pdc2013

Looking at Celebrity cruises with a 3:30-11 port stop. Anything to do?

I know it seems like you arrive late but you can still see the forts and tour Old San Juan.

Which fort?

I was in San Critobal, but i think you could probably get into El Morro as well.

I saw someone touring inside the fort in a motorised scooter, so that is one.

You can get to the beach in isla verde and ocean park for sure. Most beaches have access with a real road. Maybe buy a beach package and spend the day!

I think you would have to do the rainforest as a drive with stops only.

Hope this helps.

We did this excursion through Island Marketing in March of 2015. I remember when we told the cab driver where we wanted to go, he asked why we wanted to go there, that there were much better beaches and places to go closer to the port. We told him we had already booked it and that is where we wanted to go. It did seem like a long ride, but was probably only 15-20 minutes or so. The neighborhood near the hotel was not very nice but then you see that on a lot of the islands. It is just a very small hotel and restaurant. The beach, however, was beautiful and they seemed truly happy that we chose to come there. Do not plan on hanging out at their pool, it was more the size of a large hot tub.

We were given drink coupons to use and they let us order whatever we wanted. It did take a while to eat in their restaurant and the bathroom was tiny, so plan accordingly to have enough time. All in all, it was a nice day. We had heard that if you go where some of the larger hotels are that the beach becomes shaded. Not sure if that is true or not, but you won't have to worry about that here. Enjoy!

I too enjoyed their beach, i didn't have any issue with food but then again i was drinking and maybe just did not realise it.

Yes I saw that post my question is do we have to book a private tour in advance or can we get a taxi or van when getting off the ship to take us around they sometimes have people with signs advertising tours.

They do have at the pier. But know that PR is not like other ports and is really big, bigger than most other islands. Not sure what your expecting when you say drive around the Island. You do not have enough time to drive around the whole island while in port. The south side is about 2 -3 hours away just to get there.

2 hours will only get you Driving around San Juan. I would email operators and see what you can get. Just going to the rainforest and back would take you without stopping anywhere for anything 3 hours.

I too used island marketing and was very happy with there tours you should email them and ask about what you can do with a private tour. As i have posted in the past i did 3 tours with them. When i get back i will try some others they suggested like pork highway and west coast. You will need to be specific when asking.

Good luck!

We're using Island Marketing for our tour there. For a private tour of the place for 8 people would be $320.

How many hours is the tour you purchase and for what was it?

I believe must do's are

1rst time

Old San Juan i like private tours but walking on your own is good too. I just just find i miss to much on my own.

2nd time 3rd time

El yuque rainforest or the beach (the beach is good any time!)

When i was there our guide told us to skip the Bio bay because it did not shine as bright anymore, not sure why but took his recommendation.

I have not done pork Highway yet and looks fun if you spend the whole day.

Hope this helps

I have too the Rainforest, the forts and the beach with them. Also used them for a transport to the airport. Always on time even went further than the allowed time. Found their guides to be very good and professional. I was very happy with the beach club they used, good food, good drinks i loved the price the best.

If not touring take a walk to the fort watch the sunset have a coffee and a pastry. Then what Port Royal said!

Has anyone left their baggage at Barrachina & did it go well?

I have not but have read many doing it. You need to take a taxi there and consume i think....

Which beach does the excursion bring you to? I was looking at this same excursion.

Thanks

It is in Ocean park, great stretch beach.

Taxis in the tourist areas from the airport to Old San Juan are by zones with fixed rates. That rate gets up to 5 persons in the same taxi with a $2 surcharge for the 6th and 7th passenger no matter what zone you're riding to/from. If taking a taxi IN Old San Juan to take to somewhere WITHIN OSJ it is $9 (including fuel charge but NOT the tip) for up to 5 riders, not per rider.

I guess they saw me coming a mile away, kept paying $12.00 and we were 2 most of the times.

Several companies have now gotten back with me and I am getting somewhere. Captain Marvins is even measuring the strap for me. I am also starting to realize should be fine!

Yea!

I am sure they are so busy this week. Glad things are working out have a great trip!

We have not booked any where yet due to my concern, but I have contacted several companies from NativeWay to Capt Marvins. I'm not getting much of a concrete answer, so I was hoping for some BTDT's.

That is weird, i almost booked with captain marvin because of the good reviews when i was there but didn't because they were not available.

It is how i found Island Marketing and had a great time with their guides, try them maybe they can help and provide you with the information you need.

Thanks all for the feedback. I may just go buy one to bring with me.

First why not ask your tour company and provide them your waist or chest size they will know if it fits!

Let them know it is something you need and want and if they cannot accommodate you choose another company?

At the same time i am sure whatever life jacket you buy they will have. They should be properly equipped.

We have been on many cruises over the years but this is the first time we will be going to the Cayman Island. Looking for suggested placed to see, things to do, excursions ect. Should we get a day pass at a resort or a tour? We will be on the Norwegian Epic departing 1/14 celebrating my husbands birthday and I want to make it special for him so all comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you!! :)

 

 

Melissa

Stingray city and starfish beach for your first time sounds about right.

What a great experience.

Thanks again!

I guess the "meal options" threw me off - like it was "optional" (meaning you get it if you pay [emoji2]).

 

I read one report of the ride to the beach being a little sketchy - was that your experience? Did the taxi drivers seem to know where you wanted to go?

 

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I had read that once and i have to say that i did not feel what that person felt. Again seems that person fell on someone who didnt know, what they were doing or going and who really knows what roads they took. There are dozens of taxis lined up outside the cruise ship terminal so i asked and they all said yes no problem and i got into the first one.

I never felt unsafe anywhere in the san Juan area.

When i went for my taxi, before entering, i asked if they new the location as i always do BEFORE entering any taxi and they new exactly where we were going and only took about 15 min drive to the beach.I have learned to ask before entering any taxi anywhere because it has happened to me to in the past.

That said with smart phones nowadays that should never be more than a 2 minute issue. I would not worry

Can you tell me a little more about the beach break excursion? I looked at the website and it seems really nice! I assume food is not included, but drink are? Do you remember about how much transportation was from the port and is it pretty easy to get there and back?

 

Thanks!!

It was great and we had a great time, plenty of beach, we were placed all on our own and loved it. I think it was MORE than worth it especially with 6 drinks and a meal! That normally cost more than double anywhere else!

I just went to their site and saw that food is still included, You should look again on the right hand side in the highlights sections.

We paid $21.00 from Old San Juan, when we were ready they called us a cab which came in 5 minutes. They did tell me that they might include transport in the future but you should ask them if they did. I like the fact that i could take a taxi, that way i left to the beach when i wanted to.

I definitely recommend this excursion in San Juan if you have already toured the Old City. Pretty inexpensive for what you get.

We are a group cruising with a stop in PR would like to see El Yunque but have heard bad things about driving in PR. Would much rather rent a car and save a ton of money than shell out $60pp for a tour. What are your thoughts? Please respond!!1

I think you always hear bad things about other places that people are not used to. NYC (Manhattan) for instance has more aggressive driving than PR in my opinion. I found Pr to be normal driving and we drove all over, took tours and none tours which we drove on our own.

Taking a tour is a preference. I take them, not all the time, depending on what it is, timing and what there is to learn. If you have plenty of time and just want to drive and make stops in the rainforest, then rent a car.

I took a tour to the Rainforest and made it an island tour to that part of the island. Saw a lot more than i would have on my own, we had a great guide.

I can see where some would not need to tour but worked for me because i had luggage and felt more secure with someone with my luggage at all times.

Our ship only arrives @ 3 pm. I would think we only have time for 1 fort before it gets dark. Should we do San Cristobal? We would like to spend some time strolling Old San Juan while we can still see!

 

 

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I would definitely go to San Cristobal first then walk up to El Morro. I spent a few days there at all times and Sunset is just as gorgeous on the grounds of El Morro.

Thank you both for your replies! I was also worried that that was just way to much for one day! I had only asked for ATV, visiting one of the forts and then said I was open to other ideas! This day does sound amazing and I would love to do all of this and the price was great! But like both of you are saying I fear this is just way to much!

 

Would you all recommend just doing the atv rainforest excursion through the cruise line (4 hours) and then if time permits once back in port going to one of the forts or maybe just walking around old San Juan?

 

Again thank you for you help!

If you have never Walked around Old San Juan, i would definitely leave time for that, it is a must do.

The actual tour you choose is up to you. If ATV is something you really want to do then go for it!

Just be careful what time it leaves the pier to make sure you have time left over after your return to enter the old city.

It looks like you can do it but sounds kind of a speedy type of day. I know that it takes about 5 hours to go to the rainforest hike and return to san juan at an ok speed. If you add another 1 1/2 hours, i guess that is your timing. you will be back at 2:30pm not sure if you will have any time to eat though unless you skip things inside the forest, and still. It took us just under 2 hours to hike to the waterfall stay a while then hike back.

About ship not calling port, that has to do with their policies and you should ask them what they are. Most reputable companies will refund you if you do not arrive into Puerto Rico, at least you would like to think so.

walked all times of the day and night, more than safe.

Due to mobility issues, a member of our group cannot walk the streets as easily as the rest of us.

I've always walked everywhere I needed to go so never paid any attention, are taxi's (or other modes of public transportation) available to get us from store to store/restaurant within Old San Juan?

Yes there will be a lot of taxis right outside your terminal and they have stations throughout Old San JUan.

But know that they do not use meters. so every time you will need to use a taxi it will cost you, i think about 12 dollars minimum.

Will not be that crazy if you take 2-3 taxi rides, did you think of hiring a company to tour and drive you around. I say this only because of the mobility issues.

I would go to San Cristobal first. Then walk up the hill along the ocean to El Morro. When paying in one fort, it used to give you entrance to both but things have changed since i have gone in and not sure.

I think you have plenty of time and yes they close at 6PM.