Princess Cruises Resumes San Juan Homeport Marking Puerto Ricos Cruise Rise

Princess Cruises has celebrated its return to Puerto Rico with the arrival of the Grand Princess at the San Juan Cruise Port on October 15, 2025, marking the resumption of homeporting operations for the first time in over a decade. The ship completed an 11-night repositioning cruise from Port Everglades to establish its base for the winter season, during which it will operate 26 week-long Caribbean cruises through late March 2026. This deployment signifies Puerto Rico’s emergence as a central hub for Caribbean cruise tourism, with significant economic and industry implications.

Economic Impact and Strategic Opportunities

According to San Juan Cruise Ports General Manager Clarivette Díaz, Princess Cruises’ homeporting operations in Puerto Rico are expected to generate an economic impact surpassing $20 million. Díaz emphasized the far-reaching benefits of such operations, including extended tourist stays, a diversification of spending patterns, and sustainable economic growth. She said, “The return of Princess Cruises with homeport operations in San Juan represents a strategic step in positioning Puerto Rico as a leader in the Caribbean for the cruise industry. This type of operation not only increases the number of passengers visiting our island but also extends their stay, diversifies consumption, and generates a deeper and more sustainable economic impact.”

Passengers embarking on the Grand Princess will experience alternating itineraries between the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with ports of call including Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Maarten. These diverse routes are designed to attract a growing number of cruise visitors, bolstering Puerto Rico’s prominence as a leading destination within the Caribbean cruise market.

Repositioning Cruise Highlights

The ship’s arrival in San Juan followed an 11-night repositioning cruise featuring a mix of marquee and lesser-frequented ports such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grand Turk, Puerto Plata, and St. Thomas. Originally scheduled for operations in Australia during the 2024-25 season, Princess Cruises decided to redeploy Grand Princess to San Juan as part of its strategy to expand departure points across North America. The initiative highlights the growing appeal of Puerto Rico’s strategic location for launching varied Caribbean itineraries.

Major Investments to Modernize San Juan Cruise Port

Global Ports Holding (GPH) is actively enhancing San Juan’s cruise infrastructure to support robust passenger growth and future homeport demand. As part of its 30-year operating concession agreement with Puerto Rico, GPH has invested $110 million in comprehensive upgrades. Key improvements include the modernization of Piers 3 and 4, a 1,500-foot seawall reconstruction at the Pan American Pier, and the installation of 36 new bollards to accommodate larger ships such as Icon-class vessels. Additional investments focus on remodeling terminal facilities, upgrading HVAC systems, and enhancing passenger amenities.

These developments have reinvigorated cruise lines’ confidence in San Juan, enabling the city to host larger vessels and position itself as a preferred gateway to diverse Caribbean itineraries. Díaz commented, “Through this public-private partnership, GPH is demonstrating its commitment to delivering stronger infrastructure, enabling larger ships to berth in San Juan, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and building a brighter future for the cruise industry here.”

Future Deployment and Growth for San Juan

Princess Cruises’ redeployment is part of a broader growth strategy, with plans for the Crown Princess to operate San Juan-based itineraries during the 2026-27 season. Looking further ahead, GPH anticipates the number of cruise passengers visiting Puerto Rico to grow to 1.8 million by 2028, with potential provisions for additional cruise piers if arrivals reach 1.9 million or more annually. Díaz noted that improved infrastructure and strategic airlift connections bolster San Juan’s appeal, enabling year-round cruise deployments and enhanced itinerary options.

As Princess Cruises continues its San Juan operations, these advancements underpin long-term opportunities for sustained economic benefits, increased tourism activities, and broader cruise itineraries tailored to North American and global travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Princess Cruises return to homeporting in San Juan?

Princess Cruises returned to San Juan primarily to diversify departure options for North American travelers. According to company statements, Puerto Rico’s strategic location and enhanced infrastructure provided the foundation for expanding its Caribbean offerings.

What are the key upgrades at the San Juan Cruise Port?

Global Ports Holding has invested $110 million in port improvements, including seawall reconstruction, installation of new bollards, modernization of terminal facilities, and upgrades to HVAC systems. These developments enhance capacity, safety, and support for larger vessels.

How will Princess Cruises’ operations impact Puerto Rico’s economy?

The return of homeporting operations in San Juan is expected to contribute over $20 million to Puerto Rico’s economy. This impact reflects passenger spending, provisioning, transportation services, extended tourist stays, and diversified consumption patterns.

What destinations are included in the Grand Princess itineraries?

The ship operates alternating week-long itineraries departing Sundays from San Juan. Ports of call include Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Maarten.

Which Princess Cruises ship will operate from San Juan after 2026?

The Crown Princess is scheduled to assume San Juan-based itineraries during the 2026-27 season, continuing Princess Cruises’ homeport presence in Puerto Rico.