Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Western Caribbean "Sunshine Sojourns"~
 |
|
Radisson
Diamond's pool deck |
Pure contentment
Is it possible to accurately measure
relaxation? On a personal level, if I actually read the paperback
books I packed, I'm likely to be blissfully at ease. If I don't feel rushed, my
stress level plummets. Mid-way through our cruise, I assessed my
indicators... two books completed and no aspirin consumed. Very good
signs.
One of life's simplest and often
overlooked pleasures is conversation. I found it in abundance in
Radisson Diamond. Passengers joined one another in an uncomplicated
ebb and flow of camaraderie, discussing everything under the sun.
Topics high on everyone's list were food—memorable dishes
(particularly the Chilean sea bass) were mentioned and compared—and
music. The consensus among fellow guests was that the variety of
entertainment and music added immensely to our pleasure.
But the food... oh, the FOOD!
Arrival in Cozumel was marked with a
Tequila Sunset Deck Party aft, followed by a poolside buffet dinner.
 |
 |
Caribbean-style
buffet dinner |
Dining
poolside
under the stars |
For
the duration of Radisson Diamond's "Caribbean Escape" voyages this
season, one night in the course of each cruise is set aside for
Caribbean-style al fresco dining, complete with chilled seafood and
kebobs, steaks, and barbequed ribs hot off the grill. Serenaded by a
mariachi band, dinner concluded with a fabulous dessert of Bananas
Foster and it was time to change into shorts and stretch our legs
ashore. Our small vessel had the privilege of docking right in the
center of San Miguel, with it's seaside shops, restaurants, and clubs
all within a short walking distance.
An uncommon
"overnight" stay in Cozumel
Most cruise ships spend daytime hours at best, but we
had the
opportunity to sample a bit
of Cozumel's lively nightlife during our overnight stay. Cozumel has
built up a great deal since our last visit, with shops a bit more
resort-ish and some of the clubs we remembered in slightly different
locations. However, the nightlife is as lively as ever in Carlos and
Charlies and Señor Frogs. Unfortunately, we aren't quite as
energetic. After a stroll along the seawall we returned to Radisson
Diamond to dance to the smooth Latin sounds of Grupo Menta before
retiring to our stateroom and a movie from the video library.
Brief cooling showers intruded the
next morning as we headed ashore, but they didn't bother the snorkelers at
Chankanaab Lagoon
Park or the shoppers in town. We were sorry to leave so soon as we bid
farewell to Mexico promptly at 1:00pm and headed for sunnier skies at
sea.
What will it be... a poolside Ice
Cream Social or Tea and Trivia? Both were popular late-afternoon
respites from lazing in the sun and we didn't have to make a difficult
decision—they were thoughtfully scheduled so we could take advantage
of both.
Diamond on the Diamond
An evening treat was recording artist
David McLaine performing hits by one of our favorites, Neil Diamond. With his refreshing
style, McLaine entertained the audience in Windows Lounge with Diamond
standards.
We keep gathering gems aboard Radisson Diamond, especially
musical ones.
Next -> After another day at sea, it's
debarkation
Back to the Diamond
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