Just Back, San Juan startiing at 5 pm...

[disneypinman]

We just got back from visiting San Juan via the Carnival Triumph on an Eastern Caribbean tour. We were originally registered for the cruise lines excursion for Old San Juan tour and shopping.

 

We decided to do the tour that CCL had offered because we had never visited San Juan. However, upon arriving on board we received a notice that this excursion was cancelled and a credit was applied to our ship board account.

 

We then decided to try it on our own but upon disembarking form the ship found a tour operator at the end of the pier that offered a New & Old San Juan tour for $20 pp cash. We visited beaches, the old fort and the ocean front cemetary as well as the old streets of San Juan.

 

The tour driver was very knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time at the various stops for pictures. He then let us off in Old San Juan to shop on our own. Old San Juan has a very "european" feel with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings dating back the fifteen hundreds. Newer retailers have occupied these old buildings (Starbucks, Walgreens, Hard Roch Cafe, Senior Frogs) to name a few. There is also an area just three blocks from where the ships dock wher you can get a very nice carridge ride through Old San Juan for about $50-$75 total for 3 people.

 

There is also a casino in the Sheraton hotel just a block away from the pier.

 

It was a great visit and I would love to return someday for an extended visit.

[Ren1216]

For those of us visiting San Juan in the near future (especially for me as it will be my first time), this is great information. Thanks!! Im really looking forward to experiencing this port.

[MDSteve1]

Cn you tell me a little more about the @20 tour? How long was it. Where did it go and how long did it spend in each location? Was it a van? How many wuld it hold? we have 10 people. Thanks

[disneypinman]

Cn you tell me a little more about the @20 tour? How long was it. Where did it go and how long did it spend in each location? Was it a van? How many wuld it hold? we have 10 people. Thanks

 

The tour was in an air conditioned mini tour bus. It held about 25 people. The total time was about 2 1/2 hours and visited parts of the New San Juan with all of the high rise condos being built and areas where the beach meets the hotels along the NW side of the island. From there we went by city hall and then down to the old part of the city. We visited the fort on the point of the city (see my pictures at www.pictures.yahoo.com/drcell_2000). We also visited the area where Ponce deLeon is buried. The tour ended in old San Juan where we were dropped off to do some shopping on our own.

[Bran8778]

I also did this tour at the pier the last time we sailed to San Juan. It is a great tour and the guides are great. I didn't like the amount of time they gave us at the fort so I just stayed. Both forts are near the port so you can walk back to the shops and right back to the ship. We did alot of walked all three times at this stop, so make sure you put on your walking shoes. I have been to the port three times and loved it all three.

[alphakitty]

Thanks for the review of San Juan. We will be doing this same trip in Feb 07, (Truimph, Eastern), so I really appreciate the info. This tour sounds like a good way to get an overview of the port.

 

kitty

[countryside]

These organized tour operators are located outside the cruise ship terminal. They have various vehicles ad they can be reach at sanjuantourguides@yahoo.com . You will always find them at the pier.

I saw a phone number but need to look around and let you know.

Another option for other tour operators is www.***** click on sightseeing and then on expert .

[HAPPYCRUISINGIRL]

I have this tour booked for next month. Good to know you can find someone locally to do it in case it gets canceled...

[jcruiser45]

Another option, as I did, is contacting the tourism office of the San Juan Municipality. The Old San Juan tour was free.

 

I understand that the Conservation Trust Company offers an eco-walking tour during the weekends and for free. Has anyone taken this walking tour?