First cruise

[Makki]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I (both seniors) are making our first Cruise in february 2009.
We booked on the RCI serenade of the seas for a 7 night to southern Carribean.
I have some questions and hope someone can help us.
We fly from Brussels to NY and further to San Juan.
We'll stay for 3 nights in San Juan. We like to stay in an nice, clean hotel close (or in) Old San Juan. Is there anyone who has a suggestion for an hotel.
As we'll arrive close to midnight, I suppose we have to take an taxi to old San Juan. How long is the trip from the airport to Old San Juan ? Do you have an idea what the fare is for that trip ?

After visiting a few days Old San Juan, we take our Cruise.
Where does that ship dock ? Cab you tell me the exact location ?
If you have other tips about Old San juan, they are very welcome.

I hope you can help us.
Marc and Nicole

[blueliner]

For San Juan, I like to stay at the Intercontinental San Juan Hotel, close to airport and only about a $7 cab ride, and Old San Juan is about a $10 - $15 cab ride from the hotel. RCI ships that embark from San Juan, as opposed to those that are stopping for a port-of-call, use the Pan American Pier, which is not in Old San Juan, but on the other side of the harbor and about a $10 cab ride from the aforementioned hotel. Those ships stopping in San Juan for a port-of-call use the numbered piers in Old San Juan, Everything is about a 15 - 20 minute cab ride, airport, Old San Juan, and the Pan American Pier.

Enjoy your Cruise!

[Trip]

I think, to simplify things for you, use the Sheraton, across the street from the pier in old San Juan as your base. There is a casino in this hotel if this is of interest to you.

Depending on your sail day, Saturdays, there is a craft fair right around the fountain, and a short walk away is, Forteleza St, the main shopping street. There is also a Hard Rock cafe right in this vicinity.

The concierge in the hotel will be able to advise you of any sightseeing tours you might want. The Rainforest, El Junque, would be good, because you will have the time, most day trippers on the cruise don't.

You have picked a beautiful ship, and a beautifu city to spend some time in before you cruise. Have a ball.

[Makki]

Blueliner and Trip, thanks for your prompt and accurate reply on my questions.
You were very helpfull. My wife and I are very gratefull for those tips and hints.

We can nowadays begin to start our hotelbooking and trips in San Juan and its surroundings.

Marc and Nicole