Photos for this trip turned out to be just quick snapshots. We've been aboard various ships and the photos start to look alike after a while.
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It was not advertised, but Coral Princess had been in dry dock the previous 2 weeks prior to our sailing. So for the first week out, the things that "go bump in the night" may turn out to be worse than a mere bump. We sailed from Port Everglades and were at sea the next day with little issue. Our route was to leave Port Everglades, take the northern route around Cuba and make way for the Mexican coast. Coral Princess was scheduled to call on Cozumel for day 3. While we should have been undergoing docking procedures at appx. 7am, Captain Nicolo Binetti came on the public address system and informed everyone of the issues that had happened during the night. A bearing on the starboard shaft had gone and repairs were underway. The engineering staff had already been working on the problem since earlier in the night. We would not arrive in Cozumel at our appointed time. Coral Princess has a cruising speed of 22 knots. For a 962 foot ship, that is approaching light speed. We were running appx. 5 knots, if that. Port engine was operational, the starboard was down due to the shaft bearing. This was obvious when looking off the fantail of Coral Princess. Only 1 screw was turning. Most of the day was spent traveling 2 large circles just due west of Cuba. About 3:30, Captain Binetti informed us that repairs were successful & we would have a schedule change. We headed to Cozumel, arriving around 5pm when we would have normally left. We would stay docked at Cozumel the next day. Roatan, Honduras was not going to happen.
Bad bearing or not, I was happy to back on salt water.
For us former Boy Scouts, seeing a seamans' knot in use warms our hearts. We Scouts struggled to learn the various knots. Sailors know their knots by heart & use them daily.
A quiet moment along the promenade deck. The newer model Princess ships do not have a promenade deck. The wife & I avoid those particular vessels, the lack of a promenade deck being a large reason.
Did someone say Dancing? Sure you did. The WheelHouse Bar is one of the better dance floors on the ship. This is also where you find the bands that can play traditional ballroom music.
The Atrium is the inside central gathering place on the ship. Anne & I danced that marble floor to 4 stories of adoring spectators. My girl does love her audience.
This is where you can usually find me. I'll be under one of the overhangs in the shadiest spot on the boat. Stretched out on a lounge, drink in hand and watching the world go by.
And this is where all the sun-bleached or burnt crazy people are.
We've been to Cozumel before. Neither of us got off the ship during the port stop.
The land of the Maya is now the land of the tourist.
Yes, the local infrastructure is well built. But . . . . look at the deep blue of the Caribbean waters. You don't find that in other seas.
We were not the only ship in port.
More of that lovely blue water. The dark spots? Those are coral outcrops.
You can tell where the better diving and snorkeling spots are. Just look for the boats.
After leaving Cozumel, we made way toward Costa Maya. Early that morning, Captain Binetti came on the public address system again and informed everyone of the 25-30 knot winds and 6-8 foot seas at the Costa Maya dock. We've been there before. The dock is nothing more than a concrete pier extending out into open ocean. There is no breakwater or safe harbor. Better to avoid that stormy spot. Costa Maya had been crossed off the list for this voyage. For me, no great loss.
Our sea day heading back to Port Everglades was normal enough. To a point. We were reversing our earlier route, working around the western tip of Cuba and north of the island while heading back to Port Everglades. While setting on the promenade deck, both my wife & I noticed the ship had slowed and was making a turn. Another announcement from Captain Binetti told us a small boat with several people had been spotted & we would offer assistance if needed.
The boat was home made, covered with a tarp to camouflage if needed. These were Cubans trying to make their way to the US. I counted 10 aboard this small craft. They had a tiny motor and totally ignored us. For those of you not familiar with US maritime law, any requested assistance contact is reported to authorities. Not good for the Cubans. If they could get to dry US soil, asylum can be requested & granted legally to Cubans.
Take a look at the boat and the size of the open ocean. Republicans complain of immigration, but anyone willing to risk their life for a better opportunity for themselves and their families has my respect. No assistance was requested, so we were free to continue on to Port Everglades.
The old folks say things happen is 3s. My electric razor quit while on the trip, so I guess
we hit the mark.
Yes, you do see several yachts aboard that freighter. That's how they arrived from Europe.
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Some people reading this will think we had a awful trip. Those people will be wrong. I've traveled enough to realize that a "perfect vacation" is a marketing ploy. Sometimes things may go "phlaaaatt", but it's how one views the world that makes all the difference. We had a great time & have stories to tell. I hope the Cubans made it to dry US soil.
