This was our second cruise on Celebrity, having preferred Royal Caribbean since we started cruising in 1989. However, we fell in love with this ship, it is beautiful. Maybe Celebrity could have done things better (we stood in line 2-1/2 hrs before boarding the ship) but I wasn't going to complain because I preferred to have the ship cleaned and sanitized. (People who complain about hours waiting in the terminal shouldn't have arrived at 1100, since the boarding time was 1:30, about the time we arrived.) Once on board there was no pretending the virus wasn't with us, but it was evident they were doing everything possible to keep guests healthy. Constant reminders to wash hands, also serving the food in the Oceanview Cafe. There was someone in the public bathrooms all day to clean the toilet the minute you walked out and opening the door for you. At least that was my experience.

We were not impressed with the food in the dining room, it wasn't bad, it was ok. We don't cruise because of the food, we just enjoy being taken care of for several days. We didn't try the specialty restaurants but based on comments I've read we will probably try at least one or two next time. This was our 27th cruise and we made of it a very relaxing trip. Having been to the three ports many times (San Juan, St. Martin, & St. Thomas) we were looking to enjoy the ship when everyone got off, something we had not done before. We enjoyed the luxury of a cabin with a veranda which we took advantage of to read. When our cruise has a busy itinerary with ports we want to visit, we usually don't spend the extra money on a balcony.

We got off the ship in San Juan to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants with family members who joined us there. It's a shame that the ship arrives in San Juan at 2:00 because it limits the tours you can take. San Juan is a great place to tour on your own, there really is no need to take a tour. Do some research before you get there and do the walking tour. There is a free trolly that stops in front of where the ship docks and will drop you off wherever you want. Take it to El Morro (the fort) because that closes around 4 or 5 and walk back to the ship. Stop at El Convento Hotel and have a mojito, it used to be a convent and is beautiful. Across the street is the cathedral. A block down the street is the Coach outlet. Further down the street on the left is the town square. If you keep walking you'll see the Governor's mansion down the street to the right. Look for Barrachina where they claim to have invented the pina colada, best I've ever had. There are a lot of shops along this street with souvenirs and jewelry, there's also a very nice table cloth store that has very nice linens, prices comparable to St. Martin, but you don't have to pay your credit card company any foreign exchange fees because being a territory of the US the currency is US dollars. Most Puerto Ricans you encounter in San Juan speak English. There are several very good restaurants in Old San Juan and the concierge onboard can help you with reservations, I was able to look at the menu and prices of the restaurant where I was interested in dining that evening. Read more