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Cruising the Maya-Caribbean"Life sure can be Sweet"By Rick Millikan
During our first buffet lunch aboard, we eagerly chose shore excursions from an extraordinary list of possibilities. In Playa del Carmen, although Coba was enticing, we chose to visit Tulum, the only walled Mayan City ever built on the Caribbean coast, and sacred Xel-Ha Lagoon. From Puerto Cortes, Honduras we had to visit glorious Copan, the Athens of Mayan city states. Visiting Altun-Ha was an attractive possibility in Belize, but there we opted to beach comb at Goff’s Caye and snorkel the world’s second largest reef. From Progresso in the Yucatan, we realized a long time desire to explore Chichen Itza. Here, many fellow cruisers chose to see other nearby sites, beautiful Uxmal and Kabah.
Our stylish cabin looked out on moonlit seas. Gently rocked to sleep each night, we awoke to sunshine streaming through our window, with the promise of a new day’s adventure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we burned off countless calories on vigorous port excursions and shipboard activities. Voyager introduced us to new places and friends. Representing twenty nationalities, the friendly, attentive crew supported a relaxed atmosphere for the multi-aged North American passengers. Fellow cruisers were soon chatting pleasantly and sharing entertaining stories.
Our shipmates’ stories were treasured. Earl, a golden aged, silver haired Texan, had boarded the Voyager with his “new” bride. Blue eyes sparkling, he drawled, “At a reunion I happened to ask about my high school sweet heart. No one could tell me anything about her present life. When she heard that I asked about her, realizing that my first wife passed away and I was alone, my darlin’ phoned me. After 54 years, we got married. Now we’re together on this beautiful cruise! Life sure can be sweet!”
Greek night was special. Dressed in the national colors of blue and white, we dined on traditional delicacies, followed by joyful Grecian entertainment. The haunting bazouki spurred on the crew’s songs and colorful folk dances. A star attraction, Captain Kritikos sang “Never on Sunday”, although I imagined he would readily belt out a tune at ship cocktail parties or at its piano bar. Our captain set a course for passengers to have fun!! Cruise games can be embarrassing, but here contests encouraged camaraderie and friendly banter. “Gender Bender”, a Family Feud adaptation pitting men against women, became my opportunity to shine. When our moderator asked, “What four activities were surveyed as the most popular on-board activities?” I shouted, “Dancing!” My wife gave me two thumbs up, but my feminine opponent countered with the winning answer, “Eating!” Those wily women built up an impressive lead. Miraculously, we made a huge comeback, winning coveted Voyager mugs!
A bridge tour briefed us on the sleek mid-sized ship’s design, high tech navigation systems, security features, and signal flag usage. Donning the captain’s cap and sitting in his elegant swivel chair, I took the helm, if only for a souvenir photo!! In seven days we sailed 2186 nautical miles, visited four Caribbean ports, applauded great entertainment, and enjoyed a special camaraderie. Our cruise into the Mayan world provided lively adventures and remarkable discoveries. Like Earl said, “Life can sure be sweet.” Royal Olympic Cruises Web: www.royalolympiccruises.com E-Mail : rocruises@rocusa.com TEL. (800) 872-6400 FAX (888) 662-6237 |
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TM
Fascinated with Mayan civilization, but deterred by
travel hassles? My wife and I discovered a cruise originating in Houston
that offered a sensational Mayan itinerary. After booking this
comfortable, affordable way to investigate the Mayan World, we embarked upon
a unique Caribbean voyage. 
Royal Olympic Cruise Line, is extraordinary in
offering on-board enrichment programs. On its Voyager, we attended talks
and stunning slide presentations on key aspects of Mayan culture. As a
result, we visited the ancient cities with a profound appreciation.
Cruising into the Pre-Columbian world was profoundly ideal for golden aged
adventurers. 
Sunset panoramas, gourmet food, and entertaining
conversations created a week of memorable dining experiences. Our dinner
companions were charming Houstonians. Like other fellow passengers
commemorating special events, Elaine and Tom were celebrating their 25th
wedding anniversary. On the first evening, Tom, a former Coast Guardsman
volunteer, highlighted our passage into the Gulf of Mexico. We discussed
gourmet temptations and how to remain trim. Concerns were minimized by low
fat haute cuisine alternatives. Talk soon revolved around interesting
excursions and activities.
Nightly, accompanied by a young Romanian orchestra, a
troupe of Eastern European singers and dancers staged musical galas. A
Latvian musician nimbly played the panpipes in a crystalline frenzy of
popular melodies. Our favorite performer, a 21-year-old Romanian prodigy
plucked and struck the strings of his cembalo, a small piano shaped
instrument, comparable to an American dulcimer. He played a variety of
classical pieces, sometimes with great speed and intensity; at other times,
soft and playful. 
During afternoon tea the captain announced, “...You may
have heard that the newly designed Voyager is the fastest liner afloat.
Speed has a practical benefit. Passengers are offered more extensive and
exotic itineraries with more time in port. Now fasten your safety belts...”
Utilizing two of its four engines, the Voyager averages 18 knots, equaling
other passenger ships’ top speed. Employing all four engines, the stream
lined Voyager cruised smoothly at 31 knots!!