Time in San Juan

[Trip]

Years ago, cruises to San Juan pulled into port in the am or afternoon. I wonder what changed, that now brings them into port, mid or late afternoon.

From my point of view, this is such an interesting port, that many people lose out on seeing the best of it... or very shortened time for the fort...window shopping for as long as you want, mayabe not trying that restuarant you might have tried, if not for missing dinner onboard. Frankly too, many crusiers might be scared to tour the port at night, and feel they will miss onboard activities as well.

Have all the ships now down sized their time there I wonder, or do some lucky visitors have all day.......I see many questions about what to do at night in SJ, as I moderate the boads.......

[Delft]

With carnival is was just a few short hours at the end of the day we took a tour to the old forste, and walked in the town. With NCL DAWN, it was a full long day, that was one of the best days we have ever had, any where. We did so much, and it was so wonderful. We did Bacardi rum factory , we went to the ocean, we saw many sights, the old forte etc, we walked and shopped in the town, it was a truly memorable day, and I dont think people give it a fair shake. We went there with an open mind and ended up with an amazing day. I remember one "vetren cruiser" telling us there were no beaches close by, and nothing to do.......wrong, we ended up on one of the nicest beautiful beaches with stunning views and we saw so much. Our tour guide, he was one of the nicest people I could ever meet. It was a high light of the cruise. When we were their, several other ships were also there all day. It was when we were on carnival that it came in so late.

[nlb1050]

One of the reasons we took our first cruise with MSC was the day in San Juan. Arrived early morning and left early evening. We went to the rain forest then toured Old San Juan. It was a very nice stop. We aren't into night clubs so this was for us.

I think that MSC keeps to the daytime stop now too.

[Marc]

There are some fantastic restaurants in San Juan. Most itineraries I see show a 1pm arrival and 10pm departure so folks can both see Old San Juan and have a great meal ashore.

[Trip]

Marc, it seems many ships, arrive at 5 pm, whcih really puts a crimp in lots of things people may want to do....The last time I was there, we docked at that time as well.

[David West]

In August on our Liberty cruise, we arrived by 9.00 am that morning. All the shops were still closed.

My next time there, I would like to go to the old fort, and the rain forest.

Happy Cruising to all ;
David