Royal Caribbean has been forced to adjust the itineraries of several ships due to ongoing pier-related problems in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The cruise line has confirmed that multiple vessels have been impacted by the situation, which stems from a partial closure of Pier 4 at the Pan American Pier.
The pier issues began earlier this month when a structural assessment revealed concerns about the dock’s stability. As a result, authorities limited access to the pier, disrupting the schedules of numerous cruise ships that typically call at San Juan. Royal Caribbean has responded by rerouting affected ships to alternative ports or modifying their time in San Juan to use other available docking facilities.
Among the impacted ships are Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, along with Wonder of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas. For instance, Icon of the Seas, which was scheduled to dock in San Juan on February 25, 2025, has been reassigned to a different pier, while other sailings have seen their port calls shuffled to nearby destinations like St. Thomas or St. Maarten. Guests aboard these voyages have been notified of the changes, with the cruise line emphasizing its commitment to safety and a seamless experience.
The situation has caused frustration for some passengers who were looking forward to exploring San Juan, a popular Caribbean port known for its historic charm and vibrant culture. Royal Caribbean has assured travelers that it is working closely with local authorities to monitor developments and adapt plans as needed. No timeline has been provided for when Pier 4 might fully reopen, leaving the cruise industry in the region in a state of uncertainty for the time being.
This isn’t the first time San Juan’s port infrastructure has posed challenges. The aging facilities have long been a point of discussion, with calls for upgrades to accommodate the growing size and number of modern cruise ships. For now, Royal Caribbean and its passengers are navigating the inconvenience as best they can, with the cruise line promising to keep guests updated on any further adjustments.
