One of the main reasons a person picks a particular cruise is for the exotic port stops the ship makes. In our case, we knew we wanted to head towards warmer weather (January in Chicago? A little cold.). We’ve always wanted to visit Key West, and so for us it was a no-brainer. In fact, before Jim suggested that we go on a cruise, I had already checked on the cost of a trip to Key West, staying in a hotel for a few nights. It was extremely cost-prohibitive. The cruise was perfect, even though we just got a five-hour taste of Key West: better than nothing!
We had a great breakfast here!
The roosters all over Key West cracked me up. They were EVERYWHERE. This one was one of many breakfast companions at Blue Heaven.
I found this on a bathroom wall in Key West. Adorable, right?
Look at the trunk on this Kapok tree!
Mallory Square was a great shopping area in Key West. Scenic, too!
Didn't buy one: I thought the picture was a nicer souvenir.
Yum. That's all.
Big thrill: Got to pose for a picture with Kermit of Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. And see what I meant about the floppy hat? I look ridiculous, now that I'm looking at photos.
I love this shot. Southern Cross Hotel, Key West, Florida.
Cozumel was never on the list of places we’ve always wanted to visit: we’re not the shopping OR partying type. Really, though, who could turn down Mexico in January? Not us.
We were in Cozumel from 1:00-10:00 p.m. In the first half of our visit, Jim and I went on an excursion where we snorkeled, sailed, and attended a “beach party” (which was a little lame but we did immensely enjoy a few minutes of swinging in huge hammocks, beachside). I haven’t developed the pictures from that part of the day because I used waterproof cameras. Look for those pictures sometime later, probably August of 2015.
After our excursion, Jim and I quickly headed back to the ship, changed, and ate dinner in the ship’s dining room before heading back out to the port for some shopping and cheap drinks.
Cozumel port was a shopper's paradise. We got Jim a great shirt made of bamboo.
The cruise ship kept watch over the partiers in Cozumel.
Loud music, colorful lights, and lots of alcohol=Fat Tuesday, Cozumel.
Mark my words: I will be briniging one of these tanzanite/diamond rings home with me on the next cruise.
The people watching in Cozumel was some of the best I’ve ever experienced in my entire life, though. Best: we saw a gray-haired woman of about 65-70 years old get pulled up to dance on the stripper pole with the twenty year olds. She had a blast learning moves from a young, blonde, drunk girl who was sucking down a margarita that was in a plastic cylinder more than two feet high. You don’t see that in the suburbs of Chicago, you know?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been to Key West a few times- my ex stepdad used to have a condo there and we’d visit every winter before my brother was born. It is a GORGEOUS city and has so much charm. I’d love to go back now that I’m an adult. I haven’t been anywhere in Mexico, but your pictures make me want to go there and swing in a hammock on the beach!
ps: I think your hat is cute!
The hammock was great. I’d love to have two in my backyard!(along with nice weather all year round!)
Your photos are wonderful. Living up north during the winter I miss color– which seems to be everywhere on your cruise. How pretty.
I’m with ya. It’s so gray right now! It’ll only get worse…until about April probably!
Ah, now will definitely add visiting Key West to my life list, which seems to be growing with each visit here, just so you know.
Let’s go together! Right after we both save some money.
Wowzer – the bling. I wants it – my precious.
The picture doesn’t even do it justice. SO PRETTY.
Oh yeah, just go ahead and rub it in! When we’re here dealing with lows of -9, you FORCE me to sit here and look at beautiful pictures of beautiful weather. So evil and mean you are!!!
Lol, it actually helps, reminds me of times to come. Looks like it was a great trip.
Hey, I LIVE IN CHICAGO. (Just a reminder. haha!)
You are SO me! Love love love, and I so wish I were there right now as it’s snowing and cold and blech. No ring for you this time?
PS I want to see the bamboo shirt.
PPS That was cruel to share the pie that way.
No ring this time. I got earrings.
The bamboo shirt is so soft! I’ll look for the name of the company so you can look at their website.
P.S. Sorry.
P.P.S. IT WAS DELICIOUS.
Wowsers! Definitely the place to be in January!
I love your little hat! I have a few hats that looked good in Disney, but didn’t quite make the cut at home…. Who says you can’t rock the ears on Cape Cod?