Boarding in San Juan

[maritaysa]

We are getting off the ship as you are getting on. :D

 

Thanks for the info on the card. Sounds like an interesting idea (Marriott). We're like you, looking for a good deal when we can find one as this trip is more pricey than your average cruise (flying so far and staying longer than usual). Smart thinking. Here's the thing.....we already have two major cc's. We want to get rid of the ones we already have :rolleyes:. But I'm willing to get another card if I can scoop up a deal like this. That said, and trying to scale back, if I got the card now, I would pay a $75 fee. Then, after the trip I assume I could just cancel the card. So if I must make a purchase on the card, I assume it could be any amount and I'd only need to make ONE purchase? If so, do you have their 1800#? And you're sure there's no more catches?

 

Here's a link with the offer details on the card: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/marriott-credit-cards.aspx

 

One thing that I do remember reading was that if the card is cancelled that they would charge the free rooms.

[maritaysa]

The Marriott card is awesome but we choose to stay in Marriott properties pretty much anywhere we go anymore. There is no annual fee the first year and thereafter you have a fee of about $80 maybe but you get another free night with each renewal. Also, I believe it's 5 points for purchases at Marriott's. Besides my Amex, it's my go-to card. We have a free night in NYC next month, two more in Alaska next year and maybe one more next year.

 

We stayed at Marriott Stellaris in San Juan and its a great hotel in a great location. The beach is very pretty there too.

 

Thanks for posting about the Stellaris. After reading about it and La Concha, it seemed that the Stellaris is more our style.

[kapcruiser]

Once we drop our bags in our cabin, is it ok to then go to cvs to wine and soda to take on when we reboard?

[rlwebst]

Im also sailing out of SJ next April on the Valor and am doing some casual research. One of my patients (who is a flight attendant and gets layed over in SJ frequently) gave me some tips.

 

They stay at the Radisson during their layovers, which is reasonably priced. Ive also been looking at some hotels like Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, etc., w/ prices under $200/night. Some of those places offer free local tours with a certain type of booking. La Concha (which I believe is the new Marriott property) has an awesome pool area for lounging, so stop by there for some luxury.

 

Some yummy authentic PR food can be found at Bebo's and Onoroxo (sp?). Also heard of a place in/near OSJ that served the very first Pina Colada... and obviously serves the BEST ones! Can anyone help me with the name of that place?

 

Have also heard that a taxi from anywhere in SJ to the port is appx $18. Make sure you agree on the price before you enter the taxi.

 

The location you are talking about is the Caribe Hilton, do not remember the name of the bar at the Caribe though.

[rlwebst]

We signed up for the Marriott Visa, and we got 50,000 points which is enough for a 2 night stay. We've chosen the Marriott Stellaris. We're going to fly in on the Tuesday before and stay 2 nights at the Wyndham Rio Mar near El Yunque so that we can spend time on that side of the island. We'll stay the 3rd night in Vega Baja which is on the other side of San Juan with my family and the last 2 nights before the cruise at the Stellaris.

 

My favorite cards are both American Express cards. One is the Hilton Honors card gives you 40,000 Hilton Honors points. This is enough for a stay at the El San Juan, Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn. No annual fee. Details Here

 

My favorite card is my SPG American express which issues point after first use and give you enough to stay at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino. The first year is free on the one but does charge an annual fee after the first year. Details Here

 

We are staying 2 nights at the Caribe Hilton pre cruise next month free. Can not beat it.

[big_duck]

Some yummy authentic PR food can be found at Bebo's and Onoroxo (sp?). Also heard of a place in/near OSJ that served the very first Pina Colada... and obviously serves the BEST ones! Can anyone help me with the name of that place?

 

 

It's Barachina. Good drinks, decent food, very very slow service.

[maritaysa]

My favorite cards are both American Express cards. One is the Hilton Honors card gives you 40,000 Hilton Honors points. This is enough for a stay at the El San Juan, Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn. No annual fee. Details Here

 

My favorite card is my SPG American express which issues point after first use and give you enough to stay at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino. The first year is free on the one but does charge an annual fee after the first year. Details Here

 

We are staying 2 nights at the Caribe Hilton pre cruise next month free. Can not beat it.

 

The hotel credit card promotions can't be beat!

 

I haven't stayed at the Caribe Hilton, but I've had lunch there overlooking the pool area----beautiful!

[rlwebst]

The hotel credit card promotions can't be beat!

 

I haven't stayed at the Caribe Hilton, but I've had lunch there overlooking the pool area----beautiful!

 

I agree, the SPG card is the best thing going. Has a high value per point compared to most programs if you use it right.

[treasure4two]

The annual fee is $75. You get a free cat 4 stay to start, and 50,000 points after your first purchase. Hyatt does something similar too. We'll be using those free nights to stay in Orlando on our way to San Juan. Hyatt gives you 2 free nights instead of the points after your first purchase, and you can stay in ANY category of their hotels! Both brands give a free night every year on your anniversary. We're just trying to do everything we can to have a nice trip without the big bill that goes along with it.

 

***It might have changed, but on our Marriott card, did not have to pay fee first year and then did not renew. They know this happens.

[treasure4two]

It's Barachina. Good drinks, decent food, very very slow service.

 

Would you recommend another restaurant that would also be considered 'the place to eat in SJ"? We have resrvations there the night before our cruise at 6:30 PM. Thank you.

[LibratPDX]

Would you recommend another restaurant that would also be considered 'the place to eat in SJ"? We have resrvations there the night before our cruise at 6:30 PM. Thank you.

 

I'll be there 9/30 and have a reservation at Marmalade at 6pm. I've never been but the reviews are really good. It's even close to the ship than Baranchina. I know Baranchina is well-known but I was underwhelmed by the food......

[rlwebst]

I'll be there 9/30 and have a reservation at Marmalade at 6pm. I've never been but the reviews are really good. It's even close to the ship than Baranchina. I know Baranchina is well-known but I was underwhelmed by the food......

 

 

We are going to try the Ruth Chris Steakhouse for the first time. I have heard they are good. Anyone have any experience with them in San Juan?

[Mikel1733]

Good luck finding a hotel if you fly in the day before. We're sailing next March and it's slim pickings.

[rlwebst]

Good luck finding a hotel if you fly in the day before. We're sailing next March and it's slim pickings.

 

 

I think it just depends on when you are going. Plenty of availability for the weekend we will be in San Juan.

[snownyet]

Always fly in the day before and stay a day after and have never had an issue getting a room at our chosen hotel, even last minute. We like the Caribe Hilton for pre cruise and the Intercontinental post cruise.

 

I just checked travelocity for March 2nd 2013 and found 4 pages of hotels ranging from dumps to the Ritz carlton

[t1adams]

Good luck finding a hotel if you fly in the day before. We're sailing next March and it's slim pickings.

 

 

Took some digging, but I just now FINALLY figured out why this is so! It's because a LOT of the hotels in Old San Juan require a MINIMUM TWO NIGHT STAY! THAT 'splains it! :D:D

 

I really really really want to stay at the Sherito, Old San Juan. However, it would cost us over $500 for two nights stay. :( Boohoo. On to find somewhere

[rlwebst]

Took some digging, but I just now FINALLY figured out why this is so! It's because a LOT of the hotels in Old San Juan require a MINIMUM TWO NIGHT STAY! THAT 'splains it! :D:D

 

I really really really want to stay at the Sherito, Old San Juan. However, it would cost us over $500 for two nights stay. :( Boohoo. On to find somewhere

 

 

Sometimes you can get out of the hotel min. stay depending on who you book with. Try looking for hotels through the airlines websites. They buy blocks of rooms and sometimes dont have to follow the same rules.

[rlwebst]

What time are you able to begin boarding in San Juan, given that the ship is in port until 10pm. Have I read that people have boarded as early as 12:30? Is there food available for lunch and dinner?

 

 

I think we will try to be at port around 11:00. I think it would be a good idea to board, eat lunch the walk around Old San Juan for the day. We have already been to one of the forts in the past, but would like to see the other one. Any other suggestions for Old San Juan?

[maritaysa]

I think we will try to be at port around 11:00. I think it would be a good idea to board, eat lunch the walk around Old San Juan for the day. We have already been to one of the forts in the past, but would like to see the other one. Any other suggestions for Old San Juan?

 

The gold church is neat to look at, and so is getting a glimpse of La Fortaleza. They're pretty close to each other in OSJ. If pigeons don't freak you out, the pigeon park is interesting too. You could always buy a kite and fly it on the grounds outside of the big fort. That always looks fun. Don't forget to get a flavored icee while you're there!

[rlwebst]

The gold church is neat to look at, and so is getting a glimpse of La Fortaleza. They're pretty close to each other in OSJ. If pigeons don't freak you out, the pigeon park is interesting too. You could always buy a kite and fly it on the grounds outside of the big fort. That always looks fun. Don't forget to get a flavored icee while you're there!

 

 

Thanks, did not know about to gold church. I will have to do some research on it.

[maritaysa]

Thanks, did not know about to gold church. I will have to do some research on it.

 

You're welcome. Have a great cruise!

[sooner33]

Just curious , We are sailing as VIP's for first time this cruise :) , how early can we show up and be able to enjoy the VIP lounge ?

[rlwebst]

Just curious , We are sailing as VIP's for first time this cruise :) , how early can we show up and be able to enjoy the VIP lounge ?

 

I am pretty sure it is 11:00am

[rlwebst]

We are going to try the Ruth Chris Steakhouse for the first time. I have heard they are good. Anyone have any experience with them in San Juan?

 

Anyone ever eaten here (at the San Juan location)?

[treasure4two]

Anyone ever eaten here (at the San Juan location)?

 

We have been t o different Ruth Chris and I believe wherever they are, the menu is about the same-maybe a few extras for the area. One thing at RC is that the plates they put the entrees on are hot as heck!! My husband eats MW steak but when they put it on the sizzling plate, it continues to cook. We always tell them not to put our entree on sizzling plates, as they also make the food hard to cut because it is too hot. I order the chicken(they have something inside like a flavored cheese) and it is so hot, it like spits/sparks up oil/grease.

The calamarri(sp?) is great per my hubby and I love the desserts.

Without drinks, be prepared to pay about $125-150 including tip.