carnival excursions san juan

Top 10 Must See of San Juan

You’ll begin your excursion with a guided drive through the Old San Juan area. Your first stop will be at the President’s Square and Capitol Building, where you’ll learn about the island’s relationship with the U.S. continuing through New San Juan, you’ll pass the Isla Verde strip with its luxurious hotels, exclusive boutiques stores and pristine beaches, then stop at Loíza village, Piñones, Educational Center COPI, for a taste of a typical Puerto Rican Afro-Caribbean heritage. Afterwards, continue to “Boca Cangrejo” Skyline monument. This is a great picture moment as you take in the breathtaking views. Continue on into the Condado District to the fourth stop at La Ventana del Mar (Window to the Sea). This is a modern district, next to the beach and full of stores and restaurants, that features a beautiful fountain and walkway to the ocean. You’ll then return to the Old San Juan area, where you’ll pass the San Cristóbal Fort, the Fifth Centenary Square, Santa María de Pazzis Cemetery, the Totem, Ballajá Cuartels and the famous Morro Castle. At this point, you’ll depart from your motor coach and begin the walking portion of the tour. You’ll walk down Christ Street, where you will see the San José Church—the second oldest church in the Americas, built in 1532. Moving on, you’ll see the Juan Ponce de León Statue, made from the remains of iron cannon balls used in different wars during the colonial times. Continue down the street and you’ll pass the San Juan Cathedral, the Christ Chapel and the oldest governor’s mansion in continuous use, “La Fortaleza.” You’ll stop by Pigeon’s Park with its beautiful views, then you’ll continue down Fortaleza Street to the Plaza Colón, where your guide will give you the option to go back the ship, or stay and explore on your own then walk back to the ship, only two (2) blocks away.

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Carnival Cruise: History behind the... - San Juan Cruise Port Tours

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We had no plans to do an excursion in Puerto Rico. We planned to just walk around, but we were... read more

Yesterday we got off our cruise ship and were approached by San Juan Happy Tours guide Anthony with... read more

Carnival Cruise: History behind the Walls Tour Excursion

Great way to see the historic sites in San Juan. Our tour guide, Noemi, was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. My kids and I learned a lot. Would highly recommend this trip

Do not ever go to Alex from Highlander tours he is very rude and unprofessional he told us we can do a rain forest hike to a waterfall and when we got there it was just the driver who didn’t speak any English he was no where to be found the driver took us up to the middle of the jungle for zipline and a river tour not what we discussed with alex at all so we had the driver bring us back to on hotel all in all it was a horrible experience and then Alex blamed us for wasting his time he wasn’t even there we had to pay the driver he her time because it was not her fault that her boss was incompetent waste of money and time don’t do it !!!!

The last stop on tour was the fort. Havianasos was our guide We asked how long he said take all the pictures you want. We turned around and he was gone. We tried to chase after bus. Ran into other tour people they said he said we were walking back. We never said that and it was a 3 mile walk back to ship. Not happy and we even gave him a tip!🙄

We had a stop at the San Juan Puerto Rico cruise port. It was really easy to get on and off the ship at this port. We took an excursion to the Fort and then out into the rain forest. Sadly you can tell all the devastation that took place on the island from the hurricane. This was definitely a beautiful stop. After the excursion we were allowed to walk around in old San Juan for few hours prior to having to be back on the ship.

We just sailed on March 10, 2019, on a 7 day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean on the brand new ship, The Edge. The ship was very nice, the food superb. The service excellent. And the entertainment great. We wanted to book a sunset sailing in San Juan but all of the tours were filled up. I guess we wailed to long. Book another cruise while on a cruise can save you money and comes with perks. Celebrity has become our cruise line of choice. They have a great CEO: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.

A very interesting tour included as part of our Caribbean Island Tour on the Viking Sea Cruise. The guide was informative and included a visit to the old city, cathedral and castle

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Printed on 30 Apr 2024 from PuertoRicoDayTrips.com

Shore Excursions and Tours for Cruisers to San Juan

We took a cruise recently, and I did all the planning for our excursions in the various ports. For those of you coming into San Juan and trying to plan your day in port — I feel your pain. It is not easy to decide what there is to do in (or around) San Juan, and there are so many questions that need answering. Will I have enough time in port? How will I get there from the ship? Do I need a guide or can I do it on my own?

I will try to make your planning a little bit easier by offering suggestions and ideas that will (hopefully) answer some of your questions. Of course, you don’t have to be on a cruise to use this list of things to do in Puerto Rico. Anyone that is spending time in the Old San Juan or metro area will find this info handy.

Puerto Rico Basics

Language — Puerto Rico has two official languages; Spanish and English. Spanish is the more common language throughout the island, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.

Currency — As part of the US, the US dollar is our currency. We don’t negotiate prices when shopping, though there may be some negotiation in jewelery stores and with street vendors. But, for the most part, the price marked on an item is the price — plus sales tax (know locally as IVU , by its Spanish initials).

Forms of Payment — Everyone prefers cash, but credit cards (MC, Visa, AmEx) are widely accepted in stores and restaurants.

What to Buy — Looking for that special souvenir that is unique to Puerto Rico? Try some locally-grown coffee, Puerto Rican rum, items related to the Three Kings (especially around the holidays), paper maché vejigante masks, bobbin lace ( mundillo ) items, and candies made from coconut or tropical fruits.

Cellphone Coverage & WIFI — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all have operations and coverage here in Puerto Rico. Though Verizon is no longer represented on the island, Verizon cellphones work here. Most "nationwide" plans include Puerto Rico, but double-check with your carrier to make sure you won’t get hit with huge roaming charges if you use your phone here. Many of the plazas in Old San Juan have free WIFI, and many restaurants and bars offer WIFI for their customers.

Where Does My Ship Dock?

For a Day in Port — All the ships in port for the day or evening will dock right in Old San Juan at Pier 3 or Pier 4. On rare occasions, for example during high season (winter) when a bunch of ships are in port for the day, it is possible for 1 or 2 ships to have to use the Frontier Pier or the Pan Am Pier (across the bay from Old San Juan). If you end up at the Pan Am Pier, you will have to take a taxi to Old San Juan . There is nothing within walking distance of the Pan Am Pier. A Sheraton with a small casino and the Puerto Rico Convention Center are about a mile away.

For Embarkation & Debarkation — The Royal Caribbean and Princess cruise lines embark/debark at the Pan Am Pier, across the bay from Old San Juan. Carnival and other cruise lines use Pier 3 and Pier 4 right in Old San Juan. There are even times when ships use the Frontier Pier. So double-check your cruise itinerary for exact pier, as they sometimes switch piers depending on ship traffic.

The Cruise TT web site lists the ships scheduled to be in port on a given day. You can use this to see how much of a crowd to expect in port on the day that you’ll be here.

What To Do In Port In San Juan?

Almost any activity that you would want to do on a Caribbean island is available here in Puerto Rico. The problem is that Puerto Rico is a pretty large island (relatively speaking as compared to other Caribbean islands), so travel times make some things not feasible for a cruise ship passenger to do during a short time in port.

We do try to keep our event calendar up to date with festivals and other celebrations going on throughout the island. Unfortunately, the dates for many events aren’t announced more than a couple weeks in advance. So check back frequently!

• Other islands will have prettier beaches than the ones close to the cruise piers. But for beach lovers, head to Balneario Escambron , or Playita in Condado. For beach day passes at resorts (with amenities like use of chairs, umbrellas, showers, and sometimes the pools)- Marriott Hotels in Condado and Isla Verde or Cafe La Plage in Isla Verde.
• Go on a guided Segway tour around Old San Juan, and optionally go into El Morro (on foot).
• Rent a bicycle and cruise around on your own or with a guide, maybe even get to a beach.
• Do a walking tour of Old San Juan, either with a guide or on your own .
• Visit El Morro or Fort San Cristobal .
• Go on a rum-tasting tour or a cooking class .
• Visit one or more of the many museums in Old San Juan .
• Take a sunset cruise of San Juan Bay. Sailing Dreams offers 3.5 hr tours at sunset,with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. For info or reservations, contact them 787-519-5000 or through the Ecantos Ecotours website. .
• Do a little shopping in Old San Juan for designer items, jewelry or local crafts.

• Try you luck at a Casino– across the SJ bay at the Sheraton by the Convention Center is Casino Metro
• Take a tour at the Bacardi Distillery , you can save money by using the transportation to Bacardi.
• Visit a nearby beach, like Escambron , the balneario in Carolina , or even the beaches in Condado or Isla Verde.
• There are some nearby watersports like mini-boats, SCUBA, sailing, sunset cruises, and deep sea fishing.
• Take in an art museum in San Juan.
• Checkout the boardwalk area in Pinones for food, bike riding, kayaking, or walking along the beach COPI has rental equipment.
• Get a day-pass at one of the Marriott resorts.
• Go shopping in Plaza las Americas , the largest mall in the Caribbean.
• Spend the day at a casino in one of the resorts in Condado or Isla Verde.
• Walk around the UPR Botanical Garden in Rio Piedras.
• Head to Hacienda Campo Rico for horseback riding , ATV , golf, amphibious cars , or ziplines.

Grabbing a Bite or a Drink

Sure, you have a full meal plan on your ship. But Old San Juan is loaded with all sorts of great restaurants. It’s hard to get a bad meal here.

Many people ask about places to get real , authentic Puerto Rican food. There are so many places … Raices, Mojitos, Cafe Puerto Rico, EL Jibarito, La Mallorca, El Punto, and Cafe Manolin.

Obviously, Puerto Rico has a Spanish heritage, so Spanish tapas are also popular, and can be found at places like El Picoteo, Rosario, and Baru.

You can also find Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and … just about any other type of restaurants throughout Old San Juan. .

Who to use for my excursion?

When planning an excursion away from the ship and the Old San Juan area, there are questions that you’ll be asking yourself. Should I take on of the trips offered by the ship? Should I go with a group? Should I do something on my own?

The first things you need to take into account is your budget, and how adventurous you want to be. There are pros and cons to both organized tours and do-it-yourself excursions. Sometimes, you don’t feel like thinking and prefer to be led by the hand, so to speak. At other times, you don’t feel like being weighed down by a group or having to stick to someone else’s schedule. You need to decide which type of trip you prefer.

Using the ship excursions has some perks — they are well organized (the meeting spot is usually just as you exit the ship) and it gives you some extra "insurance" (if you are late coming back from an ship’s excursion, the ship will not leave without you). However, these are usually large groups, they do cost a little extra for the level of convenience, and they sometimes have strict restrictions (often more strict than required by the actual operator of the excursion).

Independent bus tours are usually half-day trip to various parts of the island. You can get onto one of these just as you get off of the cruise ship dock, usually on the sidewalk or street. Once you choose one, you will typically have to wait in the bus until the bus driver has "enough" people to start the tour. These tours are usually a little cheaper than ship-sponsored trips, but they often go to the same or similar places as the ship’s tours.

Private guides are also available for customized tours, either pre-arranged or on the spot. You will have to track down these guides on your own, and many do not have web sites. We met Raul from Natural Wonders PR, he offered an interesting tour of the rain forest (not only the usual stops). We have never gone on a tour with him, but he gets good reviews (he has a website). Or you can try getting information on good tour guides on CruiseCritic or ShoreTrips . Just be sure to do your due diligence , and look for public comments, ratings, and reviews from previous customers. These types of trips are a little less expensive than the ship’s excursions, but more expensive than doing it on your own.

Finally, you can rent a car and have a self led adventure. Renting a car is the least expensive and most flexible route, but you do miss some commentary from a guide, and you have to spend precious vacation time dealing with the car rental. Many of the activity operators allow you to book on your own and save money (and some may provide or arrange transportation). Contact them and ask.

If you have a late (after 2pm) flight on debarkation day, there are some tours that will pick you (and your luggage) up at the ship, take you on an excursion for a couple hours, and then drop you (and your luggage) off at the airport. This is a nice way to spend a few hours before your flight, instead of just sitting at the airport.

Things to Do if You Have More time

If you have a full day (or almost full day) in port, there are a bunch of things that you can do that are within 1 or 1½ hour-drive of Old San Juan. You can check our island maps and our Place Finder & GPS Coordinates to help with locating activities and driving directions. These activities require a little more travel time, and a little more planning on your part, but they are totally worth the extra effort!

Check out these past articles for some ideas

• 40 Things to do in Northeast Puerto Rico
• Top 10 Must-See and Must-Do Things
• Top 10 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico

Happy Cruising

We hope that this gives you some ideas to help plan your day in port in San Juan. Enjoy your visit, and come back again to do all the stuff that you couldn’t accomplish in just one day!

Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...

• Al Dente Italian Restaurant
• AquExpreso / ferry terminal / Pier 2
• Bacardi Rum Distillery
• Balneario Carolina
• Balneario Escambron
• Barrachina Restaurant
• Cafe Berlin
• Cafe Mallorca
• Carli's Bistro
• Chicago Burger Company
• Cruise Ship Pier 1, Old San Juan
• Cruise Ship Pier 3, Old San Juan
• Cruise Ship Pier 4, Old San Juan
• Cruise Ship Pier 6, Old San Juan
• El Jiberito
• El Morro Fort
• Fort San Cristobal
• Frontier Adventures, Hacienda Campo Rico
• Hacienda Campo Rico
• La Bombonera (CLOSED)
• Mojitos Restaurant
• Old Harbor Brewery
• Pan American Cruise Ship Pier
• Pinones Beach and Boardwalk
• Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) Visitor Center
• Raices Restaurant
• Rent the Bicycle
• Senor Frogs
• SoFo Restaurants

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →

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PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding the information contained in this article. Hours of operation, prices, and contact information may have changed since this article was published and/or printed. Please re-confirm this information directly with the attraction or tour operator.

San Juan for the day: What to do while your cruise is in port

Colonial history, splendid natural beauty and trendy nightlife make San Juan a must-visit Caribbean port of call. In fact, it's a staple on Eastern and Southern Caribbean departures sailing round-trip from Florida ports such as PortMiami , Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Port Canaveral near Orlando.

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.

San Juan is also a modern metropolis with upscale dining and shopping. Its numerous attractions make arriving a day or two early a rewarding option for travelers whose ship home-ports in the city.

Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Holland America , MSC Cruises and other lines all have scheduled multiple San Juan calls for 2021. Several Royal Caribbean ships will target San Juan as both a home port — a city from which voyages depart round-trip — and as a port of call in 2021.

San Juan is also found on Caribbean itineraries from premium lines including Celebrity Cruises , Viking and Windstar Cruises . Luxury operators Crystal Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club will also feature San Juan among their 2021Caribbean port calls.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

3 things TPG loves about San Juan

• A walkable historic district
• Delicious local cuisine
• Charming cultural attractions

What we could do without

• High prices, as restaurant meals tend to be expensive
• Limited beach access in the Old San Juan/Condado core districts

San Juan basics

San Juan became a Spanish colonial settlement in the 16th century, and today's cruise visitors primarily disembark in what is one of the Caribbean's best-preserved historic districts, known as San Juan Viejo, or Old San Juan. The quarter features imposing city walls, massive forts, cobblestone streets and terraced mansions. Visitors will find just walking about is a great way to spend time in the city.

San Juan is also a modern metropolis and the city's Isla Verde and Condado resort districts feature trendy hotels, gourmet restaurants, pulsating nightclubs and bars, and upscale shopping.

El Yunque National Forest is one of several natural attractions found across the greater San Juan region, and cultural attractions include rum distilleries offering tours and tastings. Each is accessible within the limited hours of a daytime port call.

Related: How to get to Puerto Rico on points and miles

Arrival details

The Old San Juan Piers are at Marina Street, conveniently located at the center of the district. This places most of the significant historic and cultural sites, including the iconic El Morro fortress, within easy walking distance. The piers feature modern terminal buildings and passengers will also find tours and transportation staged nearby.

Pier 3 mainly serves Royal Caribbean and its Oasis-class ships, the cruise industry's largest. The terminal features a two-story complex that houses restaurants, galleries and a duty-free shopping center. Pier 4 is managed by Carnival Cruise Lines and generally serves that line's ships and affiliated vessels. San Juan's Pan America Pier is situated south of the Old San Juan district of Isla Grande and serves larger cruise vessels.

Most ships call at the port for up to eight hours, giving cruisers time to explore several Puerto Rico highlights. Ships arrive in San Juan as early as noon and sail late in the evening.

• Time zone: Eastern time zone
• Languages: English and Spanish
• Currency: U.S. dollar

How to get around

On foot: Several of the island's major sights are within walking distance of the piers, although it's simple to book a tour of local sites through your cruise line.

By bike: Travelers can rent bikes at establishments that are within walking distance of the cruise piers. Try Rent the Bicycle at 100 Calle del Muelle. A daily rental is about $32, or rent by the hour (around $10).

By taxi: You can also arrange for a taxi or private car, or even a luxury or premium automobile tour.

By car: While you can rent a car, we think it's far easier to explore on foot, by bike or taxi/ride-hailing service.

By bus: Public buses are also available.

Top sights and shore excursions

The historic Puerto Rican capital of San Juan offers every element of a contemporary warm-weather vacation, with sun-filled skies, white-sand beaches and brilliant blue waters. San Juan also features historic and architectural attractions, from grand colonial palaces to airy public plazas to the massive stone walls that encircle parts of the city.

San Juan's Condado and Isla Verde districts offer a multitude of bars, restaurants, craft shops and boutiques, plus plenty of nightlife, open-air music and entertainment. San Juan provides visitors with another variable treasured by travelers: fun. There's an unmistakable atmosphere of good times running across this pulsating port city. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting San Juan:

San Juan highlights

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. Continuing into Old San Juan, the tour passes the Capitol City Building and San Cristobal Fort. The outing ends at iconic El Morro Castle, the majestic 16th-century fortification. Other tour highlights include San Jose Church, the Western Hemisphere's second-oldest church, and Paseo de la Princesa, which offers sweeping views and a grand fountain overlooking the sea.

Bacardi Rum Distillery

This guided tour of the family-founded Casa Bacardi provides visitors with a historic view of San Juan and Puerto Rico through its sugar-cane industry and rum-making legacies. An introductory video follows the rum-making process from raw cane to molasses to the spirit, from vat to barrel to bottle, after which guests can sample the finished product, pick up some rum recipes and enjoy free time to browse the on-site gift shop and museum, as well as post images and short videos to social media via an in-facility production room. There is also an open-air restaurant adjoining the facility.

Bioluminescent Bay kayak adventure

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. Kayakers traverse the calm channel through a tunnel of mangroves on their way to the lagoon. Once there, guides discuss the birds, fish and other aquatic life while kayakers have time to enjoy the natural bioluminescent phenomenon, visible only after dark.

El Yunque National Forest tour

Passing charming towns and rural communities on the 25-minute drive from San Juan, this tour of the pleasantly cool, 28,000-acre El Yunque National Forest begins with a leisurely walk amid splendid rainforest flora and fauna, followed by a short bus ride within the park to the Yohaku observation tower for panoramic views. Guests also visit an interpretative station at Coca Waterfall, once believed to be the legendary fountain of youth.

Old San Juan walking tour

Puerto Rico's rich history and architectural heritage comes alive on this guided walk of the colonial city's oldest sections, which date back 500 years. Stroll the quarter's cobblestone streets, lined with tropical-hued buildings. Visit elegant plazas as your guide introduces key sights and monuments. The tour also includes San Felipe del Morro fortress.

Best beaches in San Juan

Many of Puerto Rico's best beaches are found on the island's eastern and western edges, beyond the San Juan proper. Yet there is still a handful of local beaches worth visiting.

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.

Two-mile-long Isla Verde Beach is located 15 minutes from central San Juan and is very popular with families who enjoy its white sands and warm water. The beach is shared by a strip of premium hotels and features several restaurants. Parasailing, Jet Skiing and other water sports are available, and many consider Isla Verde Beach among the Caribbean's best urban beaches.

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.

Where to eat and drink

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.

San Juan is also recognized for a vibrant cocktail scene. The pina colada originated in San Juan and innovative refreshing drinks continue to be a city hallmark. There are numerous hip, trendy bars and classic bars and restaurants in Old San Juan, as well as across the Condado and Isla Verde districts. Brewery tours and rum tastings are also available.

Look for these local specialties:

• Mufungo: Deep-fried green plantains mashed with garlic and served with pork, chicken, crab meat or skirt steak.
• Tostones: Deep-fried plantain wheels, usually served with "mayoketchup" and garlic.
• Lechon: A slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin.

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.

Food parks like Lote 23 and the Miramar Food Truck Park feature kiosks and food trucks operated by innovative chefs offering exquisite bite-sized dining in a casual atmosphere. Entire streets now feature popular restaurants, including Calle Loiza and Calle Fortaleza. Other top restaurants include:

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. Special selections include crispy grain salad, braised veal cheeks over an apio polenta, passion fruit curd, coconut ganache and pineapple-cilantro sorbet.

Cocina al Fondo

This small, inconspicuous family restaurant on Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Miramar neighborhood can be easy to miss as it is in the back of an art cooperative and lacks obvious signage. Reservations are recommended. Dishes feature creative, fresh and flavorfully spicy Creole food at reasonable prices (between $10 and $24 per entrée).

Hecho en Casa

This family-run restaurant not only has the feel of an authentic Puerto Rican home, its name literally means "homemade." The eatery's "comida criolla" entrees include some of Puerto Rico's most traditional staple dishes and feature products and ingredients grown locally in Puerto Rico, all made from scratch, in-house.

Where to shop

When you're shopping in San Juan, look for souvenirs like:

• Handmade arts and crafts
• Handmade garments in tropical colors
• Hand-rolled cigars
• Custom and high-end jewelry
• Paintings and artwork

The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan are lined with small craft shops, art galleries and artisan goods. Travelers will find traditional vejigante masks in two styles: classic Loiza coconut masks and the Ponce-style papier-mache version.

Visitors will also find woven hammocks, home decor items and ceramics, serigraphs, paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from the Old City or the countryside of Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan also houses numerous art galleries, such as Galeria Exodo and Galeria Botello, which offer original pieces in different mediums by Puerto Rican artists. Shopaholic travelers should also make time to visit:

Ole Hat Shop

Ole Puerto Rico, located at 105 Calle de la Fortaleza, is a wonderful family-run, old-world hat emporium where the friendly staff will create a custom-made Panama hat for you on the spot. The prices are reasonable, and the customer picks the style of hat and the hatband. By the way, "Panama" hats actually originated in Ecuador, but so many workers wore them during the Panama Canal's construction that the nickname stuck.

Shopconcalma

Located on Old San Juan's Calle de San Francisco, this shop sells handmade purses and bags designed in collaboration with local artists using multicolored fabrics and recycled denim, and also carries jewelry, clothing and art by local designers.

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.

Bottom line

San Juan combines historic architecture and attractions that embody the island's rich legacy and historic past with contemporary authentic Latin and American culture evident in the city's upscale hotels, trendy restaurants and bars, diverse shopping opportunities and homegrown contemporary art scene. There's really too much to do in one port call but that's what return trips are for. If there was ever a must-disembark port of call, San Juan is it.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Puerto Rico Cruise excursions warmly welcome all Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Passengers to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico offers an abundance of excursions and activities to delight cruisers of all ages.

From Old San Juan fortresses tours, Canopy Zipline, Bacardi Rum Factory tours, Mountain Horseback Riding, private sailing adventures, snuba diving, Snorkeling excursions, Waterfall tours, El Yunke Rainforest and Mina Waterfalls, Helmet Diving, Puerto Rico has it all!

Puerto Rico Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from.

Our rates are direct group rates from the operators which allow you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions to choose from.

Puerto Rico Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for Carnival Mardi Gras passengers for your visit to Puerto Rico based on the arrival times, departure time of your the Mardi Gras as well as the length of your visit out our Port.

We also take into account the number of cruise ships arriving on the same day your ship comes to port. We then can provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate.

Please have a look at our Recommended Mardi Gras Excursions and Itineraries. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions.

Recommended Shore Excursions.

We are diligently working to bring you the best tours available in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is uniquely situated in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land adventures.

We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Island Marketing Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need.

Puerto Rico Cruise Excursions are a tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you.

That’s the Island Marketing Ltd. difference!

Recommended Excursions

Puerto Rico Canopy Zip Line and Beach Excursion

• Visit beautiful Loquillo Beach!
• 8 Zip Line Platforms high in the Rainforest Canopy!
• 4.5 hour Tour (including transport, Port to Port or Resort to Resort)

Puerto Rico El Yunque Highlights & East End Island Tour

• Visit the beautiful El Yunque rain forest, La Coco falls and Yokohu Tower.
• Puerto Rico rivers and beaches.
• All park entrance fees and road tolls included in our price!

San Juan Highlights and Country Island Tour

• Tour duration 3.5 hours
• Round trip transport from both piers and or hotel
• Air-conditioned touring vans, SUVs

San Juan Beach for the Day

• Island, beach and city drive Excursion.
• Beautiful, secluded beaches!
• 3.5hr or 5hr Beach Excursions (30 minute drive time to and from the beach included.)

Food Tours & Old San Juan walking tours

• 3.5 hour total tour time.
• Enjoy 1 hour to eat and relax in one of our top rated restaurants.
• Lunch is included in the cost.

San Juan Transfers And Tours With Airport-Cruise Ship & Hotel Pick up & Drop Off

• All private vehicles with English / Spanish speaking driver.
• Airport, Cruise Ship or Hotel Pickup and drop offs.
• Includes 1 piece of luggage per person and 1 carry on per person.

Espiritu Santo Riverboat and Beach Cruise – Puerto Rico

• The prefect tour for up to 20 passengers.
• Round Trip Transport from the port, Resort. Includes a scenic 45 minute Island Tour each way!
• Air Conditioned Transport Vehicles

San Juan Canopy Zip Line Excursion

• One of the zip lines is 1000 feet long and takes just over 1 minute to cross!
• Round Trip Transport from the port or Resort.

San Juan Puerto Rico Horseback Riding Tour

• 2 hour guided horseback ride.
• Transportation to/from Cruise ship terminal or Resort.
• Gentle, well trained horses.

Old San Juan City & Fortresses Tour

• Morning and afternoon tours available.
• Duration 3.5 hours.
• Round trip transport from both piers and or hotel.

San Juan Snuba Diving – Puerto Rico

• Explore the San Juan underwater World!
• No experience necessary, no certification required.
• Fun excursion for the entire Family!

Puerto Rico Helmet Diving – San Juan

• Fully Guided Tour
• No experienced necessary
• Transport is included in the cost of the excursion!

Bacardi Rum Factory & Old San Juan Forts Tour

• Round Trip Transport from the port, Resort or Airport.
• Visit the Bacardi Museum, Exhibit rooms and shop.
• Tour of Castillo De San Cristobal (Fort San Cristobal), Entrance fee included.

Old San Juan City Tour & Beach Escape

• Round-trip transport from the port or hotel.
• Access to Beach club and facilities.
• Scenic drive and visits to Historical Landmarks including Fort San Felipe Del Morro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Juan Discover Scuba Diving

• Discover the underwater World of Puerto Rico. On this easy, exciting tour!
• All equipment is included in the cost of the package.
• Professional and experienced instructors.

Puerto Rico Arecibo Lighthouse and Black Sand Volcanic Beach West End Island Tour

• Private Air-conditioned touring vans, SUVs.
• 4 hour fun packed Excursion!

Other Destinations

Bahamas Excursions

Barbados Excursions

Belize Excursions

Cabo San Lucas Excursions

Costa Maya Excursions

Cozumel Excursions

Grand Cayman Excusions

Jamaica Excursions

Puerto Rico Excursions

Roatan Excursions

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Thomas Excursions

We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of Puerto Rico

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Excursions & Tours

San Juan Old and New Tour

Discover Scuba

San Juan Jewish Tour

Snorkel Adventure

Puerto Rico Unveiled Local Insights and El Yunque

Private Hands On Culinary Trails of San Juan Experience

Private Old and New San Juan

Private Post Cruise Old and New San Juan

Private Secrets of Espresso, Walking and Tasting Tour

Private Walking Tour of Old San Juan

San Juan cruise excursions are a journey into the rich history and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico, featuring tours of historic Old San Juan and its famous forts. San Juan cruise excursions also offer diverse experiences, from relaxing on beautiful beaches to exploring the lush El Yunque Rainforest, catering to both history buffs and nature lovers.

San Juan Excursions and Tours

Due to its rich landscape, San Juan has made a name for itself, ranking as one of the top cruise vacation destinations in the Caribbean. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, houses some of the world's most beautiful waters, reefs, resorts, and so much more.

San Juan is sure to stimulate your senses with the multitude of cruise excursions that we offer at Shore Excursions Group. Treat your taste buds to pure bliss as you experience the native cuisine of San Juan with our bountiful culinary experience tours. Appeal to your wild side as you go cave rappelling, ziplining, offroading, horseback riding, and ATVing through the rainforests of San Juan. Kayak over the radiant waters of the coast and discover the beauty of the marine life below the surface in your own personal sea trekking suit.

In addition to the outdoor and culinary shore excursions, our walking tours through the historic parts of San Juan allow you to marvel at the culture of Puerto Rico when your cruise is in port. Check out our tour reviews and book your next adventure now!

16 Best Things To Do in San Juan Port: Complete Guide

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If you’re going to San Juan on a cruise, you’re in luck. When you disembark your cruise ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll enter a city with a rich history.

The San Juan cruise port offers historical sites, architectural delights, gorgeous beaches, tropical rainforests, and adventurous excursions.

Founded in 1521 by Spanish Colonists, San Juan is the oldest European-established city under United States Sovereignty (it is neither a sovereign nation nor a U.S. State) and is the capital of Puerto Rico.

In this post, I share the best things to do in San Juan on a cruise, including shore excursions and inexpensive and free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the San Juan cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

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San Juan Cruise Port 

The port of San Juan has two cruise terminals, one in San Juan Bay and the other (Pan American Terminal) across from the bay.

Many Caribbean cruises have a port call in this historic city, including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Costa, and AIDA.

Many of Old San Juan’s (also called Historic San Juan) best restaurants, bars, landmarks, and attractions are within walking distance of the Old San Juan Port, where most cruise ships port for the day.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About San Juan Cruise Port

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. You should always have a valid ID (such as a driver’s license) with you.

Always verify the requirements of your specific cruise and itinerary to ensure that you have the correct documentation.

As a territory of the United States, the currency in San Juan is the U.S. dollar. Businesses in San Juan will accept cash, credit and debit cards.

The official languages spoken in Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. Only about 20% of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently, but many people involved in the tourism trade are bilingual. 

The time zone in San Juan Puerto Rico is Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of the Eastern time zone. 

Puerto Rico is located roughly in the middle of the Antilles island chain, forming the dividing line between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

The weather is classified as Tropical Marine, which means it is warm and humid year-round. In the winter, temperature ranges in the 80s, and in the summer, they hover in the 90s.

Precipitation is a way of life in San Juan, with an average annual rainfall of 62 inches. The dry season in Puerto Rico is from January to April. Hurricane season goes from June through November.

Getting Around San Juan

The Island of Puerto Rico is 100 miles long by 35 miles wide. 

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. 

Old San Juan, including the San Juan National Historic Site, La Fortaleza, Paseo De La Princesa, and many shops and restaurants, are within walking distance of the cruise ship ports. 

Public Transit

The bus fare is 75 cents per person, and a trip on the Tren Urbano costs $1.50. You can purchase a transit pass for the bus or train at any Tren Urbano station.

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.

Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)

E-bikes are a great way to see old San Juan and the nearby beaches and forts. There are many affordable rental options; some will even deliver and pick up bikes at your cruise ship pier.

Rentals include a helmet and bike lock, but beware that rain might shorten your bike expedition.

Taxi and Shuttle Service

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.

With more than 4,000 Uber drivers on the island, you won’t have to wait long for an Uber driver to find you. The San Juan metro area will have the most Uber options.

Car Rentals

Many exciting activities are a few hours away from Old San Juan. If you have the time and the desire to explore farther away from the port, a car rental is an excellent option.

Most car rental companies in Puerto Rico include Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, Thrifty, and National.

Puerto Rico has many toll roads, but rental cars are equipped with AutoExpreso stickers, a prepaid service for paying tolls. After the car rental is returned, you will receive a surcharge for any toll roads you traveled.

8 Best Shore Excursions in San Juan

There are excursions of every type available in the San Juan 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.

Here are some of the best San Juan Shore Excursions:

1. San Juan National Historic Site

The San Juan National Historic Site is part of the U.S. National Parks Service and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.

Shortly after the Spaniards landed in San Juan, they discovered that bigger territories in Mexico and Central and South America held riches. The Spanish military fortified San Juan and established it as the “front door” to the Spanish colonies they were conquering in the New World. 

During a walking or self-guided tour at the San Juan Historic Site, you can view the fortifications, including forts and walls designed to defend San Juan during the 17th and 18th centuries. 

It is an easy walk to both forts from the cruise ship port, and kids will love walking through the dungeons, turrets, towers, and tunnels found here.

2. El Yunque National Forest

The sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System is located 30 miles (about an hour) southeast of San Juan.

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 of its distance, excursions to El Yunque will take most of the day. However, with a variety of options, including ziplines, horseback riding, and hiking, nature lovers will treasure the opportunity to experience this unique and stunning rainforest.

3. Museo de Las Americas

If you want to know more about the people who contributed to the varied and rich culture of Puerto Rico, this museum is a great excursion. Located in Old San Juan, the museum entrance fee is $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger.

Be advised that most of the placards are written in Spanish.

4. Jet Ski Tour of San Juan Bay

Adventure and sightseeing collide in a Jet Ski Tour of San Juan Bay. Even if you’ve never tried water sports before, your guide will get acquainted with Jet Skis and accompany you on Jet Skis past cruise ships, the Governor’s Mansion (La Fortaleza), and other historical fortifications while splashing through crystal-clear waters.

5. Puerto Rican Food Tour

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. You’ll get to try sample-sized foods that might include local favorites like bistec encebollado, mofongo, pastelon, pasteles, tripleta, and pernil.

6. La Fortaleza (Governor’s Mansion)

Visit the first fortress completed in San Juan in 1540. La Fortaleza has been used to house the Governor of Puerto Rico since 1846.

30-minute guided walking tours are available Monday through Friday between 8:15 am and 3:30 pm. The tour includes the gardens and a look inside the building when the government is not in session. A photo ID is required for everyone 21 years of age or older.

La Fortaleza is an 18-minute walk from the port or a 9-minute drive. So, if you’re looking to do some sightseeing while you visit San Juan, this is a great option.

7. Day Trip to Isla De Vieques

If you have enough time in the San Juan port, consider a day trip to this small island located 7 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

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.

Transportation to Vieques will take about 3 hours each way, including driving and a ferry trip. You’ll enjoy secluded beach coves, jeweled water, and sightings of wild horses that call Vieques home.

If you stay to view the Biobay at night, bring a towel and a long-sleeved shirt and pants to change into. 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.

8. Casa Bacardi Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known as the “rum capital” of the world. Bacardi Rum offers a full-service “From Ship To Pour” tour. You’ll start on a ferry in Old San Juan and then take a shuttle to Bacardi, Puerto Rico’s headquarters.

Several tours are available, ranging in price from $30 per person to well over $100 per person. Tours include a welcome cocktail and a movie at the Bacardi Visitor Center. You must be 18 years or older and have a valid ID.

5 Best Free Things To Do in San Juan Cruise Port

9. plaza de armas.

If you plan to walk through Old Town San Juan, stop by this town square, which dates back to Spanish colonial days. Grab a Puerto Rican pastry, sit on a bench, and watch the locals. There are also food carts and a small store/pharmacy here.

10. San Juan Bay

You can take a lovely water-level walking path from Castillo de Morro to Paseo De La Princesa. Enjoy the beautiful blue-green waters and imagine what life must have been like in this “Rich Port” during Spanish dominion.

11. Old San Juan

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.

Guided tours are available, or you can peruse them alone. There are often musicians playing in the street, restaurants, and cocktail bars to stop and snack at. Several attractions, including Paseo De La Princesa and Plaza de Armas, are found in Old San Juan.

12. Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

History buffs visiting Old Town San Juan can explore the second-oldest church in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest church on U.S. soil. While the church’s history dates back to 1521, the building of San Juan Bautista that you’ll see today was built in 1540.

The cathedral has been ravaged by robberies, pillaging, and hurricanes over the centuries but stands as a monument to faith. It is also the site where the famous explorer Ponce De Leon is entombed.

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13. Paseo De La Princesa

Walk along a picturesque restored 19th-century esplanade (a long, level space separating a fortress from a town) called the Paseo De La Princesa (“path of the princess”). The tree-lined pedestrian walkway begins at the San Juan Gate and ends at the Bronze Races Fountain. Along the way, you’ll be able to view sweeping views of the bay, lovely sculptures, and, if you’re lucky, a vendor selling Piragua (shaved ice with sweet syrup).

This walk is especially beautiful mid-morning or early evening!

3 Best Beaches near San Juan Cruise Port

A day at the stunning blue watered beaches in San Juan is a day well spent! Fortunately, there are beach options fairly close to the San Juan Cruise Port. Here are some of the best beaches for cruisers. 

14. Balneario El Escambrón (Escambron Beach)

Escambron Beach is family-friendly, with umbrella and chair rentals, public bathrooms, and food vendors nearby. This beach is a 10-minute car ride or a 17-minute bus ride from the cruise port, and it is one of the most popular beaches in San Juan.

There is a natural coral reef that protects El Escambron waters, which makes it perfect for snorkeling.

15. Condado Beach

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.

There are beach chairs and umbrellas to rent, but no food vendors. Due to strong rip tides, swimming is discouraged at Condado beach.

16. Isla Verde Beach

A 26-minute Taxi ride away from the Old San Juan port lies Isla Verde. Hotels and resorts line this 3-mile strip of beaches and boasts stunning white sand and crystal clear waters.

The beaches are on the coast of the city of Carolina and include Hobie Beach, Balneario de Carolina, and Pine Grove Surfing Beach. It takes time to get there, but it’s a great place to spend the day in the sun, sand, and surf.

San Juan Cruise Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit san juan .

San Juan’s tropical climate means the temperatures are warm and humid year round. To avoid hurricane season, the best (and driest) time of year to visit is between January and April. 

How far is downtown San Juan from the cruise port? 

Most cruise ships stopping in San Juan, Puerto Rico dock at the Old San Juan port which puts you minutes from downtown. 

If your cruise is originating in San Juan, you might be departing from the Pan America terminal which is farther from downtown.

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in San Juan Cruise Port

The San Juan cruise port offers the opportunity to view some of the oldest buildings on U.S. soil, learn about the history of this former Spanish colony, relax on white sand beaches, and have an adventure in a rainforest.

No matter which excursion you choose, San Juan will surely be your favorite stop on your next Caribbean cruise.

Have you been to San Juan yet? What was your favorite part of this historical city?

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Cruise Excursion in San Juan: History, Mofongo and Mojitos

On our last Carnival cruise, we had a ‘new to me’ port – San Juan, Puerto Rico. And after reading so much about the city, I was excited to have some time to explore the area. We took part in a Carnival Cruise excursion —  Old San Juan Walk, Mojito & Mofongo Experience .

Explore Old San Juan

Our excursion began with a walking tour of Old San Juan. Our guide was born and raised in Puerto Rico and extremely knowledgeable of the area, especially the history. Our group of twelve set out to explore, learn and see the city from a local’s point of view.

We made our way through the shopping district (there’s time to shop after the excursion!) and I loved learning about the techniques and stories behind making hand-rolled cigars. The gentleman pictured below is quite a local legend – he’s even been featured in Cigar Aficionado magazine.

Pro Tip: When you visit the local merchants selling local goods – the ones with orange tablecloths are considered “certified sellers” from the local tourism agency.

Experience the History of Old San Juan

The views during our guided walk were incredible. If you go, make sure you’ve got a camera with you. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. We learned about the Puerto Rican culture, the neighborhoods of the city and took a look at the history of the town.

My favorite part of our walk included a stroll along the waterfront to the San Juan Gate just before the entrance to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro . And as a lover of fun facts, I’m so mad that I lost the notebook where I had scribbled down notes.

Throughout the walk, our guide did a great job of finding shady spots to stop and share stories and tales of this historic city. There is a stop about halfway through the walking tour for a restroom and water break too. Pro Tip: Bring your own water bottle!

Time for Mofongos and Mojitos

The walking tour ends at a local restaurant where the group is welcomed to a private dining area – and this is where the fun really begins. The head chef introduces everyone to the native dish – Mofongo.

Made up of rice, spices, butter, lettuce and chicken – everyone received their own ingredients to build their own Mofongo dish.

It was a hands-on activity (with plastic gloves!) that we really enjoyed, mine didn’t look as pretty as others, but I sure enjoyed eating it. Pro Tip: You’ve gotta mash the ingredients together – stand up and put some elbow into it.

It was our first time having Mofongo and it was delicious. Not too spicy and filled with flavor. Our chef let us know that while chicken was the ‘standard’ way of serving it – beef and steak are also substitutions too. Pro Tip: Dietary restrictions? Be sure to let your walking guide know when you check-in for the tour.

In addition to the mofongo, this excursion was also the first time I’d ever had a mojito too. How’s that for living it up on vacation?!

Rum, mint, lime juice, sugar and splash of tonic – it was a tasty drink, especially after our walking tour through town. The chef walked everyone through the process of making the drink and we were presented with our own – a nice touch on a hot day.

Great Cruise Excursion

This excursion was especially fun for me because it involved a hands-on activity. Instead of just listening or watching someone — I was able to take part in the fun. The walking tour took us to parts of the city that only a local would know and I appreciated seeing the ‘other’ side, rather than just the touristy areas.

If your Carnival cruise stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I would definitely look into booking the  Old San Juan Walk, Mojito & Mofongo Experience . With a three-course meal, drinks and a fantastic walking tour of the city – it is a great way to see the sights and learn too.

Have you visited Old San Juan? 

** My family and I were invited guests of Carnival Cruise Lines and provided accommodations, meals, gratuities and this excursion. Thoughts here are my own. **

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Hello, my family will be traveling to San Juan on 6/24 and we were trying to find a walking/mofongo dining tour experience (an excursion not offered on the MSC cruise ship) – do you know who we may contact for further information? Thank you for your assistance! Dalia [email protected]

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cruises from San Juan depart year-round. Old San Juan is rich in Spanish tradition, with iconic blue cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. This historic section of the Puerto Rican city is easily seen on foot, and cruise passengers can shop for handcrafted works, relax in a shaded park or tour El Morro, a 16th-century Spanish fortress overlooking the sea. New San Juan is distinctly elegant with lavish resorts, great restaurants and grand casinos. Visitors can enjoy an outing to El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. national forest system, or join in on shore excursions that include the likes of deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving and even kayaking on a bioluminescent bay.

• Puerto Rico Things to Do Guide
• ⛅️ San Juan Weather

• Best Beaches
• Snorkeling Beaches
• San Juan Beaches Map
• North Coast
• South Coast
• Best Things to Do
• Fantastic Excursions from San Juan
• Bioluminescent Bay
• El Yunque Rainforest
• Food & Cultural Experiences
• Night Experiences
• Romantic Things to Do
• Rum Distilleries
• San Juan National Historic Site
• Tours Directory
• Best Places to Stay
• Convention Center District
• Condado Hotels
• Old San Juan Hotels
• Adults Only
• Near Cruise Ports
• Casino Hotels
• Vacation Rentals
• MAP of Hotels
• About Old San Juan
• Old San Juan Tours
• Things to Do & Landmarks
• Places to Stay
• A Romantic Day in Old San Juan
• Calle Norzagaray
• Beaches Guide
• Snorkeling Guide
• Places to Go
• Islands to Visit
• Cruise Port Guide
• Things to Do / Excursions
• Hotels Near Ports
• Beaches Near Cruise Port
• Getting Around
• Private Transfers
• Getting Here
• San Juan Airport
• Airport Transfers
• Ferry – Cataño / Old San Juan
• Tourism Offices
• Basic Facts
• Emergency Services
• Post Offices

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San Juan Puerto Rico   ⎮   Travel to San Juan Puerto Rico    ⎮   San Juan Cruise Port

You’re joyfully anticipating your cruise, we extend an early welcome to San Juan and we thank you in advance for your visit.  We have created this guide to help you plan a wonderful visit to our capital city, complete with maps, the best things to do, top-rated excursions for cruisers, tips for self-guided tours, getting around guides, and more.  It is our hope that your stop in San Juan is joyous and memorable.

Related Cruise Guide:  San Juan Cruise Excursions Guide 

Local businesses appreciate your visit and support, since having to face the challenges of two hurricanes since 2017, and the covid-19 effects on the tourism sector.  Our warm vibrant culture and hospitable friendly people await your arrival.

Cruise Port Guides

Content on this page, welcome to san juan.

• Old San Juan Piers
• Pan American Piers
• Quick Facts for Visitors
• Transfers from / to Cruise Piers to Hotels & Airport
• Map of Cruise Port / Piers in San Juan
• Frequently Asked Questions by Cruise Visitors

More Guides for Cruise Visitors

• Things to Do & Excursions Guide for Cruise Visitors
• Getting Around San Juan for Cruise Visitors
• Hotels near the Cruise Port Guide with Map
• Beaches near the Cruise Port Guide with Map
• Car Rentals near Cruise Ports in San Juan
• Parking Guide with Map

Photo: La Rogativa overlooking the San Juan Bay – Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Save a Spot - Most Popular Walking Tour

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.  

Visitors can easily walk to explore blue cobblestone streets in Old San Juan leading to UNESCO historic sites, museums, restaurants, unique shops, and elegant squares, as well as participate in the many events that keep our traditions and vibrant culture alive.  A short taxi drive from Old San Juan there’s more to see and do.

If your cruise begins in San Juan, we encourage you to extend your stay by at least 2 nights, we are confident that once you get a little taste of what Puerto Rico has to offer, you’ll regret not having stayed a few more nights.  If your situation does not allow it, we hope that when you visit, you feel a warm welcome and come back to visit again.

The Piers at the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

The San Juan Cruise Port is host to an estimated 500 cruise ships (approx. 18 different cruise lines), and nearly 2 million passengers travel to Puerto Rico through this port – every year.  M ost Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises include a stop in San Juan offering travelers an opportunity to experience a little bit of the magic of this extraordinary city.  

Photo: Pier 1 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

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.

Photo: View of Cruise Port from the corner of Calle Norzagaray – Castillo San Cristobal

In order to plan your stay or day in San Juan, be sure to inquire about which pier your ship will be docking at or departing from.  Although we provide information,  be sure to contact your booked cruise line or call the San Juan Cruise Port at 787-723-2260, Pier (Muelle) 4, in Old San Juan in order to verify the arrival or departure pier location .  By being informed you can prepare for whether you’ll need transportation , find a nearby hotel, and plan adequate travel time for getting to or from the ship.

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.  See the map below for pier locations.

Old San Juan Piers & Terminals

Photo: View of Pier 3 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Getting Around from Old San Juan Piers:

The Old San Juan Cruise Ship Piers are the most convenient for cruisers.  As soon as you get off the ship, you can easily walk the 7 blocks magical city of Old San Juan and enjoy the top attractions and things to do on foot.

Closest Hotel to the Old San Juan Pier:  

The most convenient hotel to stay at near the cruise terminals is the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino , just across the street from the piers.  See more hotels below.

Old San Juan Pier Facts: 

• Pier 1 – Modern passenger terminal (2-ship capacity) used by various cruise lines
• Pier 3 – Reconstructed pier for transit ships only (2 ship capacity), managed by Royal Caribbean
• Pier 4 – Modern passenger terminal (2 ship capacity) used & managed by Carnival for arrivals & departures
• Pier 6 – Wharf at Bahia Urbana (1 ship capacity) only used on heavy cruise traffic days

Top Rated Hotels Near Old San Juan Cruise Port – San Juan

Pan American Pier & Cruise Terminals

Photo: View from Parque de Las Palomas in Old San Juan

Getting Around from Pan American Pier:

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 pier is a 10-15 minute ride into Old 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 .

Closest Hotels to Pan American Pier: 

The most convenient hotels to stay at near the Pan American Pier terminals are the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Aloft San Juan,   Hyatt House , and Hyatt Place .

Pan American Pier Facts:

The Pan American Pier has two modern two-tiered passenger terminals (I & II), located in Isla Grande, next to the Isla Grande Airport and near the Puerto Rico Convention Center.  Two mega-ships can dock at the Pan American Pier 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.

Top Rated Hotels Near Pan American Cruise Port – San Juan

Top Rated Transfers to / from - Cruise Terminals

Quick facts for cruise visitors.

• If you’re arriving a the Old San Juan Piers , you’ll be happy to learn that all you have to do is cross the street and in minutes you’ll be enjoying major attractions such as El Morro, San Cristobal, museums, shops, and restaurants.
• If you’re arriving at the Pan American Piers , you’ll need a taxi to get to Old San Juan, or you may book a tour which typically includes transportation.  See suggested tours for cruisers below in this guide.

Language in San Juan

Spanish is the main language spoken by locals, but most speak English as well.  All attractions, restaurants, and shops will have English-speaking staff.  Puerto Ricans love to smile and laugh, so go on and smile… you can also say “Hola” (Hello).

Money in San Juan

The currency in Puerto Rico is U.S. Dollars.  We advise carrying some cash for artisan vendors along Paseo de la Princesa , and purchases such as ice cream and piragua vendors.  Food trucks may also prefer cash, not all accept credit cards.

What is the closest airport to the San Juan Cruise Port?

• The closest international airport is Luis Muñoz Marin, best known as San Juan Airport (SJU) , a 20-minute drive, just 8 miles east of the Old San Juan Cruise Piers and 7 miles from the Pan American Pier.
• Isla Grande Airpor t is officially the closest airport, a single-runway airport with primarily regional flights such as Vieques and Culebra .

For more detailed information, please visit the San Juan Cruise Port Guide .

Map of San Juan Cruise Port & Piers

Frequently asked questions, do i need a passport for a cruise to / from san juan, puerto rico.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and individuals born on the island are U.S. citizens.  You do not need a passport if flying from the U.S. to Puerto Rico or vice versa. You only need a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license. If you are a U.S. citizen, and you board a cruise ship at a U.S. port (which includes San Juan), travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship, you will most likely NOT need a passport unless you enter a foreign country as part of the cruise itinerary. A U.S. or Puerto Rico driver’s license should suffice.  For children under 16, a birth certificate is typically required. However, check with your cruise line to be absolutely sure what documentation is needed.

Are there places to store luggage in San Juan before or after a cruise

• If you’re staying at a hotel in Old San Juan (near Old San Juan Cruise Piers) or the Puerto Rico Convention Center District (near the Pan American Pier), they will typically hold your luggage before check-in or after check-out for a few hours.  See map of hotels near cruise port .
• Some tour operators offering sightseeing tours will hold your luggage
• In addition, the following restaurant will hold your luggage, please call to confirm this service is still offered. – Barrachina Restaurant – 104 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan.  Storage is free (try to drink or eat something there & leave a tip) | Storage hours: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days/week.  ph. 787-725-7912.  Note: It is a 1/2 mile uphill walk from Old San Juan Pier 4, and a 1/4 mile walk from Pier 1.
• The San Juan International Airport offers luggage storage daily from 7 am to 10 pm on the 2nd level of Terminal D.  For more information call 787-791-3371 

What pier will my cruise ship dock at or embark from in San Juan?

In general , arriving transit ships that are day-docking for one afternoon/ evening in San Juan usually dock at the Old San Juan Piers (Muelle 1, 3, 4, 6), so you can walk right out into Old San Juan and avoid taking a taxi.  We believe an exception to this rule to be Celebrity Cruises which typically day-dock at the Pan American Pier.  Cruises that start in San Juan (home departure port) usually leave from the Pan American Pier Terminals I or II.  However, Carnival cruises embark from the Old San Juan Pier 4 terminal if San Juan is the home departure port.  Again, be sure to contact your cruise line or call the San Juan Cruise Port at 787-723-2260 to verify the arrival or departure pier location.

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

Old san juan cruise piers.

There are numerous, safe overnight parking garages in Old San Juan around the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino, which is across from the Old San Juan cruise piers. 

• The Covadonga Parking Garage offers cruisers special parking rates, is nice, safe, and conveniently located across from pier 4 behind the bus terminal and police station.  Call them at (787) 722-2337 or (787) 721-6911 for special rates and reservations. 

Pan American Pier

• Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino offers overnight parking for $16 per day. 
• Isla Grande Airport –  there’s a limited number of outdoor lot spaces available at the Isla Grande Airport for $8 per day.
• P ark & C ruise with “Estaciona y Vuela” – offers transport services and low long-term parking rates.

For more detailed information see Parking Guide – Tourist Districts in San Juan.

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

Yes – there are a number of beaches within a mile or so of the cruise piers. 

See Map of Best Beaches near the Cruise Port in San Juan, Puerto Rico .

Are there places to shop and eat within walking distance of the San Juan Cruise Port Terminals?

Old san juan cruise pier.

If your ship docks at an Old San Juan pier, you can walk just a few blocks into Old San Juan streets of San Francisco, Calle del Cristo, and Fortaleza where you can also find a number of great restaurants and cafes.

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. 

You’ll have to take a taxi into Old San Juan for $10, or to the Condado fashion shopping strip on Ashford Avenue for $12 where the best stores are across from Ventana el Mar Park .  You can also take a taxi for $14 to the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas, located in nearby Hato Rey, San Juan. 

Places to Eat – There are many places to eat at Distrito T-Mobile next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, right in between Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and ALOFT San Juan.  

Which cruise lines visit or embark from San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Following is a list of 18 cruise lines that visit or embark from San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Azamara Club Cruises
• Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
• Holland America
• Mediterranean Shipping Cruises
• Orient Lines
• Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas
• Royal Caribbean
• Viking River Cruises
• Windstar Cruises

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Top rated tours from san juan.

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• Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda Cruise Ports

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-30 10:42

Port San Juan cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

San Juan is Puerto Rico's principal/main port (locode PRSJU), as well as the largest city (population around 350,000) and the country's capital. San Juan is the second-oldest capital (after Santo Domingo Dominicana ) that the Europeans/Spaniards established in the Caribbean.

Originally the island was named San Juan and the port - Ciudad de Puerto Rico. They swapped over time.

San Juan cruise port schedule has booked ships operating mainly on Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries leaving roundtrip from Florida USA ports. San Juan is also homeport to several major cruise companies operating roundtrips out of Puerto Rico. Among the most popular Caribbean island port destinations often combined with Puerto Rico are Windward Islands ( St Lucia , Dominica , St Vincent ,  Barbados , Tobago , Grenada ), Leeward Islands ( St Maarten , Guadeloupe , St Kitts ) and Dutch Antilles ( Curacao , Bonaire , Aruba ).

All Puerto Rico beaches are open to the public. However, public beaches (served by lifeguards and with facilities) are called here balnearios. They are free of charge (no entry fees) but charge for parking, as well as lockers and showers. The most popular are El Escambron and Isla Verde.

In early April 2017 was announced the RCG-Royal Caribbean Group's partnership with Puerto Rico Ports Authority (government-owned corporation) for improving the Port's cruise pier "Pan American Wharf 2". The decision followed RCCL's announcements about homeporting Freedom of the Seas in San Juan (starting May 2018). To needed development investments will optimize the port's cruise docking infrastructure. The works will include boarding bridge improvements, safety checkpoints improvements, restrooms improvements, mooring improvements, new passenger registration desks, building improvements, enlarging the terminal's baggage inspection area, also dredging in the pier's ship docking area.

In August 2022, GPH-Global Ports Holding (2003-founded, UK-based corporation, currently the world's largest cruise port operator) signed a 30-year concession agreement with Puerto Rico Ports Authority for the San Juan Cruise Port.

• Under the concession terms, GPH agreed to pay an upfront fee of USD 75 million.
• During Investment Phase I, GPH agreed to invest ~US$100M on critical cruise dock repairs (at Pier 1, Pier 4, and the Pan American Piers/1 & 2), rebuilding and upgrading all terminal facilities and the walkway.
• During Investment Phase II, GPH agreed to invest ~US$250M in expanding the Port's capacity by building a new cruise pier and a new terminal (at Pier 11 and Pier 12) with capacity to handle the world’s largest passenger liners.
• Through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJCP (San Juan Cruise Port Ltd) GPH started operations on February 15, 2024.

During season 2015-2016, Royal Caribbean ships alone brought to Port San Juan 574,140 passengers. During season 2017-2018, this number reached 700,000. In 2019 (before the Coronavirus crisis) the cruise port handled ~1,8 million tourists.

The cruise port was visited by 6,8 million cruise tourists in 2008-2009, 7,9M (2014-2015) and 1,5M (2015-2016). Cruise tourists contribute around 7,1% to Puerto Rico's economy. To be able to handle the world's largest cruise vessels , Port San Juan invested ~USD 8 million in building a 3rd dock. On December 28, 2016, the port was visited by Harmony of the Seas (max capacity 6314 pax / 2300 crew).

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. The tourism industry represents ~7% of the country's economy. 2018 ended with handled nearly 1,8 million cruisers via 517 ship calls (21% increase over 2017).

In late-September 2020, PRPA (Puerto Rico Ports Authority / managing company) issued a request for proposals for Isla Grande's Pier 15 drydock (southeast from the cruise port). 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 drydock has length ~600 ft (183 m), width 102 ft (31 m) and depth 26 ft (10 m), which allows it to serve ships with max LOA length 400 ft (121 m).

By annual passenger traffic (statistical data 2019), the Caribbean's top-10 largest airports are:

• Luis Munoz Marin Airport/aka Isla Verde (San Juan Puerto Rico) with ~9,5 million pax
• Punta Cana Airport ( Punta Cana Dominicana ) with ~7,2M pax
• Jose Marti Airport ( Havana Cuba ) with 5,7+M pax
• Sangster Airport ( Montego Bay Jamaica ) with ~4,8M pax
• Lynden Pindling Airport ( Nassau Bahamas ) with ~4,1M pax
• Las Americas Airport ( Santo Domingo Dominicana ) with ~4M pax
• Piarco Airport ( Port-of-Spain Trinidad ) with 2,8+M pax
• Queen Beatrix Airport ( Oranjestad Aruba ) with 2,5+M pax
• Pointe-a-Pitre Airport ( Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe ) with ~2,5M pax
• Grantley Adams Airport ( Bridgetown Barbados ) with ~2,3M pax

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean.

San Juan cruise terminal

San Juan cruise port terminal has three piers – Old San Juan piers (Pier 1, 3, 4, 6), "Navy Frontier Pier" and "Pan American Pier" (wharf 2).

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.

Old San Juan Piers

They are located at Marina Street, the center of Old San Juan. All the major sightseeing places are within easy walking distance.

• Pier 1 has a modern terminal building with facilities like shops, baggage gangways, parking and elevators.
• Pier 3 mainly serves Royal Caribbean line and transit cruise vessels.
• Pier 4 is located at the north shore. Carnival Cruise Lines manages the terminal.
• Pier 6 is a marginal dock with length 1196 ft (365 m).

In 2014, Pier 3 was expanded to allow berthing of the world's largest cruise vessels (RCI's Oasis-class). In 2016, on Pier 3 (port's 3rd cruise dock) started construction works for a new, 2-story terminal building housing restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues, a large duty-free shopping complex. The USD 8 million project was an investment by Duty Free Americas (US travel retail stores chain with over 180 shops). The port additionally invested US$1M for security equipment. RCI / Royal Caribbean also participated in the project, which completion was scheduled for 2018.

In 2019, Bacardi Global Travel Retail created a new Bacardi-dedicated rum bar within Pier 4's SMT Duty-Free (retail store). The new Bacardi Bar also offers cocktails sampling and branded merchandise (hats, T-shirts, memorabilia).

Frontier Pier

Frontier Pier has only one berth. It serves cruise liners and also commercial (cargo) ships.

Pan America Pier

Pan America Pier is located to the south of Old San Juan. The modern San Juan cruise ship terminal building at Pan America Pier is in Isla Grande. It serves larger cruise vessels.

Port San Juan also has drydock facilities (used for ship repairs and refurbishments ) located between Pier 15 and Pier 16.

• El Morro Fort: the huge fort dates from 1539. It main service was to protect Port of San Juan from pirates. It is named after the Spanish patron – saint King Phillip. The full name of the fort is Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
• San Cristobal Fort: dates from the 18th century.
• La Fortaleza: dates from 1540 and it is the most ancient fort in San Juan. It used to be the governor’s official residence.
• Cathedral de San Juan: dates from 1592. The neoclassical cathedral is situated on Calle Cristo.
• Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo de la Muralla: take a walk along the old walls of the city. Both paths are to the waterfront.
• Escambron Beach: spent a leisure day at that beautiful beach. Enjoy breathtaking views along all the coastline (including El Morro Fort).
• Shopping: there are a lot of stores in Old San Juan. The main shopping streets are Fortaleza, Cristo and San Francisco. You can buy souvenirs, arts, fashion and jewelery from the craft markets at the Plaza de la Darsena and on Paseo de la Princesa. Located close to San Juan cruise port (Pier 1).

Old and New San Juan (Royal Caribbean) is an optional guided tour that includes visiting Condado (neighborhood), Isla Verde Beach, residential areas, Window of the Seas (square with a sidewalk resembling Hollywood Blvd), Old San Juan (Capitol Building, 5th Centenary Plaza, San Cristobal Fort or the shopping district).

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).

Campo Rico ATV Adventure (Royal Caribbean) is an ATV (4x4) guided driving tour through the countryside and includes driving through a private ranch (with plantation house), mangroves, lagoons, mountains, forests, wildlife viewing, visiting Mi Casa (traditional sugarcane plantation home), short breaks for photos, operational ranch (with Paso Fino horse stables), stopping at Mojito Bar.

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.

San Juan tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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San Juan - user reviews and comments

10 Best St Thomas Cruises Where You Can Sail Into Paradise

St. Thomas, the most beautiful U.S. Virgin Island , is a popular stopover for cruise ships and offers a plethora of things to do and see , making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many of the world's leading cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line , offer itineraries that include Charlotte Amalie, the famous port of the stunning island of St. Thomas. These cruise lines provide an immersive experience in St. Thomas as well as many other stopovers, with world-class facilities, entertainment options, and dining options. Here are the top ten St. Thomas cruises, which promise a variety of shore excursions, thrilling adventures, and a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean cruise vacation .

Our recommendations for the cruises mentioned in this article are backed up by research on cruise ships that visit St. Thomas. All cruises are chosen based on the amenities, entertainment, excursions, and activities available.

Related: Caribbean Cruises: How To Score The Best Summer Deals

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships as of 2023 , features numerous pools, thrilling water slides, Broadway-style shows, and gourmet dining options. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops in CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Miami, providing an unparalleled experience complete with luxury, entertainment, and adventure. Guests can explore magnificent beaches, participate in water sports, and fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local cultures during shore excursions. While onboard, they'll enjoy modern facilities such as the tallest slide at sea, the Ultimate Abyss, a high-flying Zip Line ride, ice skating shows, and the Aquatheatre.

• Cruise: 7-Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Miami, CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Miami
• Cost: $959 onwards per person

Book This Cruise

Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic offers the Dream Class cruise ship enjoyment, with the food-and-entertainment Ocean Plaza, outdoor promenade The Lanai, and numerous other exciting spaces, such as SportSquare, and Carnival WaterWorks, to keep passengers entertained and relaxed. Onboard, there are a variety of ways to have fun, including rope courses, live shows, water slides, and other activities. Selecting its 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise provides a fantastic opportunity to visit a number of alluring locations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Travelers can indulge in the exciting offerings of Carnival Magic while taking in the beauty of the Eastern Caribbean by setting sail on this cruise.

• Cruise: 8 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, Miami
• Cost: $619 onwards per person

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Breakaway offers its guests a one-of-a-kind sea vacation with numerous thrilling activities, premium amenities, and ambiance. This award-winning cruise ship has The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade filled with restaurants, bars, and breathtaking views. While live performances entertain guests, other activities include water slides, walk-the-planks, casinos, spas, and multi-level sports complexes, to name a few. Guests on the Eastern Caribbean Cruise will get the chance to spend time at Horseshoe Bay Beach, Crystal Cave, taking a scenic catamaran ride to Turtle Cove, snorkeling with green sea turtles, and much more while visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, and King's Wharf.

• Cruise: 10 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, King's Wharf, King's Wharf, New York (Manhattan)
• Cost: $949 onwards per person

Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette has undergone a brilliant makeover and now boasts incredible embellishments at every turn, including gorgeously updated staterooms, the newly reinvented Passport Bar, the new Craft Social Bar, new designer boutiques, the renovated The Spa on Silhouette, and much more. With all these state-of-the-art amenities, Celebrity Silhouette cruise vacations are sure to be more beautiful than ever. Its cruises to St. Thomas allow tourists to discover the incredible experiences available in the Eastern Caribbean on St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, and St. Lucia. They will have the opportunity to visit pristine beaches, participate in shore excursions, participate in water sports, learn about the local way of life, and savor delectable Caribbean cuisine.

• Cruise: 9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts (Port Zante), St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $861 onwards per person

Related: Exquisite Escapes: 10 Best US Virgin Islands Resorts

Royal Caribbean Adventure Of The Seas

Adventure awaits onboard Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, a ship jam-packed with activities and luxuries. The cruise ship has numerous pools, thrilling water slides (The Perfect Storm), rock climbing walls, an ice rink, entertaining shows, and multi-cuisine dining options, providing the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure. The 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise allows passengers to visit exciting destinations, such as CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan, and enjoy activities like snorkeling, shopping, and learning about the region's cultural heritage. Keep these tried-and-true remedies in mind for a stress-free and enjoyable cruise vacation .

• Stops: St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Port Canaveral (Orlando)
• Cost: $790 onwards per person

Disney Magic

Set sail on an Eastern Caribbean Disney cruise for an unforgettable experience in some of the world's most incredible locations, including San Juan, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale, and Disney Castaway Cay. A Disney cruise is not only for kids but unrivaled in terms of family entertainment, fine dining, and legendary service . Guests enjoy a diverse range of cultures, picture-perfect beaches, and pleasant weather throughout the cruise and will also spend time at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Days at sea on the magnificent Disney Magic cruise ship are a delight in their own right, with daily entertainment, character interactions, live shows, and themed dining that make the trip memorable.

• Cruise: 5 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Nassau, Castaway Cay, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $893 onwards per person

Celebrity Equinox

No matter the location, Celebrity promises an unparalleled cruise experience with every conceivable comfort and unmatched guest service. However, on Celebrity Equinox's 8-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, passengers can enjoy an extraordinary fusion of comforts, excursions, and leisure activities. The Retreat® Sundeck, The Retreat® Lounge, award-winning Luminae, ten outstanding dining venues, Craft Social Bar, Slush, Lawn Club, and numerous exciting activities are just a few of the luxuries that guests can enjoy while on board. When they stop over in destinations like St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale, and others, they have once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures that leave them with wonderful memories of their journey.

• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Puerto Plata, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $919 onwards per person

Carnival Venezia

The Carnival Venezia is the ideal cruise ship for travelers seeking an authentically Italian experience, offering everything from fine Italian cuisine and cool beverages to entertainment venues like Teatro Rosso, Gondola Lounge, and Terrazza Carnevale. While the Terrazza staterooms are a brand-new way to stay in style and comfort, there are also plenty of spaces for the ultimate excitement, including WaterWorks, SportSquare, Cloud 9 Spa, and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. For kids, it has Camp Ocean and Club O2 to keep them engaged and entertained. Its cruises to St. Thomas offer incredible experiences like relaxing moments on a gorgeous beach, offshore excursions, and a variety of exhilarating adventures.

• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, New York (Manhattan)
• Cost: $729 onwards per person

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In The US Virgin Islands That Unleash Tropical Bliss

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky is a floating paradise that provides a wide range of amenities and entertainment to meet the needs of all travelers. From newly renovated staterooms to brand-new dining establishments, bars, and lounges, including Pinnacle Lounge & Sushi Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge, and a full-service Starbucks, the cruise strives to provide passengers with unforgettable experiences. The itinerary for the St. Thomas cruises includes stops in Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Thomas, as well as a full-day excursion to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise only accessible to guests. Guests can explore breathtaking tropical islands, learn about vibrant cultures, participate in thrilling shore excursions, and experience the best of St. Thomas and other islands.

• Stops: Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami
• Cost: $799 onwards per person

Caribbean Princess

On the Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship, enjoy joyful moments at sea with tantalizing cuisine, catchy entertainment, and fantastic venues to suit every mood. Expensive staterooms, a Reef Splash Zone for kids and families, The Shops of Princess, Festivals of the World, and other thrilling onboard activities will keep passengers entertained throughout their Caribbean Princess cruise vacation. On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, visit many of the most well-known islands, including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Turk, known for their world-class beaches, historical attractions, and endless water sports. It is certainly an excellent cruise to St. Thomas to spend time with loved ones and have a memorable trip.

• Cruise: 7 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Princess Cays, San Juan, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $458 onwards per person

Protect Your Trip »

Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

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Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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