bgrojean

Just got off Jewel three weeks ago. Two formal nights. You can literally wear anything you want. I did. I had no clue that there were formal nights (first time cruisers). Shame on me for not looking it up. Whoops!

The only people that scoffed at me were the ones that were dressed to the nines. It’s totally up to you. I wore a polo and jeans. It’s the nicest attire I had.

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I just go on vacation and have fun.

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Just checked into Hotel Miramar. Ran into fellow Jewel cruisers - sorry, Dick and Jane if we were socially awkward. Long day and starving!!!! We’re cool. I swear.

Back to the hotel... all is well with AC, etc. check in was a breeze. We’re very pleased.

Tip: book through Expedia to ensure your breakfast is included!!!

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1 day. Flying to San Juan right now!

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Just got a credit for the hotel we booked.......no cancellation notice. When I called they said they were running on a generator and housing Fema and not taking reservations until May 31st.

 

There are hotels rooms available but at an unbelievable rate, so went online and booked airbnb.

 

 

 

Carol

Hotel Miramar is accepting reservations and is reasonable. They’re not on a generator anymore. I’ll be there in a few days - so was just talked to them yesterday to confirm. Book through Expedia and you’ll get breakfast included.

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I think the big issue is the misconception that hotels are not open. Many are. Many are also open to the public and are not housing FEMA/relief workers as they were not included. I’ll report back when I’m head there next week, but don’t be hesitant to go. They rely on tourism dollars.

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We’re heading there on 12/9 for a 12/10 trip in the Jewel. Unfortunately, you’re not able to get the lower rate after final payment. If it’s before the final payment then go for it!!!

We missed out on this. If you can, definitely take advantage of the lower rate.

Hotels are up and running for the most part. I’ve been in touch with a bunch - back ups, etc. Almost all are no longer on a generator as well from what they’ve shared with me.

For those considering or going, book at Hotel Miramar if you need a place.

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Please do not be discouraged by some of the less than perfect cruise reviews.

Our first cruise is on 12/10. When we booked last year we weren’t phased by poor reviews. No matter the site, my perception of online reviews is that 90% are totally useless. The authors of the 90% are usually a person that had some unrealistic expectation of service/quality/value or is just a person that can never be pleased. You have to be critical with every review you read - even the ‘amazing’ ones as sometimes they’re a bit inflated. Case in point, go read some of the 5 star reviews for toilet paper on Amazon. They’re ridiculous. The real reviews are usually 4 or 3 stars. Every now and again a 1 or 2 star review seems accurate amongst the hyperbole.

Let’s leave on a happy note... cruising in 13 days! Wahoo!!!!

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14 days until Jewel. Oh baby!

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We’re booked with Hotel Miramar. Not in Old San Juan but across the street-ish from Hyatt House. I’ve spoken directly with Hotel Miramar over the past few weeks and again yesterday for our stay on 12/9. They’re open and business as usual. Check them out.

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31 days for me. Everything is booked. POA is on file for the kids (they stay back with the in laws), and everything has been confirmed directly with the PR providers that we’re visiting - originates from Puerto Rico.

I’m patiently waiting for November to end.

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call them directly and ask about their situation. Don't call their 800 number.

You hit it on the head. We had two reservations cancelled on us. Both Sheraton Old San Juan and Hyatt House - because FEMA approved both as transitional housing for displaced citizens as well as housing for aid workers.

I called Sheraton and Hyatt weekly to confirm because I couldn’t reach the hotels directly. The 800 numbers for both told me not to worry and that I would be fine. Nope! I found out my Sheraton reservation was cancelled when I finally got through directly. The person I spoke to at the Sheraton was surprised that I was surprised - they told me the corporate line was clearly wrong. I wasn’t mad. I had a back up in the Hyatt. Whoops! I then spent a bit of time on the phone calling hotels directly. Expedia CS help a lot too. They did a stellar job in getting me a list of confirmed opened hotels that were accepting reservations (call them instead of looking at their site).

To OP: Just call them directly. Booking a hotel for a trip in March shouldn’t be as challenging as I’ve seen for my trip in December. You’ll be ok. :-) Your vacation drinks are not far down the road.

Check out Hotel Miramar for anyone that needs a place to stay. I can’t talk them up enough. They’ve been wonderful to me with contact and updates.

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I wouldn’t worry. I’m heading there on 12/9 for a 12/10 cruise on Jewel of the Seas. I’ve spoken to the folks at my hotel a bunch of times (fb and phone). They’re open and operating without issue. Check out Hotel Miramar. They have 4.5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor and over 800 reviews. Book through Expedia and breakfast is included. It’s a nice boutique hotel.

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All you need is a certified birth certificate and and government issued I.D. Our IL driver's licenses are FINE.

 

 

 

 

 

As to your second part -- IL is now issuing the new enhanced licenses, instead of getting it renewed right at the DMV you will have to wait for the new card to be sent in the mail, you get to carry around a piece of paper for a couple of weeks as proof of license.

Ah! Thanks. That's good to know. I had a hard time finding the EDL info on the Sec. of State site. I appreciate the help. :-)

My DL is up for renewal next year. All the more reason to see if I can renew it early or get a replacement DL. Thanks, again.

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This was really great information to read prior to going on my 1st cruise this year in October, I do not have a passport as I read passports are not needed and some people who cruised said they showed only a driver's license and birth certificate. I do have an enhanced license issued by the state of NY.

Does it have to be an Enhanced DL for closed loop cruises or will a regular state issued DL do just fine. I (unfortunately) live in Illinois. We can't get a budget passed let alone consider complying with the SmartID act. :-(

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