October 11, 2014 7-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise on Disney Magic (San Juan)

[TifffanyD]

Yes! It was just over $200, which I thought was a deal since it includes a hot breakfast & gated secured parking in a garage. Scott & I preferred that package deal over a cheaper hotel and off site parking, which always has a chance if being sketchy. Heck, we are used to paying $120 ($15/day) at Port Canaveral for parking anyways (& I was not ready to make the jump to $20/day to park at the port of Miami!). So, win-win!

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That's what I liked too! It was like $10 per person each to get back to the hotel for us (the shuttle was only one way - ) When we came back we didn't have to go inside or anything, just got in our car and left

 

[dizzi]

I just looked at the Sheraton for the cruise before ours to get an idea of pricing - a base room with two double beds is $439 + tax. If that is indeed the cost, I will be looking elsewhere. I know it's terribly convenient, but I will not pay that.

I wont pay that either......
And I have read many reviews on the Hotel and not many people have good things to say about it......other than convenient.

There are several other hotels even some within walking distance to the port if you don't have toooo much luggage.

I am going o keep reading reviews and debating it.

I have seen rooms on PRICE LINE for the Sheraton for $160. Although I still think that is high an over priced . There are others that even if not with in walking distance can get a taxi and still pay less.

**********side note********** if the Sheraton happens to run some specials for 2014 as they have advertised for 2013 there good be some good deals if you stay more then one night, or a FLORIDA RESIDENT

 

[Silverfox97]

I wont pay that either......
And I have read many reviews on the Hotel and not many people have good things to say about it......other than convenient.

There are several other hotels even some within walking distance to the port if you don't have toooo much luggage.

I am going o keep reading reviews and debating it.

I have seen rooms on PRICE LINE for the Sheraton for $160. Although I still think that is high an over priced . There are others that even if not with in walking distance can get a taxi and still pay less.

**********side note********** if the Sheraton happens to run some specials for 2014 as they have advertised for 2013 there good be some good deals if you stay more then one night, or a FLORIDA RESIDENT

Just looked to book today - check in Oct 10 & out the 11th 2014. One night, 2 adults, 1 child, a simple room with 2 beds - $439 + tax = $544.36. NO WAY. I have seen $160-$180/night on other sites as well.

(I'm not sure they would give FL resident discounts in Puerto Rico LOL)

If you want the presidential suite, it's $919/night plus tax!!!!!

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[Denine]

We are also on this cruise. It is special for us as we went to Grenada for our honeymoon and we will be there within days of our anniversary on this trip.

I can't believe how many pages this thread is already! We are sailing the PC cruise in September, so I have been trying to concentrate my efforts there.

This will be cruise #15 for us.

 

[SophiaMax]

I don't know why it's so expensive?!!! I looked at Oct this year and rooms are around $200/ night. Maybe they will drop rates as the date gets closer. Hope so!!!

 

[dizzi]

Just looked to book today - check in Oct 10 & out the 11th 2014. One night, 2 adults, 1 child, a simple room with 2 beds - $439 + tax = $544.36. NO WAY. I have seen $160-$180/night on other sites as well.

(I'm not sure they would give FL resident discounts in Puerto Rico LOL)
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Actually there is a FLORIDA RESIDENT rate under specials on there website for 2013. Along with other specials like if you stay 2 nights you can pay your birth year amount the second night.

I did not look at the what the FL res rate was as I didn't figure it would bring it down enough for me......but it is definitely there on the website.

 

[dizzi]

welcome Denine and family!!!

 

[Silverfox97]

Actually there is a FLORIDA RESIDENT rate under specials on there website for 2013. Along with other specials like if you stay 2 nights you can pay your birth year amount the second night.

I did not look at the what the FL res rate was as I didn't figure it would bring it down enough for me......but it is definitely there on the website.

Omg I love it. FL res rates follow us out of the US. Amazing. I love living here!

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[Silverfox97]

I don't know why it's so expensive?!!! I looked at Oct this year and rooms are around $200/ night. Maybe they will drop rates as the date gets closer. Hope so!!!

$200 is still a lot just for a place to sleep for one night...... (at least for us).......

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[dizzi]

yes think $200 Is alot as well. Besides the fact that most places are not giving a check in til bout 3 pm and we Hope to be n town and exploring without our luggage before then.

But, I am pretty certsin I do want to be in Old San Juan before the cruise, and cold do something different after, possibly.

 

[threewilmingtonwalls]

Just looked to book today - check in Oct 10 & out the 11th 2014. One night, 2 adults, 1 child, a simple room with 2 beds - $439 + tax = $544.36. NO WAY. I have seen $160-$180/night on other sites as well.

(I'm not sure they would give FL resident discounts in Puerto Rico LOL)

If you want the presidential suite, it's $919/night plus tax!!!!!

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Not only is that rate CRAZY, but all I could pull up was prepaid! So if the rate goes down, I have already paid and there is a penalty for changes. No way, José! I speak fluent Spanish, lived almost half my life in Central America, and do not anticipate having any trouble navigating San Juan...so, convenient or not - they can keep their #10 Trip Advisor rating and ridiculously high pricing. I'm going to the Doubletree!!

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[Silverfox97]

Not only is that rate CRAZY, but all I could pull up was prepaid! So if the rate goes down, I have already paid and there is a penalty for changes. No way, José! I speak fluent Spanish, lived almost half my life in Central America, and do not anticipate having any trouble navigating San Juan...so, convenient or not - they can keep their #10 Trip Advisor rating and ridiculously high pricing. I'm going to the Doubletree!!

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San Juan is super easy to navigate. Armed with Google maps on our iPhones, it was no problem. I speak some Spanish & didn't need ANY - every time I tried to speak Spanish, I was answered back in English!!

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[kaseyC]

Hey kaseyC. We will be on the Magic's transatlantic in May also. It will be myself, my husband, DD 5 and DS 3. See you in 6 weeks!

Cool! Look forward to getting to know you.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Just looked to book today - check in Oct 10 & out the 11th 2014. One night, 2 adults, 1 child, a simple room with 2 beds - $439 + tax = $544.36. NO WAY. I have seen $160-$180/night on other sites as well.

Wow! Guess we won't be staying at the Sheraton. We'd planned to check it out during our San Juan port day two weeks ago but got busy and didn't make it except for a quick walk by. It's definitely in a fantastic location but that's just an absurd price. I spent some time over on Cruise Critic today and there are lots of suggestions for pre and post cruise hotels in SJ; I see lots of reading on TripAdvisor in my future.

San Juan was beautiful! We really enjoyed it there. Did a Segway tour of the city and fort which was a blast; we're looking forward to exploring a little more next year.

 

[TifffanyD]

There is this other hotel I am thinking of staying at per someone's recommendation called El Convento or something. In the heart of Old San Juan and looks super cute

 

[dizzi]

pretty sure that is the one that I saw on priceline today for 130 for this OCT.

 

[TifffanyD]

pretty sure that is the one that I saw on priceline today for 130 for this OCT.

Really? COOL!

 

[Denine]

welcome Denine and family!!!

Thanks!

It will be me, DH (Jerry) and DD Kaleigh who will be 12 at the time of sailing.

 

[Tower]

Yes! It was just over $200, which I thought was a deal since it includes a hot breakfast & gated secured parking in a garage. Scott & I preferred that package deal over a cheaper hotel and off site parking, which always has a chance if being sketchy. Heck, we are used to paying $120 ($15/day) at Port Canaveral for parking anyways (& I was not ready to make the jump to $20/day to park at the port of Miami!). So, win-win!

This will not apply to most of us, but I've been a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program. That is the reward program for Sheraton hotels (Westin too!)
I had not stayed at a Sheraton since 2007 when I did a business trip to Hawaii. I typically stay at Holiday Inns and am loyal to their Priority Club. Well, I just reactivated my SPG account, and I still have my 362 points with them. Basically, I'm recommending to those that travel for business, join Starwood and get enough points for a few free nights in San Juan. It may work out nicely!
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/index.html

 

[dizzi]

I think I have decided to wait until closer time to be able to use Priceline for my stay in San Juan.

I am terrified of getting BEDBUGS, so no matter where we stay, I will be gearing up my bed and luggage for avoidance of bedbugs.

Pretty sure we will jut bring our own cheap blanket and then just leave them there. ( have not figured out the after cruise stay yet.) And we will bring garbage bags to put our lugage in before entering room, unless fingers crossed... it is tile floor!!!

But anyway......I will just make sure hotel is in OLD SANJUAN and decide what we want to do in OSJ, If we can walk GREAT! if not I have read about the trolley system....seems good to try!