Day 1, December 2nd

Airport
Dad drove me to the airport and we got McDonald's on the way.

Check-In
There wasn't anyone in line. I went right up and was assigned an aisle seat near the front (8C). Not too bad.

Security
There wasn't anyone in line at Security either. They did have the new scanners too.

Flight
Our flight was delayed because the crew needed their allotted rest time (that is a law). The reason is because they were messed up from yesterday's little snowstorm.

I sat next to a couple who was part of a group of 20 staying at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar. The Boss got them that as their Christmas present!

One of our Flight Attendants on USA 3000 was great. He had us play games towards the end of the flight including one where everyone who wanted to participate wrote their seat # on a dollar bill and put it in a bag. Then, a little boy chose a dollar, and whoever's seat was chosen won the money. There was a very odd couple who won a 2 night stay at the Allegro Playacar through a radio station. They wore Christmas hats and radio station t-shirts. Then, guess who won the money?....They must be lucky people!

They made up for lost time in the sky. We were only about 15 minutes late. We flow very low, however. When the girl next to me asked the Flight Attendant why, he said it was probably due to turbulence. She asked if he could ask the Pilot, and his response was "if he's awake, I'll ask!" He was really funny!

Arrival
I did not have to wait in line at all to get through customs, but it took a while for my luggage. I still was ahead of most people.

I also got the green light and didn't forget my backpack on the conveyor belt, so I was good to go!

The weather was beautiful! Sunny and nice, but not too hot.

Best Day
My transfers to THE Royal in Cancun were provided by Real resorts and Best Day. There were two couples going to the ME and two of us were going to THE Royal in Canun...not too bad.

Check-In
Sometimes the personalized check-in is not for me. I sometimes think it takes longer. There were some very high-maintenance people ahead of me.

The resort is at 100% occupancy because they have 12 weddings this weekend.

They gave away my room yesterday, so the Concierge asked if it would be okay if I had a room with two beds instead of a king instead.....OMG...wait till you see it! Of course, I said "yes."

Snack
I grabbed a croissant and a couple chocolate covered strawberries from the Coffee shop. Then, I went to meet up with the group at the Gran Caribe Real, which is located next door (you use your room key to open the gate between the two properties). That's when I found out that our itinerary changed, so I had the whole afternoon free. I won't meet anyone until tomorrow.

THE Royal Cancun
I've been running around taking pictures and trying to experience as much as I can in a short time although I really don't want to leave my room! I had a Banana Daquiri from the lobby bar, which was okay. The one negative that I could find so far is that they allow people to smoke in the lobby. You are not supposed to in Cancun, but I guess they get away with it because it's more open-air. I forgot, there is one other negative, and I'm going to ask our Sales Rep about it tomorrow....the furniture in the lobby is so beautiful, but it's very worn. I'm sure they have plans to replace it.

Wi-Fi is free in the lobby or in your rom. This is so much better than Sandals! When I found out that I had Wi-Fi in the rom, I decided to enjoy the room some.

The resort is decorated for Christmas. It's in a really great location across from the Flamingo Mall in the Hotel Zone.

Room
My rom is 426, and it is amazing although it's only the 2nd level room category within the property. I have two double beds with a bench at the end of one. There's a huge canopy above the bed with beemed ceilings and marble floors. There is a gigantic whirlpool tub in the corner. The bathroom shower is very large and tiled with a small window and a bench. Then, there's a separate vanity and sink outside the bathroom area. The balcony is small, but it's ocean view (as are all rooms at this resort). I have table and chairs and a hammock that I already tried, but I didn't want to stay in it too long because I'd fall asleep!

It's amazing listening to the waves crashing with the door open.

Blogged
I updated my blog in the room and organized things. I hated to leave, but I had more pictures to take.

Gina Johnson, our Sales Rep, called me and I told her that I would just walk next door on my own because she was doing an online Trade Show with Travel Impressions.

Gran Caribe Real
I walked on the street side to the Gran Caribe Real next door. It was very busy as people were bustling around for dinner. There was a wedding there as well.

Dinner and Another Free Souvenir
I asked a guy in the lobby about a couple of the restaurants and I got myself another free souvenir! It must be Cancun! It is an orange bathing suit wrap.

A few of the restaurants are clumped together in one building. It's a concept that I've never seen before. I was thinking of going to the Tapas restaurant, but there was a 25 minute wait, so I thought I would check out the buffet, which is called "Spices." I ate at Spices and the people couldn't be nicer. I ate too much too!

They have meat on skewers sort of like the Brazillian steakhouses and I asked for some steak, and the Host was going to have them make me a New York Strip. LOL I meant the stuff on the skewer! Like most resorts in Mexico, they had my favorite cookies and coconut ice cream.

Coffee
I got a Mocha to go. The guy working in the Coffee Shop was also very friendly. We talked for a while and then I headed back to my room.

Jacuzzi
The jacuzzi was calling me, so I had to do it! It took a long time to fill. I can't even believe with hot water. They must go through a lot!