Ports: extra day-SJU, St.TOM, St. MAR, TORTOLA, overnite Kings Warf BERMUDA and 2 sea days.
Our 7:45AM flight from PHL on USAIR was a day earlier then the cruise. We stayed in the Sheraton, old SJU $220. It’s a good hotel to stay in particularly if you are boarding ship in town.We dropped our bags and like a magnet Randi was pulled to the Dooney & Bourke outlet. She picked up two bags. We also stopped in the grocery store on the square to buy two 6-packs of Miller lite for Al. There is a great new CVS next to the hotel, across from the piers. We got a few things, including 2 bottles of wine for the ship.
That night we decided to taste some authentic Puerto Rican food. The bellhop suggested Raices and the food was good, once you got past the half hour wait that turned into an hour. ……Ahhh, island time!
The next day, we got up at 9am which is later than usual for us, and we decided to eat at the hotel's buffet which was very good. After checking out we taxied over to the Pan American pier, across the bay. The driver told us that in a few years, this pier will only be used for cargo. They were in the process of constructing more berths in old SJU for passenger ships.
Before you realized it we were at the Summit. This sailing completes all the Millennium class ships for us and every other Celebrity ship except Solstice and the Xpedition.
After a 15 minute wait, we embarked at 11:45, enjoyed our Champaign and went to see the Royal Suite. Since this was our first Royal, it was definitely the highlight of the cruise for us.
It was big! At 538 sq' it was 2nd largest stateroom, except for the Penthouse.
After a 15 minute wait, we embarked at 11:45, enjoyed our Champaign and went to see the Royal Suite. Since this was our first Royal, it was definitely the highlight of the cruise for us.
It was big! At 538 sq' it was 2nd largest stateroom, except for the Penthouse.
You entered into the dining room, which sat 4 comfortably.
Beyond that was the living room, with sofa bed loveseat, oversized table, big screen TV and a computer station.
Next, was the large 195 sq' deck, fitted with an oversized table for four, 2 lounge chairs and a Jacuzzi. From the deck, there was another door to enter the bedroom, which included a king sized bed, vanity make-up area and another large TV.
Adjoining the bedroom was a walk-in closet and after that was the bathroom, with double sinks, a large shower with glass doors and another Jacuzzi.
Beautiful! Although we could easily get spoiled in this suite, this only came about since there had been such drastic price drops on this cruise. We couldn't pass it up.
I almost forgot about our friends, Joan & Al. They boarded around 3 for our 8:30 sail away. Our other tablemates were nice. Crystal & Doug were from Palmer PA. They enjoyed the signs placed mysteriously on their door. And Dave & Denise were from Aberdeen NJ.
We booked no ship excursions but rather, strolled the islands and did some shopping. On Saint Martin, Gulu, had our liquor order ready that I pre-ordered via email, so I paid him and he sent it on to the ship. Randi & Joan struck it rich on a perfume wholesaler that Gulu recommended.
Evenings, prior to dinner, were spent in the martini bar with Milo, the server from South Philly,...the South Philippines, that is. We didn't take advantage of the Capt. Club free cocktails from 4-6. We would have but we had to be dressed for dinner. We were still in lounging mode most afternoons at that time. I did though mention it to Milivoj, the F&B Manager over coffee. He is a really nice guy. I suggested having an early and late event, He said he would mention it to the office. We also talked about a mutual friend of ours, Jeff, who is currently on a world cruise.
Randi won some money in the casino during the cruise but somehow. I don't think it was enough to cover the Dooney Dollars spent.
The Captains Club hostess, Tanushka, contacted us to see if we were available to dine with the Hotel Director but we declined since we were traveling together with our friends, Joan & Al. He looked like a fun guy. Our table, #400 , was just next to the left of the Captains table, so when the time came, I swung my chair and sat at the table quick enough for Joan to snap a picture.
I did get to view the bridge and was treated to seeing Captain Peppas and his baby with him.
The weather wasn't great this whole trip. Only the 1st day, it was 87 and sunny. The rest of the time it was only warm to cool to even chilly and many showers. Bermuda was so cold the 1st day, Randi had to pick up a sweatshirt.
The 2nd day in Bermuda we took the bus to Horse shoe bay beach. We took pictures and walked around.
Then continued on to Hamilton and enjoyed the shops in town. Lastly, we ferried back to Kings Warf, a 2o minute ride.
The last sea day, on Arnold’s recommendation, we went to a Riedel wine demo and saw first hand how glasses make a difference in wine tasting. We bought two sets.
On a cold and rainy Sunday morning, were were back in NJ. And the beauty of it all…we were back at home by 11 am.
