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For the Pan American Pier, there is overnight parking available at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino. The Park & Cruise with "Estaciona y Vuela" offers long-term parking and transport services. There is no long-term parking for cruise guests at the Old San Juan Terminal, but there are a few unofficial parking options available within Old San Juan.
What pier will my cruise ship dock at or embark from in San Juan?
“Navy Frontier Pier,” “Pan American Pier” (wharf 2), and the Old San Juan piers (Pier 1, 3, 4, and 6) make up the three main piers of the cruise port terminal. Each pier caters to different cruise lines and offers unique facilities. While there are plenty of activities within walking distance of the cruise ship ports, if you have found an adventure or excursion that is farther away, the island has a lot of options for getting around. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
Restaurants Near the San Juan Cruise Port (Plus Shopping and Other Services)
For cruisers embarking at the Pan American Terminal, taxis or booked tours are the most effective means to reach the historic Old San Juan and other tourist districts. Going inside Old San Juan from the pier takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Staying at one of these hotels—the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, the Aloft San Juan, Hyatt House, or Hyatt Place—near the Pan American Pier terminals is the most convenient option. These piers are located centrally in Old San Juan, providing easy access to the city’s major attractions. Pier 1, Pier 3, and Pier 4 each have a two-tiered terminal with parking facilities, shopping concessions, and baggage gangways.
Puerto Rican Food Tour
Become the largest cruise port in the Caribbean by passenger traffic to maintain Puerto Rico’s status as a “must-see” destination. All tour operators in San Juan provide guides trained through "Aquila's Center for Cruise Excellence". This is a staff training program that helps cruise port destinations and local tour operators to achieve highest standards of service. However, public beaches (served by lifeguards and with facilities) are called here balnearios.
Caribbean
There is parking available at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino as well, which is located across from the Old San Juan Piers. The San Juan suburb of Santurce is home to a lively art scene punctuated with hip restaurants featuring international cuisine spiced by locally sourced ingredients and traditional Puerto Rican recipes. Dining out in San Juan encompasses everything from white-tablecloth fine dining to local food trucks serving delicious indigenous cuisine. Indeed, Puerto Rico has emerged in recent years as a "foodie" destination whose cuisine incorporates African, Caribbean, Latin and European influences and traditions. Kayak the waters of Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent bay located within Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve, whose waters glow green with each paddle stroke.
Wheelchair and Accessibility at the San Juan Cruise Port
This pier serves both cruise vessels and conventional ocean carriers handling open-storage cargo. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, bring insect repellent, and don’t forget to bring a swimsuit if you intend to swim in the falls! El Yunque National Forest is located approximately 50 km/30 miles from San Juan Cruise Pier and it takes around 45 minutes’ drive to get there. And if you need to spend some more money be sure to check out Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean and the second largest in Latin America. With over 300 stores and “the center of it all” as its slogan, this mall does indeed have it all. 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.
It is usually only occupied by Celebrity Cruises and ships who use it as a turn around port (cruise that begins or ends in San Juan) with the exception of Carnival. If the cruise line does not provide a shuttle you will need to take a taxi which will cost you about 10 US dollar one way, per taxi. The San Juan cruise port offers plenty of modern cruise terminals, so you will not have to worry about feeling out of place while waiting to board your cruise ship. Being situated between the beautiful city of San Juan and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, it is also the ideal location for any port of call visit.
Global Ports Holding Begins Operations at San Juan Port - Cruise Industry News
Global Ports Holding Begins Operations at San Juan Port.
Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Another intimate beach, El Escambron, borders Old San Juan and the modern Condado District. Framed by a combination of ancient city fortifications and modern skyscrapers, El Escambron is San Juan's most picturesque beach and is located within Tercer Milenio Park, which offers recreational activities including stand-up paddleboarding. 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.
Oceania Cruises unveils 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection
In addition to its lovely setting, the Cathedral of San Juan is prominent for being the second-oldest cathedral built in the Americas and the burial site of Juan Ponce de Leon. Airport transfers may also be available when arriving by air on the day of cruise departure. This collaborative marketplace showcases young creatives and has a permanent location in a two-floor warehouse space in Santurce. Look for locally designed clothing and accessories, handmade jewelry, books, art and even services like hairstyling. The "ocean to table" cuisine at this upscale restaurant at the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is the product of Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas' sophisticated palate.
In 2021, Puerto Rico experienced a strong rebound in tourism activity. 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. The ownership of the port will remain in the hands of the people of Puerto Rico throughout the term of the agreement and thereafter. The facility, including all improvements made, will be officially returned to the PRPA at no cost to the government or the people of Puerto Rico.
Plazuela de la Rogativa (Plaza of Religious Procession) or Rogativa Plaza was built in 1971, to commemorate an event that took place on this site in 1797. This whole area can be explored on foot but some parts are narrow & steep streets, therefore it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes. Besides, it might be far length of walking at some points for someone, however, there are free trolley services that make frequent stops. The port plays a vital role in Puerto Rico’s economy, contributing around 7.1% to the local tourism sector.
At some local restaurants, you’ll get to hear traditional music and watch dance performances during your meal. The can’t-miss food item to try in Puerto Rico is mofongo, a side dish that accompanies most meals made from fried green plantains mashed up with salt, olive oil, and garlic. For drinks, don’t miss some locally distilled rum or a glass of sangria. On our cruises from San Juan, explore some of the less-traveled Caribbean islands on an unforgettable seven-night itinerary. Be transported to the world’s most unforgettable destinations in spectacular style.
For those who visit San Juan as a day-stop on a Caribbean itinerary or embark or disembark there, the island's biggest appeal is the old city. Most cruise ships dock right in the heart of Old San Juan, which dates back to the 16th century. The old, walled city has been exquisitely preserved, and its sprawling forts, cobblestone streets, antique shops and art galleries make it an ideal first stop. Calle del Cristo, in particular, is chock-full of art galleries, artisan studios and distinctive boutiques. The Port of San Juan, located in the heart of Puerto Rico’s bustling city, is the Caribbean’s busiest cruise port. This bustling port plays host to numerous cruise ships and millions of passengers annually, making it a pivotal stop for cruise lines.
You are going to take a ride around the property, watch a movie on the history of Bacardi rum-making, and see the fascinating historical artifacts. You can experience the fusion of Spanish and Caribbean foods with a Puerto Rican food tour. Several half-day food tour options will transport you to local farmer’s markets and coastal restaurants.
The San Juan cruise port offers historical sites, architectural delights, gorgeous beaches, tropical rainforests, and adventurous excursions. If you would prefer to stroll the streets and do a little bit of window shopping, there are plenty of shops lining the streets near the main cruise terminal. Don’t forget you will also find numerous duty-free shops within the port terminals, so save some time to browse before you board. 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.
