Christmas Eve- 2016

Christmas Eve in Costa Maya is humid, partly cloudy, spitting rain, and slightly rough seas. We were awaken by the Cruise Director letting everyone know that we would be late getting docked because of the fog. Two big ships were ahead of us and we all had to wait. We finally docked  a bit after 9:00 and the sterns of the large Empress of the Seas and the even larger Norwegian Jade presented the view from our balcony. People were already pouring off both of these ships to begin the loooooong walk to shore. There was a very slow shuttle going back and forth saving all three ships.

Initially we hired a private van to go see some sights, but at the last minute we canceled it and got our money back. Sure glad we did. The weather would have made for not such a great trip and from all I have read it is a purely made for cruise ship port with lots of shops and some non-spectacular Mayan ruins.  

After room service breakfast, Jim went wandering and made some photos of the decorations around the ship. I sat on the balcony and read while the pier in front of me continued to be filled with passengers from the other ships. Took them about 3 hours to all be off the ship.

All around the ship there are lovely Christmas Trees, clever Gingerbread Houses and beautiful table arrangements. There was a door decorating contest this morning , and Jim saw only a few doors decorated.

Wonderful to be quiet and reflective aboard such a friendly and beautiful ship as we sing or think “Come Lord Jesus.”