San Juan’s cruise port just had one of its biggest days ever.
For the first time, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has docked at San Juan’s Pier 3, a milestone that underscores the growing importance of the island in the global cruise sector. The arrival of the Icon-class ship is expected to deliver a major boost to the local economy, with this inaugural call and five additional visits projected to generate more than $3.5 million in direct economic impact.
The Star of the Seas is one of the newest and most advanced ships in the world, carrying 6,200 passengers and 2,350 crew.
Together with the Celebrity Beyond, which also visited San Juan today, more than 13,000 people arrived to the island — an influx of visitors that officials estimate will generate close to $800,000 in a single day, including approximately $600,000 tied to the Star of the Seas alone.
Government and tourism leaders were on hand to mark the occasion.
Puerto Rico Tourism officials emphasized that the ship’s arrival is not just a symbolic milestone but a tangible economic opportunity aligned with Governor Jenniffer González Colón’s strategic development plan. The Port Authority confirmed that the visit was made possible after recent renovations at Pier 3 and a thorough evaluation process by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Clarivette Díaz, general manager of San Juan Cruise Port, called the visit “a celebration for all of us in Puerto Rico’s tourism industry,” highlighting the investments and forward-looking vision that have enabled the island to welcome next-generation cruise ships. Passengers were greeted with live Puerto Rican music and displays from local artisans, offering travelers an authentic taste of the island from the moment they stepped ashore.
Homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, the Star of the Seas features more than 20 categories of accommodations, ranging from family suites and lofts to panoramic staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Its debut in San Juan adds a new dimension to Puerto Rico’s growing profile as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2025-09-19 15:02:00