San Juan Pier closure continues to disrupt cruise travel

On By Littum

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has been forced to detour San Juan, Puerto Rico, again due to ongoing problems at Pier 3, the only pier capable of accommodating the massive Oasis-class ships.

View of a small island with jagged rocks surrounded by the sea, possibly near Puerto Rico. The island has a historic-looking fortress and a lighthouse, with large ships occasionally calling at the town in the distant background. The sky is partly cloudy with a soft sunset.
(Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

The pier, which has been closed since an April 2024 incident involving the loss of a mooring dolphin, remains out of service and there is no timetable for reopening. This has disrupted several Royal Caribbean itineraries as it is the only dock that can host a ship of its size.

Royal Caribbean Ship skips San Juan

A large cruise ship docked at Labadee's tropical pier with clear blue water and lush greenery.
Symphony of the Seas docked in Labadee, Haiti (Photo by Stephen James Burke / Shutterstock.com)

The ship’s December 22 and 29 sailings were the latest to have their itineraries changed to remove the San Juan. In a notice to guests, Royal Caribbean cited ongoing construction and an advisory from the San Juan Port Authority as reasons for the changes.

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As a result, Symphony of the Seas will now visit ports such as Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas, instead of San Juan and other previously scheduled stops.

It is the third time that the port call has been canceled for Symphony of the Seas at short notice.

A guest on the Dec. 29 sailing shared with Cruise Radio that they had planned to propose in San Juan, but were informed of the change at the last minute, derailing their engagement plans with a professional photographer.

USCG cites safety concerns for pier closure

A sunny beach scene with clear blue skies, sandy beaches and gentle waves. Palm trees are to the right, while a cityscape with tall buildings and a bridge is visible over the water. In the distance, large ships dock in Puerto Rico, adding a touch of maritime charm.
(Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

The US Coast Guard has repeated that Pier 3 remains closed until satisfactory assessment studies are submitted and an on-site inspection confirms the safety of the structure.

In a statement on November 27, Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the port, cruise ships and the thousands of visitors who depend on the facility.

“San Juan’s Pier 3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world,” Rodriguez said. “We understand the inconvenience of this case, but it is crucial that we ensure the safety of the port.”

The pier has been closed since April, and the Coast Guard is still awaiting necessary safety assessments from San Juan cruise Port and Puerto Rico Port Authority.

Frustration builds with cruisers and locals

A scenic view of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the historic fortress of El Morro and vibrant buildings along the coast. Capturing lush greenery and blue sea under a clear sky, the image highlights popular cruise itineraries that often include a stop at the San Juan Pier.
(Photo via Royal Caribbean)

The extended closure has sparked criticism from cruisers and residents of Puerto Rico alike. Many guests have expressed dissatisfaction with Royal Caribbean’s handling of the situation, with some citing last-minute announcements and lack of compensation for lost ports.