San Juan Cruise Port: The Return of Oasis-Class Ships
San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico has reached a significant milestone with the return of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the first Oasis-class ship to dock in the capital since the completion of a major upgrade to Pier 3.
This project, funded and led directly by the port, has restored the capacity to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships and also opened the door to hosting Icon-class vessels for the first time. These infrastructural improvements not only represent a technological leap but are also designed to stimulate growth in the local cruise industry, bringing significant economic benefits to Old San Juan and strengthening the entire Puerto Rican tourism sector.
A Warm Welcome
Guests disembark Wonder of the Seas in San Juan
San Juan Cruise Port is part of the Global Ports Holding network, the world’s largest cruise port operator, which provided its technical expertise and operational experience to deliver this strategic project. The Pier 3 upgrade is part of a broader plan aimed at modernizing port infrastructure, increasing capacity, and preparing San Juan for future challenges, thereby ensuring the port’s competitiveness on the international stage for decades to come. The upgrade included a series of key operations such as structural reinforcement to support the weight of mega ships, dredging to achieve the required depth, modernization of mooring equipment, and the construction of a new platform specifically designed for Icon-class vessels, all carried out in full compliance with safety regulations and in collaboration with local and federal authorities.
The visit of the Wonder of the Seas brought more than 6,500 passengers and crew members, generating an estimated $700,000 in local economic activity in a single day. From August to December 2025, approximately fifteen calls from large cruise ships are expected, offering new growth opportunities for local merchants, tour operators, restaurants, and transportation services. Clarivette Díaz, General Manager of San Juan Cruise Port, emphasized that this return is a tangible sign of the port’s commitment to strengthening its position as a premier cruise destination. Ongoing investments, part of a $52 million infrastructure program, are enhancing the port’s operational capacity and efficiency, preparing it to successfully welcome the next generation of cruise ships and bringing concrete benefits to the local economy and tourism industry.
Partnership in Action
Wonder of the Seas at Pier 3 West
The San Juan Cruise Port project, officially launched in February 2024 under the management of Global Ports Holding, represents a $425 million investment aimed at transforming the facility into one of the world’s most advanced and welcoming cruise ports. Through this initiative, the goal is to maximize economic benefits for the entire community by boosting demand for local goods and services and promoting sustainable development of the tourism sector.
With this innovative public-private partnership model, San Juan is poised to become an international benchmark, ready to welcome millions of visitors and ensure a prosperous future for Puerto Rico’s cruise industry.
Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews from the world of cruising on Cruising Journal.
Hannah Gomes