San Juan Cruise Port and Terminal Information
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Discover where cruise ships dock and how to get to the main attractions, beaches, and enjoy active pursuits. Explore the best duty-free shops and find the best restaurants to taste unique flavors. Cruise passengers on ships docking at the piers in Old San Juan, will find that the major historical landmarks of the town are just around the corner. The best shopping streets are in the Old Town and, likewise, some of the best restaurants. Recently updated, Pier 3 has two berths on each side and is for the almost exclusive use of Royal Caribbean ships.
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It was built for the purpose of protecting the city of San Juan from attack by land from the east. It is a fortification with three levels and an extensive series of outer defenses and it took over 150 years to complete. Castillo San Felipe del Morro sits atop a high promontory overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean. Within a short distance of the San Juan Cruise Port, you can find the Balneario el Escambron beach. The white sand beach is lined with picture-perfect palm trees, and there are plenty of activities to do here.
San Juan Cruise Port Terminal In Puerto Rico
The future project includes the facility's repair (overhaul), maintenance and operation. The drydock was originally built (in the early-1940s) and operated by the US Navy, acquired by PRPA in the late-1990s and not used since 2000. The project could generate ~USD 20M (in private investments), ~USD 16M (annual impact) and support ~400 local jobs. The renovated drydock could be used for general maintenance works and refurbishments of various ship types (including cargo, smaller-sized cruisers, ferries, superyachts).
THE 25 BEST Cruises to San Juan 2024 (with Prices) - San Juan Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises to San Juan 2024 (with Prices) - San Juan Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:07:37 GMT [source]
San Juan National Historic Site
For those embarking in the Old San Juan Terminal, however, the downtown cruise port has plenty of eateries and shops surrounding the waterfront. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find that San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting at the seams with unforgettable cultural discoveries. Every alleyway in Old San Juan offers a glimpse into a vibrant past that stretches back centuries, while monuments like the UNESCO World Heritage site Castillo San Felipe del Morro will make you feel as though you’ve wandered back in time. Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, the beloved Paseo de La Princesa in the city’s historic center is a great place to experience Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage up close.
Cruise Planning at this Port
Without a doubt, San Juan is a port that cruise passengers should explore, be it on their own or with a shore excursion. Most attractions of Old San Juan are within walking distance from the downtown piers, and cruisers will find more appealing things to do on foot in Old San Juan than onboard. You will have to take a taxi or book a tour in order to visit the historic Old San Juan and other tourist districts in San Juan. The only thing within reasonable walking distance is the regional Isla Grande Airport, Puerto Rico Convention Center, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, and the Hyatt House Hotel. San Juan cruise port schedule has booked ships operating mainly on Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries leaving roundtrip from Florida USA ports.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
There are no port parking facilities at either pier, but there is public parking in the area surrounding the port. If your cruise is originating in San Juan, you might be departing from the Pan America terminal which is farther from downtown. El Yunque National Forest has 29,000 lush acres of rainforest, including 25 miles of trails, waterfalls, natural water slides, and wildlife like the Puerto Rican parrot. Don’t miss the stunning mountain views from Yokahu Observation Tower (elevation 1575 feet). With more than 4,000 Uber drivers on the island, you won’t have to wait long for an Uber driver to find you.
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You’ll also want to coat yourself in mosquito repellant (this bay is also called Mosquito Bay!) and bring a headlamp for safer nighttime kayaking. Isla De Vieques will give you a more authentic Caribbean experience and a break from the tourists and other cruisers. If you stay into the night, you can see a unique phenomenon by kayaking in the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. If you want to adventure outside of Old San Juan, options for getting around town include taxis, Uber, buses, and San Juan’s light rail system, Tren Urbano. Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, if you are an American citizen, you don’t need a passport to travel to the island.
Once you arrive at the destination, get a map and explore on your own the walking trails that will take you past La Coca Falls, La Mina Falls, the Yokahu Observation Tower, and the Mount Britton Lookout Tower observation point. You can opt for an easy nature walk (Juan Diego Creek trail) or a 1-hour hike on one of several hiking trails, out of which Big Tree trail is the most popular one. Old San Juan has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its cobblestone streets, 16th-century walls and fortresses, picturesque architecture, and expansive views of the water. We would also recommend taking a break from strolling the streets to sample some of the unique cocktails.
Are there places to shop and eat within walking distance of the San Juan Cruise Port Terminals?
Depending on your cruise line and cruise ship traffic, your ship may arrive and dock here for the day and will most likely embark from here if San Juan is the home departure port. Home Port cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess) often use San Juan as their departure port, thus cruises embark from San Juan. Transit ships are those docking for a day or two originating from another homeport. Most cruise ships stopping in San Juan, Puerto Rico dock at the Old San Juan port which puts you minutes from downtown. The San Juan cruise port offers historical sites, architectural delights, gorgeous beaches, tropical rainforests, and adventurous excursions.
If you wish to explore St. Thomas on your own Taxis are fairly priced and can literally take the cruise ship traveler to all highlights, beaches, main sites and attractions. If you are an early bird, the morning arrival is a sight to behold. If you are not out and about when arriving in port, make sure to be out on deck when sailing away.
Improvements in port infrastructure and key service enhancements will undoubtedly support an even greater boost in tourism numbers. San Juan has many unique, positive attributes, including its proximity to major homeports, having the biggest port and airport in the region, being part of the U.S. and having unique tourist attractions like Old San Juan. San Juan Cruise Port will facilitate the growth of the homeport business by ensuring that San Juan continues to be the premier cruise gateway to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Condado Beach fits the bill if you want to sit on soft sand and read (or watch surfers). This beach is 16 minutes away from the port by public transit or 9 minutes away by Taxi or Uber. Marvel at the colorful buildings and 16th-century architecture that greets you in Historic San Juan. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you walk along the cobblestone streets.
For those arriving by taxi cab or shuttle, there are plenty of nearby parking facilities and drop-off zones. For those staying in the nearby hotels as they wait to board their cruise ship, transportation couldn’t be easier. While relatively small and at times a bit crowded, Condado Beach extends for several miles east of downtown and is a short taxi ride from Old San Juan. The entrance to this public beach is tucked between high-rise resorts. The beach offers the added convenience of proximity to the nearby Condado shopping and entertainment district. Guests also visit an interpretative station at Coca Waterfall, once believed to be the legendary fountain of youth.
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. Air-conditioned bus tours of San Juan encompass the primary highlights of the new and Old San Juan districts. The tour passes Condado Beach's luxury hotels and condominiums and the Window of the Sea coastal outcropping.
From El Morro fortress, you can walk back towards the cruise terminal and pass through the Old Spanish military barracks building on your way to the 16th-century San Juan Cathedral (Cathedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista). Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so you can freely spend US dollars. We recommend bringing some cash if you plan to sample different dishes from street food vendors or purchase handmade souvenirs from a roadside stall. Other than that, the majority of stores and restaurants accept all of the major credit cards. Before you arrive in Puerto Rico, visit the shore excursions desk onboard your ship or check your cruise line’s official website, as you can pre-book a wide range of exciting activities for your time in San Juan. If you are spending the night in San Juan, either at the beginning or end of your voyage, spend an evening taking in the sounds and tastes of La Placita de Santurce – a two-tiered market square over 100 years old.
Special selections include crispy grain salad, braised veal cheeks over an apio polenta, passion fruit curd, coconut ganache and pineapple-cilantro sorbet. San Juan attracts ships from across cruising's various categories, due in large part to its rich colonial history and fascinating combination of African, Caribbean and European cultures that are expressed in cuisine, the arts and music. With very few exceptions, all cruise lines call at Grenada's St Georges Cruise Port. The natural beauty of St. Martin starts at the Cruise Terminal, transportation to all top attractions is around the corner and affordable. GPH commenced preparations for the post-COVID cruising reality in January 2020 at the first sign of the pandemic. The Emergency Response Plans and the Health and Safety Protocols for all GPH ports were revised to reflect the new reality.
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