Any update on cruises scheduled to leave from Puerto Rico?

The reason I asked is because our flight leaves San Juan at 3:30 and we booked the day at the Marriott. I was wondering what time we should leave the Marriott to the airport.

How are you going to take taxi'

s and eat at the restaurants. There is no gas and all the restaurants are closed the place is a mess, and there is a chorea outbreak, raw sewage everywhere. A nice risk for your family to take. You need to know the full picture of the island in real time.

We took a taxi on October 14th from the airport to the Adventure. It was $30 for four of us and our luggage. The guy that drove us said the majority of the island is good...it was certain areas that were hit hard. He had no damage where he lived. There was tons of cars on the road and no lines at the gas stations we passed.

We took a taxi on October 14th from the airport to the Adventure. It was $30 for four of us and our luggage. The guy that drove us said the majority of the island is good...it was certain areas that were hit hard. He had no damage where he lived. There was tons of cars on the road and no lines at the gas stations we passed.

But I thought everybody had cholera?

But I thought everybody had cholera?

OMG, I'm sorry but your post gave me a much needed afternoon chuckle :D Thank you!

Please call RCL cooperate and tell them its too soon to go to these ports. There number is 305-539-6455.

Um ... no.

I doubt very much that RCL would care what I think, not because they are uncaring or lack good customer service, but because I’m not sailing with Royal. You and several others are continually berating people on these threads to follow your direction in order to help your self-interest.

I may be showing my age and many younger people might not get the reference, but the term broken record comes to mind.

Like many others, I’m following these threads because I do have a cruise booked with Viking that will leave from San Juan. They have cruises that will soon be leaving the from the port.

I’m searching for first hand accounts from people who have visited San Juan since the hurricanes. I have no intention of canceling my cruise, but I want to have some idea what to expect.

I do believe the accounts from those who have reported that those living on the islands want visitors, need visitors. They need to see the ships coming to have some sense of normalcy return. They need us to eat in the restaurants, ride in their cabs, patronize what businesses have opened. They need the tips and to get that boost from getting back to work.

I’ll be on my cruise and I’ll be encouraging others to take theirs.

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Um ... no.

 

I doubt very much that RCL would care what I think, not because they are uncaring or lack good customer service, but because I’m not sailing with Royal. You and several others are continually berating people on these threads to follow your direction in order to help your self-interest.

 

I may be showing my age and many younger people might not get the reference, but the term broken record comes to mind.

 

Like many others, I’m following these threads because I do have a cruise booked with Viking that will leave from San Juan. They have cruises that will soon be leaving the from the port.

 

I’m searching for first hand accounts from people who have visited San Juan since the hurricanes. I have no intention of canceling my cruise, but I want to have some idea what to expect.

 

I do believe the accounts from those who have reported that those living on the islands want visitors, need visitors. They need to see the ships coming to have some sense of normalcy return. They need us to eat in the restaurants, ride in their cabs, patronize what businesses have opened. They need the tips and to get that boost from getting back to work.

 

I’ll be on my cruise and I’ll be encouraging others to take theirs.

 

 

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Could not have said it better myself!

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MIAMI, Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean International today announced the cruise line's return to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten marking a major milestone towards the revival of these Caribbean gems which were impacted by recent hurricanes. On Nov. 30, Freedom of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to call on San Juan, Puerto Rico, arriving with approximately 3,782 visitors to the island that is renowned for its passionate, welcoming spirit. Grandeur of the Seas will follow suit on Dec. 17 as the first cruise ship to sail into, St. Maarten since Royal Caribbean's Majesty of theSeas arrived to provide humanitarian relief last month. This announcement comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean's recent news that Adventure of the Seas will be the first ship to call on St. Thomas on Nov. 10.

"Royal Caribbean is encouraged by the commendable progress that has been made by the governments of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten towards the recovery of these destinations and it means a lot to us that we are heading back home. We have been part of the Caribbean community for almost 50 years, and for all of us it has been paramount that we focus on supporting our long-standing partners – who feel more like family after so many years," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Supporting these destinations that are so reliant on tourism is key to the future of the islands and the best thing we – as travelers and businesses – can do for the islands."

Working closely with the governments of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten, and local businesses, Royal Caribbean will be able to offer destination experiences that will allow guests to enjoy the natural beauty, historic landmarks and culture of these idyllic islands. With power and transportation on track to be readily available in San Juan by Nov. 30, guests can tour the city by foot, bike, Segway or bus; explore the epic fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal in Old San Juan; spend the day on the beach at VIVO Beach Club; or admire the countryside through Cueva Ventana – the Window Cave – which sits atop an 800-foot limestone cliff.

Similarly, the return of power and water to most of St. Maarten means that a majority of the shops, restaurants and bars, and tour operators around Philipsburg will be fully operational for guests to experience a diverse and extensive array of dining, shopping and activities in the area. The sun and vistas of the region's best beaches, Great Bay Beach and Kimshaw Beach, will be a beacon for guests wanting to dive into the turquoise blue waters and admire the sea life, whether by boat or catamaran, or from the relaxing comfort of a beach lounger.

As of Nov. 30, all scheduled calls to San Juan and St. Thomas across 10 ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet will operate as planned – including calls from the world's largest cruise ships each sailing with nearly 6,000 new visitors each week – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. The scheduled visits to St. Maarten will operate as planned starting on Dec. 17 with the exception of Oasis of the Seas, which will make its first call to the island on January 1 during her New Year's Eve cruise. Additionally, the global cruise line will return to St. Croix on January 8 with the arrival of Jewel of the Seas, which will sail from San Juan. All calls to Dominica are cancelled through June 2018 and the cruise line is working closely with the local government on a return date to the destination. For more information on Royal Caribbean's newly updated Caribbean itineraries, visit RoyalCaribbean.com

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 48-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry "firsts" never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. On board, guests are catered to with the cruise line's world-renowned friendly and engaging service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 24 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

This information was obtained from the fedtravel.com website. Hope it is helpful.

Looks like the majority of the hotels in San Juan & Carolina are on the list for assistance employees & contractors to reserve. The list does not specify if the hotel is closed due to hurricane damage.

LIST OF THE FEMA Approved Hotels for Contract, Government and Federal Assistance Employees to Reserve:

Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort

7012 Boca De Cangrejos Ave

Carolina, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/321-2211

FEMA : PR37

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino

8000 Tartak St

Carolina, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/362-2779

FEMA : PR5004

ESJ Towers Inc

6165 Isla Verde Ave, Suite 2200

Carolina, 00979-5729

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/468-2026

FEMA : PR5014

Hilton Curio Collection El San Juan Hotel

6063 Isla Verde Ave

Carolina, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/445-8667

FEMA : PR5011

San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel

2 Tartak St, Isla Verde

Carolina, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 888/265-6699

FEMA : PR5002

The Ritz-Carlton San Juan

6961 Ave of The Governors, Isla Verde

Carolina, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/241-3333

FEMA : PR5003

Verdanza Hotel

8020 Tartak St

Carolina, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/625-0312

Ambassador Plaza Hotel & Casino

1369 Ashford Ave

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/721-7300

FEMA : PR0005

Arcade Inn

8 Taft

San Juan, 00911

Puerto Rico

Phone: 809/725-0668

FEMA : PR5025

Best Western PLUS Condado Palm Inn & Suites

Condado Ave #55

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/721-9500

FEMA : PR5018

Ciqala Luxury Home Suites

752 Fernandez Juncos Ave

San Juan, 00908

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/998-1176

FEMA : PR5021

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

1005 Ashford Ave

San Juan, 00936-1198

Puerto Rico

Phone: 809/721-0505

FEMA : PR0031

Courtyard San Juan Miramar

801 Ponce De Leon Ave

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/593-8620

FEMA : PR0030

DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan

105 Avenida De Diego

San Juan, 00914

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/222-8733

FEMA : PR5009

Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan, Puerto Rico

6530 Isla Verde Ave

San Juan, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/426-7866

FEMA : PR5008

Hilton Condado Lagoon Villas at Caribe Hilton

1 San Geronimo St

San Juan, 00901

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/445-8667

FEMA : PR5006

Hilton The Condado Plaza

999 Ashford Ave

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/445-8667

FEMA : PR5024

Hyatt House San Juan

615 Ave Fernandez Juncos Distrito de Convenciones

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/977-5000

FEMA : PR0006

InterContinental San Juan

5961 Isla Verde Ave

San Juan, 979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/791-6100

FEMA : PR0033

Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino

1309 Ashford Ave

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 888/817-2033

FEMA : PR5001

Normandie Hotel

499 West Munoz Rivera Ave

San Juan, 00902

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/729-2929

FEMA : PR5007

Renaissance La Concha San Juan Resort

1077 Ashford Ave

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/468-3571

FEMA : PR5016

San Juan Airport Hotel

Luis Munoz Marin Int'l Airport

San Juan, 00937-1087

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/791-6000

FEMA : PR0012

San Juan Beach Hotel

1045 Ashford Ave

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 787/723-8000

FEMA : PR0034

Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino

100 Brumbaugh St

San Juan, 00901

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/325-3535

FEMA : PR5012

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino

200 Convention Blvd

San Juan, 00907

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/325-3535

FEMA : PR5010

TRYP Isla Verde

4820 Ave Isla Verde

San Juan, 00979

Puerto Rico

Phone: 800/407-9832

Looks like AD will NOT be visiting St M on 12/2, 12/9, or 12/16 sailings. So far have only received notice from TA on 12/2 sailing changing from St M to St T. Folks on 12/16 have indicated they received notice of a change also but I don't have yet.

Thought I would post my experience to help people leaving out of San Juan (Did Oct 27 sailing).. My lady and I both felt that only bringing carry on's really helped us out in a ton of ways. San Juan airport is operational but wayyyyy overpacked. We did not wait in the line of hundreds to get our luggage to the ship in the various trucks. When we got off ship we didn't have to deal with the lines of people trying to get luggage to the ship or them being separated from their luggage with unknown truck numbers in the chaos. We didn't have to deal with the 3 lines with 100+ people in each checking bags. Food in San Juan airport is 3x the price you would expect to pay (we waited in line 30 mins for land shark restaurant and got out of line when we found out a simple burger was $18). There are 30 seats to wait in for a plane that holds 200 people. Spotted tons of damage in San Juan but nobody seemed to be in fix up mode. Small sessnas still sitting on fences, billboards down still sitting in streets. Many places appeared to be in rough shape prior to hurricane. Wifi in airport didn't work for anyone. It won't let me attach photos. Planes on fences.. etc..

The below doesn't pertain to san juan directly

Favorite stop for us was Martinique. Book Thomas of Taxi Norden Vincent for a little island tour.. he is SO nice and his email was so informative even with a map of what you are doing.. We hit rainforest, waterfall, free rum spot, black sand volcanic beach with floating pumice and more. Just a heck of a nice tour and very nice man. Bonus was no hassling at the port from locals. The workers on the ship said Martinique didn't take USD, didn't speak english, and other bad stuff. All false. Best stop we had! Even finished it with a beer out of a locals cooler on the pier for a couple bucks. 2nd favorite for local stop was Barry Taxi tour in Antigua. Great deal and beautiful beach stop, they really treated us like a non-tourist and showed us what they love. Tied with 2nd was Barbados. We walked to carlisle bay and snorkled the ship wrecks and tossed in a stop at the carribean cigar company to see cigars get hand made and we purchased. Least favorite was St Kitts - lame snorkling at cockleshell beach and rip off rental pricing.. not to mention the hassling and monkey guys all over. Liz was great (we jumped on her taxi to the beach). The beach wasn't nice, water wasnt' clear, $30 to rent 2 snorkle masks, $35 for 15 mins on a jet ski and the riot act read to us with a $200 penalty if we tipped it over in the water, drinks took forever to get at reggae beach but the wifi worked. I have great pictures to accompany this but no idea how to add them.

Also, 3 in our group got sick. Dayquil is $18 in the gift shop. Day 4 and we are still sick. Bring some with you

Thought I would post my experience to help people leaving out of San Juan (Did Oct 27 sailing).. My lady and I both felt that only bringing carry on's really helped us out in a ton of ways. San Juan airport is operational but wayyyyy overpacked. We did not wait in the line of hundreds to get our luggage to the ship in the various trucks. When we got off ship we didn't have to deal with the lines of people trying to get luggage to the ship or them being separated from their luggage with unknown truck numbers in the chaos. We didn't have to deal with the 3 lines with 100+ people in each checking bags. Food in San Juan airport is 3x the price you would expect to pay (we waited in line 30 mins for land shark restaurant and got out of line when we found out a simple burger was $18). There are 30 seats to wait in for a plane that holds 200 people. Spotted tons of damage in San Juan but nobody seemed to be in fix up mode. Small sessnas still sitting on fences, billboards down still sitting in streets. Many places appeared to be in rough shape prior to hurricane. Wifi in airport didn't work for anyone. It won't let me attach photos. Planes on fences.. etc..

 

People in Florida and Houston have reported billboards still down too. Post hurricanes, there are more important things to do.

Yes food is expensive and marfaritabille is expensive no matter where. Combine Buffett’s place, an Island, and airport pricing...yikes.

People can just take taxis! That way your bags are with you.

No airport gate area I’ve seen has anywhere near the needed seating. :)

Hi,

We are currently on Jewel arriving in SJ on Nov. 19th. RCI is giving free transfer to airport on that day.

But wondering how taxi situation is at cruise terminal (Pan American Pier). Will taxis be available? Are traffic lights working now? Are taxis charging regular fare or overcharging?

Any info would be appreciated.

Mucho thanks,

NJ

Hi,

 

We are currently on Jewel arriving in SJ on Nov. 19th. RCI is giving free transfer to airport on that day.

 

 

 

But wondering how taxi situation is at cruise terminal (Pan American Pier). Will taxis be available? Are traffic lights working now? Are taxis charging regular fare or overcharging?

 

 

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Mucho thanks,

 

NJ

Taxis have been fine, from all reports on this forum and the San Juan forum.

Taxis are charged by zone. You know the cost before you even get in.

NJ - Definitely recommend you take a taxi instead of RC's shuttles. The airport is an overcrowded zoo. You want to get there super early, especially if you plan to pick up lunch there. The lines at the fast food restaurants are very long. And, as others have commented in this thread, there are chairs for about 10% of the passengers in the terminals. Hordes of people standing around. Our plane took off on time, though. Good luck to you.

kathy

Hi,

We are currently on Jewel arriving in SJ on Nov. 19th. RCI is giving free transfer to airport on that day.

 

But wondering how taxi situation is at cruise terminal (Pan American Pier). Will taxis be available? Are traffic lights working now? Are taxis charging regular fare or overcharging?

 

Any info would be appreciated.

Mucho thanks,

NJ

We left SJ/Celebrity Summit last Saturday. We were the first group off the ship after the self-service walk-off group. There were plenty of taxis at the pier and the cost is $21 (I think) plus $1 per bag to the airport. There is no price gauging and the drivers are very nice! Our taxi ride was fast and uneventful.

JetBlue terminal was busy but not out of control. BEWARE -> You MUST get your bags screened by the USDA BEFORE checking your bags, so find the huge USDA scanner that is working and put your luggage through that right when you get off the taxi! You will see signs as you enter the terminal. (The one closest to JetBlue was out of order, but there is another one right down the hall!)

Safe travels!

Hello can you tell me if the last boarding for The Adventure of The Sea is still 5:30pm . Our plain is running late ?? We are sitting at the gate on board , finger’s crossed .

Hello can you tell me if the last boarding for The Adventure of The Sea is still 5:30pm . Our plain is running late ?? We are sitting at the gate on board , finger’s crossed .

I believe it is 7:00 pm check-in cutoff. (If the ship is scheduled to sail at 8:30.) You might miss the 5:45 muster and will have to do the "make-up" muster at 8:00 pm.

We made it bye 4:00pm , thank you for the information.

We made it bye 4:00pm , thank you for the information.

Excellent! Thanks for the update. Have a wonderful time!

Renee

We made it bye 4:00pm , thank you for the information.

So happy to hear!

What a relief for you, must have been stressful while waiting on the plane

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