Caribbean News
San Juan Cruise Port Highlights $42 Million in Recent Infrastructure Improvements at Seatrade Cruise Global
Regional hub plans for growth with multi-million-dollar investment as passenger projections increase
(Miami, Florida, April 10, 2025) – San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP), operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH), reaffirmed its status as the Caribbean’s leading cruise port during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami. The dynamic port operator hosted a special press conference for key stakeholders at the Global Ports Holding booth, promoting recent developments at SJCP including key investments in operational and infrastructure needs. SJCP was also featured prominently at the GPH booth and earned the cover story of GPH News Spring 2025 magazine for the second consecutive year.
Performance on the Rise
SJCP continues to demonstrate strong upward momentum, making measurable strides in increasing both cruise line activity and passenger volume. Early 2025 figures show a 10% increase in passenger traffic, with 2025 projections indicating a further growth of nearly 20%. This growth reflects the port’s strengthened partnerships with cruise operators, improved operational capacity, and a renewed focus on San Juan as a key embarkation point in the Caribbean, also highlighting the port’s growing relevance in the regional cruise network and its capacity to scale as demand increases.
Infrastructure Projects Progressing On Schedule
Among the key updates shared at Seatrade was the near completion of Phase 1 of the Panamerican Piers modernization project, in which
$42m has been invested as of last month. This phase represents a significant step in SJCP’s broader infrastructure plan, aimed at elevating safety standards, improving operational efficiency, and preparing the port to receive the newest generation of cruise vessels.
In addition to the Panamerican upgrades, repair work at Pier 3 is progressing steadily. Replacement of the mooring dolphin on the west side of the Pier is underway, as part of the strategy to strengthen maritime infrastructure and ensure full compliance with evolving technical requirements by regulatory authorities.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Success
The port’s progress reflects the strength of its collaboration with public and private stakeholders. During the presentation, notable leaders joined SJCP and GPH in highlighting these efforts, including Clarisa Jiménez, President & CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) and Crystal Bell, Director of Air and Cruise Access, Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
This event was a testament to the power of a strong public-private partnership, where government, industry, and community work hand in hand in a unified alliance to achieve outstanding results for Puerto Rico. The presentation closed with “coquito” tastings and a vibrant live performance by local “pleneros”, highlighting San Juan’s rich cultural heritage and reinforcing the port’s deep local roots.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, commented on the positive, expanding relationship between San Juan Cruise Port and its key partners. “Under the leadership of our General Manager, Clarivette Diaz, San Juan Cruise Port’s growth and expansion exemplify the power of collaboration between the private and public sectors. By working together, we can unlock unparalleled opportunities that drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and foster a sustainable and thriving tourism industry. This partnership is essential to ensuring that San Juan becomes a leading destination, meeting the needs of our passengers, local communities, and stakeholders.”
Strategic Vision for the Future
With major infrastructure milestones on track and projected passenger volume increase, SJCP is positioned for long-term growth. Upcoming phases of development will further expand capacity and support the arrival of larger, next-generation cruise ships—securing San Juan’s role as a significant player in the Caribbean cruise market and a driver of economic opportunity for Puerto Rico.
General Manager Clarivette Díaz stated: “This transformation is not only about modernizing San Juan Cruise Port—it’s about reinforcing Puerto Rico’s standing as a strategic port of call in the global cruise industry. The economic impact will be significant and lasting and we’re just getting started.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Header: (L to R) Clarisa Jimenez, President & CEO, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association, Clarivette Diaz Sosa, General Manager of San Juan Cruise Port, Crystal Bell, Director of Air and Cruise Access, Puerto Rican Tourism Company, and Zenaida Diaz, Director of Events, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, pose with pleneros who wowed the crowd with traditional Afro-Puerto Rican “plena” music.
Insert: Clarivette Diaz Sosa, General Manager of San Juan Cruise Port, shares highlights of the year in review at San Juan Cruise Port, where $42 million has recently been invested in infrastructure and development improvements.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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