Barcardi Plant? Worth it?

[stitch78]

We booked an excursion on Carnival to visit the Distillery and Old San Juan. Someone I know said they got back from a cruise. They didn't do this particular tour but others said they did and said you don't even go inside the plant you just go by it to look at the outside. Now I'm wondering if we should do something else instead. I'm not sure if there was miscommunication or this is how it is.

[RichardK]

If it were me, I'd do it on my own -- e.g., taking the Ferry from the docks in OSJ to the Cantano area. Given the "quality" of this excursion, the price the Cruise Lines charge is just not worth it!

 

Then again, even doing it on my own ($.50 Ferry; $5.00 Taxi; Free Plant Tour) I'd still find something else to do with my time. Plain and simple, the Bacardi Tour is just not worth it, IMHO.

 

If you’ve never been to OSJ, take a self walking tour. I’ve been there many times and never get tired of walking the beautiful streets of Old San Juan.

[carraizo99]

It is not worth the price.

[alb38]

We booked an excursion on Carnival to visit the Distillery and Old San Juan. Someone I know said they got back from a cruise. They didn't do this particular tour but others said they did and said you don't even go inside the plant you just go by it to look at the outside. Now I'm wondering if we should do something else instead. I'm not sure if there was miscommunication or this is how it is.

 

I think some years ago you actually toured the plant but now they have changed it where you watch everything by monitor....you do get a free drink but don't know if it is worth doing. I would rather spend the time in OSJ!!

[Capt_BJ]

Skip Bac' plant. Waste of time.

 

If you can handle a stiff walk - up some hills (and back down of course), just get a map and walk Old San Juan. You can walk to both of the forts (or either one) - they are worth it if you are into that kind of thing.

[nfused2cruze]

It sounds as if the lure is "free drinks" but ahfter you pay the price, you might has well bought a bottle yourself and you still come away with money left over! :D

[stitch78]

Crap, we booked this excursion below already with Carnival. From my understanding they will let you switch excursions but I don't think they will refund you your money. Is the museum there worth it or just Old San Juan and the fort?

 

Currently booked excursion:

Discover the beautiful and historic city of San Juan and visit one of the most prolific rum distilleries in North America.

 

On this excursion you will:

 

* Visit Puerto Rico’s famous Bacardi Rum distillery plant, the largest rum distillery in the world, and see the giant fermenting tanks that turn sugarcane into molasses and finally into rum.

* Enjoy a sample of the world-famous rum.

* Tour the distillery’s beautiful park-like grounds, unique museum of the Bacardi family history and gift shop.

* Drive through Old San Juan and see examples of 17th century architecture.

* View the cobblestone streets and magnificent old buildings.

* See such landmarks as the famous Capitol Building.

* Pass by San Cristobal Fortress, built in 1634, and continue to the metropolitan side of San Juan.

* Choose to be dropped off for shopping or return directly to the ship.

 

 

Elation guests will stop at San Cristobal Fort for approximately 45 minutes. This is a self guided tour, however tour guides will provide a brief explanation before entering the fortress.

 

May Change it to one of these:

 

San Juan City and Shopping Discover the sights and sounds of San Juan and do some shopping in the heart of the old city.

On this guided excursion you will:

 

• Board a motorcoach and drive the narrow cobblestone streets of old San Juan and learn some of the history and culture of one of the oldest cities in the new hemisphere.
  
• Pass landmarks such as the Governor's palace, La Fortaleza which was built in 1533, and the oldest drugstore in Puerto Rico.
  
• Explore, for approximately 45 minutes, the San Cristóbal, the largest Spanish fort in the New World.
  
• Stop at the Capitol for a photo opportunity, followed by a drive along San Francisco Street where you will see San Francisco Chapel built in 1756, Plaza de Armas and San Juan City Hall.
  
• Travel from old San Juan to new San Juan and enjoy a panoramic drive through the Condado, famous for hotels, casinos and restaurants.
  
• Drive back to old San Juan and have time to take a stroll through the city's streets or browse some of the shops.

Note: As this excursion operates in the evening, visibility can be limited. The only stores open on this excursion will be Carnival’s recommended stores.

Excursion may also operate in reverse order depending on traffic flow.

 

 

San Juan Tour and Museum

uerto Rico has a rich history of visual arts which spans from Colonial times to the present, the Museo De Arte was developed to preserve this rich history and is a must see for anyone visiting San Juan.

On this excursion you will:

• Tour the museum which features foremost Puerto Rican artists such as Antonio Martorell, Rafael Tufino. These artists, as well as many others, depict the history of San Juan's culture and folklore in their paintings.
  
• See some of the world's finest exhibitions including Japanese and Russian artwork.
  
• Be driven to Old San Juan where you will pass by San Francisco Church, the Governor's Mansion and then enjoy a self-guided tour of San Cristóbal Fort before going downtown for shopping.
  
• Enjoy this guided excursion as your opportunity to learn the history and culture of one of the oldest cities in the new world.

Note: Guests will have the option to stay downtown or return directly to your ship. Guests that wish to stay downtown will be responsible for their return transportation.

As this excursion operates in the evening, visibility can be limited. The only stores open on this excursion will be Carnival’s recommended stores.

[RichardK]

You sure you can't cancel?? Double check. I thought that you could up to 24-hours prior, or at least a week.

 

Personally, I'd avoid ANY tour which offers ANY type of "drive through Old San Juan". That is almost an impossibility -- i.e., the streets are so narrow (plus given the tourists, parking, standing, and one way streets) you can walk many, many times faster than driving. No kiddin'.........

 

One more comment (this one based upon my West Point "upbringing"): Of the two forts El Moro is the one most people go to see, both for its location on the point and its sheer, imposing structure. As a fort San Cristobal was more daunting to attackers, and better able to be defended with its layered, garrisoned defenses; however, many would miss those nuances, and therefore, El Moro is more impressive visually.

[stitch78]

You sure you can't cancel?? Double check. I thought that you could up to 24-hours prior, or at least a week.

 

Personally, I'd avoid ANY tour which offers ANY type of "drive through Old San Juan". That is almost an impossibility -- i.e., the streets are so narrow (plus given the tourists, parking, standing, and one way streets) you can walk many, many times faster than driving. No kiddin'.........

 

One more comment (this one based upon my West Point "upbringing"): Of the two forts El Moro is the one most people go to see, both for its location on the point and its sheer, imposing structure. As a fort San Cristobal was more daunting to attackers, and better able to be defended with its layered, garrisoned defenses; however, many would miss those nuances, and therefore, El Moro is more impressive visually.

 

Ok thanks. We will see when we get on board if we can cancel it. We don't get to San Juan until the 5 th day fo the trip.

[stitch78]

Is it safe to walk around San Juan alone? Our boat gets there at 7AM and leaves at 2PM

[RichardK]

San Juan "proper", probably not; or as safe (or not) as any big city in the U.S.

 

Old San Juan, however, is. I have never felt uncomfortable walking the beautiful streets of OSJ, and I’m sure over the years that I’ve covered every square block of it, on more than one occasion. The only place I'd stay away from is "La Perla". Per Fromers, it is "....often somewhat thoughtlessly described as the world's prettiest slum." It directly overlooks the ocean, between El Moro and San Critobal. However, take heart, in that you'd almost have to be real, real lost to find your way there.

 

Enjoy...........

[Oaktree]

You will be safe. Just follow the crowds. If you perfer to ride part of the time

catch the free trolleys that run from waterfront to either El Morro or Plaza De

Armas. There is a pink information building on the waterfront with lots of

help for doing your own tour. Have a fun day!:cool:

[RichardK]

Ok thanks. We will see when we get on board if we can cancel it. We don't get to San Juan until the 5 th day fo the trip.

 

Good. This should allow you to cancel in full w/o any penalty.

[stitch78]

You will be safe. Just follow the crowds. If you perfer to ride part of the time

catch the free trolleys that run from waterfront to either El Morro or Plaza De

Armas. There is a pink information building on the waterfront with lots of

help for doing your own tour. Have a fun day!:cool:

 

Safe enough to carry a purse? I heard no one speaks English either.

 

So out of those tours nothing seemed appealing? I thought one said stop for shopping on Old San Juan. Or you think it would be cheaper for us to take a cab and be dropped off in old san juan?

 

Since the boat is not there all day and I won't get up at 7AM , I plan to be out around 9 and get back around 12. I was just planning to get a taste for Puerto Rico, not know everythin about it :)

[Oaktree]

I spend several months in San Juan in the winter in Condado area. Like in

any city, bad things happen, but I have never been afraid to go out by myself

during the day. You will find lots of people in OSJ during the morning and can

take a purse. Many prople are bi-lingual and are happy to speak English with

you. As the song goes "Don't worry, be happy".:D :)

[Fontaid]

I lived in Puerto Rico for 3 1/2 years in the mid 80's and spent 9 months there a couple of years ago on business assignment. You can walk virtually anywhere in Old San Juan during the day without problem... purse included. Oh... and MOST people in OSJ speak English... some better than others, but this is a tourist area... no English... no business. You won't have any problems speaking with almost anyone.

 

As someone said... avoid La Perla (drug area where police didn't want to go). However, I thought a hurricane had pretty well taken care of La Perla (I can't verify that it was wiped out though). Note: La Perla would be very difficult for you to get to... It's along the Atlantic Coast side between Fort San Cristobal and El Morro. It's not an area you would normally walk to... The only way you might wind up there is to walk between El Morro and San Cristobal forts. I wouldn't recommend it. It's actually a long way and not much to see... other than a nice view of the ocean.

 

If you don't want to walk "up hill", take a cab to El Morro, visit the fort, then visit the rest of Old San Juan by walking downhill all the way back to the boat. Note: San Cristobal fort is walking distance from the pier (I actually like San Cristobal better than El Morro... although El Morro is more widely known).

 

Dave :) :) :)