San Juan Cruise Port: A Traveler's Guide

Table Of Content

• Night Fort Lauderdale To San JuanDetails
• More Guides for Cruise Visitors
• Visit the Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo)
• San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Guide – 2024 Old San Juan, Pan American Pier, Transfer Services, FAQ’s, Map and more…
• Restaurants Near the San Juan Cruise Port (Plus Shopping and Other Services)
• Taxi
• VIDEO: Sir Richard Branson presents free Virgin cruise to plane passengers

El Jibarito offers a charming dining experience with its delectable, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Despite the restaurant’s small and unassuming appearance, the delicious meals here are a favorite among both locals and tourists. Paseo del Morro is a beautiful coastal boardwalk that runs along the outer edge of the El Morro fort in Old San Juan. Starting at San Juan Gate, the path winds around San Juan Bay, offering enchanting views of the sea and Isla De Cabras. The Yokahú Observation Tower is another excellent spot that offers an expansive view of the rainforest from above. Additionally, visitors can enjoy popular activities such as ziplining, ATV riding, and taking a refreshing dip in the natural pools below the waterfalls.

Night Fort Lauderdale To San JuanDetails

History buffs visiting Old Town San Juan can explore the second-oldest church in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest church on U.S. soil. While the church’s history dates back to 1521, the building of San Juan Bautista that you’ll see today was built in 1540. There are often musicians playing in the street, restaurants, and cocktail bars to stop and snack at. Several attractions, including Paseo De La Princesa and Plaza de Armas, are found in Old San Juan. If you stay to view the Biobay at night, bring a towel and a long-sleeved shirt and pants to change into.

More Guides for Cruise Visitors

Old San Juan has two museums offering insights into the local history and culture, dating back to 1521. Abundant restaurants and cocktail bars also line the streets, some of which offer local Puerto Rican cuisine. Consider exploring Paseo de La Princesa, a pedestrian promenade only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away from the cruise port in Old San Juan. There’s so much to do in San Juan and you might have limited time during a cruise ship stop. So focus your trip on your specific interests, whether it involves exploring the breathtaking architecture, enjoying the beaches, or savoring the excellent restaurants and shopping experiences.

Visit the Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo)

Maps are conveniently available at the terminal or on your cruise ship. With effective planning, it’s possible to explore most of Old San Juan’s attractions, savor a meal at a local restaurant, and even engage in some shopping. If relaxation is more appealing to you, consider spending a couple of hours at Condado Beach, which is just a short drive from the cruise port. When leaving the cruise terminal, you’ll encounter some taxis readily available for your convenience. Additionally, taxis are conveniently stationed at locations like the airport, major hotels, and popular tourist attractions such as Plaza Las Américas and San Juan Botanical Gardens.

The San Juan cruise port offers plenty of modern cruise terminals, so you will not have to worry about feeling out of place while waiting to board your cruise ship. Being situated between the beautiful city of San Juan and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, it is also the ideal location for any port of call visit. Puerto Rico's rich history and architectural heritage comes alive on this guided walk of the colonial city's oldest sections, which date back 500 years. Stroll the quarter's cobblestone streets, lined with tropical-hued buildings. Visit elegant plazas as your guide introduces key sights and monuments.

Restaurants Near the San Juan Cruise Port (Plus Shopping and Other Services)

This whole area can be explored on foot but some parts are narrow & steep streets, therefore it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes. Besides, it might be far length of walking at some points for someone, however, there are free trolley services that make frequent stops. A day at the stunning blue watered beaches in San Juan is a day well spent! Fortunately, there are beach options fairly close to the San Juan Cruise Port. If you plan to walk through Old Town San Juan, stop by this town square, which dates back to Spanish colonial days. If you have enough time in the San Juan port, consider a day trip to this small island located 7 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

San Juan Cruise Port to receive multimillion-dollar upgrade - Cruise and Ferry

San Juan Cruise Port to receive multimillion-dollar upgrade.

Posted: Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Over the years, it has continually evolved, with the most significant restoration taking place in 1917. Públicos are shared minivans that follow a predetermined route, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. These vans display their destination on the window and leave once they are full. It’s important to mention that alternative ridesharing services, such as Lyft, are not available in San Juan. Additionally, similar to taxis, Ubers are not permitted to enter El Yunque.

Make sure to explore the sculpture garden, a picturesque space featuring 16 sculptures, 365 trees, and 100,000 plants. Getting around the garden is a breeze, with plenty of sidewalks and clearly marked map spots. Among the garden’s standout attractions are the bamboo chapel, orchid garden, Taino garden, and aquatic garden. Additionally, the garden features a display of modern sculptures created by local artists. As you explore the garden, you’ll encounter a variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including palms, orchids, hibiscuses, and heliconias. The garden is also home to a wide range of wildlife, such as parrots, iguanas, and turtles.

Beginning San Juan Cruise Port operations, GPH outlines strategy - Seatrade Cruise News

Beginning San Juan Cruise Port operations, GPH outlines strategy.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Do not forget to enjoy the delicious Puerto Rican dishes served by restaurants here. It is easy to navigate Old San Juan town on your own, but you can also request help from an expert guide. This historic district is home to famous historical buildings such as Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal. Some of the oldest churches here are the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, in which the remains of Ponce de Leon, a famous explorer, are found and the San Jose Church. This strategically located Spanish Colonial city is a perfect getaway for all cruisers.

Old San Juan is so impressive and historically significant that parts are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This section of the city has a rich and complex history dating back over 500 years, evidenced by the abundance of incredibly well-preserved Spanish architecture and monuments. You will find staffed check-in counters for all cruise lines operating within the port, duty-free shops, and passenger lounges. Public washroom facilities are also easy to find, and there are plenty of vending machines and food counters. Dining out in San Juan encompasses everything from white-tablecloth fine dining to local food trucks serving delicious indigenous cuisine.

However, the umbrellas are sometimes replaced with the Puerto Rican flag, especially during winter. This street is filled with shops, restaurants and bars that blast music into the streets. Barrachina features an extensive beverage selection, including Pina Coladas, rum-based cocktails, local beers, and wines. Additionally, Barrachina offers a diverse menu with both international and local cuisine, featuring dishes such as mofongo, fried red snapper, seafood paella, skirt steak, and pork.

Make sure to take a stroll down La Mina Trail, which descends through the Palo Colorado forest and leads to the breathtaking La Mina Falls. Fortaleza Street begins at the governor’s mansion and extends eastward through the heart of Old San Juan. Recognized for its suspended, multicolored umbrellas that once adorned sections of the street, it has now undergone a transformation with the installation of flags, bells, and kites. With six different levels and a lighthouse on the topmost floor, El Morro is a living testament to the architectural brilliance of its time.

There is a large CVS store/pharmacy which has a large variety of food, drinks, and other necessities directly across from Old San Juan piers 1 & 2 and only 1/4 mile west of piers 3 and 4. The most convenient hotels to stay at near the Pan American Pier terminals are the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Aloft San Juan, Hyatt House, and Hyatt Place. Local businesses appreciate your visit and support, since having to face the challenges of two hurricanes since 2017, and the covid-19 effects on the tourism sector. Our warm vibrant culture and hospitable friendly people await your arrival. For the Pan American Pier, there is overnight parking available at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino.

However, public beaches (served by lifeguards and with facilities) are called here balnearios. They are free of charge (no entry fees) but charge for parking, as well as lockers and showers. St. Kitts Island and its port - Port Zante (as it is officially named) - has become in the last years one of the most popular and loved cruise port destinations in the Caribbean Eastern Itineraries. The municipalities of Cataño, Guaynabo and San Juan compose the south side of the bay and port.