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San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-03 02:54

Port San Juan cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

San Juan is Puerto Rico's principal/main port (locode PRSJU), as well as the largest city (population around 350,000) and the country's capital. San Juan is the second-oldest capital (after Santo Domingo Dominicana ) that the Europeans/Spaniards established in the Caribbean.

Originally the island was named San Juan and the port - Ciudad de Puerto Rico. They swapped over time.

San Juan cruise port schedule has booked ships operating mainly on Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries leaving roundtrip from Florida USA ports. San Juan is also homeport to several major cruise companies operating roundtrips out of Puerto Rico. Among the most popular Caribbean island port destinations often combined with Puerto Rico are Windward Islands ( St Lucia , Dominica , St Vincent ,  Barbados , Tobago , Grenada ), Leeward Islands ( St Maarten , Guadeloupe , St Kitts ) and Dutch Antilles ( Curacao , Bonaire , Aruba ).

All Puerto Rico beaches are open to the public. However, public beaches (served by lifeguards and with facilities) are called here balnearios. They are free of charge (no entry fees) but charge for parking, as well as lockers and showers. The most popular are El Escambron and Isla Verde.

In early April 2017 was announced the RCG-Royal Caribbean Group's partnership with Puerto Rico Ports Authority (government-owned corporation) for improving the Port's cruise pier "Pan American Wharf 2". The decision followed RCCL's announcements about homeporting Freedom of the Seas in San Juan (starting May 2018). To needed development investments will optimize the port's cruise docking infrastructure. The works will include boarding bridge improvements, safety checkpoints improvements, restrooms improvements, mooring improvements, new passenger registration desks, building improvements, enlarging the terminal's baggage inspection area, also dredging in the pier's ship docking area.

In August 2022, GPH-Global Ports Holding (2003-founded, UK-based corporation, currently the world's largest cruise port operator) signed a 30-year concession agreement with Puerto Rico Ports Authority for the San Juan Cruise Port.

• Under the concession terms, GPH agreed to pay an upfront fee of USD 75 million.
• During Investment Phase I, GPH agreed to invest ~US$100M on critical cruise dock repairs (at Pier 1, Pier 4, and the Pan American Piers/1 & 2), rebuilding and upgrading all terminal facilities and the walkway.
• During Investment Phase II, GPH agreed to invest ~US$250M in expanding the Port's capacity by building a new cruise pier and a new terminal (at Pier 11 and Pier 12) with capacity to handle the world’s largest passenger liners.
• Through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJCP (San Juan Cruise Port Ltd) GPH started operations on February 15, 2024.

During season 2015-2016, Royal Caribbean ships alone brought to Port San Juan 574,140 passengers. During season 2017-2018, this number reached 700,000. In 2019 (before the Coronavirus crisis) the cruise port handled ~1,8 million tourists.

The cruise port was visited by 6,8 million cruise tourists in 2008-2009, 7,9M (2014-2015) and 1,5M (2015-2016). Cruise tourists contribute around 7,1% to Puerto Rico's economy. To be able to handle the world's largest cruise vessels , Port San Juan invested ~USD 8 million in building a 3rd dock. On December 28, 2016, the port was visited by Harmony of the Seas (max capacity 6314 pax / 2300 crew).

For FY2018, Puerto Rico estimated that ~1,7 million cruise ship tourists will arrive on the scheduled 540 ship calls, generating around USD 250M for the local economy. The tourism industry represents ~7% of the country's economy. 2018 ended with handled nearly 1,8 million cruisers via 517 ship calls (21% increase over 2017).

In late-September 2020, PRPA (Puerto Rico Ports Authority / managing company) issued a request for proposals for Isla Grande's Pier 15 drydock (southeast from the cruise port). The future project includes the facility's repair (overhaul), maintenance and operation. The drydock was originally built (in the early-1940s) and operated by the US Navy, acquired by PRPA in the late-1990s and not used since 2000. The project could generate ~USD 20M (in private investments), ~USD 16M (annual impact) and support ~400 local jobs. The renovated drydock could be used for general maintenance works and refurbishments of various ship types (including cargo, smaller-sized cruisers, ferries , superyachts). The drydock has length ~600 ft (183 m), width 102 ft (31 m) and depth 26 ft (10 m), which allows it to serve ships with max LOA length 400 ft (121 m).

By annual passenger traffic (statistical data 2019), the Caribbean's top-10 largest airports are:

• Luis Munoz Marin Airport/aka Isla Verde (San Juan Puerto Rico) with ~9,5 million pax
• Punta Cana Airport ( Punta Cana Dominicana ) with ~7,2M pax
• Jose Marti Airport ( Havana Cuba ) with 5,7+M pax
• Sangster Airport ( Montego Bay Jamaica ) with ~4,8M pax
• Lynden Pindling Airport ( Nassau Bahamas ) with ~4,1M pax
• Las Americas Airport ( Santo Domingo Dominicana ) with ~4M pax
• Piarco Airport ( Port-of-Spain Trinidad ) with 2,8+M pax
• Queen Beatrix Airport ( Oranjestad Aruba ) with 2,5+M pax
• Pointe-a-Pitre Airport ( Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe ) with ~2,5M pax
• Grantley Adams Airport ( Bridgetown Barbados ) with ~2,3M pax

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean.

San Juan cruise terminal

San Juan cruise port terminal has three piers – Old San Juan piers (Pier 1, 3, 4, 6), "Navy Frontier Pier" and "Pan American Pier" (wharf 2).

All tour operators in San Juan provide guides trained through "Aquila's Center for Cruise Excellence". This is a staff training program that helps cruise port destinations and local tour operators to achieve highest standards of service.

Old San Juan Piers

They are located at Marina Street, the center of Old San Juan. All the major sightseeing places are within easy walking distance.

• Pier 1 has a modern terminal building with facilities like shops, baggage gangways, parking and elevators.
• Pier 3 mainly serves Royal Caribbean line and transit cruise vessels.
• Pier 4 is located at the north shore. Carnival Cruise Lines manages the terminal.
• Pier 6 is a marginal dock with length 1196 ft (365 m).

In 2014, Pier 3 was expanded to allow berthing of the world's largest cruise vessels (RCI's Oasis-class). In 2016, on Pier 3 (port's 3rd cruise dock) started construction works for a new, 2-story terminal building housing restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues, a large duty-free shopping complex. The USD 8 million project was an investment by Duty Free Americas (US travel retail stores chain with over 180 shops). The port additionally invested US$1M for security equipment. RCI / Royal Caribbean also participated in the project, which completion was scheduled for 2018.

In 2019, Bacardi Global Travel Retail created a new Bacardi-dedicated rum bar within Pier 4's SMT Duty-Free (retail store). The new Bacardi Bar also offers cocktails sampling and branded merchandise (hats, T-shirts, memorabilia).

Frontier Pier

Frontier Pier has only one berth. It serves cruise liners and also commercial (cargo) ships.

Pan America Pier

Pan America Pier is located to the south of Old San Juan. The modern San Juan cruise ship terminal building at Pan America Pier is in Isla Grande. It serves larger cruise vessels.

Port San Juan also has drydock facilities (used for ship repairs and refurbishments ) located between Pier 15 and Pier 16.

• El Morro Fort: the huge fort dates from 1539. It main service was to protect Port of San Juan from pirates. It is named after the Spanish patron – saint King Phillip. The full name of the fort is Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
• San Cristobal Fort: dates from the 18th century.
• La Fortaleza: dates from 1540 and it is the most ancient fort in San Juan. It used to be the governor’s official residence.
• Cathedral de San Juan: dates from 1592. The neoclassical cathedral is situated on Calle Cristo.
• Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo de la Muralla: take a walk along the old walls of the city. Both paths are to the waterfront.
• Escambron Beach: spent a leisure day at that beautiful beach. Enjoy breathtaking views along all the coastline (including El Morro Fort).
• Shopping: there are a lot of stores in Old San Juan. The main shopping streets are Fortaleza, Cristo and San Francisco. You can buy souvenirs, arts, fashion and jewelery from the craft markets at the Plaza de la Darsena and on Paseo de la Princesa. Located close to San Juan cruise port (Pier 1).

Old and New San Juan (Royal Caribbean) is an optional guided tour that includes visiting Condado (neighborhood), Isla Verde Beach, residential areas, Window of the Seas (square with a sidewalk resembling Hollywood Blvd), Old San Juan (Capitol Building, 5th Centenary Plaza, San Cristobal Fort or the shopping district).

Pirate Treasure Hunt (Royal Caribbean) is a family tour (pirate-themed and guided) on the trail around Old San Juan (leading to Castillo San Felipe del Morro (fortress).

Campo Rico ATV Adventure (Royal Caribbean) is an ATV (4x4) guided driving tour through the countryside and includes driving through a private ranch (with plantation house), mangroves, lagoons, mountains, forests, wildlife viewing, visiting Mi Casa (traditional sugarcane plantation home), short breaks for photos, operational ranch (with Paso Fino horse stables), stopping at Mojito Bar.

San Juan Food and Culture Tour (Royal Caribbean) is an Old San Juan walking tour (for a small group) themed on local foods, architecture, cultural traditions, shopping. Each cruise tourist receives a coupon booklet for additional savings in local restaurants and shops.

San Juan tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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San Juan - user reviews and comments

San Juan for the day: What to do while your cruise is in port

Colonial history, splendid natural beauty and trendy nightlife make San Juan a must-visit Caribbean port of call. In fact, it's a staple on Eastern and Southern Caribbean departures sailing round-trip from Florida ports such as PortMiami , Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Port Canaveral near Orlando.

San Juan attracts ships from across cruising's various categories, due in large part to its rich colonial history and fascinating combination of African, Caribbean and European cultures that are expressed in cuisine, the arts and music.

San Juan is also a modern metropolis with upscale dining and shopping. Its numerous attractions make arriving a day or two early a rewarding option for travelers whose ship home-ports in the city.

Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Holland America , MSC Cruises and other lines all have scheduled multiple San Juan calls for 2021. Several Royal Caribbean ships will target San Juan as both a home port — a city from which voyages depart round-trip — and as a port of call in 2021.

San Juan is also found on Caribbean itineraries from premium lines including Celebrity Cruises , Viking and Windstar Cruises . Luxury operators Crystal Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club will also feature San Juan among their 2021Caribbean port calls.

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3 things TPG loves about San Juan

• A walkable historic district
• Delicious local cuisine
• Charming cultural attractions

What we could do without

• High prices, as restaurant meals tend to be expensive
• Limited beach access in the Old San Juan/Condado core districts

San Juan basics

San Juan became a Spanish colonial settlement in the 16th century, and today's cruise visitors primarily disembark in what is one of the Caribbean's best-preserved historic districts, known as San Juan Viejo, or Old San Juan. The quarter features imposing city walls, massive forts, cobblestone streets and terraced mansions. Visitors will find just walking about is a great way to spend time in the city.

San Juan is also a modern metropolis and the city's Isla Verde and Condado resort districts feature trendy hotels, gourmet restaurants, pulsating nightclubs and bars, and upscale shopping.

El Yunque National Forest is one of several natural attractions found across the greater San Juan region, and cultural attractions include rum distilleries offering tours and tastings. Each is accessible within the limited hours of a daytime port call.

Related: How to get to Puerto Rico on points and miles

Arrival details

The Old San Juan Piers are at Marina Street, conveniently located at the center of the district. This places most of the significant historic and cultural sites, including the iconic El Morro fortress, within easy walking distance. The piers feature modern terminal buildings and passengers will also find tours and transportation staged nearby.

Pier 3 mainly serves Royal Caribbean and its Oasis-class ships, the cruise industry's largest. The terminal features a two-story complex that houses restaurants, galleries and a duty-free shopping center. Pier 4 is managed by Carnival Cruise Lines and generally serves that line's ships and affiliated vessels. San Juan's Pan America Pier is situated south of the Old San Juan district of Isla Grande and serves larger cruise vessels.

Most ships call at the port for up to eight hours, giving cruisers time to explore several Puerto Rico highlights. Ships arrive in San Juan as early as noon and sail late in the evening.

• Time zone: Eastern time zone
• Languages: English and Spanish
• Currency: U.S. dollar

How to get around

On foot: Several of the island's major sights are within walking distance of the piers, although it's simple to book a tour of local sites through your cruise line.

By bike: Travelers can rent bikes at establishments that are within walking distance of the cruise piers. Try Rent the Bicycle at 100 Calle del Muelle. A daily rental is about $32, or rent by the hour (around $10).

By taxi: You can also arrange for a taxi or private car, or even a luxury or premium automobile tour.

By car: While you can rent a car, we think it's far easier to explore on foot, by bike or taxi/ride-hailing service.

By bus: Public buses are also available.

Top sights and shore excursions

The historic Puerto Rican capital of San Juan offers every element of a contemporary warm-weather vacation, with sun-filled skies, white-sand beaches and brilliant blue waters. San Juan also features historic and architectural attractions, from grand colonial palaces to airy public plazas to the massive stone walls that encircle parts of the city.

San Juan's Condado and Isla Verde districts offer a multitude of bars, restaurants, craft shops and boutiques, plus plenty of nightlife, open-air music and entertainment. San Juan provides visitors with another variable treasured by travelers: fun. There's an unmistakable atmosphere of good times running across this pulsating port city. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting San Juan:

San Juan highlights

Air-conditioned bus tours of San Juan encompass the primary highlights of the new and Old San Juan districts. The tour passes Condado Beach's luxury hotels and condominiums and the Window of the Sea coastal outcropping. Continuing into Old San Juan, the tour passes the Capitol City Building and San Cristobal Fort. The outing ends at iconic El Morro Castle, the majestic 16th-century fortification. Other tour highlights include San Jose Church, the Western Hemisphere's second-oldest church, and Paseo de la Princesa, which offers sweeping views and a grand fountain overlooking the sea.

Bacardi Rum Distillery

This guided tour of the family-founded Casa Bacardi provides visitors with a historic view of San Juan and Puerto Rico through its sugar-cane industry and rum-making legacies. An introductory video follows the rum-making process from raw cane to molasses to the spirit, from vat to barrel to bottle, after which guests can sample the finished product, pick up some rum recipes and enjoy free time to browse the on-site gift shop and museum, as well as post images and short videos to social media via an in-facility production room. There is also an open-air restaurant adjoining the facility.

Bioluminescent Bay kayak adventure

Kayak the waters of Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent bay located within Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve, whose waters glow green with each paddle stroke. Kayakers traverse the calm channel through a tunnel of mangroves on their way to the lagoon. Once there, guides discuss the birds, fish and other aquatic life while kayakers have time to enjoy the natural bioluminescent phenomenon, visible only after dark.

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.

Old San Juan walking tour

Puerto Rico's rich history and architectural heritage comes alive on this guided walk of the colonial city's oldest sections, which date back 500 years. Stroll the quarter's cobblestone streets, lined with tropical-hued buildings. Visit elegant plazas as your guide introduces key sights and monuments. The tour also includes San Felipe del Morro fortress.

Best beaches in San Juan

Many of Puerto Rico's best beaches are found on the island's eastern and western edges, beyond the San Juan proper. Yet there is still a handful of local beaches worth visiting.

While relatively small and at times a bit crowded, Condado Beach extends for several miles east of downtown and is a short taxi ride from Old San Juan. The entrance to this public beach is tucked between high-rise resorts. The beach offers the added convenience of proximity to the nearby Condado shopping and entertainment district.

Two-mile-long Isla Verde Beach is located 15 minutes from central San Juan and is very popular with families who enjoy its white sands and warm water. The beach is shared by a strip of premium hotels and features several restaurants. Parasailing, Jet Skiing and other water sports are available, and many consider Isla Verde Beach among the Caribbean's best urban beaches.

Another intimate beach, El Escambron, borders Old San Juan and the modern Condado District. Framed by a combination of ancient city fortifications and modern skyscrapers, El Escambron is San Juan's most picturesque beach and is located within Tercer Milenio Park, which offers recreational activities including stand-up paddleboarding.

Where to eat and drink

Dining out in San Juan encompasses everything from white-tablecloth fine dining to local food trucks serving delicious indigenous cuisine. Indeed, Puerto Rico has emerged in recent years as a "foodie" destination whose cuisine incorporates African, Caribbean, Latin and European influences and traditions.

San Juan is also recognized for a vibrant cocktail scene. The pina colada originated in San Juan and innovative refreshing drinks continue to be a city hallmark. There are numerous hip, trendy bars and classic bars and restaurants in Old San Juan, as well as across the Condado and Isla Verde districts. Brewery tours and rum tastings are also available.

Look for these local specialties:

• Mufungo: Deep-fried green plantains mashed with garlic and served with pork, chicken, crab meat or skirt steak.
• Tostones: Deep-fried plantain wheels, usually served with "mayoketchup" and garlic.
• Lechon: A slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin.

The San Juan suburb of Santurce is home to a lively art scene punctuated with hip restaurants featuring international cuisine spiced by locally sourced ingredients and traditional Puerto Rican recipes.

Food parks like Lote 23 and the Miramar Food Truck Park feature kiosks and food trucks operated by innovative chefs offering exquisite bite-sized dining in a casual atmosphere. Entire streets now feature popular restaurants, including Calle Loiza and Calle Fortaleza. Other top restaurants include:

The "ocean to table" cuisine at this upscale restaurant at the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is the product of Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas' sophisticated palate. Special selections include crispy grain salad, braised veal cheeks over an apio polenta, passion fruit curd, coconut ganache and pineapple-cilantro sorbet.

Cocina al Fondo

This small, inconspicuous family restaurant on Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Miramar neighborhood can be easy to miss as it is in the back of an art cooperative and lacks obvious signage. Reservations are recommended. Dishes feature creative, fresh and flavorfully spicy Creole food at reasonable prices (between $10 and $24 per entrée).

Hecho en Casa

This family-run restaurant not only has the feel of an authentic Puerto Rican home, its name literally means "homemade." The eatery's "comida criolla" entrees include some of Puerto Rico's most traditional staple dishes and feature products and ingredients grown locally in Puerto Rico, all made from scratch, in-house.

Where to shop

When you're shopping in San Juan, look for souvenirs like:

• Handmade arts and crafts
• Handmade garments in tropical colors
• Hand-rolled cigars
• Custom and high-end jewelry
• Paintings and artwork

The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan are lined with small craft shops, art galleries and artisan goods. Travelers will find traditional vejigante masks in two styles: classic Loiza coconut masks and the Ponce-style papier-mache version.

Visitors will also find woven hammocks, home decor items and ceramics, serigraphs, paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from the Old City or the countryside of Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan also houses numerous art galleries, such as Galeria Exodo and Galeria Botello, which offer original pieces in different mediums by Puerto Rican artists. Shopaholic travelers should also make time to visit:

Ole Hat Shop

Ole Puerto Rico, located at 105 Calle de la Fortaleza, is a wonderful family-run, old-world hat emporium where the friendly staff will create a custom-made Panama hat for you on the spot. The prices are reasonable, and the customer picks the style of hat and the hatband. By the way, "Panama" hats actually originated in Ecuador, but so many workers wore them during the Panama Canal's construction that the nickname stuck.

Shopconcalma

Located on Old San Juan's Calle de San Francisco, this shop sells handmade purses and bags designed in collaboration with local artists using multicolored fabrics and recycled denim, and also carries jewelry, clothing and art by local designers.

This collaborative marketplace showcases young creatives and has a permanent location in a two-floor warehouse space in Santurce. Look for locally designed clothing and accessories, handmade jewelry, books, art and even services like hairstyling.

Bottom line

San Juan combines historic architecture and attractions that embody the island's rich legacy and historic past with contemporary authentic Latin and American culture evident in the city's upscale hotels, trendy restaurants and bars, diverse shopping opportunities and homegrown contemporary art scene. There's really too much to do in one port call but that's what return trips are for. If there was ever a must-disembark port of call, San Juan is it.

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7 Incredible Cruises That Visit Puerto Rico

Here are our top picks for the best cruises to Puerto Rico and other beach destinations in 2023 and 2024.

Puerto Rico 's history, culture, food, and sunny shores have made the island a favorite travel destination for many years. Home to the oldest city in the United States, San Juan is a popular cruise port for visitors who want to experience the city, and many return to spend more time there and venture to other parts of the island as well.

The mountains, rainforest, white-sand beaches, friendly people, and vibrant atmosphere are a few of Puerto Rico 's features that attract cruise fans. The opportunity to explore the popular port with the convenience and luxury of a cruise ship keeps San Juan on a variety of itineraries.

Here are a few of our top picks for the best cruises to Puerto Rico and other beach destinations .

Holland America

Seven-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

The cruise begins in Fort Lauderdale in late afternoon, giving guests time to visit the city's shops along Las Olas Boulevard or cruise the Intracoastal Waterway on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. The next day is spent at sea, and guests can enjoy the Nieuw Amsterdam 's restaurants, casino, spa, and entertainment. For voyagers aged 3 to 17, there's the Kids Club, featuring supervised games, sports, arts and crafts, and themed parties.

The ship arrives in Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos , for a day of snorkeling, diving, fishing, or kayaking. Then it's on to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the next day for an afternoon and evening visit. You can opt into a shore excursion in the El Yunque National Rainforest or spend the day exploring Old San Juan, with its colorful architecture and rich history, on your own.

The next port is St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where guests can relax on the beach, snorkel, shop in Charlotte Amalie, or enjoy views from some of the Caribbean's highest viewpoints. For a thrilling experience, there's the Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Ocean Park with a guided walk along an underwater trail. After a day at sea, the ship arrives in Half Moon Cay , Bahamas, for a day at the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, or hiking before returning to Fort Lauderdale the following morning.

Oceania Cruises

Shimmering Strands

This 10-night Caribbean cruise departs from Miami for two days at sea aboard Sirena , where guests can enjoy dining at a variety of restaurants, indulge at Aquamar Spa, work out at the fitness center, gamble at the casino, or enjoy evening entertainment at one of the lounges or piano bar. On day four, the ship arrives at St. John's, Antigua, for a day of scenic drives, deep-sea fishing, or relaxing at the beach.

The next port is Castries, St. Lucia , an island capital with banana farms, rugged green peaks, and a charming marketplace. Activities here include bicycling through the rainforest, snorkeling, and kayaking in the bright blue ocean waters.

Next, head to Gustavia, St. Barts , where you can enjoy the unspoiled natural landscape and Swedish-French culture before the ship continues toward San Juan, Puerto Rico , for a visit to historic Old San Juan , a day at the beach, an excursion to the Museum of Art, or a Saint John the Baptist Cathedral tour.

From San Juan, the cruise heads to Puerto Plata on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic , known as the Amber Coast for its rich deposits of resin. After a day at sea, the ship stops in the Bahamas before returning to Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Caribbean: Curacao and Aruba Cruise

This seven-day cruise aboard Norwegian Viva embarks from San Juan, where guests can explore Puerto Rico before or after their sailing. Built in 2023, the Norwegian Viva offers guests onboard activities like 10-story slides, a three-level go-kart race track, and an immersive art gallery. There's a variety of dining spots, lounges, a whiskey bar, a cigar lounge, a spa, and a Starbucks. For young cruisers, there's the Aqua Park and Splash Academy.

The first stop is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for snorkeling with sea turtles, surfing, and touring rum and cigar factories. The ship then arrives at Oranjestad, Aruba , for a tour of Dutch colonial buildings, a submarine ride, a Land Rover safari, or a trip to an aloe farm. The next port is Willemstad, Curacao, where guests can tour the island's candy-colored architecture, swim with dolphins, or visit the limestone Hato Caves.

The next stop is Kralendijk, Bonaire, for coral reef diving or catamaran sailing. In Castries, St. Lucia , options include everything from seeing the world's only drive-in volcanic crater to visiting the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths. The next day is spent in St. Kitts with white-sand beaches, shopping, and dining at seaside restaurants. From there, the ship returns to San Juan the following day.

Windstar Cruises

Boston Sights, Warm Caribbean Nights

The all-suite Star Pride , completely renovated in 2021, carries 312 guests and offers new public areas, a spa, an infinity pool, a fitness area, and dining venues. Departing from Boston , the ship spends two days at sea as it cruises south to Hamilton, Bermuda . There, experiences include a guided driving tour and an opportunity to snorkel among one of Bermuda's famous shipwrecks. In St. George's, Bermuda, the next two days, guests can tour the historic Old Town on foot or by van.

Two more days at sea on the way to Gustavia in St. Barts give guests an opportunity to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities. In St. Barts, options include a sunset Champagne cruise, a self-guided rental car tour, a catamaran trip with snorkeling, and an excursion aboard a semi-submersible to look for green turtles and fish among the coral reefs.

The next day, the ship arrives at Basseterre, St. Kitts, where guests can ride a century-old scenic railway, tour one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean, experience local cuisine at Fairview Great House & Tropical Garden, or explore underwater in a snorkel safari. The next port is Virgin Gorda for excursions that include a snorkel adventure and a safari bus trip to The Baths and the white sands of Devil's Bay. The last port is San Juan, and guests can tour the Ron del Barrilito rum factory or tour historic Old San Juan .

14-day Leeward Island Jewels Cruise

The cruise begins in Miami where guests board the Seabourn Sojourn for two days at sea before arriving in San Juan, where they can tour the city, the beaches, and El Yunque Rainforest.

The next port is Marigot, St. Martin, where guests can enjoy the capital of this Dutch-French island. Take in views of the Riviera village, browse shops stocked in Gallic goods, and take the opportunity to ride aboard a sailing yacht.

Iles des Saintes, off the coast of Guadeloupe, is the next port and offers a glimpse of the Caribbean of the past. Next, enjoy the beaches, rainforest, and French atmosphere of the Caribbean island of Martinique before heading to Bridgetown, Barbados , where you’ll find historic buildings, delicious cuisine, and rum distilleries. In Saint Lucia, visit the Pitons or snorkel one of Jacques Cousteau’s favorite dive spots. And then, in St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda, guests can snorkel, kayak, zip line, or relax on a sunset catamaran cruise.

Next, the ship heads to Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis , home to luxurious beach clubs and restaurants. Guests can journey around the island on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brimstone Hill Fortress, or embark on a snorkeling adventure.

In Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands , guests can snorkel or grab a signature Painkiller cocktail in White Bay. After two days at sea enjoying Seabourn Sojourn 's salon, restaurants, bars, and small-ship amenities, the ship returns to Miami.

Viking Ocean Cruises

13-day Amazon and Caribbean Adventure

The cruise boards in San Juan and spends the next day there, giving guests time to explore Old San Juan, El Yunque Rainforest, and the plush Condado District before sailing away to Antigua and Barbuda where guests can take a catamaran cruise, tie-dying class, sugar plantation tour, or spend a relaxing day on the beach. Next, the ship docks in Castries, St. Lucia with options for an aerial tram ride over the forest canopy, a cooking class, or a catamaran cruise. The next port is Bridgetown, Barbados, home of Mt. Gay Rum, St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Distillery, and stunning beaches.

The ship cruises the Atlantic the next day, and guests can enjoy the small-ship amenities, restaurants, infinity pool, and entertainment before arriving in French Guiana, once a French penal colony. After another day at sea, the ship arrives at the mouth of the Amazon to begin sailing the mighty river.

The ship visits the small city of Santarém, founded in 1661, where the Amazon and Tapajós Rivers meet. The next day, the ship reaches Parintins, a river island, for a folklore performance, the Boi Bumbá, a theatrical tradition. One thousand miles upriver from the Atlantic, the ship reaches Manaus, the most populous city in the Amazon basin, for an overnight stay with excursions that include a boat cruise, a motor coach tour, a jungle trek, a birdwatching tour, and a culinary adventure. The next day, guests disembark for the trip home or for additional exploring of the historic city.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Seven-night Southern Caribbean Cruise

This cruise begins in San Juan where guests board Rhapsody of the Seas for a jam-packed week of Caribbean destinations . The first port is St. Croix, where you can tour rum distilleries; dine on fresh seafood with French, Thai, and Dutch flavors; and lounge on sugar-sand beaches. Next, head to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, with sandy beaches, colonial history, and delicious food specialties like conch fritters and coconut patties.

Basseterre, St. Kitts is the next day’s port, and guests can hike the Mount Liamuiga volcano, see sugarcane in the countryside from a double-decker railcar, or kayak the crystal clear water. On the fifth day, you'll visit the island nation of St. Lucia. Explore it capital, Castries, by catamaran or on foot around the peaks of the Pitons, or relax in the thermal pools of Soufriere. Bridgetown, Barbados , next on the itinerary, is home to colonial buildings, open-air markets, and pink-sand beaches . Guests can journey in a solar-powered tram into Harrison's Cave, where they'll see waterfalls, pools, and stalactite formations, or they can explore the Barbados Wildlife Reserve in a 4x4 vehicle.   

After a day at sea, the ship returns to San Juan, and guests can continue exploring the city with a walking tour of Old San Juan and a dinner of local cuisine, like mofongo (fried green plantains) or bacalaitos (codfish fritters).

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San Juan Puerto Rico   ⎮   Travel to San Juan Puerto Rico    ⎮   San Juan Cruise Port

You’re joyfully anticipating your cruise, we extend an early welcome to San Juan and we thank you in advance for your visit.  We have created this guide to help you plan a wonderful visit to our capital city, complete with maps, the best things to do, top-rated excursions for cruisers, tips for self-guided tours, getting around guides, and more.  It is our hope that your stop in San Juan is joyous and memorable.

Related Cruise Guide:  San Juan Cruise Excursions Guide 

Local businesses appreciate your visit and support, since having to face the challenges of two hurricanes since 2017, and the covid-19 effects on the tourism sector.  Our warm vibrant culture and hospitable friendly people await your arrival.

Cruise Port Guides

Content on this page, welcome to san juan.

• Old San Juan Piers
• Pan American Piers
• Quick Facts for Visitors
• Transfers from / to Cruise Piers to Hotels & Airport
• Map of Cruise Port / Piers in San Juan
• Frequently Asked Questions by Cruise Visitors

More Guides for Cruise Visitors

• Things to Do & Excursions Guide for Cruise Visitors
• Getting Around San Juan for Cruise Visitors
• Hotels near the Cruise Port Guide with Map
• Beaches near the Cruise Port Guide with Map
• Car Rentals near Cruise Ports in San Juan
• Parking Guide with Map

Photo: La Rogativa overlooking the San Juan Bay – Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Save a Spot - Most Popular Walking Tour

San Juan is one of the Caribbean’s hottest and most beloved cruise stops, welcoming visitors to explore one of the best-preserved Spanish Colonial historic cities. We are celebrating five centuries of history in our beautiful Old San Juan, we invite you to celebrate with us.  Five centuries ago, our capital city was walled and protected by fortifications, keeping outsiders out.  We are proud of the fact that in modern days, San Juan is often referred to as one of the happiest and most welcoming places on earth.  

Visitors can easily walk to explore blue cobblestone streets in Old San Juan leading to UNESCO historic sites, museums, restaurants, unique shops, and elegant squares, as well as participate in the many events that keep our traditions and vibrant culture alive.  A short taxi drive from Old San Juan there’s more to see and do.

If your cruise begins in San Juan, we encourage you to extend your stay by at least 2 nights, we are confident that once you get a little taste of what Puerto Rico has to offer, you’ll regret not having stayed a few more nights.  If your situation does not allow it, we hope that when you visit, you feel a warm welcome and come back to visit again.

The Piers at the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

The San Juan Cruise Port is host to an estimated 500 cruise ships (approx. 18 different cruise lines), and nearly 2 million passengers travel to Puerto Rico through this port – every year.  M ost Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises include a stop in San Juan offering travelers an opportunity to experience a little bit of the magic of this extraordinary city.  

Photo: Pier 1 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The San Juan Cruise Port is one of the largest and busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean.  There are 4 cruise ship piers and 2 modern terminals along the southern shores of historic Old San Juan with a total capacity to accommodate 7 ships at once.  The strategic locations of these piers give tourists easy walking access to Old San Juan and its many attractions .  In addition, just 1-mile southeast, across the San Antonio Canal, are 2 more large modern cruise ship terminals at the Pan American Pier, which can hold 2 more cruise ships.

Photo: View of Cruise Port from the corner of Calle Norzagaray – Castillo San Cristobal

In order to plan your stay or day in San Juan, be sure to inquire about which pier your ship will be docking at or departing from.  Although we provide information,  be sure to contact your booked cruise line or call the San Juan Cruise Port at 787-723-2260, Pier (Muelle) 4, in Old San Juan in order to verify the arrival or departure pier location .  By being informed you can prepare for whether you’ll need transportation , find a nearby hotel, and plan adequate travel time for getting to or from the ship.

Home Port cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess) often use San Juan as their departure port, thus cruises embark from San Juan.  Transit ships are those docking for a day or two originating from another homeport.  See the map below for pier locations.

Old San Juan Piers & Terminals

Photo: View of Pier 3 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Getting Around from Old San Juan Piers:

The Old San Juan Cruise Ship Piers are the most convenient for cruisers.  As soon as you get off the ship, you can easily walk the 7 blocks magical city of Old San Juan and enjoy the top attractions and things to do on foot.

Closest Hotel to the Old San Juan Pier:  

The most convenient hotel to stay at near the cruise terminals is the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino , just across the street from the piers.  See more hotels below.

Old San Juan Pier Facts: 

• Pier 1 – Modern passenger terminal (2-ship capacity) used by various cruise lines
• Pier 3 – Reconstructed pier for transit ships only (2 ship capacity), managed by Royal Caribbean
• Pier 4 – Modern passenger terminal (2 ship capacity) used & managed by Carnival for arrivals & departures
• Pier 6 – Wharf at Bahia Urbana (1 ship capacity) only used on heavy cruise traffic days

Top Rated Hotels Near Old San Juan Cruise Port – San Juan

Pan American Pier & Cruise Terminals

Photo: View from Parque de Las Palomas in Old San Juan

Getting Around from Pan American Pier:

You will have to take a taxi or book a tour in order to visit the historic Old San Juan and other tourist districts in San Juan .  The pier is a 10-15 minute ride into Old San Juan.  The only thing within reasonable walking distance is the regional Isla Grande Airport , Puerto Rico Convention Center, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino , and the Hyatt House Hotel .

Closest Hotels to Pan American Pier: 

The most convenient hotels to stay at near the Pan American Pier terminals are the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Aloft San Juan,   Hyatt House , and Hyatt Place .

Pan American Pier Facts:

The Pan American Pier has two modern two-tiered passenger terminals (I & II), located in Isla Grande, next to the Isla Grande Airport and near the Puerto Rico Convention Center.  Two mega-ships can dock at the Pan American Pier terminals.  Depending on your cruise line and cruise ship traffic, your ship may arrive and dock here for the day and will most likely embark from here if San Juan is the home departure port.

Top Rated Hotels Near Pan American Cruise Port – San Juan

Top Rated Transfers to / from - Cruise Terminals

Quick facts for cruise visitors.

• If you’re arriving a the Old San Juan Piers , you’ll be happy to learn that all you have to do is cross the street and in minutes you’ll be enjoying major attractions such as El Morro, San Cristobal, museums, shops, and restaurants.
• If you’re arriving at the Pan American Piers , you’ll need a taxi to get to Old San Juan, or you may book a tour which typically includes transportation.  See suggested tours for cruisers below in this guide.

Language in San Juan

Spanish is the main language spoken by locals, but most speak English as well.  All attractions, restaurants, and shops will have English-speaking staff.  Puerto Ricans love to smile and laugh, so go on and smile… you can also say “Hola” (Hello).

Money in San Juan

The currency in Puerto Rico is U.S. Dollars.  We advise carrying some cash for artisan vendors along Paseo de la Princesa , and purchases such as ice cream and piragua vendors.  Food trucks may also prefer cash, not all accept credit cards.

What is the closest airport to the San Juan Cruise Port?

• The closest international airport is Luis Muñoz Marin, best known as San Juan Airport (SJU) , a 20-minute drive, just 8 miles east of the Old San Juan Cruise Piers and 7 miles from the Pan American Pier.
• Isla Grande Airpor t is officially the closest airport, a single-runway airport with primarily regional flights such as Vieques and Culebra .

For more detailed information, please visit the San Juan Cruise Port Guide .

Map of San Juan Cruise Port & Piers

Frequently asked questions, do i need a passport for a cruise to / from san juan, puerto rico.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and individuals born on the island are U.S. citizens.  You do not need a passport if flying from the U.S. to Puerto Rico or vice versa. You only need a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license. If you are a U.S. citizen, and you board a cruise ship at a U.S. port (which includes San Juan), travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship, you will most likely NOT need a passport unless you enter a foreign country as part of the cruise itinerary. A U.S. or Puerto Rico driver’s license should suffice.  For children under 16, a birth certificate is typically required. However, check with your cruise line to be absolutely sure what documentation is needed.

Are there places to store luggage in San Juan before or after a cruise

• If you’re staying at a hotel in Old San Juan (near Old San Juan Cruise Piers) or the Puerto Rico Convention Center District (near the Pan American Pier), they will typically hold your luggage before check-in or after check-out for a few hours.  See map of hotels near cruise port .
• Some tour operators offering sightseeing tours will hold your luggage
• In addition, the following restaurant will hold your luggage, please call to confirm this service is still offered. – Barrachina Restaurant – 104 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan.  Storage is free (try to drink or eat something there & leave a tip) | Storage hours: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days/week.  ph. 787-725-7912.  Note: It is a 1/2 mile uphill walk from Old San Juan Pier 4, and a 1/4 mile walk from Pier 1.
• The San Juan International Airport offers luggage storage daily from 7 am to 10 pm on the 2nd level of Terminal D.  For more information call 787-791-3371 

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 (Muelle 1, 3, 4, 6), 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 (home departure port) 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.

Is there parking available at the San Juan Port Cruise Terminals?

Old san juan cruise piers.

There are numerous, safe overnight parking garages in Old San Juan around the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino, which is across from the Old San Juan cruise piers. 

• The Covadonga Parking Garage offers cruisers special parking rates, is nice, safe, and conveniently located across from pier 4 behind the bus terminal and police station.  Call them at (787) 722-2337 or (787) 721-6911 for special rates and reservations. 

Pan American Pier

• Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino offers overnight parking for $16 per day. 
• Isla Grande Airport –  there’s a limited number of outdoor lot spaces available at the Isla Grande Airport for $8 per day.
• P ark & C ruise with “Estaciona y Vuela” – offers transport services and low long-term parking rates.

For more detailed information see Parking Guide – Tourist Districts in San Juan.

Is there a beach close to the San Juan Cruise Port?

Yes – there are a number of beaches within a mile or so of the cruise piers. 

See Map of Best Beaches near the Cruise Port in San Juan, Puerto Rico .

Are there places to shop and eat within walking distance of the San Juan Cruise Port Terminals?

Old san juan cruise pier.

If your ship docks at an Old San Juan pier, you can walk just a few blocks into Old San Juan streets of San Francisco, Calle del Cristo, and Fortaleza where you can also find a number of great restaurants and cafes.

There is a large CVS store/pharmacy which has a large variety of food, drinks, and other necessities directly across from Old San Juan piers 1 & 2 and only 1/4 mile west of piers 3 and 4. 

You’ll have to take a taxi into Old San Juan for $10, or to the Condado fashion shopping strip on Ashford Avenue for $12 where the best stores are across from Ventana el Mar Park .  You can also take a taxi for $14 to the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas, located in nearby Hato Rey, San Juan. 

Places to Eat – There are many places to eat at Distrito T-Mobile next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, right in between Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and ALOFT San Juan.  

Which cruise lines visit or embark from San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Following is a list of 18 cruise lines that visit or embark from San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Azamara Club Cruises
• Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
• Holland America
• Mediterranean Shipping Cruises
• Orient Lines
• Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas
• Royal Caribbean
• Viking River Cruises
• Windstar Cruises

Top Rated Tours from San Juan

• cruise-terminal-information

San Juan Cruise Terminal Information

Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 04:15 pm

San Juan's cruise terminal, located in the heart of Old San Juan, allows you to immerse yourself in the city's rich history, colorful architecture, and vibrant culture. Discover historic forts, stroll along cobblestone streets, and savor the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine before embarking on your cruise.

Near the cruise port in San Juan , you will also find places to shop and restaurants for getting drinks or a meal .

There are 2 cruise terminals located in San Juan Puerto Rico : Pan American and San Juan.

San Juan Cruise Port is located San Juan Cruise Terminal is located at Calle Marina, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico,  in the heart of Old San Juan and it is an easy walk to shopping and restaurants.

Pan American is located across the bay at Calle Muelle, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico and a taxi is needed to get to downtown San Juan.

The majority of ships dock at the San Juan terminal, in Old San Juan, however a handful of ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney and Norwegian, use the Pan American pier.

The San Juan terminal has 3 piers:

Pier 1 is used primarily by smaller cruise lines (i.e. Azamara, Silver Seas)

Pier 3 is used by Royal Caribbean for its largest ships

Pier 4 is used by multiple lines, but Piers 3 and 4 share one passenger terminal.

Because of it’s southern location, San Juan Puerto Rico is the ideal departure location for Southern Caribbean cruises . Cruising  out of  Puerto Rico finally resumed with the departure of Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas in November 2021!

The following cruise lines have typically have ships that homeport in Puerto Rico: – Royal Caribbean International – Celebrity Cruises – Norwegian Cruise Lines  – Disney Cruises

General Information about San Juan

– Puerto Rico has a sales tax of 10.5% at this writing (Feb 2024) – Business hours Monday to Friday are typically until 5 or 6pm, however some shops stay open late when ships are in port. – Weather: Average temperature of 80 degrees F (26 degrees C). – Low tourist season is typically between May and November, but that corresponds with hurricane season .

Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Port

See Excursions in San Juan

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

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7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Tropical cuisine, European influence through the islands, and incredible people are highlights of a cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Enjoy an old-world feel as you wander around Old San Juan, relax on the many beaches or explore the rainforests.

• Jewel Of The Seas - Passenger Capacity: 2,191 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2004 Last Refurbished: 2016

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'Storm Chasers' ' Joel Taylor's Family Identifies His Body in Puerto Rico After He Died on Cruise

The 38-year-old Discovery Channel star was found dead in his cabin on the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship Harmony of the Seas which docked in San Juan on Tuesday

The family of Storm Chaser ‘s Joel Taylor has identified his body in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a day after he was found dead on a cruise ship.

Taylor’s cause of death is still unknown and an autopsy has yet to be performed, the Institute of Forensic Sciences of Puerto Rico confirms to PEOPLE Wednesday.

The 38-year-old Discovery Channel star from Elk City, Oklahoma, was found dead in his cabin on the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship Harmony of the Seas which docked in San Juan on Tuesday.

“The U.S. Coast Guard in San Juan, Puerto Rico was notified today in the afternoon by the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas cruise ship that they had a death on board,” Ricardo Castrodad, public affairs officer for the Coast Guard’s San Juan sector, tells to PEOPLE.

Though an investigation is already underway, Castrodad says the Coast Guard has yet to inspect the cruise ship.

“As is our standard procedure, law enforcement was notified and responded to the ship when it arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday, January 23,” Owen Torres, manager of global corporate communications for Royal Caribbean Cruises said in a statement to PEOPLE.

“We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the 38-year-old male guest from the United States who died while onboard Harmony of the Seas. A member of our Care Team is providing support and assistance to his family,” he added.

WATCH: Who Was Joel Taylor? Remembering the Storm Chasers Star

At the time of Taylor’s death, the cruise liner was hosting Atlantis Events’ all-gay Caribbean Cruise which sailed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 20 and is scheduled to return on Jan. 27.

Headlining a concert on the cruise were actress and singer Olivia Newton-John as well as Swedish electronic dance music duo Galantis.

A rep for Newton-John did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE.

Johnny Faevelen, the captain of the Harmony of the Seas, shared several photos of him and Newton-John with her husband John Easterling. “She has performed a great concert onboard the Harmony last night,” he tweeted on Wednesday morning.

Taylor’s best friend and former costar Reed Timmer was among the first to publicly grieve his passing on social media.

“RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor. I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend,” Timmer tweeted along with photos of them when they were chasing storms together since 2008.

“We chased so many intense storms, and I wish we could have just one more storm chase. I’ll miss you forever, Joel. We lost a legend,” added Timmer, who attended the University of Oklahoma with Taylor, who studied meteorology.

The Discovery Channel also released a statement to PEOPLE: “We are so saddened to hear about Joel’s passing. We will always remember him fondly as an incredible meteorologist and driver of ‘The Dominator.’ Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Storm Chasers was filmed each year in the area known as Tornado Alley due to the frequency and severity of tornadoes occurring there in the central part of the U.S. Several teams of storm chasers appeared in the series and Taylor joined the cast in early 2008 as part of the team from the website TornadoVideos.Net (TVN) that was led by Timmer.

The show was canceled after five seasons in January 2012.

• Reporting by ALEXIA FERNANDEZ AND BRIANNE TRACY

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Nude cruise to set sail from Florida next year: Here are the starting costs, itinerary

The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all − yes, even at the buffet − is set to sail from Florida next year.

The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first two weeks of February on the Norwegian Pearl, according to the Bare Necessities Tour & Travel website.

"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner!" the company wrote on its website.

The trip which embarks from Miami, includes "an exclusive visit to an idyllic private island" in The Bahamas as well a another exclusive stop on the way back to the Port of Miami.

"Two opportunities to enjoy a new slice of Bare-adise, coupled with a beautiful selection of Eastern Caribbean island stops, will make this a can’t miss Big Nude Boat experience," the travel company posted.

Why cruises are popular with swingers: 'What happens on the ship ... stays on the ship'

A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

Big Nude Boat cruise sailing dates and destinations:

The ship departs from the Port of Miami on Feb. 3 and returns to the same port on Feb. 14.

The itinerary includes stops at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia.

How much does the Big Nude Boat cruise cost?

Rates for an inside cabin start at $2,000 per person.

They stretch as high as $33,155 for the top room on the ship: a Haven three-bedroom garden villa.

Laws of the land (and sea)

Guests are encouraged to park their bare behinds on towels provided on board in areas including the pool deck and the buffet area, according to the website.

"Passengers can easily follow our rule on nudist etiquette by always placing a towel down before sitting," it reads. "Remember to pack a swimsuit; not all excursions are clothing optional."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

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Cruises Make Great Birthday Weekend Getaways

Throw your kid a party they won't forget.

By Heidi Sarna | Published on April 29, 2024

Birthdays are the best time of year to celebrate your loved ones, especially your children. As your child's birthday approaches this year, consider making a bigger splash than a routine visit to your local arcade or trampoline park. Go for the ultimate wow factor and get away with your family for a celebration on a cruise ship — your go-to for the best birthday weekend getaways.

Cruises make the best weekend trips for birthdays because they offer immersive fun for all ages. Trade planning birthday parties for seamless celebrations everyone in your crew can enjoy. And let the ship, which caters to the younger set with nonstop bow-to-stern fun, serve as their playground. I can't think of a more perfect setting for the best birthday trips.

As a mom who has delighted in celebrating my twin sons' birthdays on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, I'm thrilled to offer my top tips for planning the best birthday cruises, ensuring your kid's next birthday is one they'll never forget.

How To Choose The Right Ship And Itinerary

Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is a potentially great choice for weekend birthday trips. The stage is set the minute you board, with the engaging crew on the gangway — your very own birthday weekend welcome wagon. The buzz is palpable, and a festive vibe permeates the air.

While the ship and its amenities provide the ultimate birthday backdrop, the destinations you visit will also be great opportunities to make memories. Which itineraries promise the best birthday weekend getaways? Well, that's easy, in my opinion. The best birthday cruises are Royal Caribbean's weekend cruises to The Bahamas.

Three-night cruises depart Fridays from three Florida ports — Orlando (Port Canaveral), Ft. Lauderdale and Miami . All of these sailings feature the best way to spend a birthday in paradise: a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

The Party Starts In Your Stateroom

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of birthday trip celebratory gifts that you can pre-order in advance (or once you're onboard — a win for my fellow procrastinators out there). Classic Royal Caribbean packages include a magnetic "Happy Birthday" sign for your door, while your stateroom is adorned with a birthday garland and festive decor.

Tap into your inner creativity and stash a few extra decorations from home in your suitcase (don't forget some magnets if you want to put more birthday decor on the cabin door). I've found that photos or cutouts of my kids' favorite film characters, superheroes or animals work great.

I packed a few rolls of colorful crepe streamers to celebrate my twin sons' eighth birthdays on a birthday weekend getaway, looping nautical-themed blue and white streamers around their cabin bunk beds as they slept so they'd wake up to festive vibes. I also went to the onboard shop and purchased cute inflatable ships to place around the stateroom and captain's hats for our family to wear. Signifying we were on a birthday trip brought many welcome cheers from the ship's excellent crew as well as guests.

No perfect birthday weekend getaway is complete without cake. Royal Caribbean can help by delivering your sweets , too. Choose a vanilla or chocolate birthday cake, a box of mini vanilla or red-velvet cupcakes or request chocolate-chunk brownies, which can arrive at your stateroom to kick off your celebrations. I fondly recall a birthday cruise with Grandpa and Grandma in tow. We started the all-day birthday celebrations for my boys nice and early with ice-cream sundaes at Ben & Jerry's® for breakfast!

The Best Birthday Activities Onboard

If you were celebrating on land, you might rent a party space or take the kids to an amusement park for their birthday. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the stage is already set with countless included activities for all ages.

A day onboard quickly fills with fun for all ages, from mini golf to rock climbing, zip lines and water slides, not to mention my kids' favorite, the FlowRider® surf simulator. Much of the fun is included in your cruise fare, with a few options offered at an additional charge, like the RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator on Quantum Class ships. It's totally worth it, by the way.

I can't forget to mention the fun for kids joining the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. A highlight of my sons' weekend birthday cruise was making new friends, dabbling in some arts and crafts and participating in wacky science experiments in their age-appropriate grouping.

You can always put on your thinking cap (or birthday hat) and design a little treasure hunt for your wee ones. I did this once, drawing a simple treasure map for my sons' birthday that led them around the ship to find six special birthday surprises — a slice of pizza, an ice cream cone, the toy section of the gift shop, roller-skating tag with mom, etc. Royal Caribbean ships are ready-made for special event cruises, so make the most of it.

Perfect Port Days

The best birthday weekend getaways include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. When it's time to take the party from the ship to the shore, Perfect Day at CocoCay is ready for you.

Almost all of Royal Caribbean's weekend cruises out of Florida call on the cruise line's private island. It's an island paradise that truly caters to the whole family, especially kids. Eat as many burgers, hot dogs and fries as you want at the island's five complimentary dining spots when you're not jumping for joy in the giant Oasis Lagoon®, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Birthday kids can live it up splashing around Captain Jill's Galleon℠, a shipwreck complete with geysers, slides and drench buckets, and the Splashaway Bay℠ water park for the smallest swashbucklers with fountains, pools, mini waterslides and more.

When you need a break from the party pace, unwind on the powdery sands of Chill Island® and South Beach — family-friendly spots with beach chairs and umbrellas lined up and waiting.

And since you've got a birthday to celebrate, why not spring for Thrill Waterpark® ? With a floating trampoline, wave pool and 13 waterslides, it's a great place to let little ones have a blast and earn bragging rights. Did I mention one of the attractions is the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet?

Your kid's special day wouldn't be complete without a ride on Up, Up and Away, a helium balloon that takes guests soaring 450 feet up for out-of-this-world views from the highest vantage point in The Bahamas.

Customizing Birthday Cruises: Top Tips

Whenever you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, you'll see many groups celebrating. It's fun to see many families and groups kitted out in matching T-shirts, baseball caps and accessories designed with the birthday kid's name. Consider planning ahead with your own custom-designed clothing to make your weekend party cruise that much more fun.

Of course, in the dining room at any given time, you can hear the sound of "Happy Birthday" being sung by the servers and fellow guests eager to join in the revelry. Make sure you mention to your waiter that there's a birthday kid in your party.

Think outside of the birthday box and see how you can customize your weekend birthday cruise to suit your preferences and requirements. With some planning, sometimes private spaces onboard the ship can be reserved, and special food and music arranged — especially if you're traveling with the extended family or a group of friends. Contact the Royal Gifts department (or Groups Department , if you're traveling with a large group of friends and family) to see what can be put together.

Capturing The Birthday Fun

The ship's professional photographers will be happy to capture precious moments of your sailing, including a weekend birthday cruise bash. Get the family dressed in their finest — or maybe in the matching T-shirts you brought along or the captains' hats you bought in the gift shop — and make some seriously fun memories to cherish forever.

If you have special thoughts about where you want your photos taken, talk to the photography team. They're a friendly crew with lots of ideas. When your photo shoot is over, you can purchase your favorite pictures in digital form or as prints — it's up to you.

The icing on the birthday cake? Royal Caribbean's family- and birthday-friendly weekend cruises often include frequent offers for families like complimentary sailing for kids if they stay in the same stateroom as their parents. Now that's a birthday present for the adults, too!

Written By HEIDI SARNA

Heidi Sarna, a freelance writer who specializes in cruising, is a contributor to Frommer's, Travel Weekly, CNBC.com and The Points Guy, among others. Heidi has taken more than 125 cruises and has visited 78 countries and counting.

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The island of Puerto Rico pulsates with music and color. Embracing the best of its Spanish and American influences, the culture exudes confidence and joy. You’ll find imposing 16th-century fortresses and vibrant street art, as well as a rich culinary scene, rolling coffee plantations, and rum distilleries. Everywhere you go, you’ll be captivated by music, from the sensual beat of salsa to cumbia, merengue, and the local genre, bomba.

Cruises to and from Puerto Rico will reveal the island’s natural beauty, too. The dense rainforest and tumbling waterfalls of El Yunque National Park are an easy drive from San Juan, while at the Escambrón Marine Park, you can swim among sea turtles and colorful fish. There are beaches for sun-lovers and beaches for surfers, as well as hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining for the adventurous. Little wonder that the locals here seem so cheerful. Explore this enchanting island on a Caribbean cruise with Celebrity.

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Puerto Rico is endowed with exceptional natural beauty, from endless white sand beaches to rugged mountains and rainforest. Visit El Yunque National Park, the only tropical forest in the U.S., where jungle trails reveal massive tree roots, giant ferns, tumbling waterfalls, and cool rock pools. The coast is fringed with mangroves teeming with life, a dream for birdwatching enthusiasts. Join a starlit kayaking tour to marvel at Mosquito Bay, one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.

Old San Juan

Partly encircled by 16th-century walls, Old San Juan is an enchanting and walkable neighborhood. Brightly colored houses with painted balconies and flower-filled patios line the cobblestone streets, which lead to leafy plazas and 16th-century churches. Art galleries sit side-by-side with cool, boho boutiques, while inviting bars and cafés serve fresh-ground coffee and ice-cold daiquiris.

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You’ll find a lively culinary scene all over Puerto Rico. Try local specialties, which include fresh fish, seafood paella, mofongo (mashed green plantain stuffed with anything from crab meat to chicken), and lechón asado, slow-roasted pork. Do as the locals do and have a quesito with your coffee—a puff pastry tube stuffed with sweetened cheese and drizzled with honey or chocolate. Join a rum distillery tour to learn how rum is matured in barrels, followed by a tasting.

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Celebrity offers numerous ways to explore Puerto Rico. You could sail round-trip from either Fort Lauderdale or Miami, or join a Panama Canal cruise between San Diego and San Juan. Some voyages also start and finish in San Juan, visiting Southern Caribbean ports including St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Itineraries last from six to 15 nights, with the majority seven or eight nights in duration.

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Why cruise to puerto rico with celebrity cruises.

Enjoy the best of Puerto Rico on a Caribbean cruise with Celebrity. You’ll sail on a luxurious, contemporary ship offering everything from a sun-drenched pool deck to al fresco dining, cool bars, and glittering entertainment. Choose an Edge-series ship and head for the Magic Carpet, cantilevered over the side of the ship with uninterrupted ocean views. Upgrade your experience with The Retreat for the ultimate in luxury living at sea, which includes access to a serene lounge, a private sundeck, and Luminae, along with suite accommodation.

During your time in San Juan, you’ll have endless opportunities to discover Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture. Explore the city, take in a museum, shop for art and fashion in Old San Juan, dance to local bomba music, or head for the beach. If your cruise begins or ends here, you could extend your stay and make the most of this fascinating island.

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