First time cruiser, San Juan port

[Shample1]

We are on the Carnival Fascination. Cruising in February. I see check in is at 2:30. Can we drop off our luggage any sooner than than? I would like to explore with hauling our luggage around. We will fly into San Juan the night before we leave. Thanks for any info ;)

[zactak]

I have never been on a Carnival cruise, or been to San Juan, but I would guess you could drop off your luggage sooner than 2:30. A lot likely depends upon when the ship comes into port from the previous cruise, and how easy it is to get into the port area to drop off your luggage. I'm sure others who have more experience in that area than I do can answer this question better.

 

Something else you could consider is if you are going to be staying at a hotel before you cruise in Puerto Rico, you can always ask if they can hold your luggage, most will. Also, you may be able to book a third-party excursion that will hold your luggage while you take an excursion before boarding. Many cruise lines also provide pre-cruise excursions. Those are options you could consider, as well.

 

Lastly, you may be able to find your specific cruise in the Carnival Roll Call, and see what others may be planning to do, or to see if anyone has any suggestions. It's a great way to get to know fellow passengers, and see what they're planning to do!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Most cruise lines use the Pam AM dock which not near anything.

You may want to ask questions on the Carnival board at this link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

[navybankerteacher]

I think Carnival sails from the Old San Juan pier -- pretty much across the street from the OSJ Sheraton. OP's best bet might be to leave bags at hotel after checking out, then picking them up en route to boarding after touring - which is most likely to be in OSJ.

[navybankerteacher]

Note for OP: assuming a night sail away from San Juan, make sure you get a spot on open upper deck, starboard side: passing close by the illuminated walls of El Moro as you leave the harbor will be one of the best sights on your cruise.

[telebax51]

We are on the Carnival Fascination. Cruising in February. I see check in is at 2:30. Can we drop off our luggage any sooner than than? I would like to explore with hauling our luggage around. We will fly into San Juan the night before we leave. Thanks for any info ;)

 

We did this cruise in 2014 and again November 2016 since we don't leave until 10pm what i will be doing is checking out of the hotel walking to the cruise terminal checking in all my luggage including carry-on around 11am if is not crowded i will check in go eat lunch then spend about 1 hour checking the boat out then disembark and tour parts of OLD SAN JUAN i may have missed then be back by 6pm to start my cruise vacation.

[Shample1]

Thanks so much everyone and I will be doing the same thing game changer! Thanks!

[serene56]

Yes there will be porters to take your luggage. Keep your carry on with you. (do not check expensive stuff like electronics.

 

google frommers walking tour of san juan