Caribbeancruzin

SeaShell70, if your mother has mobility issues, even if the taxis did drop you close to the entrances, the forts themselves require a lot of walking. El Morro is by far, more intensive to navigate and it's quite a walk from the street to the gate. San Cristobal may be easier but still requires a fair amount of walking. I really hope you're able to go to either of them, they're so incredible. Walking around Old San Juan can be challenging with the cobblestone streets in some areas. :)

The OP was asking about the Sheraton Convention center hotel close the Pan American pier where Royal docks, I believe. :) We will be staying there pre-cruise in September and are curious as to what is within walking distance to the hotel, meaning convenience stores and places to eat.:)

thank you luvtovaca! appreciate the information! Happy cruising to you!!

thank you mommyto2girls! we have previously always chosen mid-ship. however the cabins seems to have much smaller balcony's on Getaway mid-ship. Thanks again!

I am sure this has been addressed some place in the mass of forums but I am going to ask anyway. we are considering a cruise on Getaway next June with my granddaughter for her 18th birthday/graduation. I am curious about experiences you've all had with either or both of these cabin categories. She is prone to motion sickness, as am I but in all the other cruises I've been on, have never had a problem. This will be her first cruise and we would like her to really enjoy it. We are looking at these cabin types for the extra room they offer.

Any information will be welcome!!!

Thank you!

Our favorite ship! We have b2b booked for September 2015 and can't wait! I suppose it is a "romantic" affinity we have to AOS, it was our 1st ship we cruised on together. But there is something special about her too!!!

AOS is a great ship! as you can see we have cruised may times on her. we love the southern Caribbean islands too. we were so excited to see that she is in the southern in the fall 2015! we booked b2b Grand suites 1568 for both.

As far as the locals in PR being on the ship, its never been a huge issue as far as we are concerned, its a different culture but we love San Juan so much it's no big deal for us.

If you do this cruise, if possible fly in the day before, get acclimated!

Best of Cruising to you!!!

ladysail2 Go to RCL website, its called the WOW sale. we just booked a grand suite on Adventure of the Seas for 9/19/15 sailing.

I have been on several Carnival cruises and this will be my first on RC. However, I've been on the website and clothing states a lot of dresses for the ladies and I'm wondering if that is correct. Usually on Carnival we could wear capris to the dinning room. Can anyone tell me what most cruisers are wearing on the ship at night. Thank you.

I wear capris in the dining room unless it is a formal night, it is perfectly acceptable. I also take a pair of dress slacks, skirts and dresses. Even on the formal nights, you will see less than formal attire.

Enjoy your first RCI cruise!!! :D

I don't think that's true. We did it and many other people have reported the same thing.

perhaps there has been a change in policy since you last did it or maybe it depends on the captain.

we have flown many times in and out of SJ. I would never take a chance and book a flight out of there before 1100 .just getting off the ship,there are too many variables. You may get to leave the ship on time but there is no guarantee how quickly you will locate your luggage and how much difficulty you may have with customs or how long the lines will be. Normally they don't even let you off the ship before 8 as the ship has to clear customs itself. They don't recommend you book a flight any earlier than 10.

Security at the airport can be another obstacle once you make it there. Doesn't make any difference if it is only 20 minutes to the airport. You will have to have your luggage tagged and inspected by the FDA in addition to security. So I would not even take the chance. :D

Its been a few years for us but we stayed there at the Milano numerous times. It is an older hotel but the staff is great. they have a little restaurant upstairs. it's certainly right in the middle of OSJ! I would think you would feel safe there. it is a bit noisy at night from the traffic but overall a quaint little place to stay!

Walgreens and CVS have locations in Old San Juan. I agree it is a bit of a hike especially if you're going to have to walk back too. Unless of course you're just going to walk to OSJ and taxi back to the pier. If you have any plans to wander the city in addition to walking there you really might want to reconsider the cost and "splurge".

Barrachina's in Old San Juan is nice. 104 Fortaleza Street San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 ... barrachina.com

You have to determine what is more important to you to be covered. Is it the trip interruption and luggage coverage? is the health portion, knowing that your own medical insurance may not be accepted where you might require treatment for an injury. You may be required to pay out of pocket then be reimbursed for any medical treatment.

The trip insurance is important for a variety of reasons. It's relatively inexpensive really all things considered. :D I am guessing that those who were onboard the Explorer this week and weren't insured, wish they were.

This infectious, gastrointestinal illness can rip its way through close, crowded quarters like these, wreaking havoc on the residents’ digestive systems, and leaving them dangerously dehydrated due to diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vomiting, within a mere 24 hour period.

Norovirus symptoms hit those with low immunities the worst, such as infants, seniors, and those with unrelated illnesses. The symptoms might seem like a violent flu, lasting over a few days before emergency medical attention is required. This highly contagious infection spreads quickly through contact with an infected person. However, it typically strikes a population first via fecal contaminated food or water sources.

So, people it's quite simple - WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!!!

Royal Caribbean International Statement Regarding Explorer of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International Statement Regarding Explorer of the Seas

January 26, 2014

6:45 p.m.

Explorer of the Seas will return home from its 10-day cruise two days early, after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that spiked over the weekend. New reports of illness have decreased day-over-day, and many guests are again up and about. Nevertheless, the disruptions caused by the early wave of illness means that we were unable to deliver the vacation our guests were expecting. After consultation between our medical team and representatives of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we think the right thing to do is to bring our guests home early, and use the extra time to sanitize the ship even more thoroughly. We are sorry for disappointing our guests, and we are taking several steps to compensate them for their inconvenience.

After returning to home port on Wednesday, Jan. 29, we will perform a thorough “barrier” sanitization program on the entire ship to make certain that any remaining traces of the illness are eliminated. It will be the third aggressive sanitizing procedure the ship has undertaken since we became aware of the issue, and will additionally provide a window of more than 24 hours where there are no persons aboard the ship, which is a significant help. Guests scheduled for the next cruise on Explorer of the Seas can be confident that all possible measures will have been taken to prevent further problems.

At this point, it appears that reported illnesses among guests and crew peaked during the first few days of the cruise – though, as is common with many illnesses, some additional cases are to be expected over the course of the week. Our doctors tell us symptoms are consistent with that of norovirus, but that they are awaiting the results of tests to confirm that diagnosis. Our response included flying additional medical personnel and equipment to meet the ship, and conducting additional sanitizing procedures at two of the ship’s stops.

In the end, however, the number of cases was still higher than any of us want to see. We will be cooperating with authorities and conducting our own internal assessments to make sure we are doing all we can to promote the health and safety of our guests and crew.

Stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com.

Yes, they have a really cool parade that takes place on the promenade deck after you have set sail later that night. I guess I should say they did when we last sailed on Adventure. You'll enjoy hanging out on the promenade. :cool:

Honeymooner15, first congratulations! We were on the sister ship Adventure for our honeymoon and have cruised on Explorer as well. You will enjoy the ship very much! A 9 night southern Caribbean cruise, I'm jealous! We love the southern routes as you can see by how often we go! Be sure to check out the ice show if they still have it. it's pretty amazing. And be sure if they have the welcome aboard parade to experience that! There is just so much about this class of ship to enjoy!!

We've been to Aruba and Curacao once but not Bonaire or Haiti. I would suggest checking out the Ports of Call boards for those particular islands to give you some ideas for what to do in port. It really depends on your activity preferences.

You're going to have an absolute wonderful time! :D

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising and the boards!

I also have issues with getting car sick and was very nervous about how I might feel onboard. I am happy to say it was never a problem!

Bonine works well from what I've heard and does not make you sleepy the way Dramamine does.

Enjoy your cruise!!!!

We've stayed at the Milano a couple of times. It's an older dated hotel. It's located in a very old building. However, if you want querky charm located in the heart of the old city, you may like it. The people are very nice and friendly. It's a great location if you're interested in being within walking distance to any place in Old San Juan. It's safe though. It doesn't have a lot of modern amenities, the air conditioners are wall units.

Luvfamilytime: don't be put off by the not so friendly welcome. I'm not sure why regulars assume the worst about a new poster. :confused: it is a free and public forum.

it is unfortunate for all who heard and witnessed this event. it would be very confusing for a young person. I hope you're able to resolve some of the questions for your daughter.

Don't stop posting. :) Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising! This site is very informative and helpful most of the time.

The pictures are great! we are on Jewel in September in cabin 1102

can't wait!

You're going to LOVE Adventure!!! And San Juan! It is by far our favorite! We love the city!

I would recommend to anyone to come in a day early at least and if possible stay a day after unless you can come 2 days early. We feel so at home there. it is lovely and romantic to stroll down the streets of Old San Juan.

We've stayed at the Milano in the old city and Marriott and the Conrad in Condado area.

Enjoy your cruise!!!!

Awesome pictures! We just booked our first aft cabin on Jewel! Can't wait!