On September 18, 2025, San Juan’s cruise port saw a historic first. Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, docked at Pier 3. This marks a milestone for Puerto Rico’s growing importance as a premier cruise destination. Alongside Celebrity Beyond, these ships brought over 13,000 visitors to the island in one day. This surge highlights San Juan’s rising role in luxury and mass-market cruise tourism.
Economic Boost from Record Visitor Numbers
The simultaneous arrival of two mega-ships brought a significant economic boost to Puerto Rico. Experts estimate the visit generated nearly $800,000 in direct impact, with Star of the Seas alone contributing about $600,000. This boost helped local businesses, restaurants, transport providers, and cultural experiences. In total, Star of the Seas and its five other visits this season are expected to generate over $3.5 million.
The timing of the visit coincides with improvements at Pier 3. San Juan’s efforts to upgrade its port infrastructure, verified by the US Coast Guard, show its commitment to expanding cruise tourism.
Star of the Seas: A New Standard in Luxury
The Star of the Seas is one of the largest and most advanced ships in the world. It offers over 20 types of accommodation, including family suites and lofts. Passengers enjoy panoramic views from staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. As the largest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, it provides world-class amenities, sustainability features, and top-notch entertainment.
The ship uses liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest fossil fuel, to reduce emissions. Other eco-friendly features include energy-efficient design and advanced water treatment. These innovations position Star of the Seas as a leader in sustainable cruising.
The ship sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, on seven-night cruises through the Eastern Caribbean. Stops include exclusive destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Charlotte Amalie, and Basseterre. San Juan’s inclusion in these itineraries strengthens the island’s tourism appeal.
Immersing Passengers in Puerto Rican Culture
Puerto Rico greeted passengers on Star of the Seas with live music and local artisanship exhibitions. This cultural integration highlights Puerto Rico’s strategy of combining high-volume cruise tourism with sustainable, local experiences. Guests enjoy immersive experiences in arts, crafts, and culinary traditions, promoting a deeper connection to the island.
These cultural activities help extend tourists’ stay, encouraging them to explore beyond typical excursions. The approach leads to higher spending in accommodations, dining, and excursions, benefiting local businesses.
Puerto Rico’s Cruise Tourism Boom
Puerto Rico’s cruise industry has been recovering strongly. In 2024, San Juan’s port welcomed 1.4 million passengers, a 10% increase from 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The continued growth in cruise tourism is translating into increased revenues and job creation across sectors.
New ships like Star of the Seas are helping Puerto Rico stay competitive in the regional cruise market. These vessels attract affluent travelers and new cruise lines, benefiting small businesses and boosting service quality.
Experts predict continued growth for Puerto Rico’s cruise industry. Expanding port facilities, improved connectivity, and more diverse itineraries will solidify Puerto Rico’s role as a key Caribbean gateway.
Investments in San Juan’s Cruise Facilities
San Juan has made significant investments in its cruise infrastructure, particularly at Pier 3. Recent upgrades totaling $100 million make the port better equipped to handle mega-ships like Star of the Seas. These improvements include reinforced docking structures, deeper channels, enhanced passenger terminals, and expanded retail spaces.
These upgrades help streamline passenger flow and improve the overall cruise experience. They also support sustainable tourism by reducing overcrowding and enhancing shore excursions.
San Juan’s growth as a cruise hub is thanks to public-private partnerships, like the 30-year collaboration with Global Ports Holding. These efforts ensure San Juan remains a vital hub for both cruising and regional commerce.
Looking Ahead: Puerto Rico’s Growing Role in Global Cruise Tourism
With the arrival of Star of the Seas, Puerto Rico is reinforcing its place as a top cruise destination. The island’s investments in infrastructure, cultural integration, and sustainability continue to shape its future in the global cruise industry. The Star of the Seas debut is just the beginning, and Puerto Rico is poised for continued success in luxury and eco-friendly cruise tourism.
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