Trivia

Does anyone know what a "right browsing line" is? I see them on the life rafts, so I know it's not anything to do with waiting in line for the art auction.

The view from the balcony

Here's the view from my office on a Friday afternoon.

Isla Roatan, Honduras

Today is our last port of call at Roatan Island, Honduras. If you want to see proof that capitalism works, visit here. The supply of bars, internet cafes and souvenir vendors has increased to meet the demand. Except for on-board the ship, I've not had any problem finding cheap internet access in the human resource-rich countries that I've visited over the past week. This has allowed me to update my blog on a regular basis without breaking the bank.

I think that Carnival will dump Belize City as a port of call when Costa Maya finishes rebuilding in July (it got destroyed by a large iceberg). Most people don't deal with crowds at Wal-Mart well, let alone being let loose in a developing country to fend for themselves. I tell most of my fellow passengers to wear one of those big 4" x 6" lanyards (AKA "target" or "bullseye") with their sail and sign card clearly visible. This way the weakest in the herd (aka "passengers") will quickly get thinned out while I am left alone.

Roatan Island is an up and coming destination. I've not visited the beaches or gone diving here yet, but I'm told that they are really nice. If you are a graduate of Joe's Five Point Plan to Real Estate Wealth, Roatan is worth a look. There are almost as many real estate agents as internet cafes. Assuming a military Junta doesn't take over the government, I think that property here would make an excellent investment.

Tomorrow is a sea day as we head back to the Port of Isla de Youth y los mujeres de la Muchos Cervezas de la Tampa. After I compelete my 9 laps around the ship, I'll spend most of my day around the pool and visiting Isaac the bartender.

Fun on the Funship

Enjoy around-the-clock fun on your next Carnival Cruise Lines vacation. This is the Mexican-themed deck party. Everyone is having a great time despite the 15-knot winds (not including the effects of the refried beans).

Greetings from Belize City, Belize

Belize is an interesting place. They no longer prefer the term "third-world nation" or "underdeveloped nation". A more politically correct term is a "human resource-rich country". Despite the poverty, I found some reasonably priced internet service which allowed me to upload several photos without breaking the bank.

I started to learn to play craps over the past couple of nights in the casino. I'm placing simple bets on the pass line and have actually won a few dollars! It is a fast-moving game with the potential to lose a lot of money if you don't know what you are doing (I don't). I think the best chance of winning money in the casino is to play games of skill versus games of chance. Until I started to learn a few new games, I've been left out of the games of skill. I've given up on the slot machines. They don't seems to be paying very well.

That's about all the news to report from Belize. I should have an update later tonight or tomorrow from Honduras.

Rush hour

The only traffic jam I had to worry about was at the pier.

More Cozumel pictures

Drinks with umbrellas

The magaritas were free flowing at the Casablanca restaurant in Cozumel. It's a regular stop during a Cozumel visit. After all, Mexico is the best place to get Mexican food.

Bienvenidos de Isla de Cozumel

Hello from Cozumel. Most of the day was spent at the beach and drinking adult beverages with umbrellas. We are now underway and are en-route to Belize City.

Goodbye to Grand Cayman

Here's a shot of the harbor. The Disney Magic was also in port. It looks like a really nice ship, but it doesn't have a casino.

Check out the name on the statue. I think I now know why women love the Caribbean so much.

We are now leaving Grand Cayman and setting sail for Cozumel. Time to get a drink with an umbrella.

From Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island

We are currently docked in Georgetown, Grand Cayman island. I'm at an internet cafe where the usuage fee is much more reasonable than on the ship. The weather is very tropical (sunny and hot). I was able to get of the ship early as I had to pickup several briefcases full of money at one of the local banks. I think it's for one of the county commissioners but I was told not to ask too many questions.

Hello to everyone one at work that is reading my blog. I'm glad you were all able to take time from your busy schedules to keep up with the details of my cruise. Contrary to how the picture appears, I'm fairly sober. After the cocktail hour was a different matter. I was able to enjoy three adult beverages within about an hour but was unable to break my personal record of four free drinks.

Our port of call tomorrow is Cozumel, Qunitana Roo, Mexico. It is by far my favorite stop. I've not decided yet what I'm going to do there, but I suspect a visit to Carlos and Charlies will be in order where I will indulge in Margaritas and other assorted tropical beverages.

I should have another update tonight assuming I'm reasonably sober.

Formal Night

Here's a picture with the Captain just before the reception. I always thought his uniform looked different. I was only able to get 3 drinks at the reception - the previous records stands. After a nice dinner of prime rib, I took the photo on the far left. It shows the adverse conditions we have to endure out at sea.

Update from the bridge

Greetings to my conrades that just started work a few minutes ago. All is well here on the ship. Today is a sea day, and we are steaming towards Grand Cayman with an arrival time of 0700 hrs. tomorrow. I just finished walking laps of the ship. Three laps equals one mile. I walked nine laps. For Bill's benefit, that equals three miles. Then I got some pizza and ice cream. I did see the Captain in the gym at the rowing machine. I think it's part of the fuel savings program.

As I write this, I'm watching the GPS channel. We are rounding the western tip of Cuba, traveling at 20 knots (23 mph). We won't get a speeding ticket, but no one is in a rush.

Tonight is the Captain's cocktail hour. Frequent floaters recognize this at a chance of getting free drinks. My previous record is four. I'm going to try and beat the record tonight.

Another update and photos should be forthcoming later tonight.

Changes in latitude, changes in attitude

It's day one of the cruise, and so far it's been fantastic. As I write this, I've got the door to balcony open, listening to the soothing soundsof the ocean going by. I've also been doing the cruise ship version of prairie-dogging. I've been looking over the railing and talking to the people on the adjacent decks and cabins. I'll have another report tomorrow - it's time to get a drink.

Bon Voyage

I'm celebrating my 10-year anniversary at work by going on a cruise. I'll be leaving this afternoon at 4:00 PM local time. I'll think about all of you when I have a tropical beverage with an umbrella in one hand, and am waving goodbye to the city with my other hand. I should be able to update this blog while underway, so stay tuned for further updates. If you have any souvenir requests, send an e-mail from my website at: www.irs.gov