SAN JUAN WELCOMES RITZ-CARLTON ILMA AND SUN PRINCESS FOR INAUGURAL CALLS TO PUERTO RICO

 (San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 22, 2024) – This week, Puerto Rico celebrates the arrival of two prestigious vessels that highlight its standing as a premier destination in the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton Ilma, a luxury mega-yacht, and the Sun Princess, a world-class cruise ship from Princess Cruises, are both set to deliver significant economic benefits and expand the destination’s offerings for luxury travel and tourism.

Ritz-Carlton Ilma, which made its inaugural visit to Puerto Rico last week after completing its Mediterranean season, has chosen San Juan as its homeport for the 2024-2025 Caribbean season. With eleven planned departures from November 2024 to March 2025, its activities are expected to generate an economic impact of $1.7 million. Offering unparalleled luxury, the yacht features five restaurants, six bars, a wine cellar, classical and jazz concerts, and personalized services for up to 448 passengers

Pictured from left to right are: Corinne Steel, Cruise Director, Sun Princess; Staff Captain Valerio Esposito; Captain Paolo Arriga; Crystal Bell, Air and Cruise Access Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Ramon Umpierre, Puerto Rico Shipping Association; Kristian Busto, Continental Shipping; Karla De Pedro, Marketing Coordinator, San Juan Cruise Port; and Elizabeth Merced, Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
 

Similarly, Sun Princess began its season in San Juan with the first of five scheduled visits, each offering extended 12-hour stops to enable passengers to explore Puerto Rico’s attractions and vibrant nightlife. This modern vessel, with a capacity of 5,189 passengers and 1,550 crew, is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet. Princess Cruises calls in Puerto Rico during the 2025 fiscal year are projected to bring 122,000 passengers over 34 visits, with plans to resume homeport operations in 2026. Calls by Princess Cruises ships are also expected to generate over $1.7 million in economic impact this fiscal year.

Following the Sun Princess early morning arrival on November 19th, a group of government representatives, San Juan Cruise Port executives, and other partners in the tourism industry gathered to officially welcome the captains and crew with the traditional commemorative plaques marking its inaugural visit. They also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering the growth of the cruise sector across the island. A similar ceremony was held on November 20th when Ritz-Carlton Ilma arrived to begin its second homeport journey from San Juan.

Karla de Pedro, Marketing Coordinator, San Juan Cruise Port, exchanges welcome plaques with Captain Magnus Bentsson.
 

Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, emphasized the significance of these visits in bolstering Puerto Rico’s position as a vibrant travel destination. “The inclusion of San Juan in the itineraries of these iconic vessels strengthens our tourism sector and contributes to the Island's economic growth by diversifying and expanding our luxury travel offerings.”

"The arrival of vessels like the Ritz-Carlton Ilma and Sun Princess underscores San Juan's standing as a premier homeport and transit destination in the Caribbean," said Clarivette Díaz, General Manager, San Juan Cruise Port. “At San Juan Cruise Port, we are committed to providing world-class facilities and services that elevate the passenger experience while driving significant economic growth for Puerto Rico. These partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering sustainable tourism and solidifying our position as a hub for luxury travel.”

Pictured from left to right aboard Ritz Carlton Ilma are Elizabeth Merced Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Crystal Bell, Air and Cruise Access Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Janice Dario, Continental Shipping; Captain Magnus Bentsson; Romel Pedraza, Puerto Rico Ports Authority; Karla De Pedro, San Juan Cruise Port; and Kristian Busto, Vice President, Continental Shipping
 

Passengers of both vessels can expect to enjoy Puerto Rico’s rich culture, world-class accommodations, and local excursions, further showcasing the island's appeal as a top-tier destination for cruise and yacht travelers.

Tags: Caribbean. Ritz-Carlton Ilma, Sun Princess,   Princess Cruises, Carlos Mercado Santiago,  Puerto Rico Tourism Company