Crown Princess Review
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This was our first cruise ever. In the past, we have selected a fun destination, booked a hotel or resort, and then did our own thing. We have been to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and lots of places around the USA. We are not wealthy by any means, so we always try to find the best deal without compromising our enjoyment of our vacation. I call it "Budget Luxury". Since we were celebrating my wife's 50th birthday and our 20th Anniversary, we decided to try something different. I travel frequently for business, so I have a low tolerance for bad food and service. I also disdain crowds, lines, and unnecessary hassles. I was a little apprehensive about booking a cruise on such a large ship, fearing all of the above.
We arrived in San Juan two days ahead of our sailing date and stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel, about 10 minutes from the airport. This was a very nice hotel located on a beach reminiscent of Miami Beach. I had cashed in some of my Holiday Inn points, so we stayed for free. The restaurants in the hotel were pretty expensive, but we found a little restaurant called Mi Casa about a block away in a little shopping center. Breakfast was cheap and tasty by any standard. Try the passion fruit juice.
The first day, we decided to go down to Old San Juan and then to the Bacardi Rum Factory. We got on the public bus for a 45 minute trip to Old San Juan. The fare was 75 cents each way - exact change only (a cab ride was $20 each way). The bus took us through parts of San Juan that most tourists don't see. We felt pretty safe, but I don't think I would want to ride the bus after dark. We got off at the bus terminal which was right across the street from the ferry terminal. The ferry ride across the bay was 50 cents each way. Then there was a $2.00 per person cab ride to the Bacardi factory. The tour consisted of a trip to a visitor center where you got presentations on the history of Bacardi, the rum making process, and how to make several Bacardi cocktails. You didn't get to go to the actual factory. After the tour, you could have two free drinks and visit the gift shop. After returning to Old San Juan, we had a late lunch at The Parrot Club. The food, drinks, and service were excellent, but a bit pricey.