Carnival Ecstasy: Western Carribbean Cruise

by Jennifer
(Texas)

Last year my husband and I took a cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy with another couple. The ship left from Galveston, Texas and made stops in Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. We live in Texas so the departure point from Galveston was really convenient for us.

We made the drive out to the coast in about four hours and parked the car near the port for about $50 which we split with our travel companions. Boarding the boat was simple and took about 45 minutes from the time we arrived (around 2:00 p.m.).

Once we got on the boat we just had to wait a little while for our suitcases to arrive during which we explored the boat and waved goodbye as we took off. We relaxed and killed time until dinner which was fantastic. It was the second time I had cruised but the first time for everyone else in the group but everyone loved the food throughout the cruise and the best part is, if you don’t like what you’ve ordered, you can just order something else.

On the days at sea there was plenty to do, although the Ecstasy is smaller than other cruise ships. I brought a book which made sitting out in the sun on a deck chair even more appealing. During the cruise we played mini-golf, worked out in the fitness center, went to the casino, went to the nightly Vegas-style show, attended a lecture on art, went to a wine tasting class, swam in the pool, went to tea time, and all kinds of other activities. We got a schedule each night for the activities for the next day which was very convenient in planning our days.

On the second day, we arrived in Cozumel. My husband and I headed straight for Parque Chankanaab. A taxi to get there costs about $10 and the entrance was $15 per person. At the park you can rent snorkeling gear to see the fantastic sea life which is always my favorite activity on the beach. There is also a restaurant to buy food, a dolphin training center and an area with archaeological ruins. We spent the whole day here laying in hammocks between rounds of swimming and snorkeling.

The second port of call was Progresso. We didn’t spend any time in Progresso but instead caught a bus to Merida, the capital of Yucatan State, about 45 minutes away. Don’t bother with the guided excursions to Merida, the bus costs only about $2 per person and is easy to catch and takes you directly to the center of Merida. This is a beautiful, vibrant city and we spent the day eating, shopping, and visiting museums. We had a fantastic vacation.

Carnival is a bit cheaper than other cruise lines and it shows a bit in the décor of the ship but if you can get past the 80’s carpet and neon lights, you will have a great time and no shortage of things to do.