Mr. C and Zee Getaway Series – Western Caribbean

Last week, Mr. C and I had the opportunity to take our first cruise together to the Western Caribbean. If this is your first partner cruise, check out these tips to ensure you both have a great trip while strengthening, not straining, your relationship.

We decided to cruise out of Galveston since it’s a relatively quick drive saving money on flights and reducing the amount of time we are off from work. We sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas. This was the first time for both of us on this cruise line. And although I had been to Cozumel before, it had been more than 10 years since the last visit.

Our trip was a 5-day cruise with ports in Yucatan (Progreso) and Cozumel, Mexico.

Day 1 – Drive to Galveston and Embarkation

We left early on a Wednesday morning for the four hour drive to Galveston. Royal Caribbean, like most cruises, allowed us to choose our arrival time. We had pre-purchased port parking for the Port of Galveston that gave us a slight discount versus waiting until we arrived to find parking. Once parked, a shuttle transported us to the cruise terminal. Getting on the ship was a breeze (pun intended)! We spent the rest of the day touring the ship and tasting the food until the ship sailed away at 4pm that afternoon.

Day 2 – Day at Sea

We spent our first full day doing what I recommend for everyone – lounging on the lido deck. Although it was windy, there was still enough fun in the sun reading and people watching.

Dinner that evening was in the main dining hall. It was our first and only formal night. We met some very nice guests at our table which was a good thing since they would be our table mates for the duration of the cruise – one couple and two best friends out for a girls trip.

Day 3 – Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Progreso is on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. We booked our excursions through the ship guaranteeing we would be back to the pier on time. Beach life is the best life for me so it was off to an all-inclusive day in the sun.

Day 4 – Cozumel, Mexico

Our excursion in Cozumel was a day at the Chankanaab National Park, where we did a tequila tasting, watched a seal show and toured the park. And of course, there was time to lay by the beach.

Day 5 – Cruising at Sea

We had made it to our final day at sea. Time definitely goes fast when you are on vacation. It’s hard to believe it’s almost time to head back to our regular lives. We decided to make a night of it. We treated ourselves to a night at the Chops Grille, an on-board steakhouse with an intimate setting and exquisite food. Although a steak lover, the food was even more than Mr. C could eat at one sitting so we boxed the rest to go and finish later in our cabin. We finished the night participating in the Battle of the Sexes, a hilarious series of activities with double meanings and lots of laughter.

Day 6 – Back in Galveston and Headed Home

We woke early to have breakfast on the ship before heading out for the four hour drive home. Since we were carrying our luggage off with us, we missed most of the hustle and bustle that happens with passengers rushing to get off and to the airport for their flights. It was such a fun trip! Mr. C caught the cruise bug so we will definitely be planning another one in the future.

Title Musical Nod: Islands in the Stream (Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers