san juan

[ganurse]

we are planning a sept 4th cruise and on that cruise, san juan is a stop. anyone been there? any suggestions? how are the casinos? shopping? anything special we should do or avoid?

amy

 

[tecdavidt]

Lovely place. Go to Old San Juan. See the El Convento hotel, it is an old convent turned into a 5 star hotel. Beautiful open courtyard with bar and restaurant.

Shopping is nice. All purchases do not go toward your duty free limitations. Just like in Key West so shop your heart out. I thought the prices were great compared to back here in the states. They have a Coach outlet that has fantastic outlet prices.

The rain forest is good. The old fort is also a must. When we were there in January our hotel had a large Casino- it was the Marriott (Sp?) right on the beach. To use the pools you need to be a hotel guest; you have to have a wrist band to even walk around the pool area.

We just love San Juan. If the ship docks at Old San Juan you will have a lot to see in walking distance. If you want the Casino you will need to take a taxi. The rain forrest should be an all day excursion offered by the ship.

Kathy

 

[SueEllen]

Ft San Cristobal and also El Morro are great to see with some fantastic views of the coastline. Old San Juan has a lot to see and do. There are casinos in the hotels. There is a Hard Rock Cafe near the port too (for Hard Rock pin collectors )
If you can get to the Rainforest there is a lot to see and do there also.

I love San Juan (heck, Puerto Rico in general is beautiful!)

Sue Ellen

 

[DCL Repeaters]

We were lucky to be on the Magic in Oct 2001 and Sept 2002 when the ship was diverted both times to San Juan because of storms. I'm sure because of the sudden change of itinerary the shore excursions offered were limited. In Oct 2001 we took an island tour which was very interesting and we had a great guide. In Sept 2002 we went to the rainforest which was very nice (although it didn't rain while we were there!). We loved Old San Juan! The Wydham Hotel which was right across the street from where the ship docked has a casino. Have a great time!