A photo story of my adventures on a Cruise around the Western Carribean

Cruising


On December 6th, 2025, my cousin Laura and I set off on a plane ride (delta) to meet up with my mom in Tampa, Fl.  Thanks to my mom, and my stepdad, we were gifted a Carnival Cruise to explore the Western Caribbean to celebrate my cousins 25th birthday. We left the Tampa port the next day with stops in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico. Lucky me, eh?


Our cruise was set to visit a few different ports in the Caribbean, including, Belize, Honduras (Roatan), and two separate ports in Mexico, Cozumel and Costa Maya. However, when we woke up on our Costa Maya day, we were still at sea. As the ship attempted to approach the port, it quickly became clear the weather wasn’t cooperating, and the captain made the call to turn around. So, instead of visiting a new place, we went right back to Cozumel.


During our cruise we booked a few excursions. While we were in Cozumel for the first time, my cousin and I rented a scooter to essentially tour the whole island. It was bright and sunny when we took off, however it started raining after 15-20 mins. Thankfully it did stop once we got closer to the public beaches. After stopping at a few shore side shops (say that 3 times fast lol), and dipping our toes in the water, we headed back to the port. Almost the entire way back it poured and we seriously regretted (at the time) renting a scooter instead of a car! As rain smacked my neck and face, I tried to look on the bright side… this was one of those moments that no photo could fully capture, but I knew I’d never forget it.


While in Belize we toured the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha Ruins where I was probably cursed for grabbing a few cool rocks (note to self: don’t do that). I still have marks from the botlass flies that attacked me during our visit!


Our next stop was Roatan, and oh it did not disappoint! We took a short drive to Anthonys Key Resort where we swam and played with dolphins! I wasn’t permitted to bring my camera. However, not having my camera with the dolphins ended up being a gift; I was able to stay fully present while someone else handled the photos. The photos of the dolphins with my mom, cousin and I were all taken by Anthonys Key resort photographer. Once we were back at the port, we did a little retail therapy where we purchased delicious chocolates, cocoa tea and nibs from the Roatan Chocolate Factory.


Even though we visited 4 ports in 7 days we were able to relax on the ship and even participate in a few games. If you’re not familiar with cruising, you may not know that people will often hide rubber ducks around the ship. Although we did not bring any ducks to hide, I had packed rubber cockroaches. I purchased these a while back to hide for april fools and I still had some left. So, instead of hiding ducks, I hid cockroaches! 


Overall, it was a great trip and one I’d recommend to anyone. Between the constant entertainment onboard and the chance to explore multiple places in such a short time, it was the perfect mix of adventure and rest.. and a pretty unforgettable way to celebrate my cousins 25 years of life!


Most of the photos below were taken with my Nikon D850. Besides the dolphin photos from Anthonys, the rest were taken with my Iphone 16 Pro

Cruising photos Day 1

A large cruise ship sails across a misty gray ocean horizon with a navigation marker visible in the foreground.
Vintage artwork in ornate gold frame mounted on textured wall with four glowing blue LED lights at the corners.
Aerial view of a residential area with curved roads, palm trees and buildings near an airport runway.
Three large cruise ships sailing in front of a misty city skyline on a cloudy day.
Warning sign posted along a waterfront walkway with parked cars and trees in the background.
Misty cityscape view shows modern buildings and towers emerging through a foggy urban skyline.
Lush tropical palm trees and greenery frame residential buildings against a cloudy sky.
Modern cruise ship bar area with wooden deck flooring and sleek chrome bar stools arranged in rows.
Colorful nighttime bar scene with neon lights and patrons gathered at a busy outdoor venue.
Interior view of a cruise ship hallway with decorative white columns and blue accent lighting.
Scenic lighthouse on a rocky coastline with stormy gray waters and green foliage in the foreground.
Row of modern white coastal houses on a hillside with contemporary architectural design.
Row of illuminated blue and white decorative ceiling lights in a modern restaurant interior.
Aerial view of residential buildings and cityscape on a cloudy day with modern towers visible in the distance.
Multiple white speedboats racing across dark waters creating dramatic wakes behind them.

Fun Day at Sea Day 2

Panoramic sequence of a tranquil sunset over mountains with dramatic pink and purple clouds in the sky.
Pink-tinted clouds float above a calm ocean horizon during golden hour.
Silhouettes of cruise ships on the horizon against a pastel sunset sky over calm ocean waters.
Person with dreadlocks wearing a dark shirt smiles and poses for a series of selfie photos in a restaurant setting.
People in pink jackets dance and move together in a group exercise or dance class setting.
Four selfie photos in a row show people smiling together in what appears to be an indoor shopping or business space.
A sequence of photos showing a small yellow rubber duck toy with a pirate eye patch being held against a pink background.
A sequence of mirror reflections showing a person peeking through decorative pink and white swirls on a glass surface.
Dramatic sunset over calm ocean waters with dark clouds and distant ships on the horizon.
Long ornate hallway with turquoise and gold decor features wooden benches and circular windows along the wall.
Dramatic sunset sky with orange rays breaking through dark clouds over a calm ocean horizon.
A group of people in a conga line dance through a hallway outside a salon.
Student in grey t-shirt sits at desk in classroom making shushing gesture with finger to lips.
A group of people smiling and posing together in what appears to be a casual indoor setting.

Cozumel Day 3

Rustic beachside market stalls with thatched roofs display colorful handmade crafts and souvenirs for sale.
Colorful Mexican blankets and souvenirs displayed at outdoor market stalls with yellow countertops.
Beach vendors display colorful souvenirs and merchandise under thatched-roof huts along a tropical shoreline in Cozumel, Mexico.
Panoramic view of rugged rocky coastline with crashing waves and blue ocean waters under bright sunny sky.
Rocky coastal tidepools with crashing waves and rugged coral formations along a tropical shoreline.
Beach vendor stall with thatched roof displaying colorful t-shirts and merchandise for sale on a cloudy day in Cozumel, Mexico.
Beachside souvenir stand with thatched palm roof selling colorful clothing and beach items near the ocean in Cozumel, Mexico.
Close-up sequence of fossilized brain coral patterns showing intricate maze-like textures in limestone rock formation.
Row of thatched-roof souvenir shops selling colorful merchandise along a beachfront in Cozumel, Mexico.
Dramatic cloudy sky over lush green tropical forest landscape stretching to the horizon.
Panoramic view of a crystal clear tropical beach with turquoise waters and rocky outcrops under a bright blue sky.
Rocky coastline with turquoise waves crashing against jagged outcrops under a bright blue sky.
Lush green mangrove forest stretches along a tropical coastline under dramatic cloudy skies.
Panoramic view of rocky coastline with ocean waves and cloudy sky.
Tourists observing the rocky shoreline and ocean waves on a cloudy beach day.

Belize Day 4

A panoramic view of waterfront homes and boats along a tropical coastline with blue skies and palm trees.
A panoramic view of rolling green hills under a bright blue sky with scattered white puffy clouds stretches across the horizon.
A series of selfies taken at a tropical resort with palm trees and sunglasses against a bright blue sky.
Close-up sequence of colorful mermaid tattoo designs on skin showing different angles and details.
Two people take a selfie outdoors on a sunny day with puffy white clouds and green hills in the background.
A scenic panoramic view of green rolling hills with dramatic clouds in the sky and a stone structure in the distance.
Panoramic view of a green lawn with trees and a small yellow building under puffy white clouds in a blue sky.
A brown cricket perches on a wooden railing in a hotel hallway with blue patterned carpet stretching into the distance.
Ancient Mayan stone steps and terraces surrounded by lush green forest and grass.
Panoramic view of Mayan temple ruins with stepped pyramids against blue sky with white clouds.
Row of rustic yellow cabins with brown roofs nestled among green trees.
Serene seascape with puffy white clouds stretching across a pale blue sky.
Close-up macro shots of autumn leaves and forest debris on dark soil showing natural decay and decomposition.
Waterfront restaurant with white exterior and blue trim sits along a dock under cloudy skies.
Green lily pads floating on still water with white water lilies in bloom.

Roatan Day 5

A wooden dock structure with thatched roof stands over calm blue waters against a cloudy sky in the Caribbean.
Cruise ships docked at a Caribbean port with turquoise waters and floating barriers visible in the foreground.
Sailboats docked at a tranquil marina surrounded by lush green hills and calm turquoise waters under wispy clouds.
Aerial view of a marina with boats docked in calm turquoise waters surrounded by lush green hills and forest.
White wispy clouds float across a vibrant blue sky on a sunny day.
A series of wooden bungalows nestled along a tropical coastline with palm trees and turquoise waters.
A bottlenose dolphin and swimmer interact in bright blue water during an aquatic encounter.
Silhouettes of chairlift riders glide over calm waters with cloudy skies and mountains in the background.
A person in blue winter gear works on maintaining a snow-covered dock at a marina during winter weather.
Swimmers float alongside curious dolphins in bright blue ocean water during a guided marine encounter.
Swimmers glide through crystal blue water alongside playful dolphins in synchronized motion.
Ski lift chairs suspended over a tranquil lake with lush greenery and dramatic cloud formations.
A person in a life vest swims alongside a friendly bottlenose dolphin in bright blue tropical waters.
People interact with friendly dolphins during an ocean swimming experience in bright blue waters.
A series of boats cruise across blue ocean waters under cloudy skies near a tropical destination.

Cozumel Day 6

Cruise ships docked at a tropical Caribbean port with turquoise waters and floating swim platforms visible.
Decorated Christmas tree with colorful ornaments stands among tropical palm trees in an outdoor courtyard setting.
Pink flower blossom with green leaves against blurred natural background in soft focus macro photography.
Brown bird walking on patterned brick pavement in a sequence of progressive movement frames.

Fun Day at Sea Day 7

A cruise ship swimming pool deck with lounge chairs and wooden decking under a covered area with blue skies visible.
A pack of Marlboro Double Fusion Ruby cigarettes with a warning label about erectile dysfunction on the top.
Art deco style wooden doors with geometric patterns and white columns create an elegant entrance in a modern building.
Panoramic view of an empty cruise ship theater with wooden stadium seating and blue carpeted aisles.

Tampa Causeway Beach

A flock of seabirds congregating at the water's edge on a gray, misty beach.
Close up macro photography shows delicate white snail shells scattered across a mossy rock surface in nature.
Close-up macro shot of weathered oyster shells showing textural details and natural patterns.
Close-up macro shot of green moss growing on rough textured rock surface in natural sunlight.
A flock of seabirds gathering at the water's edge on a gray beach during low tide.
A close-up macro shot of a snail moving across a mossy surface with dew drops in the background.
A flock of seagulls flying low over calm ocean water in formation.

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