Ahoy there Donna, and welcome to planDisney! Thanks for sailing by with your question!
AH, Puerto Rico! Such an incredible port out of which to sail on an amazing Disney Cruise Line vacation! My wife and I
sailed out of San Juan for our last cruise on a Southern Caribbean itinerary and watching the small sailboats in the bay - including some from the local sailing school - was an exciting view as we waited to weigh anchor and get underway!
Now this may come as a surprise, but before we had our son, my wife and I almost always arrived on the day of our cruise - I know, that doesn't leave much room for error or travel delays, but that's also why we almost always purchase the
Vacation Protection Plan! That said, we've arrived a day or two early to some cruises and made plans to see the local sites, just like you are!
While no pre-cruise activities are booked through Disney Cruise Line
Port Adventures, there are plenty of options to discover on your own! While I'm sure you already have plans to hit the beach near your pre-cruise hotel, I have three "planDrew-approved" suggestions on how to plus-up your pre-cruise itinerary and get you ready for your sailing!
- Definitely spend some time exploring Old San Juan! While you could easily spend a week discovering everything there is to love about this part of town, the most popular sites are undoubtedly Castillo de San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, both massive fortifications built by the Spanish in the 16th-Century!
- While in Old San Juan don't miss out on the beautiful architecture all around, but specifically the Catedral y Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. There's nothing "minor" about the incredible workmanship and soaring arches in this cathedral built in the 1500s!
- If, like Captain Jack Sparrow, you're wondering "why's the rum gone?" you're in luck! Casa BACARDÍ (The Bacardi Distillery) is located just across the bay from the Port of San Juan Cruise Terminal. Hop a ferry and a taxi and have a great time discovering the "World of Bacardi!"
- Ok, I know I said three, but I almost forgot to mention another spot in Old San Juan you don't want to miss: Calle de la Fortaleza is one of the most famous streets in all of San Juan, and is filled with shops and eateries you won't want to miss. It can be a bit crowded, but it's quintessentially San Juan!
Well, Donna, I hope that helps you set a course for adventure for your pre-cruise stay! I'm so excited that you and your crew be sailing with Disney Cruise Line later this year! If you come up with any additional questions while you spend the bulk of this year planning for your vacation and making sure you get to
experience everything that's included, please drop us another line here at planDisney!
Thank you so much for your question, Donna, we'll SEA you real soon!
May your anchor be tight and your compass true,
Andrew