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Puerto Rico

As your luxury MSC cruise ship docks in San Juan, prepare to step ashore and travel back in time.

Sunny beaches, tropical rainforests, 300-year-old towns and 1,000-year-old trees

As your luxury MSC cruise ship docks in San Juan, prepare to step ashore and travel back in time.

Measuring just 100 by 35 miles, the island of Puerto Rico in the Puerto Rico archipelago is a small but perfectly formed tropical island. Colonized by the Spanish in the 1500s, the port of San Juan was founded in 1521 and is the oldest city governed by the United States.

The island’s heritage has roots in Hispanic and Anglo cultures; both have left their mark on the local architecture and, as the tourist board claims, visitors will find ‘21st century conveniences in a 16th century setting’. But it is not just the appeal of old colonial architecture that draws tourists to San Juan.

This small island packs a punch with an incredibly diverse landscape. Sunny beaches give way to upland tropical rainforests. Year-old high-rises share the island with 300-year-old towns and 1,000-year-old trees. With over 300 miles of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, a large tropical rain forest, and Dry Cactus forest filled with its charm and warm people, Puerto Rico really has something for everyone.

A tropical marine climate and perpetual summer weather also play their part! From architecture to beaches, windsurfing to walking, excursions with MSC Cruises are carefully developed to offer a broad spectrum of activities and San Juan is no exception.

 		Cruise to San Juan - Puerto Rico - Ocean Voyages - MSC Cruises

Directions


The San Juan cruise port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. San Juan is the country’s financial capital, and many U.S. banks and corporations maintain offices or distributing centers there. San Juan is center of Caribbean shipping and is the 2nd largest sea port in the area (after New York City). Cruise Port Address: Paseo Concepcion de Garcia; Pier (Muelle); Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Port average temperature

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

SAN JUANMonths
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high °C282829303031313131313028
Averagelow °C212121222324242424232322
 SJU01 - San Juan panoramic tour (3 hrs) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  Panoramic Tour 

Discover San Juan! Leaving the pier by air-conditioned minibus or motor coach you'll visit Old San Juan and view the massive, ancient fortresses and great stonewalls that have protected the capital city since they were built by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. A stop is made at the San Cristobal Fortress considered the largest fort ever built by the Spaniards in the New World built in 1634. A drive through the Old City lets you see all the different Spanish architecture. Enjoy a brief stop at the Capitol Building. Once the visit to the old Colonial city has ended, you'll continue the tour to what is known as New San Juan, a modern city with its high-rise condos, luxurious resort hotels and casinos. This tour is a blend of this city’s old and new interesting history. You will return to the Old City for some free time at Plaza Colón to do some shopping, take pictures or to explore the local surroundings before returning to the ship.

 

Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring a hat and sunscreen.  Stops are unguided allowing guests to be at their leisure and browse on their own.

Price per person $39.00 Adults $35.00 Children

   


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 SJU02 - El Yunque Rain Forest tour (4.5 hrs) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy 

Drive to the north-eastern central area of the island and visit the only tropical rainforest in the United States territory, El Yunque. On this amazing excursion you will pass through several rural communities on your way to one of Puerto Rico's finest spots of natural beauty. Marvel at the wild orchids, waterfalls, giant ferns and tropical hardwoods. Encounter countless photo opportunities from these high mountaintops. Stop at a waterfall, the tourist visitor center as well as the observation tower. Come along and enjoy this truly remarkable journey!

 

Notes: This is not a hiking tour; therefore it is suitable for all ages. We recommend guests to wear comfortable clothing with flat, comfortable shoes and bring their respective raincoat.
 

Price per person $49.00 Adults $44.00 Children

   


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 SJU05 - Eco Kayak Tour (4.5 hrs) - 2013
Level of difficulty: difficult  Limited Availability  Snack 

This tour takes you to the north-eastern part of the island where you will begin your kayak adventure at one of the rivers in Puerto Rico. At the river you will be orientated on the safety precaution needed to use the kayaks and will be given a life jacket, you will then board the kayaks and paddle through the river where the guides will explain the many species of trees, mangroves and amphibians that inhabit the river. Then continue to the mouth of the river, where you can enjoy the ocean at a beach site.

 

Notes: We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel and watershoes.

Price per person $95.00 Adults $86.00 Children

   


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 SJU06 - San Juan panoramic & Bacardi (4 hrs) - 2013
Level of difficulty: easy  Tastings  A scenic, air-conditioned drive begins your tour, first heading to the town of Cataño and the Bacardi Museum, where you can find out about both the time-honoured process of making rum and the history of the Bacardi family. Naturally, a chance to sample some of the delicious rum is included in your visit. The distillery also boasts a beautiful park and grounds for you to explore. As you leave the town towards the district known as New San Juan, you will pass through the Condado district – a modern area with high-rise condominiums, luxurious resort hotels and casinos – en route to Old San Juan to see the ancient strongholds and huge stone walls that were built by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Due to the superb views afforded of the enormous San Cristobal Fortress from Plaza Colon, a stop will be made there for you to take photos and do some shopping before returning to the ship.Please note: you are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a sunhat and use sunscreen. The Bacardi distillery is a popular site, for this reason there may be extended waiting time to get in. Some of the stops are unguided, allowing guests to browse on their own.

Price per person $43.00 Adults $39.00 Children

   


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 SJU12 - Canopy adventure - 3.5 hrs - 2013
Level of difficulty: difficult  Limited Availability  The lush tropical rainforest that characterises the countryside of northern Puerto Rico is not only a paradise of rich diversity and stunning tropical fauna, but also provides the setting for this amazing treetop adventure, a unique opportunity to view the world from above. With the assistance of an experienced guide, you will traverse a course consisting of 8 canopy platforms, connected by a network of pulleys and horizontal cables that are mounted between 10 and 70 feet above the tropical forest floor. A blood-pumping rappel, also known as a rope-guided vertical descent, will round off this special experience. A knowledgeable guide will remain on hand to assist you every step of the way from the moment you leave the ground until you return to the forest floor. Please note: guests must be at least 5 years of age, weigh at least 45 lbs but no more than 250 lbs and measure a maximum of 46 inches around the waist to take part in the tour. You are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes or tennis shoes. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or guests suffering from pre-existing heart or back problems. As there are inherent risks associated with this activity, all guests will be required to fill out and sign a waiver and/or release form to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. Guests are required to be in good physical health and in peak condition. Safety equipment (harness, gloves and helmet) will be provided and must be worn at all times. The tour involves extended periods of physical exertion, extensive walking and climbing.

Price per person $131.00 Adults $118.00 Children

   


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 SJU15 - Horseback Riding  (4.5 hrs) - 2013
Level of difficulty: difficult  Limited Availability  Ride a gentle but spirited horse along the surrounding areas of the world famous El Yunque tropical rain forest. This northeast countryside is brimming with the flora and fauna of this lovely area. The adventure begins as you follow the experienced guides along the trails that have been carefully laid out to take you among all the nature sites including the refreshing shore of a river. Horseback riding instruction and an orientation to the rental rules are provided. Riders of all levels are welcome.

Price per person $109.00 Adults $98.00 Children

   


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 SJU16 - ATV Adventure for Two (4.5 hrs) - 2013
Level of difficulty: difficult  Limited Availability 

Encounter a unique experience within the northeast countryside of Puerto Rico. This ride takes you through the surrounding areas of our rainforest and its spectacular scenery. Upon arrival, riders will be given an introduction and safety instructions on how to ride and operate the ATV. The adventure begins as you follow the experienced guides along the trails specially designed for this activity. Enjoy different terrains that will take you along the forest. Whether you're the driver or the rider, you can be sure you will experience an exhilarating and adventurous ride!

 

 

Notes:  Riders must be at least 10 years of age. Drivers must be at least 16 years of age and present a valid driver's license.  Maximum combined weight is 450 lbs. Helmet use is mandatory and is provided along with goggles. Traffic can be very congested. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes each way and is unguided. You may wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes and bring a towel.  This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back/neck injuries or heart conditions. Tour price is based on a per vehicle rate ( vehicle can accommodate up to 2 persons including driver,  you can go as a single or take a companion along for free). The tour should only be reserved by one person per vehicle and the rate will be charged to that person’s credit card.  The tour payment cannot be divided amongst multiple participants , it can only be charged to one account.  If you are taking a companion it is only  necessary that you register their name with the ship’s shore excursion office upon embarkation.

Price per person $249.00 Adults  Not AvailableChildren

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.