After a perfect wedding, Jeff and I set sail for a perfect week-long honeymoon cruise to Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica! We couldn't have asked for a more idyllic trip. The weather was goregous and the excursions were a blast. The best part was that we were able to share it all with each other - best friends. I look forward to all the many trips we will take together...but especially to have a companion on my journey through life.
Our first stop was to Cozumel, Mexico. Jeff and I didn't actually stay in Cozumel. We quickly got off the ship, jumped on a ferry and made our way to Playa del Carmen. From there, we hopped on a bus and headed for the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. The ruins were breathtaking! The were perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The water was crystal clear. The whole scene was indescribable. Jeff and I were intrigued by the ancient culture and the history they left behind. This was a small site compared to more well-known sites (e.g., Tikal, Xichen Itza) but it was no less beautiful. We were especially intrigued by the Temple to the Descending God and the similarity to the story found in the Book of Mormon. We knew this civilization was most likely built after Christ's coming to the Americas, but thought of how the story must have been passed on from generation to generation before being lost.
There were iguanas everywhere. This one was nice enough to stop and pose.
Jeff and I in front of the Temple to the Descending God
Our next stop were the Cayman Islands. Here we leisurely walked through artisan markets and souvenir shops to pick out gifts for the kids and our parents before we made our way to Tiki Beach at 7 mile beach. The water was just as clear as what we'd seen in Mexico. Unfortunately, the reef was pretty close so we were unable to swim as far out or as long as we had wanted. Still the cool water was refreshing and we enjoyed relaxing on the beach!
The final stop on our cruise was by far our favorite - Jamaica!! We loved the energy and the positive attitudes of all the people with whom we came in contact. Moreover, the scenery was lush and green! For an Arizona girl that's a huge deal! In Jamaica, we booked a more adventurous excursion that included zip lining through a jungle then hiking 600 feet up Dunn's River Falls. The falls were gorgeous...and the water was chilly! Still Jeff had no problem dunking me then stealing a kiss or two when he could to make up for it.
The excursions were so much fun!! But we even enjoyed just lounging on the ship. We saw a magic show, a variety show (with talent from the cruise staff), a singing/acting show, etc. We also swam, relaxed in the hot tub, read in lounge chairs, played mini golf, etc.
Our stateroom. We enjoyed the view...and all the fun towel animals.
Our favorite little towel animal...the cool bunny.
The Royal Promenade...shopping, live music, and Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
The theater where we watched the magic show and other shows.
Our dining room
Formal dining night...Jeff looks so handsome!
We enjoyed being together, but were anxious to get back to the kids by the end of the week. I couldn't have asked for a better honeymoon...or for a better person to spend it with. I just felt incredibly grateful all week to have shared this experience with Jeff.
