Miller Family Caribbean Trip
March 17-31, 2026 · Shan, Heather, Alexis (3), Elodie (6mo) · 5 nights San Juan → 7-night cruise → 2 nights San Juan → home
✈ Southwest Airlines — Outbound
Confirmation: BS8DH2 · Shan, Heather, Alexis, Elodie (Lap Child) ·
Manage BookingSLC → DEN → MCO → SJU · 3 flights · Arrive 7:30 PM
SLC
Salt Lake City
7:50 AM
→
DEN
Denver
9:30 AM
WN #4467
DEN
Denver
10:25 AM
→
MCO
Orlando
4:05 PM
WN #2782
MCO
Orlando
4:40 PM
→
SJU
San Juan
7:30 PM
WN #3895
55-min layover in DEN, 35-min layover in MCO. Tight connections — no time to wander. Elodie is a lap child. Check in on Southwest app 24 hrs before for boarding positions.
🏠 Airbnb: Beautiful Studio — Centric Location & Stunning View
Address
Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos, San Juan 00907
Check-in
Tue, Mar 17 after 4:00 PM
Checkout
Sun, Mar 22 by 11:00 AM
Guests
2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant
Cost
$123/night × 5 = $744.87 total
Host Contact
+1 787-528-6297
Santurce/Condado border — walkable to Condado Beach, close to restaurants. ~15 min Uber to Old San Juan, ~10 min Uber to cruise port.
Walkable from Your Airbnb
1
Condado Beach
~5 min walk north. Your closest beach. Urban strip with restaurants and shops right there.
2
Condado Lagoon (Laguna del Condado)
~5 min walk south. Paddleboard and kayak rentals, walking path around the lagoon, playground areas. Great for a calm morning with the kids.
3
Santurce Street Art / Calle Cerra Murals
~10 min walk east. Massive, colorful street murals on every building. Birthplace of the Santurce es Ley art festival. Free outdoor gallery — Alexis will love the colors. Stroller-friendly sidewalks.
4
La Placita de Santurce
~12 min walk east. Already on your Day 4 itinerary, but it's also a quick walk for a morning market run or casual breakfast.
5
Ashford Avenue (Av. Ashford)
~3 min walk north. The main Condado strip — restaurants, cafes, shops, pharmacies. Your go-to for quick bites, coffee, and supplies.
🚗 Car Rental — Nissan Kicks (Compact SUV)
Booking: B37455323 · EconomyBookings / Zezgo · San Juan Airport ·
Manage Booking
Vehicle
Nissan Kicks or similar · 5 seats, automatic
Pick-up
Tue, Mar 17 at 8:00 PM — SJU Airport
Drop-off
Sat, Mar 21 at 8:00 PM — SJU Airport
Duration
4 days (covers arrival through cruise embark eve)
Total Cost
$154.68 (prepaid)
Pickup Type
Shuttle — call for pick-up after landing
Voucher arrives 72 hrs before rental. Must bring physical credit card (Visa/MC) in driver's name + physical license. Free cancellation up to 48 hrs before pick-up. You'll need 2 car seats (Alexis + Elodie) — bring your own or rent from agency.
1
Old San Juan Streets
Wander the blue cobblestone streets after checking in. Colorful colonial buildings, souvenir shops, easy vibes. The 3-year-old will love the colors. Don't overdo it — you just flew all day.
Must DoStroller OKFree
R
Waiter's Restaurant
Casual, cozy, no-fuss dinner. Garlic shrimp and plantain soup are the move. Kid-friendly atmosphere — no one will care if Alexis is loud. Located in Old San Juan.
Recommended$$Kid-Friendly
Other Options Nearby
El Jibarito — Old San Juan institution. Hearty mofongo and traditional home cooking. No-fuss, fast. $ · Walkable
Chocobar Cortés — Chocolate-themed PR restaurant. Mofongo, sandwiches, and desserts. Kids love the concept. $$ · Walkable
Cafe Manolin — Beloved cafeteria-style spot on San Francisco St. Simple comida criolla, quick service, high chairs. $ · Walkable
1
Parque Luis Muñoz Marín
Large urban park in Hato Rey with splash pad, climbing structures, multiple play areas, and shaded green space. Alexis can run wild and burn energy while Elodie hangs out on a blanket. Easy parking. A low-pressure morning that lets you ease into the trip. ~10 min drive from Airbnb.
Must DoSplash PadPlaygroundFree10 min drive
2
Playa Escambrón
Protected natural cove near the Caribe Hilton with very calm, shallow water — perfect for a toddler. The reef breaks the waves so it feels like a natural pool. Lifeguards, bathrooms, shade trees. Great snorkeling too (bring a mask or rent one). 10-min drive from the park. Afternoon here is ideal.
Must DoCalm WaterLifeguardsNatural Pool
3
Condado Lagoon Nature Reserve
Flat walking path around the lagoon with birds, iguanas, and mangroves. Stroller-friendly. A nice quiet stop on the drive back to the Airbnb. Skip if the kids are done for the day.
If Time AllowsStroller OKFree
R
Santaella
Contemporary Puerto Rican food done right. Located in Santurce — easy drive with the car. Upscale-casual, fine with kids at an early dinner. Great first real meal on the island.
Recommended$$$Drive to Santurce
Other Options Nearby
Parque del Indio — Small beachfront park on Ashford Ave with shaded playground and direct beach access. Free · 5 min from Condado
La Ventana al Mar — Oceanfront park with sculptures, playground, and farmers market on first Sundays. Free · 5 min walk
La Playita del Condado — Sheltered lagoon-side beach with very calm, shallow water. Ideal for babies. Free · Walkable from Airbnb
Isla Verde Beach — Wide, gentle beach with hotel amenities (showers, restrooms). Free · 15 min drive
Lote 23 — Open-air food park in Santurce with a dozen vendors. Outdoor space, something for everyone. $–$$ · Alt to Santaella
Pinky’s — Bright breakfast/brunch spot on Ashford Ave. Quick, casual, kid menu. $ · Walkable
1
El Yunque National Rainforest
The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. ~45 min drive from San Juan. Stick to the
Angelito Trail (paved, short, stroller-possible) — don't try the advanced hikes with the kids. Budget 1-2 hours. You'll see massive ferns, hear coqui frogs, and feel the mist. Magical even as a quick visit.
Note: Reservations may be required —
check recreation.gov before you go.
Must Do45 min driveCheck ReservationsMorning Best
2
Luquillo Beach
The best family beach in Puerto Rico. 15 min from El Yunque so it's the perfect combo. Calm shallow water, lifeguards, tree shade along the back, bathrooms & showers. Great for a toddler and you won't stress about waves with the baby nearby.
Must Do15 min from El YunqueCalm WaterLifeguards
3
Luquillo Kiosks (Kioskos)
60+ food stalls right next to Luquillo Beach. This is where you eat lunch. Bacalaitos (codfish fritters), alcapurrias, pinchos (skewers), coconut water, cold Medalla beer. Cheap, delicious, casual. Alexis can eat with her hands, nobody cares.
Must Do$Right Next to Beach
Other Options Nearby
Balneario Seven Seas (Fajardo) — Calm public beach with roped-off swimming area and snorkeling. Less crowded than Luquillo. Free · 15 min past El Yunque
La Parrilla — Beachfront Puerto Rican grill near Luquillo. Simple grilled meats and seafood. $$ · Alt to Kioskos
Lolita’s Mexican Food — Family-run spot near Luquillo. Handmade tortillas, quesadillas toddlers love. 35+ years. $ · Near Luquillo
1
Pinones Boardwalk
Coastal area in Loiza, the heart of Puerto Rico's Afro-Caribbean heritage. A wooden boardwalk with food stalls, mangrove views, and a laid-back vibe. Walk the boardwalk, eat bacalaitos and coconut water from the stands. Skip the bike rental with the kids — just stroll and eat. ~20 min drive from Old San Juan. Budget 1-2 hours.
Recommended20 min drive$ Street FoodMorning Best
2
Condado Beach
San Juan's main beach strip in the Condado neighborhood. More urban than Luquillo but still family-friendly with calmer sections. Restaurants and shops within walking distance. Good for an afternoon beach session before returning the rental car.
RecommendedCalm SectionsNear Restaurants
3
La Placita de Santurce
During the day it's a farmers market / local food market. Great energy, fresh produce, local vendors. At night it turns into a massive open-air party — skip the nighttime scene with the kids, but the daytime market is fun for the whole family. Located in the Santurce neighborhood.
RecommendedDaytime Only w/ KidsFree
R
La Alcapurria Quema
Near La Placita. Serves 7 different kinds of alcapurrias (fried fritters) stuffed with beef, crab, morcilla, and more. It's a Puerto Rican national treasure food. Fast, cheap, and the kids can eat with their hands.
Must Do$Near La Placita
Other Options Nearby
Playa La Posita — Natural tide pool in Piñones enclosed by coral reef. Shallow and calm, great for toddler wading. Free · Within Piñones
Balneario de Carolina — Blue Flag beach with kids’ splash area. On your route between Condado and Piñones. Free · 5 min before Piñones
Calle Loíza (Santurce) — Colorful street with murals, boutiques, juice bars, and cafes. Easy flat stroller push. Free · 10 min walk from Airbnb
El Nuevo Acuario — Piñones staple for ultra-fresh seafood. Coconut arepa with crab, whole fried fish. Casual outdoor seating. $$ · Alt to La Alcapurria Quema
Donde Olga — Rustic local favorite in Piñones. Whole fried fish, tostones, plastic tables. Zero ceremony. $–$$ · In Piñones
1
Condado Beach (Morning)
Easy beach morning walkable from your Airbnb. Let Alexis splash, soak up the last pre-cruise beach time. Head back by late morning to shower and start packing.
RecommendedWalkableMorning
2
Walmart / Costco Supply Run
Use the car to stock up before the cruise. Diapers, wipes, snacks, sunscreen, formula — all at mainland prices instead of marked-up cruise ship or island tourist pricing. Costco is in Guaynabo (~15 min), Walmart is in Carolina (~10 min). This run will easily save you $50+ vs. buying on the ship.
Do This15 min driveSave $$$
3
Pack & Drop Off Car
Pack for the cruise, then drive to SJU airport to return the car by 8 PM. Uber back to the Airbnb (~$10, 10 min). Last night at the Airbnb — checkout tomorrow morning before heading to the port.
Must DoCar return by 8 PM
R
Vianda
Your best meal of the pre-cruise stretch. Grilled prawns with crab butter, local fish on lentils, creative Puerto Rican dishes. In Santurce — easy drive before you return the car. A great farewell dinner before cruise mode.
Must Do$$$Drive to Santurce
Other Options Nearby
La Casita Blanca — Family-run Santurce institution. Classic PR home cooking: stewed meats, rice, beans. Generations of locals. $ · Alt to Vianda
Buns Burger Shop — Casual Condado burger joint. Gourmet burgers and fries — toddler-approved. $ · Walkable from Airbnb
Cool Hope Creamery — Breakfast spot with small-batch ice cream. Guaranteed win with a 3-year-old. $ · Near Condado
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico — Grand art museum in Santurce with sculpture garden. Free for kids under 5. Good rainy-day backup. 10 min walk from Airbnb
!
Pan American Pier (Cruise Port)
Airbnb checkout by 11:00 AM. Brilliance of the Seas departs at 8:00 PM. Select your arrival time during check-in on the Royal Caribbean app — typical boarding windows are 11 AM - 3 PM. All guests must be onboard by 6:30 PM. It's a ~10-min Uber from your Airbnb. Ship amenities open at boarding, so get on early and start the vacation.
Must DoReservation #1646238Complete Check-In on App
🚢 Royal Caribbean — Brilliance of the Seas
| Day | Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|
| 1 | Sun, Mar 22 |
San Juan Puerto Rico |
— | 8:00 PM |
| 2 | Mon, Mar 23 |
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas, USVI |
8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 3 | Tue, Mar 24 |
Tortola British Virgin Islands |
8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 4 | Wed, Mar 25 |
Basseterre St. Kitts & Nevis |
8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 5 | Thu, Mar 26 |
St. John's Antigua & Barbuda |
7:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| 6 | Fri, Mar 27 |
Bridgetown Barbados |
9:30 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 7 | Sat, Mar 28 |
At Sea |
— | — |
| 8 | Sun, Mar 29 |
San Juan Puerto Rico |
6:00 AM | — |
1
Magens Bay Beach
One of the world's top beaches. Calm, shallow waters perfect for Alexis. Mile-long stretch of white sand with shade, bathrooms, changing rooms, and a bar/grill. Small entrance fee. ~20 min taxi from port. This is the move with two small kids.
Must Do20 min taxiCalm WaterStroller OK
2
Coral World Ocean Park
5-acre marine park with aquariums, outdoor pools, an underwater observatory, and stingray encounters. Alexis will love seeing the sea turtles and sharks up close. Adjacent to Coki Beach if you want to combine. ~25 min taxi from port.
coralworldvi.com · (340) 775-1555
Recommended25 min taxiKid Favorite
3
Skyride to Paradise Point
Cable car ride up the hillside with breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie harbor. Quick and easy — 10 min ride. Fun for kids. Right near the cruise port. Good if you have time before heading to the beach.
If Time AllowsNear PortGreat Views
Other Options Nearby
Secret Harbour Beach — Calm, sheltered cove with gentle water. Less crowded than Magens Bay, chair rentals available. Alt beach · Taxi from port
Lindquist Beach — Quieter, more shaded beach. Calm water, clean facilities, relaxed atmosphere. Alt beach · Taxi from port
Bumpa’s — 35-year-old waterfront institution near cruise terminal. Generous breakfast/lunch plates. $ · Walk from port
Petite Pump Room — 50-year-old local spot. West Indian johnnycakes and fresh fish. Harbor views. $ · Near port
1
Cane Garden Bay
Stunning crescent-shaped beach with gentle waters. Restaurants and bars right on the sand. Calm enough for toddlers. ~20 min taxi from Road Town cruise port (windy road over the mountain — scenic but bumpy).
Must Do20 min taxiGentle WaterBeachfront Food
2
Road Town Waterfront
Walk the main street near the port. Small shops, local restaurants, JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens (4.5-acre tropical garden, great for a quick stroll). Low-key island town vibes. Easy with the stroller.
If Time AllowsWalkable from PortFree
Other Options Nearby
J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens — Free public gardens walkable from the pier. Shaded paths, tropical plants, birds. Toddler-friendly. Free · Walk from port
Tortola Pier Park — Waterfront park right at the cruise port. Open-air space, shops, views. Zero transit needed. Walk from port
Capriccio di Mare — Relaxed Italian trattoria in Road Town. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches. Crowd-pleasing for toddlers. $$ · Walk from port
1
Cockleshell Beach / South Friars Bay
Beautiful beaches on the southeast peninsula. Cockleshell has a stunning view of neighboring Nevis across the channel. Beach bars, calm water, chair rentals. ~20 min taxi from Port Zante. The best beach option on the island for families.
Must Do20 min taxiBeach BarsViews of Nevis
2
St. Kitts Scenic Railway
Narrow-gauge train that circles the island on old sugar cane tracks. 18-mile journey with guided commentary and scenic views. ~3 hours round trip. A unique experience — Alexis would love the train. Book through the ship or in advance.
stkittsscenicrailway.com · (869) 465-7263
Recommended3 hrsBook AheadKid Favorite
3
Port Zante Shopping
Duty-free shopping area right at the cruise port. Duty-free jewelry, rum, souvenirs, cafes. Easy walkable area if you just want a chill port day. Timothy Hill viewpoint (~10 min taxi) has a spectacular panoramic view if you want a quick detour.
If Time AllowsWalkable from PortDuty-Free
Other Options Nearby
Brimstone Hill Fortress — UNESCO site with sweeping views and wide open spaces. Alexis can explore cannons and grounds. $10/adult · Taxi from port
Romney Manor & Caribelle Batik — 17th-century estate with gardens and a 400-year-old tree. Watch batik artisans. Free to wander. Free · Taxi from port
Spice Mill — Caribbean fusion right on Cockleshell Beach. Stunning views of Nevis. Family-friendly tables on the sand. $$–$$$ · At Cockleshell
1
Dickenson Bay Beach
Large, gorgeous beach with white sand and blue water. Beach chairs for rent, restaurants and bars nearby. Calm enough for the kids. Short taxi ride from port. The #1 beach pick in Antigua for cruise passengers.
Must DoShort taxiChair RentalsCalm Water
2
Stingray City Antigua
Stand in shallow, crystal-clear water as friendly southern stingrays glide around you. Hands-on marine experience. Alexis is at a great age for this — the water is shallow and calm. Book in advance or through the ship.
stingraycityantigua.comRecommendedBook AheadKid-Friendly
3
Heritage Quay & St. John's
Colorful duty-free shopping area right across from the cruise port. Wide walkways, local boutiques, souvenir shops. Easy to explore with the stroller. The town itself has a charm to it — the twin-spired St. John's Cathedral is a quick photo stop.
If Time AllowsWalkable from PortDuty-Free
Other Options Nearby
Nelson’s Dockyard (English Harbour) — UNESCO World Heritage marina with museum, cafes, and shops. Flat and walkable. Taxi from port · Historic
Valley Church Beach — Calm, clear-water beach on the southwest coast. Less touristy than Dickenson Bay. Free access. Free · Taxi from port
Big Banana (Heritage Quay) — Wood-fired pizza and salads walkable from the cruise terminal. Straightforward toddler food. $$ · Walk from port
Hemingway’s Caribbean Cafe — Outdoor patio just off the port. Seafood, sandwiches, light bites. Breezy and casual. $$ · Walk from port
1
Carlisle Bay Beach
Crystal-clear water just minutes from the cruise port. Sea turtles swim in the bay — you can often see them from shore. White sand, calm water, and easy to reach on foot or a very short taxi. Perfect for a half-day beach session.
Must DoWalk from PortSea TurtlesCalm Water
2
Harrison's Cave
Limestone cave system with a solar-powered tram ride 170 feet underground. Waterfalls, pools, stalactites. Air-conditioned tram is comfortable. ~30 min drive from port. Unique experience but check if it works with the baby carrier/stroller situation.
harrisonscavebarbados.comRecommended30 min taxiTram RideUnique
3
Bridgetown Walking Tour
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk to the center of town from port in ~20 min (flat ground). Parliament buildings, Independence Square, duty-free shops, cafes. Pick up some local rum punch and Bajan fish cakes.
If Time AllowsWalkableUNESCO SiteLocal Food
Other Options Nearby
Folkestone Marine Park (Holetown) — Free public park with supervised beach, playground, picnic areas, and small aquarium. Built for families. Free · Taxi from port
Atlantis Submarines — Real submarine descending to view coral reefs and shipwrecks. Kids 3′+ welcome. No sun exposure for baby. Book ahead · Unique
La Cabane (Batts Rock Beach) — Beachfront restaurant just north of port. Locally sourced lunch, relaxed outdoor seating. $$ · Short taxi
Champers Restaurant — South coast spot with dedicated kids menu for under-14s. Caribbean seafood. $$–$$$ · Taxi from port
⚓
Enjoy the Ship
Pools, waterslides, kids club (Royal Babies & Tots for 6-36 months, Aquanauts for 3-5 years), the rock climbing wall, mini golf, and unlimited food. A lazy sea day is a gift with two small kids — let the ship entertain them. Pack and prep for disembarkation tomorrow.
Relax DayKids ClubPack Tonight
Back in San Juan
2 bonus nights before the flight home. Ship docks at 6 AM on March 29. Flight out March 31.
1
Disembark & Check Into Hotel
Ship docks at 6 AM. Disembarkation typically starts around 7-8 AM depending on your assigned time. Grab luggage, Uber to your hotel. Most hotels won't have early check-in but can store luggage. Grab breakfast nearby and ease into the day.
Must DoBook Hotel for 2 Nights
2
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
The #1 thing to do in San Juan. Iconic 16th-century fortress at the tip of the peninsula overlooking the Atlantic. The massive lawn out front is THE spot — Alexis can run wild, vendors sell kites, it's flat and open for the stroller. The fort itself is mostly stroller-accessible on the main levels. Budget 2-3 hours.
Must DoStroller OK$10 entryMorning Best
3
Castillo San Cristóbal
The other massive Spanish fort, 10 min walk from El Morro. Larger footprint, fewer crowds, cool tunnels. Same $10 ticket covers both forts. Skip if the kids are done — El Morro is the priority.
RecommendedSame Ticket as El Morro
4
Paseo de la Princesa
Beautiful shaded waterfront promenade along the old city wall. Flat, paved, stroller-perfect. Ends at the Raíces Fountain. Great for late afternoon when the light is nice. Wander the cobblestone streets, pick up souvenirs, let Alexis watch the pigeons.
Must DoStroller OKFreeLate Afternoon
R
Waiter's Restaurant
Casual, cozy, no-fuss dinner right in Old San Juan. Garlic shrimp and plantain soup are the move. Kid-friendly atmosphere. A great welcome-back-to-land meal.
Recommended$$Kid-Friendly
Other Options Nearby
Museo del Niño (Children’s Museum) — Interactive exhibits in Old San Juan. Great for a 3-year-old. Indoor — good if it rains. $ · Walkable in OSJ
Café Manolin — Cafeteria-style comida criolla on San Francisco St. Quick, cheap, high chairs. $ · Walkable
El Jibarito — Old San Juan classic. Mofongo, home cooking, relaxed neighborhood vibe. $ · Walkable
Chocobar Cortés — Chocolate-themed restaurant. Desserts are a hit with kids. $$ · Walkable in OSJ
1
Beach Morning
One last beach morning — Condado or Isla Verde. Soak it in. Head back by early afternoon to pack, rest, and prep for the 5:15 AM flight tomorrow. Maybe grab an early dinner somewhere walkable from the hotel.
RecommendedHalf DayPack This Afternoon
!
Early Night
Flight departs SJU at 5:15 AM. That means you need to be at the airport by ~3:15 AM, which means leaving the hotel around 2:30-3:00 AM. Set every alarm. Pre-arrange an Uber or airport taxi the night before. Pack tonight.
CriticalPre-Book TransportPack Tonight
Other Options Nearby
Ocean Park Beach — Quieter, more local beach between Condado and Isla Verde. Less crowded, good for a peaceful last morning. Free · Short Uber
Atabey — Casual Condado spot. Puerto Rican fusion in a relaxed setting. Easy post-beach meal. $$ · Near Condado
Buns Burger Shop — Quick, casual burgers and fries. Easy last dinner before early alarm. $ · Condado
✈ Southwest Airlines — Return
Confirmation: BS8DH2 · Shan, Heather, Alexis, Elodie (Lap Child) ·
Manage BookingSJU → BWI → DEN → SLC · 3 flights · Arrive home 6:35 PM
SJU
San Juan
5:15 AM
→
BWI
Baltimore
9:40 AM
WN #3597
BWI
Baltimore
1:55 PM
→
DEN
Denver
4:00 PM
WN #1493
DEN
Denver
5:00 PM
→
SLC
Salt Lake City
6:35 PM
WN #0970
4-hour layover in BWI, 1-hour layover in DEN. Bring snacks and entertainment for Alexis. Consider BWI airport play area during the long layover.
R
La Factoria
Famous multi-room cocktail bar in Old San Juan. Amazing drinks, live salsa in the back room. Realistically — this is a nightlife spot. Skip with the kids unless you pop in for one early drink.
Optional$$Adults Only Vibe
San Juan Neighborhoods at a Glance
Not everything is on the Old San Juan strip. Here's what each area offers and whether it's worth your time with kids.
Old San Juan
Your home base. Historic forts, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, restaurants, shops. Everything walkable. This is where you'll spend Days 1, 2 & 5. The iconic stuff lives here.
Condado
Beach strip + dining. 10 min east of Old San Juan. The main urban beach, ocean boardwalk, hotels, restaurants. More of a Miami Beach vibe. Good for Day 5 beach time. Walkable once you're there.
Santurce
Best food in SJ. 15 min east. Art scene, street murals, La Placita market, and the top restaurants (Santaella, Vianda). Daytime is great with kids. Nighttime is a party — skip with little ones.
Pinones / Loiza
Afro-Caribbean culture. 25 min east. Boardwalk, food stalls, mangroves. The bacalaitos here are legendary. Casual, authentic, worth the drive on Day 4.
El Yunque / Luquillo
Nature day trip. 45-50 min east. Rainforest + best family beach. This is your Day 3. Not negotiable — it's the highlight of the whole trip for most visitors.
Isla Verde
Calm beach near airport. 20 min east. Resort strip with the calmest water. Good backup beach if Condado is too wavy. Not much else to do here beyond the beach.
Hato Rey / Rio Piedras
Skip it. The financial/university district. Residential and commercial. Nothing tourist-worthy unless you're specifically looking for the UPR Botanical Garden (nice but not a priority).
Miramar
Low-key residential. Between Old San Juan and Santurce. Some good restaurants, a lagoon. Not a destination on its own, but you'll pass through it. The Courtyard Marriott is here.
Transport Cheat Sheet
| Days 1-5 |
Rental car (Nissan Kicks, Mar 17-21, $154.68) |
Pickup 8 PM at SJU · Bring car seats |
| Day 6 |
Uber to Pan American Pier |
~$10, 10 min |
| Days 7-12 (Cruise) |
Taxis at each port |
~$10-25/way per port |
| Days 13-14 |
Walk + Uber (back in San Juan) |
No car needed |
| Day 15 |
Uber/taxi to SJU airport at ~2:30 AM |
Pre-book night before |
🎒 What to Pack & Remember
Based on your bookings, ports, and activities
📄 Documents & Booking Essentials
- Passports for all 4 family members (required for cruise ports)
- Birth certificates for Alexis & Elodie (cruise line may require for minors)
- Physical credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in driver’s name — required for car rental deposit
- Physical driver’s license — digital licenses not accepted by Zezgo
- Car rental voucher — arrives via email 72 hrs before pickup (B37455323)
- Airbnb check-in instructions — confirmation HMDAT2484J, host: +1 787-528-6297
- Southwest check-in — set alarm for 24 hrs before departure (Mar 16, 7:50 AM MT) for boarding positions
- Cruise SetSail pass — complete Royal Caribbean online check-in before trip
- Travel insurance docs (if purchased)
👶 Car Seats & Baby Gear
- Car seat for Alexis (forward-facing) — needed for rental car Days 1–5 and port taxis
- Infant car seat for Elodie — needed for rental car + Ubers/taxis throughout
- Stroller — essential for Old San Juan, cruise ports, and beach boardwalks
- Baby carrier/wrap for Elodie — El Yunque trails, cobblestone streets, anywhere stroller won’t work
- Pack-n-Play or travel crib — check if Airbnb provides one, cruise ship can supply one (request at boarding)
🏖 Beach & Outdoor
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — regular sunscreen is banned in PR & USVI waters
- Swim diapers for Elodie
- Rash guards / swim shirts — strong Caribbean sun, especially for Alexis
- Water shoes — rocky beaches at some cruise ports (St. Kitts, Barbados)
- Lightweight rain jacket — El Yunque is a rainforest, afternoon showers are common island-wide
- Bug spray — mosquitoes at El Yunque, Piñones, and evening beach walks
- Beach towels (or plan to buy cheap ones locally — Ashford Ave has shops)
- Snorkel gear (optional) — good snorkeling at Magens Bay (St. Thomas) and Carlisle Bay (Barbados), or rent at port
🍼 Kids & Baby Supplies
- Formula / baby food pouches for Elodie — pack enough for the full trip; harder to find specific brands on islands
- Snacks for Alexis — crackers, pouches, fruit bars for long drives and port days
- Sippy cups / bottles
- Diapers & wipes — bring a good supply; available in San Juan but pricier at cruise ports
- Children’s Tylenol / Benadryl — for teething, fevers, or allergic reactions
- Favorite small toys / books for flights and car rides
- Tablet + headphones for Alexis on planes (load shows/games offline)
👔 Clothing & Misc
- Light layers — cruise ship dining rooms and planes can be cold
- One nicer outfit each — for cruise formal/smart casual night
- Flip-flops + walking shoes — cobblestones in Old San Juan are tough in flip-flops
- Hats / sun hats for all — critical for port days and beach
- Reusable water bottles — refill on cruise ship, saves money at ports
- Portable battery pack — long port days drain phones fast
- Ziploc bags — wet swimsuits, sandy clothes, snack storage
- Small first-aid kit — band-aids, anti-itch cream, motion sickness meds
⏰ Day-Before Departure Checklist (Mar 16)
- ☐ Check in on Southwest app at 7:50 AM MT (exactly 24 hrs before first flight)
- ☐ Confirm Airbnb check-in instructions with host
- ☐ Download offline maps of San Juan in Google Maps
- ☐ Charge all devices, battery packs, and tablets
- ☐ Print or screenshot car rental voucher (once received)
- ☐ Pack car seats in gate-check bags for the flight
- ☐ Verify passports are in carry-on (not checked luggage!)
Generated for the Miller Family · March 17-31, 2026 · Southwest BS8DH2 · Car Rental B37455323 · Brilliance of the Seas #1646238