Departing from Port of San Juan Tips Trick an hints please!

[karen11g]

Thank you very much. This answers my question perfectly! We will pick up our wine at the duty-free shop at the pier.

 

Where exactly is the store? Is it clearly marked?

 

It's right in the building, close to where you do your other business (check-in, etc.). I don't remember obvious signs, but I don't think you could miss it.

[scomar]

Even though San Juan is a US territory, How long are the lines to get through customs when coming back? Just as long as in the states?

[meadowlander]

Just one small note here, as we were in San Juan 2 weeks ago when Daylight Savings Time went into effect. It is correct that San Juan does not change their clocks. However, they are on the same time during DST, and 1 hour earlier during EST.

 

The rest of your tips are right on- especially about the Ag inspection. It is NOT marked very well (at least in the Jet Blue terminal), and if you aren't paying attention, you can miss it. We saw MANY people get all the way to the head of the security line with their carry-ons and had to double back thru Ag Inspection AND then get in the back of the security line.

 

Is the USDA inspection for all luggage or only carry on? Thanks!

[love 2cruise]

I can't answer this exact question, but there is a duty free liquor store with wine in it at the pier. We were in San Juan for three days before our cruise, so bought two bottles of wine near our hotel and brought it to the pier.

 

Just after we entered the building, a man from the store came up to us and told us about the duty free store. We told him we already had our wine with us. He said after we boarded the ship, we could go back and buy more.

 

The way it worked two weeks ago was this: After dropping off our bags outside, we walked into the building with our carry ons. There was a security check immediately inside the entrance. At that check, if you had bottles in your bag, they attached a plastic tie to it. Then you went to the desk to do the normal check in & get Sea Passes. After that, just before you went up the escalator, there was a small table set up. If you had a tag on your bag, you had to stop at that table so they could remove the tag and check your two bottles of wine. They were not keeping any records. The whole process took about 15 minutes form arrival at 11:30 am to boarding the ship.

 

A couple of hours later my husband and someone else from our group went down to the duty free shop and each bought two bottles of wine. They thought the wine selection was fine and decently priced, though we didn't have a particular wine we were looking for. They stopped at the second table and had their purchases checked, then came back on board, no problems.

 

your quote about the wine made it over to the Adventures of the Seas board, question you already checked in with 2 bottles and were able to go back off the ship and bring on 2 more?? I always pack two bottles but one or two more would be great.. we try to get on the ship as soon as possible and enjoy town as much as we can. know of a place to buy sun tan lotion, the selection here at home right now is bad

[Traveling Library]

Agriculture inspection is for all luggage including hand luggage but not purses.

We just returned from SJ. We used hotwire and got and amazing corner balcony at the Conrad for $140 plus $15 resort fee.

taxi fares are posted . You'll also pay $1 per piece of luggage in addition to the cab fare and tip.

Check in is easy. We left our bags at the Pan American Pier and then took a cab to Old San Juan.

Our flight home was at 11:30. We were in the 2nd group off the ship...after those doing selfdisembarkation. We were at the airport before 9am.

[kcdancerkc]

you can get sunscreen on internet, walgreens in San Juan, or on the ship!

[girlscruise2011]

Our first b2b last year we stayed in the Condado section at the Comfort Inn. This february we stayed in the Isla Verde section which is closest to the airport and stayed at the Embassy Suites. Next year we are already booked for the Radisson in Condado. The beaches are awesome in Isla Verde and the area very clean and very nice. Crime has risen quite a bit and our flight attendants warned us to be more vigilant and we were. There are more police especially on bikes as they want to keep tourists coming and keep everyone safe. Beaches in the Condado section are far from nice but you do have plenty of sand. There are casinos in both areas. As some have already mentioned there isn't a hotel that is walkable to the Pan Am Pier. Now we did see many walking to the ships but appeared to be crew members and not folks with luggage. Its a beautiful area with a small airport next door and also a large marina with some very very nice looking yachts.

 

There are plenty of food choices in both of the sections that we have stayed in previously. We just decided this trip to try a different resort and the price was great. We just want a clean place to put our head! No mold no nasty room. Sometimes that is hard to find!

 

We love walking around old san juan. Just remember that even tho your ship is scheduled to sail at 830...all aboard is usually or it was in our case on the Adventure at 5 pm. So if anything check in early with your luggage and go do your thing but you have to be on board and participate in muster and remember it is also DAY 1 of your cruise and you have paid for it!!!!!

 

What did you think of the Comfort Inn in Condado? I need 2 rooms for my precruise in January 2014 and can get a great Government employee rate. I already booked the Best Western in Condado which comes with breakfast but for the savings I can do without the breakfast. I've read on Tripadvisor that the Comfort Inn has breakfast but didn't see it with the room rate. Did you get breakfast when you stayed? With 6 people, any savings is good :)

[karen11g]

your quote about the wine made it over to the Adventures of the Seas board, question you already checked in with 2 bottles and were able to go back off the ship and bring on 2 more?? I always pack two bottles but one or two more would be great.. we try to get on the ship as soon as possible and enjoy town as much as we can. know of a place to buy sun tan lotion, the selection here at home right now is bad

 

Yes, it surprised us, but we brought two bottles on board with us when we first boarded, then my husband went back down, bought two more, he was checked again at the wine-checking table, and brought them on board with no problem.

 

We wouldn't have thought to do that, but someone from the store approached us and told us we could. They weren't keeping any records at the table where they checked the wine, so I guess- how would they know?

[erinpdx]

Can someone tell me if they sell soda and water there as well?

[stoddaj1]

Unfortunately not. Just hard liquor and wine.

[cakerbakermom]

Can someone tell me if they sell soda and water there as well?

 

Across the street and down to the left just a little bit (and I mean just a few stores), there is a CVS pharmacy. Good place to get your water/pop. :)

[erinpdx]

Across the street and down to the left just a little bit (and I mean just a few stores), there is a CVS pharmacy. Good place to get your water/pop. :)

 

I think you are thinking of the other pier in San Juan. We are leaving from the Pan American Pier which is across the water from the port of San Juan. I looked on a map and the CVS and next to the other pier.

[cakerbakermom]

I think you are thinking of the other pier in San Juan. We are leaving from the Pan American Pier which is across the water from the port of San Juan. I looked on a map and the CVS and next to the other pier.

 

I'm sorry, I am in error. Yes, the CVS is at the other port. Sorry.

[JFontaine]

Can someone tell me if they sell soda and water there as well?

 

My question too. I read on another thread that they do sell soda and water. I would love to know if they are well stocked - Coke Zero - or do we need to get it elsewhere.

[emmac25]

Anyone with recent experience sailing out of San Juan with regards to the duty free store and purchasing wine

[BillOh]

I suggest you first decide in which area of San Juan you'd like your hotel to be located. You will then get more suggestions on hotels. Like printing chick, I like staying in Old San Juan (OSJ),

 

When I was in SJ on Voyager back in '06 we walked to Old San Juan. But that is not the same pier Jewel of the Seas uses correct?

[cherylroslyn]

When I was in SJ on Voyager back in '06 we walked to Old San Juan. But that is not the same pier Jewel of the Seas uses correct?

Where are the bathrobe pictures?????? lol

[Ladybug525]

We are sailing on Carnival Valor at the beginning of July. Where does the ship sail from? The departure is set for 10 pm. How soon can we begin to board? Can we board, get our sea passes and put our carry ons in our room and then deboard and explore Old San Juan? Is Old San Juan within walking distance of the pier?

 

Finally, we have reservations for the Comfort Inn. Any experiences with that hotel? Anyone have experiences with a late arrival (as in our plane doesn't arrive until almost midnight)? Tips for travelers at that hour?

[sippican]

We are sailing on Carnival Valor at the beginning of July. Where does the ship sail from? The departure is set for 10 pm. How soon can we begin to board? Can we board, get our sea passes and put our carry ons in our room and then deboard and explore Old San Juan? Is Old San Juan within walking distance of the pier?

 

Finally, we have reservations for the Comfort Inn. Any experiences with that hotel? Anyone have experiences with a late arrival (as in our plane doesn't arrive until almost midnight)? Tips for travelers at that hour?

 

We just returned. The Valor embarks from the pier right in Old San Juan. It seems that boarding time varies from sailing to sailing. We heard it depends how smoothly the disembarkation process goes from the previous sailing (customs can be really slow). We arrived at the terminal around 11:00, and were in the buffet on the Lido by 12:30. Cabins are typically not ready until 1:30 or later.

Yes, you may disembark to explore OSJ and stock up at CVS (or "restock"). It is a short walk from the ship. You can walk to all of the sites in OSJ or take advantage of the free trolley system. Be sure to get a map that shows the three routes. I recommend the white, open Park Service ones if you want to get to the forts, or just ride the loop to see some of the area. Even if you ride, be sure to wander a bit through the lovely streets.

Sorry, can't help with the hotel. But one tip; be aware of the taxi rate from the airport to the Comfort Inn before you arrive. We had two drivers fighting over our luggage and quoting different rates (neither of which was accurate, even though posted). We also had another couple on our sailing tell us their driver tried to charge them the rate per person, rather than per trip. Agree on the fare before you let them load your luggage, or get in the taxi.

The Valor is a good ship and this itinerary is great! Have a wonderful time.

[aebalc]

My tip for departing from San Juan would be to give yourself a day or two before the cruise in the city. San Juan has excellent nightlife and restaurants. In the daytime there is the rainforest, zip lines and I love spending a leisurely day roaming the forts and old town as well as heading over to Bacardi.

 

It seems a shame to fly all the way to San Juan just to spend a night in a hotel and jump on the ship the next morning, San Juan is an excellent destination all on its own.

[HappyRev]

DW and I will be sailing from San Juan in September and we will spend one day before sailing there. Anybody can recommend any museums and anything interesting to do and to see?

 

Thanx in advance

[prayfordaylight]

Old San Juan and El Morro fortress are must dos. If you like rum, the Bacardi factory tour is great.

[Ladybug525]

My tip for departing from San Juan would be to give yourself a day or two before the cruise in the city. San Juan has excellent nightlife and restaurants. In the daytime there is the rainforest, zip lines and I love spending a leisurely day roaming the forts and old town as well as heading over to Bacardi.

 

It seems a shame to fly all the way to San Juan just to spend a night in a hotel and jump on the ship the next morning, San Juan is an excellent destination all on its own.

 

I agree with you...but, we have to fly in and fly out as my daughter gets off work Saturday afternoon the day before the cruise and has to be back to work the Monday after we return. :-( Another time, we'll come to San Juan just to visit.

[Ladybug525]

We just returned. The Valor embarks from the pier right in Old San Juan. It seems that boarding time varies from sailing to sailing. We heard it depends how smoothly the disembarkation process goes from the previous sailing (customs can be really slow). We arrived at the terminal around 11:00, and were in the buffet on the Lido by 12:30. Cabins are typically not ready until 1:30 or later.

Yes, you may disembark to explore OSJ and stock up at CVS (or "restock"). It is a short walk from the ship. You can walk to all of the sites in OSJ or take advantage of the free trolley system. Be sure to get a map that shows the three routes. I recommend the white, open Park Service ones if you want to get to the forts, or just ride the loop to see some of the area. Even if you ride, be sure to wander a bit through the lovely streets.

Sorry, can't help with the hotel. But one tip; be aware of the taxi rate from the airport to the Comfort Inn before you arrive. We had two drivers fighting over our luggage and quoting different rates (neither of which was accurate, even though posted). We also had another couple on our sailing tell us their driver tried to charge them the rate per person, rather than per trip. Agree on the fare before you let them load your luggage, or get in the taxi.

The Valor is a good ship and this itinerary is great! Have a wonderful time.

 

Thank you so much! I will definitely watch for the taxi drivers.

[Ladybug525]

What did you think of the Comfort Inn in Condado? I need 2 rooms for my precruise in January 2014 and can get a great Government employee rate. I already booked the Best Western in Condado which comes with breakfast but for the savings I can do without the breakfast. I've read on Tripadvisor that the Comfort Inn has breakfast but didn't see it with the room rate. Did you get breakfast when you stayed? With 6 people, any savings is good :)

 

We'll be staying at the Comfort Inn in July. I can let you know after our trip...just please remember to message me.