sally

Am sailing on Celebrity Century Nov 2. They do not offer tours on the full day in port. They do offer two tours the evening that we arrive...bus tour and a walking tour during the dinner hour. What would you suggest for two ladies alone for that full day in port. Thanks in advance.

Paul Therault

Hi Sally,<BR><BR>Old San Juan is walkable on your own. You can visit the fort. Go shopping. See if there is live entertainment in the main square. The local vendors should have their tents set up in the small park on the waterfront. There are also some small stores along the waterfront. You can buy an ice cream cone. You can spend some time enjoying a pop at the outside patio of the Wyndam Hotel.<BR><BR>You should be able to keep busy. Don't bother with the ship's tours. You will also miss dinner.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Paul

sally

Thank you, Paul. I have seen the fort during previous cruises as we entered the port. Can you tell me how far one must walk to reach it from the ship? Thanks so much.

Peter

I can tell you its quite a walk. I would estimate about fifteen city blocks and some of that is uphill.

Cathy

There is a trolly that runs around Old San Juan. I believe it is run by the city. It is like those get on/get off at specific stops trolleys that other cities have except it is free or very cheap. <BR><BR>I love going to El Morro ( the historic fort) and shopping. I avoid duty free products because I can get a better price in St. Thomas or St. Maarten. But I like Puerto Rican crafts like papier mache devil masks, PR coffee, and the Hatian paiting at the Hatian Gallery. Shopping and sightseeing can easily fill up your day. Old San Juan is safe during the daylight - I was traveling alone - but be careful at night.

Paul Therault

Hi Sally,<BR><BR>Peter only responds since I respond. And it is always negatively.<BR><BR>If your ship is docked in Old San Juan, you only have to walk off the ship and you are in Old San Juan. Granted to sightsee you will have to walk as with any sightseeing.<BR><BR>You may have a problem since most Celebrity ships dock across the bay and you will have to take a cab. I saw a Celebrity ship docked in Old San Juan only once in the 10 or 11 times I have been in San Juan.<BR><BR>And by the way, most times there are carriage rides available. They are always fun. They originate from the park area, a block or two past the Wyndam Hotel.<BR><BR>Paul

Troi

I lived in PR for five years. When you get off the ship, go left( with your back to the ship) for about a bloack or two. There's a small building near the water it's the welcome center. They'll give you good walking directions to the fort and some other sites.<BR>If your having dinner out, try the Caribe Hilton which is a short cab ride in Old San Juan. Don't walk there it'll take you past a nasty part of town. There's actually two forts downtown.