Puerto Rico's push for more cruise passengers. When was your last visit?

[Jason]

Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla has approved a package of incentives aimed at bringing more cruise ship passengers to the U.S. island territory.

The incentives include 10 percent discount on goods and services purchased by cruise lines as well as a reduction on the per passenger fee for a portion of the arrivals to the island through 2017.

The package previously approved by the legislature also includes a subsidy for companies that use Puerto Rico as a home port for their ships.

The island has been upgrading its main port in San Juan in recent years to accommodate more and larger cruise ships. The city gets more than 1 million cruise passengers a year, but Garcia said in a written statement Wednesday that the government sees potential for growth.

Source: Associated Press

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[WeCruiseToo]

We’ve visited Puerto Rico seven times so far. Three times it was a port stop on cruises out of Florida; the other four we flew down and sailed round trip out of San Juan. Either way it’s a beautiful island and a great port – we’re looking forward to visiting again!

[Mach]

I haven't been to Puerto Rico for about 8 years and that was for an interview with a small Caribbean airline. It's a lovely island rife with history but the cost of air to sail from San Juan complicates things a bit.

The discounts and reduction in port fees is good news, indeed. Other ports should take note.

There's a fair chance that we'll be in Puerto Rico in the next year or two as many of our Crazies are wanting to do a Southern itinerary and, hey, how can you pass up the island where the Pina Colada was invented??

[jacketwatch]

I've been a big fan of PR for many yrs. We spent a week there about 17 yrs. ago or so and had two cruises out of SJ and another three day stay there after the 2nd one. Love the place.

[kama918]

I visited Puerto Rico in April, 2013 for a 2-day pre-cruise visit and it was pretty nice! The only downside was that we didn't realize that the port is not within walking distance to/from downtown San Juan and that sometimes there is mis-information regarding which ports are used for ships coming into or departing from is confusing....

[coloradocruisers]

PR is a great place to begin a cruise. Lots of history.

[KeithnRita]

We like the casino at the Hotel near the cruise terminal. We actually won money each time we were there!

[WeCruiseToo]

but the cost of air to sail from San Juan complicates things a bit.

We’re lucky on that count – air from Orlando to San Juan is very reasonable and overall it’s probably a little quicker than driving to Miami. Figure the cost of gas, tolls and parking at the Miami cruise port and Puerto Rico becomes a very attractive option - plus all the different destinations that can be reached on a seven-night cruise from San Juan!

[Mach]

but the cost of air to sail from San Juan complicates things a bit.

We’re lucky on that count – air from Orlando to San Juan is very reasonable and overall it’s probably a little quicker than driving to Miami. Figure the cost of gas, tolls and parking at the Miami cruise port and Puerto Rico becomes a very attractive option - plus all the different destinations that can be reached on a seven-night cruise from San Juan!

Wow! Lucky to be sure!

We live in San Antonio and air to Puerto Rico is currently well over $1000 for two not including checked baggage fees. That's more than the cost of an ocean view cabin!!!

Those of us out here in the West just have to deal with it, I guess!!!