I've dreaded this post for two reasons: 1) it would take some time sorting through our hundreds of photos to choose which ones to post and 2) doing this means that it really is all over.
I tried to just pick the highlights (and spare you from too many shots of us in our swimsuits--though, that was much of the time) and show what adventures we had.
So, here goes:
Day 1: Embarked from Galveston. Not much happened. Our cruise departure was delayed several hours due to Hurricane Ida (stupid hurricane). But, we did eventually get on. Pretty much just "ran" around the ship taking it all in.
However, most of us on the ship spent Sunday night and part of Monday completely seasick (including me) because of the rough seas (again, thank you Ida).
Our first fine dining experience on the ship. Puts McDonald's to shame (not to mention ALL other restaurants). After a whole week of eating and dining like this I'm not sure I can appreciate anything less.Day 2: Out at sea. By lunchtime the ocean had calmed and brought on some tranquil seas and weather.
Gorgeous sunsets....EVERY evening.
This was elegant night. Amber, the dress was beautiful--thanks for your help in finishing it. Melanie, the necklace was perfect!
And, how 'bout that handsome gentlemen next to me?! Gotta say, with that many people on board...my very own was the best lookin'! I paraded him proudly. We did get a professional shot of us but you'll have to come to my home to see that one.Day 3: Arrived in Cozumel, Mexico.
We actually didn't stay on Cozumel Island but boarded a smaller boat and headed to the Mexico Mainland.
My maiden name is Gold, so we had to take a photo with this jewelry store.From there we took some Jeeps (yes, Jaren got to drive) and drove to some caverns with underground cenotes.
I later realized that these are all over the Yucatan Peninsula. I have a hidden fascination for caves, so this was an awesome experience for me!
We pulled on our life jackets and went swimming in these cool, underground pools with the cat fish and goldfish! Quite the experience! We had to be careful not to disturb the fruit bats.
Day 4: Arrived in George Town, Grand Cayman. Because of the reef, the ship was anchored farther out and we took a ride on smaller boats called tenders to land. Boats and ships are not allowed to anchor on the reefs.
This was BY FAR our favorite stop! I never realized (until now) how easy it is to swim in saltwater. And we did a lot of....
snorkeling, snorkeling, snorkeling!!
We had a blast and can't wait to go snorkeling again. 
We could have snorkeled all day long. The reefs are fantastic. The water is so unbelievably blue.Day 5: Arrived in Jamaica.
Okay, this was not our favorite place but it was still an experience. Maybe because we didn't plan anything but it was somewhat tense for us. The ship terminal in Jamaica is completely gated. No one gets in or out without the proper authorization. 
Unlike the other two stops, you could not just get off the ship and wonder around the island. You could only leave the terminal in a bus, shuttle or taxi that's authorized to transport you. But, it was all for our protection. And, of course we had to pay for the transportation.We hopped onto a shuttle and decided to experience some real Jamaican shopping. The thing about Jamaicans, they will NOT let you NOT buy anything from them. They're all about negotiating and convincing you that you cannot live without a souvenir turtle that she hand painted herself (nope, didn't buy one). So, our time in Jamaica was spent dodging every other person so as not to get "stuck" in their shop.
The Jamaican Market is rows of little (really little) huts--only room for one and even you can barely turn around in them. Each one FULL of Jamaican souvenirs. But, I did let one Jamaican woman get a hold of my hair and I came home looking like this!!
(Yes, at the moment, my hair is still all in braids.)We spent the last two days at sea as we headed back to Galveston. We spent time in the hot tubs:
Making "towel friends":
Every night when we came back to our stateroom, we found one of these on our bed. 
Whether it be a frog or a dog. Jaren's quite the expert at them now!Time Juggling:
He got to hang out with a juggler who had performed a previous night on the ship. If you don't know Jaren, know that he LOVES to juggle. So, he learned a few new tricks. I tried to juggle--ended better than I started, but I'm still really no good at it.Other past times included reading, eating fabulous food whenever you want, watching movies, sleeping and going down the waterslide on board the ship.
Our original itinerary was just the opposite (2 days at sea, Jamaica, Caymans, Cozumel) but again, Ida forced us to change course. We were lucky as we learned that we were the only cruise ship in a fleet of 23 that made it to all of our destinations.
My "postcard-worthy" shot of our Cruise Ship, Carnival Conquest taken in Grand Cayman.I have to mention that going on a cruise ship is definitely a way to go if you need a vacation from everything: dishes, cleaning, laundry, housekeeping, meals, etc. Any mother can enjoy that for one week. But, the shore excursions were a blast as I also believe that a vacation is when you get to do things that you never get to do at home.
We had a grand time and we can't wait to go on another one! Anyone want to come along?!
