Oh my gosh, I slept so well last night. I love sleeping on a cruise ship. The gentle rocking, the dull hum in the background, it is heavenly. I woke up frightfully early this morning and failed to schedule my coffee delivery early enough. Meaning, I order my coffee for 8 AM and woke up at 6 AM. One of the simple pleasures of a Carnival Cruise is the continental breakfast that can be delivered to your stateroom. I know many ships offer this service, but I have only ever been on Carnival, so it is the experience from which I speak.

There is a card in your stateroom with options on it for what you would like from the breakfast menu and what time range you would like it delivered. It isn’t anything too fancy, but having coffee delivered to your room while you are trying to wake up and face the world is a nice luxury to have. Since I was up 2 hours before my luxury showed up, I ventured out for my own coffee from the cafeteria.

That early in the morning, the boat was quiet. All of the excited vacationers who overdid it last night are still fast asleep in their rooms and not in my way. The deck was peaceful and watching the sunrise over water is something everyone should experience at one point or another. I made my way back to my room in time for my coffee to show up and I enjoyed another cup in comfort there.

The brunch in the main dining room was delightful and the service was great. The server always asks your name and calls you by it. I don’t know-how in the world they memorize all those names. Then again, I have a particular talent for forgetting names, regardless of how long I’ve known someone. After breakfast was over, there was some mild wandering before participating in one of the many trivia contests that are held on board. “Mind-Bending Trivia”, it was called. I knew it was going to be full of tricks and I couldn’t wait. I did not do as well as I thought I would, but it was fun nonetheless.

Afterward, a nap was in order and then onto the Blue Frog Cantina to score some of those delicious tacos they serve on board. I don’t know why they are my favorite thing to eat on Carnival, but they are. The toppings bar has a broad selection and the tacos do not disappoint. After lunch, I broke my own rule. I went back to the casino.

I must’ve sat at slot machines for an hour or so, but I accidentally had gotten myself into a raffle for a free cruise. When you sit at those machines, you have to insert your sign and sail card (that’s your room key and what you make all of your purchases with). It’s how they keep track of how much you play and what to cash you out if you win. Every time you sit down to play, you start to accrue points. These mysterious points are good for cash back after you have earned enough of them and they are used to enter you into raffles for different things. All of this sounds like a buildup into I won a free cruise, but I didn’t. Let’s nip that in the bud now. I was just trying to explain the casino part to you.

After a delightful afternoon in the casino bouncing between slot machines and tables, I wandered back to my room to get ready for formal night. They call it Elegant Night now. I’m not sure why the name changed, but it did and the dress code seems less stout. “Elegant Night” is an interesting name considering they make it a party. You should probably know that during your meal, there will be a show from all of the wait staff. They dance and play loud music and there is a bit of a light show. If you are looking for an actual formal event, this is not it. It is fun for what it is but levels your expectations.

After dinner, back to the casino for some hot seat gambling and then off to the deck for some stargazing. I do love when you get really far from shore. More stars are visible, despite the hellacious lights on the side of the ship. All in all, it was a good day and very relaxing. I so love nap time.

I hope y’all enjoyed today’s installment of Cruise to Mexico and I’m sorry I didn’t take too many pictures today, but I hope you enjoyed the story nonetheless. Tune in tomorrow to see what Cozumel brings.

Thanks, y’all!