San Juan Excursions

[Fadog]

Does anyone have some feedback on excursions that you have taken in San Juan? I know that the Fantasy just started going there, but we have to book ours in a few weeks, so any information would be helpful.

 

[floridaminnie]

Hmmmm....anyone?

 

[SunshineCruiser]

Last year we went zip lining for the first time in San Juan when we were there for the first time. We had a great time (ages 9 to 41). We also went to San Cristobal (sp?) and did a self tour after the zip lining, and that fort was within easy walking distance back to the ship. There are dungeons and wall drawings there that are really cool. There is lots of shopping within walking distance from the ship. I would have loved to have gone to El Morro if we would have had time, but that fort is too far to just walk to from the ship for most people.

What I like about going on a tour outside the port area is that you get to see more of the "real" way of life such as housing and local stores and people going about their daily life, but you could easily just walk off the ship and enjoy the Old San Juan area without an excursion.

 

[FriendOfFanatic]

We did the Fortifications Segway Guided Tour. It was a bit pricey for only 2.5 hours ($105), but was fun. After learning how to maneuver a Segway we were off to the wall around the city and through a few of the cities streets. The guide stopped every so often to tell us about the history of the old city. We went out to El Morro and walked around the fort. The stop was pretty brief, and then we were back on the Segways and returning to the port. We took the full 2.5 hours, and it was great. The guides let you take pictures on the way, unlike the Segway tours at WDW. We took the first tour and got back in time to eat lunch on the ship, and spend the afternoon doing a self guided walking tour of the old city. Bottom line, it was pricey (but not compared to Alaska excursions), but I would recommend it.

 

[jd99]

We did ours on our own. Took a taxi to the Marriott on Condado Beach and bought day passes ($150 for a family of four) which gave us full use of beach chairs, umbrella etc., pool, waterside. Had lunch at our beach chairs. had a great day. Then we taxi'd back to the port where the family went back on the ship and I went into old san juan, visited Morro and had a great walk around. Really nice day.

 

[sassysocks]

I know this was posted before but I can't find the thread. Does anyone have directions to the fort closest to the ship? Also, how much was the cab ride to the Marriott beach and is their an hourly rate? Do you have to purchase to use their beach area?

 

[Hollywood Glitter]

I know this was posted before but I can't find the thread. Does anyone have directions to the fort closest to the ship? Also, how much was the cab ride to the Marriott beach and is their an hourly rate? Do you have to purchase to use their beach area?

As soon as you get off the ship you can hop on the free trolley and it will take you to the fort. The trolley stop is right in front of the cruise terminal

 

[sassysocks]

As soon as you get off the ship you can hop on the free trolley and it will take you to the fort. The trolley stop is right in front of the cruise terminal

We were thinking about walking. Do you know how to get there on foot and how long it takes?

 

[Hollywood Glitter]

We were thinking about walking. Do you know how to get there on foot and how long it takes?

About 20 to 30 minutes through the town. A lot of the road is cobbled and part of it is uphill. If it's not to humid it's a nice walk. Bring water. The trolley takes about 10 to 15 minutes and passes by a log of sights also. What time of year are you going?

 

[sassysocks]

About 20 to 30 minutes through the town. A lot of the road is cobbled and part of it is uphill. If it's not to humid it's a nice walk. Bring water. The trolley takes about 10 to 15 minutes and passes by a log of sights also. What time of year are you going?

We are going next Sat. I heard that it may take awhile for the trolly to come by. Is it humid there now? We also want to get a bite to eat somewhere. We were thinking about Raices but not sure how to get there as well.

What is your thoughts about visiting the Marriott hotel?

 

[SrisonS]

We didn't have any excursions booked, so we were just gonna walk around a bit. But as soon as we got off the ship, there was a tour company offering an hour tour for $10 a person. So we just ended up doing that. So you got to see a lot of the main spots, and get out a few times to get some pictures. Definitely worth the $10.

 

[scootch]

We got off the ship and there were several taxi operators there.... one guy offered our group of 10 to do whatever we wanted for $20 per person. He drove us to the fort, came back in 40 minutes.... then took us to a beach. He gave us his card and the beach he dropped us off at was really more like a lagoon with very small waves. Some of our party thought it was ideal, but my girls really wanted waves and a larger beach... so we called him back and everyone decided to go. He took us to the Marriott Stellaris beach. We were going to get day passes for the pool, but instead just rented beach chairs for $3 per person. The taxi guy came back and got us when we asked.. and took us back to the port where we just walked and did a little shopping. We didn't pay him until we got back to port and the taxi was a small airconditioned bus. Was well worth the $20 we paid him. He was really willing to take us wherever we wanted.

 

[sassysocks]

Does anyone know what pier we are docking at in Old San Juan?

 

[quickcat]

Has anyone done the San Juan Family Beach Day? I was just wondering if its worth the price?
Thanks!

 

[amyngary]

We did ours on our own. Took a taxi to the Marriott on Condado Beach and bought day passes ($150 for a family of four) which gave us full use of beach chairs, umbrella etc., pool, waterside. Had lunch at our beach chairs. had a great day. Then we taxi'd back to the port where the family went back on the ship and I went into old san juan, visited Morro and had a great walk around. Really nice day.

How did you book the day passes?

 

[tinkerbellRules14]

Does anyone have some feedback on excursions that you have taken in San Juan? I know that the Fantasy just started going there, but we have to book ours in a few weeks, so any information would be helpful.

Just got off Fantasy Saturday. San Juan is wonderful. we did the ATV rain forest excursion - it was great fun. the guides were nice and you can tell they have fun and enjoy the excursions. A friend ziplined and said it was great - but did recommend that one be in pretty fit shape, as you kayak and then have to hike a bit to get to the lines.

 

[jmb910]

I am also curious about how you book the day passes. My husband called the Marriott Stellaris directly and they said they did not offer a day rate for a room. But I am sure that is different than booking a day pass for just the outside amenties.

I am also curious about how long the taxi ride was to the Marriott Stellaris and how much it cost.

We are also thinking about the Family Beach Day. That one is at the Courtyard. We'd prefer the full service Marriott, mostly because it's closer to the port than the Courtyard is.

 

[lodge]

We'd prefer the full service Marriott, mostly because it's closer to the port than the Courtyard is.

Time is valuable... I'll be watching to see the replies you get.

 

[FabFivePA]

I called the Marriott recently myself because I think we're gonna do part of the day at the pool there and part at one of the forts on our own. I was told it was $35 per person per day. (no room, just for their outside pool/beach area) They said you do not reserve it, you just show up that day and tell them why you're there.
I plan on calling again to confirm when we're closer to our sail date. Not sure if they only allow so many a day, that would be my only concern. Intend to ask next time I call.

 

[Jane1967]

I called the Marriott recently myself because I think we're gonna do part of the day at the pool there and part at one of the forts on our own. I was told it was $35 per person per day. (no room, just for their outside pool/beach area) They said you do not reserve it, you just show up that day and tell them why you're there.
I plan on calling again to confirm when we're closer to our sail date. Not sure if they only allow so many a day, that would be my only concern. Intend to ask next time I call.

Will you please post again once you find out for sure? We are interested in this as well.