Carnival Jubilee 2002
Western Caribbean Cruise celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary
We had a wonderful time on our June 2002 Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival's Jubilee. We are definitely interested in cruising again -- perhaps on a newer, larger ship next time. And next time we go, we definitely want to take the kids.
DAY-BY-DAY NOTES
Thursday June 20th -- Travel Day
- Flight in from Detroit to Tampa
- Embarkment on the Jubilee
- Roses and Wine
- Acclimation to the ship and ship live
- Winning at Black Jack
- Midnight Buffet
The first day was all about getting there and then getting acclimated to ship board life. We had chosen to have Carnival handle all of our travel arrangements. This cost more, but this being our first cruise, we wanted the extra handling. Carnival did a first class job -- we actually were greeted at the airport and asked if we were the Kings without having to search out the Carnival staff.
Once on board, the Roses and Wine ordered in honor of our 10th Wedding Anniversary were in the room as requested. The wine wasn't anything fantastic -- but having the roses in our cabin for 4 days was a nice touch.
Friday, June 21st -- Key West
- Breakfast buffet with Omelets to order
- Arrival in Key West
- Trolley Tour Excursion
- Wandering around Key West
- Back to the Jubilee
- Spa Taster -- Exfoliation and Massage
- Formal Night -- Party and Dinner
Key West was very nice -- although I probably wouldn't make it a point to go back now that I've been there. The Trolley Tour was nice -- although it moved quick, if you blinked, you missed something. After the tour, we had drinks on the pier in view of the ship. We also found a restaurant that served us raw oysters and could not pass them up.
Saturday, June 22nd -- Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen/Mayan Ruins at Tulum
- Relaxed morning by the pools
- Afternoon Excursion
- Ferry Trip to Playa Del Carmen
- Bus ride from Play Del Carmen to Tulum
- Roadside stop
- Mayan Ruins at Tulum
- Return Bus Ride/Ferry Trip
- Duty Free shopping at Cozumel
- Return to the ship
- Mexican themed food/parties on ship
- Late night in the Casino
After a relaxed morning including buffet breakfast and lunch, and some time by the pools - we left on our main excursions, the trip to the 1000+ year old Mayan ruins at Tulum. The 6+ hour trip was mostly travel -- we actually got just less than 2 hours of time in at the ruins -- but the ruins were pretty incredible to see and the view of the water from the area was spectacular.
I wish we actually had more time at the ruins, but I enjoyed this trip. The trip started with a ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen, then a bus trip on Playa Del Carmen to the ruins -- with a "bathroom" stop at a shopping area (where we bought our daughter Alyssa a dress). It's interesting that the ride to the ruins was twice as long as the ride back -- noting of course that the ride there including the stop at the shopping area.
Sunday, June 23rd -- "Fun Day at Sea"
- Relaxed Poolside fun
- Natalie gets manicure/pedicure
- Several reminders this is last day
- Packed to go
- Dancing at "OZ"
- Rose petals on the beds
I was at time annoyed by this last day on the ship as it seemed that the staff was constantly reminding us it was the last day. Considering it was a short cruise, and this was one of 3 full days -- I think they could have waited. However, there was a deparkment talk, information on tipping, and instructions on luggage issued all day at various times. We also had to have our luggage in the hallway by 11:00 pm -- which means we had to carry off anything we would need late that evening and in the morning.
On this last day, we hoped to take in some sun and just enjoy the ship. It was overcast, but that didn't stop us from hanging out in the loungers by the pools for much of the day
We took in the ship, visited the bars and casino, and generally took in the ship for one last full day. It was a good trip, but we were ready to go back home and see the kids again.
I surprised Natalie by taking one of the rose buds and spreading rose petals across the beds. One final romantic touch . . .
Monday, June 24th -- Travel Day
- Last Breakfast
- Debarkment
- Goodbye Jubilee!
We had the buffet breakfast as normal that morning, and walked the ship one last time before debarkment. Debarkement was rather painless -- Carnival got us back to the airport with plenty of time to catch our flight.
Overall this was a great trip with wonderful memories. We did miss our kids -- but it was the first time we traveled without them in five years.
