I honestly thought Marc and I could visit the Chacchoben ruins and go swimming in the beautiful beaches of Mahajaul while our ship, NCL's Norwegian Dawn, was docked in Yucatan Peninsula's Costa Maya. After all, the ruins were not very far from the Port Terminal and the beaches were a mere 5 minute cab ride away. No such luck. By the time we were done touring, it was way past noon and our ship was sailing away around 5 pm. With just a couple of hours left in Costa Maya after we had a late lunch on board the ship, we just toured the faux village created by the different cruise lines that dock there regularly.

The truth of the matter is, the port terminal was not a bad place to while the time away. Since we didn't really need anything, we didn't shop. We did see lounge chairs right by a small beach where people sunbathed. There was a huge pool at the premises too and many people were enjoying themselves there under the hot, hot sun of the Mexican Caribbean.

There was even a place where some adults and kids alike played with the dolphins for a fee. Overall, the cruise at this point was shaping up to be a fun and enjoyable one despite the high prices of the shore excursions. Anyway, I tell myself, we only do it once in our lifetime.