Hotel Old San Juan - vs. Carnival Pier

[NHWhiteMountains]

We've booked at the Sheraton Old San Juan again this year for the evening prior to our cruise on Carnival Destiny (3/5/06). Can anyone tell me which pier this ship uses? In April we cruised on Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas and had to go across the bay/river to board. While reading some postings regarding excursions in San Juan, it sounded like the Destiny used a pier closer to the hotel (on the same side?). If it is on the same side, is it close enough to walk or will we need to look for cab/taxi to transport?

 

Thanks for your help

 

Lynda

[cherylandtk]

Lynda, if they dock at the same place as last year, you will be at the docks

1-6, which are practically across the street from the Sheraton OSJ. Here is a link to a terrific labled aerial shot. The Seranade OS used the Pan American pier.

 

http://www.langland.org/cruises/sanjuan.asp

[NHWhiteMountains]

Thanks Cheryl ~ What an awesome link! I hope nothing has changed from last year. It certainly will make boarding a breeze.

 

Lynda

[yankedog]

Just returned from Destiny.. Wonderful cruise! We docked at pier 4. Right near the Sheraton I believe! have a blast!

[twofromcolumbus]

We too just returned from San Juan and our voyage on the Destiny; The Destiny did dock at Pier 4, which is right across the street from Sheraton. We stayed Sunday night (Oct 23rd) at the Sheraton. Had room 527. Had nice view of Carnival Destiny until it departed at around 10:15 pm..... Also the hotel staff told us to eat at the Cafe Puerto Rico in Old San Juan. It was very good and prices are good. It is local fare and was oh so good. :)

[NHWhiteMountains]

I'm psyched to hear that the pier is close to or across from the Sheraton in Old San Juan.

 

Thanks for the tip on the restaurant. We went right across the street from the hotel when we were there in April. The name escapes me, but it was recommended by the porter who helped with our luggage. The restaurant was right across the street from the entrance to the hotel. Nice atmosphere, casual, had 3 men strolling with guitars and singing at each table. The food tasted good....but.....be careful! They served my husbands dish in an old wooden bowl (sort of like a mortar and pestle type thing?). The only thing we can think of is that there was bacteria in the wooden bowl. He was violently sick all night long. We thought it was going to ruin his cruise. Made for a real iffy first day, but he recovered nicely. Anyway......authentic local cuisine looked nice the way they presented it, tasted great....but wow....stay away from food served in wooden bowls!

[DisneyCrazy123]

Does the Sheraton have a beach? I am guessing it does not if it is near the pier. Can anyone reccomend a hotel with a nice beach that is family friendly. Oh, and even better if it is reasonably priced.

[Bru92]

The Sheraton OSJ is within a block of the pier but no, there is no beach.

The frontage to the bay area is sea wall with the cruise and ferry terminals.

We walked over to the Destiny with our bags from the hotel.

 

Mike