San Juan Cruise Port Highlights $42 Million in Recent Infrastructure Improvements at Seatrade Cruise Global
San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP), operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH), reaffirmed its status as the Caribbean’s leading cruise port during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami. The dynamic port operator hosted a special press conference for key stakeholders at the Global Ports Holding booth, promoting recent developments at SJCP including key investments in operational and infrastructure needs. SJCP was also featured prominently at the GPH booth and earned the cover story of GPH News Spring 2025 magazine for the second consecutive year.
Performance on the Rise
SJCP continues to demonstrate strong upward momentum, making measurable strides in increasing both cruise line activity and passenger volume. Early 2025 figures show a 10% increase in passenger traffic, with 2025 projections indicating a further growth of nearly 20%. This growth reflects the port’s strengthened partnerships with cruise operators, improved operational capacity, and a renewed focus on San Juan as a key embarkation point in the Caribbean, also highlighting the port’s growing relevance in the regional cruise network and its capacity to scale as demand increases.
Infrastructure Projects Progressing On Schedule
Among the key updates shared at Seatrade was the near completion of Phase 1 of the Panamerican Piers modernization project, in which $42m has been invested as of last month. This phase represents a significant step in SJCP’s broader infrastructure plan, aimed at elevating safety standards, improving operational efficiency, and preparing the port to receive the newest generation of cruise vessels.
In addition to the Panamerican upgrades, repair work at Pier 3 is progressing steadily. Replacement of the mooring dolphin on the west side of the Pier is underway, as part of the strategy to strengthen maritime infrastructure and ensure full compliance with evolving technical requirements by regulatory authorities.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Success
The port’s progress reflects the strength of its collaboration with public and private stakeholders. During the presentation, notable leaders joined SJCP and GPH in highlighting these efforts, including Clarisa Jiménez, President & CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) and Crystal Bell, Director of Air and Cruise Access, Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
This event was a testament to the power of a strong public-private partnership, where government, industry, and community work hand in hand in a unified alliance to achieve outstanding results for Puerto Rico. The presentation closed with “coquito” tastings and a vibrant live performance by local “pleneros”, highlighting San Juan’s rich cultural heritage and reinforcing the port’s deep local roots.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, commented on the positive, expanding relationship between San Juan Cruise Port and its key partners. “Under the leadership of our General Manager, Clarivette Diaz, San Juan Cruise Port’s growth and expansion exemplify the power of collaboration between the private and public sectors. By working together, we can unlock unparalleled opportunities that drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and foster a sustainable and thriving tourism industry. This partnership is essential to ensuring that San Juan becomes a leading destination, meeting the needs of our passengers, local communities, and stakeholders.”
Strategic Vision for the Future
With major infrastructure milestones on track and projected passenger volume increase, SJCP is positioned for long-term growth. Upcoming phases of development will further expand capacity and support the arrival of larger, next-generation cruise ships—securing San Juan’s role as a significant player in the Caribbean cruise market and a driver of economic opportunity for Puerto Rico.
General Manager Clarivette Díaz stated: “This transformation is not only about modernizing San Juan Cruise Port—it’s about reinforcing Puerto Rico’s standing as a strategic port of call in the global cruise industry. The economic impact will be significant and lasting and we’re just getting started.
About San Juan Cruise Port
In 2022, San Juan Cruise Port and its parent company, Global Ports Holding, were selected by the Government of Puerto Rico to repair, rebuild, maintain, and operate the San Juan cruise ports under a 30 year Public-Private Partnership Agreement with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA). Through a $425 million investment in the San Juan Cruise Port project, we will enhance and expand the facility into one of the premier cruise ports in the world. Our goal is to maximize economic benefits for all stakeholders, generating higher demand for local goods and services and supporting overall tourism and economic growth for San Juan and Puerto Rico. Together, we will ensure that San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rican cruise tourism sector are poised for a prosperous future. San Juan Cruise Port officially began operations in February 2024.
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