San Juan Puerto Rico
From LoveToKnow Cruises
San Juan is also a fascinating port to explore. One of the oldest outposts of the Spanish Caribbean empire, San Juan is filled with interesting architecture, eclectic artwork, and delicious food.
Exploring Old San Juan
Cruise ship dock in the heart of Old San Juan or just at the edge of the harbor there. Most ships sailing from San Juan depart later in the evening, usually after 9pm, allowing plenty of time for passengers to arrive from all parts of the US and Canada as well as providing a scenic send-off as the ship glides away from the twinkling lights of the city.
The late departure gives most passengers a chance to explore Old San Juan before sailing. Most cruise lines allow passengers to check their luggage at the ship so that they can wander the town unfettered. Some area also have lockers to check carry-on baggage.
Old San Juan dates from the Spanish Colonial days. It was first settled in 1521 and many of the original buildings still stand. The area's narrow streets are filled with colorful stucco homes with dark wrought ironwork. One of the architectural hightlights is the Catedral de San Juan, a magnificent church which dates back to 1540 and it is the final resting place of the explorer, Ponce de Leon. Today, modern art gallery and traditional artisan workshops compete with traditional restaurants, offering a variety of Puerto Rican specialties, such as red beans and rice and Paella. The lilting Latin rhythms that escape almost every door give the neighborhood a festive, exuberant air.
Condado Beach
Just a short cab ride away from the port of San Juan is Condado Beach, one of the first mega-resorts in the Caribbean. The area is still popular with tourists and features some of the areas best resorts and restaurants as well as a spectacular stretch of white sand beach. Watersports abound here, from windsurfing to parasailing, from snorkeling to scuba diving. There are also elegant casinos in many of the resorts, offering slots as well as table games.
El Morro
At the edge of old San Juan is the former Spanish fort, "El Morro." Today, this 16th century fortress is a national monument and visitors can climb over its ramparts and tour its well-preserved living quarters.
Golf in San Juan Puerto Rico
For those interested in golf, the San Juan area has some of the best courses in the Caribbean. The best of these are the championship courses at the Hyatt Dorado Resort Golf Course, about thirty minutes from the port. This Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf playground snakes its way along the Caribbean coastline and through lush tropical gardens. There are even tree frogs, the Puerto Rican mascot "Cocquis", to help you with your game.
Pre and Post-Cruise Stays in San Juan
There is so much to see and do in San Juan Puerto Rico that you will be tempted to extend your cruise vacation with a night or two in the city, either before or after your cruise. Within the Old San Juan area, the Wyndham Hotel overlooks the harbor and is just steps away from many of the cruise ship docks. The small, luxury hotel has an elegant roof-top restaurant as well as a European-style casino. Also in Old San Juan is the El Convento Hotel, a unique Spanish Colonial bulding that was once a convent and is now an upscale hostelry with a traditional Spanish center courtyard. Along Condado Beach are several luxury resort, including the venerable Carib Hilton and the Condado Beach Resort. Outside of Old San Juan, the two Hyatt Resorts, the Dorado Beach and the Cerromar Beach Resort offer a myriad of watersports, restaurants, and activities alongside one of the best beaches on the island.
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