Starfire_rules

Great video! What kind of camera did you use?

On a snowy day here in Iowa, you are bringing me back to last February when we were on the Valor. Our flight was delayed as well, but ours was because of snow. I loved this itinerary so much we are doing it again next year. Love your review so far.

I've sail the Victory twice. But I'm doing the same itinerary for the third time. I love the Southern route out of San Juan.

My friend and I will be visiting Barbados for the third time next cruise. We really want to do Harrison Cave and Bathsheba. Anyone know a tour that does both? Thanks!

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Four gals at $65 each. That included a wonderful lunch and entrance fees in price.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

I simply meant that If you are leaving from San Juan and have a suite, it may not be worth it. Another couple commented having the same experience. If you do not have a suite on this cruise it would be worth it.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Our group of four out of San Juan had a bad experience with FTTF. We booked the Captain's Suite (4 women need 2 bathrooms) and when we arrived they couldn't find our S&S cards. After checking us all in, almost 30 minutes had passed. Our cards were in the VIP room. Took them 3 times going back and forth to find them. We boarded later than others that didn't have FTTF. I did like the priority disembark though. Get to set in a lounge by the dining room. If you have a suite beware of FTTF on the Valor. Just not really worth it.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

I Love this itinerary! Been on it twice and will be booking it a third next month! Wanna go again mainly to see Barbados more. We've done downtown and Atlantis Submarine. Wanna see Bathsheba and Harrison Caves. Hope Valor is the ship again for 2016!

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

I've used James both times I visited the island. Best tours ever! This past February we did his land tour. He picked us up at the port with his tour guide Desi. She sat in back telling us all about the island as James drove. We visited the banana fields, volcano, waterfalls and had an absolutely wonderful lunch. He even made a stop when I mentioned I needed a pair of shoes. He went above and beyond to give us a glorious day. Any specific questions, just ask. I'll give you any info I have.

I know for a fact that the pharmacy across the street from Walgreens (sorry I cannot remember name) has free wifi. I go in there every time we are in Old San Juan.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Hi Tina,

 

Are you, by chance, going to be sailing on the Celebrity Summit, embarking on February 8th?

 

 

 

We are going to be on that sailing, and we are still trying to nail down what excursion we want to do on St. Lucia.

Sorry SuperLarz,

I'm on the Carnival Valor. We sail out of San Juan, February 9th. We arrive in St Lucia on the 13th.

James is a great choice. Like I've said before, this is our second time with him.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We are booked for our visit in two weeks. He called me immediately and even asked if we wanted a private tour or with others. Very considerate. He's such a great guy, we didn't want to hog him all to ourselves so I told him so.

There is a Walgreens but it's in the middle of Old San Juan. There was very few bottles last time I was there, though.

Sent from my iPod touch 5 using Tapatalk

I recently purchased it for our upcoming cruise (14 days). I do have a question though. Is there something on your sail and sign card indicating FTTF?

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

You will need to reprint your docs and luggage tags.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

I just emailed James about our group. And not even two minutes later, I received a phone call from the man himself. He is sending me an email with all the info needed. Very professional man. Cannot wait!

Our group decided a while back on James after I used him before but I kept forgetting to send him an email. That was quick!

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We've been trying to contact James to book a tour but have had no response from either of his website addresses. Not sure what the problem is in regards to the no reply especially after I read that people have had tours with him recently so they must have been in contact with him. :confused:

Try emailing him with your name and full phone number again. If that doesn't get a response contact him on Facebook. Each time I've booked with him I got prompt responses. Don't give up. I noticed when sending emails to the Caribbean there is a small lag.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

When I did this excursion it rained at the beginning. I took a cheap poncho but others rented an umbrella for $3. It only lasted a little while. The ruins are after all in a rainforest so I came prepared. Don't cancel, it will be a highlight of your trip.

Sent from my iPod touch 5 using Tapatalk

Cruise Confidential is a good six part series about behind the scenes look of the crew of the Costa Serena.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

When setting up our February tour with James on the phone I asked. James Tours don't ask for any deposits. Which I personally like. No hassles if our ship doesn't get to port. Lunch is included at a beautiful resort. Using him last year I can attest to his tours being private and personable. The history of the island is given with true love of the island with lots of fun. That is one of the main reasons his prices aren't listed. So he can truly tailor the day to your group. I loved our tour last year. He is actually one reason we are doing this itinerary again.

Another vote YES for James!

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Forums mobile app

Another vote for James Tours! He is very personable and informative. We had the best time with him. He went above and beyond for us. We are using him again in February.

Back in February we did this cruise (enjoyed it so much a bunch of us are going again in 2014). The food was standard cruise fare but they did offer chips and salsa. Couldn't sell a kidney to get any on the Dream when we did the Western. I did notice more Puerto Ricans then normally on a cruise when taken from the mainland. Only once did the language barrier got in the way but there is always someone around to translate.

We're in the suite right next to this room on our next cruise. Wonder if we'll get a peek inside there. It almost looked like us 4 gals could of fit just fine in 9200 but 2 are newbies and wanted a balcony.

Sent from my iPod Touch using Tapatalk

ok so how does this work.......I have always wanted to and wondered how I go abot getting my passport stamped.

Do you just take it to the Pursers Desk and leave it for the duration of your cruise and then pick it back up on the final night of the cruise??

Yep. I drop it off the night before we reach our first foreign port and ask them to get it stamped for me. The alway smile and say no problem. The last night they call me and leave a letter in the room reminding me to pick it up that night.

Sent from my iPod Touch using Tapatalk

Actually, the ships' crew advise you not to take your passport ashore. These days passports have become more valuable than money in many cases. We make a COLOR copy, carry that and the ship's on shore representative's info (which can be obtained from the front desk or in the Capers on Carnival) for contact in case of an emergency.

 

Having a COLOR photocopy can speed things up greatly if you should miss the ship or have an emergency.

 

We always leave our passport in the safe when on a cruise.

I leave my passport at Pursers desk to have it stamped in each port.

Sent from my iPod Touch using Tapatalk