royal caribbean excursions san juan

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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Excursions & Tours

San Juan Old and New Tour

Discover Scuba

San Juan Jewish Tour

Snorkel Adventure

Puerto Rico Unveiled Local Insights and El Yunque

Private Hands On Culinary Trails of San Juan Experience

Private Old and New San Juan

Private Post Cruise Old and New San Juan

Private Secrets of Espresso, Walking and Tasting Tour

Private Walking Tour of Old San Juan

San Juan cruise excursions are a journey into the rich history and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico, featuring tours of historic Old San Juan and its famous forts. San Juan cruise excursions also offer diverse experiences, from relaxing on beautiful beaches to exploring the lush El Yunque Rainforest, catering to both history buffs and nature lovers.

San Juan Excursions and Tours

Due to its rich landscape, San Juan has made a name for itself, ranking as one of the top cruise vacation destinations in the Caribbean. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, houses some of the world's most beautiful waters, reefs, resorts, and so much more.

San Juan is sure to stimulate your senses with the multitude of cruise excursions that we offer at Shore Excursions Group. Treat your taste buds to pure bliss as you experience the native cuisine of San Juan with our bountiful culinary experience tours. Appeal to your wild side as you go cave rappelling, ziplining, offroading, horseback riding, and ATVing through the rainforests of San Juan. Kayak over the radiant waters of the coast and discover the beauty of the marine life below the surface in your own personal sea trekking suit.

In addition to the outdoor and culinary shore excursions, our walking tours through the historic parts of San Juan allow you to marvel at the culture of Puerto Rico when your cruise is in port. Check out our tour reviews and book your next adventure now!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Adventure of the seas.

Puerto Rico Cruise excursions warmly welcomes all Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Cruise Ship Passengers to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We hope you enjoy your visit to the San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico offers an abundance of excursions and activities to delight cruisers of all ages.

From Old San Juan fortresses tours, Canopy Zipline, Bacardi Rum Factory tours, Mountain Horseback Riding , private sailing adventures, snuba diving, Snorkeling excursions, Waterfall tours, El Yunke Rainforest and Mina Waterfalls, Helmet Diving, Puerto Rico has it all!

Puerto Rico Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from.

Our rates are direct group rates from the operators which allow you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions to choose from.

Puerto Rico Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas passengers for your visit to Puerto Rico based on the arrival times, departure time of your the Adventure of the Seas as well as the length of your visit out our Port.

We also take into account the number of cruise ships arriving on the same day your ship comes to port. We then can provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate.

Please have a look at our Recommended Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas and Itineraries. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions.

Recommended Shore Excursions.

We are diligently working to bring you the best tours available in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is uniquely situated in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land adventures.

We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Island Marketing Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need.

Puerto Rico Cruise Excursions are tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you.

That’s the Island Marketing Ltd. difference!

Recommended Excursions

Puerto Rico Canopy Zip Line and Beach Excursion

• Visit beautiful Loquillo Beach!
• 8 Zip Line Platforms high in the Rainforest Canopy!
• 4.5 hour Tour (including transport, Port to Port or Resort to Resort)

Puerto Rico El Yunque Highlights & East End Island Tour

• Visit the beautiful El Yunque rain forest, La Coco falls and Yokohu Tower.
• Puerto Rico rivers and beaches.
• All park entrance fees and road tolls included in our price!

San Juan Highlights and Country Island Tour

• Tour duration 3.5 hours
• Round trip transport from both piers and or hotel
• Air-conditioned touring vans, SUVs

San Juan Beach for the Day

• Island, beach and city drive Excursion.
• Beautiful, secluded beaches!
• 3.5hr or 5hr Beach Excursions (30 minute drive time to and from the beach included.)

Food Tours & Old San Juan walking tours

• 3.5 hour total tour time.
• Enjoy 1 hour to eat and relax in one of our top rated restaurants.
• Lunch is included in the cost.

San Juan Transfers And Tours With Airport-Cruise Ship & Hotel Pick up & Drop Off

• All private vehicles with English / Spanish speaking driver.
• Airport, Cruise Ship or Hotel Pickup and drop offs.
• Includes 1 piece of luggage per person and 1 carry on per person.

Espiritu Santo Riverboat and Beach Cruise – Puerto Rico

• The prefect tour for up to 20 passengers.
• Round Trip Transport from the port, Resort. Includes a scenic 45 minute Island Tour each way!
• Air Conditioned Transport Vehicles

San Juan Canopy Zip Line Excursion

• One of the zip lines is 1000 feet long and takes just over 1 minute to cross!
• Round Trip Transport from the port or Resort.

San Juan Puerto Rico Horseback Riding Tour

• 2 hour guided horseback ride.
• Transportation to/from Cruise ship terminal or Resort.
• Gentle, well trained horses.

Old San Juan City & Fortresses Tour

• Morning and afternoon tours available.
• Duration 3.5 hours.
• Round trip transport from both piers and or hotel.

San Juan Snuba Diving – Puerto Rico

• Explore the San Juan underwater World!
• No experience necessary, no certification required.
• Fun excursion for the entire Family!

Puerto Rico Helmet Diving – San Juan

• Fully Guided Tour
• No experienced necessary
• Transport is included in the cost of the excursion!

Bacardi Rum Factory & Old San Juan Forts Tour

• Round Trip Transport from the port, Resort or Airport.
• Visit the Bacardi Museum, Exhibit rooms and shop.
• Tour of Castillo De San Cristobal (Fort San Cristobal), Entrance fee included.

Old San Juan City Tour & Beach Escape

• Round-trip transport from the port or hotel.
• Access to Beach club and facilities.
• Scenic drive and visits to Historical Landmarks including Fort San Felipe Del Morro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Juan Discover Scuba Diving

• Discover the underwater World of Puerto Rico. On this easy, exciting tour!
• All equipment is included in the cost of the package.
• Professional and experienced instructors.

Puerto Rico Arecibo Lighthouse and Black Sand Volcanic Beach West End Island Tour

• Private Air-conditioned touring vans, SUVs.
• 4 hour fun packed Excursion!

Other Destinations

Bahamas Excursions

Barbados Excursions

Belize Excursions

Cabo San Lucas Excursions

Costa Maya Excursions

Cozumel Excursions

Grand Cayman Excusions

Jamaica Excursions

Puerto Rico Excursions

Roatan Excursions

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Thomas Excursions

We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of Puerto Rico

36 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico

By Luisita Lopez Torregrosa April 4, 2024

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By Luisita Lopez Torregrosa Photographs by Scott McIntyre

Luisita Lopez Torregrosa was born in Puerto Rico and has written a memoir recalling her childhood on the island.

There’s new optimism in this Caribbean capital. Tourists are coming in record numbers, and the city is recovering the energy it lost after the devastation of hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017; the emigration of tens of thousands to the mainland; a bankrupt economy; and the pandemic. In Old San Juan, the 500-year-old colonial enclave of pastel-colored architecture and ancient forts, and beyond, eclectic restaurants, experimental art and celebrated gritty bars like La Factoría are firing up the Puerto Rican spirit. Calle Cerra, a street in the former working-class barrio of Santurce, is now the epicenter of the island’s public art movement, featuring giant murals alongside a lively nightlife scene where you can join in on the chinchorreo, a local term for bar hopping and street dancing.

Recommendations

• Galería Botello , housed in a 350-year-old mansion in Old San Juan, shows paintings, prints, ceramics and a collection of Puerto Rican santos, hand-carved wooden figures, by the Galician artist Ángel Botello.
• Cocina al Fondo , with a James Beard Award-winning chef, reconstructs Puerto Rican cuisine, but remains loyal to the traditions of the island.
• Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico has the island’s most important collection of paintings, sculptures and carvings by Puerto Rican and Caribbean artists.
• Calle Cerra is the street that is the epicenter of Puerto Rican urban public art and a hot nightlife destination. It is also the site of the annual street art festival Santurce Es Ley (Santurce Is Law) in May.
• Paseo de la Princesa is a bayside promenade in Old San Juan with fountains and sculptures like Fuente Raices (Roots Fountain), which represents the ancestral roots of Puerto Rican identity: Spanish, African and Taino.
• Castillo San Felipe del Morro , one of the largest fortifications built by Spain in the Caribbean, has six levels of barracks, dungeons and storerooms. Kite-flying on the fort’s lawn is free.
• Parque del Indio , off Ashford Avenue in the Condado neighborhood, is a refuge from the crowds with a pristine beach, kitesurfing and games of pickleball and volleyball.
• Marmalade , arguably the best restaurant in San Juan, is reinventing local dishes, injecting Japanese, French and Moroccan accents.
• Bodegas Compostela is a classic Spanish restaurant with outstanding wines, lamb chops, crisp suckling pig and chocolate soufflé.
• Primitivo , an intimate tapas bar, specializes in nigiri and crudo appetizers and specialty cocktails like silky Negronis.
• Pio Pio , a chic wine bar across Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan, offers quiet sophistication, luxurious bites and special wines and cocktails.
• La Casita Blanca , a local favorite, is rooted in traditional Puerto Rican dishes served in a homey and friendly atmosphere.
• La Factoría is a popular nightspot in Old San Juan that houses six bars connected by dark passageways.
• Botánico is a bar and restaurant with Central American dishes and an open-air dance floor.
• Esquina Watusi is an iconic dive bar that often hosts the crazy chinchorreo, a street dancing-and-drinking scene.
• Puerto Rican Art and Crafts stocks acrylic paintings, ceramics and vejigantes, folkloric masks that resemble the faces of colorful demons.
• Avenida Ashford , in Condado, is San Juan’s shopping and tourist gold coast, from Cartier to boutiques like Wild Side , in the hotel Condado Vanderbilt, where you may find exclusive handmade gold and silver jewelry by the local artist María Blondet.
• Calle Loiza , in Santurce, is lined with shops carrying locally made accessories, bags and clothing. Don’t miss the free sidewalk used-book library.
• The Condado Vanderbilt sweeps you in with an open view of the ocean from its opulent pink marble Art Deco lobby. Opened in 1919, the hotel was renovated and reopened in 2014. It is still San Juan’s premier hotel. Rooms in April start at $651.
• O :LV Fifty-Five , a design marvel with a black-and-white marble Art Deco lobby, features a romantic rooftop with a plunge pool and soaring views of the Condado Lagoon and the skylines of Condado and Miramar. Adults only. Rooms start at $449.
• El Convento , a bright yellow Spanish colonial landmark in Old San Juan, has a serene courtyard and beautiful 17th-century arched doorways and beamed ceilings. Rooms start at $278.
• For short-term rentals , search in the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Condado, Santurce and Miramar.
• Old San Juan, Condado, Miramar and Santurce are clustered within 15 minutes of one another by car, depending on traffic. Taxis prefer cash. Many won’t take credit cards. The car ride from Old San Juan to Santurce runs $18 to $25. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and rental cars are easily available. Public transportation is subpar .

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Old San Juan is easily walkable. Start at the Paseo de la Princesa , a promenade with fountains and sculptures that runs along San Juan Bay and the city’s fortress walls. It goes by La Fortaleza , the 16th-century governor’s mansion, and comes close to the Catedral de San Juan Bautista , where it is said the bones of Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish conquistador who became Puerto Rico’s first governor, are buried. The stroll ends on Punta del Morro, a waterfront path that culminates at the bottom of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro , also known as El Morro, a 16th-century fortress. It still has some original cannons facing the Atlantic. Entry, $10; two-and-a-half-hour tours , $49. Or just relax on the expansive green lawn where kite-flying is popular.

From El Morro, descend the single-file sidewalks on Calle del Cristo, with its galleries, bars and outdoor cafes. Take a brief break inside El Convento hotel’s serene courtyard, or on a tree-shaded bench at the intersecting Calle Caleta. Continue down Cristo to Galería Botello , a free museum in a 350-year-old house dedicated to Ángel Botello, the Galician artist who came to San Juan in the 1950s and was known as the “Caribbean Gauguin” for his paintings of Haitian women. Botello prints run $50 to $125, and his santos, carved wooden figures, sell for $500 to $3,000. Nearby, the Puerto Rican Art and Crafts stocks acrylic paintings, ceramics and vejigantes, folkloric masks that resemble the faces of colorful demons, sporting horns. Masks from $15 to $44.

Across Plaza de Armas, the chic wine bar Pio Pio , a secluded space that declares its name with a Barbie-pink sign over the bar, has luxury plates like lobster rolls with sturgeon caviar ($32), unusual wines (including Llopart Corpinnat Rose, an organic sparkling rose from Catalunya, Spain, $14 a glass), and cocktails like a vodka martini that hits the spot with a dash of orange bitters ($17).

By this time, the celebrated bar La Factoría , inside a century-old building, already has a line down the sidewalk. It’s worth waiting to enjoy the signature Lavender Mule (ginger tea, vodka, lavender and citrus; $12.80) in the bar’s standing-room-only scruffy main room or one of its smaller drinking dens, reached via dark passageways. Then stroll downhill to Marmalade , whose pale rooms of arches and alcoves evoke Moorish Andalusia. The ahi tuna tartare, seasoned with harissa (North African chile paste), and the bite-size pieces of paella served like sushi rolls are memorable. Leave room for the Choco-L8, eight flavors of local organic chocolate with hazelnut accents. Five courses (each course has eight to 10 choices), $135. Wine pairings, $79 per person. Reservations recommended.

People dance to salsa music at La Factoría.

The sun deck at the Condado Vanderbilt hotel

Enjoy an espresso ($1.50) with a fresh mallorca pastry (a spiral sweet bun; $3.50) at Sobao , an indoor-outdoor cafe at the AC Hotel by Marriott, then walk along Avenida Ashford until you reach a small park called Ventanas al Mar (Windows to the Sea), which has a path that leads to the beach. It is packed, mainly with hotel guests, but anyone may rent a chair for $5 and an umbrella for $10. (All beaches in Puerto Rico are public, even those claimed by hotels.) In the lobby of the Condado Vanderbilt hotel next door check out Wild Side , a boutique that carries fine beachwear and sculptural jewelry in gold and silver by the Puerto Rican artist María Blondet .

The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico , in a neo-Classical building in Santurce, a center of the arts and nightlife, exhibits the major works of artists from different generations, periods and media (entry, $12). Absorb the haunting self-portrait “Azabache,” by the Puerto Rican painter Arnaldo Roche Rabell. Walk to another hall to find “No Crying in the Barber Shop,” a room-size installation depicting a Bronx barbershop, by the Puerto Rican artist Pepon Osorio, exploring the Latino culture’s machismo. Before leaving the museum, visit the quiet sculpture garden and stop by La Tienda, the museum shop, which stocks locally made works like the brightly colored tiles depicting a still life of red flowers, by Susana López Castells ($40).

Bodegas Compostela , in the Condado neighborhood, is a fixture among San Juan’s high-end restaurants, with a classic, understated dining room favored for family gatherings, birthdays and business lunches. Start with the Galician-style octopus, cooked with olive oil, paprika and potatoes ($23.95), and follow it with the roast suckling pig, with crackling skin and juicy meat ($74.95), and a rich chocolate soufflé ($15.95) for dessert. If all that seems too much, order the fresh and light lobster salad ($42.95). Compostela is also known for its fine wines. Try Attis, an albariño from Spain, $51.95 a bottle. Reservations recommended.

Calle Cerra , not long ago a street of rundown buildings and abandoned shops, is now a hotbed of nightlife and the center of the island’s urban art movement. Stroll to take in the street art, much of it exploring political and social issues. An imposing mural painted on a water tower shows a boy carrying a glacier on his back while the ice melts around him. A building-wide mural of three skeletons sinking in the sea symbolizes colonialism and slavery. At the end of one block, a pinkish high-rise, covered from ground to roof with graffiti, murals, swirls and scrawls, looks abandoned. People live in it. At the top of the strip, take a break at Café con Cé with an iced latte ($4.50) and a vegan pastry ($4).

Dine in the open patio at Cocina al Fondo , a restaurant in Santurce, whose chef, Natalia Vallejo, last year became the first Puerto Rican to win a 2023 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. Try traditional favorites like pastelillos de calabaza (pumpkin fritters, $15) and jarrete de cerdo al caldero (ham hock with rice and beans and ripe plantain; $42), familiar dishes made with a local, farm-to-table ethos. Reservations recommended.

After dinner at Cocina al Fondo, wander back to Calle Cerra, which draws bar-hoppers to its cocktail clubs and salons until the wee hours. Young crowds gather at Botánico , where a giant mural of a face overlooks an open-air dance floor. Farther down the street, where chickens roam free and an old church stands on a corner, are several more bars, including Machete , Graziani and Galeria , and the crazy chinchorreo — what locals call the street dancing-and-drinking scene — is often centered on Esquina Watusi , an iconic dive bar. After the hubbub of Cerra, walk or take a taxi to the secluded tapas bar Primitivo , in the Miramar neighborhood nearby. Sample the nigiri, a slice of tuna set over a tiny alcapurria fritter, a Puerto Rican favorite ($14), and sip a silky Negroni ($15).

People walk down a street in Old San Juan, the colonial enclave of pastel-colored architecture and ancient forts.

A beach near Parque del Indio

Parque del Indio , in Condado, is a refuge, a neighborhood beach park on Avenida Ashford in Condado at Calle C.F. Krug. It’s a favorite of children, dog walkers, pickleball and volleyball players. Rent a chair ($5) and an umbrella ($10) and watch the waves, read a book, or take a long walk on a beach that goes on for miles, along seafront homes, informal grills and beachside guesthouses.

Everyone in San Juan knows La Casita Blanca , one of the city’s most popular home-style restaurants. It is so popular that it won’t take reservations. Guests wait chatting in line on the sidewalk along the restaurant, which is in a modest white house with a facade draped in flowers, on a busy corner of the densely congested Santurce, where traffic is bumper to bumper. Every day the restaurant posts 10 to 12 dishes on a blackboard. The biftec encebollado (well-done filet cooked with onions, $18.95) is a favorite. Another standby, mofongo (mashed plantains, $5.95) and the arepas con bacalao (cod fritters, $12.95) seem unchanged over the decades. And the friendly staff waves goodbye with smiles and hugs, like family.

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Paris: A different side of the French capital reveals smaller museums, under-the-radar spots in Montmartre and a diverse performance scene .

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10 Best St Thomas Cruises Where You Can Sail Into Paradise

St. Thomas, the most beautiful U.S. Virgin Island , is a popular stopover for cruise ships and offers a plethora of things to do and see , making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many of the world's leading cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line , offer itineraries that include Charlotte Amalie, the famous port of the stunning island of St. Thomas. These cruise lines provide an immersive experience in St. Thomas as well as many other stopovers, with world-class facilities, entertainment options, and dining options. Here are the top ten St. Thomas cruises, which promise a variety of shore excursions, thrilling adventures, and a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean cruise vacation .

Our recommendations for the cruises mentioned in this article are backed up by research on cruise ships that visit St. Thomas. All cruises are chosen based on the amenities, entertainment, excursions, and activities available.

Related: Caribbean Cruises: How To Score The Best Summer Deals

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships as of 2023 , features numerous pools, thrilling water slides, Broadway-style shows, and gourmet dining options. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops in CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Miami, providing an unparalleled experience complete with luxury, entertainment, and adventure. Guests can explore magnificent beaches, participate in water sports, and fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local cultures during shore excursions. While onboard, they'll enjoy modern facilities such as the tallest slide at sea, the Ultimate Abyss, a high-flying Zip Line ride, ice skating shows, and the Aquatheatre.

• Cruise: 7-Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Miami, CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Miami
• Cost: $959 onwards per person

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Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic offers the Dream Class cruise ship enjoyment, with the food-and-entertainment Ocean Plaza, outdoor promenade The Lanai, and numerous other exciting spaces, such as SportSquare, and Carnival WaterWorks, to keep passengers entertained and relaxed. Onboard, there are a variety of ways to have fun, including rope courses, live shows, water slides, and other activities. Selecting its 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise provides a fantastic opportunity to visit a number of alluring locations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Travelers can indulge in the exciting offerings of Carnival Magic while taking in the beauty of the Eastern Caribbean by setting sail on this cruise.

• Cruise: 8 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, Miami
• Cost: $619 onwards per person

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Breakaway offers its guests a one-of-a-kind sea vacation with numerous thrilling activities, premium amenities, and ambiance. This award-winning cruise ship has The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade filled with restaurants, bars, and breathtaking views. While live performances entertain guests, other activities include water slides, walk-the-planks, casinos, spas, and multi-level sports complexes, to name a few. Guests on the Eastern Caribbean Cruise will get the chance to spend time at Horseshoe Bay Beach, Crystal Cave, taking a scenic catamaran ride to Turtle Cove, snorkeling with green sea turtles, and much more while visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, and King's Wharf.

• Cruise: 10 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, King's Wharf, King's Wharf, New York (Manhattan)
• Cost: $949 onwards per person

Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette has undergone a brilliant makeover and now boasts incredible embellishments at every turn, including gorgeously updated staterooms, the newly reinvented Passport Bar, the new Craft Social Bar, new designer boutiques, the renovated The Spa on Silhouette, and much more. With all these state-of-the-art amenities, Celebrity Silhouette cruise vacations are sure to be more beautiful than ever. Its cruises to St. Thomas allow tourists to discover the incredible experiences available in the Eastern Caribbean on St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, and St. Lucia. They will have the opportunity to visit pristine beaches, participate in shore excursions, participate in water sports, learn about the local way of life, and savor delectable Caribbean cuisine.

• Cruise: 9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts (Port Zante), St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $861 onwards per person

Related: Exquisite Escapes: 10 Best US Virgin Islands Resorts

Royal Caribbean Adventure Of The Seas

Adventure awaits onboard Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, a ship jam-packed with activities and luxuries. The cruise ship has numerous pools, thrilling water slides (The Perfect Storm), rock climbing walls, an ice rink, entertaining shows, and multi-cuisine dining options, providing the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure. The 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise allows passengers to visit exciting destinations, such as CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan, and enjoy activities like snorkeling, shopping, and learning about the region's cultural heritage. Keep these tried-and-true remedies in mind for a stress-free and enjoyable cruise vacation .

• Stops: St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Port Canaveral (Orlando)
• Cost: $790 onwards per person

Disney Magic

Set sail on an Eastern Caribbean Disney cruise for an unforgettable experience in some of the world's most incredible locations, including San Juan, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale, and Disney Castaway Cay. A Disney cruise is not only for kids but unrivaled in terms of family entertainment, fine dining, and legendary service . Guests enjoy a diverse range of cultures, picture-perfect beaches, and pleasant weather throughout the cruise and will also spend time at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Days at sea on the magnificent Disney Magic cruise ship are a delight in their own right, with daily entertainment, character interactions, live shows, and themed dining that make the trip memorable.

• Cruise: 5 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Nassau, Castaway Cay, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $893 onwards per person

Celebrity Equinox

No matter the location, Celebrity promises an unparalleled cruise experience with every conceivable comfort and unmatched guest service. However, on Celebrity Equinox's 8-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, passengers can enjoy an extraordinary fusion of comforts, excursions, and leisure activities. The Retreat® Sundeck, The Retreat® Lounge, award-winning Luminae, ten outstanding dining venues, Craft Social Bar, Slush, Lawn Club, and numerous exciting activities are just a few of the luxuries that guests can enjoy while on board. When they stop over in destinations like St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale, and others, they have once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures that leave them with wonderful memories of their journey.

• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Puerto Plata, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $919 onwards per person

Carnival Venezia

The Carnival Venezia is the ideal cruise ship for travelers seeking an authentically Italian experience, offering everything from fine Italian cuisine and cool beverages to entertainment venues like Teatro Rosso, Gondola Lounge, and Terrazza Carnevale. While the Terrazza staterooms are a brand-new way to stay in style and comfort, there are also plenty of spaces for the ultimate excitement, including WaterWorks, SportSquare, Cloud 9 Spa, and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. For kids, it has Camp Ocean and Club O2 to keep them engaged and entertained. Its cruises to St. Thomas offer incredible experiences like relaxing moments on a gorgeous beach, offshore excursions, and a variety of exhilarating adventures.

• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, New York (Manhattan)
• Cost: $729 onwards per person

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In The US Virgin Islands That Unleash Tropical Bliss

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky is a floating paradise that provides a wide range of amenities and entertainment to meet the needs of all travelers. From newly renovated staterooms to brand-new dining establishments, bars, and lounges, including Pinnacle Lounge & Sushi Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge, and a full-service Starbucks, the cruise strives to provide passengers with unforgettable experiences. The itinerary for the St. Thomas cruises includes stops in Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Thomas, as well as a full-day excursion to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise only accessible to guests. Guests can explore breathtaking tropical islands, learn about vibrant cultures, participate in thrilling shore excursions, and experience the best of St. Thomas and other islands.

• Stops: Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami
• Cost: $799 onwards per person

Caribbean Princess

On the Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship, enjoy joyful moments at sea with tantalizing cuisine, catchy entertainment, and fantastic venues to suit every mood. Expensive staterooms, a Reef Splash Zone for kids and families, The Shops of Princess, Festivals of the World, and other thrilling onboard activities will keep passengers entertained throughout their Caribbean Princess cruise vacation. On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, visit many of the most well-known islands, including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Turk, known for their world-class beaches, historical attractions, and endless water sports. It is certainly an excellent cruise to St. Thomas to spend time with loved ones and have a memorable trip.

• Cruise: 7 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Princess Cays, San Juan, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $458 onwards per person