WendyVF

If you're cutting it close for the transfer, just grab a cab. We quite using the transfers quite some time ago. Just got tired or waiting for the bus and then waiting for it to fill up and then for everyone to get off. Usually if there's 2 or more in your group a cab will be cheaper.

Our group will be on the Dream for New Year's. We're flying in the afternoon prior and will be staying near the French Quarter. You mentioned sodas, keep in mind that Carnival updated its policy and you can only bring on canned sodas, no bottles.

Come join the roll call!

Thanks for all the recommendations. I think we will enjoy OSJ a little more than the beaches. DH pointed out that we'll be on beaches at each port. Now that El Convento was mentioned, that is a definite contender as I can get a good price using my AAA discount.

We're cruising from San Juan on Adventure of the Seas. I'm having a hard time making a decision about a pre-cruise hotel. We are arriving 2 days early so will have time to explore and relax. We've currently got reservations at the Embassy Suites in Isla Verde. The Sheraton in Old San Juan is comparably priced. While I could lay around the pool or beach all day, DH isn't a fan of the sun but will sit in the shade and read while I'm in the sun. We've been to OSJ several times as a port but I'd really like to enjoy it when its not so crowded and try some of the restaurants and bars. I've read good and bad reviews on Trip Advisor about both so that's not really helping. I've checked the port calendar and it doesn't currently show any ships scheduled to be in port either day. There's a Celebrity ship scheduled to depart on the 31st so it may be a bit crazy at check out at the Sheraton.

Please help!

There's a Marriott and Sheraton downtown. The closest Hilton properties would be the airport locations. Depending on how early you are arriving, you may want to look at some of the Hilton oceanfront properties. The Hilton Garden Inn at Town Center is also nice.

Several years ago my daughter required medical treatment. Once her treatment was complete, an itemized statement as well as her medical records were delivered to our stateroom so I could file with my insurances. The charges were on my folio. On the up side, I got double points using my RC credit card:)

We've booked the Embassy Suites for 2 nights prior to our cruise? How far was the beach? Where there places with in walking distance for dinner? Still trying to decide if we'll keep reservations there or book in Old San Juan or on the beach.

We have stayed at the ES a few times. We stay for the location and pool (we usually come 2 days ahead), not the other amenities. We tend to cruise during peak times (Easter, New Year's) and the ES has been a zoo on departure mornings. I'm sure it's not as bad during non-peak weekend times.

We skip the free happy hour as it's extremely crowded and not worth it for a free glass of wine or 2. We pick our own up at the nearby stores and enjoy without standing in line. As for breakfast, you have to time it just right. We tend to go for a lite breakfast and save the big feasts for once we're onboard.

I'm with you as for parking at the port. With a long drive ahead, I don't want to stand around waiting on a shuttle and other passengers. When we've flown, we still take a cab!

In order to price compare, it would have to be another 5 person cabin. As far as the category, I would pick one that had lots of 5 people options. Unfortunately, I don't think there are many of those on any given ship.

We've done it both ways and just depends on what you are up for. There were 4 of us, each had a large suitcase and a small suitcase or backpack. It seemed like we walked forever in the airport to get to the metro. We flew American so it may have had to do with what terminal we came into. There was a train waiting when we got there so we picked an empty car and gathered towards the front with our luggage so we wouldn't block anyone. It was about a 10 minute wait before the train left and it was probably about a 20 minute ride to the Brickell station and a 5 minute walk to the hotel. There was a train waiting when we got there. It was really easy and cheap!

When we went in December, we opted for a cab. We had a super early flight and were up at 3:00 a.m. so I had no patience for the train route.

It was about 7 minutes to the airport on the shuttle.

You will definitely want to check out the 2bdrm suite. One room had a king and the other 2 doubles and there was a pull out sofa in the living room. It also had a full size refrigerator, small dishwasher and a 2 burner stove. There were also 3 TV's. Most importantly...2 full bathrooms!

If you're not familiar with the Hilton MVP rates google and get the discount codes. It made this room extremely affordable!

We stayed at the Sandals for several days a few years ago. It's a nice resort but I'm not sure it's worth $110 pp for the day. The food is so-so and all drinks are served in 8oz clear plastic cups. While there we took the bus to the port area to shop. It was cheap but crowded and we had to wait until it was full to leave. Keep in mind that you are basically riding a city bus with the locals.

You should evaluate how long you will be in port, consider travel time and see how much time you are really going to have at the resort. I'm not sure how often the bus runs but you will want to leave plenty of time to return to the port. You may also want to check what time they allow you to arrive at Sandals. I recall it being 9 or 10 a.m. for the day pass.

Personally, I'd avoid the hassle and enjoy the mostly deserted ship (you can drink a lot onboard for $110) and save your money to do something great at another port.

On previous visits when we took a cab to POM, it was in the $15 range. This time the driver took us through the new tunnel and it was around $25.

We stayed here in December. The 2 bedroom/2 bath room was perfect for our family. My husband had the hotel van take him to the Publix but then walked back when he realized how close it was. There was also a Subway where he picked up sandwiches for lunch.

I booked this trip about two weeks ago and wondered the same thing. The price came down about $40 for the 2 of us so we went ahead and booked. We originally booked inside guarantee and last Sunday the OV guarantee went to the same price so my TA changed us. Both times we got assigned rooms on the Empress decks in good locations.

All of the ships are fully handicap accessible. It may not always be convenient but there is a way to get to anywhere on the ship by elevator instead of stairs.

Try the Blue Lagoon area. We stayed at the Homewood Suites recently and it was perfect for an overnight stay. There was a grocery store and a subway within walking distance.

When you go to guest services, they will issue new Sail & Sign cards and get the accounts straight so you don't have to keep track of 2 cards.

We cruised from Charleston a few years ago and parked at the port. I had read horror stories prior to our trip. It was a bit of a pain, but ended up not being that bad. We are going again in a few weeks and I haven't found a lot of info on how it is now.

We have the option of parking at the hotel and using their shuttle or cab. I've read reviews that made it sound like hotel shuttles drop you and luggage at an entrance and others where the cabs go through a process similar to if you are parking at the port with luggage drop off at one point and then you get dropped off.

Does anyone have any recent experience and can give me the pros and cons? Cost wise it's about the same and I'm leaning towards parking at the pier to expedite the trip home. We will probably only have carry on luggage too If that makes a difference.

Thank you!

The first issue is you need to make sure the cabin is configured for 3 people. Not all cabins have bunks that pull down. If the cabin is designed for 3 or more, you can go to guest services and get keys switched. Be sure to tell the cabin steward so they can make sure there are enough life jackets in the room and towels.

One time we were travelling with friends and their daughter wanted to stay with ours (and it was too late to change the cabins). It was only a 2 person room and had a sofa that didn't fold out. I slipped the cabin steward a $20 and he made up the sofa and put an extra life jacket in there for them. I think she only ended up sleeping there one night as it wasn't very comfortable.

Only some rooms have them.this is the list of cat that have them

4G,4S,8T,SS,4C,6D,6J

 

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I think this is referring to cruise ship cabin categories.

Only the "suite" rooms at the Hampton Inn have refrigerators. It will state it in the description. I believe they have some upon request for a fee. I would call ahead if it's a necessity. If it's just for beverages, we've been known to use the trash can as a large ice bucket!

We used Larry's about 2 years ago. I think it was $85 and they picked us up in a Suburban. That included tip. I gave the driver $100 since he had to wait for us awhile due to flight delays. He was super nice and professional.

A few year's ago we were celebrating our oldest DD's birthday at Senor Frog's in Nassau when she decided to do Karaoke. Her sister who was 14 at the time got up to sing with her and they offered them both tequila shots. I'm fairly liberal but I thought 14 was a little young so I took it for her!

We've been there lots and have never seen them card anyone or had them card our kids.

There are trains that come directly into Norfolk now. I believe there are only 2 per day. The train station is in a secluded area that borders a not so good part of town. If you end up taking the train, and if you will be arriving after dark, be sure to have a cab waiting for you. It's only about a 5 minute ride to downtown where there are several Marriott properties within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

Be sure to check your entire route on Amtrak as some of the options into Norfolk include a bus ride. Not bad or anything just wanted to point out.

The other suggestions for driving and stopping at some of the other historical areas are great. Be aware that Norfolk experiences the phenomenon of tunnel traffic for absolutely no reason at any time (even other than rush hour) that can delay your trip to Norfolk up to an hour.