Tasha4199

If you use Ebates, make sure you take screenshots of the shopping trip number. We used it for a Princess cruise and since Ebates doesn't pay until after travel is completed, they didn't want to issue the credit by that point we sailed a year later. Luckily, we had the screenshots to prove everything and ended up getting credit, which was over $300! I wrote how we got our cash back to make others aware: https://omshantiadventure.com/ebates-save-money-travel/

If your kids are animal lovers, you may want to help abused/abandoned animals while you're on vacation. There's one for cats in Old San Juan, and quite a few for dogs throughout the island. I'm not affiliated with any of them, but I did rescue two satos (slang for PR street dog) that were abandoned on the side of the road as 6 week old puppies who have become the best, most loving pets!

This one is for cats in OSJ and has ideas on how to help when on vacation - http://www.saveagato.com/#!volunteer/cynr

This is for dogs all over the island: https://www.facebook.com/saveasato

This one is on the other side of the island, but I'm not sure if they have a contact in OSJ or not: https://www.facebook.com/TheDeadDogBeachProject

and just because I love them, here are my little satos, Roxy & Rico :)

I feel like I should know the answer to this, but I just had my uncle offer to cover a cruise for me, my mom, and grandma leaving THIS SATURDAY from Miami. It stops in San Juan on Thursday, where I currently live, so would I be able to just get off the ship that day while my mom and grandma continue back to FL? It stops at HMC, then day at sea, then St. Thomas, then SJ. Thanks!

Publix carries it! It's my favorite wine and I MISS IT SO MUCH. Have a bottle for me! :D

We were in a similar situation a few months before my Dream cruise wedding. 9 of us were set to go in July. Found out in April my grandma had stage 2 breast cancer. They did a few biopsies before the cruise, but she waited to start radiation/chemo until after. She figured that would give her something exciting to keep her spirits up, and her doctor agreed the progression was slow so waiting wouldn't hurt. We got back on Saturday and she started that following Monday. 2+ years later, and all her scans still come back clean! :D

Hmm...so I guess the military transferring my husband and I here means my taste buds stopped working, so my opinions aren't valid. Interesting. :cool:

But, but...

 

getting the opinions of locals is The Best Way to find out what to do, where to go, where to stay, and where to eat!

 

I realize it's possible they may be promoting their own establishments. But I really think most of us appreciate their input. The whole point of these boards is to share first-hand knowledge.

 

I've gotten a ton of local input on the various Departure boards re hotels, restaurants and parking. How is that different?

 

I prefer to the locals' knowledge rather than have some recommendation to go to Senor Frogs or Margaritaville from some cruiser who is more interested in drinking than eating. :mad:

One would think! ;)

Yes - it is pricey, but we just love walking about OSJ in the morning before leaving for the cruise port, and usually try to eat breakfast at La Bombanero (which apparently is reopening) or Cafe Majorca.

 

La Bombanera is still closed indefinitely. I just moved here and had it on my list to try, but when I walked by last week it didn't look like it was going to be opening any time soon. :( Cafe Mallorca has got to be my next breakfast stop!

Your photos are amazing! Love the cake topper! :D My fave pic was you in the porthole window. I may need to look for a window like that on the Dream!

Hope this helps! Please don't forget to let me know what you think!

You are completely AWESOME! :D That is going to be soooo helpful, cause I'm starting to get a bit stressed about the budget!

~Tasha

Tasha- you've got mail!!!!

You are awesome, thanks!!

Oooh can I have a copy?? Natasha.Thompson@aol.com Thanks so much!!

I also recommend talking to her, and getting her opinion. It really depends on her, and what she is studying. I took mainly web design and various computer classes, and took the majority of them online, so it would not have been an issue for me. Also, many classes are only one day a week, so missing one class is nothing drastic. But she will need to give you her input as to whether it is feasible for her.