Review Southern Caribbean Cruise from Puerto Rico Jan 18th -25th on the Valor

[Dirkgun]

Just wondering -we've done Maho before. Is it worth the taxi fare to go to the French open aire market, or is it like St.Thomas?

Although pastries may be worth the fare LOL Sounds like you shop for local unique things like we do. Next trip I am putting banana ketchup for St.Lucia on my list -always forget until I get home.

 

 

The open market in St Maarten is more along the lines of local crafts/goods there are the usual tourist souvenirs... but also local made things and some local fruits and foods. It is a cool place and yes the pastries at Serafinas are worth the trip. So many to choose from. Yes definitely get the Banana Ketchup in St Lucia. If you happen to go by a grocery store you can get them cheaper. Good stuff. I love it with fries... more of a sweet mix of ketchup. You have to try it.

[Buffettfan 225]

The open market in St Maarten is more along the lines of local crafts/goods there are the usual tourist souvenirs... but also local made things and some local fruits and foods. It is a cool place and yes the pastries at Serafinas are worth the trip. So many to choose from. Yes definitely get the Banana Ketchup in St Lucia. If you happen to go by a grocery store you can get them cheaper. Good stuff. I love it with fries... more of a sweet mix of ketchup. You have to try it.

That is a good tip. We always are exploring and checking out what its like to shop at local grocery stores. Have found most of them on our own. May have to ask in St.Lucia though. Hope we dock at the "normal" port in St.Lucia -last time we also docked across by the indoor craft market- ok but not as picturesque.

Edited March 7, 2015 by Buffettfan 225

[Dirkgun]

Sun Jan 25th San Juan Debarkation day Today we got up and the ship was already in the port of San Juan (it really is the only time I don’t like seeing San Juan). We got up and went down to the MDR for breakfast one last time. We had a very relaxed (no hurry) meal then went back to the rooms and got our carry-on’s and then headed down to the casino area to wait for our number to be called and to try to win that blasted cash cube game…. It seems pretty easy but… not so much. We were in no hurry to get off since we were staying in San Juan a couple extra days and could not check in for a while. So we just found a spot to relax and watch people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will post these random pictures of the ship....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had three balcony rooms starting with 9283 and then at the end of the hall was our "private" door to our hallway, then out into the Lido pool/deck area. It is a nice location.

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

We got word that they were taking extra time through customs so that is why the process was moving slow. When they did end up calling our number, we headed down and got in line. Carnival personnel were having groups wait in places that were either still inside or at least in the shade until there was enough room for them in the customs area. Once we got in there and found our luggage we got in the huge line for customs clearance. I noticed a porter and got his attention he came and piled our luggage on his cart and he took us to the front of the line at an agent dedicated to the porters. We were out!!! Just like that the cruise was over... it seems like you blink and it is gone, but it is just so fun that you never want it to be over. At least we get to stay in Puerto Rico a few more days..... Like I said we were in no hurry to get off the ship but also did not want to just wait in line so the tip to the porter was definitely worth it. The porter grabbed us a cab and off we went to our hotel. We had “won” a bid on Priceline for the Radisson Ambassador for $98 a night and had stayed there before so we thought it was a good win. However this time was not such a good experience. We got to the hotel and knew it was too early for check in so I did a pre check. They told me that we could get rooms with king beds if we could wait a bit or we could get doubles at 3:00 so we opted for the kings. We asked them to hold our luggage. The bell staff was great and very helpful. After we got all taken care of we walked down the street to a Starbucks, and then got a taxi in to old town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was when we met our favorite taxi driver in Puerto Rico. We found him at the Marriot Stellaris across the street from the Starbucks; he was just waiting for a fare. His name was Jonnathan and he was very nice and personable. We asked him if he was available later on. He said he was and to just give him a call 10 minutes before we wanted to be picked up and he would be there. For the rest of our time in Puerto Rico we used him and he was very reliable. We had him drop us at the start of the Paseo De La Princessa so we could walk around a bit. I was hoping the “Orange Guy” was there. He was but he was still in the process of getting set up for the day. He is one of my favorite vendors there. He sells fresh squeezed orange juice for $1 with ice, and $1.50 without ice and oranges that have been peeled whole (then have the top cut off so you can eat and drink the orange) for $.50. They are sooo good and refreshing in the humidity there. We said hi to him (he remembers us every time we are there) and told him we would be back when he was ready. We walked down to the Raices Fountain and back stopping every so often to see some of the other crafts and artists wares.

 

 

 

 

He is a very friendly guy....even shakes hands when trying to fix his machine...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited March 8, 2015 by Dirkgun

[Dirkgun]

When we got back to the oranges he was just getting dialed in on his mechanical peeler…

The guy at the counter (I think it is the son) was telling people that it would be another 15 minutes until oranges were ready, but when he (the guy doing the peeling) saw us waiting he asked us how many we wanted and got them for us. They were as good as I remember. They are a little messy to eat because of the juice, so for me to like them says something because being sticky is one of my forms of Hell. I had to buy a bottle of water just to rinse my hands off lol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

We continued to look around at the street vendors and crafts that are always there on weekends and usually when ships are in port. We found some souvenirs and as usual some very interesting things. There is a guy that sits and does leather work, making wallets and belts right there. There is also a guy that sits and rolls cigars… it is an interesting process. I am not one who enjoys cigars but they are cool and he has all kind, flavors and sizes. The next “mandatory” order of business was to get a Tripleta sandwich. The guy was there today (my sons tail was wagging he was so happy)!!! We all got one and ate them there in the park so we could see all the people as well. They were delicious. The Tripleta just means 3 meats, it has chicken, pork and beef all grilled at one time as he chops them up and mixes them. Then they split the bun and put the dressing on…. Unless you specify they put on ketchup, mayo, and cheese sauce. It sounds not great but when they mix together it really works, kind of a Puerto Rican BBQ sauce. When we told Jonnathan about our love of the sandwiches, he laughed and said the tourists usually don’t eat them, so he was impressed because he likes them as well.

 

 

These people painted scenes on these feathers... they were cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we were done we went to the CVS store across from the pier and picked up some drinks and things for the rooms and called Jonnathan to come and get us. Then had to get one last picture of the Valor before she sailed again. (without us....boooo)

 

 

 

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Edited March 8, 2015 by Dirkgun

[Dirkgun]

We got back to the hotel at around 5:30 pm and were told our rooms were still not ready. Ok a little frustrating but not bad… So we went for a walk down to the beach about a block and a half away. It is a nice little area where some families were having barbecues and just enjoying a Sunday afternoon. There were guys out fishing and some cool tide pool with some critters that nat geo was finding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

more pics....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stayed until after sunset. I just love sunsets in Puerto Rico they are so pretty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

When we got back to the hotel we went and asked about our rooms and it was like they had no idea what we were talking about…they tried putting us in double rooms and we told them no and had to remind them that we were waiting for the king rooms etc. Apparently only one was ready. So we got all our luggage to that room and went and changed so we could go to the rooftop pool and relax until the other two rooms were ready. We still had no call by 9:30 pm so I went down to the lobby once again to inquire. One more room was ready??? I asked seriously you are still cleaning rooms at this time of day? They said yes… until 10:00 pm. While I was there they called housekeeping and had them check to see how close the last room was. It was just being checked off, so finally at 9:45 pm we were able to go to our rooms. We went and crashed… the beds were not comfortable at all, some were bouncy, some were too saggy. Oh well we were tired and wanted to sleep.

 

 

 

in the pool....

 

 

 

a couple of videos in the pool.... It was kind of dark up there. Still had a good time though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

Mon Jan 26th supposed to explore San Juan This morning I woke up to a text from my SIL, that all flights for the next couple of days had been canceled if they were going anywhere along the eastern seaboard. We were supposed to be flying into JFK in New York on Tuesday. So I got on the phone and was on terminal hold because of all the volume I am sure. I tried using the internet but the WiFi there at the Radisson is so slow it is almost unusable. Finally we got through to Jet Blue and they had us booked on flights a day later than we were originally booked to, but what could we do. There were no other options so we made the most of it. Now however we had to think about another night of hotel rooms…. Did we want to just stay here again? Could we? I went down to the lobby to ask and was told we could stay again however we would need to check out at 11:00 am then check back in after 3:00 pm….. I was not trying that circus again. We spent most of the morning finding rooms that were suitable. So yes we got an extra day in Puerto Rico however it was almost all spent making arrangements. Oh well we still had the afternoon. We decided to go in and explore Fort El Morro. It is such a cool place, all the history and ambiance there perched majestically on the point overlooking and safeguarding the port of San Juan. It has some of the best vistas in the Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

The first time we cruised out of San Juan (in 1993) We really did not explore the city at all. I really kind of regret it. The 2nd time we were there we explored the city but not the forts. I am so glad we did eventually get to them. I love history so I really like them. You can just imagine how hard life was back then when you read the signs and look at the quarters they lived in etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

When the fort closed we went out onto the great lawn. It really is cool how much the green space gets used… from families flying kites and picnicking, people using it to exercise, Taking pictures for bridals or formals? The colors there are amazing. We walked across the lawn and wandered down through the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a while of walking we found a place for dinner. It was called Genesis restaurant it was good food and they were very nice. After we ate we called our personal chauffeur Jonnathan to come and get us and he did.

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

More "El Morro" around sunset pictures.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Juan is such a great place to wander around in. You can just feel the History in the air and smell the Caribbean air. Just a fun place to experience. After we got back to hotel tonight... we were tired from a long day of Flight hassles, hotel changes, and just overall stress. We also had a good day of exploring and walking around.

 

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Edited March 10, 2015 by Dirkgun

[Stinger-pr]

Old San Juan is so photogenic!! everywhere you look is an amazing photo op. Your pictures are great and you have a very good eye. I am very biased because I love going to OSJ JUST to spend a couple of hours taking pictures. Even when I go to places that I have been before, I try to look for a different perspective. And if you like nighttime photography, OSJ is a completely different and awesome setting during the night.

 

Loved your review, BTW. Sorry to read about your troubles at the Ambassador, though. That place is in dire need (about to be sold to new owners for dirt cheap) and I wouldn't be surprised that the housekeeping delay was because the had no more than 2 or 3 people working the rooms all day.

 

So sad to see the Valor leave. It's currently in it's last southern Caribbean trip. Next sailing is it's repositioning cruise. I guess we'll have to try the Liberty (hopefully before the Fascination gets here...ugghh!!)

[Dirkgun]

Old San Juan is so photogenic!! everywhere you look is an amazing photo op. Your pictures are great and you have a very good eye. I am very biased because I love going to OSJ JUST to spend a couple of hours taking pictures. Even when I go to places that I have been before, I try to look for a different perspective. And if you like nighttime photography, OSJ is a completely different and awesome setting during the night.

 

Loved your review, BTW. Sorry to read about your troubles at the Ambassador, though. That place is in dire need (about to be sold to new owners for dirt cheap) and I wouldn't be surprised that the housekeeping delay was because the had no more than 2 or 3 people working the rooms all day.

 

So sad to see the Valor leave. It's currently in it's last southern Caribbean trip. Next sailing is it's repositioning cruise. I guess we'll have to try the Liberty (hopefully before the Fascination gets here...ugghh!!)

 

 

Thanks for the comments. Yes San Juan is definitely very Photogenic, and you are absolutely correct she does almost transform personalities at night. We are so very lucky to have seen both a few times.

On the Ambassador... yeah the last time there we seemed to have a better experience. I know the rooms had their issues but, I think it more boiled down to the frustrating front desk experience. Then just piled on from there. Interesting that they are changing ownership though.

 

I guess I did not realize the Valor was moving out this quickly... I thought May for some reason. I would love to sail on the Liberty with the 2.0 upgrades and all. I am hoping that the Fascination won't be the permanent ship there. I am hearing the Victory might be coming after a few months of the Fascination?? Only time will tell for sure. :eek::cool: Again thank you for the local perspectives and help with some names..lol Hopefully we will talk again.

[Easton13A]

Thanks for the great review. We're on this itinerary on the Liberty in September. We're doing a couple of days on the front end in Old San Juan, and we can't wait.

[lucky13elec]

Nice review. Can't wait to be on the Valor.

[Dirkgun]

Thanks for the great review. We're on this itinerary on the Liberty in September. We're doing a couple of days on the front end in Old San Juan, and we can't wait.

 

 

Thanks for reading, You will have a great time. Definitely take the time to explore San Juan.

 

 

Nice review. Can't wait to be on the Valor.

 

 

Thanks, You will have a great time. She is a great ship. Love the Americana designs.

[Dirkgun]

Tues Jan 27th San Juan Today we got ready around 10:00 am and headed into Old San Juan to eat at Cafeteria Mallorca. However we first had to check out of the Radisson and move to our new digs at the Comfort Inn in Condado. Jonnathan picked us up and delivered us and our luggage to Comfort Inn, waited while we stored luggage, then took us in to Old Town and dropped us off at Café Mallorca. They were not extremely busy but had a steady stream of people coming in and out. They sat us down and we ordered our food. If you have never had a Mallorca, it is a breakfast sandwich/pastry of sweet bread, cheese, ham bacon or sausage, and eggs if you wish. They grill them and then sprinkle powdered sugar on them… it may sound weird but I assure you they are delicious. They also have other things on the menu as well as more pastries in the window yum…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After breakfast we walked over to fort San Cristobal. Since we bought the $5 pass at El Morro yesterday (the passes are good for a week) we were able to also get into San Cristobal. This fort is also very pretty and historic but it is a little different than El Morro. It is more detailed and probably better preserved. It is also more spread out, so considered bigger than El Morro. There are also some very interesting places, like dungeons and other passage ways you can get to that are fun to walk in. Especially interesting is the dungeon cell that has the drawings of a ship on the wall. The story goes that a ship’s captain drew it while awaiting his sentence (more than likely hanging) in this cell.

 

 

 

Here we are walking down the street... you can San Cristobal in the background... not a bad walk.

 

 

 

Had to go in to the gift shop and check out the souvenirs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

More pics of the San Cristobal Fort.....

 

The Cell that housed a prisoner that apparently drew pictures of his ship/s on the walls.... kind of an eery feeling. Very cool though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This indicates that this passage was rigged to be able to be blown up if necessary if enemies made it in to the fort....

 

 

 

 

Outside there are a lot of the same structures… like the sentry turrets and cannon placements. Cannon balls are also piled up here and we told our newcomers that if they could pick up a ball they could come back again. They were successful to one degree or another….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

The patina of age on the walls is awesome it is so deep and rich, you can almost look down through the years by the colors on the walls. There are places on the outer walls of the city where a couple of years ago the city decided to try to wash the walls… it really stripped the gorgeous colors so luckily they stopped it. San Juan really is a living historical museum a lot of the old city was around in the late 1500’s and early 1600’s so very old.

San Cristobal also has one of the best views of the ships in port… Today there was the Carnival Glory in port along with two other ships whose names I can’t remember.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are also iguanas scaling the walls here, in fact the contrast of their green skin against the grey/brown/blue of the walls is neat to see. We kind of lucked out today as it was overcast and even some light rain showers, so not as hot as it could be. After we were done here we decided to go back over to El Morro to finish looking around there. We waited for the free trolley to pick us up but when it came by there were no seats open. We decided to just walk… it is an interesting walk you get to see the picturesque coastline as well as get to see down into La Perla. It (La Perla) is the infamous neighborhood that they say to not go into because even the cops won’t go there. The community is trying to rehab its image and reality by encouraging clean-up, building relationships with the police force and trying to have a better public image… hopefully they succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A water cistern in the San Cristobal courtyard....

 

 

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[Dirkgun]

Continued pics...

 

 

The view from San Cristobal looking west over to El Morro in the distance. It looks like a daunting walk but really there is a lot to see and pass the time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another view to El Morro from the WWII lookout turret in San Cristobal

 

 

 

 

La Perla.....

 

 

 

 

I am not sure if it is all that dangerous but why risk it?? During the SanSe festival I do know they had some rockin parties going on down there sponsored by Gasolina (the Adult Juice bags filled with cocktails… think Capri sun) big signs and flashing lights etc.

 

Here is one of the free trolley's that was on its way out of El Morro....

 

 

 

Happy to be at El Morro again...some posing going on. lol

 

 

 

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Edited March 10, 2015 by Dirkgun

[Dirkgun]

Anyways we made it over to El Morro in about 20 minutes from San Cristobal. We went up to the entrance and were just kind of milling around when all of a sudden “Nat Geo” is on point…. She sees a bunch of the Puerto Rican Parrots along the wall just outside the fort. I guess that may not sound like a big deal however this species had dwindled down to just 13 birds back in 1975 and they have been working very hard to bring them back. There are still not very many in El Yunque and other rain forest areas, but apparently they have a population in San Juan that is thriving… I will bet there were at least 30-40 birds that we saw. We asked the rangers inside the fort and they said that yes they (the rangers) like to come there first thing in the morning because the parrots are there for sanctuary. Hopefully they can be pulled off the endangered species list. They are a very pretty bird and the only indigenous parrot in Puerto Rico or the United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cool birds to say the least....

 

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[Dirkgun]

We finished the tour of the fort that we missed the day before… went down to the lower levels and walked up the triangular stair case. Again the engineering and amount of labor that went into building these forts are amazing if you stop to think about it. The United States even used the forts as lookouts during WWII watching for submarines etc. When we left the fort we waited for the free trolley, normally we would have ridden it around a loop then got off where we wanted just to see the city from a different perspective but apparently this was the last loop of this trolley so we got off down a little closer to the water front. There were a few stores we wanted to go in so we went about finding the things we needed. Our feet were tired…. My DS’s GF had her phone monitoring her steps I guess and we covered over 6 ½ miles today. We had not eaten since the morning at Café Mallorca so we were all starving. When Jonnathan picked us up we asked him for some suggestions for good food. We ended up at Mikes Pizzeria in Condado (right down the street from our hotel) It was great pizza and really good service.

 

 

 

 

Iguanas are so interesting to me.... obviously. They are everywhere also.

 

 

 

A little horsing around.... lol