Another Us Cruise Port Reopens As Carnival Brings Back Another Cruise Ship
The Port of Baltimore became the latest cruise port in the U.S. to reopen when passengers began boarding a Carnival Cruise Line ship earlier today.Carnival Pride will set sail on the first cruise out of Baltimore in more than a year as the vessel heads to the Bahamas for a week long voyage.Prior to departure, a Back to Fun event was held in the terminal during which Carnival Cruise Line
Slide Down A Natural Water Slide At Las Paylas
Go on an off-the-beaten-path adventure at Las Paylas in Luquillo where you can slide down 30 feet and 15 feet -long natural waterslides. Las Paylas or Las Pailas is a hidden gem in Puerto Rico for the wandering traveler. The water action on the rocky river bed has left it super smooth and great for water sliding. You can also swing out, into the pools below.
Using GPS, you can easily locate the area. Parking is available at a charming mans compound who offers a trail through his property to the waterfall and slides. Dont miss out on this amazing local experience.
Explore The Vibrant Art Scene
Puerto Rico has a vibrant art scene and this is visible everywhere you go from quaint little art shops in the markets to mega art museums featuring centuries of art both modern and classical.
For a more refined art scene you can opt for the numerous art galleries in San Juan such as Galeria Botello, and Walter Otero Contemporary Art Gallery. However, for a more local scene, check out the wall art in Santurce. The art here is informative on the socioeconomic and political aspects of Puerto Rico.
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Cruise News Today September 13 2021
Its back to cruising for Carnival Cruise Line from Baltimore.;Carnival Cruise Line is officially sailing again from Baltimore. On Sunday afternoon, Carnival Pride set sail on a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas, where itll visit Freeport, Nassau, and the private island Half Moon Cay.Before the ship set sail, Carnival President Christine Duffy, two past guests, Captain, and Port Director
Starts And Ends In Paradise
Your cruise starts on a Caribbean island and ends on a Caribbean island.; No offense to Jacksonville, Bayonne, or Galveston, but Id rather be in Puerto Rico when my cruise is over.
Another great thing about cruises out of San Juan is that its always warm there. Ive taken cruises out of Florida in January when cold fronts came through and everyone was wearing a jacket or sweatshirt.; You wont ever need a jacket in Puerto Rico.
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El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque rainforest, the only rainforest under the national forest registry of the United States, is a must visit on your trip to San Juan. Though its not found in the city itself, a quick 45-minute ride will take you to this forest.
Explore the rainforest and its jungle-like setup, learn about the different plants, animals, birds, butterflies and more found in this unique habitat.
Carry a bathing suit in case you plan to take a dip in one of the many pools in the forest. It features some very beautiful waterfalls, such as La Coca Falls as well as La Mina Falls.
There are hiking trails as well, and you can get a local guide to give you a guided tour. However, due to hurricane damage from storms in recent years, some routes within the forest are closed to give room for repair and maintenance.
It would be wise to get bug spray if youre heading to the rainforest.
Guidelines And Tips For Experiencing Island Activities
- Masks are;required in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status .
- Starting September 2, all businesses will be closed from 12:00 am – 5:00 am except for emergencies. Pharmacies and gas stations are excluded. Restaurants may operate delivery services during this time, and restaurants at hotels can remain open only for guests. Alcohol sales/consumption will be prohibited during these hours. This includes social activities, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, among others similar in public and private establishments.
- Enjoyment of;attractions and tours:;
- Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines. Masks are required in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.;
- Visitors should connect with their tour operators directly for additional information about operation status and specific protocols.
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Feel The Rush At Toro Verde
At the time of this writing, Toro Verde is one of the most popular destinations in Puerto Rico. The main attraction is catching a glimpse of how high and long the zip line is. Its an exciting aerial perspective ride that lasts for about three minutes as you fly over the scenery in close proximity to moving water. Experience this exhilarating activity once, and youll never forget it.;
Intrepid Travelers should also take a moment to visit nearby Quebradillas Full Moon Party.
Quebradillas is one of Puerto Ricos main tourist attractions, dedicated to playing out the local legend of La Llorona and other colonial-era legends. Wading through the Caribbean Sea on a full moon night might seem dangerous at first glance, but its just one of many activities on offer during these exciting nights when there are bonfires on.
Cruise Ships In Ponce
In a recent move to expand cruise options to the island, the southern city of Ponce;now receives the Serenade of the Seas and Celebrity Cruise four times per year. If you choose to make this town your port of call, you can enjoy historical sites such as El Parque de Bombas an iconic fire station-turned museum and other landmarks. Or, enjoy a day at La Guancha boardwalk, where there are plenty of seafood restaurants, fritter carts, live music, and other activities.
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Perfect Port For Pre And Post Cruise Stays
There is no other port on earth that is better for a pre or post cruise stay than San Juan, Puerto Rico. On my last cruise out of San Juan , I opted for a pre and a post cruise stay so I could enjoy as much as the island as I possibly could.
From beachfront resorts to a mom and pop bed and breakfast in Old San Juan, its the perfect extension to your cruise.
Yes, cruise ships often spend the day in San Juan as part of their itinerary.; However, there are some things in Puerto Rico that you can only take advantage of if you stay a few nights on the island.
If you really want to escape the busyness of everyday life, spend a few days on the island of Vieques before or after your cruise.; Vieques is located just off the Eastern coast of Puerto Rico and is a short 30 minute flight from Isla Grande Airport .; Another option is the ferry from Ceiba, especially since the fast ferry started operating two months ago.
Vieques is the hidden gem of the Caribbean.; The island is almost known for what you cant find on it than what is on it.; You wont find a single traffic light and commercialization is basically non-existent. OK, so there is one Subway on the island but that is it.; In the day and age when just about every island has become a tourist trap with Margaritavilles, Senor Frogs, and jewelry stores promoted by cruise lines everywhere you go, Vieques is the polar opposite of that.
Day Trip To Vieques Island
You havent truly enjoyed the best that Puerto Rico has to offer until you set foot in the tropical island of Vieques. Located southeast of the mainland, Vieques is a small island 20 miles long and 7 miles wide.
The heavy military presence which had occupied two-thirds of the island for many years kept most of Vieques untouched. As such, it retains an old tropical Caribbean island vibe and bears plenty of untouched beach coves perfect for your exploration. Its not surprising to meet with wild horses in Vieques, the island is full of them.
Other than beaches and clear turquoise waters, Vieques has the largest national wildlife refuge. This refuge covers a whopping 3100 acres in size. But the biggest draw to the island is its bioluminescent bay in Mosquito Bay.
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Cruise Ships In San Juan
San Juan has two cruise terminals, one in San Juan Bay and the other at the Pan American terminal across from the bay. Between them, the ports host around 500 cruise ships per year.;Many;of the cruises that make a voyage through the Caribbean make a port call in Puerto Rico, including;Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Costa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar, Norwegian Cruise Line, AIDA, Seabourn, Silbersea, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and even Disney Cruises.
The San Juan Bay terminal has a capacity to receive up to seven ships at once. The location of the piers gives visitors easy access to explore the historic city of Old San Juan. This may be the most convenient port of call for people only spending a day on island because many attractions, restaurants, bars, and landmarks are within walking distance.
The Pan American terminal has a pier that accommodates two cruise ships. It is located near Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci;Airport in Isla Grande, next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino, and the Hyatt House Hotel. Getting in and out of the city requires either a taxi or rideshare, and if San Juan is your point of departure, your cruise ship will likely embark from there.
Cruise ships at the fast-growing;Ponce Cruise Port.
Popular Shore Excursions In Puerto Rico
The best shore excursions to do before cruises from San Juan embark or during ports of call in Puerto Rico are ones that highlight the culture of the island as well as its lovely nature.
Walking Tour of Old San Juan
San Juan is flanked by two imposing forts: Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Both forts helped secure Puerto Rico from threats, and were even used for military purposes as recently as World War II. These days, they serve an educational purpose and are open for the public to explore.
Rainforest Adventure
Puerto Rico isnt just colorful cities and historic forts. It is also home to natural wonders. One of the top things to do is to take a shore excursion to El Yunque National Forest and do a nature walk to see native plants and animals. If you want to get your adrenaline up, you can also zipline above the trees.
Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour
Rum drinks are a popular libation in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico is no exception. To learn more about how rum is made in Puerto Rico and to try some of the worlds most popular rum, take a distillery tour at the Bacardi Rum Factory located in San Juan.
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What Pier Will My Cruise Ship Dock At Or Embark From In San Juan
In general, arriving transit ships that are day-docking for one afternoon/ evening in San Juan usually dock at the Old San Juan Piers , so you can walk right out into Old San Juan and avoid taking a taxi.; We believe an exception to this rule to be Celebrity Cruises which typically day-dock at the Pan American Pier.; Cruises that start in San Juan usually leave from the Pan American Pier Terminals I or II.; However, Carnival cruises embark from the Old San Juan Pier 4 terminal if San Juan is the home departure port.; Again, be sure to contact your cruise line or call the San Juan Cruise Port at 787-723-2260 to verify the arrival or departure pier location.
El Yunque National Forest Tour
Passing charming towns and rural communities on the 25-minute drive from San Juan, this tour of the pleasantly cool, 28,000-acre El Yunque National Forest begins with a leisurely walk amid splendid rainforest flora and fauna, followed by a short bus ride within the park to the Yohaku observation tower for panoramic views. Guests also visit an interpretative station at Coca Waterfall, once believed to be the legendary fountain of youth.
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Travel Recommendations For Unvaccinated Travelers
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Before travel:
- Get tested with a;viral test;1-3 days before your trip.
Enjoy Stunning Views At Cueva Ventana
Cueva Ventana in Arecibo is another cave attraction in PR. Cueva meaning cave and Ventana meaning window are what the place is, a caves window. The cave is located on a hill and has a huge window looking out to Rio de Grande Valley below. The view is breath-taking and the reason thousands of people visit the site regularly.
This unique attraction is located on Pr-10 KM75 behind puma gas station. The adventure starts with a brief hike to the top of the cliff and into the cave. Knowledgeable guides then take you through the cave teaching you about the places history and about Taino Indians who used the cave in ancient times.
Tip: Remember to wear good sturdy shoes and carry a flashlight.
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Walk At The Charco El Mango
The Charco El Mango is a beautiful lake filled with crystal clear water that offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy thoroughly. Youll be able to walk around the lake, sunbathe, or even picnic at your leisure. T
here are waterfalls, too, making the place more tranquil and calming.; If exploring the island terrain is something you are up to do, this place is a free attraction that youll be able to witness the mountainous and rugged route of Puerto Ricos natural sights that are simply gorgeous to take in.;
Puerto Rico Museum Of Art
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico or Puerto Rico Museum of Art is one of the places that you can explore Puerto Ricos artistic side. The museum here features an interesting collection that depicts the islands history, culture and politics.
Hosted in a grand building that was once a hospital the visual layout of this museum is rather appealing. The main floor of the museum showcases classical art from the 17th century to date, mostly by master artists while the upper floors consist of temporary exhibitions that showcase modern contemporary art.
This museum is both educative and fun even for young kids. It especially has a kid-themed exhibition and hosts an interactive art function for families every once in a while.
The art also transcends to the outdoors where there is a beautifully sculpted garden outside the museum.;You can learn more about planning your visit right here.
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Carnival Pride Resumes Cruises From Baltimore
Carnival Cruise Line is officially sailing again from Baltimore. On Sunday afternoon, Carnival Pride set sail on a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas, where itll visit Freeport, Nassau, and the private island Half Moon Cay.Before the ship set sail, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, two past guests, Captain Maurizo Ruggiero, and Port Director cut a ribbon to
Carnival Pride First Ship To Cruise From Port Of Baltimore
CARNIVAL PRIDE SETS SAIL ON FIRST CRUISE FROM PORT OF BALTIMORESeven-Day Cruise to the Bahamas Is First From Baltimore Since Industry-Wide Pause in OperationsBALTIMORE Carnival Cruise Line is the first cruise line to set sail from the Port of Baltimore since the industry-wide pause in operations.; Carnival Pride is set to depart today on a seven-day cruise to The Bahamas,
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Puerto Rico Has Amazing Cruise Ship Facilities
The San Juan Cruise Port boasts some of the most extensive cruise ship facilities of all American ports. There are six different piers in two cruise ship terminals along Old San Juans southern shore. One cruise terminal, the San Juan Bay Terminal, is closest to the Old Town, while the Pan American Terminal lies just across the bay and near the airport.
Where youll ship will dock or departure depends on the cruise line or whether youre stopping by or leaving from San Juan. Your cruise booking should specify your specific port terminal and pier, which will help you plan your time in San Juan and Puerto Rico.
Old San Juan Terminal Piers
- Pier 1: Modern terminal with 2-ship capacity, used by various different cruise lines
- Pier 3: Renovated transit-only terminal with 2-ship capacity managed by Royal Caribbean
- Pier 4: Modern 2-ship capacity terminal managed and mainly used by Carnival for its arrivals and departures
- Pier 6: Wharf with 1-ship capacity used only on days with lots of cruise-ship traffic
Pan American Terminal Piers
- Pier 1 & 2: Used by most cruise lines, except for Carnival, for departures, but sometimes also for arrivals and docking for the day. Two large cruise ships can dock here