Tropical Update - No major storms in sight

Here's my best approximation of a weather forecast for Mariner of the Seas:

Sept 23 - Port Canaveral
High in the high 80s and lows in the mid-70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 40%

Sept 24 - At Sea

High in the high 80s and lows in the mid-70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 40%

Sept 25 - Labadee, Haiti
High in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 26 - Ocho Rios

High in the high 80s and lows in the high 70s. Scattered Showers. Chance of rain: 30%

Sept 27 - Georgetown, Grand Cayman

High in the high 80s and lows in the low 80s. Scattered Showers. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 28 - Cozumel
High in the 90s and lows in the mid-70s. Scattered Showers. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 29 - At Sea
High in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 60%

Sept 30 - Port Canaveral

High in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s. Scattered T-Storms. Chance of rain: 60%

ARE WE THERE YET???

I can't stand it anymore! Two more sleeps till vacation!

Day Spa Menu At A Glance!

For those of you interested in taking advantage of the onboard spa, here is a price list for the Ship Shape Spa on the Mariner of the Seas. The exact prices and available treatments are always subject to change. But there may also be specials or promotions throughout the cruise, especially on days when the ship is in port. Hopefully, this will be a useful guide.

Featured Treatments

Ionithermie Algae Detox - $145

Course of 3 for $330

This powerful body treatment successfully helps to reduce cellulite, firm & tone your skin and detoxify your body. You will lose substantial inches around the buttocks, abdomen, arms or thighs. If you are serious about achieving dramatic, instant results and focusing on a plan to maintain a firm and toned body, this is the treatment you are looking for.

Hydra-Lift Facial - $109

Produces clear, vibrant, smooth looking skin by deep cleansing and reducing stress within the skin cells. Utilizing the latest in European ingredients and techniques, the results are visible after just one treatment. Includes a relaxing face, neck & shoulder massage.

Romance Ritual (Couples Massage package) - $325 per couple

Enjoy a traditional full body Swedish massage together with your partner after delighting in the exotic couples Rasul ceremony - our exquisite private Morrocan mud/steamsuite for two. Great fun, relaxing and romantic! Revive the romance at home with a complimentary sensual bath oil.

Seaweed Massage - $176

The number one massage for lasting relaxation and muscular relief. The detox seaweed mask is followed by a massage on the main tension areas, providing weeks of relief. Excellent for arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms and general body detoxification. Includes a scalp massage and foot massage. 1hr 30 minutes

Hot Stone Massage - $175

A traditional full body massage combined with deep penetrating heat from volcanic stones bathed in oriental oils. This Balinese massage helps release deep muscular tension and is undeniably luxurious. 75 minutes

Absolute Face & Body Ritual - $176

Our most exclusive treatment for relaxation and indulgence from the soles of your feet to the tingling top of your scalp! Experience the bliss of warmed oils poured over your body, a tantalizing complete back-of-body aromatherapy massage followed by our intensive facial, evoking a firm, fresh, youthful glow. 1 hr 45 minutes of total spa heaven.

Lime & Ginger Body Massage - $141

Sublime indulgence from head to toe! Warmed oils drizzled all over your body and a sumptuous mixture massaged into the skin to slough away dryness. After an aromatic shower, we delight you with a Swedish massage of the back, neck and shoulders. 50 minutes (Add $37 and upgrade to a full body massage, 75 minutes).

Couples Rasul Ritual - $83 per couple

Relax and unwind in our exclusive Eastern Rasul Steam made for two. Apply specialized rasul herbal clays and muds to different parts of each others bodies to cleanse, stimulate and detoxify while the romatic steam works its magic. Allow one hour for the full ritual.

Other Treatments

Teeth Whitening - $245

Couples Massage 50 minutes - $242/couple

Full Body Massage 50 minutes - $109

Deep Tissue Massage 50 minutes - $116

Reflexology/Massage Combo 50 minutes - $109

Exotic Manicure - $ 44

Sole Delight Pedicure - $61

10 DAYS!!!

Anne recommended I post my exhaustive research on Cozumel, so here goes:

Last time, we took the ship excursion to Playa Mia Beach, which we liked but didn't love. It was a long drive and crowded with screaming cruise passengers climbing their version of the climbing wall...

Cozumel Insider has an impressive but exhausting chart of all the beaches on the island.

Some choices for this time include:
Paradise Beach:
Nice looking sandy beach, good facilities, no pool that I can tell, but no admission fee, and all you have to do is buy food/drinks to get umbrellas and chairs.

Playa Uvas:
I just found this one, which claims to be the closest to the port. Again, good facilities (looks very new and semi-chichi - very South Beach-y), and they have some interesting all-inclusive packages. For those inclined, the glass bottom kayaks look kind of cool.

Mister Sanchos:
Anne and Robin have been here before, and Anne said they really enjoyed it. Looks like nice facilities and gets good reviews from Cruise Critic members. Plus, it looks like they have big strong guys to carry you around (see above).

I was originally leaning toward Chankanaab, but I saw a photo of the super uncomfortable beach chairs and I think it's off my list. Too bad, because it looks beautiful.

Carlos n' Charlies also has a beach - looks like a huge party atmosphere.

So there you go - imagine the useful things I could have done with all this time!

The Packing Dance!!

Some random items to be sure not to forget….

• Airline tickets


• Set Sail Pass/Cruise Documents


• Passport and second form of ID


• Money and Credit Cards!


• Reading Materials (preferably something fluffy that doesn’t require to much effort)


• Sun glasses and Sun Screen


• Camera and gear


• Extension cord/power strip


• Travel alarm clock


• Small flashlight


• Corkscrew


• Duct tape (you just never know what you might need it for)


• Sewing kit


• Underwear


• Jammies


• Water shoes for climbing the falls


• Bathing suits


• Outfit for two formal nights


• Raincoat or umbrella (to ensure we have no rain)


• Toothbrush and toothpaste


• Inflatable raft


• Long pants and socks (if you want to ice skate they are required)

Some Info on Labadee, Haiti

For those who don't know, Lanadee is the private pennisula in Haiti owned and operated by Royal Caribbean. It's actually pretty big, with a whole slew of beaches and bars. Food on the "island" is free, but naturally you still have to pay for drinks.

SeaTek operates the beach activities which range from paddle boats and kayaks, to jet skis and parasailing. And, the also have what they claim is the longest overwater zip line anyplace. And, of course, there's shopping!

Here's a link to the Google Map of Labadee,

http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/id/4576/Haiti///Royal_Caribbeans_Labadee