Serenade of the Seas, January 21 - 28, 2012 "Live" from....or "Almost Live"....or ??

[will773]

Great job so far! Can't wait for the rest of this week!

[Havana Daydreamin]

I finally got around to doing some pictures of the pre-cruise lodging at the Coral Princess Inn in the Condado district.

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Exterior View

 

We have been very pleased with the accommodations and the staff. They are so very helpful to any need that might arise. You can definitely tell that the staff is very proud of the property and the work that they do.

 

Here are a couple shots of the walkway leading from the lobby to the outdoor breakfast seating area. It is filled with delightful little seating areas that are on the way as well. It has been enjoyable to utilize these areas for evening relaxation after a hard day of scouting where your next meal is coming from.

 

Just kidding about the hard day part! Actually very nice to relax and enjoy our company together.

 

 

 

 

The seating area mentioned earlier.

 

 

Off to conquer Old San Juan and make sure that the food passes inspection and the libation delivery systems are operational!

[pjsora]

This hotel looks very beautiful, to bad I already booked my pre-cruise accommodations otherwise I think I would like this place very much. Will keep the information for next time, as there will always be a next time!

 

We will be passing you on our way in next Saturday, i know there are several CC members on your cruise who are doing B2B and will be with us as well.

 

Enjoy and I will be one of the many following your week and hoping that your week and our week are both fabulous in every way!

[Havana Daydreamin]

Our day began with the breakfast at the Coral Princess. It was delightful once again!

 

We packed ourselves up to head over to Old San Juan. We braved the bus on Ashford Street. It was only about a 15 minute wait for the bus. However, someone else had been waiting before us and I have no idea how long that was.

 

The fare is 75 cents EXACT CHANGE.....I say again EXACT change only. You take bus #21 or 53 which will take your around to the convention center first and then off to Old San Juan. You get let off just by the bus station that is like a couple blocks away from the Sheraton if it helps locate where you would be. It was an interesting ride. I would not hesitate to do it again. And we rode the bus on the way back to the Coral Princess. You have to wait inside the bus station for awhile until the bus driver returns, but again with exact change you are one your way.

 

A recommendation....make sure you know about where you will have to alert the driver to stop at the next stop. We only had about a half block walk doing so.

 

We got tired of waiting for the trolley and caught a taxi by the Sheraton to El Morro at a cost of $10.

 

As there are many pictures of El Morro, and believe me I took a bunch myself! I can share more when I get home, but I know there are a bunch available.

 

I will call my feature "The Stairs of El Morro."

 

We begin at the entrance...under that is the entrance desk to pay the fee. It is currently three dollars for adults or $5 for access to both El Morro and San Cristobal.

 

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You enter on level five of the fort and after some exploration and going up the ramps to level six. We decided to venture down the first set of stairs. It had a warning sign about the stairs for those who are limited in agility. Actually, they are not bad to walk on if you pay attention to where you are going and keep your wits about you.

 

There are 77 steps in this particular access.

 

In between the steps is a ramp that was used for the cannon and supplies kind of stuff. I thought it would be a cool perspective to get it looking at ground level. Imagine the looks I got sprawled out on my belly taking this shot!!

 

We then ventured down the next set of stairs to the next lower level. There are 40 steps in this set. Again they are easy to navigate if you keep your attention where the feet need to go.

 

There is a ramp that is somewhat dark into the original part of the fort and at the lowest level. After the ramp there is a landing to view the structure from inside and then down these stairs. There is a total of 29 steps at this point. Again, what was said earlier goes here also.

 

The TRICK is not so much going down the stairs as it is going back UP!

 

There are several other kinds of stairs that provided access for the defenders of the fort in necessary defense mode. I did not take these so I have no direct report on them. However, a recent acquaintance did and there are 29 steps here also.

[Havana Daydreamin]

As I mentioned there are plenty of other pictures that I have of the fort, but I include these other two to give a sense of the majestic walls that were built over the years and what makes this such an imposing structure.

 

This was from level three looking up at one of the overlooks on level 5. If you look closely, you can see the place in the wall where the overlook was located with a person looking out.

 

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Thankfully, there is a GREAT BREEZE in a good many places at this fort. The sun is hot, so make sure to use plenty of sunscreen. But the breeze is nice!

 

It was time to take advantage of that breeze and go fly a kite!

 

I had the biggest smile on my face. It has been YEARS since I have flown a kite. I still had the knack.

 

I could have spent so much more time doing that, but we wanted to hike over to San Cristobal fort yet and then also give Old San Juan the once over on its Food Prep and Delivery and to give adequate testing to the Libation Dispensing Stations.

 

 

We shared our kites with two other families with small children. They were so thrilled to be able to take part in that activity together.

 

This is the only shot of San Cristobal fort that I will include. I have a bunch there also. I find this one interesting because you can see the overlook is much more recent in construction. While I did not make it to that point, there was one similar that was constructed for World War II as a lookout for submarine and warships.

 

 

We did see Explorer of the Seas enter San Juan today and it was the only cruise ship in port.

[Havana Daydreamin]

After many times of placing your right foot first and left foot next, it was time to do some spot checks around Old San Juan to test the food preparation and delivery systems and to make sure that every libation dispensing system was in excellent working order.

 

We stopped at a place that we had been to one other time for what we hoped would be a fantastic conch salad. However, the location was the same, but the ownership or at least the menu was different!

 

WHAT THE HECK!!???? It seemed mandatory that they should receive a spot inspection right then and there. We ordered two Magna Lagers and two waters. The food for choice was easy...guacamole and chips.

 

The Magna's were properly chilled and expertly served. The plastic glasses were a nice touch but not necessary as the lager almost evaporated. I think it had something to do with the sun today.

 

The Bisro Latino near the Cathedral received a passing score.

 

We then walked around (mostly heading DOWNHILL) looking for other locales to inspect.

 

We then remembered that Explorer of the Seas was in port. We felt that in past experience many of our fellow cruisers may find their way to Senor Frogs.

 

It seemed right that we should inspect this locale. We were seated promplty and welcomed warmly. The menu, however, left us a bit uncertain. We were hoping to test the delivery system and chill factor on some Dos Equis. However, the only thing listed was XX and XX Ambar. What in the WORLD is a XX?

 

Now, I know what Dos Equis stands for. But do you think a cruiser in emergency need for a good Dos Equis is going to be able to navigate such jumbo on the menu!?

 

I mean...it was HOT outside!

 

Thankfully, the XX was indeed Dos Equis and was quickly served. Perhaps the waiter sensed our anxiety and need. The XX was cold and was enjoyed. A passing certificate was given!

 

I am glad to report that Old San Juan is well able to supply the food and beverage needs of the weary land traveler or sea-farer!

 

Then the bus ride back to Coral Princess and preparation for dinner.

 

It's report to follow.

[Havana Daydreamin]

It was now time to test the systems in Condado once again. Our target in sight this evening was the Latin Star Restaurant. It had been pointed out to us last evening by one of the local tourist police force as a good spot to eat.

 

Now, I should have known that this strapping young man would know where a good food value was by his size and build. We walked by, paused...taking note that many locals were inside (which in my book is always a good recommendation of a restaurant).

 

So it stayed on the radar screen until today. We were the first to arrive for the evening dinner crowd and was warmly welcomed by Liliana. She carefully and pleasantly fielded our questions regarding the extensive menu. We were excited to see Chuletas Kan Kan (sp?) only to be informed they did not have any at this time. We were hoping to try this after seeing a gigantic one on Man vs Food Nation. She patiently waited for us to place our order.

 

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There were well done murals on the wall featuring the forts.

 

 

 

 

We placed our order for Roasted Pork with rice & beans and also the Mofungo stuffed with conch. Liliana took our order and her shift was over. Jose' took her place and ably filled in! More about Jose' in a bit. Here were our sumptuous dishes! I highly recommend them as they were flavorful!

 

 

Hosted on Fotki

 

Apparently, Jose' had been watching me take pictures. As it was Friday night, they were placing their "Friday Night Teasers" freshly prepared outdoors for potential diners to behold. Jose' came over as he placed them and said "Take a picture."

 

Which I did!

 

 

A couple who will be embarking on Serenade tomorrow also came by to look at the menu. They opened a conversation with us about our food apparently knowing how immensely we were enjoying it. Bob & Susan came in and ordered identical dishes and became fellow advertisers with us.

 

Another set of cruisers came by and we both invited them in as well. I took their picture for them on their camera (something I have a tendency to do for people) and they placed their order as well.

 

I cannot speak highly enough about Jose' and the food the Latin Star prepared. It was the most economical meal that we had and a delightful dining experience.

 

Which was followed by a Romeo y Julieta, Medalla, and these posts.

 

See you on board tomorrow!

[Havana Daydreamin]

This hotel looks very beautiful, to bad I already booked my pre-cruise accommodations otherwise I think I would like this place very much. Will keep the information for next time, as there will always be a next time!

 

We will be passing you on our way in next Saturday, i know there are several CC members on your cruise who are doing B2B and will be with us as well.

 

Enjoy and I will be one of the many following your week and hoping that your week and our week are both fabulous in every way!

 

Here's hoping so as well!

 

Thanks for following.

[khm1]

Keep it coming! I will be in SJ two weeks from today!

[will773]

Still love it! Can't wait for the rest.

[Susie51]

Wow! Love your live from...

[mslaabs]

I am a continuing explorer on making my iPad work for me rather than me work for it. I have only it along on this trip, and we will see what happens.

 

Enjoying the review so far. Thanks for taking us along.

I'll be curious to see how the iPad works out for you. I have one and would like to try doing a "live" review with it, but I'm concerned that I would not be able to get it to cooperate. Are you writing the review right on the website or are you pre-writing and then posting all at once? Just wondering how all that works.

 

Sheila

[leeselee]

We are on the Serenade in August and this is such a great read!

 

Keep it coming

:D

[Havana Daydreamin]

Enjoying the review so far. Thanks for taking us along.

I'll be curious to see how the iPad works out for you. I have one and would like to try doing a "live" review with it, but I'm concerned that I would not be able to get it to cooperate. Are you writing the review right on the website or are you pre-writing and then posting all at once? Just wondering how all that works.

 

Sheila

 

Thanks!

 

As for the iPad, I am using connection time to upload my pics and then copy the code to my word processor (Pages).

 

I plan to disconnect after that (I have not had to since I am on hotel wifi) when on Serenade. Write the information and cut & paste it to this board.

 

As you noted, my technoplight has seemed to improve. I would suggest a bit of practice before leaving home. Something I did not have the opportunity to do and really wish I would have made time to do it.

 

Thanks for reading and "travelling along."

[Havana Daydreamin]

Another bright and beautiful day has revealed itself when the blinds were raised at the Coral Princess!

 

After making ourselves presentable, we found our way to the Breakfast Nook once again. Carmen was overseeing its preparation and oversight. She is a delightful person as well and today we found out that she is quite a talented artist. There are many pieces of her artistry in paint displayed around the hotel and she mentioned she had one at the restaurant Ropa Vieja up the street on Ashford. She is quite a talent!

 

Back to the room and the stuff that was taken out of the bags almost seemed to JUMP back in. The bags are packed.

 

They seem anxious to make their way to Serenade as they have jostled for "me first" position at the door.

 

 

So we have about a two hour wait before we make our way to the ship. I do plan on taking plenty of pictures. I think many of the around the ship pictures may wait until I get home, but I will try to give a flavor of the Serenade of the Seas and its crew.

 

For those who are making the turn today, we will see you onboard soon! For those that we ran into who are embarking today, it has been a joy to make your acquaintance! See you around the ship!

 

After this post, it is time to leave our temporary home of the Coral Princess in the Condado district of San Juan.

 

Soon, our home for the next week.......

The Serenade of the Seas!

[catey]

Havana Daydreamin thanks for the great TR!!! We are leaving in 6 days for San Juan to board on 1/28 (hope we see you at the M & M). WE have never been on the Serenade so I am excited to hear your live report!

I was also going to bring my iPad so you wil have to let me know if it is worth the effort.

Relax and enjoy!!!!!

[Havana Daydreamin]

Havana Daydreamin thanks for the great TR!!! We are leaving in 6 days for San Juan to board on 1/28 (hope we see you at the M & M). WE have never been on the Serenade so I am excited to hear your live report!

I was also going to bring my iPad so you wil have to let me know if it is worth the effort.

Relax and enjoy!!!!!

 

You are welcome and glad you are along.

 

I will not be at your M&M as we are only on for this week. Messed up on that in hindsight.

 

so far so good with the iPad.

[kuddles14]

Havana Daydreamin, I will be following you this week. I have been wanting to do a Southern Caribbean swing on the Serenade. Almost booked it this year, but unfortunately, I am a teacher and would need to go at spring break or the summer. Summer works best right now. So this will have to wait a couple more years, since Royal no longer offers this iteneray in the summer.:( So I will live this cruise right now through you. :D

 

Doing a great job so far. Hope your connection continues for you on board. Happy sailing!!!

[dreamer976]

A million thanks for your "live from" report. I will be hanging on every word. My husband and I were booked on this very cruise (in a middle of the hump cabin, to boot!) to celebrate his retirement after more than 35 years at the same job. Sadly, had to cancel our plans when he became very ill (he has since passed away).

 

After many Caribbean cruises both Eastern and Western, we were finally going to do the exotic Southern! I may still do this or a similar itinerary someday, but for now, look forward to any and all details you can cram in along with your incredible pictures . . . yes, even the food porn ones.

 

Hope you have the best weather, calm seas and the best food aboard ship and on land ever! I'll be following along.

[Cariad3600]

As you can see from my signature, by far my favourite ship is the Serenade, and I am sooooo excited to be doing a B2B starting Feb. 11th. Being able to read your "live" reports will make the time go faster. Thank you so much for your wonderful reporting, great pictures and your wicked sense of humour. We have done this itinerary before and it is also a favourite. Looking forward to hearing what each day brings for you and what we can expect when we set sail. Safe departure, calm waters and may exciting adventures await you.

[NeuroQueen]

Great start. Wonderful pictures. I'll be interested in seeing how the I-pad performs. Smooth sailing and have a wonderful time. Looking forward to the trip!!!

[khm1]

A million thanks for your "live from" report. I will be hanging on every word. My husband and I were booked on this very cruise (in a middle of the hump cabin, to boot!) to celebrate his retirement after more than 35 years at the same job. Sadly, had to cancel our plans when he became very ill (he has since passed away).

 

After many Caribbean cruises both Eastern and Western, we were finally going to do the exotic Southern! I may still do this or a similar itinerary someday, but for now, look forward to any and all details you can cram in along with your incredible pictures . . . yes, even the food porn ones.

 

Hope you have the best weather, calm seas and the best food aboard ship and on land ever! I'll be following along.

 

So sorry for your loss.

[elbodans]

i will be following along. i love love love your photos--particularly the one taken from the ground looking up a the fort. that's so something i would do! ha!

[Kikkycat]

Excited to follow this thread as we are right behind you!

[Cruiser-M]

Hi, Hope you have a great cruise but have a question, who is your cd? We were on the Serenade in October and it was Ricky Williams and will be on in 2 weeks for a b2b and wondering if he was still the cd.

Thanks, Mary:)