Travel day

 January 23, 2026

San Miguel de Cozumel

Weather is sunny and 80’s

Sunrise over San Miguel de Cozumel

We have 3 separate tours today. Bob is going scuba diving, Shirley is going Alebrije painting and Ann and I are visiting the Mayan ruins in the interior of the island. We docked on time and had a leisurely breakfasts as our tours left at 9:30, 10:00, and 1:00.

The Mayan ruins

Ann and I queued up along with 5 other groups going to the ruins. This was the most chaotic departure I can remember.  Since 5 groups were going to the same place, the local tour guides just randomly assigned stickers to the first 24 people they found and there we were. Our guide, Junior, with a very long Mexican/Mayan name turned out pretty good. He was half Mayan and spoke that language. He described the Island as very flat (true), 24 miles long and 7 miles wide. As we traveled the 35 minutes to the site, he spoke about his culture and the history of the ruins.  It was dedicated to the fertility Goddess and so it was a pilgrimage site for women.

Entering the Archeological Park

Some of the ruins of San Gervesio

One of many Iguanas

Iguanas called this place home and there were many of them sunning on the ruins. After yesterday at Lamenai, these ruins were rather pitiful.  They were indeed ruins and only the foundations plus a little bit were left from the ravages of time. There was a nice Mayan road that stretched from the compound to the sea which was somewhat preserved.

The various conditions of the Mayan Road

Maya Road to the sea

The tour lasted only an hour, and it was enough to get the gist of the place. We were given 10 minutes to browse the gift shop area which did not excite Anna or me. So, we went to the airconditioned bus and waited for the shoppers.  Soon we were on our way back to the port.

Once let off the bus we were directed to go “that way”.  That way led to a very confusing area of shops and more shops. I had to ask several people at different times how to return to the ship.  We kept going “that way”. We had to go up an escalator to more shops and eager shopkeepers, around narrow places where counters of merchandise were crowded to the things, past more shops and finally down the escalator and through port security to our ship.  On the way Ann met a friend.

Anna finds a friend

Photo op (there was a line)

Once back on the ship Ann and I ate lunch and chatted.  We alternated promenades with chilling in the Explorer’s lounge.  We even took a turn at mini golf.

Clutch Putt

Bob returned first and he was really pumped up from his excursion! Apparently it was a huge success! They did not allow people to take pictures because they took pictures and sold them.  

Bob the Scuba Guy gives the A-OK Signal

Shirley returned not long after and she also had a great time!

Alebrije Adventure:

My group met our guide Eiuu at the terminal and walked through all of the shops to meet taxis to take us to Barriecito, a restaurant, garden, and craft place.  There were only 14 in our group, so I had the chance to visit with the others.  We went to the room where Angel had set up our painting stations and we chose our Spirit Guides!  I had thought I wanted a cat but chose an owl for Athena—it fits.  Alebijes are beautiful examples of Mexican folk art--mythical creatures who “keep us from danger while also urging us toward adventure.”

 

Entrance to the Alebrije Studio

Eiuu holding forth

Our Choices

Sample creature for inspiration purposes ($55)

Glaucus, Athena's Owl

 

Of course, mine has purple flowers!  Afterwards, we had a snack and then rode taxis back to the terminal where I saw the “statues” having lunch!

 

Creatures of the Ramblas (off duty)

After everyone got back and settled, it was time for our fancy restaurant date. We had reservations at Manfredi’s, the upscale Italian restaurant. We were seated and had a very nice four course Italian meal.

The Grand Entrance

Toasting the cruise at Manfredi's

After dinner we went to the Explorer’s Lounge for some trivia. We scored 12 out of 15 and did not win. It was a lot of fun.  After that we went back to the room and watched our cruise director, Patricia perform.