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San Juan’s cruise port offers easy access to Old San Juan’s top attractions just steps away.

Puerto Rico Cruises

If Puerto Rico hasn't been part of your cruise itineraries, you're missing out. The San Juan Cruise Port is ranked among the top in the world, and other ports around the Island offer easy access to sightseeing, dining, local culture, and more.

Cruise Ports in San Juan

San Juan has two cruise terminals, one in San Juan Bay and the other at the Pan American terminal across from the bay. Between them, the ports host around 500 cruise ships per year. Many of the cruises that make a voyage through the Caribbean make a port call in Puerto Rico, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Costa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar, Norwegian Cruise Line, AIDA, Seabourn, Silbersea, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and even Disney Cruises.

View the Cruise Homeport Schedule 2025

View the Cruise Homeport Schedule 2026

Family on a cruise excursion.

Cruise passengers can choose from a variety of tours in Old San Juan.

San Juan Bay Cruise Port

The San Juan Bay terminal has a capacity to receive up to seven ships at once. This may be the most convenient port of call for people only spending a day on the Island because many of Old San Juan's top attractions, restaurants, bars, and landmarks are within walking distance.

Pan American Cruise Port

The Pan American terminal, located near Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport and the Puerto Rico Convention Center, can accommodate two mega-ships. Within walking distance, you’ll find the popular entertainment district Distrito T-Mobile, the Puerto Rico Convention Center, and hotels such as Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Aloft San Juan, Hyatt House, and Hyatt Place.

Outside view of El Convento Hotel, a religious school that later became Puerto Rico's first convent in the 17th century with Carmelite nuns.

In the 16th century, Hotel El Convento was a religious school that later became Puerto Rico's first convent in the 17th century with Carmelite nuns.

Places to Stay Near San Juan’s Cruise Ports

Disembark from your cruise and lay your head down in paradise among San Juan’s many hotels! There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to accommodations and places to stay, from the refined elegance of Fairmont El San Juan Hotel and O:live Boutique Hotel to historical places like Hotel El Convento and CasaBlanca Hotel. You’ll want to stay just a few more nights to be able to take it all in and make the most of your time on the Island! 

Discover The Best Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Terminals

A group of three friends sit around an outdoor café table in Puerto Rico, smiling and enjoying coffee and pastries. They are surrounded by vibrant greenery and colorful walls, creating a warm and inviting tropical atmosphere. A barista stands nearby, and another man in a hat sits in the background, adding to the lively, relaxed setting.

There are many restaurants to choose from in Old San Juan.

Things To Do Near San Juan’s Cruise Ports

Whether you have a few days or a few hours to explore Old San Juan, you’ll find a variety of things to explore, from visiting historic sites among the romantic cobblestone streets, sampling the food, or doing some outlet shopping. Visit sites like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the Cathedral of San Juan, the Museo de las Américas, and many others—they’ll leave you wanting to spend more time in this enchanting city and on the rest of the Island. 

Explore Top Activities in Old San Juan When You Get Off Your Cruise

Restaurants Near San Juan’s Cruise Ports

There’s a saying in Puerto Rico that says “barriga llena, corazón contento” (a full belly means a happy heart). We share our love and distill our diverse culture through our food, so you’re never far away from delicious digs. There’s always something great to eat around the Island, and near the cruise ports is no exception. Old San Juan, in particular, is home to fantastic restaurants that serve everything from traditional Puerto Rican dishes like Café Berlín to Spanish cuisine like El Champi and much more! The vibes are always immaculate, with plenty of upscale dining options, casual cafes, or unique and historic places. One bite will have you ready to come back for more!

Find The Best Best Restaurants in Old San Juan for Cruise Passengers

Ponce cruise port

The vibrant Ponce cruise port: your first step to exploring Puerto Rico’s "Pearl of the South."

More Cruise Ports in Puerto Rico

Ponce Port

The Port of Ponce, soon to be known as the Port of the Americas, is located in Puerto Rico's southern town of Ponce. It currently has eight piers and receives ships from Royal Caribbean, such as the Icon of the Seas and Marella Discovery. Just a short ten-minute ride from the city’s historic center, the port has already welcomed some of the world’s largest vessels on technical calls, including Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, as well as ships from Regent, Holland America, and Silverseas.

Things To Do Near the Ponce Port

Ponce is renowned for its historic buildings and cultural landmarks. From the iconic Museo de Arte de Ponce and its downtown area with places like the Plaza Las Delicias, this city is a history buff’s dream. Visit sites like Parque de Bombas, Castillo Serrallés, la Cruceta de la Vigia, and much more. It’s also a convenient way to visit other southern municipalities like Coamo and Salinas. 

Explore Things To Do in Ponce

Places To Stay Near the Ponce Port

From smaller boutique stays to larger hotels, there’s plenty of places to stay in Ponce. Options include the historic Hotel Bélgica, Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino, Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, Meliá Century Hotel, and many more!

Discover More Places to Stay in Ponce

Restaurants Near the Ponce Port

You’re never far from a delicious plate here! Options range from local Puerto Rican cuisine in the historic district, like El Negocio de Panchi, to seafood at Paseo Tablado La Guancha, La Casa del Chef, Lola Eclectic Cuisine, and Panorama 180.

Discover Places to Eat While Exploring Ponce

Experiences for Your Puerto Rico Cruise

Make the most of your time on the Island with these activities perfect for cruise travelers

Family on a cruise excursion.

Cruise passengers can choose from a variety of tours in Old San Juan.
Cruise Shore Excursion Ideas in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has the perfect shore excursion for you, whether you're docking in Ponce or San Juan.

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Two ladies enjoy their cocktails by the pool at Fairmont El San Juan hotel.

Book a stay at the luxurious Fairmont El San Juan hotel.
Best Hotels Near San Juan Cruise Terminals

With fresh seafood, colorful streets, ancient forts, and walkable beaches within minutes of charming and cozy hotels, San Juan is the ideal port of call for any cruise traveler.

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Family looking at cruise ship.

Endless activities await on your Puerto Rico cruise!
Top Things to Do Pre & Post Cruise in Puerto Rico

Why just board a cruise that stops in Puerto Rico when you can explore the Island instead?

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Group of people drinking.

Cruise passengers can restaurants, shops, and historic sites in Old San Juan.
Best Restaurants in Old San Juan for Cruise Passengers

Enjoy spicy Caribbean treats, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, traditional Puerto Rican flavors, and contemporary creations in charming Old San Juan.

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A family walks oceanside along the Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan.

Take an ocean view stroll along the iconic Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan. 
A Few Hours in Old San Juan: What to Do During Your Puerto Rico Cruise

The Old San Juan Port is just steps away from the cobblestone streets of Puerto Rico’s oldest and most historic city.

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Arriving at the cruise port

All major cruise lines have stops in the San Juan Cruise Port.
5 Tips for Booking an Accessible Cruise in Puerto Rico

The Island proudly welcomes all—whether you're docking in San Juan, the bustling capital, or in the southern city of Ponce. 

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Couple shopping in Old San Juan.

If you're looking to do some shopping, Old San Juan features a mix of classic cruise port stops and traditional souvenir shops.
A Few Hours in Old San Juan: What to Do When You Get Off a Cruise

Turn Old San Juan into your new favorite port of call.

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Local vejigantes performers stand in front of a cruise ship at the Ponce Cruise Port.

Vejigante performers lend local color to the Ponce cruise port.
Accessibility at Sea: Cruise Excursions & Adventures

Imagine sailing the Caribbean’s deep indigo waters and then floating into port amid the beauty of Puerto Rico’s surrounding paradise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Puerto Rico a good cruise destination?

There’s no question about it! Puerto Rico has been a premier cruise destination for many years, and with good reason. With comfortable ports in San Juan and Ponce, vibrant food, and plenty of attractions, it’s no secret why visitors keep coming back! 

When is the best time to take a cruise to Puerto Rico?

There’s never a bad time to take a cruise, thanks to the Island’s year-round warm weather.

What cruise lines go to Puerto Rico?

The Island hosts a variety of cruises from companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Costa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar, Norwegian Cruise Line, AIDA, Seabourn, Silversea, MCS Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Disney Cruises.

How far is the cruise port from the airport in San Juan?

Both terminals are close to the airports located in San Juan. San Juan Bay Cruise Port and Pan American Cruise Port are around 15 to 20 minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The Pan American Cruise Port is also located next to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (the Isla Grande Airport), which is often used for flights to Vieques and Culebra.

No passport needed for U.S. travelers

Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, American citizens and permanent residents don't need a passport to travel to the Island. However, they must always travel with a valid form of identification, such as a REAL ID driver's license.

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