Background info: This is our 12th cruise and 3rd on Princess. We have just sailed CB out of Ft. Lauderdale in May. In short - no cruise is bad cruise, bad we will never sail out of San Juan again.

Flights and precruise: We flew 2 days early (Fri with Sun departure). Stayed in Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde. I would highly recommend this hotel. It is at the end of the beautiful beach, so it is very private. Hammocks are hung on the palms closest to the property and they have great view of the ocean (heavenly!). On property restaurants were a bit pricey, but the outdoor "fusion caribbean" place had outstanding food. The place is short walk to Denny's and Walgreens, about 20 min walk to Pueblo supermarket. On Saturday we went to downtown San Juan and spent the day there just shopping and sightseeing. I would highly recommend "La Raiza" (The Roots) restaurant downtown - authentic Puerto Rico food and great entertainment.

Check in: I was very apprehensive about long waits, but we decided to chance it with getting there early, since my husband was hell-bent on watching his football onboard. The cab ride was the worst part (20 min from the turn to the port just inching along). Check in itself after cab drop off took less then 30 minutes. We have left hotel at 11:30 am and were in stateroom at 12:20 or so. Read more