We got a flight through Orbitz and flew Continental through Houston (American canceled most of their flights from Chicago to San Juan). We couldn't get a flight back on the 29th (when the cruise ended), so we decided to stay through New Years and got an awesome deal at the Hilton (also through expedia.com).

We arrived in San Juan just after a torrential rain storm. We saw a card-table labeled "Carnival Cruises" and asked which pier we should go to. Turned out we could do all of our paperwork (very minimal, just a BVI customs form and a credit card imprint for the Sail and Sign card). We retrieved our luggage and had to wait a bit for the cab since supposedly all of San Juan was flooded. After about 15 minutes, we were in a cab headed for the ship.

The pier is right in downtown San Juan - about two blocks from the Wyndham. Check-in included a lot of lines, but moved fairly quick. We were given our room keys and headed to cabin M10 - main deck, forward port side. The room wasn't too too small, but the brochure definitely made it look better. All rooms (except the Verandah suites) are the same size - only difference being interior or window, and two single beds or two sets of bunk beds. Our room had a porthole window, and two single beds (you can rearrange the furniture though). The room had a tv, a desk, plenty of closet space, and a bathroom with shower. Our cabin steward was awesome - every time we left our room, they were in there straightening up, refreshing the towels, and making towel creatures.

We were starving, so we dumped our things and went to find food. Our dining room was the "Four Seasons" dining room - it was on the Americas deck, which was three flights up from our cabin. We walked most of the time because the elevators were slow and crowded. The food wasn't bad - we weren't going hungry. I think some people come on cruises to eat - this is not five star food. Our waiter, Basri, was very attentive, and if you didn't like something, he'd bring you something else. If you cleaned your plate, he'd ask if you wanted more (and a few at our table obliged). The waiters and bus boys sing and dance between the entree and dessert courses - this slows things down a bit. Was fun to watch our table-mate join the conga line though.

Every time you turn around on the ship, someone is trying to take your picture. These are some from the two formal nights, where they took pictures at corny prom-like backdrops throughout the ship. They also had a photographer taking group pictures at dinner - because what we really want is an 8x10 of us and the complete strangers we dined with :) Click any image to see a larger version.

The ship offers other dining options, but we found the dining room to be the most edible. The Wharf offered buffet food all day long, but it smelled like mildew in there - real real bad (was right near the pool). They also have pizza available 22 hours a day (never did find out which two hours it's closed) - and the pizza was pretty darn good. You can also order room service - we did this for breakfast a few times - cereals, coffee, danish, fruit, etc.

As far as entertainment is concerned, we were usually too tired to stay up much past dinner. The table mates would discuss the show from the night before, or the game show coming up that night. They video tape it all and broadcast it on the closed circuit tv - from what we saw, we weren't missing much.

We didn't do any of the shore excursions offered through the ship. Granted, they are convenient because they pick you up and the ship, but they were just way too crowded and organized. We preferred to go on our own and generally spent less money this way.

Bottom line, if you want to sample a variety of islands, this is the cruise for you. If you want world-class cuisine, first-rate entertainment, and a lot of onboard amenities, check with Royal Caribbean or Princess (from what we hear).