Solo in San Juan

[runner2013]

Hello all,

I've sailed solo several times and never had issues with feeling 'safe' in a port before. (very aware of the precautions a woman alone should be taking when traveling alone) I've been looking at a cruise from San Juan P.R. which is a new location for me, and wanted some input from other solo women who've flown in the night before, staying in a hotel overnight, before heading to the port the following day.

Have you felt comfortable talking with strangers for assistance or venturing outside the hotel?

I'm 51, with minimal knowledge  (enough to be respectful and polite) of the Spanish language.

Any advice as far as the airport, where to stay, taking taxi's or shuttles to from locations, etc, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Patty 

[bhsolo]

Love San Juan and have traveled by myself, woman, with no issues. As you say, take precautions because while you are on vacation criminals are not. Taxis from the airport are super easy and getting from hotel to wherever. Exploring Old San Juan and the fort is great plus sitting on the beach at your hotel and not moving. I loved the San Juan Marriott Stellaris & Casino. 

[kelib]

I stayed at the Sheraton Old San Juan twice. I was leaving on Carnival so it was just a quick walk down the street since they embark at a different terminal than RCI and NCL.

I admit that I did not venture out at night by myself but walked around old San Juan quit a bit during the day. They have a free hop on hop off tram that takes you around. 
 

Edited January 12, 2020 by kelib

[runner2013]

Thanks ladies, I appreciate the input. Everything I've read so far says Old San Juan is the best area to stay for a cruise so the hotel recommendations will come in handy.

Did either of you have any problems with customs or getting in and out for your flights?

[Lois R]

Hi, I have also sailed from San Juan multiple times over the last 15 years. It is very easy (in my opinion). I have

always just a taken a cab from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ship and again from the ship back

to the airport.  No issues with customs...……Puerto Rico is part of the states.  No problems with flights.

 

Coronado is a nice area to stay in and so is Old San Juan. I have stayed in both of those places before.

[mef_57]

I did have problems leaving November 2018 as there was plane engine trouble and flight was delayed many hours. The biggest annoyance was United's lack of information available before we all turned up at the airport. the airport challenge was most of the wall plugs had no power, so charging phones  was impossible. Though things looked nice, there was still a lot of stuff not back on track from the hurricane the summer before. Given last week's earthquakes,don't assume things to be perfect, try to conserve energy use and be tolerant.

[QMG]

On 1/11/2020 at 6:01 AM, runner2013 said:

Hello all,

I've sailed solo several times and never had issues with feeling 'safe' in a port before. (very aware of the precautions a woman alone should be taking when traveling alone) I've been looking at a cruise from San Juan P.R. which is a new location for me, and wanted some input from other solo women who've flown in the night before, staying in a hotel overnight, before heading to the port the following day.

Have you felt comfortable talking with strangers for assistance or venturing outside the hotel?

I'm 51, with minimal knowledge  (enough to be respectful and polite) of the Spanish language.

Any advice as far as the airport, where to stay, taking taxi's or shuttles to from locations, etc, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Patty 

Patty, several books have been published for solo women travelers.  I'd read them as times have changed, more women are traveling alone.  I'd also check YouTube.  As for me I've been on my own in Chile, Turkey and Mexico and never had a problem.  I keep a low profile.  Everything from my ankles to wrists to neck is covered in navy, no jewelry.  Know where you are going, what you are doing at all times, if you don't fake it.  As far as asking for info, the clerk behind the desk and fellow American travelers are no doubt ok otherwise use your judgment.  All that being said go well prepared and have a good time.  Quincy

[runner2013]

Thanks for the replies. I'm feeling better about San Juan with each. Definitely going to keep doing my research.

 

[pf778c]

I LOVE booking a cruise that departs from Old San Juan!  I love solitude and riding, so it's the perfect excuse for me to spend as much time as possible in Rio Grande at Hacienda Siesta Alegre!  Fantastic breakfast, no TV, beautiful stables, sleeping to the sound of the rain and breezes through the palms and the coquis - heaven!  I grab a rental car from the airport and usually hit the kioskos in Luquilla most nights for dinner.  After dropping off my luggage on the ship and unpacking it's time to wander around Old San Juan on embarkation day.  Such a beautiful and charming little city (I have dreams of living here, but know it's too noisy and busy for me in reality)!  One day in Old San Juan is enough for me though.  Supposedly, there are areas in San Juan outside of the old touristy part of the city that visitors are not advised to frequent after dark, but that is true of any city and doubt that there would be any reason to be there in any case unless one was looking for trouble.  Be smart and enjoy!

Edited January 13, 2020 by pf778c

[Crystal04]

Hello,

I traveled to San Juan solo and stayed a week before my cruise. I'm a 29 year old female.  I ended up renting a beach front condo through Airb in the Carolina area. The people I rented through picked me up at the airport and dropped me off and the cruise ship terminal showed me some great places to eat. I took an Uber around to the places I wanted to go.  People in the city mostly spoke English. When you get out further away from San Juan people are less helpful. I really enjoyed my trip and the land portion was just what I needed after a long flight. I never felt unsafe.  Puerto Rico is my favorite place to depart from. I never had any problems with customs, but my check in luggage always gets searched regardless of where I am coming from.

[MHF]

I flew into San Juan and used GroundLink to pick me up and take me to the Old San Juan Sheraton.  Walked around Old Town, stopped in a cute bead place.  Sat at the bar at Señor Frog's for supper and service was lacking, wasn't crowded either.  Walked to the ship easily with luggage the next day.  There's a CVS a couple of blocks from the Sheraton where I replaced my hairspray and forgotten nail polish.  That was my first solo and I did OK.  Booked on 2 more!  Beats sitting around home moping.

 

Missy in Maryland