Long Day in San Juan, Puerto Rico

2019 Transatlantic Cruise on MSC Divina

Day 17 MSC Divina - San Juan, Puerto Rico -- November 22, 2019

Please click here for video of our day in San Juan.

This would be our last port stop on this transatlantic cruise before reaching Miami, Florida for debarkation. At first, I thought we were suppose to be here for two days but after carefully reading the time in port, I realized that we would have a long day here instead. Just leaving at 2:00 A.M. the next day. I later found out why such a long day.

San Juan, Puerto Rico would be the first port into the United States from Europe on this cruise for us. Therefore, we would have to go through immigration here instead of Florida. "Great!" I thought, not realizing how hectic the whole process would take even though I was prepared for long lines and waiting time. MSC had scheduled two different groups to go through the immigration lines inside the terminal. U.S. citizens holding U.S. passports would get tickets for the letter line like A, B, C...and so on. Those using foreign passports will get tickets with number line like 1, 2, 3... We got in line for our tickets early that morning and received the letter A to get off. Our family from Taiwan got number 3 tickets. Not too bad, we thought. 

At 8:00, they called number 1 to get in line for the gangway. At 8:15 they called people with A tickets to get in line, which at the same time they also called number 2 and 3. As we were getting in that one long line wrapping around the stairways, we were stuck with no where to go. The line was not moving at all. We were in the same spot for about 45 minutes until the line started moving and we were lead inside the cruise terminal. Fortunately, the line for US citizens was much shorter than the one for foreigners and we got through immigration check and out by 9:30. But, we still had to wait for our Taiwanese family...

Looking at the ship from outside the terminal. So glad we were out.

Downstairs of the cruise terminal, a large hall for people waiting to board the ship. It's all empty and neat now, but later in the afternoon it would be filled with passengers waiting to get back on the ship.

Dave and Maryanne came by to say "hi" as we were waiting for our family but soon we had to leave this room because it just got too cold with the strong air conditioning blowing over our heads.

We went outside the terminal and found places to sit and wait. We waited, and waited.

By the time they all came out, it was 1:15 P.M.! Half a day was gone just like that!

Now, they were in the number 3 group, which means there were a lot more people still stuck inside!

As soon as we were all out, we headed out to town.

First stop would be the Castillo de San Cristobal which is not too far from the cruise port. We just had to hike uphill a little to get there.

Passing by Plaza Colon.

Making the turn to the castle.

Up to the entrance of the castle.

Castillo de San Cristobal is the largest Spanish Fort built in the Americas with 400 years of history.

We did not think of bringing our National Park passes with us except Sis who was smart enough to have her Eagle Pass with her thus allowing her to bring in four guests with her for free. All of us had to pay the $7 entrance fee. Still worth it in my opinion.

It was a cloudy day and it did rain a little while we were inside the castle.

A very unique fort/castle with much to see.

Caught Sis at the right moment.

Lots of walking and exploring.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro at the far end. We wanted to get there but finally gave up that idea because of the unpredictable weather and the long walk.

A UNESCO site worth mentioning.

Looking out to the streets nearby.

One of the best castles that we have visited.

Back to the street across from Plaza Colon.

Beautiful and clean streets.

Narrow though.

Way past our lunch time, so son brought us to this highly recommended local restaurant called Manolin for some Puerto Rican food.

A fried chicken plate.

Beef and onion

Son ordered the real McCoy, Mofongo with chicken (Mashed green plantain stuffed with chicken), a local specialty served at this restaurant. 

A very busy restaurant with tourists and locals alike.

Cafe Manolin

251 Calle San Justo, San Juan

A good cafe type restaurant for a taste of local cuisine.

Then we just walked around and did some shopping. Good prices for souvenirs and T-shirt here. We also found a Marshall's and had fun looking at things. 

Right outside of Marshall's is the Plaza de Armes with a beautiful fountain.

Here is a human statue performing for the crowds.

Plaza de Armes

We bumped into some passengers on the ship as we were walking around town and they were telling us not to go back to the ship yet because they were still trying to process all the passengers and crew while many passengers already wanted to get back. There is a long line of people trying to go back  inside the terminal but couldn't. So we just took our time as we walked back to the terminal slowly.

Most of us were really tired by now, and my legs wouldn't take me any further than I had to go. I just wanted to sit down somewhere and rest.

Getting ready for Christmas at Plaza Eugenio Maria de Hostos.

Back to the marina.

Mosaic on the pedestrian.

U.S. Custom House

Modern buildings on Calle Marina.

Senor Frog's and the Sheraton.

Back to the cruise port where the line going inside was getting longer and longer. For some unknown reasons, they were not letting people in. They were not able to handle the crowds at the gate. People were getting upset especially with people cutting in line. After waiting a while and seeing that the line was moving we were finally able to checked ourselves back on the ship. At that time it was past our dining time so most of our group decided to just go to the buffet. The three of us went by the main restaurant and our server Rham happened to see us and told us to go in for dinner. They had extended the time to accommodate people who are coming back late for another 15 minutes, and we just made it. I was getting a drink from the bar and the waitress there told me that they haven't even gone through the immigration process yet. 

The best lamb chop served on the Divina this evening!

Son ordered ice cream for dessert and Rham brought four different kinds for him to try.

Our ship didn't leave port until we were all in bed this evening. Indeed a really long port day in San Juan. This is a port that I would love to come back to. There are still so many places we have not seen. Can't wait to have our cruising and traveling days back soon.

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."   -- Romans 4:20