The US territory of Puerto Rico marks the 8th day of our 21 day cruise. I still wonder at what we were thinking during a spike in the pandemic. But, I have to tell you, except for a couple of schedule adjustments, everything has been great. The Crystal cruise line has lived up to its reputation as a high end ultra luxury adventure. And I still feel safe. On Sunday, we took a walkabout tour of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Covid Update
On Thursday, all continuing on passengers got to enjoy a free covid fast test. The results were back in 15 minutes and we were both negative again. All the crew and onboarding passengers were also tested. So, those making it on board were 100% clear. Not sure how many, if any, passengers tested positive. They did announce that one crew member was positive.
We continue to wear contact tracer wrist bands that look like a watch. Also, hand sanitizers at every entrance and exit. Temps are scanned daily and masks are worn except when eating or drinking.
But, we are taking excursions out into each port and being among locals and other cruisers. Ample opportunity to pick up something, but it will have to get through the masks and sanitizers. So far, so good.
San Juan
This stop marks the end of the first week and beginning of week #2. The three weeks of cruising are actually three separate cruises, but with all different itineraries. It was sold and packaged as a 21 day cruise with 14 stops, but could also be three one-week cruises as well.
We had something like 90 people disembark at San Juan and only 45 people get on, so our total passenger count is down to 312 now. For a ship and crew set up for 900 people. We have 4-5 waiters at times ready to pounce. The service is spectacular.
We came to San Juan on our last cruise in Jan 2020. Just before the bug was discovered. And the same as last time, we just walked around the Old Historic San Juan. Checking out all the cool buildings, a couple of churches, some of the old fort, had lunch and a beer while out, and came back on board by 3pm. Four hours of walking in the heat was plenty.
Founded in 1521, the capital city now has 335,000 people and sits on the island’s Atlantic coast. Cobblestoned Old San Juan features colorful Spanish colonial buildings and 16th-century landmarks including El Morro and La Fortaleza, massive fortresses with sweeping ocean views, as well as the Paseo de la Princesa bayside promenade.
This is an outside cafe almost hidden by planters 
A laundry place 
The streets were mostly all made of old brick 
Not sure about that 
Having a tasting 
Iglesia de San Jose 
Part of the old fort 
We are wearing SPF jackets to prevent sunburn. 
San Juan Cathedral 
Sunset from our private verandah
Thanks for following along. I hope the winter storm is not too bad for family and friends in Virginia. Take care and God Bless.
Looks like fun. We remember it well. We had 9 hours on that island on our cruise. Interesting story as we were met at the dock by around 75 FBI agents. We had more time on the island while they searched the ship top to bottom looking for a missing passenger that never turned up. He was the groom of the wedding party that was to happen on the same island.
Hope you don’t have the same type of experience.
Robert
I think that I remember that being in the news. Thanks