Please Help, if I win, I don't have to clean toliets!

[Diggerof4]

Calling on all referees! If I win he cleans the toliets, If he wins I have to take the trash out. Depending on how bad I lose, change the oil too. :p

 

Our cruise leaves late 8 PM, when do you think they will let people on? AND the best time to get on the ship.

 

I say approx 6 hours before the ship is due to leave. Best time: ASAP.

He says we don't need to be there 2 hours before the ship leaves.

 

I say we paid for the ship - let's enjoy!

Not really sure what he said.....He wants to explore the island that we flew into. San Juan.

 

I say let's go two days early and we won't be pressed for time.

He says.... I really like that idea, BUT we can still go on the ship late.

My honey (DS? - I think thats the abrv) loves to explore. We get lost alot on vacations! :D Those are the families best times.

 

All is good and fun just want some IMO's ! ;) So put on that lovely stripped shirt and blow some advice my way. Happy Cruising.

[chasinraynbowz]

You both win. You can get on early AND then leave and explore!!!

[trudle]

I would say that probably between 3 and 4pm that they might start boarding, maybe sooner. Usually have to be checked in at least an hour before departure.

 

Go a couple of days before, if money lets you, there are many things to see and PR is beautiful. Just my thoughts.

[CruiserBruce]

When first boarding is allowed is a cruise line policy, is usually fleetwide, and rarely has much to do with the scheduled departure time. However, occaisionally, due to things like surprise inspections, company policy gets suspended.

 

I would check on the RCI board, here:

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

[DonnaK]

If you're talking about your cruise on Jewel of the Seas, you will be allowed to begin boarding sometime between 11am and 12noon (even though it says on your cruise documents that you should arrive later than that). Lunch will be served in the Windjammer buffet beginning around 11:30am. We always get to the pier around 10:45am or so, and breeze through the checking in process. Note that you will not be able to access your cabin until 1pm, so you'll have to walk around the ship with your carryon luggage until them (you can check as much luggage at the pier as you want, to be delivered to your cabin later)

 

For more info on Jewel of the Seas, and on RCI policies, come over to the RCI board: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

[wwcruisers]

I take it that the cruise you are talking about is the one in your countdown clock -- Jewel of the Seas, right? Royal Caribbean now requires all passengers to be checked in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. I think this change came about, due to stricter security rules. However, I distinctly remember a San Juan departure several years ago where our flight was delayed and they literally pulled up the gangway after us, as we raced onto the ship. But that definitely would not work now. :rolleyes:

 

You might want to contact RC to see if you can check in early, and drop off your luggage and get your sea pass -- and then go back on shore, for a couple of hours of sightseeing. I've never done that, but I don't see any reason that you couldn't. You would want to make sure that you had proper documentation to get back on the ship. On departure day, your sea pass card alone might not be enough -- but the folks at RC can tell you. :cool:

 

I don't know if this helps you with the toilets or the trash, but it should help you make the most of your departure day in San Juan! ;)

[spookwife]

Calling on all referees! If I win he cleans the toliets, If he wins I have to take the trash out. Depending on how bad I lose, change the oil too. :p

 

Our cruise leaves late 8 PM, when do you think they will let people on? AND the best time to get on the ship.

 

I say approx 6 hours before the ship is due to leave. Best time: ASAP.

He says we don't need to be there 2 hours before the ship leaves.

 

I say we paid for the ship - let's enjoy!

Not really sure what he said.....He wants to explore the island that we flew into. San Juan.

 

I say let's go two days early and we won't be pressed for time.

He says.... I really like that idea, BUT we can still go on the ship late.

My honey (DS? - I think thats the abrv) loves to explore. We get lost alot on vacations! :D Those are the families best times.

 

All is good and fun just want some IMO's ! ;) So put on that lovely stripped shirt and blow some advice my way. Happy Cruising.

 

they will begin boarding probably by noon. 1pm at the latest. 11 am is not unheard of. you MUST be on board 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure. some will argue that to get there ASAP starts your vacation that much sooner. we live 20 minutes from our preferred port so we time it to arrive about an hour after boarding begins.. by them the crush to get on board will have passed and we can usually stroll right on.

 

2 days early.. not necessary. one is sufficient. why spend an extra night on hotel and having to pay for meals?

[rmurray847]

 

2 days early.. not necessary. one is sufficient. why spend an extra night on hotel and having to pay for meals?

 

So you're thinking there's no point in spending some time in their port city, getting to know it? If truly all a person cares about is the cruise, you are right...get in the day before, because flying in the day of is cutting it too close. HOWEVER, as the OP implied, there is some interest in visiting San Juan prior to the cruise...thus, I'd recommend arriving a couple of days early.

 

On the day of the cruise, depending on your personality, you may be too excited to get on board, start exploring, unpack, sit by the pool, etc. etc. to keep exploring San Juan. Last year, when we were on our first cruise...I was anxious to get to the ship early and start enjoying. My wife wanted to keep exploring our port city until the last second. We split the difference.

[kitty9]

You can check in starting between 11 and noon. You can leave the ship once you board, but you need to be back on board no later than 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Even if you already checked in, if you come back to the ship late, they will not let you board and you'll lose your entire cruise fare---no refunds.

 

When you check in early, you will have to keep your carry ons with you as your cabins won't be ready until around 1:30 or so.

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

DW=Dear Wife

DH=Dear Husband

DS=Dear Son

DD=Dear Daughter

 

etc.:D So for you, it's probably DH you mean rather than DS.:)

[NoobCruise]

I would go a few days early so we could explore the home port....then I would board as soon as they would allow me. Your first day on the ship is considered a cruise day. You paid to enjoy the ship, so board as early as you can so you can get what you paid for!

[NoobCruise]

sorry, duplicate post

[Diggerof4]

So for you, it's probably DH you mean rather than DS.:)

______________________________________________________

Some really great replies. And to QLUVS2CRUZ you are so right. I was thinking Dear Spouse. Giggle. :o.

 

Shared post with DH (by golly I think I have it!) we have had such a giggle. And to be fair I would take the trash out anyways. I'm a sucker and still love him. This will be our first cruise along with being our 25th Annv. We live in the country, so taking out the trash just isn't to the corner... trust me on that one.

 

He was in Navy and visited PR and would like to see everything that he missed. So, I think it's pretty much set in stone that we are going to arrive early so that we have one day with no time limits. Flying into PR will take us anywhere between 7-8 hours, so that pretty much eats up our arrival day. Thank you again, for the time range for embarking onto the cruise. This will make my job easier in planning.

 

All you of have been great ;) !

Molly

[Laughing Angel]

Molly, congratulations to you and your husband on 25 years of wedded bliss! :D

 

You sound like you have an open mind and a fun, adventurous spirit--that will definitely make this a great trip for you and your hubby. Be sure to explore and take advantage of the amenities on board the ship. There'll be lots to do and see, and lots of memories to make.

 

I am sure you'll have a blast on your cruise.

 

ETA: Yay, Minnesota! Anywhere near Duluth?

[spookwife]

DW=Dear Wife

DH=Dear Husband

DS=Dear Son

DD=Dear Daughter

 

etc.:D So for you, it's probably DH you mean rather than DS.:)

 

or Damn..depending on your mood at the time... hehehehe

[Vol fan]

We have been to San Juan twice on cruises and both times wished we had more than one day to explore.

I would definitely go in early and spend one day exploring El Morro and another day exploring San Cristobal. Or if you are not into old forts as much as we are, maybe you can do both in one day. Old Town is fascinating and you can spend hours wandering the streets and going in the little shops and cafes, etc. The Butterfly Shop is a wonderful place to check out.

We always board the ship as early as we can, have lunch and then get to know the layout. Take the tours, go to the spa, the casino, sign up for the raffles, etc. Check out the specials offered on the first day, etc. The time passes pretty quickly and before you know it, you are in your cabin, your luggage has arrived, you are unpacking and getting ready for the muster drill and the sail a way.

 

Have a great cruise!

[geekybiker]

Most ships I've been on start board by 1pm. Often earlier depending on quick they can get the other passengers off and turn the ship over. If its leaving at 8, I would say 2 hrs before that is the absolute last time you should plan on checking in. IIRC most lines you need to be checked in a hour before leaving between not catching a time zone change and boarding late we almost missed the ship once. I'm a fan of boarding later. Usually you can just walk on rather than fight the crowds.

[2theship]

There is so much to see in Puerto Rico. If you have a rental car you can go east from San Juan to the rain forest:

 

http://www.elyunque.com/about.html

 

or west to the Aricebo Observatory:

 

http://www.naic.edu/general/

 

Or, if you don't have a car, there's plenty to do in Old San Juan - the forts, the restaurants, the shops. You can take a ferry across the bay and go to Barcardi.

 

So, I'd go a few days early and enjoy the area. Then, on embarkation day, I'd board the ship as early as possible and start relaxing.

[KBS1607]

We did a cruise out of San Juan a couple of years ago. If you have the time and cash, I would recommend going early. They have some nice resorts and it's a great place to extend your vacation. While your there, go see the rainforest, it's totally worth it!

We've left out of PR twice now and have not seen the rainforest. In 2009 I made the extended family do the historical city tour in the heat and by a half hour in they were calling it the Bataan Death March. I think the rain forest would have been a better choice.

 

But yes, a day or two early would be great and congratulations on 25 years.

Kim in IL

[Diggerof4]

I want to take you all with me, I might have room in my suit case.

 

1. I actually live closer to Iowa. But I grew up mostly in the south. So I sound like a southern Minn-a-so-tain, Don’t cha’ya know ( with a southern drawl).

2. Can’t miss the forts, hubby and son are history buffs. Ya, I know traveling with the tax deductions. Hey it’s AD time in my life. After Deductions. BC - Before Children. hee hee

3. Vol fan thanks for all the great tips, especially the shopping ones. :D

4. 2theship - thanks for the web sites will be looking them up. What a great idea!

5. We are renting a car, I am not to worried about getting lost. Thank God it's an island. We only have 37 hours before the boat leaves, so we should be okay. A little tid bit: On one of our trips I forgot the spatula. Well, after 4 hrs & 3 states we finally bought one. Hubby driving, likes to take short cuts, especially through the mountains. Wild boar and her babies look so cute. Will have to tell you sometime about the buffalo almost hit our car (twice). Getting back on track. We should be okay. I always carry a short cut emergency bag. Giggle. We call it the SHEB! :p

6. It's a big year for the whole family. 25th annv, daughter turns 16, son 21 and me... well, lets just say I will be golden.

7. Maybe DH - does stand for damn husband. LOL. I was trying to put something to the word "damn". You crack me up spookwife!

 

Please keep the ideas, experiences, memories, even the dislikes coming my way. Thank you for sharing them with me.

 

You are the best!

[Jimnbigd]

Your cruise departs and returns on Saturday. I'd fly out of Friday, June 14. From Minnesota, with the time change, you'll be arriving rather late I would guess. Stay overnight, then board the ship around noon Saturday for a free (well, already paid for) lunch. From what I've read you should be able to board then. After the cruise I'd stay overnight again in San Juan and explore it Saturday, and fly home on Sunday. You can probably find some after-cruise excursions sponsored by the ship -- not always the cheapest way, but might be the simplest way to see San Juan.

 

Or board the ship later on Saturday (this is what hubby wants) to see more of San Juan, but then lunch is on your own. Note: You must be on the ship 90 minutes before departure on Saturday -- so 6:30pm at the very latest. No exceptions as I understand it. So 6pm might be cutting it a little close. Therefore, I say you win.

 

I have not been to San Juan in a long time, but when I was there people were in no hurry. It took more than 30 minutes for me to get my check once after breakfast, causing me to be late for my business appointment. On this same trip it took 45 minutes to get our check after lunch. That's why I say planning for 6pm might be cutting it too close in San Juan.