San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and has a population of about 2 million inhabitants. It has one of the best harbours in the Caribbean. A very popular area of interest in Old San Juan is in a 7 block radius that has become very popular with both tourists as well as the residents. The narrow streets of old San Juan are pretty busy with people and would be the suggested experience to enjoy this area by foot. There are many shops and restaurants and ample photo opportunities everywhere.
Just above Old San Juan is the Castillo San Cristobal which is considered to be one of the largest fortresses built in the Americas. It was built for the purpose to protect the city of San Juan from any possible attack by land from the east. It is a fortification with three levels and an extensive series of outer defences and took over 150 years to complete. This fortress is within easy walking distance just outside and overlooking the old town.
A little further afield lies the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. This castle sits high atop a promontory overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean.
Travel tip. If you are into history both these Forts are within walking distance or you can take the free trolley. Either Fort could take several hours to really go through. The free trolley is winding throughout the area, with opportunities to get off at marked stops wherever desired. The trolley does tend to stay pretty full on the afternoons when cruise ships are in.
Usually this would be a spectacular sail in but today the weather gods were against us as st about 6:15am I exited the front of deck 6 only to step into a large puddle of water with low clouds, rain an limited visibility. There will be no rush getting off the ship today. I snapped a few pics and headed back to bed until about 8am.
All that said, today we needed not only a Coast Guard inspection but also a zero passenger count so we slowly but quickly had breakfast and made our way off the ship by about 9:30am. A zero passenger count meant that all guests must go through US customs, no exceptions. So off we went as there was still a deluge of rain hammering on us, but because we were one of the last off, customs was a breeze and we were in the shuttle bus within minutes. By the time we hit the Old Town (because of the Coast Guard inspection we were not docked in the favourable Old Town where ships usually dock and needed a shuttle), the rain had stopped, nice. Now we have been to San Juan a couple of times but only focused on visiting the forts so for us this shuttle was a bit of a blessing in that we really only focused on the area in and around this Old Town. We did some retail therapy at the factory Coach Store before taking a few pics of what is known as Umbrella Street - no umbrellas today as they are getting it ready for Christmas. We then made our way down to the San Juan Old Gate, the original only entrance into San Juan, just beautiful. From here there is wonderful walkway called the Paseo de la Princesa that takes you to a beautiful fountain and a tree lined street. Fortunately for us we were here on a Saturday as well as so close to Christmas, there was a bandstand set up with a band playing as well as a dance troupe and a craft market that must have extended four or five blocks - reminded me of the Christmas market along the Champs Elysees in Paris, except much warmer. The rain did fall a few times throughout our visit but the market was covered with tents to keep us relatively dry. We stopped for a late lunch before heading back to the ship somewhere around 5pm - so a good long day here. As you can see, if visiting here for the first time or even a second time there is enough here to just wander off on your own without a set tour. If you have been here before there are many sights to see beyond the Old Town and the Forts, from a National Park to a visit to where they make Bacardi Rum.
We are winding down now with many on board activities, the first being a Barn Dance around the Lido pool, final lectures, crew talent show etc., let alone thinking about packing so this post may be a bit on the short side. Despite the isolated showers today, it was another good day. I’m just watching a beautiful sunset from my deck chair in the warm breeze while I’m looking at my phone and seeing that Vancouver has received another blanket of snow, oh my are things going to change in a few days…
Some pics of our day, hope you enjoy…
Quote of the day, “Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection.” - Lawrence Durrell
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