A Relaxing Day In Costa Maya

This is the perfect port to unwind and spend a relaxing day. They have an excursion that goes to the ruins which we didn't take. If you want to just chill on the beach, get a massage,sip a cool serveca and eat some local cuisine,this is the place.


Please click on dancer for more Costa Maya photos

Guatemala.. A Hidden Treasure

I never really had any interest to go to Guatemala (don't really know why) This was the most beautiful place and I took the BEST shore excursion EVER?

We had a booked a trip with "Go With Gus" I really can't rave enough about this trip. This was a life changing epiphany type trip.

Gus greeted us at the dock with giant hugs for everybody,we then walked around the terminal for about 30 minutes (we were early for Gus) the vendors were friendly and not over pushy. They really had a lot of beautiful things for sale handbags,fabrics etc. We didn't really need anything though. They had some musicians playing in the terminal who were fun.

Back to Gus- As we were waiting Gus's wife's mother all brought us handmade bracelets and put them on our wrists,along with little handmade pins.

We were going on a 'Humanitarian Tour" and had brought notebooks, pencils, toothbrushes,toothpaste etc.

We then got on Gus's boat there were about 20 of us. The tour started with us riding along the shore for about 30 minutes with Gus narrating points of interest to us. We saw sardine fisherman loads of birds and gorgeous lush greenery.

After about 30 minutes we pulled into Gus's hotel for a bathroom break and to get a water bottle we stayed there for about 20 minutes while Gus Showed us his hotel.

We then boarded his boat and went up the Rio Dolce river. I can't really describe (you just have to be there) how beautiful it is riding up this river. There's native fisherman fishing in dug out canoes,fish jumping.It's like you've gone back in time thousands of years.

Later that day we went to the children's school and donated our supplies to them. It's a one room school with a dirt floor. The children were so grateful for the school supplies they received.

We left and made numerous stops,we stopped at a lady's house who made tortillas on a wood stove,we stopped at a hot spring and soaked our aching joints in the hot water,we also met fisherman who showed us their catch along the river.

We then went back to Gus's hotel and had a home cooked Guatemalan feast. We had soup,numerous appetizers,tamales,native drinks,and beer,and homemade ice cream. I was sitting there thinking "When Is This Guy Going To STOP Doing For Us"? Gus then took us to the town of Livingston and showed us around. We then boarded his boat again and headed back to the dock. I'm actually tearing up typing this part of the review. This Gus was such a warm genuine hospitable Guy who loved his country and his people, and wanted to be a facilitator in helping them get educated. We hugged Gus got off the ship and I realized Gus had somewhat spoiled it for me. There would NEVER be an excursion that could ever leave such an impression or be so enjoyable as this one.

We then went up to the deck and watched all the people in the village drive their cabs down to the ship,singers arrived,dancers came,and as we sailed away the cab drivers flashed their lights,beeped their horns,and the natives waved,danced and sang. Yes They loved us,and we loved them back. Great day!

Please Click On Photo For My Guatemalan Adventure

September 11 2001 Never Forget

Please take time today- To remember the men,women and children,who lost their lives
and the Heroes that responded to the emergency.

Half Moon Cay.. Just Leave Us There

100 Miles south of Nassau Bahamas is Half Moon Cay. This is Holland Americas private island. This is one gorgeous spot. The sand is like powder under your feet,and you swim in turquoise waters.

I wouldn't mind stopping here twice on a cruise,once to start my vacation, and once on the way back to relax before it's back to work.

How about we stay here two nights? Perhaps we could have a giant Luau on the deck and a firework show on the beach. Like the signs says "I Could Stay Here Forever"

Please click on photo for more Half Moon Cay Photos

Quebec City

According to Holland America... Quebec city is one of it's passengers favorite ports. It's easy to see why,we strolled the cobblestone streets and fell in love with this charming town.

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Dessert Extravaganza

No you haven't entered the house of Willy Wonka. It's the "Dessert Extravaganza" aboard the Maasdam. The bakers and chefs work very hard to display these gorgeous edible masterpieces.

Please click on photo for more goodies

Price Edward Island A True Gem

"I was born, praise to the gods, in Prince Edward Island, that colorful little land of ruby and emerald and sapphire."

So wrote Lucy Maud Montgomery in "Anne of Green Gables," a series of books that put Prince Edward Island on the tourism map.

I fell in love with this place as I was walking to the rental car agency. I can't explain how wonderful I thought this town was.

I drove around all day with my mouth wide open and so taken aback of how pretty everything was. I most certainly had a spiritual connection visiting this stunning town,and I was sad when the Maasdam pulled away from the dock. I hope to return someday.

Please click on house for more photos