Monday, April 1, 2024

San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cruise Port Terminals: Review 2023

san juan cruise port

The San Juan Cruise Port is one of the largest and busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. There are 4 cruise ship piers and 2 modern terminals along the southern shores of historic Old San Juan with a total capacity to accommodate 7 ships at once. The strategic locations of these piers give tourists easy walking access to Old San Juan and its many attractions. In addition, just 1-mile southeast, across the San Antonio Canal, are 2 more large modern cruise ship terminals at the Pan American Pier, which can hold 2 more cruise ships.

MSC Cruises unveils grand plans for World America ship's naming ceremony in Miami

San Juan is one of the Caribbean’s hottest and most beloved cruise stops, welcoming visitors to explore one of the best-preserved Spanish Colonial historic cities. We are celebrating five centuries of history in our beautiful Old San Juan, we invite you to celebrate with us. Five centuries ago, our capital city was walled and protected by fortifications, keeping outsiders out. We are proud of the fact that in modern days, San Juan is often referred to as one of the happiest and most welcoming places on earth. The peak season for cruises arriving at San Juan Port is from December to April.

Is there parking available at the San Juan Port Cruise Terminals?

Caribbean Cruise News: The Latest News on Cruises and Caribbean Ports - Cruise Critic

Caribbean Cruise News: The Latest News on Cruises and Caribbean Ports.

Posted: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Visitors can explore the fortress’s many levels, tunnels, and ramparts while learning about its fascinating history. The views from atop the fortress are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Old San Juan. Curaçao (and its cruise port in Willemstad) is an island with a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, very comfortable to explore on your own. Meandering the streets of Old San Juan, the cruise traveler will have the opportunity to contemplate historical buildings of unique beauty, especially in Calle Fortaleza (Street) and Calle San Francisco (Street). Among many landmarks, the City Hall stands out on Plaza de Armas, whilst on Plaza Colón there are a few interesting buildings like the Old Casino, the Teatro Tapia and Castillo de San Cristóbal close by.

Is there a beach close to the San Juan Cruise Port?

Whether you want to view gorgeous 16th-century architecture, learn about the past of Puerto Rico, relax on a white sand beach, or explore a tropical rainforest, San Juan is the gateway to many types of adventures. If you’re looking to explore San Juan on your own, consider getting a taxi or booking a shuttle service. As you disembark your cruise ship, taxi drivers will be available to take you where you want to go.

Global Ports Holding Unveils Details of San Juan Project - Cruise Industry News

Global Ports Holding Unveils Details of San Juan Project.

Posted: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

So, if you’re looking to do some sightseeing while you visit San Juan, this is a great option. 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). 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.

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. Each cruise tourist receives a coupon booklet for additional savings in local restaurants and shops. 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. 2018 ended with handled nearly 1,8 million cruisers via 517 ship calls (21% increase over 2017).

Members shall determine if any other participants should be added to the committee. The principal objective of the Steering Committee will be to align objectives amongst the Steering Committee members, develop a common strategy, and set general guidelines for working together. At the end of the 30-year concession, the cruise facility, including all improvements made by GPH, will be handed back to the PRPQA at no cost to the government or the people of Puerto Rico. This agreement was signed after a competitive bidding process managed by the Public-Private Partnerships Authority as provided by Puerto Rico law, where GPH was selected as the preferred bidder. There is a large CVS store/pharmacy which has a large variety of food, drinks, and other necessities directly across from Old San Juan piers 1 & 2 and only 1/4 mile west of piers 3 and 4. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of tours and excursions available.

Top Rated Transfers to / from - Cruise Terminals

Another popular choice is the El Convento Hotel, a former convent turned boutique hotel in Old San Juan that offers charming rooms and an outdoor pool. One of the main attractions near these piers is El Morro, a six-story fortress that was built in 1539 to protect Puerto Rico from invaders. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the ocean and is a must-visit destination when exploring Old San Juan. AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado is another great option for those looking for a comfortable stay near the port. Located in the trendy Condado neighborhood, this hotel boasts sleek and stylish rooms with all the necessary amenities. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of the city.

Taxi and Shuttle Service

san juan cruise port

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. 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. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and street food vendors selling empanadas and other local treats here.

This schedule allows visitors to have ample time to explore Old San Juan during their stay. There are also many tours available that allow visitors to experience other parts of Puerto Rico outside of Old San Juan. The terminal also offers a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining restaurants. Passengers can enjoy shopping at duty-free stores or relax at one of the lounges while waiting for their cruise ship departure time. With two berths for as many cruise ships and a modern terminal, Pier 4 is used exclusively by Carnival Corporation cruise lines.

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. 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. You can take a lovely water-level walking path from Castillo de Morro to Paseo De La Princesa.

No matter which excursion you choose, San Juan will surely be your favorite stop on your next Caribbean cruise. You’ll start on a ferry in Old San Juan and then take a shuttle to Bacardi, Puerto Rico’s headquarters. The site includes Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, most city walls, the San Juan Gate, and Fort San Juan de la Cruz. Only about 20% of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently, but many people involved in the tourism trade are bilingual. Pirate Treasure Hunt (Royal Caribbean) is a family tour (pirate-themed and guided) on the trail around Old San Juan (leading to Castillo San Felipe del Morro (fortress). In 2019, Bacardi Global Travel Retail created a new Bacardi-dedicated rum bar within Pier 4's SMT Duty-Free (retail store).

Another must-visit fort in Old San Juan is San Cristobal Fort, which is located on a hill overlooking the city. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a bustling beach scene, there’s something for everyone here. Isla Verde is perfect for those seeking calm waters and soft sand while Condado Beach offers more amenities such as beachfront restaurants and water sports rentals. Old San Juan is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood filled with charming colonial architecture, lively bars, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies.

Touring San Juan is an exciting way to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. There are many options available for travelers who want to explore the city, including walking tours, bus tours, and adventure tours. Visitors can also take advantage of taxis or the free trolley that runs through Old San Juan. Cruise ships typically dock at Pier 3 or 4 within walking distance from Old San Juan’s historical landmarks such as El Morro Fortress and La Fortaleza – Governor’s Residence.

For something sweet, try Waffle-era Tea Room which serves up Belgian waffles topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Parking can be difficult in San Juan, so many travelers opt to take a bus or tour instead of driving themselves. This is especially true during festivals like the San Sebastian Street Festival in January when parking becomes almost impossible. As with most travel destinations worldwide, there has been some disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World - disembarking/embarking can be at times frustrating but there are some good insiders tips to discover.

Our local port team will also be committed to promoting the port and the destination, locally and abroad. We will work with government authorities, cruise lines and tourism operators and put our extensive global experience to work as the cruise industry gears for growth. Engagement, alignment and knowledge sharing will be key to sustainable success. The ownership of the port will remain in the hands of the people of Puerto Rico throughout the term of the agreement and thereafter.

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