The Enchanted Isle made three port calls during the trip: Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. Each one lasted less than a day, but the excursions packed a lot into the time.
Monday: Tulum
On Mexico day, we chose to visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum. Susan toured these ruins many moons ago in the 10th grade, and we both enjoyed exploring Chichen Itza on our honeymoon in 1989, so we were eager for this excursion. The Maya certainly knew how to pick a pretty spot. Our guide told us they only picked up the nasty habit of human sacrifice under the influence of the Toltecs, a bloodthirsty lot who invaded the area. Before that unsavory phase, the Mayans built Tulum as a ceremonial city with windows specially aligned to cast light on particular spots during the summer and winter solstice. Much later when the Spaniards arrived, they passed this spot quickly, thinking the imposing stone structures they saw from sea comprised a fort. By that time, however, the grand city was deserted.
Tulum has a fascinating history and gorgeous ocean views...
...not to mention the adorable wild iguanas!
Tuesday: Grand Cayman
We spent a week in Grand Cayman in '95, so we had already toured the obligatory turtle farm, Singray City, and 7-mile beach and had mailed our postcards from the town of Hell. This time we stayed in the water, taking a boat to snorkel a reef and a wreck. The wreck was a cargo ship built around 1900 that picked the Cayman bay for retirement. Apparently the old thing sat unmoving in the bay for several years until people tired of looking at the old hulk in the 1970's and blew it up. Instead of dispersing, the blast split the ship down the middle and laid its "rib cage" open. The photo with the oddly hand-shaped fish shows the winch that used to hold the anchor chain. You can see a small coral formation at the bottom of it, an indication of just how long it takes the big reefs to form.
In Grand Cayman we joined the fishies in exploring a wreck just off the coast.
Wednesday: Jamaica
Jamaica was more and less than we had expected. Hearing tourists had devastated the coral, we thought this snorkel would be less interesting than the one in Grand Cayman, but if anything Jamaica was more brilliant and varied. (The "less" was the brief but dismal run through the town at Montego Bay.) Taking a small "pirate" ship from shore to the reefs felt like riding a thrilling ride, only ten times better, with the beautiful water pitching the small wooden boat from wave to wave, creaking all the way and making its guest crew cling to the railings. Any sea legs we grew on the Enchanted Isle were inadequate. Once out above the reefs, everyone ooo'd and aah'd at the coral and fish through the clear water below, full of little brownish-golden things that resembled tortellini. The captain announced he was moving us to another spot due to the thousands of jellyfish in the water -- so that's what the tortellini were! On the way to safer waters, we were treated to glimpses of two dolphins. Pity they left so soon, but the snorkeling was fabulous anyway.
Sailing aboard a pirate ship in Montego Bay, we found the Jamaican waters warm and colorful.
After the captain called for "all aboard" one crewman wanted to stick around a while longer. Who wouldn't?
Start of the cruise Fun at sea Home
Use this form to send us your questions or comments.
Last updated: 04/29/08 06:17 AM