Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has been forced to bypass San Juan, Puerto Rico, yet again due to ongoing issues at Pier 3, the only berth capable of accommodating the massive Oasis-class ships.
The pier, which has been closed since a docking incident in April 2024 involving the loss of a mooring dolphin, remains out of commission, and there is no timeline for reopening. This has disrupted multiple Royal Caribbean itineraries as it’s the only dock that can host a ship of its size.
Royal Caribbean Ship Skips San Juan
The ship’s December 22 and December 29 sailings were the latest to have their itineraries altered to remove San Juan. In a notice to guests, Royal Caribbean cited ongoing construction and an San Juan Port Authority advisory as reasons for the changes.
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As a result, Symphony of the Seas will now visit ports such as Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas, instead of San Juan and other previously scheduled stops.
This is the third time the port call has been canceled for Symphony of the Seas with little notice.
One guest on the December 29 sailing shared with Cruise Radio that they had planned to propose in San Juan but were informed of the change at the last minute, derailing their engagement plans with a professional photographer.
USCG Cites Safety Concerns for Pier Closure
The U.S. Coast Guard has reiterated that Pier 3 will remain closed until satisfactory assessment studies are submitted and an on-site inspection confirms the structure’s safety.
In a November 27 statement, Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan, stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of the port, cruise ships, and the thousands of visitors who rely on the facility.
“San Juan’s Pier 3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world,” Rodriguez said. “We understand the inconvenience of this matter, but it is critical we ensure the safety of the port.”
The pier has been closed since April, and the Coast Guard is still awaiting required safety assessments from the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.
Frustration Builds with Cruisers and Locals
The prolonged closure has sparked criticism from cruisers and Puerto Rican residents alike. Many guests have expressed dissatisfaction with Royal Caribbean’s handling of the situation, with some citing last-minute notifications and lack of compensation for missed ports.
