A New Era for the San Juan Cruise Port
During Seatrade Cruise Global held in Miami, the San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) showcased its prominent position in the Caribbean cruise landscape. Operated by the global cruise port leader Global Ports Holding (GPH), SJCP is at the center of a major modernization and expansion effort that has already drawn significant attention from industry operators and public authorities.
Established in 2024 as part of a 30-year public-private partnership with the Government of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA), the San Juan Cruise Port serves as a strategic hub for Caribbean cruise tourism. Its stated goal is to transform it into one of the world’s leading cruise ports, supported by a total investment of $425 million.
San Juan Cruise Port
San Juan Cruise Port
At a press conference hosted at the GPH booth, SJCP presented the progress achieved so far and its outlook for the future. The first months of 2025 have seen a 10% increase in passenger traffic, with projections of up to 20% growth by the end of the year. This positive momentum is the result of improved operations, strengthened partnerships with cruise lines, and a growing focus on San Juan as a key embarkation point in the region.
One of the central topics of the event was the completion of Phase 1 of the modernization of the Panamerican piers, involving a $42 million investment. These works aim to boost operational efficiency, enhance safety standards, and accommodate next-generation cruise ships. In addition, ongoing improvements are being made at Pier 3, where the mooring dolphin on the west side is being replaced to meet the latest technical standards.
SJCP’s success is the result of a synergistic collaboration between the public and private sectors. The presentation was attended by key figures in Puerto Rico’s tourism industry, including Clarisa Jiménez, President and CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA), and Crystal Bell, Director of Air and Sea Access at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The event concluded with tastings of the traditional coquito and a lively performance of plena music, paying tribute to Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, emphasized the importance of public-private synergy in the development of the San Juan port. According to Kutman, under the leadership of General Manager Clarivette Díaz, the port has become a model of effective cooperation, fostering economic growth, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting sustainable tourism. He believes this collaboration is key to cementing San Juan’s status as a premier cruise destination.
San Juan Cruise Port
San Juan Cruise Port
Clarivette Díaz, who leads the operational side of the San Juan Cruise Port, also reiterated the strategic importance of the ongoing initiative, describing it not just as a modernization project, but as a decisive step toward reinforcing Puerto Rico’s role on the international cruise stage. Díaz highlighted that the economic impact of the project will be both significant and long-lasting, noting that this is only the beginning of a wide-reaching transformation.
With a long-term vision, tangible investments, and a strong spirit of collaboration, the San Juan Cruise Port is positioning itself as a key platform for Caribbean and international cruise tourism. The renewed infrastructure, increased passenger traffic, and strong alliances with local and international stakeholders confirm a successful development model aimed at maximizing benefits for Puerto Rico and the wider region. The Port of San Juan is no longer just a transit point—it is increasingly becoming a symbol of economic revival and cultural pride.
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