Perfect Day! Coco Caye, Bahamas
As I try to do on every trip, it was time for my ship selfie! My first time on Independence of the Seas, but not this class of ship. Liberty of the Seas is also in the Freedom class. Prior to Covid, we spent our Halloweens on Liberty. Freedom of the Seas rounds out this particular class. Though I prefer the older, smaller ships, this runs a close second.
Very gentle breezes made this day just as advertised… PERFECT! There are free areas and parts that require reservations and charge a fee. Considering my “sun time” is limited, we decided to just enjoy the ocean. Some areas have cabanas, there are several water parks. Snorkeling, as well as other activities, are free.
We found ourselves a little spot to camp out for the day… absolutely needed umbrellas!!! Cocktail service was another thing that made this “PERFECT”. Our beverage package worked on land as well. With the island being so large, we didn’t feel crowded in the least. Being “game day”, I had to wear Nick’s jersey!
At first a fan of the water, Ezra soon tired of all the seaweed. Curious to know if the areas you pay for are also full of the stringy, slimy weed. The water was so comfortable. Temperature was just right! We floated around, splashed and just relaxed.
Hanging out in the warm Bahama waters is the best place for “family time”. Uncrowded, clean… and an unexpected pleasure. This port stop is one I have tended to avoid because it is manufactured. Royal Caribbean (and other lines) purchased islands and created an experience. Preferring to stop in foreign countries, to learn about culture, this was not appealing to me. Until I arrived and relaxed for the day… then suddenly it was attractive!
Jeremy and Noel had fun in the water… we had a little cloud cover to help with the heat. It was surprisingly not too humid. Such a nice day! Clearly these two spend too much time working… time to get a little color haha!!! We ordered drinks and filled our plates with food from an area set up like the Windjammer. Everything was free!
So much time was spent standing and floating in the water. If I was allowed more time in the sun, I would have been in that exact location for ten hours! Instead, I hung out a bit and headed for the umbrella… cooled off in the water and back to my umbrella. It made for a nice day…
While walking to get food, this iguana passed in front of me. Standing there mesmerized for quite a bit, I noticed he didn’t seem afraid. He kind of stopped and checked me out before heading up the tree. Still following his trail, I saw several more hidden in the tree.
Coconuts fell from the tree… and I could not resist… Jeremy gave me the lime from his tacos… you see where I’m going? Obviously, we had to take a photo. Though I couldn’t put the lime IN the coconut so I just sang “lime AND the coconut” to give myself a little laugh. No one else thought it was that funny… but I’m used to it!
As I walked back from the restroom, I noticed this oversized chair. Our ship in the backdrop and the location painted on the chair, this was our perfect family photo spot! Thankfully, the kids humored me and happily joined in! Part of the fun was beachgoers taking each other’s pictures! There seemed to always be three deep waiting to take group shots. We took several shots for those in front of us, and the people behind us took a few for us. I love this picture!!!
Upon returning to our cabin, I noticed two things. First, our cabin steward left us a towel animal. The kids love to see what surprises are left for them. The second thing… it was clear that Ezra had returned to the cabin to change. Every time he enters to change or rest, it’s just like he’s melted in place. Evidence is always left to show he’s been by the cabin :-)
We visited Chops Steakhouse for dinner. Ezra may or may not have been a little bored, as you can see from the placement of his napkins! So funny… the rest of us were chatting away. I looked over because I realized it was awfully quiet. Got a good laugh when I saw that he had wrapped his head and was silent. Also, Chuck bought Belle Glos to go with our steak dinner. It was perfect!
Since it was a game day, I went to the pool deck to watch the game on the big screen. There were several other Pittsburgh fans. We had a fun time until Nick got hurt… and the Steeler’s ended up losing. Tomorrow is another day!
