Extra days stay in port city - pre or post a cruise ?

Question

We're looking to add on 2-3 days in San Juan, PR and looking for advice on staying pre or post a 7 night cruise.

Any thoughts ? TIA

Answer 1

There are two schools of thought on the pre or post cruise stays. Many people prefer pre cruise stays to insure they are on time for the departure and do not have to deal with potential flight delays. It will also enable them to book the flights themselves and save a lot of money (Vs. letting the cruise line book the flights) I personally prefer post cruise stays as it allows you to have extra time on land to wind down before you have to head back home. It also lets you arrange better return flights.

Answer 2

San Juan is really a beautiful place, however, be aware of the poverty and pick-pockets. I would always book before the cruise, it is naturally a funner time since the cruise is about to start...whereas at the end you are thinking about all the things that you are going home to.

And don't cruise with Carnival, they are awful to deal with if anything goes wrong.

Answer 3

Personally I prefer a pre cruise stay. I stayed in San Juan prior to a cruise and plan to do it again for my next cruise in a few months. I like to stay before because I feel it gives you more time to unwind and relax prior to the cruise. A lot of the time, prior to the cruise you are excited and cant wait to go and relax and explore, and that excitement guides you during that pre cruise stay. Usually after the cruise the excitement is gone and you are so worn out from all the fun you had that the last thing you want to do is go explore another place. You feel just ready to head home. Also with staying before you aren't bogged down with all the stuff you bought on the cruise. Actually with staying before I loved it because it allowed me to lighten my load even more. Prior to the cruise I shipped home stuff I felt I may not need and stuff I bought In PR, so I had a lot of space in my bags to carry things bought on the cruise. Another reason is that people tend to overspend on the cruise. If you stay before you can enjoy yourself without worrying whether or not you have enough money, and thinking about how much you spent on the cruise.