Popular Royal Caribbean Port Reopens Its Doors to Cruise Ships After Extended Closure

After more than a year, a popular Caribbean cruise destination is poised to welcome Royal Caribbean’s largest ships once again. San Juan Cruise Port’s sole berth capable of accommodating these massive vessels has been closed since April 2024, following an incident where a MSC Cruises ship damaged the mooring structure at the port.

The U.S. Coast Guard took charge of the pier’s operations after the accident, leading to a complete shutdown until necessary repairs and inspections were completed. Although other piers at the port remained operational, they could not support Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Class ships, forcing the cruise line to cancel numerous planned visits to this sought-after destination—a disappointment for many eager passengers.

On June 27, San Juan Cruise Port officially announced via social media that Pier 3 West has reopened after undergoing a rigorous structural assessment that met U.S. Coast Guard standards. According to Clarivette Diaz, the port’s general manager, restoring safety was the primary focus, and the collaborative efforts of numerous agencies were crucial in making this possible.

The reopening news has been met with excitement from cruise passengers who had been waiting for updates. Many expressed their relief and enthusiasm to finally visit Puerto Rico after being unable to do so for over a year. Royal Caribbean has not yet commented on their upcoming schedules, but early reports suggest that the ship’s planned visits later this summer, including the highly anticipated Wonder of the Seas, will occur as scheduled.

For more information, you can check the updates about San Juan Cruise Port and Royal Caribbean’s offerings.

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