Cruising to Puerto Rico
If you ever considered a cruise vacation you will not be disappointed by choosing one that has San Juan, Puerto Rico as one of the ports of call. San Juan is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. Puerto Rico offers white sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, colonial forts and buildings, museums, vibrant hotels, casinos, restaurants and shops. The island is rich in history, blessed by nature, and alive with its own unique culture.
The majority of cruises visiting Puerto Rico are 3-7 days long, and in most cases, you only have a day to enjoy the island. Check your cruise tour itineraries for specials on excursions, tours and activities. Most of the tours are 2-4 hours in length and they're all going to the same places across all cruise lines.
So, here is the must-see and do list for the one-day visitor - especially first timers.
Make the Most of Your Day in San Juan
If You Only Have 2 Hours
Explore Old San Juan
Spend your day walking around the historic walls and forts of the Old San Juan.
Popular attractions include Fort San Felipe Del Morro, Fort San Cristobal,
the Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, Cristo Chapel,
and La Fortaleza, among many others. There's a free trolley that will take you around Old San Juan and to the forts.
Eat and Shop
Sample local dishes like lechon asado, mofongo, sancocho and tostones.
While San Juan is not a duty-free port, you can still find handcrafts, jewelry, clothes, and other souvenirs shops, take a stroll down Calle Fortaleza, Calle San Francisco and Calle Cristo.
If You Only Have 4 Hours
Visit Casa Bacardi
The largest rum distillery
in the world, processing some 100,000 gallons daily. Visitors may tour
the plant, the tour will take you through special exhibits explaining the
fermentation, distilling and bottling processes, a small museum exhibits
Bacardi's history and a free rum cocktail.
Visit a Beach
Visit nearby Condado, Ocean Park, Escambron and Isla Verde beaches, located a 10 minutes drive from the pier. You can also visit
the Luquillo Beach, near El Yunque.
If You Only Have 6 Hours
El Yunque National Forest
Hike the trails of the El Yunque, located in Luquillo, is the only tropical forest in the
United States National Forest System. Located about 45 minutes from San Juan.
Camuy River Cave Park
The Camuy River Cave Park is one of the largest underground formations in the Western Hemisphere, and only seven miles (11km) of this
series of limestone caves have been fully explored.
San Juan Port Call
The Port of San Juan is the busiest in the Caribbean and is ranked among the top 25 of the world's ports in terms of passengers and container movement. San Juan's two cruise terminals are located a stone's throw away from one another, one in the San Juan Bay and the other at the Pan American terminal just across the bay, a10-minute ride, close to the airport, up to 6 cruise ships can dock at these terminals. The San Juan Bay Terminal has 3 piers (Pier 1, Pier 3, and Pier 4) located a short walk from Old San Juan.
Although U.S. territories does not require a passport for U.S. citizens, you'll still need your passport for cruises that stop at ports in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. Additionally, U.S. citizens who travel by air to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda to catch their ship must have a passport. However, if you are cruising to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada from a U.S. port you do not need a passport - this is deemed a "closed loop" voyage.
San Juan Pier
Major Cruise Lines Serving San Juan
San Juan serves as both a homeport and a port of call for many of the world's leading cruise lines. Whether you're beginning a Southern Caribbean voyage or stopping for the day, the city's historic attractions, restaurants, beaches, and excursions are only minutes from the cruise terminals.
Carnival Cruises
Look for the Eastern Caribbean departing from Miami, FL
and the Southern Caribbean departing from San Juan, PR
1-888-CARNIVAL, 1-888-227-6482
Celebrity Cruises
Look for Southern Caribbean departing from San Juan, PR
1-800-722-5941, 1-800-647-2251
Costa Cruises
1-877-882-6782, 1-800-377-9383
Cunard Line
1-800-7CUNARD
Holland America Line
This company includes Mayagüez, on Puerto Rico's west coast, on its itineraries
departing from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
1-877-724-5425, 1-877-SAIL HAL, 1-800-426-0327
Norwegian Cruise Line
1-800-327-7030, 1-305-445-0866
Princess Cruises
Inteneraries include San Juan on cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and New York.
1-800-774-6237, 1-800-PRINCESS
Regent Seven Seas
1-800-505-5370
Royal Caribbean International
Look for Southern Caribbean departing from San Juan, PR
1-800-398-9819, 1-800-521-8611
Seabourn
Cruise Line
1-800-929-9391
Silver Sea Cruise Line
1-800-722-9955
Windstar Cruises
1-800-258-SAIL(7245)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk from the cruise port to Old San Juan?
Yes. Ships docking at the Old San Juan piers are within walking distance of historic streets, restaurants, shops, plazas, and major attractions.
How far is El Morro from the cruise port?
El Morro is roughly a 20- to 30-minute uphill walk from the Old San Juan piers. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Do I need a taxi from the Pan American Pier?
Yes. The Pan American Pier is across the bay from Old San Juan, so you will need a taxi, rideshare, or cruise transfer.
Can I use Uber in San Juan?
Yes. Rideshare service is widely available around San Juan, although pickup rules may vary near cruise terminals and other restricted areas.
Can I visit El Yunque during a cruise stop?
Yes, provided your ship is in port long enough. Allow several hours for transportation and exploring, and return well before departure.
What beach is closest to the cruise port?
Escambrón Beach and Condado Beach are among the closest options, usually about 10 to 15 minutes away by car from Old San Juan.
Is Old San Juan safe for cruise passengers?
Old San Juan is heavily visited and generally easy to explore during the day. Stay aware of your surroundings and protect valuables as you would in any busy tourist area.
Do U.S. citizens need a passport to cruise to Puerto Rico?
U.S. citizens traveling directly between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland do not need a passport. Cruise itineraries visiting foreign ports may have different requirements.
How early should I return to the ship?
Plan to return at least 60 to 90 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure, or follow the return time provided by your cruise line.
Can I store luggage near the cruise port?
Some hotels and private luggage-storage services may hold bags for a fee. Availability varies, so arrange storage before arriving.
What can I see during a short cruise stop?
With two to four hours, focus on Old San Juan, including Paseo de la Princesa, the San Juan Gate, historic plazas, colorful streets, and one of the forts.
Did You Know?
All the lakes in Puerto Rico are man made.
This is your comprehensive guide to La Isla del Encanto.
