This was our first time to go on a cruise so we don't have a yardstick, of course, however we loved it so much we have booked another on the Galaxy 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise for Dec 2008. We are Irish and flew from Shannon which was an awfully tiring journey. By the time we arrived (via JFK with long delays and San Juan) in San Juan we were shattered and collapsed into bed in the Holiday Inn, San Juan (Tartak st.). Holiday Inn was fine, there is a lovely beach just across the road where we spent a pleasant hour or two before going to the ship. Old San Juan doesn't have a huge amount to see, the fort is interesting with lovely views and the mallorcan sandwich in Bombonera (Calle San Francisco) is just delicious.

We were delighted with our room and the speedy arrival of our bags. We felt our balcony was essential (to watch sunrise, sunset and be able to escape the madding crowd on deck at times) but other people we met on the cruise didn't mind an inside room, so it depends on oneself, like everything.

Our first lunch in the Windjammer was excellent (yellowfin tuna and green beans) and as throughout the cruise the service was friendly and efficient. We had opted for second dinner seating (8.30) which was perfect and were lucky enough to have really nice dining companions. Manolito, the guitarist in the cigar bar, was excellent. We have since quit smoking but were very amused to hear one fellow cruiser open the door to deck and exclaim: omigod, smokers, forget about it! Read more