Dec 2004 Western Caribbean Cruise

Port Canaveral:  Carnival Glory Cruise Ship

( Key West, Florida ), ( Cozumel, Mexico ), ( Belize City, Belize ), (Merida, Mexico )

Day 1 ( Port Canaveral & Embarking )

Day 2 ( Key West, Florida )

Day 3 ( At Sea )

Day 4 ( Belize City, Belize - Trip to Belize Zoo) 

Day 5 ( Cozumel, Mexico )

Day 6 ( Merida, Mexico - 30 miles inland from Progreso )

( Day 6 - Port of Progreso )

( Day 7 - At Sea )

Key West was a very laid back, quaint and exclusive place partly for the folks that lived there and partly for the tourist who visited there.  The area is noted for being a central location for gays.  The port is an old navy port.  Cozumel is a small island who entertains about 3 to 6 cruise ships each day - that means 15000 to 30000 tourists crowd into a city whose population is about 85000 - way too crowded for my blood.  Belize City was a wasted unprotected excuse for a port city.  Police everywhere.  The city was divided - those who had money and those who did not - and most folks did not and that area is where you best visit in groups of 4 or 5 carrying as little money and cameras as possible.  The inland excursions from the boat were not very good except for the island & water excursions.  Merida was a big relief.  A very safe city.  Debbie and I rented a cab for the day and drove into Merida where we, being all alone, spent about 4 hours shopping and walking the streets.  Many bargains but only if you need the items they sell - even Wal-Mart was priced a little cheaper than in the states.  An old and beautiful city - we would go back there.