This is our fourth Carnival cruise. We selected this cruise because of the itinerary. We used the 'boards" section of Cruise Critic to help us find our way through the ports. We are not follow the leader/shore excursion people and prefer to do everything on our own. This review will focus on some things that may or may not have been covered in other reviews.

We stayed pre-cruise at the Sheraton Old San Juan. It is located right across the street from the ship. The hotel itself is not perfect, but has nice beds, was quiet for us and great for a one night cruise stay. We bid it on Hotwire for $87 for the night. We arrived late and found a nearby restaurant by the name of Tijuana's OSJ to pick up some late night dinner and drinks. I would avoid this restaurant as it has very poor service and the food was sub-par (one step above Taco Bell).

Other reviews have mentioned that embarkation at this port can be challenging. We checked our luggage at 11:00 am. and picked up our sign and sail cards. We then left the port area, went to have a late breakfast at La Bobonera and visited Fort San Cristobal. This is an easy walk from the ship. When you visit one of the forts ask the Park Service rangers for information regarding 'additions' to the fort during WWII. All I kept thinking is that this was an easy outpost for a WWII soldier! Read more