SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Tuesday, June 2, 1998

Noon - 8:00 PM

8 Hours - The Ship Will Dock

DINING OPTIONS

Dress suggestion for this evening:  CASUAL - Sundresses or slacks & blouses for women; Sports shirts, & trousers for men.

(Guests are kindly requested not to wear Tank Tops and Shorts in the dining Room at Dinner)

"America The Beautiful" is the dinner theme.

ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

A Brief History of San Juan

Average Temperature in April:  87

Language:  Spanish & English

            Columbus, accompanied by a young nobleman, Juan Ponce de León, arrived in Puerto Rico on 19 November 1493.  Attracted by tales of gold, Ponce obtained permission to colonize Boriquén (or Boriken), as it was called by the natives.  Boriquén (later altered to Borinquén in poetry) meant ‘land of the great lord’ and was called that because of the belief that the god, Juracan, lived on the highest peak of the island and controlled the weather from there.  The word ‘hurricane’ is derived from this god’s name.  In 1508 Ponce de León established the first settlement at Caparra, a small village not far from the harbor of San Juan.  A year later the Spanish Crown appointed him the first Governor.  In 1521, however, the settlement was moved to the present site of Old San Juan as the former site was declared unhealthy.  In that year Ponce de León was mortally wounded in the conquest of Florida.

            Because of Puerto Rico’s excellent location at the gateway to Latin America, it played an important part in defending the Spanish empire against attacks from French, English and Dutch invaders.  After the Spanish-American war, Spain ceded the island to the United States in 1898.  The inhabitants became US citizens in 1917, with their own Senate and House of Delegates, and in 1948, for the first time, they elected their own Governor, who is authorized to appoint his Cabinet and members of the island’s Supreme Court.  In 1952 Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth voluntarily associated with the United States.

Excursions Available In San Juan

New And Old San Juan City Tour

2 hours, $23.00

Experience both modern and colonial San Juan during this excursion. You will visit Fort San Cristobal, a 17th-century military fortification, the largest ever built by the Spanish. The Spaniards built San Cristobal and the city walls to defend San Juan from attack. You'll have time to explore the tunnels and other ingenious defenses. You'll also see such historic landmarks as the San José Church, the Governor's Mansion, the Cristo Chapel, El Convento Hotel and other historical areas. You'll also visit the Condado section of New San Juan, with its rows of modern condominiums and luxury hotels.

You have the option of ending the tour in the shopping area of Old San Juan and returning to the ship independently, or returning directly to the ship.

Note: Guests taking this tour at the end of their cruise will complete the tour at the airport.

Old San Juan Walking Tour

2 hours, $30.00 Adult / $20.00 Child

Old San Juan, the second-oldest European settlement in the New World, offers visitors a glimpse of the past. Accompanied by your guide, your walking tour begins with a short mini-bus ride to San Felipe El Morro, the most dramatic of all the city's military fortifications. After touring this amazing fort, you will pass many historic buildings. You'll visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks, Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church and San Juan Cathedral. You will end the tour at Cristo Chapel, very near the main shopping area of the city. At the conclusion of the tour, transportation will be provided to the ship, or you can remain in town and return independently.

El Yunque Rain Forest Tour

4 1/2 hours, $29.00

A popular side trip out of San Juan is to El Yunque Rain Forest. During the 1-hour drive you'll pass several towns and rural communities en route to one of Puerto Rico's finest spots of natural beauty. El Yunque encompasses 28,000 acres and reaches an elevation of 3,526 feet, so it is pleasantly cool. The rain forest averages 200 inches of rainfall a year, making the tropical woodlands lush. Upon arrival at "Baño Grande," a natural swimming pool, you will depart on a 25-minute walk on "Camimitillo" trail. Along the way you'll see the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot, flora and fauna of the "Palo Colorado" forest, and other forest inhabitants. You will make a short stop at the interpretive station before re-boarding buses for a short ride to the "Yohaku" observation tower. You'll stop at "Coca" waterfall for picture-taking and a quick splash in the waters once believed to be the fountain of youth.

Note: Guests taking this tour at the end of their cruise will complete the tour at the airport.

Bacardi® Rum Distillery Tour

2 hours, $19.00

Learn about San Juan history and the development of its unique sugar cane drink on this informative tour. At the Bacardi plant, see giant fermenting tanks that turn sugar cane into molasses and finally into rum. Follow the process from vat to barrel to bottle, and then have a chance to sample the results. Visit the Bacardi shops and museum which includes the history of the Bacardi family. At the conclusion of the tour you can return to the ship, or be dropped off in town and return on your own.

Caraballi Horseback Riding

4 1/2 hours, $55.00

This tour is an exhilarating way to explore the Puerto Rican countryside. You'll travel one hour to the foothills of El Yunque Rain Forest for a memorable horseback ride in a unique natural environment. Upon arrival you'll be assigned a horse and given basic riding instruction. On a gentle but spirited steed, you'll ride around the edge of El Yunque and the banks of the Espiritu Santo River. After about one hour, you'll come to a natural swimming hole located in the river.

Enjoy a rum punch, swim and listen to tropical music before re-boarding your horse for a short ride back to the stable. Long pants, enclosed shoes and a swimsuit are recommended. Trails may be muddy.

Latin Fiesta Show

2 1/4 hours, $29.00

Sip a complimentary cocktail while watching an exciting, high energy, Latin fiesta show including the singing and dancing talents of Juan Carlos. See dancers perform modernized, slightly risqué versions of the Mambo, Rumba, Samba, Conga, and of course, the Flamenco. The tour includes transportation, one beverage and gratuities.

4 hours, $38.00

Hotel/Show Package: For your added enjoyment, you can extend your tour and enjoy use of this beach front hotel's facilities including a lounge chair, use of the pool, and time for casino play. Total price, including the hotel and show package, is listed below:

Golf Ahoy!

Cerromar Beach

$80.00-$130.00

Play Cerromar Beach North which is 6,841 yards, or Cerromar Beach South which is 7,047 yards. Both are par-72 and have wide fairways with a few traps strategically placed in front of the greens. The North Course is open and spacious, with lots of water. The South Course plays into the wind going out, with the wind at your back coming in.

Transportation, greens fees and shared golf cart are included.

Hyatt Dorado Beach

$90.00-$135.00

Built by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Dorado challenges players at every skill level. The links feature such classic Trent Jones signatures as massive greens, plenty of gleaming white traps and famed "runaway" tees stretching straight out toward the fairway 100 yards or more. Man-made water hazards abound.

Transportation, greens fees and shared golf cart are included.