We are on a 4 day Caribbean cruise end of March on the Diamond. The cruise starts and ends in San Juan. It arrives at 8am. The cruise line suggests a 11am or later departure. I'm looking at a 10:35 with the airline.

My question is: what has been the actual experience of other travelers on when they typically get off the ship with customs, etc. ?

Wayne,

We have cruised on board the Diamond twice. You are going to love it!!!!! As I recall, getting off the ship was a breeze, and there were cabs available. However, the San Juan airport can be a mess at times. You may be cutting it close.

Betty

On all but one of my 3 Diamond cruises, we have arrived on time as I remember. Once coming into San Juan we were at least 1 1/2 hrs. late. If the ship is sailing against heavy sea currents, (we have joked about this before) you feel somewhat like you are on a stationary bicycle pedaling like crazy and getting nowhere. Both times in San Juan, we arrived at the pier that is right in the downtown area and there were taxi's readily available. Not sure what it is like at the other port that is a few minutes outside the downtown. As I remember, the airport is not more than 25 minutes away.

10.35 is close. I am surpised they even say 11.00 am I thought it was noon.

Yes it is only 20 minutes away but plan on 30 loading bags in the cab etc.

You should be at the airport at the VERY latest by 9.30 to sure of clearing check in security etc. That is only ONE HOUR before departure. You really should be there by 9.00 am.

That means you need to leave the dock by 8.30 to 9.00 am. If there is ANY delay in the ship docking or clearing (some foreigner who does NOT go to the lounge when called so the ship cannot clear) or heavy currents and a late arrival, then you could have a problem. That is really only a 30 to 60 minute window.

If there is a flight right after 10.35am then you can (a) risk it or (b) take a later flight if you miss it or (c) take the later flight and dont stress over it.

Your call - it is tight.

I was on a 10:30 flight on DDD. I did not preorder transportation as I was told there would always be tons of cabs. I was the third person to disembark and there were NO cabs, not one, and none in sight. The local person in the taxi booth just shrugged his shoulders and wouldn't call any. I waited for close to 35 minutes, at that point the Diamond tour director put me on a RSSC shuttle to the airport with others waiting for taxis. I made my flight, but I was sweating bullets...

This is exactly what I was looking for perspective. Thanks to all!

We opted for a 5pm flight out of PR rather than stress over one of those tight calls. Should you do that, there is a company called Audioguia (or something like that). Found them on the CC boards under PR Ports of Call. Anyway, they met us at the ship, stored our luggage, dropped us off in Old San Juan, picked us up at a prearranged time and place later in the day, and took us and our luggage to the airport. Total cost was $22.00!

It made for a long day but it was relatively stress free. :app:

What great info Bonnie. We opted for a late flight out of PR and just waited at the airport.