Brush up on the fine points of this popular vacation spot.

The oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction, San Juan offers a warm climate throughout the year, with sizzling temperatures in the summer. Mountains cover over half of the island terrain, but the geography of Puerto Rico also includes rain forests, deserts and caves.

Local Culture and Flavor
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and most populated city. A destination where reminders of the past harmonize with conveniences of the present, the districts of San Juan are as unique as the diversity of cultures that influence them. Varied styles of architecture create an eclectic cityscape, with Spanish fortifications, colonial offices, Art Deco buildings and modern structures.

Past and Present
Christened “San Juan Bautista” by New World explorer Christopher Columbus in 1493, the island later inherited the name “Puerto Rico,” or “rich port” for the gold that was found in its waters. San Juan functioned as a crucial military locale for the Spanish who constructed fortress walls that helped thwart invading Dutch pirates, British fleets and French attackers. Control of the island didn’t fall into the hands of the United States until the conclusion of the Spanish-American War in 1898. Today, San Juan is a tropical tourism hotspot filled with romantic touches of history and the modern amenities one would expect of a capital city.

San Juan offers culinary and sight-seeing sensations to travelers of all ages.

Take a ferry to the Bacardi distillery for an introduction to rum production. When you work up an appetite with your explorations, dine on the savory flavors of the local "Créole" cuisine: hearty soups and stews with aromatic spices, roasted meats, and desserts made with sweet coconut milk.

The past lives on in Old San Juan, where visitors can behold restored 16th- and 17th-century buildings lining the streets paved with blue adoquine stones. Wander the labyrinthine ramparts and tunnels of the great El Morro citadel and the venerable Castillo de San Cristóbal, a World Heritage and National Historic Site.

What to know before you arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Language
The primary languages spoken in San Juan are English and Spanish.

Weather
Puerto Rico's weather is moderate and tropical year-round, with an average temperature of about 82°F. There are no big seasonal changes, although winter sees cooling breezes from the north, causing temperatures to drop by as much as 20°F. The rainier summer months are July through November. The southwest is relatively dry year-round, while the region around El Yunque can be deluged at any time of year.

How to Pay
As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency, though it is common here to hear the $1 bill referred to as a peso. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted at most establishments.

How to Get Around
Old San Juan is easily navigated on foot, which is actually the best way to see this part of the city. In other areas, públicos, the island’s minibuses, can take you to must-see sights like El Yunque National Rainforest or the Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy. For faster service without all the stops, taxis can be flagged near the pier and throughout town. Though taxis are technically metered, you may need to convince your driver to turn it on. For more flexibility, renting a vehicle is encouraged.

Safety in San Juan
San Juan is a popular travel destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables.

Instances of pickpocketing activity may increase in busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings. It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and all bags securely zipped.

Learn about departure port details, such as driving directions and parking, before your cruise from San Juan.

San Juan Port Terminal

Address
Pan American Pier, Terminal Isla Grande
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal.

The November 14, 2025, sailing will disembark at the Port of Galveston in Galveston, Texas.

Parking
There are no parking facilities at the Port of San Juan. Public parking facilities are located in the area surrounding the port and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Luggage Handling and Port Arrival Times
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check in Guests starting at 11:15 AM. Guests are allowed to enter at their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Guests who do not have a Port Arrival Time or have not had an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In should arrive after 2:00 PM.

Note: all Guests must be on board the ship no later than the published All-Aboard time.

Youth Activities
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests during Youth Activities registration on board the ship.

ATMs & Currency Exchange
There are no ATMs in the terminal, but you can cash personal checks and exchange currency at the Guest Services desk on board the ship with a valid photo I.D. The various ports of call have ATMs as well.

Wheelchair Accessibility
The terminal building and parking areas are wheelchair accessible. If you require temporary use of a wheelchair at the pier upon embarkation or debarkation, please request one upon arrival at the cruise terminal.

Immerse yourself in a blend of style, comfort and convenience during your stay at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Located along popular Condado Beach, this beautiful oceanfront destination is within minutes of Old San Juan, allowing for exploration of the city in your spare time.

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
1309 Ashford Avenue
San Juan, PR 00907
Telephone: (787) 722-7000

Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM

The hotel is approximately 5 miles from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and 2.5 miles from the Port of San Juan.

Relax in paradise at the Caribe Hilton San Juan. Located on a secluded peninsula between historic Old San Juan and the Condado area, this resort includes a beach perfect for families, an oceanfront pool complex, tropical gardens and a bird sanctuary.

Caribe Hilton San Juan—Available In 2021
1 San Geronimo Street
San Juan, PR, 00901
Telephone: (787) 721-0303

Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 12 PM

The hotel is approximately 7 miles from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and 1.4 miles from the Port of San Juan.