Cruise News and Reviews

Introducing Southampton

The Port of Southampton found fame in the 20th century as the UK’s main port for the major cruise lines. In terms of number of passengers, the most popular route used to be the transatlantic crossing to the United States. But in 1939 the first ever Pan Am passenger flight across the Atlantic signalled the finish of this golden time of ocean travel. In the following years Southampton came to prominence as a major Cruise port.

The port is divided between the Eastern and Western Docks. The Mayflower and City Cruise Terminals are to be found at the Western Docks, whilst the QE2 and Ocean Cruise Terminals are to be found at the Eastern Docks.

Southampton Cruise Terminals

Eastern Docks

Queen Elizabeth II Terminal – Berth 38/9
The QE2 terminal was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1966. The dock is home to Cunard’s vessels, Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Facilities include a short stay car park, a bar, a taxi rank and a cafe. The viewing gallery is not open to visitors.

Ocean Cruise Terminal Berth 46
The original Ocean Cruise Terminal was an iconic Art-Deco construction. Unfortunately this was demolished in 1983 The modern building, completed in 2009, is hugely different from its earlier namesake, being a huge modern design with curved features. Facilites include a short stay car park, a cab rank, a bar and cafe.

Western Docks

City Cruise Terminal Berth 101
The City Cruise Terminal has completed a 7 year rennovation to increase its capacity. It can now manage the large ‘Freedom Class’ cruise ships of Royal Caribbean International. Facilities available are a short stay car park, a taxi rank, a bar and cafe. The nearby Mayflower Park is a good place to watch ship sailings.

Mayflower Cruise Terminal Berth 106
The Mayflower Cruise Terminal, opened in 1960, has long been associated with the P&O fleet of ships. Facilities are a taxi rank, a bar and cafe, and viewing gallery.

The official port website can be found at www.southamptonvts.co.uk.

Itineraries Available

Thanks to its central location, there’s a tremendous variety of Cruises from Southampton. Go north to the magnificent Norwegian Fjords, north-east to the Baltic and the splendors of St Petersburg, go south to the beautiful Mediterranean or the windswept Canary Islands.  The really adventurous can relive history by picking a memorable Transatlantic voyage. For a full calendar of cruises available see cruises from Southampton.

Things to Do in Southampton

Old Town
During medieval times, the city was encircled by a fortified wall with imposing gate buildings. Bargate at the northern end of the old town, is even today the city’s best known building. The building makes a excellent place to begin the walk of walls. Visit the guardtowers, the remains of the castle, the West Gate, the remains of the old friary and God’s House Tower which houses} the local Archaeological Museum (free entrance). Other noteworthy places are the fully restored Medieval Merchant’s House, the Maritime Museumlocated in the Wool House (free entrance), with its Titanic exhibition, and the remarkable Tudor House, a (free entry) museum with peaceful grounds.

The Titanic Trail
Stroll around the city finding out about locations associated with the Titanic. The walk commences at the Musicians Memorial and stops at the Maritime Museum, located in the Wool House at Town Quay, which presents the story of the tragic voyage.

Aviation Museum
The Solent Sky Aviation Museum commemorates the pioneering work of the Supermarine Spitfire’s creator, RJ Mitchell.

The Jane Austen Walking Trail
Jane Austen first came to Southampton at the age of 7 and she holidayed in the city. Later in her life she had a home in the city. The Trail takes in buildings with a connection to the author.

Getting to the Port of Southampton

By Car
The M27 motorway, which joins towns along the south coast of England, runs just to the north of Southampton. The M3 motorway connects the city to London and, by linking to the A34 road with the Midlands and North. The M271 motorway, off the M27, connects it with the Docks and city centre.

By Train
Direct train services link Southampton with London, and many places in England. There is an every 30 minute service between London Waterloo station and Southampton Central station. Rail routes run east towards Portsmouth, north towards the Midlands and beyond, and west to destinations such as Bournemouth and Bristol.
From the train station you can either use a cab, or there is a free CityLink bus service between the rail station and Town Quay every 15 minutes.

By Air
From London Heathrow There is a National Express bus to and from Heathrow Terminal every hour. From London Gatwick Take the train to Southampton Central rail station.
From Southampton Airport Hire a taxi to the docks. The airport is well served, with flights from Belfast, Newcastle, Edinburgh,Jersey, Guernsey, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Alderney, Liverpool, Aberdeen.

Introducing Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is positioned near the southern end of Florida by the Atlantic coast, and is part of the South Florida metropolitan area.

In 1838 Major William Lauderdale took a detachment of soldiers down the east coast of Florida to capture Seminole lands. The soldiers erected Fort Lauderdale at a fork of the New River. After the war, eastern Florida continued as a near wilderness, due to the deficiency of transportation into the area.

But the coming of the Florida East Coast railroad saw a substantial population increase, and in 1915, Broward County was formed out of sections of Palm Beach and Dade Counties. Fort Lauderdale became known as a retirement town in the 1920s, resulting in more than a doubling of its population. However the two setbacks of a devastating hurricane in 1926 and the great depression of 1929 led to a total reversal in the town’s fortunes.

In 1935 the city took the first steps to revival by beginning the National Collegiate Aquatic Forum to attract students to the area, starting the yearly tradition of spring breaks. The town began to regain its popularity, and growth carried on strongly after WWII.

Today over 10 million tourists come to Fort Lauderdale every year to boat through its canals, go to its wide variety of family friendly attractions and relax on its sparkling beaches.

Port Everglades Cruise Terminals

The northern part of Port Everglades is called Northport, and is the site of cruise terminals 2 and 4. The middle part of Port Everglades is called Midport, and is home to cruise ship terminals 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29.

Northport
The Northport cruise terminals have basic facilities including an automated passenger loading bridge, baggage handling, check-in area, restrooms, seating areas and full A/C. Terminal 2 boasts faster embark/debark times by offering a second passenger boarding bridge. The multi-deck Northport garage provides car parking for terminals 2 and 4. Terminal 2 is allocated to Princess, terminal 4 to MSC Cruises.

Midport
All the Midport cruise terminals have the usual facilities including disabled access, luggage handling, an automated passenger loading platform, bathrooms, vending machines and check-in desks. Terminal 18 has its own parking lot, and terminals 19 through 29 use the parking at the Midport parking garage. Terminal 18 is contracted to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, 19 to Princess Cruises, 21 to Carnival Cruise Line, 25 to various cruise companies, 26 to Holland America, and 29 to a range of cruise lines.

Fort the port website see Port Everglades.

Itineraries Available

The range of cruises available feature the Eastern Caribbean (Tortola, San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten), the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Roatan), the Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport), or the Southern Caribbean (Bonaire, Barbados, Curacao and Aruba). More extensive trips are sometimes to be had, examples would be South America, the Amazon and through the Panama canal to the west coast of the US.

For a cruise calendar, see cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

Riverwalk
At the center of downtown Fort Lauderdale runs the attractive Riverwalk, a boarded and paved promenade which hugs the banks of New River. Riverwalk North begins at Stranahan House, continues westwards to pass the Museum of Art, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, to finish at Esplanade Park, and the the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Stranahan House
Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan and his wife Ivy, Stranahan House is the city’s oldest residence. The house has been preserved to give a glimpse into Florida’s pioneer life.

Museum Of Art Fort Lauderdale
Possibly the most memorable exhibit at the Museum of Art is the Indigo Room, a striking installation by the Haitian born artist Edouard Duval-Carrié. The museum also hosts a variety of top-quality traveling exhibitions.

Fort Lauderdale History Center
The Fort Lauderdale History Center tells the story of the community’s history from the pioneers of the city to the citizens of today. Buildings that form the center are more than 100 years old and include the Acetylene building, the School House and the New River Inn.

Bonnet House Museum And Gardens
Constructed in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House relives a past time of luxury. As well as the grand main house, the visitor can tour the gorgeous subtropical gardens which extend more than 30 acres.

South Beach Park
At the southern end of Fort Lauderdale’s lovely beaches you’ll find South Park Beach, a lively expanse of golden sand. There’s lots to do at the beach including snorkeling, fishing, wind surfing, volleyball, basketball and jet skiing. Across busy Hwy 1A numerous restaurants and bars serve excellent food and drink.

Traveling To The Cruise Port From The Airport

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport is is positioned just over a mile from Port Everglades. Traveling between the two is straight forward by taxi or shuttle bus.

Introducting Tampa

The city of Tampa is positioned at the center of the west coastline of Florida in a large natural bay sheltered by the Pinellas peninsula.

Tampa can trace its origins back to the small settlement of Fort Brooke, established by the US Army in 1824 at the head of Tampa bay to help protect the strategic harbor.

The city remained an isolated and little populated settlement until 1884 when the railroad magnate Henry B Plant resolved to build a railroad which ran through Tampa, terminating at Port Tampa sited on the Interbay Peninsula. Then Plant built a number of grand hotels in the region, amongst them the St Elmo Inn and Port Tampa Inn in Port Tampa, and the Tampa Bay Hotel in Tampa itself.

The Cuban entrepreneur Don Vincente Ybor was next to have a hand in the rise of Tampa, when in 1885 he established a large cigar plant close to the center of the city. The cigar business grew rapidly, in part because it was ideally sited between the supply of tobacco via Port Tampa and the markets of mainland USA.

Tampa enjoyed a second dose of good commercial luck when mining explorations uncovered easily accessible phosphate deposits, a constituent of fertilizer, eastwards from the city.

Today the city has matured into a modern urban conurbation with a highly profitable commercial zone.

The economic achievements of Tampa are in many ways because of its busy ports. Port Tampa was the city’s first port, but it was first joined by, then superseded by, the Port of Tampa. Tampa was a thriving port for foot passengers in the late 19th century but passenger operations fell through the 1900s. But it was not till the 1980s when cruises started, with Regency Cruises and Holland America Line both coming to the Port of Tampa to offer cruises to the Caribbean. The cruise company Carnival saw the demand for these cruises, and set up their own cruise operation out of Tampa in 1994.

Tampa Cruise Terminals

Cruise Terminal 2
Cruise Terminal 2 was completed in 1998 as a central component of a 75-acre, city center, waterfront, multi-purpose scheme. Facilities available include a snack shop, taxi rank, customs, baggage trolleys and restrooms. The cruise terminal offers only one berth. Cruise Terminal 2 hosts Carnival. Parking is located directly across the street at the Channelside multi-storey car lot. Valet services are available.

Cruise Terminal 3
The Port of Tampa added to their cruise capacity with the construction of the state-of-the-art Cruise Terminal 3 in 2002. Services comprise of luggage trolleys, taxi rank, a snack bar, customs and VIP lounge. The cruise terminal has access to a single quay. Cruise Terminal 3 hosts Holland America Line, RCI and NCL cruise ships. Car parking is located directly across the street at the Channelside multi-deck car lot. Valet services are available.

Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is positioned half-a-mile to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 is used for HAL. The terminal has just one cruise ship quay. Car Parking is conveniently located directly next to the terminal.

For the port website, see Tampa Port.

Itineraries Available

Tampa is an ideal base for a 7 night itinerary visiting ports in the Caribbean. The variety of destinations make for a memorable trip You’ll be able to enjoy a a wide variety of excursions – in Costa Maya see the amazing tropical rain forest, in Grand Cayman walk along the beautiful sands of gorgeous 7 Mile Beach, in Roatan swim in the crystal clear waters off Half Moon Bay Beach and in Cozumel take an excursion to the iconic Mayan ruins of Tulum.

For a cruise calendar, see cruises from Tampa.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

SS American Victory
The cargo vessel SS American Victory sailed in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It has now been converted into a interesting museum. Walk aboard and check out nearly the entire ship including cavernous three-level cargo holds, radio equipment room, mess hall, lifeboats and a hospital section. The ship is anchored at a quay close by the Florida Aquarium.

Tampa’s Riverwalk
Experience the best-known sights of the city and views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the newly promoted Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk contours the waterside it visits a whole host of features including The Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Channelside Bay Plaza, Teco Line Streetcar, USF Park, MacDill Park and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Henry B Plant Museum
Henry B Plant built the majestic Tampa Bay hotel as a destination resort for winter visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in a similar style to a Arabian palace, with added touches of Victorian stonework. Nowadays the hotel building is primarily occupied by the University of Tampa, but it is also home to the very interesting Henry B Plant Museum, which chronicles the life of the prodigious entrepreneur.

Ybor City State Museum
Cuban-influenced Ybor City is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Ybor City’s wrought-iron balustrades, brick houses and narrow alleys give a glimpse of old-world charm. Several stops of the old Teco streetcar are near the cruise terminals and can carry you to Ybor city.

Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to test your courage on thrilling roller coasters, take in a theater show with professional perfomers, experience up-close meetings with amazing animals and take an unforgettable trek across the untamed African plains. Busch Gardens is sited 8 miles north of the cruise terminals.

Transferring To The Cruise Port From The Airport

Tampa International Airport is located about 8 miles from the cruise port. The quickest way to travel from the airport to your cruise is by cab.

Introducing Palma De Mallorca

In the Mediterranean Sea, 100 miles off the Catalonia coastline of Spain, sits the island of Mallorca. The city of Palma is positioned in Palma Bay on the south western shore of the island.

The famed Golden Age of Mallorca started in 1229, when Catalan king James I or Aragon captured the islands from the Moors. The age saw a flowering of the island’s trade, industry and agriculture. The imposing Bellver Castle and magnificent le Seu cathedral were built, and the Almudaina was rebuilt to form a marvelous Gothic palace.

In 1516 the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were united when Charles I, son of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, was crowned becoming the first King of all Spain. For the following three centuries Palma entered a prolonged period of stagnation, as the united kingdom of Spain turned to seemingly more important matters than Mallorca.

At the end of the 19th century, tourists started to discover the beautiful shoreline and the balmy climate of Mallorca, leading to a rebirth of the island’s popularity.

Today Palma is a vibrant and charming city, combining the liveliness of a capital with the slower pace of an island port. It has an array of cultural attractions, notable architecture, welcoming sidewalk restaurants and a cosmopolitan population.

Mallorca is positioned at the center of the West Mediterranean making Palma a favorite port-of-call for cruises. Lately, mainly thanks to the large close by Palma de Mallorca airport, it has also become a busy homeport for cruise ships.

Palma Cruise Terminals

Cruise Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4
Palma’s port’s major cruise terminals are the Estacion Maritima cruise terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 which serve ships docked at the Poniente quays. The cruise terminals are linked together with a series of foot bridges. Facilities include post office, telephone kiosks, office, cafeteria, police station, restrooms and customs. These cruise terminals are about a mile and a half to the southwest of Palma’s center.

Cruise Terminal 5
Occasionally cruise ships dock at the south western outer breakwater of the port, Dique Del Oeste at docks 28, 30 and 32. These docks are served by the Estacion Martima number 5 passenger terminal.

For the port website see Port Authority of the Balearic Islands.

Itineraries Available

Palma is an excellent base for a week long cruise calling at interesting ports in the Western Mediterranean.

Favorite shore excursions available at ports-of-call would include the leaning tower of Pisa (from Livorno), the frightening Cappuchini Catacombs in Palermo, the opulent Monte Carlo casino in Monaco, the panoramic views from the rock of Gibraltar and the magnificent La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

In fall repositioning cruises may be on offer to the Caribbean and the Canaries.

For a Palma cruise calendar, see cruises from Palma.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

La Seu
Palma’s spectacular cathedral la Seu is the city’s number one attraction. Construction started in the first part of the 13th century, and continued for over 300 years. A major rebuilding project commenced in the the 20th century, with the famed architect Gaudi designing several contentious additions.

Almudaina Palace
The ancient Moorish style of the Almudaina Palace tells of its beginnings as a Moorish castle. On the occupation of Mallorca by James I in the 13th century the building was rebuilt to become a palace for the Mallorcan Kings. Today it is a museum containing art like exquisite oriental carpets, a superb collection of paintings and Flemish tapestries.

Bellver Castle
The 600 year old Bellver Castle is home to the Palma History Museum and the Despuig Classical Sculpture Museum. There are wonderful views from the castle’s walls over the beautiful Palma Bay. Bellver Castle is a short hike upwards from the cruise terminal.

Palma To Soller Railway
This quaint electric train links Palma with the small town of Soller, a trip 27km long. The railway traverses a wide plain, then heads upwards through 13 tunnels to arrive at Soller. The excursion, which takes little more than an hour, is an excellent way of getting to know the undeveloped interior of the island. The Palma terminus is sited in the center of the city, just next to the main train station.

Transfering To The Cruise Port From The Airport

The simplest way of traveling from the airport to the cruise port is by taxi or shuttle coach. An alternative is to board the no 1 bus which travels from the airport through the city to reach the Estacion Maritima. After alighting from the bus walk into the Estascion Number 2 terminal across the street then follow the cruise line directions to the applicable terminal.

Introducing Venice

Venice is located on the north-eastern coastline of Italy, and stands at the middle of a large lagoon sheltered from the Adriatic Sea. The larger islands in the lagoon were inhabited from around the 5th century. From the tenth through to the fourteenth centuries Venice grew rapidly because of its location as a trade hub between western and eastern Europe. By the 14th century Venice had become one of the most majestic cities of Europe. The best craftsmen, tradesmen and builders were commissioned to build superb palaces, and the foremost artists of the period were hired to add astonishing interior decoration.

Today many thousands of tourists come to admire the many attractions of Venice, and experience its unique combination of canals, renaissance architecture, and heritage art.

Venice Cruise Teminals

Venice Cruise Port has 3 main harbors: the Marittima basin, which can berth the largest ships that operate from Venice, and and the smaller Santa Marta and San Basilio quays. These two are nearby on the Giudecca Canal.

Marittima is the biggest of the ship docks at the Port’s Venezia Terminal Passeggeri, with five terminal buildings and enough docking space to manage several large ships simultaneously. It includes the Isonzo Quay, the Tagliamento Quay, the Piave Quay and the TM Quay.

Santa Marta and San Basilio is the long wharf than runs from the mainport basin to the Fondamenta Zàttere, the walkway along the bank of the Giudecca Canal.

For the port website see Venezia Terminal Passeggeri.

Itineraries Available

Cruises from Venice usually travel to on or more of two areas, the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea. Magical ports of call visited include Kotor, Dubrovnik, Santorini, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul and Athens to name a handful among many. Cruises to the further afield Holy Land are also on offer. For a comprehensive presentation of timetables see cruises from Venice.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

Basilica
In the Basilica, you can see the famed Pala d’Oro, an alterpiece of solid gold encrusted with precious jewels. It was constructed by expert Byzantine goldsmiths in 976.

Doge’s Palace
See the magnificent Council Hall, and the emblems of the first 76 Doges. Also don’t forget to see the mournful Bridge of Sighs, the bridge taken by criminals and enemies of the state from the palace into the dungeons.

Campanile
The great bell tower in the center of St Marks square was originally built in 912.
From the top enjoy wonderful panoramas across the city.

Getting To The Cruise Port

If you’re embarking on a cruise ship at Venice, the least hassle method to get between the airport and the cruise terminal is to book the transfer from your cruise line. If you’ve booked the components of your vacation separately, the following describes how to travel to the Venice Cruise Terminal.

From the Airport
The cruise terminals are a 15- or 20-minute taxi journey from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport.

From the Piazzale Roma
The Piazzale Roma is the major transport hub for Venice and is the final point motor vehicles can reach before the center of the city. It is located at the end of the access causeway to Venice. The piazza is home to the bus station, and sits between the train station, and the cruise and ferry terminals. There is also a major Vaporetto stop. The least expensive way to get to the cruise terminals from Pizzale Roma is the free shuttle bus service, which runs frequently on days which have cruise ship departures.

For Santa Marta or San Basilio terminals you can take vaporetto lines 61/62 from Pizzale Roma. Don’t try to make it on foot, as it’s over half-an-hour, with intricate routefinding.

Introducing Sydney

Sydney, with a population of nearly four million, is the biggest city in the country of Australia. The city is sited on the east coast of Australia. The Blue Mountains are located to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

The town was founded at the end of 18th century when a fleet of prisoners arrived in Australia from England. The new outpost was named after Lord Sydney, the British Secretary of State, who had suggested the creation of a penal colony in Australia.

Through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the city saw rapid growth as immigrants came from both Europe and Asia. Today Sydney is a modern, large and multicultural city, with inhabitants hailing from all over the world. Sydney is a well-liked tourist destination. Celebrated sights include The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney’s seaboard location and tourist attractions have made it Australia’s busiest cruise port, for both departures and calls. More than 150 cruise ships make use of Sydney cruise port annually.

Sydney Cruise Terminals

Sydney’s cruise ship services are divided between two places, Wharf 5 and the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Overseas Passenger Terminal

The Overseas Passenger Terminal offers an eight hundred foot quay, able to berth only one full-sized cruise ship. The terminal is a modern building with a complete variety of facilities for passengers. It further has cafes, restaurants and an hotel. The terminal is situated at Circular Quay, opposite the Opera House a short walk from Sydney’s tourist attractions.

Darling Harbour Wharf 5

During the wait for new facilities, Wharf 5 at Darling Harbour is being employed as a short-term terminal. (The Barangaroo area, of which wharf 5 is a part, is earmarked for a complete redevelopment, without a cruise terminal). Wharf 5 features a departure area, customs control, an immigration area and an arrivals area. The terminal is an easy walk from Circular Quay.

For the port website, see Sydney Ports.

Itineraries Available

There’s a fantastic variety of cruises departing from Sydney to choose between. Novice cruisers will enjoy the 3 day cruises to nowhere, a great introduction to cruise vacations. 7 night routes would include gorgeous subtropical Queensland, or verdant Tasmania. Slightly longer 9 or 10 day cruises journey to the wonderful beaches of the Pacific islands Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Fourteen day routes would be a trip around New Zealand, or a journey to the exotic Pacific atolls of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Longer cruises include trips to the oriental wonders of Japan and China, or the famous trip around the Australian continent.

To check on the full ranges of cruises on offer, see cruises from Sydney.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

If you have a day or two to spare at the begininning or end of your cruise, Sydney is a wonderful tourist destination.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, positioned on Sydney Cove at Bennelong Point, is thought by many to be amongst the archictectural wonders of the modern world. Designed by Jørn Utzon and built with much controversy, the landmark building was opened in 1973. If your itinerary allows, watch an opera, a ballet, or a concert.. The Opera house is a short walk along the coast from the OPT.

The Rocks
The Rocks is the oldest area in the city, and several of the structures at The Rocks are excellently conserved, such as the Merchants House, Campbells Storehouse, Susannah Place and Cadman’s Cottage. Within this historical area, the visitor will find restaurants, shops, bars, cafes and galleries. The Rocks area is next to Circular Quay.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens is a green haven sited between the waterfront and the concrete city center. A walkway skirts around the harbour front, giving lovely views over Farm Cove and Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge has a footpath offering easy access to the visitor. Stop at the Pylon Lookout on the south side of the bridge to see an interesting display on the construction of the bridge. If you’re not scared of heights book the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a 3 ½ hour trek to the very summit of the bridge. The climb takes you up catwalks, ladders and girders at day or night.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is famous the world over as a surfing Mecca. In the summer months Bondi is the beach for sun, fun and surf. The white sandy beach looks out on a large crescent shaped bay of deep blue water. Bus no 380 from Circular Quay gets you there in about 40 minutes.

Getting To The Cruise Port

From Sydney Airport
OPT – Take the train from either the Sydney Airport Domestic station or International Train Station to Circular Quay (Airport and East Hills line). The Overseas Passenger Terminal is within walking distance of Circular Quay Station.
Wharf 5 – Catch a train from either the International Train Station or the Sydney Airport Domestic station to Wynyard station (green line). It is a half-mile walk from Wynyard station to Wharf 5. An alternative option is a cab.

From Central Train Station
Central Railway Station is the major junction for interstate and intrastate trains.
The Inner West or South lines connect Central station to the city center. Get off the train at Wynyard or Circular Quay. An alternative option is a taxi.

By Car
Neither the OPT or Wharf 5 terminals have attached parking lots, however long stay parking is available nearby.

Introducing Seattle

Seattle is positioned on a narrow ribbon of land sandwiched between the salt waters of Puget Sound and the fresh waters of Lake Washington. Beyond the waters lie two rugged mountain ranges, the Olympics on the west and the Cascades to the east.

White pioneers came to the Seattle area in 1850 to establish a townsite they called New York. These early settlers quickly worked out that a better harbor facility was available close by, and relocated to what is now the Pioneer Square district. In respect to a local Indian chief who had aided the incomers, the new settlement was given the name Seattle.

Today the city has grown into a main commercial shipping harbor, and the center of a thriving industrial area.

From early days the economy of Seattle has been closely tied with the success of its port. The shipping of coal and lumber was the main activity of the port in the 19th century. Also the port served as a center for smaller vessels shifting goods to townships in Alaska. As early as the 1900s the Alaska Steamship Company began offering 7 day summer cruises following the coastline to Alaska. By 1954 the popularity of Alaskan cruises had slumped, and the Alaska Steamship Company closed. During the second half of the 20th century the city’s cruise business was just about non-existent.

However in 2000 the Port of Seattle completed the Bell Street Pier cruise ship terminal, and since then the growth of Seattle as a cruise ship homeport has been incredible. In 2003 the temporary Cruise Terminal 30 was constructed, soon to be replaced in 2009 by the Smith Cove terminal. In the year 2010 over 900,000 cruise vacationers were departing on cruises leaving from Seattle.

Seattle Cruise Terminals

Seattle boasts 2 cruise ports, the busy city center Bell Street Terminal, and the Smith Cove Terminal, 3 miles north west of downtown. The terminals are operated by Cruise Terminals of America (CTA), who lease the properties from the Port of Seattle.

Bell Street Cruise Port

The Bell Street Pier cruise ship port was opened in 2000 as a component of a 10-acre, downtown, waterfront, multi-use project. It is sited on Pier 66 which has a long history all the way back back to 1914. During the years the pier had several uses including cold storage, storehouse and CPR railroad terminus. The terminal is 2 floors high, with a modern bridge platform giving easy transfer to the ship from the 2nd level. Facilities at the terminal include restaurant, rental car desk, check-in, customs, snackbar, luggage handling, concierge and retail kiosks. At the intersection of Wall Street and Alaskan Way, next to the cruise port, there is a large parking garage.

The cruise terminal has a single cruise ship berth.

Pier 66 is home to Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal

The Smith Cove cruise ship facility is positioned 2 miles from the city center, on Piers 90 and 91. The waterside property was bought by Seattle Port in 1912 for use as a commercial port. During World War II the navy utilized the port as a supply station. On account of its previous use, the terminal surroundings have a drab feel. Services include concierge, car rental kiosk, shops, customs, baggage checking and check-in. A 1,000 car parking garage is positioned not far away with a complimentary shuttle to the terminal.

The cruise port accesses 2 ship moorings at Pier 90 and Pier 91.

Smith Cove is used by Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruises, HAL and RCCL.

For the port website, see Port Of Settle Port Authority.

Itineraries Available

Seattle operates as a cruise departure point just in summer time, on account of Alaska’s hard and long winter months.

Seattle cruises take the Pacific ocean route to Alaska, keeping to the outside of Vancouver Island, instead of the inside route followed by Vancouver cruises. This way only became feasible for 7 day cruises when ships became faster. So there is virtually no view of the land for two sea days, and the rough outside passage route can be the cause of a little seasickness.

What’s more as all foreign-flagged ships departing from a US port are required to include a stop in a non-US port on their overall route, cruise ships will typically call in at Victoria on Vancouver island.

The most popular itinerary is the week long return trip calling at Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and Glacier Bay. See huge glaciers falling into the ocean, historic port towns and majestic coast and mountain landscapes.

When the Seattle cruise season finishes a variety of exciting repositioning cruises are available: to places such as California, Florida and Asia.

To check on the full range of cruises on offer, see cruises from Seattle.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

Space Needle
Ride the elevator to alight at the 520 feet high hovering disk deck of Seattle’s signature tower for a magnificent view of the city and its attractive position. Visit the gift shop for a souvenir or, for food with a twist, eat at SkyCity, the needle’s rotating restaurant that completes on turn per hour.

Pioneer Square
If you’re a historical enthusiast, visit Pioneer square, the city’s original district. The original buildings were burnt down in the great 1889 fire. Today the area is set apart by 1890s Romanesque stone and brick buildings, and is packed with art galleries, interesting shops, splendid architecture and welcoming snackbars. Pioneer Square is positioned a mile southwards of Bell Street Pier.

Seattle Aquarium
Sited by Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium keeps an interesting variety of sea creatures. See energetic otters, Puget sound fish, Lake Washington fresh water reatures, the Pacific coral world, brightly colored fish and mysterious octopus in prize winning exhibits. Take a break at the stylish Aquarium café, and browse the aquarium store.

Museum of Flight
Befitting the birthplace of massive manufacturer Boeing, Seattle has a brilliant Museum devoted to flying. Inspect Air Force One, a mockup of the International Space Station, the faster than sound passenger jet Concorde, an outstanding display of WWII fighter planes and a traffic control tower. You can also test your skills as an airplane pilot in a flight simulator. Seattle Museum of Flight is located 4 miles southwards from downtown.

Pike Place Market
In 1907 a local councilor helped establish a farmers’ market, to reduce the big rake of greedy middlemen. The market has developed into a massive shoppers’ heaven laid out over 9 acres. Look around numerous food shops including nuts, vegetables, dairy, bakery and candy, and then to follow an even bigger number of non-food shops such as leather, flowers, basketware, kitchenware and crafts. It’s often busy and crowded, so you’ll be thankful to take a break and sip a coffee at the first-ever Starbucks, next to the market. Pike Place market is positioned next to Bell Street Pier.

Seattle Art Museum Downtown
The Seattle Art Museum Downtown is home to a superb collection with everything from Northwest art and Australian Aboriginal art to Textiles and Ancient Mediterranean art. Enjoy a selection of both permanent and temporary exhibitions, free gallery tours, the Museum shop and lectures, then do not forget the Museum café.

Getting To The Cruise Port

Bell St Pier

From the Airport
It takes around half-an-hour by car from Sea-Tac airport to Bell Street Pier. As an alternative you can catch the Sea-Tac airport Central Link Light Rail, alighting at the final station Westlake. Then hail a taxi or walk to the cruise port, three-quarters of a mile distant.
By Car
From the North
Join Interstate 5. Take exit 167, signed Mercer Street/Seattle Center. Turn right onto Fairview Av. Then the first left onto Valley St. Carry along Valley Street which merges into Broad Street. At the waterfront make a left onto Alaskan Way. Immediately before the cruise port building, take a left onto Wall St to access the cruise terminal garage.
From the South
From Interstate 5 leave at exit 164A signed Dearborn St, James St/Madison St. Follow Madison St/Convention Center signs. Turn left onto Madison Street. Stay on Madison Street until you get to the waterfront. Make a right to join Alaskan Way. Carry on for about a mile, until you pass the cruise port to your left hand side. Make a right onto Wall Street to access Bell Street Pier garage.

Smith Cove

From The Airport
The travel time from Sea-Tac airport to Smith Cove by taxi is around 30 minutes.
By Car
From the North and South
Follow I-5 to exit 167 signed Mercer Street. Take a right turn to join Fairview Av North. Make a left onto Valley Street. Valley Street becomes Broad Street. After the Space needle make a right onto Denny Way. The road bends to the right joining Western Avenue. Western Av joins with Elliott Avenue West. Follow signs marked Magnolia Bridge. Follow signage to Smith Cove Park and cruise terminal.

Introducing Dubai

The City of Dubai forms one of the 7 emirates of the UAE. The city is situated on the shoreline of Arabia. Until the 1950′s Dubai was a quiet trading and fishing port. Today thanks largely to enormous trade wealth a towering conurbation has formed. All around is taller, bigger, and more spectacular. Glass towers emerge out of the bleak desert and dreamworld islands have been built offshore, formed like palm trees or unbelievably a map of the world.

Dubai is now an extensive trading area and has become the most important commercial centre in the vicinity. The city has the nickname the ‘City of Merchants’, due to the massive quantity of trade, or alternatively ‘City of Gold’, because of its enormous tax-free Gold shops. Dubai’s most distinctive element is its fabulously over-the-top hotels and its vast shopping centres, certain to astonish even the enthusiastic traveler.

Weather conditions are extremely hot to the extent that all buildings are air-conditioned. In winter, Dubai is just right, warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoors. From April onwards the temperature can reach 100°F and it is tiringly muggy.

Dubai Cruise Terminal

In 2010 a brand new cruise ship facility was inaugurated as part of an extensive reworking of the old Rashid dock. The new passenger terminal spans 3,450 square metres and is intended to manage four ships at once thus enabling an increase in the number of visiting cruise ships. Characteristic arches, inscriptions and domes are the chief architectural elements of the exterior. This facade echoes current Arabic style, and reflects Dubai’s rich heritage as a sea port.

The terminal provides many facilities like business center, currency exchange, duty free shop, a post office, ATM machines and souvenir shops.

The cruise terminal offers a free shuttle bus service to the city center.

For the port website, see Dubai Tourism.

Itineraries Available

The most popular itinerary is a circuit of the Gulf of Arabia visiting beautiful ports like Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Fujairah. More extended sailings to Far East and India are also on offer. A further possibility is a sailing to the Mediterranean sea. To check on the full range of cruises on offer, see cruises from Dubai

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

Dubai Creek and Creekside Park
Dubai Creek, which separates Dubai’s Bur Dubai and Deira districts, is a saltwater inlet which is busy daily with ships sailing between Dubai and East Africa, India and Arabia. Take a water taxi for a trip up the Creek and back. Next walk the length of the waterfront promenade, which runs between the shores of the Gulf and verdant Creekside Park. Where the tourist will find a cafe, gardens, mini-golf and fishing piers.

Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to protect against storming by warring tribes. These days it presents the history, culture and traditions of Dubai. Visitors get a feel for desert life. The museum’s galleries recreate traditional Arab houses, souks, date farms, pearl diving and mosques. Situated on the south bank of Dubai creek.

Spice Souk
At the tiny alleys of the spice market, you will savour the feeling and the smell of the past. Colorful bags of aromatic oils, medicinal herbs, incense, fragrances, flower petals and spices are on show outside every shop. Situated by the Gold Souk.

Gold Souk
Whether or not you are intending to buy, a walk through the glittering Gold Souk is a must. The stores sell incredible quantities of diamonds, precious gems, silver, platinum and gold. It’s a sensible idea to negotiate. Along the alleys of the gold souk, each store front is crammed with gold watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Gold prices are very reasonable. Situated on the waterfront of Dubai Creek.

Burj Khalifa
At 160 stories and over 800 metres Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Visitors can stop at the observation deck on level 124 and the restaurant on level 122. Access is by the lower ground story of the Dubai Mall.

Bastakia Quarter
The old Bastakia Quarter is a reminder of the days when the city was a small seafront port. Stroll the narrow streets and witness the beautiful houses with their functional towers that directed the breeze downwards to the home so providing cooling. The Quarter is positioned just north of Dubai creek.

Burj Al Arab hotel
The fantastic Burj Al Arab is the highlight of the Dubai skyline. Some would say it’s seven star rating ridiculous, but nobody would deny its ambitious design. The only way to visit without paying for a room is to book a table at one of the hotel’s pricey eating places.

Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeirah Beach boasts fine soft sand and turquoise seas. It is sometimes a little crowded. You will find food outlets, picnic tables, lifeguards, restrooms, showers and play area. Mondays are reserved for women and children. The park is sited 1 mile south of the cruise terminal.

The Desert
See the desert around the city with a 4 wheel drive safari. After the exciting drive call at a traditional Bedouin encampment and eat a feast with some possibly authentic belly dancing for entertainment.

Mall of the Emirates
The vast center is among the biggest anywhere, and features a theater, a cinema multiplex, fine art gallery, 80 restaurants, a ski dome and two mosques. But the stores are the main magnet for tourists. There are more than 400 retail outlets offering every brand you can imagine.

Getting To The Cruise Port

Dubai Airport is situated about 3 miles to the north of the city’s center. The new airport is at Jebel Ali about 20 miles south of the city’s center. There’s not much in the way of public transport available, so the easiest way to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal is by cab.

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Introducing Vancouver

Vancouver is counted among the world’s most beautiful cities, framed between high mountains, tall trees, and pristine ocean beaches. The city is positioned astride the Burrard peninsula on the western coast of Canada. The city is bounded by the Fraser river to the south, the Burrard inlet to the north and the Salish sea to the west.

In the 19th century the need for timber was enormous, and the tall Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir woods in the region formed an unused source. Lumbering enterprises arrived to benefit from nature’s bounty. The town of Granville was established beside Burrard Inlet to service the busy woodcutting and woodsawing industries. In 1871 Granville was picked as the terminus for the new Canadian Pacific Railway trans Canada train. In 1886 the city’s name was changed, despite widespread protests to Vancouver, and the first ever CPR train pulled into the brand new railway terminal. Further on in the same year the city was almost entirely destroyed when the Great Vancouver fire swept through the center.

Vancouver carried on growing throughout the twentieth century, entering the twenty-first century as a world center for industry, marketing and communication.

The city’s excellent deep anchorage has always had an important role in its expansion. Initially timber and wheat were the most important goods transferred onto ships at the docks. Also the port functioned as a base for smaller boats transporting goods to townships further north. Descriptions of awe-inspiring coastal landscapes came back with the travelers on these ships. In the early 1900s Canadian Pacific Steamers, Canadian National Steamers and Union Steamship were selling week long summer cruises following the coastline to Alaska. Although just 2 vessels running summer cruises to Alaska were left by the 1950s.

1957 saw the founding of Alaska Cruise Lines, which operated the Glacier Queen and Yukon Star. The company, now called Cruise West, was sold to Holland America in 1971. Seeing the the popularity of such modest cruises, Holland America sailed their newest ship Prinsendam to Vancouver in 1975. Before long Princess joined HAL, sending two cruise ships, which in turn attracted other lines to station ships in Vancouver for the season.

Cruise passenger numbers carried on growing reaching the seven figure mark in 2000. But the advent of Seattle into the Alaskan cruise market in 2000 stopped Vancouver’s growth dead. By 2010 Vancouver passenger numbers had fallen to just a little bit more than half of the 2000 total.

Vancouver Cruise Terminals

Vancouver offers two cruise ports. Canada Place, by the center of the city, and Ballantyne, a mile eastwards of the city center. Prior to boarding, every passenger is obliged to clear US customs, shortening procedures at Alaskan ports. Alternatively US passengers transferring from the airport can opt for the US Direct Program, allowing for fast-track customs clearance.

Canada Place
Canada Place is positioned on the site of CPR terminus pier B-C, which allowed for rapid transit of corn from rail to waiting merchant ships. The terminal is housed in the former Canada Pavilion from Expo 86, with its a distinctive five sail profile, echoing the city’s rich maritime tradition. Also within the complex are a World Trade Center office, a big VINCI car park, Port Metro Vancouver corporate offices and a Pan-Pacific hotel. Available facilites include a snack bar, security, customs, baggage carts and restrooms. The terminal has three cruise ship berths.

Ballantyne
Ballantyne terminal was enlarged and redesigned in 1995, and today offers speedy cruise ship passenger handling. Because of its history as a goods port, the terminal location has a very industrial looking look. Facilities available include food and drink shops, luggage carts, restrooms, taxi ranks, security and customs. The cruise port has just one main berth.

For the Port Website see Port Metro Vancouver.

Itineraries Available

The winters in Alaska are cold and long, so Vancouver’s cruise season is almost completely May through to September. Nearly all the cruises which depart out of Vancouver make by navigating the famous Inside Passage route, arriving at Queen Charlotte Sound by majestic Discovery Passage. Seasick prone people will be thankful for the gentler seas of this route as against that of the Pacific ocean route taken by Seattle cruises.

A favorite itinerary is the 6 night return cruise with calls at Skagway, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau and Glacier Bay. You’ll see characterful port towns, spectacular coastal and mountain landscapes and mighty glaciers falling into the ocean.

An alternative is to take a 7 day one way voyage from Vancouver visiting Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway and Ketchikan before sailing across the Gulf of Alaska to end up at Seward or Whittier. The return trip can be by another cruise, or by aeroplane back from Anchorage. A one way cruise enables you to make your vacation longer with a trip into the magnificent interior of Alaska.

At the end of the cruise season a range of memorable repositioning cruise itineraries are on offer: to places like California, Florida and Hawaii.

To check on the full range of cruises available, see cruises from Vancouver.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

Harbour Center Tower
Standing 581 feet high the Harbour Centre Tower is the highest structure in British Columbia. Take the 50-second glass elevator to the top floor and enjoy an all around vista the city, the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet.

Gastown
The 19th century roots of Vancouver lie in the historic district of Gastown. Though the original timber houses were totally destroyed in the1886 fire. See the quirky steam clock toot and the edifice of ‘Gassy Jack’ then have a well-earned break at a friendly café.

Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the largest urban park in North America. It’s home to the Vancouver Aquarium and an interesting assortment of native American Totems. Keen hikers can contour the 6 mile sea wall, along a pathway which offers magnificent views over the sea.

Vancouver Aquarium
Tour Vancouver Aquarium and experience sealife close encounters, with beluga whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sea lions. Children will love Clownfish Cove, with its sea cucumbers, sea stars, clownfish and sea urchins.

Grouse Mountain
Vancouver’s very own winter ski mountain is popular in summer as well. Summertime attractions include llumberjack competitions, helicopter tours, paragliding, birds in motion, ziplining and hiking. See bears and wolves in the 5 acre Refuge for Endangered Species. Bus 236 from Lonsdale Quay stops at Grouse Mountain, journey time around 20 minutes. A short ride on the gondola takes you to the high cable car station.

Getting To The Cruise Port

By Car From the USA
Canada Place
Head across the US/Canadian Border via Interstate 5. This becomes Route 99. Carry on driving north crossing the Oak Street Bridge. Make a left turn on 70th Ave. After half-a-mile make a right on Granville Street. Carry on northwards across the Granville Street Bridge. Continue straight on by taking the Seymour Street exit. Drive north along Seymour Street until you reach West Cordova St. Make a left onto West Cordova St. After 2 blocks turn right on Howe Street, and after a block you’ll get to Canada Place. Parking are available at the Vinci car park.
Ballantyne
Head across the US/Canadian Border on Interstate 5. I-5 turns into Rte 99. Exit at junction 36 and make a right onto Route 1. Then make a left onto Knight Street. Knight Street will become Clark Drive. Continue north on Clark to its end next turn right onto Stewart St. Proceed about half a mile to arrive at Ballantyne. There is no parking at the terminal, but an idea is cruisepark, situated on the waterfront between Ballantyne and Canada Place.

By Air
From Vancouver International Airport
The modern Canada Line Skytrain offers a efficient connection from the airport to Waterfront station with a journey time of half-an-hour. Trains are frequent. Canada Place cruise terminal is a short walk from the station. Though Ballantyne is a taxi ride away. An alternative is to take a taxi from the airport to your cruise terminal. It takes around half-an-hour.

Introducing San Juan

In 1508 the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon founded the town of Caparra near to a protected bay on the north coastline of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the town was moved to the present location of Old San Juan. During the early sixteenth century, San Juan was the base for Spanish expeditions to far flung regions of the New World.

Today the old section of San Juan is steeped in rich history with over 400 original Spanish 17th century town houses. It also contains many shops, casinos and restaurants for the visitor to enjoy.

San Juan Cruise Terminals

San Juan port is split into 3 areas. Old San Juan quays 1 thru 6, the Navy Frontier pier, and the Pan American pier. Normally cruise ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so the passengers have easy access to Old San Juan. Ships homeporting from San Juan may use the Pan American Pier, about 2 miles from Old San Juan. For the port website see Port Of San Juan.

Itineraries Available

Many seasoned cruisers pick San Juan as an alternative to a Florida departure port. Thanks to its central Caribbean position, San Juan provides easy access to interesting Southern Caribbean ports, such as the Windward Isles and the Netherland Antilles. A short flight removes the need for the long cruise to these ports from mainland US. The choice of cruises available from Puerto Rico includes the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). Several cruiselines operate cruises from San Juan, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. A comprehensive list of cruises available can be seen at San Juan cruises.

Things To Do In San Juan

Charming Old San Juan stands atop a hill facing the Atlantic Ocean northwards, and the bay southwards. This walled fortified city, today an important historical landmark, was founded in 1510. It’s a small area, quick to walk around. If your energy runs out take the free bus that runs between sights. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets and investigate the brightly colored houses, chic boutiques, and visit the informative museums.

El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating from 1539, defends San Juan from sea attack. Its complete name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the patron saint of King Philip of Spain. You’ll find six levels of gun emplacements and huge stone walls that loom over the Ocean.

San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort was built in the eighteenth century and has an intricate web of tunnels whose original function is mostly a mystery.

La Fortaleza
Don’t miss La Fortaleza, San Juan’s oldest fortification, constructed in 1540. Later it was to become the governor’s official residence. Daily tours take you through the luxurious interior, with gilded banqueting hall, tall galleries, and rooms decorated in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan
This marvelous cathedral was built in 1592, on the site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed by a storm. Located on Calle Cristo, this neoclassical building contains the crypt of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish seaman, and the first governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
Every beach in San Juan is public, and Escambrion beach, on the Atlantic coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the city. It’s quick to get to, and offers wonderful views along the coast to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coastline, is also worth a visit.

Shopping
Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is to be found in the many stores along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. As an alternative visit the two markets to find a wide range of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One of the markets is situated at the Plaza de la Darsena, in front of pier 1, the other on the Paseo de la Princesa, a short distance west of pier 1.

Further Afield

El Yunque
The one and only tropical rain forest in the US National Forest system. Located about 45 minutes from San Juan.

Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
A awe-inspiring ecological reserve encompassing seven tropical habitats. Be warned though, visitor numbers are restricted, so advanced booking is needed.

Getting To San Juan Cruise Port From The Airport

San Juan airport is located approximately 9 miles from the Pan American quay and twelve miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes about 40 minutes for the cab trip. The fare is around thirty dollars, but supplemental charges may apply for luggage.

Further Information

Currency USD
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time GMT-4
Language Spanish and English