Cruises to San Juan Puerto Rico Vacations
Table Of Content

Each cruise tourist receives a coupon booklet for additional savings in local restaurants and shops. In 2014, Pier 3 was expanded to allow berthing of the world's largest cruise vessels (RCI's Oasis-class). In 2016, on Pier 3 (port's 3rd cruise dock) started construction works for a new, 2-story terminal building housing restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues, a large duty-free shopping complex. The USD 8 million project was an investment by Duty Free Americas (US travel retail stores chain with over 180 shops). RCI / Royal Caribbean also participated in the project, which completion was scheduled for 2018. Port San Juan cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.
Should you book San Juan cruise excursions through your cruise line?
You can find horseback riding excursions onboard Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Depending on your experience level, you and a small class will be put through scuba lessons with a licensed instructor. They will provide a detailed overview of diving safety and equipment before you enter the water. Typically, this occurs at the dive shop so you can be fitted for equipment. When planning a cruise vacation, it’s easy to dedicate all your focus to the ship. Between luxurious accommodations, numerous gourmet dining options, and a seemingly endless list of exciting and entertaining amenities, it is no wonder onboard activities take center stage.
San Juan Cruises Port Guide
2018 ended with handled nearly 1,8 million cruisers via 517 ship calls (21% increase over 2017). San Juan Cruise Port has announced a strong 30-year partnership with Global Ports Holding for massive upgrades and updates to the rapidly-growing cruise port over the next few years. If you’re interested in these adventures, you can find some of these score excursions on Royal Caribbean, and you can find local boat rides and fishing tours, too. For fishing enthusiasts, fishing excursions involve being taken to quieter waters outside the Port of San Juan. You’ll be provided with instructions and equipment, so you can have the opportunity to fish in a location that is likely very different from what you are used to.
CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO

The Old San Juan Cruise Ship Piers are the most convenient for cruisers. As soon as you get off the ship, you can easily walk the 7 blocks magical city of Old San Juan and enjoy the top attractions and things to do on foot. For FY2018, Puerto Rico estimated that ~1,7 million cruise ship tourists will arrive on the scheduled 540 ship calls, generating around USD 250M for the local economy.
Global Port Holding to Expand San Juan Cruise Port Through $350M Investment - The Maritime Executive
Global Port Holding to Expand San Juan Cruise Port Through $350M Investment.
Posted: Sun, 14 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This makes it easy for cruise lines to organize embarkation and disembarkation processes and refueling and resupplying. With stunning beaches and shorelines, a historic and elegant city, and countless exciting and memorable activities just steps away, there is no reason why stopping in the San Juan cruise port can’t be an unforgettable part of your vacation. This traveler’s guide will help you navigate the port, explore the city beyond it, and discover why the San Juan cruise port is such a popular port of call. There are two port facilities in San Juan -- one is a 10-minute ride, close to the airport, called the Pan American terminal, while the main cruise terminal (Piers 1, 3 and 4) is just a short walk from downtown Old San Juan. A 10- to 15-minute walk will get you to most restaurants and attractions (about 25 minutes to El Morro). At the terminal itself, local vendors usually set up stands selling knick-knacks as souvenirs.
Public washroom facilities are also easy to find, and there are plenty of vending machines and food counters. The cruise terminal facilities available to cruise passengers are actually quite impressive, especially relative to what you would typically expect from a Caribbean port. Most ships call at the port for up to eight hours, giving cruisers time to explore several Puerto Rico highlights. Ships arrive in San Juan as early as noon and sail late in the evening.
Massive Updates Coming to Popular Caribbean Cruise Port
You can even take a distillery tour or a cocktail lesson to learn how to impress your guests at your next dinner party. If alcoholic beverages aren’t your thing, sample some locally roasted coffee. Thanks to Puerto Rico’s unique relationship with the United States and its high abundance of tourists, it is home to some of the best shopping you will find anywhere in the Caribbean. While San Juan’s Old Town justifiably attracts its fair share of attention, the rest of the city offers plenty for those less interested in history and architecture. This historic and vibrant street features numerous shops, galleries, and boutiques where you can purchase a one-of-a-kind memento from your time in Puerto Rico. The San Juan cruise port is nestled right in the central section of the city of San Juan.
Do I need a Passport for a cruise to / from San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and individuals born on the island are U.S. citizens. You do not need a passport if flying from the U.S. to Puerto Rico or vice versa. However, check with your cruise line to be absolutely sure what documentation is needed. San Juan Food and Culture Tour (Royal Caribbean) is an Old San Juan walking tour (for a small group) themed on local foods, architecture, cultural traditions, shopping.
We are a team of global travelers and cruise enthusiasts with several combined decades of experience in providing world-class luxury travel to our clients. The architecture of the city’s old section dates back to over 400 years ago. You will have the opportunity to walk the city’s narrow, cobblestoned streets and learn about Spanish architecture and the most famous monuments from a fascinating historical perspective.
Try some mofongo, mashed fried green plantains often stuffed with meat, or snack on some codfish fritters, called bacalaitos. Trek up the long sidewalk leading past the gorgeous green lawns that stretch out on either side of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly referred to as El Morro. The lawns provide a gorgeous base to the stately standing fort at the top of the gently sloping hill, with the ocean sparkling all around it.
But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. The boho-chic neighborhood of Santurce is your go-to for shops selling some of Puerto Rico’s leading local designers. If international designers and high-end boutiques are more your style, you can spend hours browsing the storefronts in glitzy El Condado. Currently, a wide variety of cruise lines include San Juan on various itineraries.
Puerto Ricans tend to be very proud of their dishes, and for good reason – Puerto Rican food is as unique as it is delicious. With Spanish, African, Taino, and even American influences, San Juan’s food scene offers foodies an opportunity to indulge. Plus, the island provides some of the freshest ingredients you’ll find anywhere. For passengers, one of the best features of the San Juan cruise port is the simple fact that it is located close to San Juan. As we will discover, this city offers plenty of culture and excitement that can complement any cruise vacation. The port is grouped into two terminals and four cruise ship piers, each catering to various cruise lines.
Otherwise, the immediate port area can be very commercial with a mall, ice cream shops and chain stores like Domino's and Senor Frog's. There's really too much to do in one port call but that's what return trips are for. 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.
Beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, historic sites, culinary experiences, and outdoor adventures—discover the many sides of Puerto Rico on a cruise from San Juan. The 100-mile long island is packed with a diverse array of experiences, from spirited salsa music to serene coral reefs, 16th century UNESCO World Heritage structures, and pastel buildings lining cobblestone streets. Most guides are knowledgeable historians and locals passionate about sharing their city and its unique culture with visitors. While you can certainly walk around San Juan by yourself, booking a guided walking excursion will give you fascinating insights and not worry about getting lost.
You’ll find world-class surfing and plenty of water sports in Rincon on the island’s west side. Secluded shores with crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs on Flamenco Beach in Culebra. Once everyone is ready, you will participate in a guided ride across some of the island’s stunning scenery. You will learn about the land and its wildlife from a knowledgeable tour guide.
Most catamaran excursions involve a guided tour of the shoreline and an opportunity to swim in shallow and more secluded waters than can be found on the beaches of San Juan. For certain excursions, a lunch on board the ship is also provided to sample some Puerto Rican flavors in a unique setting. Most San Juan excursions will include food and beverages upon your return to the ranch and guaranteed timely transportation back to your ship. Like scuba diving excursions, horseback riding excursions in San Juan are extremely popular, so make sure you book ahead of time through your cruise line.
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