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Celebrity Cruise Lines- Exceeding Expectations, or "Simply the Best!" Calica, Mexico

Summary

Excellent Western Caribbean Cruise, February 13, 2000.

Itinerary	Ft.Lauderdale	Key West	Calica, Mexico	Cozumel,Mexico	Grand Caymen
	Summary: Departure and arrival comments.	Summary: Fun historic and legacy island	Summary: Xcaret!	Summary: Shopping	Summary: Mega shopping!

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	(left)  Backing in to piers	Image: From gangway facing stern of ship (click image for 800X600)
		The ship backs into this very narrow area cut out of the rock. It's a major thruster event! This port is usually used by bulk ships to load building sands and cement materials. The whole conveyer machinery is interesting. It's lot's of fun to watch. If you want to see more details, click here or image.

	Xcaret Park (pronounced Sha'car-et), Ecological Park at Calica
	Detail: The Dolphin Pool
	This is a very regulated experience, for good cause.
	Group RED This is the "on deck" group, they are waiting to enjoy the experience. They have been briefed on what is to come and most importantly how to respect the animals. "You only use your palm, you do not touch their face" Group GREEN This is "1st encounter" and "3rd encounter" group area. In the first experience (shown), they swim around you and you get to pet and very much enjoy (about 10 minutes) In the second time here, they fly above you twice. It is the highlight! (no pix unfortunately) Group WHITE Here you get your picture taken with the animal resting his face in your hand. Awesome. The pictures are complementary and available as you leave the park.

		Overall Comments - Xcaret/Dolphins When you get off of the ship (early) run to the desk at Xcaret and sign up for the $55 experience. It sells out real fast. Then go to the pool and shoot pix (as I did for these images), because you cannot bring your camera during the event (since you're in the water!). You will place all of your stuff in the very convenient lockers before you enter the pool. This is a major experience, and most highly recommended.
"Feed me, please" (click for 640)	They roll-over and get tickled!

		(left - most image) Close-up of this image. This is an especially calm part of the experience. No crowds, you have it to yourself. The breeze, sea and flora are just engrossing. You can also swim.

The Calica Experience Comment: The big attraction to us, obviously, was Xcaret. The "enviro parks" are controversial, this one included. Yet, we found this to be a truely happy day, and I could have spent another there, there is that much to see and touch. For people with Strollers or wheelchairs, it's possibly a problem, the paths are fine gravel, not concrete. I did not do this destination justice in my comments or pix, maybe I was just having too much fun. A real highlight was stopping at the restaurant, just before leaving. Awesome! Great food and grog and amazing singing from a mexican ensemble that blew us away.

Contact and Disclaimers