MrLacox

Hi !!

Just a quick update on this topic.

A local newscast revealed a letter from Michael Bayley (RCI president) stating that they were unsuccessful on their multiple attempts to initiate discussions regarding this topic with local authorities.

As a consequence, the local port authority director had to submit  his resignation yesterday. 

Cruises affected will be for the 5/21 - 4/22 season.

Finally the truth is surfacing. 

So who's fault was it ??  IMHO not RCI.

A local political storm is brewing due to this news. The cat is out of the bag and rumors are picking up regarding that CCL, MSC and NCL might follow suit. Lets hope for the best and watch how it unfolds. 

Increasing rumors point to CCL and MSC  following suit.

Yep.  Saw it after posting. Excuse the duplicate. FM , Feel free to delete.

Last friday RCI announced the cancellation of 90 visits to San Juan, PR

during 2020.

This total includes port of calls on cruises by the Allure & The Symphony.

and home ports  of the Freedom.

If you have plans on cruising from / visiting San Juan on 2020 please verify ahead of time.

IMHO, This a mayor blow to the PR cruising industry and should be reconsidered.

The conv ctr area is under development. It already has three restaurants within walking distance from the hotels. In the near future it will have bars, movie theaters, a small stage and more food choices. IIRC even a water taxi to OSJ.

Its carnival time again in OSJ. Expect big crowds specially at night. Driving in/out of the city is not recommended. Taxis & buses will be available. This is a good chance to enjoy the local music, gastronomy and artisan fares.

For all cruisers embarking, debarking or having port of calls in San Juan this weekend expect huge crowds and slow traffic.

The San Sebastian festivities are being held during this weekend in Old San Juan.

This carnival is the most popular and attended music, food and artisan fair held on PR.

Crowds usually begin arriving by large numbers during early afternoon & hang out till midnite.

Additionally, several ships are slated to visit the San Juan port. These include the Carnival Dream, Carnival Conquest, Adventure of the Seas, Summit, Norwegian Gem, Star Legend, Jewel of the Seas, Disney Wonder, Carnival Liberty, and the Seven Seas Navigator.

Local authorities keep cab and bus flow the best they can but delays should be expected.

Anyhow, this a unique opportunity to have a real taste of a "boricua" party.

So Dont miss it.

Enjoy your stay !!!!

If you are looking for typical puertorrican cuisine consider El Jibarito, Cafe PR or Raices.

Parrot Club has very nice food but its a bit trendy and pricy.

Whatever the choice is, Try the mofongo, the rice & beans and/or any type of stew.

Hi!!!

Im was going to chime in as quick as I could but TAPI beat

me to it.:D:D

Most of the charities in PR are well organized and work

thru donations.

Here is a link to most of the foundations in PR.

decadm.uprrp.edu/docs/cbep2010.pdf

If it doesnt work just google it. Its in spanish... :(:(

If its clothing, shoes or toys that you want to share

the kids in the domican republic or haiti are extremely grateful.

Thats whom I donate these items to.

Usually church folks will forward them.

Thx and always be blessed.

I had a Sept 27 cruise on the Getaway fully paid for two adults and

my dearest little girl.

Once I read this thread I fled to the mobile and jumped on my TAs case.

Guess what ??? I just been informed that my fare went down by $600.

Keeping the same cabin and a $50 OBC. :D:D:D

U gotta love Angie from TP in PR!!! Shes da best...

Also, @ very special Thxs to the OP and all the people who wrote in this thread.

Take a cab to OSJ it shouldnt be more than $10.00 each way.

I cruised on both.

Ill try to keep it short & simple.

State rooms - Had junior suites. I found the Allure roomier. This could have been due to the Breeze furniture layout.

Shows- This is a no brainer and the topic has been discussed to boredom.

Food - I dined at MDR and specialty restaurants on both. Allure beats Breeze in quality and selections.

Service level- Excellent on both.

Maintenance - Both vessels where at top shape at the time.

Pools & whirlpools - Allure has better choices and temp control.

Ice Rink - Unique to Allure.

Private Island - Allure has Labadee.No PI stop on the Breeze.

Em/ debarkation process - Fast and very well organized on both.

Other venues such as casinos , bars, and kid camps an pretty much similar on both ships.

IMHO, Even though the Allure outweighs the Breeze, the former has the waterslides, Sea side BBQ, 4D cinema and Tandoor which are unique to CCL.

Ive cruised on both lines and IMHO selecting one or the other is a matter of quality vs quantity. Hands down there is a very slim chance (if any) on beating CCL's pricing. RCI tends to have better entertainment venues.As far as comparing food selection , this a very touchy matter since every palate is different. If you are not a picky eater CCL will suffice your cravings . Being a San Juan resident my advice for the Valor is to watch out for school break dates. Try to avoid those. Local semester dates are in sync with stateside schools. Enjoy your aft cabin cruise.

Thx for the quick responses. TBH the decision boiled down to cruise either the the Fantasy or the Magic during Sept/ October 2014. Both seven day cruise expenses are in the same price range. The only BIG difference is Castaway Cay. Magic only stops at CC on its repo cruise. So i thought, why dont I book the Magic on the three day cruise AND have Castaway included ??? Well... it looks like I'll be missing a lot. Ill follow your advise and book the Fantasy for seven nights.:D

Im a San Juan resident who is entertaining the idea of cruising the Magic on the 3 day repositioning cruise on October 18. This would be my 1st cruise with DCL. So the myl question is . Will I be able to enjoy all dining venues, shows and events in such a short cruise ???

The work around is changing to US as the originating country.

It should work if not try deleting the temp files & cookies.