that a fellow passenger had died Wednesday night. Some passengers were talking about it and nobody knew how she died. So sad for her fiance and family to get the news. Our prayers are with them. Friday-At sea all day and it rained! I didn't mention that since Tuesday my face looked like a lobster! I must have been allergic to the pillows or whatever they washed them in. PS a visit to the ship's doctor will not be covered on your insurance. You will pay with your sail and sign account and they will give you bills so you can claim. Remember this might be out of network and you will only get a portion of what you paid. The ship's crew was always smiling and polite and helpful if you got lost. I went to the spa for the Daily Special-facial, hand and foot massage. I called ahead and made the appointment. I was told if I was 15 minutes late they would keep have the cost and cancel the appt. I was 25 minutes early and was checked in and escorted to the inside waiting room. Where I sat for another 30 minutes. Finally, I was taken to the room for my facial. I expected in a separate room from where they cut hair but that was not the case. I was escorted to a chair while the masseuse gathered his materials. Beside me a lady was having her hair styled and another passenger was getting a facial. It was not peaceful as the lady never stopped talking. My masseuse was good and it felt great! Would have enjoyed it more in a peaceful environment. Read more