5-day Western Caribbean Cruise

            Sunday, 9 Dec 2012 – Yes, we have departed for ANOTHER cruise.  This time, we’re sailing on the Carnival Elation, roundtrip from New Orleans, LA, with stops in Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico.  We left home late Saturday morning, stopping in West Memphis for the night; and then drove the rest of the way to New Orleans on Sunday.  We left our vehicle in the motel parking lot as part of their Hotel and Parking Package, which includes one night hotel accommodations, parking, and free round trip cruise port shuttle service.

On Monday, it was raining hard as we left the hotel in the shuttle.  In fact, New Orleans was under a tornado watch, and the temperature was much cooler than expected.  We boarded the ship around noon.  Since our ship cabin would not be ready until 12:30 PM, we went to the Lido Buffet for lunch.  We were unpacked in time for the 3:30 PM safety briefing; afterwards, Sally checked out some books from the library and we relaxed in our cabin until dinner.  Although we purchased our cruise tickets separately, Jesse’s sister’s tour agent managed to get us seated the rest of the group.  Our dinner table at 8:15 PM included Jesse’s sister, Verna, and her husband, Earl; Jesse's niece, Catherine, and her husband, Mario; one of Jesse’s high school classmates, Helen, and her husband Larry;  and Shelton and Fanny.   Jesse’s other sister, Catherine; his nieces, Melissa and Dolores; his sister-in law, Julia; and other friends were seated at two other nearby tables.  We looked for places to dance after dinner, but instead, returned to our cabin for an early night – not really that early anymore, as it was 10:00 PM.

On Tuesday morning, we went to the Lido Buffet for breakfast, and a few hours later for a late lunch.  The setup on the Carnival Elation is a lot different from the Princess cruise ships, which takes a little getting used to, but so far, the food has been great.  We’re also finding our way around more easily than usual.  Today the temperature on deck is more comfortable for shorts and sandals.  The pools and hot tubs are full of kids because lots of young families are on this cruise, totally opposite from the last two long Princess cruises we have taken.  Tonight is a formal night, which requires “Cruise Elegant” attire, so Sally will be wearing an evening gown and Jesse will be wearing his tuxedo.  We will be posing in a group photo with Verna’s cruise group at 10:30 PM; then heading back to our cabin.  Our excursion departs at 8:15 AM tomorrow morning.