First time in San Juan..any suggestions?

[erniesband]

erniesband..... well put.... and just an interesting fyi that we learned while on our tour with Cameron Reid on Barbados (one of those "around the bends" I was talking about earlier) is that the reason you see so many goats, chickens, pigs etc.. roaming is this - it is customary for a childs godparents to buy their godchild an animal for a pet. This is to teach them to take care of another living being and to love something other than themselves...... pretty neat I think. They are not killed for food and are pets and then some.....

 

As for poverty on Barbados and Grand Cayman - it is there. Cameron took us to see some government housing areas - but even though they did not have much - what they had they took care of. Everything was orderly and clean etc.

 

I know I need to put on my flame proof suit right about now - but I cant help but feel kinda sorry for those people who don't "see" these islands and the people that live there. They are amazing for the most part. Industrious because they have to be and extremely hard working. And so very very friendly..... when you are not in a crowd of others stepping off a bus ;)

 

Ok..... I am off my soap box now...... go for it

 

Texancruise, I totally agree with your soapbox! It is interesting to note that the definition of "pet" is different in different cultures, too. Wonder if that applies to the cows, too? I know that there's poverty in Grand Caymen and Barbados, too, it's just that on average, their standard of living is higher than on many Caribbean island, because of the banking and commerce industries on those islands. We love going off and exploring, meeting the people that live on the islands, and getting to know more about the places we're visiting and the people. If I wanted everything to be like home, I'd limit my vacations to home :D (flame proof suit on and zipped!).

[geojobes]

Texancruzer,

 

I mean you no disrespect.

 

Puerto Ricans are US Citizens. It is also not a "third world country" as you stated.

 

I lived in PR for 4 years (30 some years ago). I enjoyed the island, especially old San Juan, El Yunque & Luquillo beach. I found the people to be nice and proud of their heritage. They want to stay a commenwealth & not a state.

[texancruzer]

geojobes: No offense taken :D You are right.

 

I did not necessarily mean that Puerto Rico is a third world country......

 

only that most of the islands have not only MORE poverty but it is readily SEEN when visiting these places..... and that people should be informed and therefore more understanding... we fear what we do not understand.

[ukbballfan]

I guess I can feel for both sides of this discussion. When I first visited San Juan in 2003 it was for about 5 hours while cruising on the Navigator of the Seas. We walked into old San Juan and saw the poverty, shady characters, and aggressive peddlers. We also saw a few interesting sights but it was through eyes of extreme caution since I had my 14 year old daughter with me. My most profound memory was of a beat up old Ford Pinto parked by the Post Office that had a Club device on its steering wheel... and I'm thinking "someone would actually WANT to steal that car"? When we sailed that night I was thinking to myself...well I've seen old San Juan and if I never come back that would be fine with me.

 

Well a couple years passed and through my fiance's son, who had went to P.R. a few times to run a baseball camp, we met Caroline, a charming young lady from San Juan. She had come to Ohio to visit for Christmas and hearing her side of San Juan got us re-interested in visiting her city. We had always wanted to do a southern Carib. cruise so we booked one out of San Juan this past January. We were there for 2 days pre-cruise and Caroline offered her services as a tour guide. The Puerto Rico we were shown was far different than that brief glance we had experienced before. We toured old San Juan during the San Cristobal festival and you will never see it more packed that at that week-end, but all was well. There were art exhibits galore and different bands playing. It was a truly electric atmosphere. The next day we went to the el Yunque rain forrest and then down along the east coast to Humacao where we went horseback riding on the beach. Later that day we went to a sports bar in old San Juan to watch the Steelers in the AFC championship game. During that game I met several locals and I must say I had never experienced a game on television like that. By the 3rd quarter we were high fiving with strangers and they were breaking out the bongo drums! When we set sail from San Juan this time I left with a totally different feeling of the people and culture of Puerto Rico.

 

My main impressions of the people of P.R. were this...

 

1. Thet are LOUD

2. They are PASSIONATE

 

And I guess I said all that to say this... Don't allow your "comfort zone" to keep you from truly experiencing what these islands have to offer. As always you should be cautious, but venture out a little and don't be afraid to actually "SEE" the islands and experience all they might possess. I know this is hard to do sometimes with just a few hours to visit...but that only gives you more reasons to come back on another cruise!

 

Now someone give me a ladder to get me off my soapbox!

[maurick]

There is povety every where. You had your own personal friend for a tour guide. Not many passengers or tourists would have this.

 

If I do not feel safe, I will go back to the ship. I will not put my safety at risk.

[ukbballfan]

Yes we had a friend as a tour guide ,but as far as safety... shes a 23 year old college student who weighs about 110 pounds soaking wet. I'm sure she had my back but you get what I mean! The main benefit from her was her knowledge of the island. Which I guess is my point entirely. Using these boards, we have the luxury of knowledge...theres a recommended tour guide on just about all of the ports of call areas. A little research and they're easy to find and book. So that way you can walk off the ship to someone who you know has provided quality touring in the past. Of course theres no guarentees something won't go wrong (such as the bus accident in Chile), but I'm not one to live my life worrying about all the bad things that could happen.

 

If you're satisfied just walking around near the ship thats great. I just prefer to be a little more adventurous. Theres no right or wrong way, just whatever suits you. With your San Juan port time of 7-3 you should be able to find a nice tour should you choose to do so. Besides after you go into St. Marteen...San Juan will seem a little tame for you!

[KarinaGW]

I grew up in New York City and have observed tourists of two types. The first are the people to whom it's just another place...albeit one with new and exciting places to visit. The others are the ones who "have heard stories" and walk through the streets with their children pulled up against them and keep checking that their wallets are in place. I can't help but feel that this second batch is a) not really having a good time and b) are much more likely targets for the crime that they are sure is going to happen.

 

Yes, there are precautions that you should take anywhere you don't know the lay of the land (keep your wallet in a front pocket, hold your purse to the frontish (rather than letting it ride on your rump)), but when you expect the worst, the worst generally happens.

[lovemylab]

Besides after you go into St. Marteen...San Juan will seem a little tame for you!

 

St. Maarten was actually my favorite port.

 

I am not someone that walks around places scared. I also did not expect the worst in OSJ. However, I did not feel safe/comfortable walking around so I went back to the ship along with several other people. Having been to OSJ once, it is something that I don't feel I need to do again. Lots of people cruise without getting off the ship at certain ports...I don't understand why others have a problem with this.

[kelz66]

I am one of those people who would stay on the ship next time. Both my husband and I did not enjoy San Juan at all. We had the Frommers guide that a previous poster mentioned and did the walking tour. I found the city very dirty and didn't feel safe. During our time in Old San Juan we witnessed the following:

 

1) a crazy guy yelling on a street corner who was soon chased by two police officers.

2) a young lady limping on the sidewalk, with a cane. She had no shoes and her foot was cut open and obviously infected.

3) Unbelievable poverty, I couldn't believe the housing that some people were living in (along the city walls between Del Morro and San Cristobal).

4) Several stray dogs, I doubt they had been vaccinated or received proper food.

5) Several people begging for money.

 

After witnessing the above we decided to head back to the ship. Several other people did the same. Perhaps we were just there on a bad day - but I do know that I was thankful when I was back on the ship.

 

The photos I did take in Old San Juan came out beautiful - the architecture is amazing and I am glad I went. However, it is something that I have no desire to experience again. I know that some people love it (my grandfather being one of those) but my experience was not a positive one.

 

Ironically, my next cruise departs from San Juan - but we will be staying at our hotel until it is time to go to the ship.

 

Sounds like any major city in the US....LOL :rolleyes:

 

I guess living in Philly I should never leave my house.

[lovemylab]

Sounds like any major city in the US....LOL :rolleyes:

 

I guess living in Philly I should never leave my house.

 

Why the need to be rude?

 

I was stating MY reasons for why I have decided to stay on the ship next time. You were not there with me, you don't know what I experienced so who are you to judge someone? Personally, I wished that I would have read a more accurate review of OSJ before I left - maybe then I would have been more prepared for what OSJ is really like. Instead all the reviews I read had no mention of the stuff I mentioned above.

 

Sure, this stuff can happen in any major US city. However, it usually happens in the bad areas - and not the areas that tourists are attracted to.

[maurick]

I started this thread for info. Everyone has their own idea how to spend their day in port. If you stay on the ship, who cares? We have done this a few times and enjoyed the empty ship. If you like to go visit all areas of a port and go why most don't. Thats great too. No need to be rude or insult each other. This board is for information for all to share.

[texancruzer]

kelz66: were you being rude ??? Were you judging ? I didnt get a "rude vibe" or judgement from your post at all .... I just think some people feel every post is AIMED at them for some reason....

 

NO ONE HAS A "PROBLEM" with anyone's decision whether to go ashore or stay on the ship....it's your vacation..... do with it what you will.

 

we are just trying to inform people that San Juan has alot to offer and at the same time that it does have crime (like anywhere else) and to be aware of that too...... then make your decision of what to do with your time in port....

 

ok: Autumn I am responding to your post - as far as crime in the tourist areas...... that is where the money is and that is where ALOT of crime is in any city..... since you did not explore San Juan and we were all over the place including Old San Juan-15 square blocks as well as the rest of the city, I can tell you that Old San Juan felt and is much safer than some of the areas down by the beach areas..... there were more police officers in 15 square blocks than anywhere else we went.

[lovemylab]

kelz66: were you being rude ??? Were you judging ? I didnt get a "rude vibe" or judgement from your post at all .... I just think some people feel every post is AIMED at them for some reason....

 

Last time I checked a smart ass comment followed by an eye rolling smiley was considered rude. As well, if someone quotes me I think it is safe to assume that their post is aimed at me (especially when using the "quote" feature).

 

 

NO ONE HAS A "PROBLEM" with anyone's decision whether to go ashore or stay on the ship....it's your vacation..... do with it what you will.

 

If nobody has a problem with anyone's decision than why are you so defensive when someone decides to stay on the ship?

 

Why are people so defensive when someone points out some of the negatives of the city?

 

I read this board for months before I left on my cruise - and not one person ever mentioned the crime and poverty in OSJ. You admit that it is there - so why am I not allowed to mention it? Personally, I wished someone would have told me what OSJ was really like - then I would have been more prepared.

 

we are just trying to inform people that San Juan has alot to offer and at the same time that it does have crime (like anywhere else) and to be aware of that too...... then make your decision of what to do with your time in port....

 

 

But I never said San Juan doesn't have a lot to offer - I mentioned the beautiful architecture and how I was glad I went - but people are conveniently ignoring that part.

 

ok: Autumn I am responding to your post - as far as crime in the tourist areas...... that is where the money is and that is where ALOT of crime is in any city.....

 

That is not the case in any city that I have visited or lived in. The higher crime areas have always been reserved for the poorer areas. I didn't witness any crime at any of my other ports. Once again, people can have different experiences.

 

I am done with this thread.

[erniesband]

FYI: i have been to pr numerous times going back to 72 as a 15 yrold and have been on many cruises(maybe too many lately) and am going on crown in late june and have this to say to all previous posters on this subject with few exceptions and i think you know who you might be. please stay away from me at all of the following locations:1)anywhere in any port if you are part of any ship tours.2)stay out of casino.3)please hang out in karoake bar and piano bar.3)stay away from midnite adult comedy show.4)the promenade before early seating because i'll be sitting there still in bathing suit with drink in hand goofing on you while you get stupid family sunburned portrait taken(a hilite of all trips and you know you are them)5)please don't be at late dinner.6)oh,and wherever you go i laugh at you.iknow. so silly. but listen to yourselves. have a nice cruise and know that if you keep it up you'll eventually wear me out and i'll give up cruising. ps.i respect a coupla replies.

 

I'm not sure I understand your point, but please give us a description so I can be sure to avoid you!

[ChaddyWa]

Any ideas what to do when you have your luggage with you yet? What excursion will take your luggage and then drop you off at the airport. We have to be off the ship by 9 and our plane doesn't leave until 4. I need SOMETHING to do for a few hours! Maybe if I stop at a hotel and put my luggage somewhere or something for a few hours? Any ideas

[texancruzer]

Here are two suggestions:

 

If you are flying American Airlines - for $10.00 per person you can check in while still on the cruise.... must be done by Thursday (I think) so when you get off the ship you go to the American Airlines counter at the pier and they will take your luggage and you will get your boarding pass. Then you can go wherever and once at the airport you only have to go thru security and straight to your gate.

 

If you are not flying American.....there is a restaurant in old San Juan called Barrachinas....they will check your luggage (fee involved I think - but not much) while you tour old San Juan, shop etc....

 

There are some exursions where you can take your luggage with you. Most cruiseline excursions will let you bring it.

[erniesband]

We did the American Airlines check in last year, and it worked well. Year before we did the ship's Rainforest Excursion, which allowed us to leave our luggage in a locked bus. Barrachina isn't a bad option. There's also another location, near the Sheraton OSJ, I think, that basically offers audio walking tours, but also does luggage storage for a minimal fee. I don't remember the name, but found out about them from another post somewhere in this forum.

 

Jodi

[romy835]

I am Puerto Rican and I know what Old San Juan is like which is far from what has been described by some people here. My God, poverty? Does anybody know how much one of those colonial houses is worth? More money that I could ever dream of. And if there's so much poverty, did anybody happened ro see barefoot children begging for food on the street? No. And how come most of the houses in La Perla has one or more satellite dishes on their roofs? Most people in this island live well, and there are also poor people but not as poor to the extent that they are living in crumbling houses and going hungry, like in the US, the government wouldn't allow that and also the Puerto Ricans don't have the heart to see someone living in such a state and not help. Poverty is an ugly thing but it exist, it's all arround the world, even in the US and we should face it and try to help instead of trying to shield ourselves and our children from it.

 

Yes, there is criminality in San Juan but not in Old San Juan or any touristic area for there is heavy police surveilance. The real criminality is in La Perla which is drug dealer territory and they strictly keep their business in La Perla. But no tourist has ever been murdered or kidnapped in Old San Juan. I fear New York a thousand times more than OSJ. We are talking about the same city the governor lives and if the police thinks it's safe enough for him, i's safe enough for everybody else.

 

Homeless people on the streets? The mayor has constantly tried to help them but most of them are mental patients and drug addicts who don't like to be helped. You could spend the rest of your life trying to help them but they refuse to be helped. There are also those who accept help and have been taken from the streets.

 

The city smells? What big city doesn't.

 

Stray dogs? Welcome to the Caribbean.

 

"Crime areas reserved for poor areas" Give me a break.

 

And I could care less if people stay in their cruises instead of going to OSJ. Just get it straight that OSJ is not Somalia or Haiti.

[bayyore]

Maurick--we were on the Explorer May 19th-28th. We docked in Old San Juan area. We simply walked through the city to the Old Morro Castle. That was incredible--just beautiful views for picture taking!! We asked a cab driver to drop us off at a nearby restaurant for lunch--we ate a delicious but expensive lunch and rushed back to the ship. We found it to be a basically clean safe city and would go back again. Enjoy!

[JKHawaii]

Boy, someone didn't take their Prozak today! And I'm not using quotes or smiley faces, but yes, that would be you, Autumn 3. You talk about people being rude and then resort to gutter language. You talk about crime? I re-read your original post and I didn't see where a single crime was commited. But after your last post, you would think you had been nearly raped and robbed and left for dead!

 

After all, the OP wasn't asking whether they should stay on the ship, they wanted to know what there is to do in San Juan. Personally, I think OSJ is a treasure. I've walked all over the old city and haven't experienced any crime or the degree of poverty you allude to. But it's not Disney World or some sterile hotel-compound environment, it's real life. Now, I have experienced utter poverty and crime in my travels elsewhere and they help keep me grounded......... to be a little more understanding when the ship has run out of my requested entree and I only have 5 or 6 other choices!

[erniesband]

Thank you JKHawaii! I've long wanted to suggest to people that if they want Disney World, they vacation in Disney World, but haven't had the guts!

 

Jodi

[Cruisesquatch]

I'm going for my first time being ANYWHERE, in September. I dont speak any Spanish but I'm going to try and learn a little and see at least some of San Juan while we're still at the dock. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 1:29 pm. So once we figure how to get to the ship and get checked in, I was thinking that since we dont sail until 10pm, we could go do a little sightseeing. But I also know we have to watch(?) the muster drill and I have no idea how that gets set up or how long it takes. I'm just gonna roll with it. If I have time I figure that as long as I'm back by 7 I should be o.k.

[cpcruiser]

Does anyone out there know where the Navigator of the Seas docks? This is our first cruise and we are trying to decide what we want to do and how to go about it. Any information about where we dock would be appreciated. Any other advise about San Juan would be appreciated also. thank you!

[texancruzer]

Cruisesquatch: Dont worry about knowing Spanish..... most people we encountered in San Juan spoke English.

 

The muster drill (you must attend) is in between the first dinner seating and the late seating. They will have the first dinner seating at 5:30 instead of 6:00 - then muster @ 7:30 ish - then late seating at 8:30 instead of 8:00. So as long as you are back by muster - you're cool.

 

If your flight arrives at 1:30 it will take a little while to get your luggage...(have your baggage claim tickets ready - they will check them) and then just take a taxi.... there are signs to show you where they are and there is a line where you will be asked where you are going and then they will give you a two-part form. Since the fares are government regulated you will give one part to your driver and it will have the amount it will cost you right on it.... Excess luggage is a little extra. Not much but a little. Taxi ride is about 20-25 minutes to Pan American pier. When you arrive at pier there will be porters outside to take your luggage. Then you take your carryon inside for checkin.

 

Check in at the pier will depend on how many people are there at the same time..... we had 4 people in front of us and were on the ship in 5 minutes.

 

You can then go to your cabin and drop off whatever you need to. You will have to get back off - get a taxi and then go explore :D You should allow extra time (30 minutes) to get back....just to be sure. Sometimes the traffic in old San Juan is horrible.

 

I figure you should have about 4 hours (3:00-7:00)

 

Have fun !!!!

[erniesband]

cpcruiser, Navigator docks at the Pan Am Pier. Anything you decide to do will require a taxi - it's not within walking distance of anything.

 

Jodi