Monica887

I had narrowed it down to the marquise, the strawberry, or the flottante. My aunt is getting the flottante, so now I just need to decide between the chocolate or the strawberry. Decisions, decisions....

Day 7: At Sea It's coming to an end and I don't want to go home! A Haven breakfast, and I tried what I think were overnight oats that were very tasty. On the small breakfast buffet they have a variety of parfait cups including the oats, fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese. And I had yet another almond croissant. The first day I think they were stale, but perfect every day since. Spent the morning at the pool (yes, there are chair hogs in the Haven - several chairs with only one personal item for hours on end without us seeing them at all). Lunch in the Haven. I've run out of menu items there for the most part, vegetarian wise. I could request something, but after a full week of getting creative the menu has run it's course. I just had a salad, which is fine, because my body hates me for trying to eat everything. I had to have dessert though...I had the pavlova earlier in the week and have been dreaming of it. It's light and fruity and exactly what I want lunch dessert to be. Plus, it's mostly eggs and fruit, so it's healthy, right? People are coughing all over the pool area. One person even brought a full tissue box to the pool. We relocated to the upper deck area which is 2 stories up and overlooks the pool, still enclosed but next to the outdoor sundeck and far less crowded.

I don't remember the price, but it wasn't $279. I didn't get the package the allows video streaming, just the regular unlimited one. It's been completely fine. Only one afternoon was it glitchy. I could post here, check my regular email etc, use What's App for texting. When video chatting on what's app, the video wasn't great but we had no problem having a conversation.

What's the best dessert at the Bistro?

Day 7: Daily

Day 6: Moderno and Comedy As a vegetarian, I have avoided Moderno for the 20 or so years I've been sailing NCL. Because it's a meat restaurant. And vegetarian choices are usually an afterthought in these places, so why bother? OMG I've been missing out! I wish I could have gotten some good pics of the salad bar, because I had a hard time finding any when I was researching. But it's probably 90% vegetarian (including cheese). Fresh salad veggies, marinated antipasto type veggies, cheeses, cous cous salads, bean salads, tabbouleh, sushi. I filled one plate with salad and then went back for the others salads and things. Took only small scoops of each and had plenty of food. All the sides they bring to the table are also veg - rice, mashed potato, black beans, plantains, mushrooms. They do come around with all the meat, and Aunt said it was all delicious. They also came around with a hot, juicy, cinnamon-y roasted pineapple that was next level. After that we didn't really need dessert, but we split a few bites a mango rice pudding. I've traveled a lot with Aunt, and she has never come to a comedy show. But I wanted to do all the things, so I told her it was my birthday, my rules. She was especially hesitant because of the 18+ rating and she doesn't find much humor in that. But we went and she didn't stop laughing the whole time. (Thanks, Quinn Patterson!) Onto the dreaded final day....

Day 6: Cozumel and The Chocolate Experience It's finally actually my birthday!! In my family, birthdays mean ice cream in your cornflakes for breakfast. (don't knock it til you try it...) And of course my butler made it happen in my room. Breakfast continued with the French Toast in the Haven dining room, because it's my birthday and I'm on vacation, so there. Also some poached eggs, because it was going to be a long day and I should be sort of responsible in my old age. I don't usually do ship excursions like this one, but we chose Island Discovery & Chocolate Experience, becuase it was not just chocolate, but also honey and tequila. I'm a little jaded and don't care for the ones that just go to touristy shopping villages, which I assumed (correctly) that this was. As long as your temper expectations going into it, and know what to expect, it's a nice day. We met at the pier, and boarded a bus. It was a bajillion degrees again today and the bus cooling system was lacking. First stop was the Mayan Bee Sanctuary. A shaman blessed us in a "traditional" (?) ceremony. And we went on to see the local stingless bees. We tasted the honey which was lovely and floral, and quite unique. The space was all outdoors and very pretty. Bought my kids some honey candies. Then off to a tourist beach bar for lunch. This wasn't included in the description of the tour (I had brought a protein bar in case all that was available from 9:30-2 was sweets and alcohol!) I had a quesadilla and some guac. They were also selling and tasting tequila there, so I had 5 or so tastes. YOLO. Next up was the chocolate, which was very much in a tourist complex. A brief video, a brief demonstration, and a gift shop. Also a sample of a taco, made with seeds and spices. Not super educational, but there was about 10 chocolates to taste, so no complaints. And then, tequila! I'm not a huge tequila drinker but it's always fun to taste. This also, was in a tourist restaurant. I think I ended up tasting 10 different types (tiny pours!!) There's a 15 minute talk followed by some shopping time. I was crazy hot, and bought a frozen horchata that was delicious. Headed back to the port. Tried to get my free birthday Starbucks but was denied (still used their wifi and ac for a bit though) and am back to sitting in my butt, trying to motivate for dinner. Moderno and 18+ comedy (the only way I could get Aunt to join me at comedy was by playing the birthday card!)

Day 6 Dailies

Day 5: Dinner and Evening I'm exhausted. The relaxed, happy kind of exhausted. I was going to go find a spot for music tonight but realized I didn't want to, so it's a quiet night for me. Haven restaurant, for the last dinner there (specialties the next 2 nights). I pre ordered and they made me the shrimp scampi minus the shrimp, from the lunch menu (so basically just a garlic pasta with extra zucchini. I added the broccolini that I had the other night and it was tasty, but not overly exciting. Aunt started with the ahi tuna and then had the surf and turf. I couldn't even imagine another heavy dessert so I asked for some cookies, and brought them back to the room for later. And now it IS later, and I just sat myself down by the pool with a book and those cookies. Goodnight, all.

@ShidahYeah, the water was more north east than Caribbean due to the sargassum. We didn't swim. There was some kids playing in it, but it was not a swimming kind of spot. That varies throughout the year due to seasonal and environmental changes. I have also been to the area that sounds like what @Ellis1138 mentions. The water there was blue and beautiful on the several occasions I was there. Yes, each restaurant/bar/club touched the next and everyone wanted to sell you something. I have had some SUPER fun beach days there, as a couple, with older family, with kids... I've never had a bad time in Costa Maya. For this trip we wanted to get out of the crowds, and this place is secluded! The ONLY negative I can think of was the sargassum, which is a problem in that whole general area, if you read some of the port boards. It was the trade off to be in a quieter more relaxing atmosphere. I'd be curious to hear from anyone who has recently been to that main drag area, to hear how the water has been!

Day 5 - Costa Maya: Hayhu Beach Club For this one I did a full post in the Costa Maya forum, because when I was planning it was hard to get answers to the questions I had, so the full post is below. But basically, it's a beach club about 20 minutes away from the port. We did the very basic package which was $60 per person, and included $30 food credit each (so 120 total and the first 60 of food is free). Transportation is included - they contract with a cab company, so you're in a regular yellow cab. It was not crowded at all, and much better than any "beach break" type excursions I've done. A few pics and then the link to the full post. The VERY crowded port. All I bought here was some vanilla, as I always do. The seating area for the a la carte package. My view for the day. Mezcal sour.

We got caipirosca de mango, mezcalito sour, palta pora, chipa guazu, and ceviche cocaveggie. They initially didn't have any coconut for the veggie dish, but was able to get a fresh coconut from "a neighbor!" Everything was fresh and delicious. Vegetarian choices. I wish we had room for dessert - they sounded delicious!

I had a hard time finding a menu with pricing when I was planning, so here's the whole menu. Accurate as of 8/10/23.

Transportation IS included but it's a long walk from the dock. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, especially since the directions are confusing. Also, in the basic package, towels are NOT included - don't make the same mistake I did! Bring a towel! Between the two of us we ordered 3 dishes and 2 drinks. That was still $4 less than the food credit it comes with, so that whole day cost $120 plus tip. Far better than any excursion!

I learned about Hayhu Beach Club from this board but struggled to find info, so I thought I'd share my review. https://www.hayhubeach.com/day-pass/ Pricing info is on the website, but I wasn't sure what package to do. They were responsive with pictures and maps when I emailed. I don't drink a ton, and it was just 2 of us so we went with the a la carte package - no regrets - didn't need more. If I had a bigger group VIP would be worth it. The first thing when you enter is the bar area and small shop. You go down the steps from that platform, and on each side is table seating and one small massage station. Above the table areas are the 2 VIP sections. That package includes private bathroom and shower and towels, and more food credit. Keep walking towards the beach and on each side is the a la carte section. This space is shared with other guests, but on our day, we had one other couple on our side, and a family on the other side. Not too crowded at all. Walk past the a la carte section and you get to the Beach and Jungle seating. This is on the beach instead of a platform and more private, if that's important to you. I'm glad I didn't bother upgrading. I actually preferred the platform. There's a small outdoor shower for the non VIP people. And watch your step - sea turtle nests everywhere! The sargassum is real. We saw at least one family leave because of it. While there were some small kids playing in the water, it wasn't the most perfect blue, clean water some people are looking for. I'll do a separate post with menu pictures, but 100% I would come back. Super peaceful and well run.

Day 5 Daily

Day 4: Dinner and Howl at the Moon Dinner in the Haven. You're able to order something from the lunch menu for dinner, if you let them know during lunch so they can set it aside. So my Aunt got the shrimp scampi with lobster instead of shrimp, as recommended by the waiter. And I got the spaghetti squash, also from the lunch menu. I also got the risotto appetizer. And the chocolate cake which was actually good - not just "cruise ship good", and better than Cagney's. After dinner we went to Howl at the Moon, the dueling pianos show. All 3 were very talented, musically, but 2 had better chemistry together and seemed to have a lot more fun. So some sets were better than others. Still, always fun and a good mix of music. Tomorrow: Costa Maya. We're going to Hayhu beach club, a private beach that I found through CC posts.

DAY 4 CONTINUED: Lunch and Harvest Caye After Monkey River we returned to the ship for lunch. I requested a plain old veggie burger, which was no problem. Our favorite waiter, Imam, is always suggesting things for me to try. He recommended the couscous that usually has shrimp, without the shrimp. It was delicious! After lunch, back to the Island for some pool time. I really wanted to hit the swim up bar! We have been to HC before, and it was a bajillion degrees, so we didn't explore much this time. But if you haven't been there before, leave plenty of time for walking! It really is a fun one. I did take some time to check out the ocean before going to the pool. This was at the first and main entry area, and it seemed like there were plenty of seats scattered throughout. I'm sure it would be even easier further down. If you've ever been tempted to get a pool cabana, here's what they look like. Shade. Padded loungers as opposed to the brown wicker ones at the pool or blue mesh ones at the ocean. But we had no problem getting pool seats with a large umbrella, and I'm not sure the added extra expense would be worth the cabana for me. The pool is HUGE and had some little shaded spots around the edges which is nice. There's a bridge down the middle. Here are the 2 separate halves, as seen from the bridge. The blue roof in the first pool pic is the restaurant. We didn't go in, but there's also a limited menu you can order from the pool chairs. I should have taken a pic, but I believe burgers were under $15, and chips were $7 with a few other items. That's also where the swim up bar is. Here's where I complain for a minute. The edges of the pool were absolutely LINED with littered cups. Even worse at the edge of the bar itself. It was gross. Even at each stair entry way to the pool, there were PILES of flip flops where people couldn't bother to keep them at their chairs or tucked in a corner. At our chairs, there were empty cups when we arrived that were never taken. I didn't see a trash can anywhere close by and no one ever came around to collect them, though there were several servers taking drink and food orders. So I decided to skip the pool bar, and eventually headed back to the ship. Waiting for us in the room were more treats, including those based on our requests for chips and salsa, and cheese and crackers. We had a few bites and then hit the Haven pool where I got a Mango Meltdown. Later: Dinner at Haven, and Howl at the Moon.

It was a nice perk! That said, at Company Men (which doesn't take reservations) the Haven section was 2 rows in the left section, though the room wasn't crowded and you could pretty much get whatever section you preferred.

Day 4, Harvest Caye, Belize Breakfast and excursion BREAKFAST Every waiter now knows my coffee order. I ate more avocado toast. MONKEY RIVER ECO TOUR We woke up to rain, but it was gone before the 8:30 tour. We were escorted down from the Haven. The pier is LONG, but there are carts shuttling people back and forth. We walked. Signage was good, and all tours left from the Marina. The Marina itself was a bit chaotic - you have to pay attention to find your group. We boarded a 20 passenger boat, a little squished together. We got lucky with a great group of friendly people. The boat first goes quickly through sea water to get to the river lined with mangroves. You WILL get wet. Then we slowed down while the guides pointed out wildlife and plants. My phone camera is awful, so I'll spare you all the blurry little birds and bats. But we saw crabs, lizards, birds, bats, iguanas, and of course howler monkeys. Would have liked more time to watch the monkeys, but it was still fun to see them. We got off the boat for a brief "hike" which was on a narrow paved path. The guide was knowledgeable and talked about how certain plants were used for medicinal or building purposes. There we also saw a snake and some impressively large spiders. I wore long hiking pants and a long sleeve sun shirt, and I'm glad I did! We were all covered in mosquitos, even with bug spray. Closed toe shoes would have been a smart move. We turned around to make our way back, including a brief stop at a "gift store" of small trinkets, local beer and soda, and the bathroom (for $1). I loved that it wasn't a far away excursion - no bus needed! And the small group was nice so we could talk to each other, and ask questions. Accessibility wise, you need to be able to take a couple of big steps onto a boat and sit all smushed together. You don't have to get off for the walk, but I included a picture of the path for reference. Here are some slightly less blurry pics. Iguana Bird The pathway for the "hike" Snake

Quick late night update - Cagney's for dinner. My vegetarian self actually really likes it, on a comfort food level - a wedge salad, and a baked potato with sides. Simple and delicious. Aunt had the crab cake but didn't love it - she doesn't like the shredded up type of crab, and didn't care for the seasoning. Her steak was cooked perfectly to her liking. She had the blueberry crumble for dessert and I had the chocolate cake since everyone here raves about it. I am super critical of NCLs desserts and this was definitely one of the better ones. Thank you to @Mommapadraig for the Company of Men suggestion. I had been wandering in and out of bars looking for the right music after losing at the casino, so her suggestion came just before the show started! Fun music, and the perfect way to end the evening. The Haven pool has a nice quiet vibe at night too, so I relaxed a bit before heading back to the room. Tomorrow - Harvest Caye where I have an excursion to see monkeys!

Day 4 Daily

Oh, thank you! I blew all my money in the casino, listened to music in a few bars and had just sat down to try to figure out what to do next. Perfect timing!

Day 3 Daily

Day 2 Daily