5 Things to do in Cozumel

Today we're talking about five different activities you can do when visiting the cruise ship port of  Cozumel on your next Caribbean cruise.

We've been thinking about spending our winters away from Idaho. As a writer I can work anywhere so it would be a bit silly not to head to somewhere warm. We've been to Cozumel many times as cruise ship passengers and have enjoyed it every single time. No decision has been made yet, but these five things I've done in the past makes me want to go back and do them again and again.

1.Visit an all inclusive resort for the day. Mexican food + all you can drink + beach = an amazing day.

You can also take the ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland.

2. Once there, head to the Tulum ruins. Get a good tour guide and you'll come away knowing everything you'd ever want to know about the Mayans. (For more info, check out my previous blog post HERE.)

3. If you'd prefer something more active, consider taking a tour that takes you to the Dos Ojos Cenotes. Cenotes are underground caves filled with water. Stalagmites and stalactites. And you can snorkel in them! (For more detailed info on the trip, check out my previous blog post HERE.)

On the mainland you can also snorkel with the sea turtles in Akumal Bay.

4. Back in Cozumel, check out the different methods of transportation. You can rent a scooter (be careful, drivers are crazy), take an ATV tour, or even hop a ride in a pedicab.

5. Stay local and just relax. Eat, drink, and hang out at a beach not too far from port with a pay-as-you-go restaurant or resort.

The Money Bar is great for snorkeling.
Their menu can be found HERE.

Beautiful views from one of the restaurants in port.

Make a Cell Phone Stand - Tutorial Tuesday

We've always been a little late to the party with technology. We were late getting the internet. Email. Flat screen TVs. Even cell phones.

I carry my phone everywhere with me now. Other than family, I don't let anyone touch it. Heck, I can't even stand it when it touches something else that isn't mine. Things like restaurant tables and hotel night stands. So I created a solution for when I need it to charge it when staying overnight somewhere else.

A stand to keep it off the table when it's charging. It might even work on an airplane tray table to watch a movie on a flight. Score!

Looking for more sewing and crafting projects? 

Click here to see all my tutorials!

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

You can find the step-by-step how to tutorial for the homemade cell phone stand sewing project right here:

An edit to the instructions - a viewer (Denise) suggested adding a dot or square of Velcro on the sections that form the bottom of the triangle when its in the folded position so it doesn't spring open. Thanks, Denise!

Cruise Ship Pools

It's Cruise Ship Saturday! Today we're talking about cruise ship pools.

Cruise ships have multiple pools. Some are shallow, some deep, some adults only. They can vary from warm to refreshing to downright chilly. Generally pool temperatures run from 20°-30° Celsius (68°-86° Fahrenheit) with hot tubs running 30°-40° Celsius (86°-104° Fahrenheit).
And most are busy when the weather is nice.

On warmer weather cruises lounge chairs by the pools and hot tubs are prime real estate. An empty chair doesn’t stay empty for long. Leave a chair for a few minutes to use the restroom or grab a drink and another passenger might move into the space. Put a towel and a personal item like a book, bag, or hat to save the spot while you're in the water. Don’t leave items longer than half an hour as they could be removed by deck personnel.

Pools and hot tubs are open most of the time but are frequently covered at night. Pools may also be closed during rough seas. The movement of the ship can slosh the water right on out. For safety reasons the crew may even drain the pools during these times.

On most ships pool towels are provided on a shelf near the pool or are checked out by deck attendants. Pool towels can be taken off ship to the beach or excursion as long as you return them. Please don’t be like the person (me) who gave one away in Mexico because she was too lazy to carry the heavy wet towel back to the ship at the end of a long day at the beach. I won’t do it again. Promise.

Some pools are indoors

Some pools are outdoors

Some have great views

Excerpt from CRUISING WITH CONFIDENCE: HOW TO BE A FIRST TIME CRUISER WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE ONE by Deb Pfeifer

Friday 15

13 things were easy to get rid of. Clothes, magazines, towels, cast iron skillet.

Two things were tough to get rid of. The foster kitties have been with me since the middle of February. They are all grown up now so back to Simply Cats they go. They'll be fixed and then put on the floor for adoption. They will make someone very happy. Just not me.

Goodbye, my babies.

5 Things to do in London, England

It's Wanderlust Wednesday! Today we're talking about what to do in London, England.

It's hard to trim the list to just five things. There is just so much to see and do! But let's try:

1. Eat a proper English breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. A hearty way to start the day.

Or if you'd prefer, stop by a patisserie for something sweet.

2. Take a cruise on the Thames. There are many options - cruise only, meals, tours. Choose one that best fits your needs (and mobility). Just the tour for us, please. You'll get a history lesson along with some nice sightseeing views.

3. Take a Hop On Hop Off Bus tour. You can see everything you need to see and get on and off from multiple places around the city.

4. Take a trip out to Stonehenge.

While you're there, try one of the meat pies at the on-site cafe - if you have the patience. The crowds were terrible, the lines were too slow and way too long, but this particular food item was pretty tasty.

5. Try a shorter trip over to Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the world. If the Royal Standard flag is flying the Queen is in residence. If it's the British flag, she is not.

Or stop by Horse and Groom across the street for some chips. (Fries to us in the U.S.) Don't forget to check out their interesting bathroom walls.

London is a city that will require more than one trip - or more than a couple days - to tackle.