Island Hopper58

I often wonder if it really matters in San Juan...

I don't get those perks yet, but even if I did, for San Juan I don't plan on being 1st on the ship.

The FTTF is available for our purchase, and I just can't see the point.

We plan on dropping off our bags, do some sight seeing.

Maybe take the ferry over and taxi to the Rum Factory

Come back for check in at some slower time of the afternoon.

Have a bite to eat and head back out to see what there is to see again.

With the Ship leaving so late at night, there really is no rush to get on :)

Sorry, my bad, I didn't have or answer your question...Maybe someone will know though

I hope my post helps you to maybe have some ideas for Embarkation day :)

The walk to the ferry might be two blocks, it is the next set of piers down from the Valor, if you see the bars and little shops you know it's the right place, plus there is a Bacardi sign on the side of the building where you catch the ferry. The ferry and the terminal on the other side are not spectacular but for 1.00 it is a real bargain. There are people waiting to take you to the taxis and to Bacardi, just ask when you get off, the taxis are parked in the garage next door when you get off the ferry.

 

The only excursion we did not book with Carnival was in St Thomas, Luen's Island Tours is what is on the card he gave us, for 25 dollars we got a complete tour of the island stopped at a beach for 15-20 minutes, fed the ducks and iguanas. You can get him at yellofevah @ yahoo this was the best tour we have had on St Thomas.

Thank you very much great info. Now I only have to wait my turn :)

Thanks for all the great info and Photos.

I would love for you to name names and post links for your excursions done non Carnival

Not that Carnival is out of the question but...

also how far was the walk from the ship to the ferry to head over to the Bacardi Factory.

we come in a day or two prior and were thinking of dropping bags with the ship,

head over the Bacardi,

come back and check in have a bite to eat then head out to see old San Juan.

Looking forward to any other info you have for us.

Thanks again for sharing :)

Us too, heading out on the Valor in March. Love seeing recent reviews and knowing who you had fun excursions with and those to avoid...

Looking forward to more, so keep it coming ;)

You all still waiting on this cruise?

[quote name='valentinebaby1']Based on my research of the bio bays, swimming is not permitted, in order to preserve them. We are going to see one of the bio bays before our Valor cruise in October. We have 3 days planned before the cruise in San Juan, but kind of wishing we had booked the 3 days for after the cruise, since it will be so port intensive I think we'll be exhausted by the time our vacation is over! Do you have an option to switch yours to after the cruise, where the moon phase would be better?[/quote]
We are West Coasties, so we really need to get to PR and rest a day or two before such a Port intensive cruise.
Looking at the Bio calender for other months to get the gist of when is best
Either side of our Cruise is not great for viewing.
The week before the Full moon it looks like they don't tour at all.
Our cruise starts on the Full Moon. Nice for the cruise :D
It would be better to go after the cruise, But not all that great.
We do have one night after the cruise, but will be getting up early to head home.
It is a LONG day getting from SJPR to the West Coast, so a good nights sleep is important.
If San Juan is all I hope and hear about, I guess I will just have to make a mental note to return,
Maybe I will return for a land Vacation making sure it is with the new moon ;)

Thank you for your review
Very helpful, we plan on doing this very cruise in 2014.
Loved all the Photos, can't wait to live it myself
We are spending a couple days before hand in PR
Sadly it looks as though those days will be full or almost full moon
so I guess I wont be spending the evening in the glowing waters.
Just wondering, did you get to swim in them or just boat thru?
Again, very well thought and put together review.

I am thinking of doing your Barbados sailing/snorkeling tour
can you tell me how much it was per person?
Also looking at the Silver Moon. they have one that can take 24.
We may be that big of a party.
Thanks

Such exciting news. Congratulations are in order for sure :D

It always seems like when you stop trying and wondering "If", is when something happens.

 

Talking a cruise later, with a baby and if you are smart and have enough $$$ a gramma. You will have a great time.

 

I know some think taking a little one is silly, but going on vacation with out your little one is silly to me.

 

We went with our 8 month old and I know that was easier than taking a 3 yr old or a teen :D

(no way am I leaving my little one with strangers, not even the wonderful Carnival ones)

Having Gramma on the cruise was the key to making it a great cruise.

She loves being with the baby, and the parents get a few special moments (hours) to relax.

 

What ever you do, what ever you decide...only the two of you and the Dr. can know what is best.

 

Congratulations again...

Love, Love Loving your review...I sure hope I get to see the Miracle up close and personal...

thinking a Hawaii cruise would be a good time to do it too.