back from Serenade

[1st time cruiser]

Well our first cruise was exceptional thanks to all the hints and tips that I learned here. Here are my thoughts:

couldn't have lived without the shoe bag to hold all the "stuff"

should have checked out sitting for dinner as advised - we were right at the kitchen door, very noisy, but on the other hand hot food

cab fare for the 8 of us was vry reasonable- $30 from ship to airport 8 people, 26 bags

buy booze on the ship when they have the sale (2nd nite I believe) Absolut vodka $10/liter and $9 corage fee - that's only 4 drinks at the pool, flavored rums were about $3/liter

buy booze to bring home at San Juan airport. prices were vry similar to the island prices and believe me shlepping those boxes with 4 bottles in them was a PAIN. NExt time I would definitely wait and buy at the airport.

again as advised on this board, wait to buy the souvenirs until the last day. T shirts were 2/20, very wide selection.

buy a lanyard to hold sea pass, 2 of our group lost theirs twice in the first 2 days. Laynards saved the day.

Chops was very well worth the extra $. If you love beef, this is paradise.

Any questions, I would be glad to help. I felt like an "expert" with all the help I got here. thanks again.

jo-anne where in NY we have a storm advisory and snow falling like crazy....bring back those blue waters and sky......

[Grumpy8]

Checking to see if you saw Elvis or Domje bar tenders?

[mortypro]

thanks for your review-did you stay over the night before the cruise?
did they let you take the liqour bottles to your rooms when you bought it on board?
thanks in advance

[1st time cruiser]

Originally Posted by mortypro

thanks for your review-did you stay over the night before the cruise?
did they let you take the liqour bottles to your rooms when you bought it on board?
thanks in advance

We did stay overnight in San Juan and I would highly recommend it. We boarded about 1 pm and got the whole day to explore, eat and drink, then eat and drink some more. We stayed at the Radisson, waste of $ for an overnight stay, IMO. Cab fare from hotel to pier was approx $15 for 8 with all our bags.

We did not bring booze from home. I didn't actually see anyone bringing any type of beverage onboard. After a trip off ship, I did see several people bring back carryons and when they went thru the x-ray machine, there was a clear picture of a bottle, but nothing was confiscated.
Truly it's worth it to me to buy on board when they have the sale, pay the $10, after 4 drinks you are ahead of the game. I just couldn't take the stress of worrying if something would be confiscated.

[mortypro]

thanks
r there hotels in the area that you would recommend
we are staying dec 30 so i know we will have to pay top dollar but don't want to pay super top dollar just to sleep

[MAGNUM PI]

MORTYPRO:

On an earlier cruise, we stayed one night before, at San Juan hotel. Very expensive area, IMO. We stayed at the Embassy Suites, which we thought was the best deal, for our group of 6 people. Beautiful pool area, Outback Steakhouse on the premises, not too far a stroll to the beach,etc.

[1st time cruiser]

Originally Posted by Grumpy8

Checking to see if you saw Elvis or Domje bar tenders?

OUr pool bar bartenders were Jorge and Chris. Didn't see Elvis, can't believe I just typed that, :>)

[Grumpy8]

Originally Posted by 1st time cruiser

OUr pool bar bartenders were Jorge and Chris. Didn't see Elvis, can't believe I just typed that, :>)

Do you happen know the Non Smoking Bartender ? Elvis was suppose to be working the bar where the production show are seen. He is from India.