Port in San Juan

Eaky77 · #1 (**permalink**) December 29th, 2005, 02:35 PM

We are trying to figure out our next cruise, and we found one that seems like a great deal. It leaves from San Juan. We went to San Juan once, and were not impressed with the city. My questions are.....
1. What airport do we fly into?
2. Where would be a good place to stay for the night?
3. How is the terminal? (long lines, organization etc)
4. Is it safe to stay there over night?

Like I said, we were there once a year or so ago, and I did not feel safe at all. I know we could leave from a different port, but this is a great deal, and I love all of the stops. Any help would be wonderful!!

Thanks for your time,
Erin

Donna · #2 (**permalink**) December 29th, 2005, 03:14 PM

Hi ERin,
When flying into San Juan, you fly into the SJU International Airport, about a 20 minute to half hour ride to the port. We've pre-cruised at the Wyndham, now the Sheridan in Old San Juan, right across from the pier. Ther are some really nice hotels, but farther away from the pier and they can be quite pricey. I don't think I'd walk all over Old San Juan after dark, but during the day I felt quite safe, lots of shops and you can visit the old forts, my favorite being El Morro, nice view from there too and be sure to catch it as you leave the harbor.

MrPete · #3 (**permalink**) December 29th, 2005, 03:30 PM

We did the Wyndham as well, and stayed in after dark. Never felt insecure in the daylight hours.

Eaky77 · #4 (**permalink**) December 29th, 2005, 03:50 PM

Thanks Everyone, I think we will do it. My only other issue that I just thought of was the ship does not leave port until 10 pm

Do we even go the night before? If we do, what do we do with the luggage after check out? Geeze, you would think I've never cruised before!

Thanks Again, any other comments would be great!

Erin

MrPete · #5 (**permalink**) December 29th, 2005, 03:56 PM

I did it both ways.

The day I flew in the day of sailing, I was exhausted.

So the next time, we flew in the day before. Check in time is still about noon, so just check out as late as possible and head over to the pier. We carried our luggage, but I read recently that the hotel will have them sent over a courtesy.

We never even thought to ask!

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...66659699LjTQcY

Archie · #6 (**permalink**) December 29th, 2005, 04:12 PM

When I go on the Destiny I am planning on staying at the Intercontinental in San Juan (in part because I get an employee discount there) but I chose to arrive a day early to enjoy San Juan since we are going during September you never know if there will be a huricane.

pcboston · #7 (**permalink**) December 30th, 2005, 11:27 AM

What ship are you looking to book? I have done a cruise from San Juan both ways also, and flying in the day before is definitely the way to go. There are two piers in San Juan. If you are going on Carnival Destiny, the best bet for a hotel is the Sheraton Old San Juan...stayed there when it was a Wyndham. It is right across from where Destiny docks. I think all the ships out of San Juan leave at 10pm, but you can board around noon so you can head over to the docks after check out. Last year we stayed at the Hampton Inn in the Isla Verde area near the airport, that was very nice also and had a free continental breakfast. There are a lot of more expensive hotels in that area right on the beach, too. We have also stayed in the Condado area twice post cruise at the Wyndham Condado Plaza and liked that also. It had restaurants, pools, and a casino. I've never felt unsafe sightseeing during the day but wouldn't wander around any city I didn't know that well at night, regardless of where it was. Going the day before gives you a chance to start your cruise relaxed and also the chance to see another port. Enjoy it....happy sails