San Juan Cruise Port has reestablished itself as a leading destination for the world's largest cruise vessels following the completion of a US$10 million infrastructure enhancement at Pier 3. The upgrades, executed by Global Ports Holding subsidiary San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP), enabled the recent docking of Wonder of the Seas—marking the first Oasis-class ship call since the pier's modernization and paving the way for future Icon-class visits.
The arrival of Royal Caribbean's 6,500-passenger vessel injected an estimated US$700,000 into Old San Juan's economy in a single day. With approximately 15 mega-ship calls anticipated over the next five months, local businesses—including retailers, tour operators, and transportation services—stand to benefit significantly from increased passenger traffic.
The pier improvements form part of a broader US$52 million modernization initiative designed to elevate San Juan's status as both a homeport and port of call. Engineering assessments confirmed Pier 3's structural capacity for vessels exceeding 200,000 gross tons, followed by dredging to accommodate deeper drafts. Additional enhancements included reinforced bollards, upgraded mooring dolphins, and a new docking platform engineered specifically for Icon-class ships.
Clarivette Díaz, General Manager of SJCP, emphasized that the project underscores San Juan's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the Caribbean cruise market. The upgrades not only restore the port's ability to handle Oasis-class vessels but also future-proof its infrastructure for next-generation ships, ensuring sustained economic benefits for Puerto Rico's tourism sector.