Debarking from San Juan, what time do you get on the ship? Spend the day in San Juan?

[mbe30]

For those of you who have taken a cruise from San Juan, what did you do with the day that your ship leaves? I see that most of these cruises leave the port late at night. After you've checked in, do you get off the ship to walk around San Juan, or is this not feasible? Do you wait to board until later in the afternoon so that you have time to explore San Juan, or do you usually get on the ship as soon as you are able and stay there? Just wondering about your experiences. Thanks!

[schmenge]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. We are going on AOS in June. Originally, I was planning on going through Old San Juan after we boarded, but I see the Pan Am pier is a good distance away. (Not much around the pier I think.) So, I don't think that we will pay the $20 or so for taxi fare, and stay on the ship. We have a day after the trip, so we may do it then.

 

I have been to OSJ before, and enjoyed it very much. (El Morro, shops, etc.). If you have not seen it, it may be worth spending a few hours to taxi over and walk around.

[wrp96]

We flew in a day early (and stayed over a day after) to explore OSJ, so the day of boarding we headed to the ship around 11am to board and enjoy our first full day on the ship - made spa appointments, hung out in the hot tub, had our first drink of the day, got manicures and pedicures and massages, etc.

 

Some people do board and then get back off the ship to do other things. If you are cruising on Carnival, you will be at Pier 4 in Old San Juan so it's very easy to get back off the ship. The other cruiselines are at the Pan Am Pier across the harbor, which does require a taxi ride to get back to Old San Juan so it can be done.

 

Most people do go ahead and at least drop off their luggage at the ship so they don't have to worry about it while they explore. But if you want to save yourself the trip, there is a restaurant in Old San Juan, Barrachina's, where you can store your luggage.

[RayInPR]

After you check in at your ship, get off and enjoy what the city has to offer ... 2 forts, art/history museums, outdoor art, great restaurants ... Do a Google search for "old san juan basic info" to find basic information about Old San Juan, things to do, walking tours, etc.

 

There are many more "active" things to do here, too, like hang gliding, ziplining, kayaking, hiking ...

[FlaKrznNubie]

I am assuming you mean embarking, not debarking...

 

Carnival Victory (if that's your ship)

 

Should be able to check in starting at noon (based on lots of posts I have read), eat, then get back off for a day of exploring Old San Juan... have to be back on by 90 minutes before departure (or when you get hungry for dinner)

 

Forts are open until either 5 or 6 PM, shopping on Calle Cristo, carriage rides, free trolley around old city.....

 

Tons of info on Google.

 

 

If it's Pan Am pier, taxi to Old San Juan

[mbe30]

I am assuming you mean embarking, not debarking...

 

Carnival Victory (if that's your ship)

 

Should be able to check in starting at noon (based on lots of posts I have read), eat, then get back off for a day of exploring Old San Juan... have to be back on by 90 minutes before departure (or when you get hungry for dinner)

 

Forts are open until either 5 or 6 PM, shopping on Calle Cristo, carriage rides, free trolley around old city.....

 

Tons of info on Google.

 

 

If it's Pan Am pier, taxi to Old San Juan

 

 

Oops, I did mean embarking, sorry about that.

 

Thanks for all your help. So, once you check in and get on the ship, is getting off and getting back on as easy as it is in any port that you visit? Do you have to go back through the embarkation line to reboard, or is it a different entry if you've already checked in?

[FlaKrznNubie]

Oops, I did mean embarking, sorry about that.

 

Thanks for all your help. So, once you check in and get on the ship, is getting off and getting back on as easy as it is in any port that you visit? Do you have to go back through the embarkation line to reboard, or is it a different entry if you've already checked in?

 

Well, you would have to use the same entry to the ship, but not go through the check in lines again. Those are what take the time. In most cases, getting on & off the ship is as easy as swiping your S&S card. There is usually a very short line at those machines as people hand their cards over then get them back.

[puablo]

Well, you would have to use the same entry to the ship, but not go through the check in lines again. Those are what take the time. In most cases, getting on & off the ship is as easy as swiping your S&S card. There is usually a very short line at those machines as people hand their cards over then get them back.

 

Thanks for that - I've been trying to find the answer to that question for weeks (the question being how easy is it to leave/return to the ship once you checked in). OSJ here I come!

[FlaKrznNubie]

Thanks for that - I've been trying to find the answer to that question for weeks (the question being how easy is it to leave/return to the ship once you checked in). OSJ here I come!

 

I suspect at least half if not more check in, get a bite to eat, then get off for some OSJ sightseeing.

[ditpixs]

Hi - We are a rather large family group departing on May 10th on AOS.

 

Does anyone know how early RCCL would allow us to drop our bags/check in at the port?

 

Our ship doesn't board until 5:30pm officially, but we are flying in very early and would love a place to ditch our bags. We've even thought about renting a minivan so we can get around for the day, but I don't think all of out bags will fit with everyone in the car LOL. Another thought was getting a hotel room for the day...

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks

Aaron

[wrp96]

RCCL starts boarding between 11:30 and 12pm, not 5:30pm. They will probably start taking bags around 11am.

[ditpixs]

Perfect. Thanks for the info :)

 

Aaron

[FlaKrznNubie]

Here is a specific answer to your question from a review, just posted...

 

So after checking out our room and stashing our bags we headed off the ship to explore a bit of OSJ. This process was easy. We simply went back down to Deck 3 and out through the side doors that we came in on. From there you just go down the gangway and instead of going right and through the doors were you came in at past security, go left through another door. From there go down an escalator and back out the front door. Simple. We made our way down the pier....... Getting back on was as easy as going straight up the escalator and back through security.

[sweetair]

I usually arrive in SJ a few days early. Since you will be there a few days as well and have had time to check out old san juan and everything else...

i suggest nstead of running to the ship early, check out of the hotel at 12pm (they will hold all luggage) and remain using the hotel facilities (pool,beach,casino,etc) until around 3:30pm then head over to the ship. Easy embarkation then head up to the buffet

I use san juan like any "port" day.

 

have fun!!!

*sweet*

[KatieMcGee]

What are some good hotels to stay in OSJ. We just want something simple - not expensive. But, close enough to the port so that we can take our luggage there after checking out of the hotel. Katie:D

[FlaKrznNubie]

What are some good hotels to stay in OSJ. We just want something simple - not expensive. But, close enough to the port so that we can take our luggage there after checking out of the hotel. Katie:D

 

Are you sailing Carnival or RCCL ?

 

Carnival's dock (Pier #4) is right in Old San Juan.

 

I recommend the Sheraton if you are sailing Carnival as it is right next to pier #4. Read some of the Sheraton threads here to see if Sheraton will fill your needs. You will get a much better price if you book Sheraton thru Hotwire or Priceline.

 

RCCL's dock requires a taxi to get to it (too far to walk)