Hike,
I saw on your posting about Pilates that you're boarding on 12/3. My wife and I are on Constellation the prior week, departing on 12/3!
You said that you've not been on Constellation or San Juan previously, so let me offer you the following:
1. San Juan has two piers. You are leaving from the Pan American pier. At the airport, after you
retrieve your luggage, go to the taxi "starter" outside on the curb. Tell him that you're going to
the Pan American pier. He'll fill out a slip for the taxi driver and put the official government
approved fare right on it, so you cannot be taken.
2. I don't know what time your flight gets in, but you can usually begin boarding around 11:30AM.
The buffet opens at noon, and I believe it serves until 3:30 on embarcation day. The grill will
be open later.
3. Take a carry-on with you with whatever you may need (swim suit, shorts, sunblock, etc), since
your luggage will not make it to your cabin for a couple of hours.
4. As you board, they will give you a colored paper slip designating either 1st or 2nd seating
dinner for the first night, which is really open seating. They will gladly give you which ever you
prefer. Your permanent table assignment begins on the second night.
5. The specialty restaurant, Ocean Liners, requires a reservation if you're interested. It has a $30
cover, but most people find it well worth it. It has very, very good food and exceptional service.
If you are interested, I suggest you make your reservation right after boarding, since it tends to
sell out.
6. The mandatory life boat drill will be at 10:30 PM that first night, so don't put on your PJ's and
climb in bed at 10:00! Sail away is directly after the drill.
7. Special places on board that we particularly enjoy include --
- the martini bar before dinner
- the spa cafe, located adjacent to the (indoor) T-pool for light, healthy lunch fare
- Michaels lounge, for piano music and a quiet atmosphere
- the homemade ice cream bar at the rear of the Seaside Cafe
- Cova Cafe for sinful sweets in the afternoon
- the sushi bar at the rear of the Seaside Cafe in the early evening for a pre-dinner
snack
- the covered area at the very rear of deck 10 -- a great place out of the sun and wind
to watch sail away, have coffee in the morning, or listen to guitar music in the evening
8. This will be our first Constellation sailing since Cirque du Solei was added, so we are
anxious to see what that is actually about. The early reviews were disappointing, with more
favorable things written more recently.
I have never done Pilates, but I can tell you that Constellation has a first rate gym. It is large, well equipped, and staffed with knowledgeable folks. It is adjacent to the spa and beauty shop at the bow, with great views out of the windows. There is also a running track outside, one deck up. But, if you want to run make sure you go early. It tends to get fairly clogged with walkers by 8:00 AM.
I'm very confident you'll love Constellation. Have a great cruise.
Ted
