Puerto Rico presents a number of lures for cruise vacationers — wealthy historical past, beautiful seashores, pure magnificence and unbelievable delicacies amongst them. The island’s capital metropolis, San Juan, is a well-liked port of name for a wide range of operators, together with Carnival Cruise Line, Celeb Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Crystal.
Moreover, San Juan is a departure port for a number of cruise traces. Royal Caribbean, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian and Princess sail round-trip itineraries from San Juan. Cruisers who embark in Puerto Rico‘s capital metropolis will doubtless fly into Luis Munoz Marin Worldwide Airport (SJU), 3 miles southeast of downtown within the neighborhood of Isla Verde. There are frequent, day by day connections from the U.S., Canada and Europe. The airport is about 7 miles from the cruise port (or a couple of 15-minute drive).
San Juan is a contemporary metropolis with upscale eating and purchasing. Its quite a few points of interest make arriving a day or two early a rewarding possibility for vacationers whose ships dwelling port within the metropolis. Factors and miles motels close to the San Juan cruise port are plentiful, too. Caribe Hilton, Residence Inn San Juan Isla Verde, Aloft San Juan and San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris On line casino are a number of to contemplate.
In case your subsequent Caribbean cruise journey stops on the San Juan cruise port, let this be your information for tips on how to spend your day ashore.
San Juan cruise port overview
3 issues TPG loves concerning the San Juan cruise port
- A walkable historic district
- Scrumptious native delicacies and a thriving rum scene
- Wealthy cultural points of interest from 500-year-old forts and constructions to artwork and historical past museums
What we may do with out
- Though the historic district is walkable, cobblestone streets and slender sidewalks make it difficult for these with mobility points.
- Previous San Juan could be crowded in peak cruise season.
San Juan cruise port quick info
Arrival particulars
The San Juan cruise port is likely one of the Caribbean’s busiest. The port can accommodate as much as 9 ships a day and sometimes hosts at the very least seven without delay per day.
The Previous San Juan Piers are at Marina Road, on the middle of the historic district. The cruise port is inside simple strolling distance to most of the metropolis’s vital historic and cultural websites, together with the long-lasting San Felipe del Morro fort (generally often known as El Morro). The port options trendy terminal buildings, and passengers will discover excursions and transportation staged close by.
Pier 1 is utilized by Azamara, Windstar Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn.
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Pier 3 primarily serves Royal Caribbean and its huge Oasis Class ships. Norwegian, Virgin, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises additionally dock right here. The terminal encompasses a two-story advanced that homes eating places, galleries and a duty-free purchasing middle.
Pier 4 is used and managed by Carnival Cruise Line, however MSC Cruises and Holland America additionally dock right here.
San Juan’s Pan American Pier is located south of the Previous San Juan district of Isla Grande and primarily serves bigger cruise vessels of traces like Princess Cruises, Celeb and Disney Cruise Line. It is a couple of 10- to 15-minute drive to or from Previous San Juan, so you may wish to take a taxi or cruise line shuttle (if offered).
Most ships name on the port for as much as eight hours, giving cruisers time to discover a number of Puerto Rico highlights. Ships arrive in San Juan as early as 7 a.m. and sail late within the night.
Ships that dwelling port in San Juan sometimes depart as late as 7 or 8 p.m. When you’re taking a round-trip crusing that leaves from San Juan, examine your cruise line’s boarding paperwork to verify which pier you may have to get to on embarkation day.
Languages: Spanish and English
Foreign money: U.S. greenback
Time zone: Puerto Rico makes use of Jap Customary Time. It doesn’t observe daylight saving time.
Associated: The most effective Caribbean cruise for each kind of traveler
High issues to do in San Juan cruise port
Puerto Rico’s historic capital of San Juan presents cruisers a wide array of port name diversions. A lot of San Juan’s attention-grabbing historic websites and museums are close to the cruise port, together with San Cristobal and El Morro forts, La Fortaleza and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Moreover, tons of regionally owned outlets, galleries, cafes and eating places await guests.
You may additionally discover a bevy of bars, eating places, craft outlets and boutiques inside San Juan’s Condado and Isla Verde districts. The Condado neighborhood is lower than a 10-minute taxi drive from the cruise port, whereas Isla Verde is about quarter-hour away. Listed below are a number of methods cruisers can spend their day exploring San Juan.
Previous San Juan strolling tour
You do not have to be a historical past buff to benefit from the greater than 500-year-old walled metropolis of Previous San Juan. Its rainbow-hued Spanish colonial structure, towering forts that overlook the Caribbean Sea and charming cobblestone streets beg exploration. The town is replete with points of interest value exploring both by yourself or via a guided tour.
The historic district is pretty compact, so you’ll be able to benefit from your DIY strolling tour with out speeding. Moreover, you need to use your cellphone’s GPS or Google Maps if it’s essential. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so cellphone service from most main U.S. carriers works right here (and American guests do not want a global plan to make calls).
You may simply fill your time in port with visits to forts just like the abovementioned San Cristobal and El Morro. Each are a part of the 27-acre San Juan Nationwide Historic Website, which additionally contains Fort Saint John of the Cross and a lot of the metropolis partitions. Along with offering spectacular views of each town and sea, highlights right here embrace cannon rooms, a bunker, a dungeon, a plaza, an intensive tunnel system and two commentary posts that have been added throughout World Battle II. Entrance value is $10 per particular person, and kids 15 and youthful are admitted free.
When you’re by the fort, make use of the breezes and expansive garden at El Morro to fly a kite. Did not pack one? No drawback. Many San Juan outlets promote them for simply this objective.
One other Previous San Juan landmark that needs to be in your radar is La Fortaleza, the oldest governor’s mansion within the Western Hemisphere. It nonetheless serves because the official residence and workplace of Puerto Rico’s governor. Free guided excursions are supplied on weekdays between 8:15 a.m. and three:30 p.m. and embrace the mansion’s Moorish gardens, chapel and dungeon.
Within the coronary heart of Previous San Juan, the Gothic-style Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is likely one of the metropolis’s oldest buildings, courting again to 1521. It is dwelling to beautiful frescoes and stained glass home windows. It additionally holds the tomb of Spanish explorer and Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de Leon, in addition to the glass-encased mummified stays of St. Pio, a Roman martyr killed for his religion. The cathedral remains to be an operational church, and there isn’t any cost to enter (however think about leaving a donation to assist with restoration work).
Meals excursions
A guided culinary tour is a unbelievable solution to strive a number of of San Juan’s finest eating places. It is not simply concerning the meals, both. Excursions are led by locals who share the historical past of the communities and individuals who reside right here. You may acquire a deeper understanding of the tradition that impressed the dishes you may take pleasure in throughout your time in Puerto Rico.
Rum excursions
Usually referred to as “The Rum Capital of the World,” Puerto Rico produces 70% of the rum bought within the U.S. The island’s rum manufacturing dates again to the early sixteenth century when Spaniards introduced sugar cane crops from Hispaniola (right now, the Dominican Republic). For a style of Puerto Rico’s wealthy rum historical past, e book a tour or mixology class at one of many distilleries. You do not should be a rum connoisseur to understand the enduring mark the spirit has made on Puerto Rico’s narrative.
A guided tour of the family-founded Bacardi Rum Distillery presents a historic view of San Juan and Puerto Rico via its sugar cane trade and rum-making heritage. You may study all concerning the rum-making course of, from uncooked cane to molasses to the spirit, in addition to pattern the completed product. After the tour, peruse the on-site reward store and museum or seize a chew on the facility’s adjoining restaurant.
Centrally positioned in Previous San Juan, La Casita de Rones is the flagship retailer of Rums of Puerto Rico, the advertising and marketing extension of the island’s Division of Financial Growth and Commerce. Right here, you’ll be able to pair signature rum-based cocktails with genuine Puerto Rican tapas and dishes. The on-site store is properly stocked with glassware, bar equipment, attire and rum-inspired souvenirs.
Nearly 22 miles west of the cruise port, San Juan Artisan Distillers is Puerto Rico’s solely working sugar cane plantation property and distillery. Most of the fruit-infused spirits are produced from regionally sourced fruits. Tour guides provide perception into the rum-making course of and showcase the corporate’s dedication to sustainability. A tour additionally features a sampling of rums crafted by the distillery.
Museums
From artwork to historical past, numerous museums in and round San Juan provide an eclectic perspective of Puerto Rico’s tradition and roots.
The Museum of the Americas is on the second ground of Previous San Juan’s historic Ballaja Barracks, a former army barracks utilized by Spanish troopers within the 1800s. The museum explores the American expertise spanning from 1492 via right now with a complete take a look at Puerto Rican and Latin American tradition and heritage. It holds a superbly curated assortment of archaeological relics, pottery and artwork from the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean, in addition to revolving reveals by native artists.
In San Juan’s energetic Santurce neighborhood, the 130,000-square-foot Museum of Artwork of Puerto Rico is likely one of the Caribbean’s largest and teems with greater than 1,000 works of famend Puerto Rican artists, together with classical and trendy masters like Francisco Oller, Rafael Tufiño and Antonio Martorell. Spend a number of tranquil moments wandering via the museum’s sculpture backyard, the place lush crops and effervescent ponds present an idyllic surroundings for reflection.
Make time to go to the Casa Blanca Museum, constructed by Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de Leon. Though the governor died earlier than he may transfer in, his household occupied the house for 250 years. A tour gives a peek into the life of recent Puerto Rico’s founding household.
Well-liked San Juan excursions
El Yunque
Located about 45 minutes south of San Juan, El Yunque is the one tropical rainforest within the U.S. Nationwide Forest System. A hike via this 28,000-acre pure wonderland is a bucket-list journey. The forest is dwelling to a whole bunch of native plant species and virtually 200 sorts of wildlife, together with Puerto Rico’s iconic coqui frog and one of many planet’s most endangered birds, the Puerto Rican parrot.
We advocate bringing a rain poncho, sunscreen and bug spray, and sporting snug, waterproof sneakers. Additionally, pack meals and water (until you are along with your ship’s cruise tour that covers meals and drinks).
Horseback using
A handful of tour corporations provide horseback using excursions not too removed from the cruise port, with transportation to and out of your ship. Outfitters are likely to cater their rides to all ranges, together with younger kids, which makes it a great tour for households. You may discover excursions to take you alongside seashores or on mountain trails (or each on some excursions).
Bioluminescent bay
In case your cruise ship leaves within the night, think about reserving a bioluminescent bay kayak tour for a uncommon alternative to see one of many world’s most magical pure phenomena. Phosphorescent microscopic organisms current within the water glow when disturbed, so a nighttime kayak tour in these glittering waters can provide an other-worldly expertise.
There are solely 5 bioluminescent bays on this planet, and three of them are in Puerto Rico — Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo and La Parguera in Lajas. Most cruise excursions go to Laguna Grande.
Snorkeling excursions
Cruisers have a wide variety of guided snorkeling excursions to select from, each via their cruise ship or impartial operators. Tour lengths differ, from an under-two-hour guided snorkel with turtles within the waters off Guaynabo (a suburb of San Juan) to an eight-hour tour that visits each Flamenco and Culebra seashores on two small islands east of mainland Puerto Rico.
Associated: Finest Caribbean shore excursions
Finest San Juan seashores close to the cruise port
A lot of Puerto Rico’s finest seashores are on the island’s japanese and western coasts, past San Juan’s metro space. Nevertheless, a number of native seashores are value testing throughout your day in port.
Condado Seashore and Isla Verde Seashore are fashionable choices for cruise passengers, because of their proximity to the cruise port. Condado Seashore is lower than 2 miles from the port, whereas Isla Verde Seashore is simply over 7 miles away. Each seashores present handy entry to water sports activities distributors (jet snowboarding, kayaking and paddle boarding), bustling eating places and purchasing.
Bordering Previous San Juan and the fashionable Condado District, picturesque El Escambron seashore is framed by town’s historic fortifications and trendy constructions. The seashore is inside Tercer Milenio Park, which presents leisure actions, together with stand-up paddleboarding.
Farther afield, Luquillo Seashore is taken into account certainly one of Puerto Rico’s finest public seashores. It is simply over 33 miles (or about an hour’s drive) from the San Juan cruise port. Calm waters make for best swimming, kayaking and different actions. Moreover, it is close to El Yunque, so some tour operators provide full-day seashore and rainforest excursions.
Tips on how to get round San Juan by yourself
On foot: A number of of the island’s main sights are inside strolling distance of the cruise piers, though it is easy to e book a tour of native websites via your cruise line.
Taxi: You will discover “Taxi Turisticos” proper exterior the cruise ship terminal. Journeys across the San Juan space are metered fares, that are mounted primarily based on zones. All cruise ship piers are inside Zone 4, which is $21 for a one-way fare.
Bus and light-weight rail: Public transportation is on the market all through the San Juan metro space, with a community of 30 bus routes. A lightweight rail line (Tren Urbano) connects three municipalities (San Juan, Guaynabo and Bayamon). The bus fare is 75¢. One mild rail journey prices $1.50. You will need to buy a transit cross at any Tren Urbano station to make use of both buses or the practice.
The bus can take you to a handful of vacationer spots just like the College of Puerto Rico Botanical Backyard and the Puerto Rico Museum of Artwork. Nevertheless, you are in all probability higher off taking a taxi for a direct (and fewer crowded) drive.
Bike: Guests can lease bikes at institutions which are inside strolling distance of the cruise piers. Strive Lease the Bicycle at 100 Muelle Road. A day by day rental is about $32, or lease by the hour (round $10).
Automobile: You may lease a automotive in case you plan to discover past the San Juan metro space. Nevertheless, in case you’re staying inside San Juan and Previous San Juan for the day, it is simple to discover on foot, by bike or by taxi.
San Juan eating places close to the cruise port
Puerto Rico is a first-rate vacation spot for foodie vacationers — its delicacies is a vibrant fusion of West African, Spanish, indigenous Taíno and American influences. Add to {that a} contact of Creole cooking (often known as cocina criolla), just like Cuban and Dominican delicacies. The island boasts a legacy of various cultural influences and an impressed, chef-driven give attention to native components. From no-frills eateries to gourmand eating places, San Juan gives a wide range of methods to pattern genuine dishes.
Mofongo, the much-loved nationwide dish, is deep-fried mashed plantains served with a aspect of seafood or meat and rooster broth soup. Santaella and Cayo Caribe are among the many finest locations to strive mofongo in San Juan.
Pork is one other key ingredient of Puerto Rican delicacies, particularly within the type of lechón, a complete pig roasted over a fireplace for at the very least 4 hours. Round an hour’s drive south of San Juan, you may discover a great deal of lechoneras alongside the Ruta de Lechon (Pork Freeway). These rustic, open-fire joints line the highway and serve up wood-roasted, pig-on-a-stick. Seize a seat at a picnic desk, tuck right into a plate and wash it down with a chilly native beer. When you’d fairly keep in San Juan for the day, you will not have any issue discovering a restaurant that serves roasted pork.
Different Puerto Rican dishes we advocate embrace bacalaitos (codfish fritters), aguacate relleno (avocado full of creamy garlic shrimp) and empanadillas (like an empanada however with much less dough). Snag a desk at time-tested standouts like El Jibaritoocal, La Garita, La Bombonera or Princesa — Cocina Cultura for genuine native delicacies.
Want to chill off throughout a sizzling day in Puerto Rico (or simply desire a candy deal with)? Take pleasure in a refreshing paleta, a creamy, fruity frozen dessert on a stick made with pure components.
When you’re within the temper for gourmand fare, head to the elegant Condado Vanderbilt Resort for a meal at 1919, thought-about the island’s finest fine-dining restaurant. Government chef Juan Jose Cuevas labored on the Michelin-starred Blue Hill in New York and is certainly one of Puerto Rico’s farm-to-table pioneers.
For cocktails lovers, it is value noting that Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the long-lasting piña colada (the island’s nationwide drink). Most theories place its invention in San Juan, although the precise location is usually disputed. Some declare it was first created in 1954 on the Caribe Hilton Resort. Others imagine it originated at Barrachina restaurant in 1963 (and a plaque on the restaurant’s entrance proclaims it). You may’t go unsuitable sampling a pina colada at both location. Or, strive one at each and determine which is your favourite.
San Juan cruise port purchasing
Previous San Juan teems with regionally run outlets that provide handmade crafts, colourful clothes, hand-rolled cigars, art work and Puerto Rican espresso and spices. Alongside the cobblestone streets, you may additionally discover artwork galleries and shops promoting conventional vejigante masks. A vejigante is a folklore demon in Puerto Rican tradition. The brightly coloured horned masks are utilized in carnival celebrations.
Amongst them is Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts. This family-owned store opened in 1981 and remains to be within the unique constructing on Fortaleza Road. It is chock-full of things crafted by Puerto Rican artisans and creatives. You may browse a number of ceramics, jewellery, hand carvings and authentically farmed Puerto Rican coffees.
Additionally on Fortaleza Road, Ole Puerto Rico is a family-run, old-world hat emporium that has been a San Juan mainstay since 1977. Pleasant artisans will craft a custom-made Panama hat for you when you wait — simply select the fashion of hat and your most popular headband.
Savor a style of Puerto Rico after your cruise with a memento from Spicy Caribbee. Opened in 1988, the store is tucked away in certainly one of Previous San Juan’s cobblestone alleyways on Cristo Road. Right here, you may discover a strong assortment of sauces, seasonings, jams, chutneys and tea that have been acquired regionally or throughout the Caribbean. Spicy Caribbee-branded merchandise like Fuego Sizzling Sauce and Guava Jam are significantly fashionable. You may additionally discover cookbooks, candles, fragrance, cleaning soap and different gadgets right here.
Cigar aficionados mustn’t miss a go to to Don Collins Cigars, additionally on Cristo Road. Based in 1506, it is the Caribbean’s oldest surviving cigar manufacturing unit. Cigars are handmade utilizing organically grown and harvested Puerto Rican tobacco. Knowledgable employees members assist information you to find your best cigar, which you’ll be able to pair with a Puerto Rican rum or beer as you loosen up within the store’s lounge.
Free issues to do close to the San Juan cruise port
Tour the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. As beforehand talked about, the cathedral is free to tour. Nevertheless, we advocate leaving a donation to help with ongoing restoration efforts.
Feed the birds at Pigeon Park. This public park in Previous San Juan is a pleasant resting spot with benches that look out over the ocean. Guests can even feed the military of pigeons that make their dwelling there. You may convey your personal meals to share (free) or purchase birdseed from a small kiosk throughout the park. Word, in case you are in the slightest degree weirded out by birds, you would possibly wish to skip this one.
Stroll alongside the picturesque Promenade of the Princess. This flat and simply accessible walkway runs parallel to the water, stretching from the cruise port to El Morro Fort. It is lined with vintage streetlamps, timber and benches. You may additionally cross by a wide range of meals distributors and avenue performers. The walkway’s finish is punctuated by the compelling Raices Fountain. The water characteristic and sculpture depict Puerto Rico’s African, Spanish and Taíno heritage.
Go to the Lighthouse Artwork Gallery and Cafe. The world’s first bodily NFT artwork gallery is free to go to (although you’ll be able to donate). The gallery presents two flooring with art-projected partitions and digital artwork canvases, with rotating reveals from featured artists. After perusing the gallery, pop into the bar or cafe for a fast pick-me-up.
Tour the San Juan Museum. Housed inside a historic constructing that when served as Previous San Juan’s essential public market, this museum options cultural, historic and creative reveals. Admission is free, however the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Backside line
San Juan combines historic structure and points of interest that embody the island’s wealthy legacy and historic previous. Guests can even take in genuine Latin and American tradition via native delicacies, family-owned outlets and numerous artwork and historical past museums.
Alternatives for exploration are virtually limitless and sure too quite a few to see throughout one port name. Nevertheless, that is what return journeys are for. If there was ever a must-disembark port of name, San Juan is it.
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