LAMARIBBEAN 2007 – THE CRUISE…..

by Barb Baker

for LlamaLifeII

It was a cold and stormy day in the Midwest, and elsewhere in the country, when on Monday, January 29, 2007, a group of 104 llama enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada, boarded the Splendour of the Seas, the 864-foot cruise ship that would be our home away from home for the next five days. Many of the group had flown into Houston the previous day and spent the day greeting and meeting fellow travelers. Our tour coordinator, Diane McGillis (who is also a llama owner) did a terrific job of outlining our itinerary and making sure that everyone knew when and where to meet for the next morning’s bus ride to Galveston. In point of fact, she did a marvelous job the entire trip of keeping track of all her charges, taking care of any problems that arose, and answering the many questions from all the cruise virgins among us.

Things started a bit off schedule since we were scheduled to sail at 5:00 p.m. but were informed by the cruise line that departure would be delayed by several hours due to the late arrival of our ship into port.

A passenger on the incoming cruise had become quite ill at sea and the ship had returned to Cozumel, Mexico so that medical care could be administered. Although everyone, all 1800-plus passengers, were pleased to know that the cruise line showed such concern for just one passenger, it was amazing to see just how that incident threw the cruise line’s meticulous schedule into such disarray and confusion but, equally astonishing, was just how quickly the staff was able to get everyone re-organized and with everyone finally on-board, we pulled away from the dock and sailed into the night.

The hosts for the cruise, the ILR and its Board of Directors, invited the lama cruisers to the Royal Suite, where we picked up conference registration packets and mingled and met our fellow travelers. Dinner followed in the ship’s main dining room after which most everyone headed out to acquaint themselves with the ship’s many offerings and activities. Although the ship is the smallest in the Royal Caribbean’s fleet, it is still a beautiful one, with activities to suit almost every taste: swimming pool, hot tubs, casino, numerous lounges, game rooms, workout rooms, library and shops. And then there was the food –to say it was plentiful would be an understatement. Kathi McKinney, ILR Board President and a veteran cruiser, mentioned that one can expect to gain a pound a day while on a cruise! While the breakfast and lunch smorgasbord was good, it was the evening meals, served in the dining room, that were truly memorable. Each dinner had a theme and was served by an interesting and talented, international crew. After dinner, there was stage entertainment in the theater, gaming in the casino, drinks in any of several bars, or just walking around the ship, hoping for a glimpse of Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr! (this dates me, I know…)

Our first port of call was Cozumel, Mexico, known for its diving and snorkeling. There were dozens of various excursions available either on the island of Cozumel or on the mainland. Many in the llama group left the ship early on Wednesday morning to snorkel, swim, sail, visit with dolphins, or hit the beautiful beaches of Cozumel. Others braved the choppy ferry trip to the mainland where buses took them to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum or to Xcaret Natural Adventure Park. And, of course, there were the ever-present street vendors and shops full of Mayan, Aztec and modern Mexican gifts and wares. Many in the group were anxious to try their bargaining skills, since it is expected that no one pays the asking price, and there were stories told back on-board of who got the deals and how they “bested” the savvy Mexican merchants of jewelry, pottery, clothing, etc. One wonders who really got the best of whom and how many of those who purchased “silver” necklaces ended up with green rings around the neck! Make no mistake, though, because there were some stunning native crafts of textiles, pottery and jewelry available.

Thursday morning found the ship docked in Costa Maya, where it was a quick five minute walk down the dock to the beach and shops, restaurants and pool. It was also easy to grab a cab and head inland to any of the several towns that were within a thirty minute trip. Here again there were numerous excursions to be taken to ruins, coves, and parks. For those who wanted something less strenuous, there were tables and chairs set up right on the white-sand beach a few feet from the ocean where you could soak up the sun and breeze and have REAL salsa and fresh chips, conch ceviche and outrageously good margaritas; strike up conversations with visitors of varying nationalities, or just listen to the waves.. But, after several blissful hours, reality came calling and it was time to return to the ship and the trip toward home.

The trip back to Galveston was not without some excitement. After pulling away from the dock, the Captain made an announcement that we were in for some rough sailing throughout the night and to be sure to take necessary precautions (read “Dramamine”). He wasn’t kidding; there were thirteen foot waves which made serving dinner a real treat - and eating it even more so. Walking was not without challenge as well, but those who had cruised previously told us novices there was nothing to be concerned about. We smiled bravely, albeit nervously, but the experienced cruisers proved to be right.

Friday was the final full day of the trip and, thankfully, it was on a much calmer sea. However, it was a short and probably scary, day for one crew member who suffered a severe appendicitis attack. A medical helicopter was called to evacuate her to a hospital and the rescue was right out of a TV reality show.

Although calmer than the previous day, the winds were still gusty and the pilot showed incredible skill and composure as he maneuvered the helicopter, hovering above the ship’s top deck so that the ill crew member, strapped into a basket, could be pulled up safely. Doug and Jamie Sharp from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, had a birdseye view of the incident as it played out right outside their cabin deck. We learned later that the young woman had arrived safely and was in stable condition.

We arrived in Galveston early Saturday morning to cool temperatures in the high 50’s; we had thoroughly enjoyed the previous four days with highs in the mid-80’s and, even if it had been overcast part of the time, no one was ready to return to 50’s, much less the single digits that many of us would be facing when we arrived at our final destinations. We boarded buses headed for the Houston airports where everyone scattered to different terminals, but not before saying goodbye to new and renewed friends and thinking about “the next cruise.”