pinkroses

Are you at the Embassy Isla Verde (near the airport) or Embassy Dorado? If Dorado, plan at least a 1.5 hour drive in each direction. If Isla Verde, it's about an hour each way. Although I can't make any specific recommendations, most BioBay tour companies offer transportation to and from the launch site.

Isla Verde. Is the BioBay near the ElConquistador?

Two years ago we used stingraysailing.com. I researched and found this to be the best to meet our needs. There were 23 of us and one family of 3. That is all they took. Provided was snorkel gear, beverages and snacks:fruits and small sandwiches. It was very nice. We went to stingray city and another snorkel spot

Thanks & correct on the special savings by RCI for first night and or 3x dining during the cruise!.....

 

Big Al

Not meaning to hijack, BUT I think we may be on the Adventure of the Seas together November 14.

Well put, Big Al! Another consideration, if you would like to experience a specialty restaurant for a reduced charge, watch for discounts offered by RCL for first night dining or three times eating in a specialty restaurant.

We are considering one of these tours in November. I have a couple of questions that I cannot locate the answers. We will be staying at the Embassy Suites Resort and Casino. The BioBay looks like quite a distance. First, any recommendations for the tour? Second, does anyone know the taxi fare? Thanks!

No, we rented off airport from Dollar. There was a shuttle van that picked us up outside the terminal. The rental car location was about 5 minutes away.

 

On the day of the cruise, my husband dropped me, the kids and the luggage off at the pier, returned the car, took the shuttle back to the airport to meet my parents, and finally a taxi to the port. The whole process took about an hour and a half, including waiting for my parents to get their luggage.

 

El Conquistador did not pick us up, but it is a service they offer. I saw the pick-up at the airport.

 

If you have any interest in a BioBay excursion, the resort is located in the same area.

 

And I didn't even mention the three great restaurants we found. Dinner at La Estacion (http://laestacionpr.com/) and Calizo Seafood (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g612474-d1493272-Reviews-Calizo_Seafood_Restaurant-Fajardo_Puerto_Rico.html). Brunch at Las Vistas Cafe (http://www.lasvistascafepr.com/intro.html)

Thanks Cindy! We are on the Adventure in November and coming to San Juan on Tuesday prior. We are meeting friends who are coming Thursday at the Embassy Suites. They want to do the BioBay excursion. It sounds like it may be a little out of the way. Our intent is to pick up the car near the airport and drop it off Thursday when we meet our friends.

Did you rent your car at the hotel? Then where were you able to drop it off? The hotel looks fantastic! We are there in November and have booked the Embassy Suites for four nights but may change for two of them to El Conquistador. I see they picked you up at the airport.

I had to search around turkey day (you didn't say that in the beginning) but found the flights they are showing you. :eek:

I'd skip that choice and take the 7am to Chicago and then the 1:52pm to WB. a) you get a longer layover b) you avoid Newark c) it is at least jet service all the way and d) you avoid Newark.

Thanks! I will take a look at that. I actually phoned United, worthless as it was. The person answering the phone said anything over 30 minutes is " viable". When I asked if he had been in the Newark airport, he had not so the call was worthless. I get much better answers on here!

Short answer NO. but you didn't say when you are traveling so I just picked a couple random dates and the shortest connection I could find is about a 52 min connection at Chicago. So I don't know where you are getting a 35 min connection at EWR on United from.

6:52 am. Arriving in EWR at 11:30 am

12:05 leaving EWR arriving in Wilkes Barre Scranton 12:58 pm

This is from the United Site.

Can you skip it altogether & drive yourself to EWR? What about a flight out of ABE?

Actually, that is what we usually do but it is Thanksgiving and we were trying to make it more convenient.

No way, no how. You could be 30 seconds from one gate to the next, or you could be a fifteen or twenty minute walk. There are three distinct arms of terminal C which is United. I am surprised they would even let you schedule this connection.

How bout it? I am traveling from Austin, Tx through Newark to Wilkes Barre Scranton, PA. Plugged it into the United system and got a 35 minute layover in Newark. Why do they even do that?

Is 35 minutes enough time to change planes in Newark Airport within the United terminal? The schedule provided by United allows for 35 minute layover, but I am hesitant if it really can be done. Thanks

Yes.

Thanks Bob!

Susan

Company policy is that you would only pay for the days left in the cruise, and there would need to be at least 4 days left. Note that individual ships can (and do) do their own thing.

On the Adventure of the Seas, suppose you purchase the select package before boarding. Then once onboard, you upgrade to Ultimate. Will you be using your onboard credit to pay the upgrade difference?

So if you upgrade onboard, then you can use onboard credit to pay the balance?

Apologies if this should be in the ports of call section but has anybody been on the taste of Florence excursion recently from La Spezia.

It's a 10 hour trip with a bus journey of 2hrs each way and time spent in Florence with a tour guide, 2 1/2 hrs then 3hrs on your own

 

Going in 4 weeks and tempted to book it with RCI but just a bit wary of spending 4 hrs on a bus

 

Thanks

We used a private company, Rome in Limo. Our guide in Florence made our trip memorable. She is Clara. Look at this company. You can find many reviews in the Ports of Call area of cc.

How about out of San Juan?

Half-day is the way to go. That way you still have time to do other things during your visit besides rushing to get back to the ship.

Thank you!!!

This seems to be a recurring question but it won't hurt to answer it again. :)

I've been to Buck Island many times and intend to keep going about twice a year. No you absolutely cannot get there on your own, it's a protected National Monument. Stepping foot on the beach without a licensed tour operator (of which there are only 5 companies) is a felony under federal law.

I have heard many good things about Captain Heinz and his son Captain Carl, and they seem to have a great company. I've never sailed with them myself as I am loyal to Big Beard but I see no reason to avoid them.

 

Have a great time!

Thanks Drake! I have noticed other similar threads, but had additional questions. I also have looked at Big Beard. Would you recommend the full day or half day?

Has anyone done tours to Buck Island? Can you get there on your own? Anyone familiar with Captain Heinz? Thanks for any help!

Read reviews by Virtual Rain as well as that by Middle Aged Drama Queen these really helped with my planning.

We used Rome in limo for all three Italian ports. Unbelievable tours! Look into them!

I agree thoroughly! And certainly have learned so much here. It is nice to see someone put it in words though.

I never felt the MAW walk was intrusive, but looked forward to it. It also provided an opportunity to walk and chat with RC officers not often seen. On the larger ships with their own walking track, Allure and Oasis, the walk does not interfere with any other activities MAW holds a special spot in my heart as my cousin was a wish kid. My daughter completed an internship with Make a Wish and was fortunate enough to do another internship with Disneyworld where she saw wishes come true working with wish kids there. I, too, am certain there are many worthwhile nonprofits, but to help grant a wish to a child with life threatening medical condition? Any time!

I just want to live on a cruise ship! Someone to make my bed, clean my bathroom, be nice no matter what, serve me meals especially dinner where I don't have to cook or clean up, bring me more to eat than I possibly can, linen tablecloths, coffee on a balcony looking at the ocean, entertainment nightly, different views daily, ahhhhhh!