Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY
~ Western Caribbean "Sunshine Sojourns"~
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Radisson Diamond's pool deck
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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 foodmemorable dishes (particularly the Chilean sea bass) were mentioned and comparedand 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.
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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 decisionthey 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
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