Year 5, Day 99, “Living the Dream”. Thursday, 8/07/2025 DAY 22 of 29 day Florida, Caribbean, SeaWorld and Disney World trip. – Day 5 of 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on MSC Seashore. Costa Maya, Mexico from 8:30am – 6pm.
Thank you everyone for all the Birthday wishes. It is a big one, I am 25,567 days old today. Doesn’t that sound better than years. Last night we went to Butcher’s Cut for dinner. Butcher’s Cut is a specifically restaurant on MSC cruise ships. It is a steakhouse. One of our perks of being Diamond with the MSC Voyager club is we get a Specialty Restaurant tasting menu.
We made a reservation a few nights ago for this restaurant for 5:30pm. The restaurant opened at 5:30pm. We were quickly seated at a table by the window and served still water. The cost would have been $55.00 each unless you bought a package of a few nights dinner at specialty restaurants. The restaurant is very nice, server was excellent, and the food was good. The only downside was the portions were huge, and the music was loud. As the restaurant filled up, people started talking louder and louder to be heard over the music. It was 70’s night on the ship and the music playing was Led Zepellan Stairway to Heaven. Loved the music, but not for a specialty restaurant with bad acoustics.
Morning coffee and a freshly made omelete starts the day right. Omelete making station video
Then off the ship early in Costa Maya, Mexico.
As we were walking down the pier one of the crew was standing looking at the back of the ship. He says, “Hi – how is your cruise going? Are you headed out on an excursion?” We said, Great”. I spoke up in my infinite wisdom. I couldn’t help but put my foot in my mouth and asked, “What do you do on the ship?” He laughs and says. ” I’m the Captain”. I think he was checking how he parked the ship. So of course I had to get a picture. What a nice guy. So we learned today that different symbols represent captain depending on the country. MSC is an Italian line and a round circle represents a Bridge officer. His name plate said Master of the Vessel. Captain Domenico Calise joined the MSC Cruises family as a Staff Captain in 2023.
We walked around the port viewing everything on land and sea.
We spent a lot of time talking to Valentin a store clerk. He lives in Cancun and works in the Port when cruise ships are in. He is 75 and says 50 years ago it was not as hot here and the ocean water was refreshing. Now the water is warm and not refreshing at all.
On July 17, 2025, Royal Caribbean became administrators of the port. They have begun working on the development of Perfect Day Mahahual. Royal Caribbean also bought 34 surrounding properties for roughly $295 million. Perfect Day Mexico is expected to open for Royal Caribbean guests in Fall 2027. This new park will encompass 200 acres have 30 slides and the longest lazy river in the World. Here’s a video tour of Costa Maya, Mexico Cruise Port.
Here’s a link to more on Costa Maya, Mexico cruise port: https://deestimes.com/mexican-ports/
FYI – They went into the wall by our bathroom and cleaned and sanitized it. Smell gone again. Crew is getting some fresh air cleaning balconies and washing a lot of windows this afternoon.
Today I learned not to tell anyone on the ship it is your birthday. Everyone wants to give you a special drink. Tonight is white night!
Today’s dining room menus:
Daily Planner Day 4 – Costa Maya, Mexico
Things to ponder today! Have to leave you thinking.
Here’s a link to today’s Amazon recommendation: https://amzn.to/4n2FyMO Glass Cutting Boards for Kitchen, 2Pcs Chopping Board: I am throwing out all my plastic cutting boards and going with glass. The thought of eating more plastic has made me change. Glass boards are non-porous and highly durable. They offer a smooth, hard surface that resists stains and odors. I have heard they are hard on your knives though.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned