Showing posts with label Massages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Massages. Show all posts

Monday, August 21, 2023

The Allure of Royal Caribbean- Cozumel, Mexico

 The One Lobster Work-Around
Friday, July 7th 
Cozumel, Mexico 

Welcome Home... It's been too long! 

Morning
After a decent night's sleep, we both woke up around 8:15AM and got ready for our day in Mexico. We opted to go to Johnny Rocket's on the Boardwalk for breakfast. TIP- Johnny Rocket's is an additional charge restaurant; except for breakfast which is FREE. It does not require a reservation and you can walk right in. Be aware there often is a line, though. 


Hello Friday... I love you! 


We are excited to try Johnny Rocket's for BREAKFAST! 


Johnny Rocket's on the Boardwalk!

This was a great experience and we would do it again in a heartbeat; especially on port days. The food and service were exceptional. I had the Bacon and Cheese Lover's Scramble and Chris had the Work's Scramble. The Work's included chili and it was a bit overpowering for Chris but one statement to the waiter and within 3 minutes Chris had a new dish in front of him. I could not believe they were that fast and efficient. We left a very hefty tip! 


I loved this scramble! 


Chris's Works Scramble was a little too "chili heavy"! 

After breakfast we made our way down to the Royal Promenade to get a specialty coffee at Café Promenade. TIP- Reminder, these ARE INCLUDED in your Drink Package on Royal Caribbean. We then went back to the room so Chris could take his medication for the morning before we got off the ship. 


The free coffee (for all passengers) in Café Promenade


The Starbucks Specialty Coffee (included in all DRINK PACKAGES) 


This is SO NEEDED... I am feeling the tiredness! 

We got off the Allure of the Seas right after 9:30AM and made our way through the International Cruise Terminal to look for a local massage spa that a crew member told us about. It was located near the Royal Village tourist area just beyond the International Terminal. This turned out to be a true hidden gem. The massages were very well priced and more professional than those offered in Costa Maya, plus offered a cooler environment as well. We would HIGHLY recommend this if you are in Cozumel and looking for a good massage. 


It was hard to believe but there were ZERO Carnival cruises in port with us! 
There were 2 other ships at the downtown terminal... 


We love COZUMEL and the Allure of the Seas


The Mexican Massage room. 


Time for massage #2. 


We loved this place and WILL BE BACK! 


Right in front of the Royal Village area near the HUGE Shark... You cannot miss it! 

Once done with our massages, we wondered around the Royal Village area to look for souvenirs for our kiddos and parents before heading back towards the ship. This was in the middle of the day heat and that walk was VERY SWEATY and hot! 


This is a GREAT photo op outside of the Royal Village. In 17+ times of coming to Cozumel, we have never made it here! 


I LOVE this souvenir shop in the International Terminal. It is ran by the sweetest family and it has the cheapest gifts that are still high quality! 


Time to get back on this beauty! 


It is all coming to an end... NO! We are loving this cruise!  

Afternoon
Once back onboard we got into our swimsuits and then made our way to the Solarium Pool. As I mentioned on previous blogs, the Allure of the Seas Solarium Pool is very small for the amount of passengers it holds as well as a very oddly shaped pool. We spent the next 2+ hours between the pool and the hot tubs, just enjoying our Drink Package. We went to the shade level of the Solarium on Deck 16 to lay out and dry off right before getting a late lunch.


Vian did such a great job with this towel animal! 


Hello shaded Solarium... You're my favorite! 

We grabbed a late lunch in Park Café around 3PM but we tried to eat very light as we knew Formal Night in the Main Dining Room would be a very heavy meal. After a quick lunch we went back to the room to take showers and naps before the evening activities. 

Around 4:45PM we went to Deck 5 to try and watch the sail-away and look for pier runners but it seemed this was a very responsible crew and all passengers were back on board early and the Allure of the Seas made it departure for Galveston around 4:50PM. TIP- I really do not like the Promenade Deck of the Allure of the Seas and the lack of area to watch sail-aways from the lower deck. I really miss the large are of the Voyager and Freedom class ships. 

Evening
We grabbed another coffee at Café Promenade before going to our nightly pre-dinner spot at Vintages. We talked to Roger and learned so much about red wines on this night. We left Vintages around 6:20PM for the Ocean Aria show in the Aqua Theater


We are ready for Formal Night #2. 
Notice how "relaxed" we are with this "formal" night.
It really is whatever makes you comfortable!

We got there early and were able to get great seats on the aisle. However, as we waited for the show to start and the crowds started to form, we noticed the ship swaying a LOT and sure enough, around 7:07PM, Cruise Director Steve (from Canada) said the show would be delayed for safety. And then around 7:25PM, the show was officially cancelled. During that time of waiting, we saw GIGANTIC amounts of water sway out of the Aqua Theater pool so I am sincerely glad they called the show for the safety of the performers. They would try the show again on the following night and all ticket holders would be guaranteed seats. 


We are ready for the Aqua Show! 


CD Steve (from Canada) confirming that the show will be rescheduled! 

We were pretty bummed about the cancelling of the show but we completely understood the safety of the performers. We went down to the promenade level on Deck 5 to watch the sunset over the aft of the ship. This is always one of my absolute favorite parts of ANY cruise; however, this lack of seating on the Allure of the Seas made this experience not near as good as other cruises. 


Even with the clouds, God sure does paint a pretty picture! 


This view is PERFECT! 


I love this wake view... it doesn't get much better than this! 

We then made our way to dinner in the Main Dining Room a little early since it was Formal Night. Once again we sat at our exquisite table and the service was incredible. It was LOBSTER night in the MDR and the crowds were arriving. TIP- Royal Caribbean had a change in it's dining policy in 2023 and now only allows ONE Lobster per passenger at this Formal Night. If a passenger wants an additional lobster, they have to pay a $16.95/ per lobster fee. This was a bummer as Chris and I LOVE Lobster Night and in the past have ordered two or three. The rest of the menu was fantastic and we were pleased with just one lobster tail. However, we did notice many passengers and tables getting around this new rule. 


Night #6- Formal Night Menu 

We were sitting around 3 different large party tables and many had several kids, even toddlers, at their table. These tables would order 1 lobster PER person. It didn't even matter if the 2 year old (or the 95 year old Grandma) wanted lobster... They were ordering it. In fact we heard this sweet innocent Grandma tell her son "But, I don't like lobster" and he replied "I don't care, you're ordering it". I think Chris and I nearly spit out our drinks trying to not laugh out loud. We watched as this just became the norm for the tables around us. And sure enough, the lobster would get delivered to Grandma and she would just pass it right down to the other adults. We thought this was hilarious and for a brief moment, we were jealous we did not have our kids on board with us. So that is how you get around the "One Lobster" new rule. Just make your toddler order it for you! 

Our dinner was spectacular and we really enjoyed the food and service especially. We were in and out of the Main Dining Room on a FORMAL NIGHT in less than 80 minutes.


Vidalia Onion Tart- 4.0
I do not know why, but I always really enjoy this! 


Escargot- 5.0
LOVE THIS! GET IT... TRUST ME! 


LOBSTER TAIL- 5.0+ 
Too bad I cannot get a 2nd... 


Cheese Tortellini Pasta- 4.0
This was good and rich.
 


Baked Alaska-4.5
This is a true staple of any good cruise! It was light and delicate! 


Strawberry Shortcake- 4.5
This was a new addition to the menu and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
 

 After dinner we went back to the room so Chris could take his medication and then watched a replay of a comedy show before making our way to Studio B for the Battle of the Sexes and quite possibly our favorite entertainment of any cruise... The QUEST

We arrived late for the Battle of the Sexes but it is always a funny show. TIP- Be sure to have a GREAT sense of humor and NOT BE SHY if you plan on volunteering for this show. Then we got ready for the QUEST. TIP- This is an adults only scavenger hunt. The Cruise Director will split everyone into teams and then call out completely RANDOM items to bring to them, These items can be things like: a printed cruise compass, a "flip" phone, money with a specific president on it, and etc. Or they can be completely risque' items like; a jock strap, padded bra, false teeth and so much more.  Be sure to come ready to be offended! We never participate but we think it is hilarious and this round of the Quest was another hilarious night laughing at the stupidity and boldness of other quests! 


It has been a GREAT day aboard the Allure of the Seas! 

We ended the night back in the Schooner Bar and closed it down with Iputu. He is such a great server and we love the atmosphere of this bar. We closed down the Schooner Bar and then went to Sorrento's for some late night pizza. We finally went to bed around 2AM. 

This was a GREAT day spent in our Caribbean "Home-Away-from-Home"- Cozumel, Mexico! We love this island!  

Up Next- Sea Day #3 and our last day aboard the Allure of the Seas!

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Adventure of the Seas- February 2023




 


Carnival Conquest- 2006 


Wednesday, August 16, 2023

The Allure of Royal Caribbean- Costa Maya

Massages in Mayan Style
Thursday, July 6th 
Costa Maya, Mexico 

Hello Costa Maya! 

Morning
We woke up around 7:30AM and Chris was not having a great day at all. Unfortunately, he has one of these days about every 5-6 days and this was the day. We got up and got dressed and then went to Boardwalk Donuts for a very light breakfast. The donuts were fresh, cake like and not at all greasy. TIP- Be sure to visit this at least once on your sailing. They are open most days 7-9AM. 

Hello Thursday... We are on the back half now! It is always a little sad to be on the tail end of a vacation! 


One of the two donut selection areas. There is a crew member helping you get the donuts! 


Our morning breakfast- It was yummy! 

After breakfast, we went back to the room for Chris to take his medications and for us to get all of our belongings to get off the ship in Costa Maya. It was about 8AM and they were allowing passengers to get off so we opted to go ahead and get off while it was still not too hot. TIP- The walk from the ship to the port is VERY long. The port does offer a shuttle that will take passengers from the to the port FOR FREE but we always walk to try to get in our steps. 


We have loved our time on the Allure of the Seas. 


She is gorgeous but she is truly a BEAST! SO HUGE! 


The Costa Maya port entrance! There are LOTS of little photo prop areas if you have never been! 


We have made it to Costa Maya- It's time for our massages! 


Another view of the long pier to get to the port area. 

Once inside the Costa Maya port area, we immediately walked to the Mayan Ritual Spa. TIP- This is a favorite of ours and we have visited this spa about 4-5 times in the last few cruises. It offers incredibly CHEAP massage that are near full service and right on the beach. We both got the 50 minute Swedish massage for $55/ each. Our massage therapists were great and we should have just asked for the double the time becasue we did not want to leave. The entire excursion PLUS tip was $140 and our winnings at the Casino a few days prior paid for the entire thing. 


The Mayan Ritual Healing Spa menu prices. 

After our massages, we went to the center of the port area to try and get Wi-Fi and call our kids who were at Chris's parents house in Lubbock. The Wi-Fi didn't work but we were able to use our International calling plan with AT&T to get ahold of Chris's Dad and ask about the kids. They were doing well and having fun on the farm with Gigi, Grandpa and cousins. (Once again, thank you Dan, Jackie and John and Leeanna for hosting them). We then started to make the trek back to the ship as it was brutally hot!


Another view of our home away from home! 


The light house in Costa Maya is just gorgeous and makes me feel at home! 


Literally the ONLY OTHER SHIP we saw in port at ALL of our ports was Grandeur of the Seas
She came in from Tampa. We usually see ships and try to guess when we will sail on them... NOT THIS TIME! This is a very old and run down ship in the Royal fleet and I do not see us cruising on her in the future. (near or far) 


I am loving the Allure of the Seas! 

Once back on board we got changed into our swimsuits and went to the Sports Pool in the Aft of Deck 15. This pool offered shade at this time of the day, which really helped with my sunburn. We stayed in this pool for about 2 hours before going to the Windjammer for another light lunch since we had reservations at Giovanni's for dinner.

Afternoon
After lunch we went to the mini golf to have our traditional match. The 1st 3 holes we were tied but then the rain came and by the time we got to hole #7 it was POURING down rain and I lost my edge. Chris ended up winning AGAIN by 2 holes. I swear one of these days I will actually beat him! 


We had a great game going... Until the rain hit! 


The rain had arrived and it was... well, fun! 


We won this game... Maybe I will win next time. 
He has won the last 4-5 times. 

After our game of mini golf, we ventured into the Infinity Hot Tub on the outskirts of the Solarium. This HUGE hot tub was one of my favorite things on the Liberty of the Seas and I enjoyed it on this cruise as well. However, I believe the placement of this hot tub is TERRIBLE on the Allure of the Seas. This type of amenity was BUILT for adults and on Allure of the Seas it is OUTSIDE of the Solarium and 9 times out of 10, there are MANY kids in these hot tubs. Allure really missed the mark with this one. We enjoyed our time in this hot tub and spent most of the afternoon enjoying the warm temps with minimal kids involved. 


Another view of the Boardwalk on the Allure of the Seas. 


I really enjoyed this AFT area of Deck 15 overlooking the Boardwalk. 
It offers the mini golf, teen hangout area, basketball courts, the Flowrider and so much more! 


We are ready to CHILL OUT in the infinity hot-tub before the crowd comes back. 

We went to Wipe Out Café around 2:30PM and got just a small plate of nachos and quesadillas to hold us over until our 8:30PM reservation at Giovanni's. TIP- I mentioned it before, but this is one of the best FREE dining venues on the ship and at the top of all our cruise ship experiences. They are open daily with shortened hours while in port! Do not sleep on this one... I'm sure it will impress you like it did us! 

We then went back to the room to take showers since we were still drenched from the rain and our hot-tub session. We then took some brief naps before I got up and went to Friends Trivia in the Schooner Bar. This trivia was scheduled at 4PM and I arrived at 3:45PM and there were no seats available. Since Chris was asleep I had to do this one solo and I lost my streak of winning Friends Trivia. I only missed one question but it was enough to lose. (What is the name of the "girl at the copy place" that Ross sleeps with while they were ON A BREAK?- I said Amanda but the answer is KHLOE). I won't miss that one again! I grabbed a drink and then went back to the room before we went to watch sail-away from Deck 5. 

Evening
We watched a hurried sail-away from Deck 5 and then went to Schooner Bar to see Matthew and Iputu before going for our nightly pre-dinner wine and cheese plate at Vintages. We had reservations for Blades- The Ice Show on Deck 3 for 7PM and we were able to get great seats towards the top of the venue with a great view. I really enjoyed this show as the music was spectacular. TIP- Be sure to catch this show, especially if you have never seen an ice show. You will be SHOCKED at how cool it is to see an ice rink ON A CRUISE SHIP and these athletes are just nothing short of incredible. You will need to reserve tickets in the app. These reservations open about 2-3 weeks prior to sailing but even if they are "sold out" prior to the cruise, there are plenty of seats for walk up reservations. If you do not have a reservation, arrive about 10 minutes before show time and you will more than likely still be able to get in to any of the show. The comedy show is the only one that is tricky since the venue only holds about 80 people. 

Our nightly ritual.
As I type this blog, I seriously miss this! I love the calmness of it all. I feel like during the school year it is just "go-go-GO" all the time. I love the casual entrance into dinner time. 
I guess I will have to wait for this until February 2024 for our next cruise. 


The Blades- Ice Show in Studio B (Deck 3) 
Seriously... GO SEE THIS! It is AWESOME! 

After the Blades Ice Show we strolled around Central Park and listened to the live music before going to Giovanni's for dinner. TIP- Giovanni's is a classic Italian restaurant featuring very bougie dishes and sides It is offered for lunch and dinner and can be a part of a dining package. Once again, we tried to eat light all day and Chris was still not feeling 100% but we made the most of it. 


Giovanni's in Central Park (Midship) 



The Giovanni's Menu 

One of the only Specialty Dining pictures we took all week. 


The Beef Carpaccio- 4.0
This was really good and so very tender! 


Crispy Calamari- 5.0
WOW... This was SO GOOD. It tasted SO FRESH and just melted in your mouth. 


The Ossobucco- 4.0
This was good but I didn't come here for this dish. In fact, we both kinda  just ordered it as a "funny" from The Office.
The meat was very tender and just fell off the bone. It was seasoned very well but the polenta side dish had a very weird texture.  


The SPECIAL Pasta made by our waiter- 5.0+ 
WOW... HOLY MOLY, this was INCREDIBLE! It was similar to a Vodka sauce but so much better. The flavor was just amazing! 


Mushroom Risotto- 5.0+ 
THIS is why I came to Giovanni's. This dish is heavenly and melts in your mouth. 
It is easily one of my favorite dishes OF ALL TIME and I just HAVE to get it when on RCCL.
 


Tiramisu and Cappucinno-4.5
This was a great ending to our meal but I was so stuffed from everything I didn't even finish it! 

This dinner was nothing short of spectacular and delicious. Each course that came was even better than the one before. We had met a waiter of Giovanni's on our first night in Vintages and he promised if we came and sat with him he would make us a "one of a kind" pasta dish. Agru came through and delivered a specially made pasta like no other and we devoured it. 

After dinner we came back to the room to take Chris's meds and we laid down before going to our 11:30PM comedy show reservations. This comedy show was good but not near as good as ones we have seen in the past, especially on Carnival. TIP- This is really one of the biggest differences in RCCL and Carnival and one of the only categories (in my opinion) that Carnival wins. 

After the Comedy Show we went to- take a guess... Schooner Bar to see Iputu and Matthew. Once again, we stayed late and shut the bar down after 1AM. And then despite being stuffed from dinner, we went to get a very late night snack at Sorrento's before they closed at 2AM. It's always fun to eat greasy pizza in the middle of the night! 

It was a great day of rest, relaxation and Mayan Massages. We always love Costa Maya and this time was much of the same. Tomorrow is our last port day and a stop in our Caribbean Home- Cozumel, Mexico! 

Up Next- Cozumel Mexico 

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Adventure of the Seas- February 2023




 


Carnival Conquest- 2006