San Juan, Puerto Rico Port Q&A
42 San Juan, Puerto Rico traveler questions & answers
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Q: Best thing to do in San Juan that is not a cruise excursion? Is it safe to walk around with my husband?
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A: Very safe and walkable (just very hilly). Lots of fun shops, restaurants, and sights to see. Both forts are amazing!
Answered by dewball on January 16, 2023
A: Yes, very safe. Nice clean city. Walk or take a taxi to one of the forts. Very neat and scenic.
Answered by lisakaye26 on January 16, 2023
A: yeah very easy to walk around and felt safe. have been there many times
Answered by djchopperd on January 16, 2023
A: It's been a few years (before covid) but it is a very walkable port. I've been twice. The fort is very interesting and we took the guided tour. at that time it was $10 USD. if you have the time get the combined ticket. You can use the city wall as... a guide to get to the fort, only caution stay inside the wall for safety.See More
Answered by halicruiser on January 16, 2023
A: We were just there. Very safe in Old part of town. There were Policia on nearly every street. Mostly cruise tourist were seen.
Answered by ccsvolsfan on January 16, 2023
A: we got a cab to fort del morro, walked around the fort and park. Then it was an easy walk downhill. As we snaked down the hill we stopped at a restaurant for lunch looked in local shops and markets. Made it back to ship in plenty of time and weren't... exhausted. lolSee More
Answered by leog on January 16, 2023
Q: Does NCL stop at same a specific dock? (We have late port day in San Juan, so want to check what’s close by that is open after 4pm.) Thx
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A: If it is a port, they dock at the cruise terminal that is in Old San Juan. There are dozens of shops and restaurants within walking distance. They use the Pan American pier for cruises that start or end in San Juan which has nothing nearby.
Answered by Jerrec on January 8, 2023
A: If you are there for the day as a port you will be in Old San Juan, tons to see and do. PanAmerican Pier is for cruises starting or ending in San Juan mostly, well for RC, Celebrity and Princess. I don’t know about NCL, and I believe Carnival built t... here own in Old San JuanSee More
Answered by deboftheseas on January 8, 2023
A: well almost nothing in the Panamerican Pier they only got the Convection Center and TMobile District that is a entertainment center but not like Old San Juan that have everything really nearby
Answered by Razor78 on January 8, 2023
Q: We have never been to SanJuan and are very excited to be there at the end of April for a cruise. We will be flying in the night before to stay there in San Juan what is a good place for dinner that might be cost effective to go and have fun before we leave?
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A: There are lot of great restaurants. If you visit T mobile district I recommend you Metropol restaurant at Sheraton Convention Center. If you stay at Old San Juan visit Raices or Vaca Brava for dinner and La Vergüenza or San Sebastián street for drink... s. Enjoy.See More
Answered by RuthCaliz on November 29, 2022
A: Barrachina's also claims to be the originator of the Pina Colada. (I think several make that claim. lol) They were a great restaurant choice for us. We also had a good meal at a Mexican restaurant, but I don't see it on maps anymore.
Answered by dewball on November 29, 2022
A: There’s only one place to go and that’s LA CASA DONDE NACIO THE HOME OF THE PINA COLADA GREAT FOOD AND MUSIC ENJOY
Answered by Dave241212Mel on November 28, 2022
A: recession is really good, and it's authentic...prices are good.we've eaten there twice already. I'm sure you would enjoy it.bathrooms are a little scary tho
Answered by a1jammaker on November 30, 2022
A: I stayed at a hostel I found on booking.com and stayed a few days after. I loved snuba! And the bioluminescent kayaking is something that should not be missed!
Answered by imccallusa on January 14, 2023
A: I've stayed at the Renaissance La Concha in Condado. There are some great restaurants around there and the room is on the beach. Make sure to try a Cafe con leche.
Answered by JMcgo79 on December 3, 2022
A: If your cruise is beginning or ending in San Juan, then the Pan American Pier is correct, however, if you are just visiting as a Port of Call…then the Old San Juan Pier by the Sheraton hotel
Answered by deboftheseas on November 25, 2022
A: Pan American Pier 1 EastCalle Lindbergh San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Answered by yesicastro76 on November 25, 2022
A: Keep in mind your luggage goes through a screening for fruit etc before you can drop off your luggage. The line was long for this initial screening last time we flew out of San Juan. Allow for extra time
Answered by onvacation on November 16, 2022
A: Any little snag and you will miss your flight. And occationally, there are snags like Customs being slow to clear the ship. So I personally wouldn't do it. It's not worth the stress.
Answered by Flcruisepro on November 16, 2022
A: yes, we did self debarkation and it took 20 min to airport. Our flight was 10:50 am and we were to the airport by 8am. It was super easy.
Answered by Lakeview515 on November 17, 2022
A: there is no traffic on Saturdays and Sundays in San Juan. from the port to the airport is maximum 15 to 20 minutes. you can get off the ship prior to 8 am and be on the terminal on time.
Answered by melvinmignucci on November 17, 2022
A: was in san juan a few weeks ago and all is good. The southern part of the island was hit the hardest
Answered by limoman23 on November 16, 2022
Q: Am I cutting it close (San Juan PR to port) ? I'm use to flighing into Florida base cruise. This time I am have a cruise on Easter weekend from PR. Flight lands at 3 pm and cruise leaves at 8:30 pm (and international flight). I usually arrive the night before but no luck with flights on Good Friday ...at least direct and fairly $$$ for a family of 4. Am I cutting it close having to get through customs, transport and cruise check in....assuming no other delays or do others find this enough time?
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A: Thank you all for the advice. Looks like all the comments pretty much say the same thing...."don't take a chance" (including my wife's opinion). Easter will only make it tougher...good point. Looking at Thursday now with a big emphasis on "happy... wife, happy life". Thank you all.See More
Answered by nico71 on November 7, 2022
A: I wouldn't be comfortable w/ it. We've flown in same day a few times- but from Florida on a direct flight arriving by noon. And w/ all the airline issues that have been happening lately we're actually taking the quick flight the night before this t... ime. Sounds like you've already researched your options... is flying in Thursday night doable??See More
Answered by mrsTAM on November 6, 2022
A: Can you fly down in Holy Thursday or even that Wednesday? I understand that the price for flights are high especially international, but I would try to come a few days earlier and just enjoy San Juan for a few extra days. Back in August my journey f... rom NY to Orlando to board Mardi Gras was 14 hours. Flight was supposed to leave at 8:30am but was delayed to no pilot. They finally found a pilot that had to drive from JFK to LGA by the time we got onboard the flight it was 11:00. Took off and maybe a half hour before landing we an announcement that the flight was being diverted to Tampa due to Microburst at Orlando. Landed at Tampa and 40 mins later flight crew timed out. New flight crew arrived around 7:30pm. They had to go through the entire inspection since the plane has been sitting idle for hours. Reboarded again and finally landed in Orlando around 9:20pm. Got to our hotel close to 11pm. This was the day before our cruise we would of missed it if it was the day of.See More
Answered by TNTGreen on November 7, 2022
A: That is not a good idea, in my opinion! Way too many things can go wrong and you have only left yourself a 3hr window! Especially on a holiday weekend! If you made it, it would truely be an Easter miracle🐰
Answered by crusin4gramma on November 7, 2022
A: No! This isn’t the past or pre Covid. If you attempt it make sure you have travel insurance to cover a missed cruise.
Answered by kelskazoo22 on November 7, 2022
A: I World leave a day ahead cruise leaves at 8:30pm but you need to be at least 2 hours before that time. and tráfico in PR is unpredictable so don't count un it. belive me I live in PR
Answered by civicgt on November 8, 2022
A: If you want to visit Old San Juan, you should walk instead of renting a car since the historic city is a walkable city. Just across the street from the piers you’ll find a Sheraton Hotel where you may call a car rental company of your choice (Hertz,... Avis, National, Alamo, Charlie Car Rental, etc) and ask them to send you a car. A car may be a good alternative is you are going to be several nights in San Juan and visit several areas of Puerto Rico. If you are going to be just several hours in town it’s better to take an Uber. Enjoy the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.See More
Answered by PRTraveler on October 26, 2022
A: I agree that walking is better. San Juan has many historical areas, lots of little shops but also high end stores. However, if you prefer to rent a car be aware that parking is not easy as it is limited.
Answered by AlmaG on October 26, 2022
Q: Our cruise will be in San Juan on Christmas Day. Does anyone have any recommendations for unique or interesting things to do on Christmas Day? Will the restaurants and shops be open? Any recommendations for restaurant reservations?
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A: Maybe find a church in your denomination? I bet that would be a great experience!
Answered by bonniebelle66 on October 18, 2022
A: Before Covid, there is no better place to visit at Xmas than Old San Juan. The decoration is beautiful and you will find open places because it is a tourist area. In Puerto Rico the beaches are public and you can have free access. Piñones area for... local and good food. 🙏🏾u have a pleasant Xmas DaySee More
Answered by Jackielolo on October 25, 2022
A: Excursions offered by Cruiseline.com & Shipmate app's excursion partners Shore Excursion Group and Resort for a Day: https://cruiseline.com/excursions/port/san-juan-puerto-rico
Answered by CruiselineAdmin on October 19, 2022
A: I'm sure that OSJ will have plenty of decorations. They always do for all holidays. Like I said, I just don't think much will be open.
Answered by crusin4gramma on October 20, 2022
A: Puerto Rico is a fairly catholic place, so religious high holidays like Christmas will find many things shutdown. But since tourism is one of the main economy staples there will be a limited amount of tourist essentials open like restaurants, just th... at they will mostly be within resorts. Public parks and the few public beaches will be open and may even offer holiday appropriate entertainment.See More
Answered by maryred on October 19, 2022
A: Boardwalk & Waterfront Fun— Pinones is the place to be seen for locals on the weekends – especially Sunday afternoons. It comes alive with people and music and dancing. There is a long boardwalk with great views dotted with restaurants/bars as you wa... lk. North shore has some great waves. Multi turquoises make up the small bay. It is located just north east of Isla Verde and the Airport. A number of food kiosks are at the entrance. Looks like bike rentals are also available. I used Uber and it was under $20 but that was a couple years ago. Great picturesque walk that is little used during the week. Many Kodak moments.See More
Answered by kennysli on October 18, 2022
Q: Our check out time at our hotel is 10:00 am. Is there a place we can store luggage until boarding?
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A: Check with hotel. Many typically can hold luggage after checkout prior to boarding.
Answered by FrankPaul on July 11, 2022
A: Many hotels near the port are used to this situation. They will have a storage area near desk for your luggage. Will just need to leave from hotel or return to hotel to get luggage prior to boarding.
Answered by FrankPaul on July 11, 2022
A: Depending on what area you are staying in, there are some restaurants and hotels that will let you store even if you didn't stay there. Barrachina is a pretty famous example of this in Old San Juan. We have stored our luggage, stuck around for Piña C... oladas, and then taken an Uber to the port when it was time to embark.See More
Answered by kphaynie on September 4, 2022
A: Depending on your cruise line they may allow you to drop off your checked luggage well prior to your arrival appointment time. This way all you would need to carry with you is your carry-on and documents. Using a backpack as your carry-on will make t... ouring easier.See More
Answered by maryred on July 11, 2022
A: Yes, simply ask the front desk and they can store near by for you and no extra cost.
Answered by TOhcruisers on July 11, 2022
Q: We arrive after 10pm the night before our cruise so we are looking for a clean/safe no-frills hotel in San Juan that isn't expensive. Anyone familiar w/ Hotel Miramar or the Comfort Inn??
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A: El San Geronimo Hotel. It's a very short Uber or taxi ride to the cruise port, and restaurants within reasonable walking distance
Answered by cybersailor on June 26, 2022
A: La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort (Marriott Hotel)
Answered by PiratesWorld on June 25, 2022
A: Vaca brava restaurant. 100% recommended
Answered by melvinmignucci on May 21, 2022
A: Sorry about the last response. Yes viejo San Juan has some great spots. We personally love Raices.
Answered by MoniqueFon0726 on May 21, 2022
Q: Does anyone know how to get to the Baccardi Rum place where you learn how to make drinks? I heard you take a Ferry from the Port and then a short walk?? Not sure if i remember the information right. We sail into San Juan in 11 days?? Would love to go, if i know how to get there???
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A: FERRY FROM OLD SAN JUANThe ferry is available from Pier 2 in Old San Juan. It departs every thirty minutes and is fifty cents each way. When you arrive at the Cataño pier, you will find taxis on the right at the bus station. Casa BACARDÍ is a short t... wo miles taxi ride away. https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/casa-bacardi/plan-your-visit/See More
Answered by PiratesWorld on May 6, 2022
A: If tours are available the day and time you port in at Old San Juan the Baccardi estate and distillery itself will have a tour bus at the dock selling packages. Because of Covid, I do believe, that is the only way to get same day tickets.
Answered by maryred on May 6, 2022
Q: What is the best way to get to the street with all the umbrellas without doing a excursion? TIA
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A: If I remember right it’s only about a 10 minute walk and nice shops and things along the way, otherwise taxis at the port too.
Answered by Budguy372 on April 30, 2022
A: Fortaleza Street (where the governor's residence is). Once in SJ, use Goggles maps. Really easy to walk there from the old SJ ports. From the "Isla grande" terminals (mostly RC) is definitely a taxi/Uber ride.
Answered by JoseRaul on April 30, 2022
A: I believe it's at the governors mansion. You get off the ship and once you leave the port area. Turn left and stay straight until you get there. They do not always have the umbrellas up.
Answered by brevitas on April 30, 2022
A: we took an uber, just specify how many are in your group,so you don't have to squeeze into a small car..lol
Answered by Davepb3 on May 2, 2022
A: Someone posted a picture on TripAdvisor, the umbrellas are now butterflies as of last month April.
Answered by heatherstar on May 2, 2022
A: I was on Fortelezea St last week on the Carnival Mardi Gras. The Easiest way to walk was to make the right at Walgreens and walk UP appx 2 blocks, then make a left onto Fortelezea St ehen you see the fountains on the right. Walk a good 4 long blocks... until you see the - now "White Butterlies" in honor of Women's History month.See More
Answered by morgancn on May 2, 2022
Q: Not seeing any interesting Excursions for this port on our cruise planner. Any recommendations for a family with 8 year old twin boys to do at this port?
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A: You can walk the whole group over to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. That's the famous fort built between 16th to 18th century a.d.it has lots of cavernous tunnels to wander around in.
Answered by themouse11 on April 27, 2022
A: like mention above go to the fort San Felipe El Morro buy some Kites and use it there, they're gonna love it!!also you can walk around all Old San Juan too, Also Escambron Beach is nice but you need Uber to get there
Answered by Razor78 on April 27, 2022
A: Old San Juan is a great port to walk around. Take the kids up to the fort, then through La Perla, the Cemetary and finally Fortalezza. It will give them time to run around and burn off some
Answered by sycamoregrill on May 1, 2022
A: Energy. Nice easy day for a short port stop.
Answered by sycamoregrill on May 1, 2022
A: I remember doing San Juan when I was about 12-13 and absolutely loved the forts. There's two, one on each side of old San Juan. They'll be your best bet for entertainment for the youngsters.
Answered by Saliaris on April 29, 2022
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Q: Can you get off the ship and just walk around or go to a beach on your own? Is there something within walking distance?
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A: I've been watching lots of videos on things to do! Yes you can get off and just walk around.
Answered by Dappel on April 21, 2022
A: Cruises don’t port at the Pan American dock (they only depart from there if that’s ur embarkation port) If docking in San Juan you’ll be at the main port near Old San Juan and ur well within walking distance to everything. Like everyone else said the... forts are worth the walk! $10 admission to get in.See More
Answered by livlifenoregret on April 22, 2022
A: If the cruise ship stops in the panamerican port, you will need to call an Uber to drive you to the Old San Juan that is like 10 minutes driving distance. I don't recommend you to walk to Old San Juan because is a little far, like 45 minutes walking.... But if the cruise stop in the Muelle 6 , that is really the perfect stop because you will be at the heart of Old San Juan.See More
Answered by honeymooners1 on April 21, 2022
A: There is a ton of shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance to the port or there are plenty of cabs as well. The Fort is really within walking distance and something truly to see. But, with all that, a quick tour excursion (booked through t... he cruise or stand alone once off the ship) to get a history lesson and see a lot of the island is WELL worth it.See More
Answered by bcolson on April 21, 2022
A: Yes you can. There’s lots of shops and restaurants just off the ship.
Answered by Abenaa on April 21, 2022
A: Forts are highly rated. I would love to see them, but cruises I was to go to SJ were cancelled.
Answered by joyandjerry on April 21, 2022
Q: This is a very specific question and may seem weird but I thought someone who might have been recently or will be going soon might be able to answer this. In Plaza Colon, there was a restaurant called Cafe Puerto Rico. it was one of the best meals of our lives on our first cruise 18 years ago. I have looked online but cannot tell if it still exists. We would love to take our kids there if it is. Anyone know or will be in the plaza that could check as they walk by? Thanks so much.
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A: I looked it up and it says this restaurant is closed.
Answered by odavilaCruiser on April 3, 2022
A: I was just there a month ago and it is no longer there.
Answered by crusin4gramma on April 3, 2022
A: The place is no longer available and that's too bad it was a good spot
Answered by Razor78 on April 3, 2022
A: I was there in March and it was open! Sorry to hear it is now closed.
Answered by crusin4gramma on June 30, 2022
A: thank you everyone..such a bummer but glad to know.
Answered by jencannon9 on June 30, 2022
A: for authentic PR food find a cab driver that knows the area and have them take you to a "side road" restaurant.
Answered by torram on June 30, 2022
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