The Ultimate Guide To Taking A Cruise Out Of San Juan Puerto Rice
San Juan is a vibrant city with a fascinating history, friendly locals, and beautiful beaches. It has quickly risen to one of our favorite cities to cruise from or explore during a day at port.
Whether you want to spend the afternoon exploring the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan or zip off to explore the nearby rainforest, Puerto Rico is a destination full of adventure.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about cruising from San Juan and how to spend the perfect day in port.
Why is San Juan a Good City To Cruise From?
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the oldest continuously inhabited post-European contact city in United States territory and the second oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere. Since the Spanish founded it in 1519, San Juan has been the capital of Puerto Rico.
Having such a rich history, San Juan boasts remarkable architecture. Marvel at the impressive, beautifully preserved arches, domes, and ornamentation on the buildings throughout Old San Juan. One of the main reasons I love sailing out of San Juan is that I enjoy staying a few extra days before or after the cruise to explore more of Puerto Rico!
Cheery locals encourage visitors to experience the best of San Juan, each with their take on who has the best mofongo, where to get the best deal on souvenirs, and which hotel you should be staying at.
The San Juan Cruise Ports are conveniently located near hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Securing a taxi to take us to the cruise terminal was easy, as many were waiting outside our hotel, hoping to catch an eager passenger.
The only downside to cruising from San Juan is that flights can be more expensive to fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) compared to another port city in the US.
There are Two Ports In San Juan
One essential thing to note is that San Juan has two different ports. The Old San Juan Piers and the Pan American Pier are called the San Juan Cruise Port. It is the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean!
Since the Pan-American Pier is across the canal, you must take a taxi or arrange transportation to get to it. The Old San Juan Piers gives cruisers the easiest access to Old San Juan, leaving them steps from exploring the magical city.
Fun Fact: The San Juan Cruise Port can accommodate nine cruise ships between the two piers.
Getting Around San Juan
San Juan is a vast metropolis that is more challenging to navigate on foot than one might initially perceive. Unless you plan on staying in Old San Juan, you will likely need transportation to get to the area.
Taxis
Utilize Taxis or ride-share in popular tourist areas. Taxis are lined up at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), and by major hotels and cruise ports.
Note that taxis cannot enter El Yunque National Forest for pickup or drop-off, so you’d need to find alternative transportation for that day trip. Always confirm your rate with the driver beforehand, as fees could be flat or metered.
Note: Ensure you have cash, as many taxis don’t take credit cards.
Private Transfers
We have always prearranged our transfers through Puerto Rico Green Transportation, and they have been remarkable—outstanding communication with excellent drivers who are always willing to share their favorite local spots.
They have recently started doing personal tours of the island with different tours to choose from. We opted for the Pork Highway Tour during our recent stay in San Juan. The guide took us throughout the Pork Highway, indulging us in the culture’s rich tradition of frequenting lechoneras for delectable lechon, spit-roasted pork.
Bus
Throughout San Juan, public buses follow well-trafficked routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Rental Cars
Many guests opt to spend extended time in Puerto Rico to explore the island and may opt to get a rental car. There are plenty of rental car options available.
Tip: Plug your rental car and hotel dates into Hopper to set alerts when prices are the best to book!
Where To Stay In San Juan
Luxurious five-star resorts line the beaches of Condado Beach, while historic boutique hotels dot Old San Juan. Travelers through San Juan will find accommodations plentiful; however, booking in advance will ensure the best pricing.
Coming from the dreary Midwest winters, my family loves to spend time at the beach before departing on our cruise. Here are a few of our favorites that we have stayed at over the years.
La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
Known as a Caribbean playground, La Concha is a sprawling resort offering dreamy beaches, postcard-worthy pools, and a lively nightlife scene. Guests can easily get to local eateries, bars, and boutiques only steps away from the city center.
The hotel is geared toward travelers without children, promoting a beach party vibe with live music at the pools, trendy bars, and an on-site casino. Grab a tropical cocktail to sip on by the adults-only pool, get a massage on the beach, or dine al fresco at one of the many restaurants.
Families traveling with children can enjoy poolside service by the infinity pool that offers a shallow end for children. Soak up the sun on the beach, play in the waves, or build a sand castle.
Tip: We found the hotel did not quiet until close to 2 am; if you are a light sleeper, we suggest bringing a sound machine.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
One of our favorite stays has been at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Only 5 miles from the airport, this resort offers family-friendly pools, a waterslide, oceanfront restaurants, and spacious suites.
Dine like a local by venturing only steps from the hotel to the popular Orozcos Restaurant, where celebrity chef Guy Fieri visited. Taste traditional dishes such as mofongo, whole red snapper, and fresh ceviche.
Tip: It is worth the splurge to get an oceanview balcony room.
Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Families flock to the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, which is directly across the street from the airport. The hotel has a lovely oceanfront restaurant and plenty of pools, including a 1ft splash pool for littles.
Swim up to the bar to grab a tropical cocktail and experience the comfort of gathering with friends in the grand lobby before retreating to your spacious room. We found this hotel more budget-friendly and were quickly able to book a room using points.
Great Hotels Near The Port
Guests looking to stay closer to the port may consider one of the hotel options:
- Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
- CasaBlanca Hotel
- Hyatt Place San Juan – An excellent pick for traveling with kids
How To Spend 24 Hours In San Juan
Many cruisers will opt to arrive at their departure port a day or two before their cruise is set to leave. It helps reduce the worry of flight cancellations and delays that could cause you to miss the boat.
We put together a brief itinerary on how to spend 24 hours in San Juan to help you make the most of your experience.
Arrival
Upon flying into San Juan, guests want to venture to their hotel to check in and drop off their luggage. Many hotels offer guests the option to leave their luggage at the hotel until their room is ready for check-in. That gives you time to explore the nearby area or hit the beach bar to kick off your vacation.
Luggage Storage in San Juan
If your accommodation does not offer luggage storage, you can utilize luggage storage options throughout the city, such as Bags Away. Renting a luggage locker will allow you the freedom to roam without carrying your bags on your back.
Head To Old San Juan
If soaking up the sun on the beach is not on your agenda today, we recommend hailing a taxi to Old San Juan. While hiring a guide will ultimately provide the best experience, you can opt to do a free self-guided tour of the historic establishment.
Taking the self-guided tour of Old San Juan will take you to the top sites such as Plaza Colon (Columbus Square), Castillo San Cristóbal (Fort San Cristobal), Calle de la Fortaleza (Fortaleza Street), Paseo de la Princesa (Princess Promenade), San Juan Gate and City Wall La Fortaleza (The Fortress), Plaza de Armas (Arms Square), Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, Museum of the Americas, and El Castillo San Felipe del Morro (Fort El Morro).
Before embarking on this journey, you will want to ensure you have plenty of sunscreen, water, and good walking shoes. It is hot, the sun is brutal, and you will burn.
Tour Fort El Morro
One thing you must do in San Juan is tour historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro (Fort El Morro). Castillo San Felipe del Morro is part of the United States National Park Service and is protected as a national historic site.
Tip: Get your stamp and grab a junior ranger packet for the kids.
The fort overlooks San Juan Bay, offering dramatic views. During the 16th century, Spain quickly became a significant world power mainly because of the strategically located island of Puerto Rico. That’s why Spain spent over 250 years fortifying this prized location. It’s no wonder why Spain vigorously protected and kept Puerto Rico under its control for nearly 400 years!
The Forts never saw action, as San Juan never came under siege. Today, guests can stroll through the corridors where soldiers once held guard and peek inside nooks and crannies where cannons once stood.
Note: Your admission into Fort El Morro will also get you into Fort San Cristobal, so keep your receipt.
Experience an Authentic Puerto Rican Meal
As dinnertime approaches, return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. When traveling with kids, ensure you allot time for them to enjoy the pool or beach during your stay.
Throughout San Juan, many incredible restaurants are offering local cuisine. A few of our favorites include Orozcos Restaurant, La Casita Blanca, and Cayo Caribe. If fresh seafood is a must, Cayo Caribe is your place. You get to handpick the fish that you want that evening and trust me, it is mouth-watering!
Other great restaurants to venture to include:
- Marmalade- A merging of contemporary French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine
- 1919- An upscale restaurant inside the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
- Cocina Abierta
- Acapulco Taquería Mexicana
- Vianda
Grab Gelato at Anita Gelato
End your evening on a sweet note with a scoop of gelato from Anita. Tempting mounds of assorted gelatos greet customers as they enter the trendy parlor. After ordering three small gelatos, we quickly realized that the small is quite large and could easily have been split.
Day 2
Typically, this is the day when you will be boarding your ship. Ensure to check your embarkation times to know when you need to be at the port to board the ship. With most ships not starting embarkation until around 11 am, there is still plenty of time to get out and explore.
Note: Many cruise lines will offer excursions for today with a return time back onboard before departure.
Grab Breakfast
Please don’t settle for a typical hotel breakfast unless it is included in your stay. Venture to Pannes, one of San Juan’s most popular breakfast joints, offers traditional Puerto Rican breakfast, pastries, and coffee. Breakfast is available here all day, so if you crave an empanada, this is the place to swing in!
Another great breakfast spot in San Juan is Christianson, a lovely restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating. Indulge in a slice of breakfast heaven with their delectable French Toasts. We ordered the Nutella French Toast, one of the best breakfast foods I have ever had.
Take A Guided Tour
A guided tour is one of the best ways to experience Puerto Rico. As I mentioned earlier, we use Puerto Rico Green Transportation for tours of the city and surrounding areas. Various tours can be found on Viator as well.
If you opted to enjoy the beach yesterday, then tour Old San Juan today.
Tip: Ensure the guides know when you need to be at the port. The ship will not wait for you.
Depending on when you start your day in San Juan will depend on what type of tour you will be able to take. Many tours venture to the El Yunque Rainforest, the Pork Highway, a city food tour, and more.
We opted for the Pork Highway during our recent visit, which was remarkable! Getting out of the city center to experience the local cuisine, culture, and diverse landscape was remarkable. These tours are great for those in port for the day, visiting overnight, or staying for an extended period.
PRO TIP: Most cruise lines allow you to bring two bottles of wine or a 6-pack of beer onboard per stateroom. Be sure to pick these up in town to get lower-prices and bring them to the port. You will keep these in your carry-on. * Each cruiseline has different rules that can be changed, so check on their website for their updated policy.
Navigating The Cruise Terminal
First-timer cruisers should expect organized chaos upon arriving at any cruise terminal. People, luggage, and taxis are everywhere. Once you have joined the crowd, you will see two different lines: One for the porters and one for passenger embarkation.
Your first step will be taking your luggage to the porters. Ensure the bags are properly tagged with your cruise line tags before handing them over.
Porters are cruise employees who handle and transport luggage. They will take the bags you want delivered directly to your cabin.
After dropping off your luggage, you will then stand in line for embarkation. I highly recommend reading this article from Cruise Critic as it prepares first-timers for embarkation day.
My biggest tip is to ensure you are arriving within your embarkation time window or later, then make sure that there isn’t a separate line for your embarkation window time. This recently happened to us, as we arrived 15 minutes before our embarkation window. We were waiting in the vast line, only to discover there was a separate line you could go in once your window was open!
Guests can expect to go through security screeners and wait again for check-in. The whole process can be daunting but well worth it once onboard.
We hope this guide helps prepare you for a great adventure in San Juan. Remember to check out our Compete Packing List for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise.
Save This Post For Later
