For all those who have booked or are going to book the AOS - read this!

[Martin and Lindsey]

Okay, it was 40 degrees here last night, so I am dedicating today to writing up the now fading memories of our warm vacation! Here's the overall itinerary. Coming shortly, "Signs of the Times," The Pre-Pre-Cruise. :)

 

 

Friday, May 9 Pre-Precruise- Sheraton, Tarrytown, NY

Saturday, May 10 Precruise- Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, San Juan

Sunday, May 11 Embarkation- Adventure of the Seas!

Monday, May 12 Day at Sea

Tuesday, May 13 Barbados- Welchman Hall Gulley/Bathsheba (Exploring with rental car)

Wednesday, May 14 St.Lucia- Private land & sea tour with Herod, Jalousie Plantation Resort-Scuba diving on Piton Wall

Thursday, May 15 Antigua- Shopping/Eli’s Eco-Tour

Friday, May 16 St. Maarten- Ferry to Anguilla-Shoal Bay Beach/Shopping

Saturday, May 17 St. Thomas- Scuba diving/Sapphire Beach/Shopping

Sunday, May 18 Debarkation/4 night post cruise, Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort

Monday, May 19 Hiking El Yunque Rainforest

Tuesday, May 20 Beach/Belz Factory Outlet Mall/El Yunque-hiking

Wednesday, May 21 Culebrita/Culebra tour with East Island Tours

Thursday, May 22 Pool/Explore Old San Juan & Shopping 8:00pm Departure

 

Can you tell me more about the Culebrita/Culebra tour with East Island Tours. We like what we have heard of it, but are not sure how we will get there from the Intercontinental Hotel in San Juan. My husband doesn't fancy renting a car and driving (and I certainly don't! :eek:)

 

Also, how was the Hiking in el Yunque Rainforest? How did you get there and how long did it last? Who did you do this tour with?

 

Thanks in advance. :) Can't wait!

[RocCruisers]

Mslaabs, here's the post about the sports deck.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=782566

Looks like something is being is done in July, so you should be all set... I'm sure you'll find out whats happening..

[toonjie]

Can you tell me more about the Culebrita/Culebra tour with East Island Tours. We like what we have heard of it, but are not sure how we will get there from the Intercontinental Hotel in San Juan. My husband doesn't fancy renting a car and driving (and I certainly don't! :eek:)

 

Also, how was the Hiking in el Yunque Rainforest? How did you get there and how long did it last? Who did you do this tour with?

 

Thanks in advance. :) Can't wait!

 

Renting a car would certainly be the cheapest and best way to get there. Charlie's rental car is within walking distance of the Intercontinental and all you have to do is get on the highway that goes towards the airport and stay on it out to Rio Grande. It's easy to find both the rainforest and Marina Del Rey, where the tour leaves from. Hiking in the rainforest is great, we just did it on our own, you don't need a guide, trails are fully marked. Culebra/Culebrita tour is excellent, well worth it. Hang on for my full report.

[toonjie]

Here's the link to the review, the first installment is up, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=783539

[txskier]

We are back from the 5/18 sailing of AOS.

below is a link to the short review of Aruba

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=784529

 

We stayed 4 days post cruise at he SJ Marriott.....came home sick and not feeling to well to do a massive reveiw yet

[toonjie]

Here's the link to the review, the first installment is up, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=783539

 

The next installment is up and running. Precruise at the Marriott and Parrot Club.

[hmsdos]

:confused: We booked our air through RCCL and have a flight out on the flight out of San Juan at 10 AM... I read in this thread that we cannot use the air arrangements for the baggage to be taken from the ship to the airport (for an additional fee) unless our flight is 11 AM or later..... should I be concerned about making our flight... since we will have to keep our luggage, wait for a bus to fill and then make it through all the airport "stuff" in time to make a 10 AM flight? Would like input, even thought don't know what I can do about anything... since we are going very soon and RCCL did make all the arrangements...:eek:

[abpmillsww]

:confused: We booked our air through RCCL and have a flight out on the flight out of San Juan at 10 AM... I read in this thread that we cannot use the air arrangements for the baggage to be taken from the ship to the airport (for an additional fee) unless our flight is 11 AM or later..... should I be concerned about making our flight... since we will have to keep our luggage, wait for a bus to fill and then make it through all the airport "stuff" in time to make a 10 AM flight? Would like input, even thought don't know what I can do about anything... since we are going very soon and RCCL did make all the arrangements...:eek:

 

Hmmm...that is going to be REALLY hard to make. We got off the ship with the Platinum/Diamond Society folks and we still didn't sit down at the airport until 9:45. So we were one of the first few off the ship, hopped in a taxi and were one of the first at the airport and still couldn't of made that flight.

 

Can you call RCCL back and see what they can do?

[hmsdos]

Hmmm...that is going to be REALLY hard to make. We got off the ship with the Platinum/Diamond Society folks and we still didn't sit down at the airport until 9:45. So we were one of the first few off the ship, hopped in a taxi and were one of the first at the airport and still couldn't of made that flight.

 

Can you call RCCL back and see what they can do?

 

Hate to have to go through the phone bit... but think you are right... I'm getting a little nervous... .thanks... guess I just need a reality check.... I just felt "they" would not make an impossible reservation.... but, as stated, reading this and other threads... I've begun to be nervous... thanks again.

[hmsdos]

Hey... do you recall the cost of the taxi to the airport? We already have the transportation paid... but maybe we also should be prepared to take a taxi if I can't get the flight changed... and maybe do the express check out???

[abpmillsww]

Hey... do you recall the cost of the taxi to the airport? We already have the transportation paid... but maybe we also should be prepared to take a taxi if I can't get the flight changed... and maybe do the express check out???

 

Hey...it is $21.50 which included 3 bags. We were originally going to do the transfers but called to late to sign up. It was much cheaper to take a cab. The cabs are a set price so you are not worried about being overcharged.

 

We also tipped a few dollars.

[hmsdos]

Hey...it is $21.50 which included 3 bags. We were originally going to do the transfers but called to late to sign up. It was much cheaper to take a cab. The cabs are a set price so you are not worried about being overcharged.

 

We also tipped a few dollars.

 

Thanks! We already have paid for the transfers in our flight/reservations... but may be a necessary expense to do the taxi... thanks! But will call on Monday, also.

[toonjie]

The next installment is up and running. Precruise at the Marriott and Parrot Club.

 

Some more pics of the Marriott and OSJ are up and also a short story that happened last year at the Marriott.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=783539

[maxs mom]

hmsdos......The RCI transfers are really slow. I can't imagine why they booked you on that early flight. We are always the first off the ship and I don't think we could make that flight. I'd definitely call.

toonjie......I'm really enjoying your review on the other thread. Can't wait until you get on the ship! 29 days for me!

[hmsdos]

hmsdos......The RCI transfers are really slow. I can't imagine why they booked you on that early flight. We are always the first off the ship and I don't think we could make that flight. I'd definitely call.

 

Thanks.... that is on my first thing to do Monday morning.... Okay... I'm curious.... is Max a child or four legged baby???;)

[hmsdos]

PS... I did check out your pictures of the Mariner's crew.... before I asked my question....:o

[maxs mom]

Thanks.... that is on my first thing to do Monday morning.... Okay... I'm curious.... is Max a child or four legged baby???;)

 

Let us know what happens. LOL......Max is a 90 pound Doberman lap dog. That's him on my avatar, but it's hard to see him. Thanks for asking.

[hmsdos]

Awesome.... our favorite kind of "baby".... however our's is only 14 pounds.... since we live in an apartment for a large part of time.... Think we will be leaving the AOS as you board... will leave a seat open for you at the Schooner:D

[hmsdos]

Max is a 90 pound Doberman lap dog. That's him on my avatar, but it's hard to see him. Thanks for asking.

 

 

Okay... you reminded me that I did not have receive signatures/avatar's on my choices... so made the change and now can see the picture... with my glasses on:D :D :D Love the picture! Now that I can see it:)

[maxs mom]

Here is a picture of Max.

 

Sorry we are not on the same sailing. I'll find that seat in the Schooner Bar and order a mojito first thing!!

[hmsdos]

OMG..... Max is BEAUTIFUL !!! Thanks for sharing! We will for sure make sure the Mojito's are great... especially since we live in Miami.. should know how they are made, right:cool: . And if we miss the plane... maybe we will just return to the ship and try a "stow away" thing:o

 

**** Hope this goes through*** posted this earlier and it went in to cyber space:confused:

[hmsdos]

can't get this to post?????

[hmsdos]

well guess it worked:o :p :o

[hmsdos]

now I'm doing doubles... .so sorry

[mattsmom11]

We are back from the 5/18 sailing of AOS.

below is a link to the short review of Aruba

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=784529

 

We stayed 4 days post cruise at he SJ Marriott.....came home sick and not feeling to well to do a massive reveiw yet

 

I hope your feeling better soon, I would love to read your review.