Dick and Jane

I appreciate all the candid feedback here! Thanks!

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

We generally tip on the last evening. On some recent cruises with multiple lounges we started bringing small bills so we could tip the bartenders/servers each evening.

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

I would also love to hear from others - something other than "it's a personal decision." For the two of us, we have tipped everywhere from $0 to $50. I would like to know if we are at least in the ballpark of acceptability. $0 for the concierge that did nothing, including not bothering to learn our names.

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

Where are you staying? We generally stay at the Holiday Inn Express that is about a mile from the pier. Across the street is a Budget Car Rental. We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel and then picked up our car. It was cheaper to pick up and return to the same location and a little more convenient than going back and forth to the airport. We walked to the pier, but Budget does provide a shuttle.

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

I get a thrill watching the planes land over Maho Beach. I think children of all ages would enjoy it.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

Love, love, loved the cave tubing!

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

Nothing new to add - I liked not having to check out towels on the Jewel. It was also nice to have towels available as we disembarked at each port. On the reverse, it was nice to drop off our used towels as we boarded. The negative: the chair hogs were some of the best. My favorite was the man who used an enormous amount of towels to "save" 5 chairs in the Solarium as well as 5 chairs on the upper deck. He and his group wanted to be prepared based on their personal desire for sun or shade. Pool attendants were doing their best to clear unused seating.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

We prefer the Holiday Inn Express ( loyalty program benefits for us). No view of the port, but you can walk UP the bridge for a great view of the ships. It's also only about a mile walk to the ship - which we have done often. I believe the transport to the ship is $8.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

I'm curious as I have never tried, is there any issue with taking a coffee out of the lounge in the morning and going out on deck or for a walk. I know alcoholic drinks are supposed to stay in there but I never gave any thought about the coffee.

No issue!

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

We visited Stonehenge and Salisbury on a tour from Portland. If I hadn't found this excursion, I would have taken something out of London. I'm glad I did it, but I doubt I would go again. Salisbury was lovely. I wish we had more time to spend in this quaint city. Go to Stonehenge. It is one of those places that is on most bucket lists.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

I thought the Fiesta was a fun event on the Allure. This party is not offered at any other Rita's that we have tried. The place was deserted on both the Radiance and the Brilliance. I thought it was fine for a light meal - say guacamole and a chicken quesadilla. It is not Taco Bell-like.

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

Depending on her physical condition, the Oasis might be too big. My mother is 86, and the Liberty of the seas was pushing the limit. I would recommend one of the smaller Royal Caribbean ships, and I further suggest a state room near an elevator for your grandmother. There'll be plenty of activities for you!

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

kettlebells are iffy, but a large variety of different weight dumbbellsare always available. I recommend bringing a pair of weightlifting gloves. Easier to hold onto the weights.

Jane (from the duo Dick and Jane)

Chicago, Illinois

Thank you! This is exactly the type of tour I prefer. I will be copying your suggestions for our future visit.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

I have enjoyed dinner at Vintages. While technically a wine bar, they serve tapas for a nominal cost. Take a seat outside, order wine or a pitcher of Sangria, and select a variety of small plates to sample.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

We are collecting shirts from all over. The Dublin shirt was only five euros. St. Thomas charged us $20. Still a good price.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

The police department on Royal Street (next to Cafe Beignet) sells department t-shirts. My husband likes police/fire shirts from various locations. They are a different type of souvenir, and the sale supports local station efforts. Cost: $15.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

We have often left our bags at Barrachina. If your ship is docked downtown, walk over. $5 for all pieces that are safely stored in a back room. Easy to walk around San Juan from this location. There is a taxi drop off/pick up on the corner to get you back to the airport. It was probably only a 20 minute cab ride to the airport. Sometimes we eat/ drink at Barrachina, but most often we try other venues.

Barrachina

104 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

On our first cruise, we had two large suitcases, a garment bag, and carry on bags. It is doubtful we forgot anything! We now each bring a carry on and a back pack. If it doesn't fit, we don't need it.

How about this? Eat dinner one night at Vintages. Sit at a table in Central Park, order a pitcher of Sangria, and several tapas. Watch the people stroll by. Cost: About $35.

If you're on a really tight budget and fairly healthy, you could walk from the pier into town. It would probably take you about 30 minutes to get to the bus stop.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

All the way. We rented a car for two days, and drove ourselves to Hana on day one. Stop when you want. Beautiful scenery. Great experience. There is a parking lot near the pier where we left the car overnight.

Dick and Jane

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It looks like an interesting adventure, but I'm not sure how much you save. There are taxis available at the port area to the right. I think we paid eight dollars each for a taxi to Maho.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

I'm on my third Olympus tough camera. This one has 12 megapixels. I think it works great. I purchased a simple cable from Apple, so I can directly link the camera to my iPad. This makes downloading photos on a daily basis really easy.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois

I've also enjoyed reading about your journey on the Legend. Thank you for sharing! I was wondering whether you purchased an Internet package. I know you can do a lot of writing and editing prior to logging on.

Dick and Jane

Chicago, Illinois