Travel Planning

Cruise planning advice for Old San Juan covering everything you need to know before stepping off the ship. The basics: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so American cruisers don’t need a passport for closed-loop sailings (though one is recommended), the currency is the U.S. dollar, English is widely spoken alongside Spanish, and U.S. cell phones, ATMs, and credit cards work without roaming or exchange concerns.This category covers what to pack for a San Juan cruise port day (lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, sunscreen, water, a light rain layer in summer); weather by month including hurricane-season considerations from June through November; passport and ID requirements for both U.S. and international cruise passengers; and accessibility logistics for cruisers with mobility, vision, or hearing needs.You’ll also find practical tips on tipping, taxi fares, the free Old San Juan trolley, public restroom locations, and the small cultural courtesies (greetings, mealtimes, photography around residential areas) that make a difference. Read these guides before your cruise — most can be skimmed in 5 minutes and will save real time on port day.