Embarking and disembarking in San Juan

[Jetlagged787]

We will be cruising on Summit from San Juan.

 

What is the earliest that we can embark please? We have to check out of our hotel at 10 and do not want to be standing around with our luggage any longer than possible.

 

Likewise, at the end of the cruise we have a late departure from SJU and we would prefer to spend any spare time on board rather than at the airport. With that in mind, what is the latest we can disembark please.

[az_tchr]

You are likely to be able to board around noon, maybe a bit earlier. No idea why you would be asking about your luggage as you drop that off at the curb before starting the checkin process.

 

Disembarking generally requires everyone off the ship before 9am unless you are Elite and that only gives you another tiny bit of time. They need all off so the next cruise can start. I would not want to have a late time for disembarking unless you take your luggage with you. If last off your luggage will have sat in the shed for maybe a couple of hours. Lots of chances for it to disappear. Have had other passengers leave with a bag of hours twice. Got them back but a big hassle.

[tangerinebunny]

Your hotel will probably hold your luggage for a few hours.

 

If you're in an interesting location, perhaps you could take a morning walk.

[njkruzer]

On disembarking we left our luggage at Barrick ina (sp?) in Old San Juan and went bout our day, taking the free trolley, sightseeing, and having lunch before retrieving our luggage and heading to the airport. There is no charge and no requirement to eat there, though we did eat there before heading to the airport. Lots of people use their free service. Enjoy your cruise.

[JohninDC]

The answer to all of your questions can be found on the San Juan board: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131

 

There is a restaurant in Old San Juan that will hold your bags for free while you explore the area - return, maybe grab a drink or something to eat (not required) and then cab to the airport. The name escapes me - must have been the great daiquiris :o - but you will see it named in several posts.

[njkruzer]

On disembarking we left our luggage at Barrick ina (sp?) in Old San Juan and went bout our day, taking the free trolley, sightseeing, and having lunch before retrieving our luggage and heading to the airport. There is no charge and no requirement to eat there, though we did eat there before heading to the airport. Lots of people use their free service. Enjoy your cruise.

 

Oops, I need to spell check. It's called Barichina. My dh says their Pina cold as are a must!

[karena1]

We will be cruising on Summit from San Juan.

 

What is the earliest that we can embark please? We have to check out of our hotel at 10 and do not want to be standing around with our luggage any longer than possible.

 

.

 

I can tell you the last time we did Summit we were on the ship and at the pool before 11:30, I think even earlier. We were at the port very early and were one of the first ones on.

[Wayneair]

Here's one important tip on disembarkation. After gathering your luggage, get one of the porters to carry your bags and give them a great tip. They will take you to one of the fast exit lanes and you will exit customs faster than the people who exited ship sooner than you. We did this and was at the cab stand before people who had disembarkation times 45 minutes before us. Well worth the money.

[Jetlagged787]

Thanks for the really informative and useful replies everyone. :)

[varoo]

Also for disembarkation, be careful not to pack any prohibited items.

They had dogs in the cruise terminal sniffing passenger luggage while we were going through the lines for customs.

 

[denatravels]

Also for disembarkation, be careful not to pack any prohibited items.

They had dogs in the cruise terminal sniffing passenger luggage while we were going through the lines for customs.

 

 

 

Other than drugs or weapons, what can you not take OFF the ship?

[cle-guy]

Other than drugs or weapons, what can you not take OFF the ship?

 

Undeclared Duty free purchases, especially if bought on ship.

 

Something like $400 or more the ship gives customs a list that they verify you to as you leave, usually if you claim it they let you go without any paperwork pr paying, but if you claim nothing and you are on the list, they take you away for the deep search and make you pay.

 

Any food unless a manufactured product in sealed bag, some destinations may have stricter or more lenient rules.

[Lonedaddy]

Undeclared Duty free purchases, especially if bought on ship.

 

Something like $400 or more the ship gives customs a list that they verify you to as you leave, usually if you claim it they let you go without any paperwork pr paying, but if you claim nothing and you are on the list, they take you away for the deep search and make you pay.

 

 

Returning residents of the United States: up to $800 worth of articles acquired abroad provided their stay abroad was at least 48 hours and their duty-free exemption was not used in the preceding 30 days.For arrivals directly from American Samoa, Guam & U.S. Virgin Islands: up to $1,600 (not more than $800 of which may be acquired elsewhere than in these islands) The duty-free allowance may include the following maximum quantities:

[CoralReef]

Other than drugs or weapons, what can you not take OFF the ship?

 

Fruit. They are very strict about this in Puerto Rico.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Fruit for sure. Also, meat or meat-products. We got stopped recently because our cheese was in the shape of a sausage. They really scrutinized the sealed package label before letting us go.