Cruise arrivals bring $800K boost to San Juan economy
The arrival of two cruise ships to Old San Juan on Wednesday, the Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond, brought more than 13,000 passengers and crew to the National Historic Site, generating an estimated $800,000 in economic activity, the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. said.
The Star of the Seas docked for the first time at Pier 3, which government officials called a milestone for the island’s cruise industry.
“We’re very excited to welcome the Star of the Seas for the first time today to the San Juan Pier, as well as the Celebrity Beyond, which together bring more than 13,000 people, including passengers and crew,” said Tourism Co. Executive Director Willianette Robles-Cancel.
“This first visit of the Star of the Seas is estimated at approximately $600,000, and with the next five scheduled calls, it will exceed $3.5 million in direct economic impact,” she said.
Norberto Negrón, executive director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, said the ship’s arrival was possible after the refurbishment of Pier 3 and its evaluation by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“Today is a historic day for tourism in Puerto Rico with the arrival, for the first time on our shores, of the Star of the Seas cruise ship,” Negrón said.
Clarivette Díaz, general manager of San Juan Cruise Port, said the ship reflects “the most modern and sophisticated offerings in the cruise industry” and its selection of San Juan “speaks to the work, investments and vision for the future we have put into transforming our port.”
Passengers were greeted with live Puerto Rican music and artisan markets showcasing local culture and products.
