puerto rico We’ve just completed one of the strongest cruise seasons in history, and the numbers are eye-popping.
that Puerto Rico Tourism Company Announced successful completion. 2025-2026 Winter Cruise Season — This period, referred to in the industry as the “winter season,” has historically seen the highest concentration of cruise activity. caribbean — said record passenger movements and a sharp increase in port activity. old san juan.
This is a notable milestone. puerto ricohas steadily established itself as one of the most important cruise hubs in the region, and the latest figures show momentum only accelerating.
number
between November 2025 and April 2026Puerto Rico is 1,360,937 cruise passengers In Old San Juan — increases approx. 43% The most recent passenger movement data compared to the same period last year.
The island also set a combined record. 515 Home port and transit cruise operations and port calls On the same window, 34.1% A jump compared to previous seasons.
“Puerto Rico continues to strengthen its leadership within the Caribbean cruise industry,” he said. Willianette Robles CanceledExecutive Director of CTPR. “This winter peak season has reflected very positive results in both passenger movements and port activity, demonstrating confidence in the ability of the major cruise lines to sustain and continue to grow competitively on our islands.”
Perhaps most significantly, each month of the 2025-2026 peak season consistently outperformed the same month in the previous year. 2024, 2023, 2022 — a sign of sustained annual growth rather than a one-season surge.
Home port surge
The most notable story this season was San Juan’s performance. home port Segment — A vessel that actually begins and ends its voyage in Puerto Rico, rather than simply stopping by on the way.
Registered homeport segment 371,536 passengers Noticeable between November 2025 and April 2026 76.6% It increased compared to the same period last season.
This growth is significant beyond cruise terminals as well. The homeport business is one of the island’s biggest economic engines. This is because passengers who begin or end their cruises in San Juan generate hotel stays, restaurant spending, ground transportation, and additional commercial activity before and after each voyage. In other words, homeport passengers are of much more value to the local economy than transit passengers who pass through on the same day.
Factors driving growth
Factors driving growth
The home port boom did not happen by accident. According to CTPR, several specific deployment changes facilitated this leap.
In this season grand princesswith additional voyages Royal Caribbean boarding jewel of the sea and the brilliance of the sea. norwegian cruise linesMeanwhile norwegian viva for larger capacity norwegian epicAdd more passenger seating to the mix.
Two developments in particular stand out. princess cruise Since then, we have resumed operations in Puerto Rico for the first time. 2011 — a significant return for a route that has not existed on the island for more than a decade. and Royal Caribbeanwent from operating just one ship in Puerto Rico since the pandemic to now operating two ships. sheen and jewel of the sea — On the island.
The move adds to the kind of capacity expansion the island has reported that translates directly into increased homeport ridership.
what it means
The results are noteworthy, especially considering the seasonal rhythm of the business.
CTPR noted: April to October The window historically represents a slow season for the Caribbean cruise industry (particularly the homeport sector). europe For summer. Nonetheless, Puerto Rico continues to see positive and sustained trends in both passenger traffic and port operations, suggesting that the island’s cruise appeal is more year-round than traditional.
bigger picture
This season’s accomplishments are consistent with a broader strategic push by Puerto Rico’s government leaders.
branch Jennifer Gonzalez Colon We have repeatedly emphasized that strengthening the island’s tourism and port infrastructure is a priority, along with progressive plans to expand maritime connectivity and solidify Puerto Rico’s position as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations.
“Under the leadership of Governor Jennifer González Colón, we will continue to strengthen our relationships and collaborations with cruise lines, operators and other industry partners with the goal of continuing to expand maritime connectivity, foster economic development and position Puerto Rico as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations,” said Robles Cancel.
The takeaway for Puerto Rico is simple. A record winter season, a homeport segment growing nearly 77%, and a growing list of major cruise lines deepening their commitment to the islands all point to continued growth in one of the Caribbean’s most competitive cruise markets.
