1st Time Visitors w/Small Children

[MizzouMary]

Hello,

 

We will have a group of 12 adults and two small children (6/19 mos.) on the Carnival Splendor in Jan. We are arriving late in the day at 5:00 PM and will be leaving at Midnight.

 

We want to see old San Juan and the historical places around the area. Does anyone have any suggestions since we'll have a 2 seat stroller? Should we hire a private company, go on a ship excursion or take the free trolley??

 

We will probably eat a late dinner on the ship since we have the little ones. We have a few partiers in the group as well. Are there any close bars to the cruise port (within walking distance)? How safe is the area at night? What about shopping? Are there any markets where we might be able to find a bargain?

 

Also, what's open at night? We were possibly interested in taking a tour of the Bacardi Rum Distillary. What should we not miss?

 

Thanks for your help and input! Any info would be appreciated.

 

Mary

[RayInPR]

Getting into port at 5pm is tough. The forts close at 6pm, so it's doubtful that you'll make if from the pier to the fort with any time left to see anything.

 

Don't hire a taxi-tour guide ... you'll spend more time sitting in traffic.

 

Ditto for the ship excursion.

 

Do it yourself (here's a handy DIY OSJ walking tour) or go out with someone like Legends of Puerto Rico for their guided night-time walking tour.

 

For the most part, stores will be closing early in the evening, unless you're in port on a night with a bunch of other ships.

 

There are many bars to choose from, especially along San Sabastian Street (toward the north side of OSJ).

 

I doubt that Bacardi will be open at night, unless you go with the ship's tour -- but why pay $45 or more for what is essentially a *free* tour. Not worth it, IMO. And we've been many times ... mostly for the free drinks!

 

You can stop by Don Q right across from the piers for free rum drinks ... and you can stay there as long as you like!

 

There are a number of "free" shows (most require you to purchase at least drinks) offered in the evening.

 

If the "partiers" in your group are into rum, or want to learn more about it, there's a new rum-tasting tour offered in Old San Juan. We'll be publishing our review of it tomorrow in our travel guide.

 

Hope this helps!

[MizzouMary]

Thanks for all of the great information. It sounds like almost everything will be closed other than nightlife that evening. I'm not sure which port we will be docking (heard there's two in San Juan). Is there a place to find that out?

 

What would be your suggestion for the evening with two babies? We will eat on the ship before getting off at 5. Is it safe to walk around at night on our own without hiring a night tour operator? Is there anything we can do or see at night that would be free that would be close to the ship, depending on where it lands?

 

Thanks again for everything!

 

Mary

[RayInPR]

Carnival usually docks at pier #4 ... right in Old San Juan.

 

Yes, it's safe to walk around.

 

Free?

 

You can simply walk around Old San Juan. It's really pretty at night.

 

Since you'll be coming in January, the Earth from Above exhibit will still be up along La Princesa.

 

Not much else free.