San Juan, Puerto Rico

The ship's pilot boat leading us into San Juan.

Entering back into the good old USA, our ship sailed past La Fortaleza a, fortress built in the 1500s guarding the entrance to San Juan, Puerto Rico (784 nautical miles from Nassau).

Puerto Rico (PR) is a self-governing commonwealth of the U.S. During its history, the people of PR have been given an opportunity, three times, to change their status as a commonwealth to statehood or Independence and they have voted to maintain their status as a commonwealth.

We left the ship and walked into the heart of Old San Juan. Our path took us north through the blue-hued cobbled streets that are lined with colorful structures decorated with cast-iron balconies. We passed the Governor's residence which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and climbed up to the entrance to the two historical forts.

As a part of the U.S., we were able to use many of the services provided to us in the states. For example, we could use our phones as if we were back home, and we also could use our National Parks Senior Pass to access the two fortresses (La Fortaleza) El Morro and Fort San Cristobal.

Using our pass, Grant, Jaquie, Linda and I were able to enter the two fort areas and explore their rich history. Our tour started in Fort San Cristobal on the northeast edge of Old San Juan and led us west to Fort El Morro which protected the entrance to the bay itself.

As we explored the many rooms and tunnels of the two forts, we were able to see why this was such an important structure protecting Old San Juan.  On the shoreline to the north, located between the two fort structures is an area called El Perla. This is a slice of homes and businesses that is known as a very rough part of San Juan. As a very bad part of town, tourists are advised not to enter, or to do so at their own risk. We chose to heed this advice and took our photos from the fort walls above.

We walked the large grass area between the two forts noting the high humidity and very hot sun. As it turns out, our stop in Puerto Rico provided us with the hottest and most humid weather of the entire trip.

Once we completed our tour of the two forts we walked through the streets of Old San Juan back to the ship. Linda, Jacquie, and Grant stopped at a small bar/restaurant before getting back to the ship. There, mojitos were drunk. Jacquie and Grant assured everyone that they were among the best mojitos ever. The 3 Mojitos also stopped off to purchase some Puerto Rican Rum to help with happy hours ahead.

Linda and I both thought this stop was very laid back and we agreed that we would like to return to the island and explore more of its culture and beauty.

Used my Geezer Card and got everyone into the fort free.

Underground tunnels connected the two forts.

La Perla district is said to be a dangerous place to visit.