Jill's Cabana Stories and Travels

Book Reviews, Travel Blog, and My Little Cabana


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Who Can Forget the Aqua Blue Waters of Cozumel?

Satellite Falls

Satellite Falls

The view of the sea was breathtaking as we relaxed in Satellite Falls.  Satellite Falls is an adult-only area onboard the Disney Fantasy.  It’s up on Deck 13 front, and it’s only accessible from two elevators.  Because of this, the location is very remote, leading to a very calm and peaceful escape.  Satellite Falls has many beach chairs under an awning for sun protection.  However, the dominant feature of Satellite Falls is a small “pool” with water coming down.  You can sit on the blue bench with your feet handing down or in the water.  Satellite Falls is a very pleasant place to enjoy a warm Caribbean day.  We found we went up there often to escape the hustle and bustle of the cruise ship.

On the day that we were in Cozumel, we watched as the ship came into the Cozumel harbor up at Satellite Falls.  We watched the Mexican city come into view as we sailed across the sea.  Cozumel’s picturesque blue waters were beautiful and inviting as we enjoyed the breeze from the ocean.

On our way in, we saw numerous parasails being pulled by speed boats.  I can only imagine the fun those riders had as they sailed slowly up in the warm air above the gorgeous blue waters.

Cozumel

Cozumel

As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but beautiful aqua blue seas.  We also saw the numerous buildings of Cozumel, as well as people shopping for souvenirs.

After a pleasant time in Satellite Falls enjoying the view, we wandered over to Cozumel to do some gift shopping.  My husband needed the perfect ball cap to remind him of the dreamlike waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

While shopping in Cozumel, it was surprising how much merchandise there was to shop through.  Not only did we find two very colorful handbags to cherish forever, but my husband also found his perfect ball cap.  He tried it on and it fit perfectly.  His grin was memorable.  He treasures his souvenir ball caps.  He wears a different travel ball cap each time he goes out.

After a splendid time of shopping for the perfect souvenirs, with my husband proudly wearing his new ball cap, we slowly walked back to the ship.

Cozumel Ball Cap

Cozumel Ball Cap

We had a quick meal, then it was back to Satellite Falls to soak in more of the beautiful, tranquil view of Cozumel before we departed.  We watched as the Disney Fantasy pulled out of the harbor and went onto the next Caribbean port.

Every time I see my husband wearing his aqua blue ball cap with a sea horse and Cozumel embroidered on the front, I am reminded of the aqua blue waters of Cozumel, the wonderful shopping experience at the Mexican city, and the relaxing time at Satellite Falls.  We will never forget the day or the view.  The memory will last a lifetime.


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Punta Lagosta Mall, Cozumel Mexico

punta lagosta 2

Punta Lagosta Mall, Cozumel Mexico

On our recent Western Caribbean cruise, one of our port stops was Cozumel, Mexico. At this particular port we did not have a shore excursion planned, we just decided to get off the ship and wander.

The Disney Fantasy had docked at the Punta Lagosta pier, the main pier to the downtown area of Cozumel. This was a very convenient area with both Senor Frogs and the Punta Lagosta Mall nearby, both heavily supported tourist stops.

mexicanfrog

Mexican Frog

We entered the well-maintained, freshly painted mall, with the goal of finding that perfect souvenir for our home. We had previously purchased an Aztec calendar wall hanging while in Ensenada, Mexico. Our goal was to find something with the Mayan Calendar on it.

We found numerous fully stocked and staffed souvenir shops in which to browse. The prices for the most part we very affordable. Depending on what type of item a person was searching for, one of the many shops could oblige. There were shops full of ceramic suns, lizards, and fish. Some were full of handbags, jewelry, hats, and T-shirts.

Mexican Art

Mexican Art

Some shops were surprisingly full of Marvel Comic book characters. These shops seemed a little out of place, but the items were fun to look at anyway.

The shop owners were very friendly and welcoming. Some got a little pushy, trying to get your attention to look at the wares that they were trying to sell.

Senor Frogs Cozumel

Senor Frogs, Cozumel

Once our shopping was complete, we took a few pictures, stopping in for a quick beverage at Senor Frogs, before venturing back to the boat.

Overall, we found the Punta Lagosta Mall a delightful, friendly, well-maintained, easy walk through. It also seemed comfortably cool as we sauntered. The prices in general were very affordable.


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A Fantastical Voyage on the Disney Fantasy

Well, we recently returned home from our 7-Day Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy to the fascinating ports of Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico. We had a wonderful stay with so many highlights to write about.

SatelliteFallsDisneyFantasy-300x212

Satellite Falls, Disney Fantasy

We found the Disney Fantasy to be a breathtakingly beautiful ship, with hidden wonders all around. The service was impeccable, our food and dining experiences were delicious, and the entertainment was pure Disney “Magic.” In all, we had a wonderful time.

When we sailed our ship was filled to capacity. Although, it did seem crowded up on the open decks, and at Flo’s, the quick service eating areas onboard, we found some special ways to escape for some adult only onboard experiences.

We have many memorable highlights to share of our week aboard the Fantasy.

My daughter and I both had spa treatments at the luxurious Senses Spa, and enjoyed immensely  spending time in the Rainforest room.

senses spa

Senses Spa

Our evening dining was exceptional with reservations at the Italian inspired Palo, and elegant French dining with our 3-hour meal at Remy.

Remy

Remy

We enjoyed all the Disney Broadway style musical production shows of Aladdin, Wishes, and Believe. Our family’s favorite was Aladdin.

We attended many of the movie showings in the Buena Vista theatre.

There were about six movies showing on a random schedule, including Iron Man 3 and Oz the Great and Powerful. I particularly liked this one.

Aqua Duck

Aqua Duck

Finally, on our last day we rode the Aqua Duck. This was the first time during our sailing that the waits to ride were less than ½ an hour. It was a very entertaining ride, sailing high over the ocean, in our rubber rafts.

There is so much to tell and I will write several articles on our various highlights.

In conclusion, this long awaited trip was wonderful, the weather was beautiful, and we had a fantastic time.

We smiled as we left the ship, walking by the cast members waving us off the ship, saying “See Ya Real Soon.” I am sure that they will.


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Cozumel Beach Break

beautiful_cozumel

Beautiful Cozumel

On our final day on our Western Caribbean cruise from New Orleans, we were still at Cozumel. This day we decided to do a beach break day and have some time afterward for shopping.  We purchased the cruise’s beach break tour to Playa Del Sol for a few hours. At the time, this was our first Caribbean beach day.

Underwater World

On this excursion we enjoyed lunch, drinks, and use of a pool, beach, water toys, and snorkeling.   I think we spent most of the afternoon though, walking the beach and laying around in the hammocks under the palm trees. We really enjoyed ourselves, and found it a particularly relaxing time looking out over the Caribbean Sea listening to the island music.

aztec sum

Aztec Sun

On our way back to the ship, we stopped off for some shopping around the pier area, and purchased some Mexican art for our walls at home. We always enjoy looking for souvenirs, and in Mexico, you can get some very good deals from some of the vendors. Do not be afraid to bargain, it is part of the fun at the market stands.

Whether you shop, sail, snorkel, or just enjoy an afternoon staring out at the ocean, Cozumel is always a highlight of any Western Caribbean cruise.

Note: If you are interested in more about Playa Del Sol, look for its new name, Playa Mia. As I checked online, it also looks like they have a lot more attractions and things to offer for a beach break day as they have made several improvements. This may be an option for us on our next day in Cozumel.