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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Wow, that sounds like such an amazing experience. What an adventure!!
What an amazing trip! I can’t believe all the wonderful things you and your family got to experience together.
Oh my gosh, how fun! I’ve always wanted to swim with the dolphins but I never had the chance. What an experience.
Wow. What a great trip. Looks like so much fun. Cannot wait until I can go on a cruise with the family.
Swimming with dolphins is on my bucket list. What a great experience. Looks like all of you had a great time on the cruise!
Looks like you had a great cruise! I would love to visit Belize one day. IT looks so cool!
What an amazing adventure! Looks like you had so much fun! I would love to try cruising next summer!
The photos are magnificent. I’ve always been afraid to go on a cruise but seeing these photos and reading about the experiences makes me want to take my family on a cruise now. It truly looks like a dream come true. I know the kids would love the Green Eggs & Ham breakfast and taking pictures with the characters. Thanks for sharing, this really made me smile.
Your cruise looks so memorable and filled with fun. We have cruised with Carnival on numerous occasions and always had a fantastic time.
Oh wow, these will be some wonderful memories to look back on. That cruise sounded like so much fun.
I really want to take my family on a cruise but my daughter is scared. I have to convince her though because cruises are so much fun.
It looks like you guys had a ton of fun! I would absolutely love to visit the Mayan Ruins sometime!
How fun! I know how wonderful it is to capture life’s moments
Your photos are beautiful. Such wonderful memories indeed. My children and I went on a cruise a year ago and loved it.
That definitely sounds like a trip of a lifetime! You captured it so well, I feel like I was on vacation with you (or just wishing I was lol)
These are truly bucket list worthy memories that you’ve made with your kids and these pictures are just proof of all your adventures and I can’t imagine anything better than spending time making memories with the people you love most amidst some of the most picturesque settings!
How can this cruise not be so memorable! You guys did a lot of awesome things and based from the kids’ smiles, they had a lot of fun as well.
All 4 destinations looks really fantastic! I’m a fan of ruins so number 2 hits the spot for me, though it’d be nice to eat first at that Cucina del Capitano, food looks good!
That looks like an amazing experience! I’ve been on a few cruises but my kids have never been on a cruise! I’ll have to take them on one sometime soon!
My husband and I adored our pictures from vacation and still have an entire camera to get developed from the last one.
I have been on a bunch of cruises but haven’t been to Belize yet. It looks gorgeous. Great pics!
What an amazing trip. I love that she lost a tooth while there. My kids always remember those little things.
What a timely post. I will be on my Carnival Partner Cruise next week so thanks for hyping me up. I went on my first cruise with Carnival last year and I am so excited to go back. I even did the Dr.Seuss Brunch!
Wow, what wonderful memories! I want to take my son to something like this.
So fun! I totally want to gp on a cruise. Looks like your family had a wonderful time.