We sailed on the Carnival Victory in September, 2009, from San Juan. We are avid Carnival cruisers, and we believe that the cruise line provides an excellent "fit" for us. We also believe that a cruise can be enhanced or diminished by fellow cruisers, to the extent that part of the fun of cruising is making new friends. The port-intensive itinerary of this cruise made it a no-brainer for us. We enjoy learning about other cultures...however, I am sad to report that the rudeness, crassness, and general discomfort reported by many on these boards was felt by us during this cruise as well. We believe due to our observations that much of this behavior - which we have never experienced on similar Carnival cruises leaving from the mainland - was due to the existence of a significant plurality of San Juan-based cruisers on board. I read the reviews mentioning this aspect of the cruise before we left, and dismissed it. I wish I had heeded these warnings more thoroughly.

Embarkation-

We arrived late in the day, around 7 pm, to San Juan. Sailaway was at 10 pm. Retreiving our luggage, catching a cab, arriving at the pier, and getting on board was amazingly simple. Within an hour of landing, we were strolling aboard the Victory. Muster was easy, and the weather for sailaway was perfect. When sailing out of San Juan, be SURE to get out on the deck, the view is INCREDIBLE! Sailing in and out of Venice is my favorite port, but San Juan is possibly my second favorite for sailaway views. Read more