When the Jungle Fought Back: Our Soaked Adventure to Mayan Ruins

I've been on plenty of cruises, but something about Regent Seven Seas felt different from the moment we stepped aboard the Seven Seas Explorer. The ship itself is like a floating luxury boutique hotel—smaller than the mega-ships, more refined, with actual space to breathe. Our suite had a real balcony (not a glorified ledge), and the crew remembered our names by day two. We were sailing through the Mexican Caribbean, and when the port excursion list came out, my wife Sarah and I both zeroed in on the same option: ancient Mayan ruins in the Riviera Maya. The shore excursion coordinator, Maria, was almost too enthusiastic when we booked at the concierge desk. "You're going to love it," she said, handing us our paperwork. "The ruins are spectacular, and the jungle... oh, the jungle is alive with history." She didn't mention anything about the weather forecast, but looking back, maybe she knew something we didn't. The tour was scheduled for the morning we docked in Cozumel, and we were told to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. I threw in some sunscreen and a light rain jacket—the kind that weighs nothing and takes up zero space. Spoiler alert: that rain jacket would prove to be…