cruise port: San juan, puerto rico
Welcome to San Juan, Puerto Rico – a dazzling fusion of Old World charm and vibrant Caribbean energy! With limited time during your cruise stop, making the most of every moment is key. Our essential guide provides top travel tips specifically tailored for your port day in San Juan, ensuring you experience the best of this historic and lively capital, from its iconic fortresses to its colourful streets and authentic flavors, all within easy reach of your ship.
Ready to learn more? Here's what's on this page:
- San Juan Cruise Ports
- Where to Visit in San Juan
- San Juan Neighbourhoods
- Local Flavours
- Helpful Considerations for Your Visit
know before you go
san juan cruise ports
San Juan, Puerto Rico, serves as a pivotal and popular cruise destination in the Caribbean, boasting two primary cruise terminal areas that offer distinct experiences for arriving passengers. Whether your ship docks directly amidst the historic charm of Old San Juan or at the more expansive Pan American Pier, you're perfectly positioned to explore an island rich in history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty right from the moment you disembark. This dual-port system ensures that San Juan can accommodate a wide array of vessels, from intimate luxury liners to the largest mega-ships, making it a versatile and essential stop on any Caribbean itinerary.
Old San Juan Terminal
- Location: This is the most convenient terminal, situated directly in Old San Juan Bay.
- Accessibility: Most ships docking here allow passengers to walk directly into the historic Old San Juan district, which is famous for its colourful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and historic forts (El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal).
- Cruise Lines: Many major cruise lines use these piers, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises, among others. Pier 3 was expanded to accommodate larger vessels.
Pan American Pier
- Location: Located across the San Juan Bay from Old San Juan, near the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport and the Puerto Rico Convention Centre.
- Accessibility: This terminal is typically used for larger mega-ships or for ships that are home-porting (starting or ending their cruise in San Juan). It is not within walking distance of Old San Juan.
- Transportation: Passengers will need to take a taxi or a shuttle service (sometimes provided by the cruise line) to get to Old San Juan, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
- Cruise Lines: Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line are known to use the Pan American Pier, especially for embarkation/disembarkation.
Our NCL cruise was unexpectedly re-routed here in January '24. It's crucial to verify your port location before planning your day. The shuttle ride into the city centre took approximately 10-15 minutes and cost $10 per person for a return trip.
during your visit
where to visit
- Prioritise Old San Juan: For a typical cruise port day (usually 6-8 hours in port), focus almost exclusively on Old San Juan. It's walkable, historically rich, and right by the cruise terminals. Trying to see too much beyond Old San Juan will eat up precious time in transit.
- El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro): The most iconic. Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to explore its multi-level structure, enjoy the ocean views, and walk the expansive green lawn outside.
- Castillo San Cristóbal: Equally impressive, larger, and often less crowded than El Morro. It offers different perspectives of the city and coast.
- National Park Pass: If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers admission to both forts. Otherwise, a single ticket often grants access to both forts for a period of 24 hours.
- Explore the Colourful Streets: Wander the cobblestone streets like Calle del Cristo, Calle de la Fortaleza (especially if decorated), and Calle San Francisco. Admire the vibrant colonial architecture, browse the artisan shops, and soak in the atmosphere.
San juan Neighbourhoods
- Old San Juan: The historic and walkable heart, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colourful colonial architecture, Spanish forts (El Morro), shopping, and bustling, picturesque vibe.
- Condado: An upscale, beachfront district east of Old San Juan, featuring luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, designer boutiques, and a modern, lively atmosphere.
- Santurce: A vibrant, diverse cultural hotspot known for its street art, music, food scene (La Placita de Santurce), and energetic, authentic vibe.
- Miramar: A tranquil, elegant historic residential district with beautiful homes, good restaurants, and a more local, charming feel.
- Ocean Park: A laid-back, bohemian beach neighborhood east of Condado, popular for surfing, casual eateries, and its relaxed, community-oriented vibe.
- Isla Verde: A resort-focused area near the airport, featuring large hotels, casinos, and a wide, popular beach, offering a classic tourist-centric experience.
- Río Piedras: A local, historic, and less touristy neighbourhood home to the University of Puerto Rico and a bustling open-air market, providing an authentic, student-oriented pulse.
local flavours
- Lunch: Grab a local lunch. Look for places offering Mofongo (mashed plantain dish), Lechon (roasted pork), or Empanadillas. Many cafes and restaurants line the streets.
- Coffee: Enjoy some excellent Puerto Rican coffee.
- Piña Colada: San Juan claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada – try one!
- Rum Tasting: While the main Bacardi Distillery is outside San Juan, don't miss La Casita de Rones, conveniently located right next to the Old San Juan Terminal. We highly recommend stopping by for a rum tasting!
helpful considerations
- Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is strong, especially at the forts.
- Know Your All-Aboard Time: Always be aware of your ship's departure and "all aboard" time. Give yourself ample buffer time (at least 1-2 hours) to return to the ship, especially if you're taking a taxi or the trolley.
- Map It Out: Have a general idea of what you want to see and their locations relative to each other and the port.
- Currency: The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD).
- Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Old San Juan.
- Shopping: If you plan to shop, Calle del Cristo is known for its boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Look for local crafts, jewellery, and coffee.
- Emergency Info: Keep your ship's contact number and the local port agent's number handy.
- Security: Like any busy tourist area, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded spots.
Last Updated: 8 July '25