After a relatively calm night, watching the San Juan Harbor pilot boat rocking and rolling as it came alongside RIVIERA was a reminder that vessel size is a significant variable when deciding what is calm.
I did not see the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro (also known as “El Morro”) fort at the entrance to the harbor when we arrived, as my stateroom was on the other side of the ship.
In some sort of cosmic recompense for not seeing the fort, I had a great view of San Juan Harbor that provided endless hours of viewing activity while I sat on my veranda.
San Juan has been Puerto Rico’s capital since 1521
El Moro Fort entering San Juan Harbor.
A view from San Cristobal Fort looking towards El Morro.
The barracks at San Cristobal Fort.
One of the many Sentry boxes at San Cristobal was built between 1600 and 1700. This allowed the sentries to keep an eye on the land and the sea to protect them from attacks. Each of these only held one man.
Although not quite 100 years old, the capital building is noteworthy for its Neoclassical revival design and the symbolism of the entryway pillars. Across the street are statues of every United States president who visited the capital of San Juan.
The Condado District reflects contemporary life, dominated by luxury high-rises and resorts.
About 30 minutes before we departed, Norwegian Cruise Line's EPIC, one of the two huge liners pictured above, passed us. She can carry over 5,000 passengers and has a crew of about 1,750.
It was then our turn.
Although it was not lit up as I had hoped, thanks to a nearly full moon, I was able to see the outline of El Morro as we glided past it.
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