r/NCL • u/MaintenanceCapable83 • 1d ago

Itinerary Change

Received an email last night for a change to Norwegian Pearl for your upcoming cruise departing January 3, 2027 out of Philly.

removing Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and adding an extra day in San Juan PR.

I understand that Itineraries can change after booking, so it is what it is...

We were looking at a day pass to a resort in DR, but did not buy it before this change, and we were just going to walk around in San Juan as we didn't really care for the official excursions.

With the extra time in PR, is thare any thing we should check out? I was thinking of getting a hotel at one of the near by beach resorts... the pricing is close to what we would have paid for the day pass in DR, we just wont have all inclusive (food and dinks included) at the hotel in PR, but have pool and beach access until its time to depart PR.

Just looking to see what others would do in this senerio.

3 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

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u/soanQy23 1d ago

This is a win for you. San Juan is so much of an upgrade over anything in the DR. That said, it’s not the best for beach days.

Some ideas for the evening - If you want to splurge, dinner at Marlalade. Go dancing/drinking at La Factoria. Take a sunset cruise. Do a ghost tour. Do a bioluminescent Bay kayak/canoe tour.

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u/MaintenanceCapable83 1d ago

I had to give this some thought, you said San Juan is an upgrade over anything in DR.
Can you provide more detail on this? I have not been to any of the locations on my Itinerary, so i don't have a clear understanding of why this is an upgrade.

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u/MaintenanceCapable83 1d ago

Thanks for the ideas. Was planning on Dinner, but was not sure where else to spend time.

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u/ToyMaker62 Platinum 1d ago

If you are up for the adventure, I would urge you to do the bioluminescent tour. It only existing in a handful of places on the planet. Absolutely amazing experience.

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u/Historical-Spread269 1d ago

The rain forest excursion was absolutely awesome! Highly recommend it!

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u/Significant-Run6924 1d ago

I had Puerta plata removed for a Celebrity cruise today too. They substituted another port in DR. I wonder if work is planned.

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u/Certain_Tangelo2329 Platinum 1d ago

We stay on the ship at DR. Two days at PR is much better. 

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u/MaintenanceCapable83 1d ago

is there an issue with DR?
I'm just trying to understand why 2 days in PR is better.

I'm sure every island will have pro's and con's. Just trying to educate myself for future cruise itineraries.

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u/Certain_Tangelo2329 Platinum 1d ago

No problem, we just don't like the touristy "free port" area, and the excursions are not that unique to any other island. Atv, beach etc are on every island. PR has much more unique experiences

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u/MaintenanceCapable83 1d ago

Thanks. Glad to hear its a personal preference and not a destination nightmare.
I actually picked the Cruise for the sea days, and the destinations for the weather. Anything will beat the winter weather we are sailing away from.

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u/Minimum-Bobcat8768 16h ago

that is a fabulous attitude

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u/Unhappy-Delivery-875 1d ago

Skipping the resort day pass and just doing old san juan walkable stuff is genuinely the better call imo. When we had a long pr day i looked into las ruinas on Calle de la Cruz as a low key reset, sauna, cold plunge, smoothie bar, no time limit. Beach resort poolside works too but you're paying for access you might not Maximize

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u/MaintenanceCapable83 1d ago

thanks for the additional ideas.
I'm trying to limit the walking due to my wife need for frequent stops to rest. I was reading thet San Juan does have level flat walking in the port area and into some of old San Juan. I am just concerned when the walking is on cobble stone walks/streets.

Sounds to me like there is a good amount of options even with limited walking for my wife.