It’s been a month since we got back from my birthday cruise to the caribbean! We had four stops on Carnival Magic – Key West, Cozumel, Belize, Costa Maya.

I’ve been excited to share some photos from our trip, but we’ve been busy preparing for the new school year! The girls started back to school last week, and I’ve finally had a chance to look through some photos!

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Our 8 day cruise was packed full of activities, but a few of those really stood out! Here are some highlights from our trip:

1.  Swimming with Dolphins in Mexico

We took a taxi to Chankanaab park in Cozumel, Mexico. It’s a short drive and the entire park is full of activities. We paid one entrance fee that included; snorkeling, swimming, feeding with manatees, a sea lion show, and swimming with dolphins.

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2. Altun Ha Mayan Ruins in Belize

We rode a bus through Belize city for an hour towards the ruins. The ancient Mayan city was once a major trading post for the Maya civilization that spread across what is now Belize around 1500 BC, and flourished there until about 900 AD. As many as 1 million people may have lived in the area that is now Belize.

We drank coconut water directly from the coconut and ate some local stew chicken with rice and beans from a tiny shack located near the ruins… and survived. It was amazing to see the cultural differences. More than a third of the population is living in poverty and produce their own crops to eat. In order to eat McDonalds, you have to have a passport and cross the border into Mexico.

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3. Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Brunch

On the cruise ship, you can have a Dr. Seuss themed breakfast where you’ll find “Green Eggs and Ham,” brightly colored fruit, gravity-defying pancake stacks, funky french toast, “Moose Juice” ‘n’ ”Goose Juice”… and much more. The Dr. Seuss characters come around to each table to take photos and to sign autographs. Plus all the staff sings and dances. It does cost extra, but it’s worth the five dollars!

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4. Natalie Lost a Tooth

On our first day of the cruise, Natalie lost a tooth in the pool. The tooth fairy came on the second night of the cruise to collect. She had a long flight over the ocean so it took her an extra day. It most definitely had nothing to with the fact that mom and dad were worn out and forgot.

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5. I Tried Calamari, yes squid!

I’m usually a very picky eater, but being on vacation makes me more adventurous. We had dinner at Cucina del Capitano, one of the more upscale Italian restaurants on the cruise ship. There’s even a Captain’s table where you might see the Captain dining!

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My girls had a great time on their first cruise! Lots of lasting memories were made. I can’t wait to check out the new Carnival Vista ship that was just launched! This massive ship sails to the Caribbean and to Europe. If you’re thinking about planning an upcoming cruise, I would definitely check it out!

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Disclosure: As a Carnival Cruise Line partner, my family and I were provided complimentary accommodations, activities, entertainment, and dining in exchange for this post. All views and opinions are my own.