San Juan Cruise Port Welcomes Explora III on Its Inaugural Visit to Puerto Rico
(San Juan, Puerto Rico – November 1, 2026) – San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) celebrated the inaugural arrival of Explora III, the newest luxury vessel from Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. This visit marks another step in strengthening San Juan’s position as a strategic destination for luxury cruising. The vessel is scheduled to make 11 calls at the capital’s port during the 2026–2027 season, which runs through April, including 10 homeport operations.
Together, these calls are projected to bring 10,142 passengers and 7,040 crew members, generating an estimated total economic impact of $2,382,260 for Puerto Rico. This activity will benefit businesses, restaurants, hotels, transportation providers, tour operators, and other sectors connected to the visitor economy, particularly through passenger embarkation and disembarkation operations for travelers beginning or ending their journeys in San Juan.
Designed to deliver an exclusive travel experience, Explora III features 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, including two Owner’s Residences, one designed by renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. Its principal amenities include seven dining experiences, 13 bars and lounges, five heated swimming pools, Ocean Wellness facilities for well-being and fitness, outdoor relaxation areas, and a range of entertainment and personalized services tailored to the luxury market.
During the 2026–2027 season, Explora III will offer a variety of itineraries through the Eastern Caribbean and other parts of the region, connecting San Juan with destinations such as St. Barts, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Guadeloupe, and the Dominican Republic, among others. These voyages include seven- and eight-night sailings between San Juan and Miami, calling at ports such as Gustavia, Road Town, Basseterre, Philipsburg, Charlotte Amalie, Terre-de-Haut, and Puerto Plata. The range of itineraries will allow guests to discover destinations known for their natural beauty, culture, and cuisine, while strengthening San Juan’s role as a gateway to high-value cruise experiences.
“Welcoming Explora III on its inaugural visit and having 10 homeport operations scheduled represents an important step in our efforts to continue diversifying San Juan’s cruise offerings,” said Clarivette Díaz, general manager of San Juan Cruise Port. “Growth in the luxury segment creates new opportunities for our tourism industry, particularly because of the travelers it attracts and their interest in high-end cultural, culinary, and hospitality experiences. This schedule reaffirms leading cruise lines’ confidence in our infrastructure and operational capabilities, while generating economic activity for local businesses and service providers.”
The addition of Explora III to San Juan Cruise Port’s schedule builds on the infrastructure modernization and development efforts SJCP has pursued since beginning operations in February 2024. These investments are intended to strengthen the port’s competitiveness, expand its capacity to accommodate vessels across different categories, and provide facilities that meet the needs of cruise lines and their guests.
“This new Explora Journeys operation demonstrates the importance of continuing to strengthen Puerto Rico’s port infrastructure and working together to attract new opportunities for tourism and economic development,” said Norberto Negrón, executive director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.
“Under Governor Jenniffer González Colón’s administration, we continue advancing initiatives to position our ports as modern, competitive facilities prepared to meet the demands of the maritime industry. Explora III’s homeport operations represent an important opportunity for our economy, generating additional activity in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, dining, and tourism services. We will continue collaborating with San Juan Cruise Port to ensure Puerto Rico remains an attractive destination for the world’s leading cruise lines.”
With this new inaugural arrival, San Juan Cruise Port reaffirms its commitment to attracting new vessels, strengthening the luxury cruise segment, and expanding homeport operations. This strategy helps diversify tourism activity, create more opportunities for local businesses, and consolidate San Juan’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise ports.
