San Juan Puerto Rico Map of Pan American Port Terminal: A Hub for Cruise Tourism

Puerto Rico's San Juan cruise port has become a significant hub for international tourism, attracting nearly 1.8 million cruisers via 517 ship calls in 2018 alone. This represents a 21% increase over the previous year, with the tourism industry accounting for approximately 7% of the country's economy.

In recent years, Port San Juan has invested heavily in upgrading its facilities to accommodate the world's largest cruise vessels. For FY2018, Puerto Rico estimated that around 1.7 million cruise ship tourists would arrive on scheduled 540 ship calls, generating a significant USD 250 million for the local economy.

One of the key investments made by Port San Juan was the construction of a new third dock, which required an investment of approximately USD 8 million. This expansion has enabled the port to handle larger cruise ships and provide improved facilities for passengers.

The upgrade works included boarding bridge improvements, safety checkpoints enhancements, restrooms modernization, mooring improvements, new passenger registration desks, building renovations, and enlarging the terminal's baggage inspection area. Additionally, dredging was carried out in the pier's ship docking area to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Prior to this investment, Royal Caribbean International (RCCL) had announced plans to homeport its Freedom of the Seas vessel in San Juan, starting in May 2018. This decision marked a significant milestone for the port, and the partnership with Puerto Rico Ports Authority (a government-owned corporation) was established to further improve the cruise pier.

San Juan's Pan American Wharf 2 has undergone significant renovations to enhance its facilities and services. The most popular beaches near San Juan include El Escambron and Isla Verde, which are free of charge but offer parking, lockers, and showers for a fee. Public beaches, known as balnearios, are also available and serviced by lifeguards.

The port's location on the north coast of Puerto Rico makes it an ideal stopover for Caribbean island cruises. Many cruise lines operate from San Juan to popular destinations such as Windward Islands (St Lucia, Dominica, St Vincent, Barbados, Tobago, Grenada), Leeward Islands (St Maarten, Guadeloupe, St Kitts), and Dutch Antilles (Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba).

In addition to being a major cruise port, San Juan is also home to several major cruise line vessels operating roundtrip cruises from Florida ports. The city itself has a rich history, having been named the second-oldest capital in the Caribbean after Santo Domingo.

As Puerto Rico's largest city and capital, San Juan offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its location makes it an ideal stopover for cruise tourists seeking to explore the wider region. With its modern facilities and services, Port San Juan has cemented its position as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean.

San juan puerto rico map of pan american port terminal