See You Next Year...

Have a Happy New Year!

A curious turkey... lurking outside our back door.

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Christmas Delays

Hi  All,
I apologize for not getting all my pics of the cruise posted due to Christmas/New Year delays. Hope to sort them out after Jan 1.
Fairly sincerely
Tim

Have a Good One!

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Home Safe and Sound

We were greeted this morning by a light dusting of snow, just in time for Christmas... a jolt of reality after our fine eleven day cruise in the Western Caribbean. I'll be posting pictures this week so please come back and check.
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Flying Back to Buffalo and Home

Home for Christmas!

We said goodbye to Louise, John and Mark at the ship terminal. They were heading to Maiami, South Beach, to overnight before their flight.

Our jet was coming from Puerto Rico so no problems, but other flights were delayed by an eastern seaboard rain storm. Good thing because we already had a late flight back so we didn't get home until nearly 10 pm.

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At Sea, Final Day

The ship tends to get a little busy on sea days.

A few met at our balcony suite on this last day for drinks and farewells.

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Cozumel, Mexico

A very busy port today: 18101 Passengers - Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Celebrity Equinox, Veendam, Celebrity Infinity, MSC Seaside

The last time Wendy and I were here was almost 25 years ago. Quite a difference. We didn't even venture past the cruise terminal "Disney World" shopping experience. Checked the email at Diamonds Int. and returned to the ship.

Tonight Wendy treated the gang to dinner at the Pinnacle Restaurant to celebrate Deb's birthday.

Wendy had the King Crab and I had the 23 oz Porterhouse... Nice.

More pics to follow

Belize City, Belize

Three ships anchored off-shore today. 5906 Passengers -    Carnival Freedom, Crystal Symphony, Veendam.

8:am to 5pm

First I'd like to draw your attention to the warnings about Belize City and the high crime rate. I don't think we should be venturing too far from the tender docks on our own. Also health-wise there is an ever-present danger of the Zika virus so avoid areas where mosquitoes might be.

Criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons travelling alone. Always travel in groups and ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence. Use taxis after dark instead of walking.

Starfish Island Getaway 
Starfish Island -- a private island beach getaway. Sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the music and the amenities of the island.

A handfull of passengers arrive.

We finally got to "field test" our CruiseAmi Cool-My-Head umbrella hats.

Envious looks from the others?

Success - so far.

The island was virtually empty except for a few passengers and the island staff. This is NOT a money-maker by the looks of things, but it certainly could be if it was promoted properly I'm sure.

Luckily we brought enough good friends with us.

"... a private island beach getaway" is right

A few decrepit looking starfish in a sea enclosure kinda says it all!

This man-made destination needs some marketing to say the least. With nearly 6000 potential customers anchored a few miles away, this place could be as busy as Half Moon Cay if it was sold right.

The brochure says:

"A full bar is available in the shade of a palapa -- you can purchase your favorite mixed drink, cocktail or local beer -- or pick up an island souvenir at the island's logo shop before you return directly to the ship by tender."
 

Cheryl browses some of the over-priced, usual tourist junk.

Oh well, no crowds, good friends, good cold drinks and sunshine. What else could you want?

Buckets of beer are a good choice anywhere in the Caribbean sun.

Mark doesn't miss a chance to pitch the CruiseAmi product to another passenger.

We always make our own fun.

Adieu, Starfish Island. Good luck.