San Juan Port

getsemani1 · #1 (**permalink**) February 8th, 2010, 06:46 AM

I'm seriously considering a cruise leaving from the port of San Juan. Can anybody tell me a little bit about the port? Although I was born in Puerto Rico, I wasn't raised there and know very little about San Juan.

I plan to visit my mom, who lives about an hour away from San Juan, and then go on a Caribbean cruise. I think it's very convenient being that I'll be in Puerto Rico anyways on vacation visiting my mom. I could kill two birds with one stone.

The ship departs at 10:00 p.m. What time are passengers allowed to board the ship if it's departing at 10:00 p.m?

dina · #2 (**permalink**) February 8th, 2010, 08:34 AM

The port is located in old San Juan. I boarded the ship at noon and had lunch. I explored the ship then got off and explored Old San Juan. Got back on board for dinner (late seating).

I think you'll like it.

Trip · #3 (**permalink**) February 8th, 2010, 08:52 AM

San Juan is a great port, with very friendly people..You can board around noon, eat, then get off to explore for a few hrs, and get back in time for dinner. The Fort is a a nice taken in, and the shopping area, Forteleza St., is a leisurely walk, along the water. I am sure you could grab a cab and take a tour around the city, which I have enjoyed. Determine the price beforehand, and, go and enjoy...

getsemani1 · #4 (**permalink**) February 8th, 2010, 07:39 PM

I was just wondering at what time you're allowed to board if the ship leaves at 10:00 p.m. It's nice to know that you can board, have lunch, get settled in and then leave the ship for a couple of hours.

The last time I went to San Juan was in 2002 on a whirlwind city tour given by my husband.

Juggaloves · #5 (**permalink**) February 12th, 2010, 12:16 PM

I just booked this cruise for December 5th. I'm very excited. Carnival told me that the latest you can board is 8:30 pm, but like everyone else i plan on getting there early and using the day as a port day

EMG · #6 (**permalink**) February 12th, 2010, 10:12 PM

I'm leaving from San Juan for the second time in 6 months. Last time I went, it was supposedly off season, we wanted to the the segway tour but since it wasn't avail. we got off the plane and went right to the boat. We rested and didn't feel like getting back off.. lol.. I think we went straight to the jacuzzi when we got onboard.

This time we're going down the night before and we'll rent a car ($30) for the day and more than likely take a drive around the island before boarding, then board, then get off the ship, tour some more, turn the car in, then get back onboard.

I'm an avid photographer so I think having a car will allow me to explore places and get flicks that the average tourist probably wouldn't get but; we'll see.

getsemani1 · #7 (**permalink**) February 13th, 2010, 07:10 AM

My best friend might be joining us on our Caribbean cruise. She went on her first cruise to the Bahamas with me and my family and was automatically hooked. Although she visited Puerto Rico a couple of years ago and spent it with my mom, she didn't get a feel for the island. She wants to go again and go sightseeing. I think that this will give her the opportunity to at least go to El Morro.

I think it's just great having the ship as your hotel and spending the day sightseeing.
What's the earliest you can board the ship in San Juan?

EMG · #8 (**permalink**) February 13th, 2010, 12:48 PM

Around Noon.. but you may not be able to get to your cabin till about 1:30 or 2

Magnolia Blossom · #9 (**permalink**) February 13th, 2010, 05:56 PM

We have sailed from San Juan 4 times and it is one of my favorite fly-to ports. The drive the the a/p is only 10-15 minutes, the port personnel are well organized, the sites lovely and the people old San Juan.

And sailing at 10 is great - no stress if you decide to wander about SJ before sailing.

Enjoy!

MB