Back from our Cruise

Last night we got back from our family cruise to Key West and Cozumel.  Here are some highlights from the cruise:

Day 1: After getting up at the break of dawn to fly to Miami, we got to the Port of Miami very early.  As a result, we were the first people (other than VIP) to get on the boat.  Once we were onboard, we headed off to do our favorite activity on the trip, eating.  We decided to spend a little bit more on this cruise and get the oceanview room.  It was definitely worth the money!  Some nights we would just sit by the window and look out at the waves.  My mom and Jeff won coupons for 50% off spa treatments, but we ended up not using them because they were still very expensive.

Day 2: We arrived at Key West bright and early.  This was probably my least favorite part of the trip.  It was extremely hot and humid and I made the mistake of walking to the other side of town to see the southernmost point of the US (I didn't realize how far it was).  Heat + humidity + pregnant + endless walking = unhappy Jen.  The town was pretty, but there wasn't much to do.

Day 3: After spending a leisurely morning on the boat, we arrived at Cozumel.  The 6 of us took a taxi to Playa Uvas.  It was a little, but pretty, beach resort on the western side of the island.  My dad, sister, Jeff, and I went out in the water with a guide to go snorkeling.  It ended up being one of the best snorkeling experiences I have ever had!  Aside from all of the beautiful fish, our guide pointed out a stingray, spotted eel, barracuda, and an underwater cave that had fresh water flowing from it (which also caused cooler water temperatures).  Later in the afternoon, we went out again and saw the biggest tropical fish I have ever seen (at least 3 feet long) and I found a $20 bill on the ocean's bottom!

Day 4: This day was spent sailing back to Florida.  We ate, lounged on deck chairs, and relaxed.

Day 5: Our ship arrived in Miaimi around 8 a.m. and we set off on an excursion to the Florida Everglades.  This turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip for me (aside from the snorkeling).  We first took a ride on an airboat (like the one in The Waterboy).  We only saw one alligator at the end, but it was still a really neat experience and a lot of fun.  Then we went to an alligator show where they talked about Alligators and talked about the conservation of the Everglades.  After the show, I got to hold a baby alligator!  It was actually kind of soft, and was an incredible moment for me.  After seeing some more alligators, we headed off to the airport, and then home.

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