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www.maxpages.com/ecstasy Just before I embarked on the Galaxy for a twelve-day cruise to the Caribbean, I decided that maybe that was not enough cruise time and I called to see if any other ships were departing Galveston after the Galaxy was due to return on 22 Jan 05. It turned out that the Carnival Line's Ecstasy was scheduled for a five day Caribbean cruise departing 24 Jan so I decided to cross decks, as it were, and continue the cruising good life. I had never tried Carnival Cruise Lines before and this was an excellent opportunity. I had a vehicle in Galveston so I was able to drive to Houston and experience some of that city's attractions during the two days between cruises. The Ecstasy has had mixed reviews and I was prepared to have a so-called typical Carnival cruise with noisy young people running around at all hours of the night. As it happened, it was a rather routine cruise with ship operations at a notch lower than other cruise lines but it was still enjoyable for one who wanted to be at sea as much as possible. The ship was boarded in Galveston rather easily and exploration revealed that the neon and gaudy colors that seem to be Carnival's hallmark were indeed in evidence. The cabin was sufficient and the dining and and entertainment were okay but not terribly exciting. Nevertheless, the overall cruise was certainly acceptable if uninspired. The first day was spent at sea crossing the Gulf of Mexico and the sun was cooperating. The ship moved easily and the passengers including me, seemed to be exploring all aspects of its inner and outer public spaces. Cozumel was the first port to be visited and I got a taxi and spent a good part of the day at the nearby Chankanaab National Park where I did some snorkeling and touring of the park's varied attractions. Calica is a relatively new cruise ship pier area that is four miles south of Playa del Carmen where the cruise ships have to anchor offshore and tender their passengers into the town. Calica is also a car ferry port but little else and passengers generally go to Xcaret theme park about one mile to the north or into Playa del Carmen for the urban attractions. A day at sea to wind down a bit and prepare for the 1,600-mile drive back to Los Angeles. On the following and last day, the debarkation is easy enough and Galveston looks good if not a bit hazy. The Mardi Gras parade starts up and the week long celebration begins. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. |
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