A Memorable Carnival Four-Day Cruise to Cozumel with Dad and Vona: Honoring Veterans and Family Time
Embarking on a Carnival four-day cruise to Cozumel with my father, a proud veteran, and my wife, Vona, was not just a tropical getaway but a heartfelt way to celebrate and share quality time together. Departing from Galveston, Texas, this Western Caribbean cruise aboard a vibrant ship like the Carnival Breeze offered the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and a special tribute to military heroes through Carnival’s Military Appreciation Day. A highlight was our customized private tour in Cozumel with our guide Irving, booked through Viator, which took us to the unique Rancho Alejandro. After the cruise, we extended our trip with a four-day stay at the Hilton Home2 Suites in Galveston, joined by more family for fishing and beach fun. Here’s a look at our unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Boarding and Bonding with Dad and Vona
Stepping aboard the Carnival ship with Dad and Vona felt like the start of something special. The lively atmosphere—complete with colorful decor, friendly crew, and endless dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint—set the tone for a fun escape. As we explored the ship, Dad was a little overwhelmed with all the people and action, it is always very busy on the first day, while Vona enjoyed the ship’s amenities. We enjoyed drinks and started meeting some of the other cruisers. The first evening’s sail-away party on the deck was a great chance to share stories and take in the sea views, setting the stage for a meaningful family trip.
Day 2: A Day at Sea – Fun for All
The second day was a full day at sea, giving us time to dive into the ship’s offerings. Vona and I tried the Serinity Deck and met people in the Jacuzzi, while Dad meet people on deck 11 which became one of Dad’s hangouts. We went to several shows ans enjoyed the time spent with each other and laughed together. Vona and I loved the laid-back vibe of the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while Dad explored the casino. The evening brought a deck party under the stars, where the three of us made memories, bonding over the ship’s vibrant energy and late night movies.
Day 3: Cozumel – A Personalized Adventure with Irving
Arriving in Cozumel on day three, we were excited for our customized private tour booked through Viator, led by our guide Irving, who took us to the unique Rancho Alejandro and other island highlights. Carnival docks at one of Cozumel’s three terminals—Punta Langosta, Puerta Maya, or the International Cruise Terminal—making it easy to meet Irving, who was waiting with a sign bearing our name and wearing a red cap, as is standard for Viator’s Cozumel tours.
Irving tailored the half-day tour to our interests, combining Dad’s love for history and adventure with Vona’s and my desire for unique cultural experiences. Our visit to Rancho Alejandro, a lesser-known gem, was a highlight. This working ranch offered an authentic glimpse into Cozumel’s rural life, with opportunities to learn about local agriculture, interact with animals, and enjoy the serene countryside. Irving’s knowledge of the island’s history and culture brought the experience to life, sharing stories that resonated with Dad’s love for heritage and Vona’s curiosity about local traditions.
For those considering independent exploration, Cozumel is safe and navigable, with affordable taxis (e.g., $18 to San Miguel). However, our private tour with Irving offered the convenience of a curated experience without the hassle of planning. We avoided commercialized stops like tequila “farms,” which reviews note can feel sales-heavy, and instead enjoyed authentic spots like Rancho Alejandro.
Day 4: Military Appreciation Day and Sailing Home
The final day at sea was extra special, as it coincided with Carnival’s Military Appreciation Day, a highlight of our cruise. Carnival hosts this event on every sailing to honor U.S. and Canadian military members and veterans like my father. The day began with a Military Appreciation Gathering, where Dad and I were recognized for our service. All attending veterans received a commemorative pin, and the longest-serving member in the room was awarded a special hero coin—an emotional moment as Dad and I beamed with pride, with Vona cheering us on. Carnival’s monthly sweepstakes for a free cruise had Dad and I swiping his Sail & Sign card, dreaming of a future adventure.
The ship’s atrium displayed a large stars-and-stripes flag all day, and announcements from the Cruise Director and Captain highlighted the importance of military service. We learned about Carnival’s partnership with Operation Homefront, which supports military families with rent-free housing. The Veterans Meet and Greet in the Heroes Tribute Lounge (on select ships) gave us a chance to connect with other military families, making the day a proud moment for Dad and a bonding experience for the three of us.
We spent the rest of the day reflecting on our trip, enjoying a lazy morning by the pool and a farewell dinner in the main dining room, where the diverse menu ensured we ended on a high note. We shared our experiances on te ship, inspired by the day’s events, while Vona and I talked about our Cozumel adventure with Irving, especially the great moments at Rancho Alejandro.
Post-Cruise: Four Days at Hilton Home2 Suites in Galveston
After the cruise, we extended our adventure with a four-day stay at the Hilton Home2 Suites in Galveston, giving Dad a chance to indulge his passion for fishing. The hotel’s convenient location near the beach and fishing spots like the Galveston Fishing Pier and Seawolf Park was perfect for Dad, who spent mornings casting lines. Vona enjoyed the hotel’s modern amenities and joined Dad for early-morning coffee on the balcony, watching the sunrise over the Gulf.
Our family grew as our Daughter Lindsey and her husband Chase arrived with their three daughters, followed by Vona’s brother Jason, his wife Jenn, along with our family friend L. The beach became our playground, with the kids building sandcastles, splashing in the waves. Dad loved watching his greatgrandkids’ energy, while Vona indulged in the beaches’ sand, and salt water. One of Vona’s happy spots. Jason, always the joker, kept us laughing, and the time together strengthened our family bonds. We were able to get in a few evenings playing $@ which is also one of Dads favorite things to do. The Galveston beach days, paired with Dad’s fishing outings, dominos, and dining, were the perfect way to cap our trip, blending relaxation with family fun.
Why This Cruise Was Perfect for Us
Traveling with my father and Vona on Carnival’s four-day cruise to Cozumel, followed by our Galveston stay, was a chance to honor Dad’s service and create lasting memories with family. The Military Appreciation Day on day four made Dad feel valued, with its heartfelt tributes and opportunities to connect with other veterans. Our customized Viator tour with Irving, including the unique stop at Rancho Alejandro, was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and personal connection. The post-cruise stay at Hilton Home2 Suites allowed Dad to fish and brought our extended family—Lindsey, Chase, their three daughters, Jason, Jenn, and Brian—together for unforgettable beach days. Carnival’s military discounts, available to active and retired U.S. and Canadian service members, made the cruise affordable, and double discounts through agencies like Military Cruise Deals sweetened the deal.
Final Thoughts
This Carnival four-day cruise to Cozumel with Dad and Vona, followed by our extended stay in Galveston, was more than a vacation—it was a celebration of us, our family’s bond, and shared adventures. From the heartfelt Military Appreciation Day to our personalized Cozumel tour with Irving at Rancho Alejandro, every moment was special. The four days at Hilton Home2 Suites in Galveston, filled with Dad’s fishing trips and beach time with Vona, Lindsey, Chase, their three daughters, Jason, Jenn, and Brian, made the trip even more memorable. Book your cruise with Dream Vacations with Don and Vona, at DVtribe.com and consider a Viator private tour for a tailored island experience. Add a Galveston stay for fishing and family fun to honor your veteran dad with a trip full of gratitude and joy.