MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Concern in Puerto Rico following Royal Caribbean announced cancelling of 90 cruise visits

The heart of the dispute allegedly are the dilapidated docks in San Juan, in need of some US$ 250 million in upkeep

Cruise ship visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico are being canceled for the 2020-21 season due to the privatization of the cruise port. According to the local newspaper, El Nuevo Día, Royal Caribbean is canceling 90 calls to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the 2020 and 2021 season. The news was released by Fermin Fontanez, the director of the Authority for Public-Private Partnerships that these cancellations would happen.

However, the cruise line has apparently confirmed to the site that no itineraries have been changed and they are “still standing on the same full itineraries.”

The reason for the cancellations is the privatization of the cruise docks in San Juan due to much-needed maintenance required. An estimated US$ 250 million investment is needed to make sure cruise ships can continue to dock there in the years to come. There is an urge for governor Wanda Vazquez to not go ahead with the privatization.

“We will have to see how this works out as the port authorities and Royal Caribbean usually have an open dialogue and it has come as a surprise with the cancellations”, the Governor was quoted.

The 90 canceled visits to the eastern Caribbean island would mean 360,000 fewer tourists and in turn, would have an economic impact of US$ 44 million. Authorities have also stated that an additional 30 departures from San Juan are being canceled and that apparently includes “Freedom of the Seas” which is operated by Royal Caribbean.

“Allure of the Seas” and “Symphony of the Seas” which are both Oasis-class cruise ships are also impacted by the canceled calls. Carnival Cruise Line has remained committed to the Puerto Rico and has even recently announced new sailings with the “Carnival Fascination” cruise ship in 2021.