San Juan, Puerto Rico Port Q&A
44 San Juan, Puerto Rico traveler questions & answers
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Q: At Escambron Beach do they have chairs and umbrellas for rent? If so, how much? Restroom? Drinks? Do you need water shoes or is it sandy to swim? How far is it from old San Juan dock?
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Answer QuestionA: One of the best ways is to Google "{port name} cruise ship schedule. Not only will the port's own website tell you what ships are in but it will also give the local timetable for the docking and some will even state which pier. A few even provide est... imated passenger load.See More
Answered by maryred on August 22, 2024
A: I use cruisemapper app. It's a fun hobby just to see what ships are in the sea close to me, or close to a port I cruise from.
Answered by outtoseapatty on August 22, 2024
A: Be aware there are two ports in San Juan. They are across the bay from each other.
Answered by dkantouth on August 23, 2024
Q: Carnival does not offer an excursion to the Bacardi Rum Factory. Any ideas on how I can do one?
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A: We just got an Uber from Old San Juan… wasn’t expensive. The Ron del Barillito tour probably more authentic / better value.
Answered by pgr on May 31, 2024
A: Like pgr said Uber is cheap and pretty quick in San Juan.
Answered by livlifenoregret on May 31, 2024
A: Maryred is right. i went to it and it was a rip off. i do not recommend...nothing to even see in the museum. there is so much more to see n do in P.R. This year we went on downtown bus tour,great history and info. stopped beautiful beach and some sho... ps.See More
Answered by outtoseapatty on June 2, 2024
A: Done the Bacardi tour both w/ the cruise line and on our own. Not that great for price either way. 1 welcome drink and 1 during the family history portion of tour is really all you get in the way of a tasting unless you buy the add-in mixology class.... Distillery tour is a musuem mock up not the real thing.See More
Answered by maryred on June 1, 2024
A: pgr is spot on. do the other tour,bacardi not that great.
Answered by leog on June 1, 2024
A: They are talking about Marijuana.Get a clue, people.
Answered by gareds on January 24, 2024
A: @gareds First off, dispensaries is an older term that military members use along with commissary.anybody taking marijuana for medical purposes would already know where to go.people who have no official purpose to take it shouldn't be taking a cruise... without certificatiSee More
Answered by Skooby on January 24, 2024
A: ....and also it's like people that come to this forum with questions about topics that can apply to any cruise line and never give details or even return to the discussion to clarify their question the same with this individual.
Answered by Skooby on January 24, 2024
A: Hi Razor78, across the street from the pier you’ll find Walgreens & CVS. Not sure what you’re looking for, but beside all the standard pharmacy/medicinal items they also carry summer/beach clothing, souvenirs, snack/food & a full variety of beers, w... ines & sangria. Those would be held for you by the cruise ship & they will be delivered to your room the night before you disembark. Shipmate’s on this chat will add or update any helpful info. Also, if you notified your pharmacy or provider that you were traveling they MIGHT be able to send an emergency Rx, if they’re in your HC Network call your DR & happy cruising 🤩⚓️😎❣️‼️See More
Answered by 24MyLuckyDragon on January 23, 2024
A: (MMJ license holder here (AZ) Buy what you want at the dispensary and have your fun in port but word of advice… don’t try and take any of it back on board the ship! You could be banned for life and I wouldn’t think it’s be worth it 😉 that’s just my o... pinion tho!See More
Answered by livlifenoregret on January 27, 2024
A: For sure!! The drug dogs sniffed us so we didn't bring drugs into Mexico😳
Answered by mary0909 on January 27, 2024
A: you can dine in at Raices is a local cuisine of course Puertorrican Food or Barrachina also
Answered by Razor78 on January 15, 2024
A: Barrachinas in old San Juan good food and invented the Pina Colada
Answered by Bertfish on January 15, 2024
A: Trianas Tapas and Flamenco show if you are there on a night they are open. I believe they only do late shows. 6:30pm and 9ish I believe. it is just a few blocks from the pier.
Answered by chasbuli on January 15, 2024
A: We ate at El Jibarito in Old Town and it was very clean and the food was great. Cash only (at least when we went last year) but a small family owned spot and IMO worth it.
Answered by MaelstromTroll on January 20, 2024
A: I did a food tour which was an excellent combination of eating/drinking as well as sightseeing and learning about history and culture.
Answered by ChattyCruiser on January 9, 2024
A: Old San Juan is very walkable and transportation is always available don't need to book Excursion, make a good research but The Rainforest is a most to do book by cruise Line because is Out Of San Juan.
Answered by Razor78 on January 10, 2024
A: We’ve always enjoyed exploring the town on our own. If you choose a city tour there are many options. I personally was not a fan of the beach excursion we took.
Answered by MandiP on January 9, 2024
A: Ride the quads in the rainforest if it's available to you. great time
Answered by alwaysflyingjt on January 9, 2024
Q: Restaurant recommendations in Old San Juan that have a patio? I see people recommend Racines a lot, but are there any others? Tks
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A: Barrachina!!! Try the pina coladas and mofongo!
Answered by Need2CruiseSoon on January 8, 2024
A: For a great breakfast go to El Meson !!! Delicious and very friendly and local feel :) also go to the El Hamburger close to Condado ! Wow that’s a burger 🍔. Again very local and friendly restaurant !!!
Answered by annoreilly on January 8, 2024
A: After your meal, head over to Anita Gelato corner of Santo Cristo and Fortaleza, a block down from the governor’s house…. So many flavors of homemade goodness….my wife and I would return to Old San Juan just for this treat!!
Answered by Cruzin38 on January 8, 2024
A: la verguenza puertorican chinchorro... it is in the north of old san juan ....cold beer good musicnice foodgreat athmosphere
Answered by elburu on March 13, 2024
Q: Hi, are there water stations around the ship on the getaway or is it only by the bottle?
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A: the buffet by the coffee and drink dispenser. use their cup to pour into your bottle.
Answered by CruisedudeNY65 on November 16, 2023
A: Hi there fellow cruiser, yes. You can refill your water bottle at the water dispenser(s), usually at the buffet juice/coffee & tea stand. Use a cup to refill your bottle, as to avoid cross contamination, otherwise you will be told you cannot refill... , due to precaution protocols, etc. Happy cruising 😎⚓️🤩❣️‼️See More
Answered by 24MyLuckyDragon on November 17, 2023
A: yes, you can fill water bottles with ice and water on lido deck.
Answered by sopha on November 16, 2023
A: There’s plenty of beach area in the Isla Verde area. There are vendors in the area as well where you buy food around the beach and on the main avenue. Get dropped off by the CVS and just walk towards the ocean. Live simply and enjoy San Juan.
Answered by arecibena on August 9, 2023
A: We have taken a quick (less than 10 minutes) and inexpensive Uber the last couple times to Escambron Beach. It is right next to the Carib Hilton Hotel. There is a big, pretty grassy area with a cool bridge you can walk across. And there is kind of a... wall of coral reef around the swimming area. (the reef is not beautiful itself, but there are lots of fish) So you can snorkel right there in shallow water if you’d like. There are lots of huge palm trees right on the beach for shade. And I remember seeing restrooms there too. ** Allow at least 30 minutes extra for an Uber to come back and get you to head back to the ship though. You’ll have to walk back out to the Main Street for them to stop. **See More
Answered by NeedToVacation on August 9, 2023
A: You can go to condado beach in uber is about 12 min depending the traffic, or you can go to escambron beach it’s about 8 min in uber if you waking is around 20 min.
Answered by lrpena73 on August 13, 2023
A: No but go into the rainforest and there is a place with a waterfall and swimming. It is beautiful!
Answered by girlonaboat on August 9, 2023
A: The only good beach opportunity on your itinerary is St Maarten
Answered by cbyron3 on August 9, 2023
A: San Juan isn't really the best beach port. Old San Juan is the draw for this port. Other ports would be my recommendation for your beach days.
Answered by cbyron3 on August 9, 2023
Q: We normally stay at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel when sailing from San Juan.... but it's super expensive for our January cruise. Anyone familiar w/ the Abitta Boutique Hotel in Condado? Looks to have restaurants and beach access in walking distance.
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A: Hello fellow cruiser, never stayed there but seems like a great well priced hotel & awesome location literally a 5-minute walk from Ashford Avenue. That’s the Condado main strip, boutique’s , great restaurants & the beach access is another 3-5 minut... es away, between La Concha & The Vanderbilt Hotels. A little further down you have The Plaza, w/ beach access as well. You need to go Serafina Restaurant for great pizza & Italian! It’s next to La Concha. There is always a line, but they seat folks quickly indoor/outdoor setting, “vacation/evening” casual attire. Enjoy & happy cruising 🤩⚓️😎❣️‼️See More
Answered by 24MyLuckyDragon on July 30, 2023
A: Hello fellow cruiser, looks a great location & hotel w/ very reasonable pricing. Your close to Ashford Avenue which is a Main Street with access to all awesome things in the Condado section. The beach is literally 10 min walking distance from the h... otel, and little further down tourSee More
Answered by 24MyLuckyDragon on July 30, 2023
A: Don’t know the hotel but if you’re staying in Condado you will have many restaurants to choose from. You will also have access to the beach. Waves in Condado tend to be bigger than in Isla Verde. Be careful.
Answered by Islander67 on August 1, 2023
A: Back in 2016 I stayed in BW Plus Condado, very close to the beach, with parking and supermarket just in front, very honest price comparing to Sheraton and others in the area. I recommend.
Answered by fvalter on August 1, 2023
A: I’ve always wondered about the Convento in Old San Juan. Have you priced it?
Answered by hobbsey on July 31, 2023
A: The Radisson is nice enough...me and my family have stayed there several times and it is very convenient!! They have a really nice pool and has always been clean and comfortable! They offer a park and stay Package and will shuttle you right to the lu... ggage drop off and be right there to get you the morning of debarkation.See More
Answered by bigbluecats on July 31, 2023
A: Hi there fellow cruiser, to be honest I would recommend you stay close to port depending on how long you’re docked in San Juan, and I would recommend the beach section in the Condado area. Although each hotel has their private access to the beach fo... r their guests, you can still access the beach thru park entrances or walkways that lead to the beach area. The Vanderbilt & La Concha & Condado Plaza Hilton all have a great beach area. If you have time try Luquillo Beach & stay for the food! Delicious! Happy cruising 😎⚓️🤩❣️See More
Answered by 24MyLuckyDragon on July 3, 2023
A: You shouldn't waste a San Juan day at the beach. You have other ports that are better beach days. Enjoy old San Juan.
Answered by cbyron3 on July 4, 2023
A: You should definitely explore the fort if you've never been there as there are plenty of better beaches on other Caribbean islands
Answered by Ship2Shora on July 4, 2023
A: Isla Verde is a good beach, not too far from the port.
Answered by monty62 on July 4, 2023
A: is Better enjoy the Old San Juan area rather than The Beaches, theyre not bad there beautiful but for the time on port is not worth it, Puerto Rico around have the best beaches in the caribbean so you need to stay a couple of days.
Answered by Razor78 on July 4, 2023
A: Check the cruise line for accessible excursions.
Answered by michelleb1127 on July 4, 2023
Q: Does anyone now if the umbrellas on Fortaleza street are up in December/January? Thanks
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A: I read on Pinterest that they have taken them down and they aren't gonna put them back up. That was my main reason I wanted to go to San Juan too. Guess I'll have to find something else to do.
Answered by Islandgrl15 on July 2, 2023
A: They change them from flowers to umbrellas,hearts and other things.
Answered by propwash79 on July 3, 2023
A: we just left San juan and right now they are little banners for cancer awareness... I think I have a pic of it posted
Answered by jenniw0212 on July 3, 2023
A: you can search for google maps and see the pic if theyre recently
Answered by Razor78 on July 2, 2023
A: They were not up when we were there last January.
Answered by crusin4gramma on July 2, 2023
A: Hard to say they were not up when I went in January this year.
Answered by Need2CruiseSoon on July 3, 2023
Q: Do they have a all inclusive for the day once we get off the boat? Food drinks etc. like at any motel that we could check on thanks so much
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A: There are no all inclusive hotels or resorts in San Juan. Lots to do and eat for reasonable prices though.
Answered by Lizzie323 on May 27, 2023
A: No All Inclusive Resorts in the San Juan area, though there are hotels that offer day long pool passes. Food and drink would be on a per order pricing and some places allow you to run a tab to be settled out before leaving. Remember Puerto Rico is a... US territory and subject to many of the same laws observed in the 50 states.See More
Answered by maryred on May 27, 2023
A: Here is contact info for Resort for a Day: https://www.resortforaday.com/?Click=63924. Contact: 800-887-6620Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm ESTSat & Sun: 8am - 4pm ESTinfo@resortforaday.com
Answered by CruiselineAdmin on May 30, 2023
A: I would call the cruise line and ask if they have "Resort for a day" excursions. I usually get offers for resort days from my Travel Agency "Cruises only".
Answered by CruiseQueen34 on May 27, 2023
A: Look on the Ship Mate app. for a resort for a day. We booked one through here for San Juan.
Answered by katzonthego on May 28, 2023
A: Download the Resort Pass app. There are several options in San Juan for day passes and cabana rentals, however, they are not all inclusive
Answered by abbydoodle on May 28, 2023
A: Trams is Trolley in San Juan but I dont see it too often lately rumors say they changed it too long golf cart type
Answered by Razor78 on April 11, 2023
A: We were there a week ago, I didn’t see them. I think Covid shut them down
Answered by deboftheseas on April 12, 2023
A: They had the trams and the trolly a couple months ago
Answered by taacman on April 12, 2023
Q: Hi, can anyone recommend an airbnb in San Juan. Been there before but stayed in hotels.
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A: We stayed here for a few nights prior to cruising ! We loved it !!! https://abnb.me/b2kyq6XtJyb
Answered by annoreilly on April 4, 2023
A: we stayed in apartments overlooking the for and water in old San Juan. I can't remember the name but they were run by a hotel down the hill.
Answered by beachmomof2 on April 2, 2023
A: We stayed in a small (but lovely) boutique hotel. Would definitely stay there again if we return to OSJ.https://www.352guesthouse.com
Answered by dewball on April 6, 2023
Q: can anyone tell me if I need a covid test as an international traveller to Puerto Rico from London with a layover in Miami.
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A: I just said no, to fly into the US, if you are double vaccinated, you must show proof at the airports ! Then no ! If not vaccinated I believe so …
Answered by annoreilly on March 8, 2023
Q: We are coming to Puerto Rico for the day on the NCL in April. Is the port close to the Casa Bacardi? Will we be able to take one of the tours?
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A: It all depends on your ships arrival and departure times. Casa Bacardi is just across the bay from the cruise terminal.
Answered by livlifenoregret on February 3, 2023
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