Just returned from San Juan..any questions???

[sandycruzr]

We just returned from a cruise that stopped in San Juan. We almost NEVER book excursions from the cruiseline. We do a little research on line and then book privately or book directly once in port. This really worked to our advantage this time. We (family of 4) wanted to go to El Yunke rain forest to hike. The cruiseline charges $89.P/P for this excursion and takes you a bus loaded with people. That did not appeal to me at all.

Once in port, we met up with another family (of 3) who wanted to do the same thing. At the end of the dock, once you are off the ship there is a stand to arrange transportation. That is where you will find other cruiser milling about and deciding what to do for the day.

I asked if anyone wanted to go to the rainforest and this family said yes. I than approached the stand and asked how much they would want to take 7 people (they ususally like to have at least 8 people) to the rainforest, show us the trail, be our guide throughout the hike, stop for lunch, shopping and share some history of Puerto Rico. Well we paid only $35 per person and had the best time!!! We also had private transportation and were on our own schedule! Our drive/guide was so informative.

It is so easy to do this on your own.

Our driver told us that the tourism industry is suffering in PR so there are lots of deals to be had on tours, etc. You just have to ask!!!:)

[Happy_Me]

Glad you enjoyed our beautiful Yunque :)

[Move2Improve]

Thanks for the info. We are going June 6th. Did you have the same experience at Grand Turks and St. Thomas? I don't like to book with the cruise line either, so any advise would be great!

[barb0701]

Sandycruzr, what time was your ship in port ? We are on the Liberty of the Seas and will be there from 8 - 2pm, do you think that will be enough time for us to find a private tour to take us to the rainforest ?

[RayInPR]

Sandycruzr, what time was your ship in port ? We are on the Liberty of the Seas and will be there from 8 - 2pm, do you think that will be enough time for us to find a private tour to take us to the rainforest ?

 

Yes. That will allow about 4 hours in the rain forest. There will be a throng of drivers competing for your attention (and $$) as you get off the ship.

[mizLORInj]

This is great, thanks for sharing. We just had an itinerary change and will be in SJU 8-2 or something like that and we want to go to the rain forest!

Anyone else on the Oct 31 Carnival Liberty cruise interested in doing this--we can meet up outside the port gate and share a cab/bus to the rain forest!

Then it's mojito's at Tio Danny's in OSJ!!!

-Lori

[Gloria_mz]

Hi...glad you enjoyed your cruise. Do you remember the name of the tour company you used? Thanks!:)

[Northshorecruisers]

When we are there in Feb 2010 we will be there from 1pm - 11am. Anyone have suggestions on what we can do?