For the second time in three years, Puerto Rico is on its way to breaking their cruise passenger record. The island is the top homeport for cruise ships in the Caribbean, and continues to be a popular destination among the large vessels as well.
San Juan is the territory’s leading port, and they’ve just posted record guest numbers in 2015, with an arrival of 1.5 million passengers. They’re poised to break that record again soon – in the 2017-2018 season with an expected 1.6 million visitors. This is in part due to more calls from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships, and also the maiden season for MSC’s upcoming ship Seaside. Homeport guests will also grow, with Norwegian returning to homeport in San Juan, joined by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and a number of luxury cruise lines.
For this 2016 winter season, Puerto Rico will welcome the arrival of Quantum class ships, as well as Carnival Vista and the world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas. San Juan will also be the first Caribbean homeport for Viking Cruises, with Viking Star sailing from October to April. The expansion of Pier 3 in Old San Juan was a big factor in bringing the mega ships there, which has contributed to Puerto Rico’s growth.
