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We stayed in San Juan for a week and used the public bus system frequently.  Never had a problem with language.   Bus fare was 75 cents per trip and ran frequently.   Bus terminal is about three blocks from the pier to it is easy to get to. Bus stops at La Concha which is directly in the Condado.  Very nice resort where we stayed.  I would feel very comfortable using their system since a cab ride will be twenty bucks per trip. 

We use the big Ziplock vacuum pack bags to pack our clothes. This provides more space on return trip for souvenirs. We sit on the bags to let air out when we are packing to head home.

Thanks Matt. I thought I remembered seeing something you posted. I have read nothing but great things about the beach and water. I'll report back

I have not been there, but I did go to this area of Orient Beach: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/10/08/excursion-focus-bikini-beach-st-martin

Sun screen
Bug Spray w/DDT (if you are really going to Yunque and if anyone cares about Zika)
Check to see if room prices have fallen to where you might be able to upgrade to a higher category (doubtful, but you never know !)
Collapsible laundry basket (as long as you're ordering stuff from Amazon)
Power/USB strip w/O surge protector (same rationale as above)
Water shoes for Labadee (See above and above)

I also agree with the suggestion above to mention in casual conversation that your son/husband can't go with you and has to stay at home.
 
I would not hesitate to use Uber. However, leaving at 4:30 am does have some issues. There may not be many drivers available and Uber raises their prices during these times. I had to pay more than double on a Sunday morning in Boston to get to the cruise port because of that. I was very annoyed.
 
Solution: use Wingz. My son uses Wingz to get to and from DFW all the time. Wingz is similar to Uber but the differences are: they specialize in getting you to and from the airport (thus the name "Wingz"). You pre-arrange your ride a day or two ahead of time. Your driver confirms the ride shortly after you make the reservation. You will have a picture of the driver, the car make/model, the license plate all ahead of time. AND they will give you a fixed price quote that you can accept or decline when you make the reservation. I used Wingz to get from Houston Hobby to Galveston a while back and that 50 minute ride was almost half the cost of a cab ride and it was a much nicer vehicle.

I always go rule of thumb 1pm

. Agree with this. Never had any issues. Just used common sense. Most people are there with family and/or friends. Singles spring break cruises I think you may find more opportunity for liquid courage brawls but to be honest never heard of fights happening. I've seen teens just having a good time with new friends doing scavenger hunts or hanging in teen lounge. Taking my 18 niece on her first cruise..going to give her space to do her own thing but will probably do some sort of Check in type deal to make sure she is ok.

I really like carrying a small point and shoot with a good zoom as you can get much better pictures than with your phone.  In addition, many of them now pair with your phone, so it's easy to transfer photos or to even use the phone as a remote for the camera.

The airport is less than 1 mile from the cruise port. I am local to Fort Lauderdale and recommend taxi cab to and from. On the outbound that's a lot of time (4pm departure). Your better off taking a cab to the beach and having lunch before heading to airport. I see tons of cruise passengers with luggage in tow all over Fort Lauderdale beach each and every weekend so you won't look out of place. Good thing to keep in mind is that Fort Lauderdale is not a traffic inflicted nightmare like some of the other metro ports, you can pretty much get to the airport from anywhere in greater Fort Lauderdale in less than 20 min. Enjoy.

I can see how someone maybe feels Jaded over time especially if you cruise a lot. Most beach excursions or excursions in general can have a common feel. We all feel we are being over charged sometimes but the way I see it is sometimes that little extra is for convenience and sometimes peace of mind. for the most part the details are taken care of for you. I personally book cruises for the experience on the boat and the destinations. If there is blue water I am there. I love the Carribean and want to check off as many islands as I can. Most of my cruises have been the normal key west..Cayman ..Jamaica ..Cozumel..Bahamas trips. Mostly due to cost. Live in Texas so cheaper to leave out of Galveston. This year we are flying and leaving out of Florida which opens up a little more eastern itinerary of st. Martin, Puerto Rico and labadee,Haiti I agree some places don't always feel safe but I just stay aware of my surroundings and try not to be to much of a tourist. I stay respectful ..say hello if I make Eye contact and say no thank you if approached to buy something. Most vendors are just trying to hustle to earn money. I can appreciate that. The best experiences have been trying local cuisine and swimming in that blue water I talked about. At restaurants I usually ask the waiter what their favorite dish is or what is popular on the island.
I do a little extra research and see if I can find things to due that aren't part of an excursion and other tourist have stated have been good safe experiences.
 
I agree about Jamaica and Bahamas and feeling a little more on guard but for those stops that is when I pay a little extra to be whisked away to a beach resort with free drinks and blue water of course

I can see how someone maybe feels Jaded over time especially if you cruise a lot. Most beach excursions or excursions in general can have a common feel. We all feel we are being over charged sometimes but the way I see it is sometimes that little extra is for convenience and sometimes peace of mind. for the most part the details are taken care of for you. I personally book cruises for the experience on the boat and the destinations. If there is blue water I am there. I love the Carribean and want to check off as many islands as I can. Most of my cruises have been the normal key west..Cayman ..Jamaica ..Cozumel..Bahamas trips. Mostly due to cost. Live in Texas so cheaper to leave out of Galveston. This year we are flying and leaving out of Florida which opens up a little more eastern itinerary of st. Martin, Puerto Rico and labadee,Haiti I agree some places don't always feel safe but I just stay aware of my surroundings and try not to be to much of a tourist. I stay respectful ..say hello if I make Eye contact and say no thank you if approached to buy something. Most vendors are just trying to hustle to earn money. I can appreciate that. The best experiences have been trying local cuisine and swimming in that blue water I talked about. At restaurants I usually ask the waiter what their favorite dish is or what is popular on the island.
I do a little extra research and see if I can find things to due that aren't part of an excursion and other tourist have stated have been good safe experiences.
 
I agree about Jamaica and Bahamas and feeling a little more on guard but for those stops that is when I pay a little extra to be whisked away to a beach resort with free drinks and blue water of course

I must be getting a little jaded at this time in my life, but I haven't viewed a single excursion that looks exciting.  After a few cruises, they all look the same and offer no real travel dollar value.   Maybe, at the LAST minute, I might choose something but we find exploring, dining and walking to be more fulfilling.  

I love the boardwalk area.
 
Everything is so convenient - the beach is nice, the shops are close, and you can get a decent lunch if necessary - all within sight of the ship.
 
The water taxi is a quick and easy way to return to das boot.

These are great suggestions
 
Underwear check
Adding bath to the list
 
Didn't think about power strip though I found plug with multiple USB plugs (4) from idea. The only actual thing that uses outlet is my camera battery charger but I am debating using my cellphone for all photos again. Worked great last trip.
 
Need to arrange transportation back to airport pre cruise transportation is a check
 
Passports don't expire until 2018 but to be safe I will go check.
 
Is lababdee rocky?

Going to have to try a Labadoozies

Going to have to try a Labadoozies

Sweet..don't plan on cruising out of Galveston for another year or two but I glad to here the construction is coming along. Since I live in Texas I view Galveston as my home port.

Update because I for some reason like calling to make payments over the phone (I do everything else online I swear) I was able to find out that the current promotion price for my trip is better than what I booked it for. Needless to say the phone call saved me roughly $500 and got me $100 onboard credit in each of my rooms (2 rooms so that is $200 onboard credit). Score! This little savings puts me a month ahead of schedule in my payments.

. Yep I watch videos as well. Looking forward to matts trip on Allure of seas...I should get some additional new tips about the boat.

Update because I for some reason like calling to make payments over the phone (I do everything else online I swear) I was able to find out that the current promotion price for my trip is better than what I booked it for. Needless to say the phone call saved me roughly $500 and got me $100 onboard credit in each of my rooms (2 rooms so that is $200 onboard credit). Score! This little savings puts me a month ahead of schedule in my payments.

Update because I for some reason like calling to make payments over the phone (I do everything else online I swear) I was able to find out that the current promotion price for my trip is better than what I booked it for. Needless to say the phone call saved me roughly $500 and got me $100 onboard credit in each of my rooms (2 rooms so that is $200 onboard credit). Score! This little savings puts me a month ahead of schedule in my payments.

Update because I for some reason like calling to make payments over the phone (I do everything else online I swear) I was able to find out that the current promotion price for my trip is better than what I booked it for. Needless to say the phone call saved me roughly $500 and got me $100 onboard credit in each of my rooms (2 rooms so that is $200 onboard credit). Score! This little savings puts me a month ahead of schedule in my payments.

My 8 1/2 year old has done 2 cruise disney & carnival. This summer will be her first royal cruise. What she mentions the most is her excitement to get back on a big boat, swim and visit new islands. The new marketing commercial caught her eye with people swimming in ocean. She hardly mentions the character interactions from Disney anymore. I think as a parent I got more jazzed about meeting Mickey and taking pictures with the Disney crew.

I take these things into account
 
1) my budget for trip
 
After that I look at
2) port I would leave from
3) will I need a flight & hotel (goes back to budget
 
4) then I look at time of year I want to travel that will give me a good idea what is offered
 
5) then I take into account where I want to go and where have we been. I have done most of western so eastern is our next adventure