Royal Caribbean has continued to cancel cruises scheduled for San Juan, Puerto Rico, as one of its piers remains out of action. Pier 3 West was damaged last year and has been closed to cruise ships ever since.
It has been out of commission since a docking incident in April 2024 involving the loss of a mooring dolphin. This has disrupted multiple Royal Caribbean itineraries as it’s the only dock capable of accommodating larger Oasis and Icon Class ships.
Pier Still Awaiting Final US Coast Guard Approval
According to a local media report a week ago, work and port authority structural assessments were completed and its reopening was only subject to a US Coast Guard final approval.
However, this hasn’t happened yet and the cruise line has informed guests another San Juan port call aboard Symphony of the Seas has been scrapped.
“Due to ongoing construction at the pier in San Juan, the port authority has advised us that the port will not be ready in time for our February 23 visit,” a Royal Caribbean email notification to guests said.
Instead, the ship will skip both San Juan and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and call at its Labadee private destination and Jamaica. Two earlier February port calls have already been canceled.
“We understand how important each destination is to your vacation, so we have worked diligently to find the best alternatives for you,” it added. The cruise line says excursions booked in San Juan and Philipsburg have been automatically refunded.
Symphony of the Seas’ earlier December 22 and December 29 sailings were altered due to the pier closure. Royal Caribbean still has a September 2025 week-long Southern Caribbean Cruise itinerary with a San Juan call open for booking.
“We understand the inconvenience of this matter, however, it is critical we ensure the safety of the port and the cruise ships,” US Coast Guard Sector San Juan Commander Captain Luis J. Rodriguez said.
