Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. Cruise ships travelling the Caribbean circuit nearly always spend time in the port of San Juan, and often start their journeys from it. Other ships tend to begin a Caribbean cruise in Florida, but include San Juan in their itineraries. As it’s such a popular route, there are many lots of cruise offers available for trips using it. San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico makes for a very attractive cruise destination, as it offers a combination of both the old and the new world. It holds much of interest for visitors from both Europe and North America. For Europeans, it is a window into how European culture was first exported to the New World back in the sixteenth century, and how that culture then merged with native and African cultures. For Americans, it is a glimpse into a unique part of the US which few US citizens ever get to see.

San Juan is one of the busiest ports in Latin America, with both cruise and cargo ships arriving and departing from it. Most of the cruise ships dock within an easy walk of Old San Juan, a few will dock across the bay at Isla Grande, a short taxi ride away. You may just have a day or two in San Juan, during your cruise, or you may have the opportunity to explore for longer, especially if your trip begins or ends there.

History

Old San Juan’s big draw for visitors is its history. European settlement dates from 1521, making it the oldest settlement in the US. It is full of atmosphere, with Old San Juan having a distinctly Spanish feel. Its narrow, cobblestoned streets are lined with colourful old colonial houses, which give way to attractive squares. Old San Juan is on an island and bounded by thick city walls, built to keep enemies out and secure the life of the colony. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a wonderful place just to wander around, soaking up the atmosphere. Pavement cafes are great places just to stop for a while and watch the world go by. To get an idea of San Juan life over the years, visit some of the city’s ’boutique’ museums. These are small, backstreet museums which often have exhibits about a particular period or aspect of San Juan or Puerto Rican history, and can be fascinating.

There are some must-see historic buildings in Old San Juan. Most well known is La Fortaleza (‘the fortress’) which was the first fortification to be built in the city. Today it is the residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, but much of it is open to the public. Other fortresses include Morro Castle and Fort San Cristobal. There are also many attractive churches in Old San Juan, such as the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, one of the city’s oldest buildings. It houses the tomb of the founder of the settlement, Juan Ponce de Leon.

Culture

Old San Juan is not just about historic sights. Take some time to get to know the place as the locals do. Start with the food: there are many excellent restaurants in the old city, serving up lots of local favourites. Food in Puerto Rico combines Spanish, American, African and native Taino flavours. Popular dishes include asopao (a chunky, spicy soup), spicy meat stews and chillis, fried fish and Spanish style omlettes. Find a backstreet restaurant and take advice on the best dishes to try: every restaurant will have its own specialities.

After you’ve eaten, try out the local bars: Old San Juan really comes to life after dark. There are numerous bars in the city playing various types of traditional Latin music and really popular with locals: they’re not just tourist haunts. Another popular after-dinner passtime is to wander along the Paseo de la Princesa – the seafront promenade. It is lined with trees and food vendors, and is always packed with both locals and tourists out enjoying an evening stroll.

If you begin or end your cruise in San Juan, then take some time to explore the rest of Puerto Rico, with its beautiful scenery and unique culture. If you just have a quick stop-off in the city, then make the most of it: San Juan is a rewarding slice of Puerto Rican culture that you’ll remember forever.

The revolution started 12 months and 500 deal-a-day websites ago known as social buying just got an upgrade with the introduction of FlightsUnite.com.  This upgrade is like going from the cargo cabinet with the pets and the luggage to the first row in first class.  FlightsUnite, www.flightsunite.com, is a legitimate – social – buying experience in which the focus is concentrated on the consumer.  With FlightsUnite, travel groups are started by users, promoted by users, and designed by users who are planning to visit a certain destination.

Barbara Tripp (lol, as in trip, get it?), for instance, wants to go to London, England sometime soon.  She then starts a Destination Group on FlightsUnite to see who else in the world wants to go to England.  Anyone in the world can join, isn’t that incredible? Then, as a group, FlightsUnite organizes deals for accommodations and everything else in London for group members to purchase.

Brilliant!!! As they say on those beer commercials.  An obvious evolution in consumer behavior since the advent of instant global communications. This is a no-brainer.  Where can I buy a .0001% share in this company?

Travel buying groups to destinations throughout the world are now uniting on FlightsUnite.com

The Wyndham Rio Mar Resort and Spa located in Rio Grande, PR has made the first offer to the more than 1300 members of the FlightsUnite Puerto Rico group discounted room rates and other great perks to members of the social buying travel website FlightsUnite, www.flightsunite.com

The FlightsUnite Rio Mar package includes:

• A $165 anytime per night room rate.
• Free breakfast buffet for two each day at the Mirabella Restaurant
• VIP Card giving the FlightsUnite member 25% off spa treatments, tennis, golf, water sports, cabana rentals, and more.
• A $55 rate for transportation from SJU to the Rio Mar for up to 5 persons.
• $20 off per person for an East Wind Catamaran snorkeling excursion
• Discounts of up to 60% off local restaurants.
• 25% off local taxi service.

And much more.

*Booking ends April 30, 2011 for travel dates from April 1 – Dec. 23, 2011

If you aren’t one of the 1,300 members who joined this Rio Mar buying group on FlightsUnite.com already, don’t fret my friends.  Ya’ all still have until April 30th to join the group and take advantage of the great discounts being offered by the Rio Mar and other Puerto Rico businesses.  Registration is free.

Just click on this link,   http://www.flightsunite.com/packages/rio+mar+resort+and+spa/ to get info on joining the Puerto Rico group and purchasing this great social buying deal. And no, the group doesn’t have to travel together, to answer the question that just crossed your mind.

If the world’s internet users spread the word, this concept works for all involved and will be here to stay.

If you would like to go to Las Vegas in the coming months, join the Las Vegas destination group.  What about Disney World, or New York City?  Join those groups.  As the group size grows, so does the group’s power to negotiate.  After a deal has been struck with one of the area’s top resort or hotel, an email will be sent notifying you of the offering and how to purchase.  It’s that easy.  Just join a destination group, or start one, and FlightsUnite does the rest. Well, the world’s internet users could help make this happen a lot easier by spreading the word about FlightsUnite and this unique social buying experience.

Lets unite as one and save a ton

El Pedregal Hotel está localizado en el área oeste de Puerto Rico, una de las áreas turísticas con mayor crecimiento en la actualidad. Famosa por sus reconocidas playas para la práctica del Surfing, restaurantes y entretenimiento. El pedregal hotel ofrece un ambiente familiar rodeado de montañas, verdor y tranquilidad.

El Pool & Snack Bar La Galeta Terrace & Splash Cocktails ofrece variados snacks y refrescantes bebidas. Nuestra piscina les provee a nuestros huéspedes un área perfecta para nadar o simplemente tomar sol. Además, el área de descanso en el patio les permite a nuestros huéspedes almorzar, tomar cócteles o celebrar cenas románticas en la noche.

I Facilidades
Contamos con 27 espaciosas habitaciones las cuales están diseñadas con el propósito de satisfacer las necesidades de todos nuestros visitantes, proveyéndoles un ambiente relajado y cómodo.

Nuestro Restaurante completamente remodelado ofrece una extensa variedad en comidas criollas e internacionales.

El Pool & Snack Bar La Galeta Terrace & Splash Cocktails ofrece variados snacks y refrescantes bebidas.

Nuestra piscina les provee a nuestros huéspedes un área perfecta para nadar o simplemente tomar sol.

El área de descanso en el patio les permite a nuestros huéspedes almorzar, tomar cócteles o celebrar cenas románticas en la noche.

También puede pasar una tarde divertida en nuestra área de juegos y disfrutar en nuestras estupendas instalaciones para actividades y reuniones.

No importa cual sea la razón de su visita familiar o de negocios, siempre encontrará algo divertido e interesante que hacer en el área oeste.

For More information visit their website: www.hotelelpedregal.com
Tell them you found them on Boricua.com

What is Puerto Rico? It is an Island teeming with beauty and vitality. Some of it is Spanish, some Indian, some African and some…something else. Somehow, it all blends together into a culture that you will find fascinating and one of a kind

The mixture of these three cultures, Indian, Spanish and African, formed the Puerto Rico character. Yet, Puerto Rico has been a part of the United States since 1898 and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.

If you are planning a wedding, retreat, business trip, family vacation or a romantic getaway, our Hotel is the ideal place. There are two restaurants on the premises where you can enjoy a delightful meal.

The Star Fish Restaurant, which was awarded by the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico as a “Meson Gastronomico”, serves you international, creole and seafood cuisine. The Blue Iguana Mexican Grill & Bar serves Tex-Mex dishes. Have we set the mood yet? Call or click to make your dreams come true! And… Bienvenidos!

For More information visit their website: www.fajardoinn.com
Tell them you found them on Boricua.com ]]> http://boricua.com/travel/fajardo-inn-puerto-real-puerto-rico/feed 0 http://boricua.com/travel/mayaguez-resort-and-casino http://boricua.com/travel/mayaguez-resort-and-casino#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:33:29 +0000 boricua01 http://boricua.com/?p=1139
The Mayaguez Resort & Casino
Route 104, Km. 0.3, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00680
P.O. Box 3781, Mayagüez, P.R. 00681
Phone: (787) 832-3030 Fax: (787) 265-3020
Toll Free: 1(888)689-3030reservations@mayaguezresort.com
www.mayaguezresort.com

The Mayaguez Resort & Casino is an independently operated, deluxe, full service hotel located in the west coast town of Mayaguez.

The hotel is nestled amid 20 acres of scenic, sunny surroundings with spectacular views of the Bay. It is conveniently located 15 minutes from the center of town and the University of PR, Mayaguez Campus; 10 minutes from the Puerto Rico Zoo; 15 minutes from the local Eugenino Maria de Hostos Airport; a 25 minute shuttle flight from the Luis Munoz Marin San Juan Airport; a 45 minutes drive from the regional Rafael Hernandez Airport in the town of Aguadilla; 25 minutes from the Golf course in Joyuda, Cabo Rojo; and a short ride to the most beautiful beaches and tourist attraction areas.

The Mayagüez Resort and Casino offers nine flexible function rooms with a total capacity of 12,144 square feet of meeting space. The Convention Center has a maximum capacity of 9,204 square feet divisible into 4 rooms, allowing us to accommodate 560 persons banquet style and making our facilities the best choice for medium size meetings and conventions on the west side of the island. Please call our Sales & Banquet Department for more information.

For More information visit their website: www.mayaguezresort.com
Tell them you saw them on Boricua.com ]]> http://boricua.com/travel/mayaguez-resort-and-casino/feed 1 http://boricua.com/travel/hosteria-del-mar http://boricua.com/travel/hosteria-del-mar#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:24:15 +0000 boricua01 http://boricua.com/?p=1134 Hosteria del Mar
A Picture Perfect Vacation
HOSTERIA DEL MAR
#1 Tapia Street, Ocean Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico
(787) 727-3302 Fax (787) 268-0772 Toll Free (877) 727-3302
hosteriadelmar@caribe.net
www.hosteriadelmarpr.com

This hidden beauty is right on the beach in Ocean Park. This inn is set in a residential neighborhood that we found by accident. We saw an ad in Que Pasa for their restaurant and went there for dinner. We fell in love with the warmth and coziness of the hotel. We were able to check in the next day and have been back 5 times. If you are looking to avoid the large crowds of the Condado region and you don’t want to rent a condo in Isla Verde, this hotel is for you. You are still a short drive into Old San Juan and about 15 minutes from the airport. Right on the beach within a gated community. The area does get very crowded when there is a holiday, but you can’t beat this location.

Hosteria del Mar has suites and rooms for every need and taste. All furnished and equipped with kitchenettes, air conditioner, TV, cable, Internet access, and a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean from your balcony. Several apartments are also available with separate bedrooms and full kitchens. You are only a few blocks from local shopping or a short drive to the tourist zone in Condado or the Casinos and Clubs in Isla Verde.

UVVA Restaurant is the perfect setting to enjoy the wide variety of dishes served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Select from their menu of Sea Food, Vegetarian, Sandwiches and Soup, or Macrobiotic. Visit the bar for a colorful cocktail, wine or frappe. You can dine in the open air gazebo, have a lite lunch on the patio facing the beach or enjoy a fabulous dinner under the stars right on the beach.

For More information visit their website: www.hosteriadelmarpr.com
or Call them at (877) 727-3302.
Tell them you saw them on Boricua.com ]]> http://boricua.com/travel/hosteria-del-mar/feed 0 http://boricua.com/travel/la-casa-bacardi-historia-y-tradicion-en-puerto-rico http://boricua.com/travel/la-casa-bacardi-historia-y-tradicion-en-puerto-rico#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:59:06 +0000 jefe007 http://boricua.com/?p=324

La extensa destilería de ron Bacardí y el nuevo centro para visitantes de la misma compañía, mejor conocido como Casa Bacardí, constituye, hoy en día, uno de los lugares favoritos para los visitantes que llegan a Puerto Rico. Ubicada en Cataño, a unos quince minutos de San Juan, y vigilada por el imponente Morro de Puerto Rico, la Casa Bacardí, junto a sus empleados, se esmera diariamente en mostrar la historia de uno de los rones más populares del mundo, en informar acerca del espíritu de sus fundadores y acerca de la importancia de la reconocida isla y su destilería en el mercado global.

La popular compañía Bacardí, cuyo símbolo empresarial es el murciélago – por su significado de buena fortuna y porque en las destilerías originales estos abundaban en los oscuros techos – ha invertido unos siete millones de dólares en este centro de visitantes, el cual utiliza un conjunto de tecnologías avanzadas para divertir a sus variados invitados. Se ofrecen dos tours en un pequeño tranvía, uno en inglés y otro en español, y en ambos los visitantes logran apreciar todo el proceso de realizar la olorosa bebida: desde las grandes tinas de fermentación hasta el embotellamiento de las distintas clases de ron.

El tour, bañado en esa famosa brisa tropical puertorriqueña, comienza en el museo de la familia Bacardí, cuyo mayor expositor fue el famoso Facundo Bacardí Massó, y, ahí, los visitantes obtienen un dispositivo auditivo que los coloca frente a frente con los detalles históricos que se encargan de transportarlos a otra época. Siguiendo al Teatro del Murciélago, una película nos informa sobre la historia de la familia Bacardí y el origen de la empresa, todo esto bajo un cielo de estrellas hecho con fibra óptica. El tour continúa con una asombrosa duplicación de la primera destilería, en la cual abundan los inmensos barriles de madera “llenos de ron Bacardí” y donde se encuentra un pequeño cuarto con más objetos históricos que le dan idea a los visitantes de las negociaciones y la tradición que se ha creado en los casi ciento cincuenta años de historia de la destilería. La mitad de la expedición constituye más tecnología, ya queun conjunto de pantallas plasma lo llevan a uno al proceso de fabricación del ron, y unas secciones olfativas lo sumergen a uno en las decenas de aromas de las bebidas Bacardí. Los años dorados de los cócteles Bacardí son recreados en un bar de la década de los treinta, para otorgarle a uno – a través de los relatos de un cantinero – un poco más de la historia de la compañía Bacardí, y luego los visitantes son dirigidos a un iluminado espacio donde se pueden enviar postales de video a los conocidos que no estén ahí con nosotros en ese momento. La excursión finaliza en un impresionante pabellón con la forma de un murciélago volando, donde los invitados se relajan con la vista de un lindo patio colonial y se sientan a saborear dos cócteles Bacardí de forma gratuita. Mientras unos se distraen haciendo esto, otros se dirigen a la tienda de la Casa Bacardí para comprar toda clase de recuerdos: franelas, gorras, vasos, toallas, y, por supuesto,botellas de cualquier bebida Bacardí.

Los tours de la Casa Bacardí son gratis y se realizan cada veinte minutos, de lunes a sábado, desde las 8:30 a.m. hasta las 5:30 p.m., y los domingos, desde las 10:00 a.m. hasta las 5:00 p.m. Las personas interesadas en saber más al respecto pueden llamar al (787) 788-8400 o visitar la página electrónica de la Casa Bacardí: www.casabacardi.org

ENGLISH

La Casa Bacardi

Casa Bacardi

Casa Bacardi is home to the Bacardi family’s extensive rum distillery and a popular Puerto Rican tourist stop. Located in the town of Catano and monitored by the Morro, Casa Bacardi is a fifteen-minute drive from San Juan. Once inside the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center, guides talk about the rich history of one of the world’s most popular rums, the Bacardi founder and the distillery’s impact on the global market. You can learn about how originally with Bacardi Cuba was the location of its origin, and later expanded to Puerto Rico.

The Bacardi Bat is a symbol of good fortune. The abundance of bats on the ceilings of old and dark distilleries is what inspired the Bacardi Bat logo. The Bacardi family has invested approximately seven million dollars into the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center, which utilizes the latest technologies to entertain and educate. Visitors can choose either an English or a Spanish tour onboard a small streetcar. They get to appreciate all the work that goes in to concocting the fragrant liqueur — from the big fermentation barrels to the actual bottling process of the different rums.

Amidst tropical Puerto Rican breezes, the popular tour begins. First stop is the Bacardi Family Museum. The main exhibit is Sr. Facundo Bacardi Masso, here visitors get a detailed and historical overview that almost sends them back in time. Next up is the Bat Theatre, where a movie about the history of the Bacardi family and the launching of the company can be seen under an optical fiber dome that simulates the night sky.

Puerto Rican History

The next stop on the tour takes guests to an amazing replica of the very first Bacardi distillery with huge wood barrels filled with Bacardi rum abounds. A small room filled with even more historical objects gives visitors an idea of the distillery’s almost 150-year-old traditions.

Half of the exposition contains more high technology, such as large plasma TVs that show how the rum is made and olfactory sections that alert visitors to the distinct Bacardi aromas.

A 1930s style bar recreates the golden “cocktail” era, with help from a bartender’s old tales. Later, visitors enter an illuminated room where they can create video postcards to send back home.

The tour ends at an impressive pavilion in the shape of a flying bat. Now visitors can sit and relax in a colonial court and savor two free Bacardi cocktails. While some take time out to relax, others visit the Bacardi House Gift Shop to purchase all kinds of souvenirs: T-shirts, caps, glasses, towels, and, of course Bacardi bottles.

Bacardi House tours are free and take place every twenty minutes, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and again on Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone interested in more information on Bacardi House can call (787) 788-8400

ESPAÑOL

The Casada Rosada – This lovely home, called the Pink House, was built for the Spanish military in 1812 and offers an incredible look at period architecture. Today, the home is used as a daycare center for government employees, though you can gaze with wonder at its beauty any time. This is a great stop on a walking tour of San Juan.

Casa Blanca – Just above Casada Rosada, you’ll find Casa Blanca, the home of the descendents of the first governor, Juan Ponce de Leon. The home served as a residence for almost 300 years, though it has now been converted into a fascinating museum, offering a unique glimpse into family life in the 16th and 17th centuries. Stroll the gardens, examine the exhibits and enjoy the incredible history of this beautiful home.

Plaza de Hostos – Are you looking for great shopping in a cozy atmosphere? This small square is home to pirageros, snack shops, artists and more. Topical shaved ice, local snacks and cuisine and some of the best handcrafted items in Puerto Rico can be found in this one little spot.

San Juan Bay and La Casita – The crafts market outside La Casita is an excellent place to purchase almost anything, while San Juan Bay is fully visible from the area, as well. Head down to the bayside for some of the best shopping in the island. Gold and diamonds, silver and bronze, handicrafts and imported furniture all vie for dominance around the port. Sample amazing local rum, enjoy some of the best dining in the city and much more. This is a perfect starting point for a tour of the city, or a magnificent finish to a day of wonder and enjoyment. For those beginning their exploration here, follow the promenade out for a look at La Muralla, the city wall.

Related Information

San Juan – San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, as well as the capital of refined fun and sophisticated enjoyment. In town, you will find the vast majority of resorts and the finest hotels. You’ll also find a diversity of museums (showing off thousands of years of history), shopping and dining. The best restaurants on the island are located in San Juan, as well as the majority of the shopping. Other towns and cities dot the archipelago, but none compare to the diversity boasted by the capital. In addition, this is the place to find adventure guides, tour guides and charters of all types.

Diving – Diving and snorkeling are popular activities in the islands. You’ll find numerous areas ideal for exploration and fun. A wide array of sea life is native to the area, while you will also find reefs and wrecks that beg your exploration. San Juan is home to numerous dive companies that offer guided tours, equipment rental and even PADI certification for beginners. Charter a diving or snorkeling tour and find out what lie below the azure waters of the Caribbean.

Fishing – As you can imagine, the sea is an integral part of life throughout the territory. Fishing is a major form of subsistence for many islanders, as well as one of the largest industries in Puerto Rico. Fishing tours offer you the chance to snare game fish like sailfish, marlin, sharks and much more. Charters are available in San Juan, as well as throughout the rest of the island. For the adventurous, setting sail in a local fishing, craft can be an incredible adventure. Charters are also available to outlying islands for secluded enjoyment.

Local Festivals – From sailfish fishing festivals to local arts and crafts festivals, you’ll find numerous activities in Puerto Rico throughout the year. Music, dancing, food and merriment are the rules at these gatherings. Whether you want to sample the art and handicrafts of the island or desire to dance the night away around a beach bonfire, you’ll find what you want.