Puerto Rico’s maritime profile in the Caribbean cruise network is poised to expand with NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line’s decision to base two of its newest vessels in San Juan during the forthcoming winter seasons.
Norwegian Prima is scheduled to commence homeport operations from San Juan on November 15th, 2026, with Norwegian Viva set to follow in the winter of 2027–2028, reflecting growing confidence in the island’s cruise infrastructure and appeal as a departure point for regional voyages.
Tourism officials have projected that the deployment of NCL Prima alone will generate a significant economic contribution during fiscal year 2027, with the combined impact of both ships expected to rise further in fiscal 2028. The planned operations include a series of 57 Caribbean sailings from San Juan that are anticipated to stimulate ancillary sectors such as hotel occupancy, dining, and pre- and post-cruise travel throughout the territory.
Representatives from the island’s tourism authority observed that the arrangement affirms the relevance of San Juan as a cruise destination and supports the development of integrated travel packages that extend visitor stays and distribute economic benefits across the local economy. Norwegian Cruise Line’s regional management noted that Puerto Rico remains a popular destination within the company’s portfolio and that the enhanced deployment of the Prima and Viva represents a strategic expansion of its footprint in Caribbean waters.
Officials from the Puerto Rico Ports Authority indicated that positioning San Juan as a dual homeport for NCL's flagships aligns with broader efforts to solidify the harbour’s role as a principal cruise gateway in the region.
The scheduled roundtrip itineraries from San Juan will feature weekly departures, with NCL Prima serving eastern Caribbean routes to ports such as Tortola, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas, and NCL Viva operating southern Caribbean circuits that include calls at Aruba and Curaçao.
Both ships belong to NCL's Prima Class, the latest generation of vessels within the fleet, each capable of accommodating thousands of passengers and equipped with contemporary onboard features.