MEDIA

22 Nov 2024

San Juan Welcomes Ritz-Carlton Ilma and Sun Princess for Inaugural Calls to Puerto Rico

This week, Puerto Rico celebrates the arrival of two prestigious vessels that highlight its standing as a premier destination in the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton Ilma, a luxury mega-yacht, and the Sun Princess, a world-class cruise ship from Princess Cruises, are both set to deliver significant economic benefits and expand the destination’s offerings for luxury travel and tourism.

Ritz-Carlton Ilma, which made its inaugural visit to Puerto Rico last week after completing its Mediterranean season, has chosen San Juan as its homeport for the 2024-2025 Caribbean season. With eleven planned departures from November 2024 to March 2025, its activities are expected to generate an economic impact of $1.7 million. Offering unparalleled luxury, the yacht features five restaurants, six bars, a wine cellar, classical and jazz concerts, and personalized services for up to 448 passengers.

Similarly, Sun Princess began its season in San Juan with the first of five scheduled visits, each offering extended 12-hour stops to enable passengers to explore Puerto Rico’s attractions and vibrant nightlife. This modern vessel, with a capacity of 5,189 passengers and 1,550 crew, is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet. Princess Cruises calls in Puerto Rico during the 2025 fiscal year are projected to bring 122,000 passengers over 34 visits, with plans to resume homeport operations in 2026. Calls by Princess Cruises ships are also expected to generate over $1.7 million in economic impact this fiscal year.

Following the Sun Princess early morning arrival on November 19th, a group of government representatives, San Juan Cruise Port executives, and other partners in the tourism industry gathered to officially welcome the captains and crew with the traditional commemorative plaques marking its inaugural visit. They also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering the growth of the cruise sector across the island. A similar ceremony was held on November 20^th when Ritz-Carlton Ilma arrived to begin  its second homeport journey from San Juan.

Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, emphasized the significance of these visits in bolstering Puerto Rico’s position as a vibrant travel destination. “The inclusion of San Juan in the itineraries of these iconic vessels strengthens our tourism sector and contributes to the Island's economic growth by diversifying and expanding our luxury travel offerings.”

"The arrival of vessels like the Ritz-Carlton Ilma and Sun Princess underscores San Juan's standing as a premier homeport and transit destination in the Caribbean, said Clarivette Díaz, General Manager, San Juan Cruise Port. “At San Juan Cruise Port, we are committed to providing world-class facilities and services that elevate the passenger experience while driving significant economic growth for Puerto Rico. These partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering sustainable tourism and solidifying our position as a hub for luxury travel.”

Passengers of both vessels can expect to enjoy Puerto Rico’s rich culture, world-class accommodations, and local excursions, further showcasing the island's appeal as a top-tier destination for cruise and yacht travelers.