Too much info on San Juan - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Talks to Strangers · 02-07-2007, 01:16 AM

I did a little research prior to my cruise two years ago. I made a guide book for my family. Here is the info on San Juan.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's landscape encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and an incredibly massive rain forest that supplies fresh water to most of the island. At the same time San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a big city with a bustling business district, glitzy resorts and casinos, as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world. Puerto Rico is 1,000 miles Southeast of the tip of Florida and is part of the United States. The average temperature here is 76˚ to 82˚.

Puerto Rico is part of the United States. We won Puerto Rico as part of the final terms of Spain’s surrender at the end of the four-month-long Spanish-American War. The Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898 giving us Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Suggestions for San Juan. Royal Caribbean thinks no one should miss the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of natural beauty by exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth. Several travel guides suggest exploring Old San Juan, the second-oldest European settlement in the New World. Ride to San Felipe El Morro, the most dramatic of all the city's military fortifications. Visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks, Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, and Cristo Chapel. Other suggestions include seeing Baño Grande, a natural swimming pool. Then take a walk on Camitillo Trail and look for the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot and the flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest. Sporting opportunities include biking through the gorgeous scenery of the Piñones Reserve, home to the island's most spectacular views.

Several guide books suggest walking through Old San Juan which is the historic center of Puerto Rico. This area is largely restored to its 18th century appearance. It has steep, narrow streets that are mostly cobblestone. The 16th century fortress of San Felipe del Morrow is in Old San Juan. This is a walled city and has free open trolleys throughout. Several guidebooks recommend dining establishments in this area. Aguaviva is described as “serving the finest Latino take on fresh seafood” in Frommer’s guide and earned stars as a suggested dining location in several other guides. Suggested main courses per my guidebook on Puerto Rico are grilled mahimahi or seared medallions of halibut with fondue of spinach and crabmeat. Baru was also listed as okay, but not as good as Aguaviva. Baru serves “fashionable Caribbean and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.”

Suggested purchases in Puerto Rico include paper mache carnival masks and santoswhich are carved wooden figures depicting saints. Local handcrafts include needlework, straw work, ceramics and hammocks. Puerto Rico also has some deals on duty-free jewelry and watches.

The time zone is 4 hours ahead of California (4pm there when it is noon our time). The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official unit of currency in Puerto Rico. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also widely accepted. English and Spanish are the official languages of Puerto Rico, but Spanish is much more commonly spoken.

For more information go to: www.prtourism.com or http://welcome.topuertorico.org/

You can also call 800-874-1230.