Ray

Freedom has a area where it is posted that topless sunbathing is allowed. This was right after she came back from Europe while sailing out Florida.

I didn't see similar sign on Indy.  
Generally the answer is going to be no.
On this trip in Antigua the new MSC Seaside was across the pier from us.  An older woman on the large side was on her balcony right across from us in plain view as she was people watching on the pier between us.  She was completely naked.  Some things can't be unseen. 

Antigua: Valley Church Beach https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/06/12/excursion-focus-valley-church-beach-antigua
One of the nicest beaches I've ever been to. That's where someone offered for me to wrestle a shark, which I still regret not at least investigating that offer more!

On St Kitts we went on a off road 4 wheeler tour (Not really my wife's thing but she had fun) that ended with a half day beach that was really awesome, just can't remember the beach name.
Picture from the top of the 4 wheeler tour.

MEI Travel can book you on the group cruise even if you're a UK resident.  They got special permission for group cruises.

And remember the most important thing to preventing Noro: The Drink Package!

From this video: https://youtu.be/JcOHClVQpTc
The studies may not be conclusive, but it's good enough for me!

Whenever we go ashore on a cruise, I always hold my wife's hand. That way she can't spend any money! Actually my wife has a black belt in shopping.....she'll buy anything marked down, she came home last week with an escalator. 

My stop in San Juan all seemed very normal.  Granted this was just a stop on our itinerary as opposed to a hotel based stay. 
As I wandered around Old San Juan it struck me how hard it must be for all these tourism based businesses such as hotels, bars, restaurants and stores.  It costs money to operate a business and absent of money coming in some may be forced to close temporarily not because they can't open because of the hurricane but because they can't afford to pay their employees to do nothing for very long.
I may go out of my way to book a cruise originating from San Juan in the coming months.  Now is when they need our support more than ever and there is no better way to help in this phase of recovery than putting money into local businesses so that they can get through this.  Having a job, going to work and earning money to support their family gives locals a sense of purpose.  It may be a little extra effort to find an open hotel but they need us.  It's worth the effort.

Day 4 - San Juan, Scheduled Arrival 3pm 
As we approached San Juan our sunny day ended and it became apparent we would have some liquid sunshine, emphasis on liquid, to contend with.

We docked near the Sheraton in Old San Juan. Skies began to look better but radar showed another line or two approaching from the East.


After a few false starts to avoid getting drenched I finally ventured out.  

San Juan is doing much better than much of Puerto Rico.  On the surface it doesn't look much different compared to previous visits.
There were street performers waiting to greet us. 

I've eaten here before but was looking for something a little less corporate to visit tonight.

I ended up at Tijuana's bar and grill.  This is very close to the ship pier on this side of the harbor and I've walked past it many times before.

Today is the first day they have opened since Hurricane Maria.  They have a limited menu right now and are cash only but I'm glad I stopped by.
Beer and a burrito sounded pretty good to me with great views. 

The bill came to around $18.  I left them $40.
After this I wandered down the shore along the edge of the fort walls that used to protect the city in the days of old.

Another wave of rain moved through but it was light and refreshing.  They have festive lights set up.  San Juan is back and is ready to greet you. The rain soaked streets increased the contrast and made it especially pretty tonight.

 
I made it down to the fountain I've visited before but lighting wasn't very good tonight and some more rain was moving in so I doubled back to a restaurant and bar I passed along the way.

The Princesa Gastro Bar has the "It's Rum Time" sign that you'll see around San Juan.  On the outside it's a small bar but I was I glad I stopped by.



I talked to 'Angel' the bar keeper and he eagerly explained the island rum he had available.  It's quite a selection.  He arranged it compared to popular liquor such as Scotch, Bourbon and Vodka.  He explained that if someone likes a certain type of Scotch, they might like this type of rum and so on.  He was very passionate and he invited me into his bar.   


After discussing my likes and dislikes he recommend a couple for me to try.   He then presented them to me, complete with bottles to review as I sampled them.

I was impressed.  As a frequent Scotch drinker I appreciated the flavors and differences between the samples that I would not have noticed had I not discussed them with him.  Despite being a small looking bar, it's packed with some great island rum and other liquor if you just don't like rum  (Scotch, Vodka, Gin, wine, etc). 
This might not be the kind of place to seek a rum punch or frozen something but there is no doubt Angel could probably come up with something for you.
The ambiance in the shadow of the old fort wall combined with the restaurant next door is quite nice.

I won't say the ridiculous price he tried to charge me.  I had to do a double take with my old eyes but I tripled it in cash.

They say the trick to navigating is always look for the North star as it shines brightest in the sky.  This wasn't lost on me as I made my way home to Anthem in light rain with a belly full of rum.









 


Back on board I settled down in Vintages to write and post this. There's no place like home.
I was hoping for not just an adventure in San Juan but I also wanted to contribute to the local economy as they need our tourist dollars in the long road to recovery.  It's wasn't what I had in my mind but I'm quite pleased how it played out.
I went into the Walgreens to pickup a few things I forgot to pack.  I used my credit card.  My time in old San Juan all seemed very normal except the restaurants and bars were lightly occupied.  They need tourists to return.  Absent of money coming in some of these businesses will be forced to close if tourists don't return.
If anyone is concerned about booking a cruise with a call on San Juan, don't be.  Book it.

Kayak.com allows you to set filters including departure time.  You can search airfare using it to see options to suit your needs.  

Your liver can rest after it's dead....

most of the flight will be in the morning afternoon , 
a 6 PM flight will arrive after midnight (5 hours flight from NYC)  , 
From Newark airport you have daily 7:30 AM direct  flight (around 230 $) but I guess you are losing half day flying ... on the other hand , when you will arrive your hotel will already be ready for you and you do not need late checkout in NY.

Yes.  There are daily flights from any of the three NY airports to San Juan.  I'm not sure how much is available after 6PM

And that is excatly why RCI created the ultimate drink package!

how come us scots just think about the drink lol 
 

No not just the welsh, i'm tighter than 2 coats of paint :) 

No not just the welsh, i'm tighter than 2 coats of paint :) 

how come us scots just think about the drink lol 
 

how come us scots just think about the drink lol 
 

Yes, same rules as any other bar onboard.

Here's my review of the Ultimate Dining Package from Harmony: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/07/11/royal-caribbean-ultimate-dining-package-costs-and-review

Yes, it would be just like using your drink package anyplace else, all the rules still apply.

Fantastic blog :) 
sailing for 1st time on freedom in nov 2018 so this has helped a lot 

Eve: Here ya go, one champagne cocktail.
Adam: Oh, thank you.
Eve: I thought only hookers drank those things?
Adam: Well, I know Mom sure likes 'em.

Welcome aboard Mike,
Yes, you will need to go online and fill out forms. Log into your account and reservation number. On the Count Down To Cruise page you will see "Online Check-In" and  "Cruise Documentation" on the right side of he page just above the Cruise Planner banner. The Online Check in and Cruise Documentation will be available 90 days prior to your cruise date and must be completed 3 days prior to the cruise date. The cruise documentation will tell you when boarding starts, but, you can show up early. If you do get on board early, like 11:00 a.m., your cabin will not be available probably until after 2:00 p.m. 
Their will be porters available when you get off the bus that will take your bags and get them on board. They appreciate tips and they are well worth it rather than dragging your bags on board. Just be sure you have your baggage tags (you will print these off when you do the on line check in) securely attached and visible on your suit cases. Many of us on this message board use these which are available on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Luggage-Holder-Seal-Steel/dp/B01E4SQNU4/ref=sr_1_4?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1510942270&sr=1-4&nodeID=9479199011&psd=1&keywords=cruise+luggage+tags. I would recommend attaching these tags to your suit cases after you pick them up at the airport baggage claim area. 
Since your room may not be ready for you and your suit cases will not be delivered for a couple of hours, bring a back pack with any medications you need, bathing suits, sunscreen, cameras, etc. There will be places on board to get lunch and the bars will be open as well as the pool. This will also be an excellent time to walk around the ship and explore! 
Feel free to ask any questions you have. Let us know which ship you will be on and what the itinerary is. That way we can give you more advise and recommendations!
rjac
Online Check-in

It depends. Sometimes RC is better, sometimes on your own is better. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.  I'd at least explore both possibilities.
At least two easily reachable.  I recommend a small outlet expander like this to bring along, especially if you have many devices: http://amzn.to/2zBqZfK
Absolutely
No, just the service charge. Exception would be alcohol or other beverages
Yes, there is always somewhere on the ship open (including room service) that offers at least some beverages 24 hours.