Okay, already!  So, I’m tired of cold weather here in North America – actually it hasn’t been as cold as it could be due to global warming – but just seeing those dismal gray days with cold wind blowing makes me shiver and shudder.  I’m a heat seeking sort of soul and it’s off to the South Caribbean for me. 

I’ve researched my cruise itinerary and studied a conglomerate of websites, reviewed chat rooms, and had whispered into my ear about why or why not I want to go to San Juan on my cruise.  If you’re like me, then stay with me here for a few brief paragraphs and we’ll seek out the heat and fun, and bask in a 7-night stay on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

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Fifty percent of reviews from people worldwide (probably most from North America) rated Celebrity Summit between a nine and ten, on a one-ten scale, with ten being the highest and best.   The reviewers were seasoned travelers with more than ten cruises to their credit.   Service from the staff ranked the highest, food and food service came in second.   Unfortunately entertainment and excursions were ranked as needing improvement.

Why do you cruise?  I cruise because I like to see the world in slivers.  The excursions are designed to give you the best glimpse of each port visited.  Oh, so many ports – so little time!  If the excursions are in need of improvement, what do you do – especially when the ship is the one you want to sail on?  Your choices are to continue ahead with your booking the cruise and allowing yourself to experience the excursions first-hand.  The other choice is “don’t go.”  That is not an option I would choose.

I like to book my flight package with my cruise – no matter which cruise line it is.  Booking flight packages with your cruise guarantees you’ll have available transportation to and from your cruise ship.  Another benefit is that the cruise line will go above and beyond to ensure you won't miss the boat. And if airline delays do keep you from getting to the pier on time, the cruise line will try to assist you in any way possible. If the airline is at fault, the cruise line can help you with alternative flight arrangements, overnight accommodations, and/or additional transfers, if necessary. 

Straight from Celebrity cruise line:  It is the guest's responsibility to arrive on time for boarding.  Failure to check in at least 90 minutes in advance will constitute a no-show. Your booking will be canceled, and cancellation charges will be assessed.

Note: For security reasons, guests are not allowed to bring visitors on board Celebrity vessels in any port.

Celebrity Cruises strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise.

New Government Regulations:
Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in no later than 3 days prior to their cruise. If you have not completed Online Check-in, you will be required to complete this process at the pier two hours prior to the published sailing time.

Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will not be permitted to sail.

Another reason I like Celebrity cruise lines is their commitment to accommodating those with accessibility issues.  Celebrity cruises are being upgraded with a multi-million dollar project which will add to their current offerings which include:  staterooms and social areas designed to accommodate all guests; staterooms, dining areas, and public areas designed to incorporate Braille wherever possible; Alertmaster monitors, TTY/TDD, closed-captioned televisions and video, and ASL interpreters (upon request); accommodations for guest medical needs including oxygen and dialysis; a variety of medical equipment such as shower stools, bed extensions, raised toilet seats, and transfer benches; wheelchair accessible staterooms, activities, and services.  There is even a special needs concierge to take your calls or emails at 1-800-722-5472 ext. 34492, fax 1-305-539-6666, or send an e-mail to special_needs@celebrity.com

San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan known as “La Ciudad Amurallada” (the walled city) has two distinct personalities: there's the vibrant, modern port city, and then there's the historic colonial outpost first conquered by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1508.   In 1509 the settlement was moved to the site of what is now known as Old San Juan.  One of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean, San Juan is the second oldest city in the Americas (after Santo Domingo, which was officially founded on August 5, 1498).  Spanish influence is evident everywhere in the city.

The city includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th- and 17th-century Spanishcolonial buildings. The Old San Juan attracts many tourists, who also enjoy the gambling casinos, fine beaches, and tropical climate. More tourists visit San Juan each year than any other spot in the Caribbean. A leisurely foot tour is advisable for those who really want to experience this bit of the Old World, especially given the narrow, steep streets and frequently heavy traffic. To really do justice to these wonderful old sites, you'll need two mornings or a full day.

Perhaps you’ll want to trek through the Caribbean National forest, now named El Yunque which is about 45 miles from San Juan.   Here; bird enthusiasts will find the rare Puerto Rican parrot, which is one of the ten most endangered species in the world.   

With Puerto Rico being English speaking and trading in U.S. currency, North American travelers should have few language and money barriers while roving freely throughout the cities- http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml  

Celebrity Summit is ready to sail in March 2008 for San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St.Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; St. George’s, Grenada; Kralendijk, Bonaire; and Oranjestad, Aruba and back to San Juan!  Cruise leaves Miami, Florida for 7 nights on March 01, 08, 15, and the 22nd.   There are still vacancies onboard!   Hope to see you there - my heat seeking, fun loving new friend.  Happy Traveling!

(Photos are courtesy of www.celebritycruises.com  and www.stock.xchnge  members: photo of San Juan National Cemetery and street scene by Angel Janer – http://home.coqui.net/janer/; walled city, harbor, and aerial view photos are courtesy of Puerto Rico Board of Tourism)