I watched from the Lido Deck, as I was having coffee, and saw hundreds of MSC Poesia disembarking for tours of the magnificent ruins of Tulum, to shop for popular sterling silver that is still a fair bargain here or heading to the beaches with hats and sunscreen in tow.
Others get off the ship to sample local Mexican cuisine, some tacos, a chimchanga or perhaps a margarita or two.
There’s a party atmosphere in this port, not as noticeable in our earlier ports of call, and it’s nice to see. In fact, weather permitting, MSC is sponsoring a pool party tonight with music, food and drinks at about 11pm.
Itinerary is Interesting
That’s not to say the other ports are not interesting and can definitely be fun.
I took a tour in Puerto Limon to the rainforest and it was great.
We traveled from the port to Cedar Valley Ranch in an air-conditioned motor coach, and then were transferred to an open wagon pulled by a tractor through the daunting rainforest. We saw dozens of varieties of tropical trees that include bamboo, cacao, almond, palm and breadfruit. We saw animals ranging from one-inch poison frogs to chattering monkeys high in the tree tops. Outrageously beautiful butterflies kept us company – along with quite a few mosquitoes – and rain kept its distance.
The Rainforest Wagon Expedition was a treat and a tour in Puerto Limon, the port of Costa Rica, one the whole family can enjoy.
A word about the port city: Puerto Limon.
It is a dreadfully poor city, bags of garbage line the road, homes are in bad shape, but it is only one part of Costa Rica. Do not judge the beautiful green country by the small town near which the port is located. The tours are all good – over the years I have probably called at Puerto Limon half a dozen times on a variety of ships. The tours are safe; the guides speak English well and are knowledgeable. My favorite may have been the aerial tram ride over the rainforest which I did I my last visit to Puerto Limon in lieu of zip-lining.
Tonight we head back to Port Everglades, arriving early Thursday morning. The distance between Cozumel and Pt. Everglades is 532 nautical miles.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
