Dear Noles,
We sailed the Century in Nov.
You will love the ship. You can make the cruise as exciting as you want. There is a wonderful Martini Bar in addition to the other regular bars.
The one excursion that no one has yet mentioned is the America's Cup race in St. Maarten. It was the only excursion we have truly been bowed over by in over 20 cruises. It must be booked through the cruise line and you can do it on line. It is a little pricy, but then when do you get the chance to CREW on Dennis Conner's Stars and Stripes. I am a 57 year old woman and I steered the Stars and Stripes around the QEII and back to anchor after the race. Now where else can you have a thrill like that?
We love the catamaran sails too. They usually include lunch and rum punch with time to swim and snorkle.
If you are not a shopper then go to Trunk Bay on St. Johns. You can do this by yourself or through the cruise line. There is a snorkling path and equipment rental is available.
If you have children with you there is a wonderful underwater aquarium at Coki Beach, and you can take a cab - no need for a ship's overpriced trip. Coki Beach is a destination in itself.
The age thing should not be a problem when you sail. There will be a much younger crowd than when we sailed in Nov. I felt like a spring chicken.
More than likely you will not have enough time in San Juan to do much. The ship usually docks late and by the time you get off you will not have time to do the Bacardi (which is a very interesting tour) or go to the Yunque Rain Forest (which is wonderful). You will have plenty of time to walk around Old San Juan. The fort closes at 5 and, if perchance you dock on time, I would suggest you take a cab up [to save time] see it and then wander down through Old San Juan. We felt very safe there and it is an easy area to negotiate. There is a casino near the dock if you can't get enough on the ship or on St. Maarten or Nassau.
On Nassau you can also go to Cable Beach if you do not wish to pay for the Atlantis. There are other beaches on Paradise Island that are just fine. The cruise lines use these beaches for their excursions and snorkling trips but they usually are not too crowded.
I hope this helps. And I wish that I could be onboard with you. If you need any more information please e-mail me. We have been to all the islands many times, both on cruises and land trips.
