We flew in a day early to San Juan as I can't see risking flying from Seattle on the day of the cruise. We stayed at the San Juan Marriott Stellaris. Taxi fare ran about 21 bucks from the airport to hotel with tip included. I would stay at this hotel again as it is in a central location to the pier and is a very nice hotel situated on the waterfront. Service at the front desk was quick and the clerk got us in right away at 4P. The surrounding area included a Starbucks and a Walgreens within a block or two. My experience with San Juan is it tends to be a bit pricey for what you get but as long as you know this ahead of time its just the way it is. Taxi to the pier was about 15 min. and another 18 bucks with tip.

We arrived at the pier around noon. Check in was, and I repeat was, the simplest and quickest we have ever been through. We were on the ship easily within 10 minutes from curb to deck. Of course we were told our cabin was not ready so we went to the buffet until 1 and then proceeded to our cabin. Our bags arrived by 2, easily the earliest of any cruise we have been on and our arrival time is always around noon.

Aft CC Cabin 7206 was incredible. I researched pictures and read comments ahead of time but you have to see this balcony for yourself. You can place two lounge chairs, dining table and two reg. chairs end to end from the railing and still have room to the cabin door. The overhead roof is the balcony floor from the above cabin, approx. 10 feet, then another canvas overhang, approx 5 feet , then an open space of about another 5 feet. We had privacy and an open part of the deck. We spent alot of time out here avoiding the pool area and chair hogs. One drawback is I did miss the side view while in port and although the aft view is great while moving at sea, this was a port intensive cruise and watching the sail away is something I enjoy with a side cabin. The cabin itself didn't really seem any bigger but was well appointed although it was showing wear. The shower uses a curtain which was a bit too friendly while showering. I prefer a door. CC has been debated for value. I can imagine opinions are all over on this. The afternoon canapEs were not as bad as others report but to me, not necessary. Bedding was very comfortable although we had no menu of choices as advertised. I was fine with what we had. Flowers were nice, the free bag was nice along with the champagne but all not really worth extra. Three things were worth some extra. Express Luggage, expanded breakfast room service and on the last day, it was nice having a special location prior to leaving the ship that wasn't packed. Bottom line to me is room and location. With 7206 it was well worth it but other CC rooms (for the rate we got) I would say no, stick with a reg balcony. I had booked a year out and then got a better price later. No screaming deal but a great room. Read more