Day 7 Fri, Feb 8 Cozumel, Mexico

Last night was a bad night for Diane and I, as it was Diane’s turn to be sick. She was up several times during the night, even after there was nothing left to expel. Needless to say, we were both tired in the morning. As much as Diane loves to shop and was looking forward to hitting all the big stores in Cozumel, she decided to spend the day on board and I became the power shopper for the day.

I got away just before noon and the first thing I saw was two of the biggest ships in the RCCL fleet sitting proudly side by side on either side of the jetty. What a sight! Freedom of the Seas to starboard and Voyager of the Seas to port.

I carried on to the International zone where all the big duty free stores are located to carry out my duties of family power shopper. The two main tasks were to buy my new Movado watch which I had been salivating over for years, and to pick up Diane’s free tote bag from Del Sol. My secondary duties were to visit all the stores which had free offers for visitors from the several ships that were in port that day.

Buying my new watch was a great adventure, being torn between the Movado that I knew I really wanted but was two or three times over my budget and the model which I eventually bought. I am not complaining; it was like choosing between a Cadillac and a Rolls-Royce. You know you really want the Rolls, but it is a way out of reach. Anyway, my new watch looks just great on my wrist.

Next I went to Del Sol for Diane’s tote bag. That was much easier, no choices to make. The only problem was getting there because every store has a guy at the door and if you accidentally make eye contact with him, you are going into the store to see what he wants to sell you, and the price starts in the high three or four figures. Fortunately, the street only has stores on one side; the other side is the beach. So, for the rest of my shopping, I walked on the beach side. That way, I had a good view of the stores without getting hassled, crossing the street only when I was opposite the store I wanted to visit.

By about 1530, I was back on board with my treasures and Diane was not in the cabin. Eventually, I found her lounging by the Solarium pool, feeling much better, but for a persistent headache. She had had a good rest while I was gone. Good news, indeed. I showed her my treasures, and she approved. Then we had a soak in the hot tub and a light supper.

The evening show at La Scala was a stand-up comic, Tom McTigue. He was pretty good, although we have heard better. I think a better show is on later where the ship’s master, Capt. Gerry will be playing and singing country music. However, with Diane being still under the weather, we are passing on it and going to bed, hopefully for a more restful night than last.