Reasonable # of days pre-cruise?

[wantocruisemore]

Trying to plan next summer. I have several trip proposals to present to DH for decision (I do legwork and narrow down, he picks). Considering cruising out of San Juan and was wondering what is a reasonable, decent amount of time to see the sites without wasting money. 2,3 or is 4 nights needed?

 

And is the Bioluminescent Bay tours worth having an extra night?

 

We like history, shopping is not that important. Just want to see the basics. We don't have to have a beach day either.

 

We will be a family of 4, DH & I in our 50's, and 2 DD's (19 & 22).

[#1TravelMom]

I recommend 2 nights. We've cruised from PR several times. My suggestion - Stay at El Conquistador(gorgeous resort on a mountainside!). Rent a car at the airport and drive out to the Resort. It is very easy to drive in Puerto Rico. At dusk drive to Bio Bay - yes definately worth a night in Puerto Rico to do this! Very unique and memorable experience.

 

The next morning drive to El Yunque(not far). Hike the trail to the waterfall and swim - beautiful hike and great activity with kids. Have lunch at a local restaurant and return to resort. Take ferry(free) to resort's private island for the afternoon. Spend the evening by the pool -absolutely gorgeous at night.

 

The next morning drive to Old San Juan - explore the fort(s) we prefer El Morro. In my opinion, 2-3 hours is plenty of time to tour the fort and walk around Old San Juan. You can hop on the free trolly to get an overview of the entire area. Just stay on for a full circle and get off where you started. Unless you are a "shopper"(I am not) - I'm not sure what people do in Old San Juan for an entire day.

 

Return the rental car, and board the ship by early afternoon.

 

Our 2 favorite activities in PR are the rainforest and Bio Bay - both are quite a distance from Old San Juan(especially with traffic). That's why I recommend staying on the coast. I don't find any of the beaches in PR to be that impressive - your itinerary for the cruise will provide nicer one. I don't recommend adding any days for "beach time".

[wantocruisemore]

I really like your idea TravelMom, but when I looked at the hotel it is really more than we will need. Especially at that price. I really need to find something under $200 a night.

 

I think my husband would go for renting a car and exploring the island. He likes to do that. He actually got upset when I wouldn't let him do that this past summer in Italy.

 

Is is easy for pick-up and drop-off for rental? Close to cruise port?

[frito58]

I really like your idea TravelMom, but when I looked at the hotel it is really more than we will need. Especially at that price. I really need to find something under $200 a night.

 

I think my husband would go for renting a car and exploring the island. He likes to do that. He actually got upset when I wouldn't let him do that this past summer in Italy.

 

Is is easy for pick-up and drop-off for rental? Close to cruise port?

 

Well if you do your homework and learn a few tricks of the trade you can save some money and get your hotel on Priceline or Hotwire and save some money. If you go to website called betterbiddig you can figure out what hotel you are getting on hotwire by the amenties . We got the Sheraton Old San Juan for 2 nights for just a bit over $200 . You can can some of the resort ones for around $130 -$150 / night that are on the beach , sometimes even less than that. There bargains to be found we have been to San Juan 4 times have always got a great place at a great price.

[wantocruisemore]

Well if you do your homework and learn a few tricks of the trade you can save some money and get your hotel on Priceline or Hotwire and save some money. If you go to website called betterbiddig you can figure out what hotel you are getting on hotwire by the amenties . We got the Sheraton Old San Juan for 2 nights for just a bit over $200 . You can can some of the resort ones for around $130 -$150 / night that are on the beach , sometimes even less than that. There bargains to be found we have been to San Juan 4 times have always got a great place at a great price.

 

 

I thought about Priceline but have gotten burned in the past since we are a family of 4. We will get 2 seperate rooms on the ship but would prefer to only pay for 1 hotel room.

[panamatiger]

We've stayed in San Juan just the two of us one night each-pre/post.

I will assume the cruise you're looking at goes Sunday to Sunday. By staying the extra night (s) you can avoid the Sunday busyness that is SJU airport.

If you havent been told, you have to go through Agriculture inspection before you get in you airline check-in. 4 ppl, 4 suitcases on Sunday.... eergh.

 

Enjoy your trip no matter how you set it up

 

panamatiger

[divechick]

Bio Bay is well worth it we stayed post cruise in April group of 6 and everyone had a wonderful time one of my friends even said it was the best excursion of the trip. We heading back to San Juan in Feb and would love to Bio kayak again.

[cruisergal 1]

We usually go to S.J. a couple of days before, as we are travellingfrom far away, and don't want to chance the winter delays. We also stay a couple of days after the cruise, to unwind, and relax before our day of travelling back home. Bio Bay is definately a must. We had a blast, and thoroughly enjoyed it.