San Juan Murders

TheSkipper · July 20, 2004

Just read in our morning paper (July 20th) that since January 1st, 443 murders have taken place in PR with the majority in San Juan. National Guard Units have been activated to assist Police. This pace is 32 above same time last year and last year the rate was four times the national average for killings.

Have not read of any problems in the Old Town area where most cruise ships dock, nor have I heard of any problems for cruise passengers, so far.

Shari2 · July 20, 2004

That's really scary, Skipper! It sounds like it would be best to avoid going out on your own at night!

DaCruzNut · July 20, 2004

There is a vast difference between the City of San Juan and the town of Old San Juan, where the passenger ships dock.

The City of San Juan is a major metropolitan area, very "American' with its share of crime, including murder. The police, and National Guard have their hands ful keeping the peace. yes, it has very dangerous areas, for tourists, and should be avoided unless you are accompanied by someone who knows the area.

The city of Old San Juan is very safe! Because of the cruise ships passengers, and other tourists, the officials work very hard to keep this area as crime-free as possible. The "criminal element" on the island knows, full well, that the police will use whatever means necessary (..and, I do mean ANY means...) to keep Old San Juan from getting a "bad rep..."

So, for now, it's perfectly safe to leave the ship to visit El Morro, and all the othewr sights.

jbond · July 21, 2004

We just spent some time in San Juan. We stayed in Old San Juan at the El Convento. We went out at night and walked back from the restaurants that we had had dinner at and never felt that there was any problem. During the day it is crowded with people and felt very safe. A lot of the cruise ships have moved to the new International Pier. It's close to Isla Verde and is a good taxi ride into OSJ. We have previously stayed in Isla Verde area and in the Condado area. Nothing to see/do in Isla Verde. We always took a taxi to a restaurant in the Condado area, looked very busy and fast. We love OSJ, it's such a great historical city and the food is fantastic.