Carnival Corp.’s presence in PR expands with new vessels.

By THE STAR STAFF

The island government announced late last week a significant expansion of Carnival Corporation’s presence in Puerto Rico, marked by the arrival of new vessels at the Port of San Juan.

“The expansion of Carnival Corporation’s operations in Puerto Rico reaffirms the cruise industry’s confidence in our island as a competitive destination within the Caribbean,” Governor Jenniffer González Colón said Friday. “This growth boosts economic activity, strengthens our tourism offerings, and generates opportunities for our local merchants and suppliers.”

Emphasizing the importance of homeporting operations, Tourism Company Executive Director Willianette Robles Cancel noted that “this expansion by Carnival Corporation reinforces our growth strategy, maximizing economic benefits for various sectors and consolidating Puerto Rico as a key hub in the region.”

As part of that growth, it was highlighted that in April 2027, the Carnival Firenze will arrive in Puerto Rico for the first time; its visit is projected to have an economic impact of nearly $400,000. Likewise, the Carnival Festivale has two visits scheduled for the Port of San Juan in June 2027, generating an economic impact exceeding $1 million for fiscal year 2027.

It was also announced that two vessels from Princess Cruises -- a line acquired by parent company Carnival Corp. in 2003 -- will utilize the island’s main port as a departure point for their Caribbean itineraries. The Crown Princess is expected to contribute some $13 million across 14 homeport calls during fiscal year 2027. Meanwhile, the Emerald Princess will be active in fiscal year 2028, making 18 calls and generating $17.2 million for the local economy.

The Seabourn Ovation, meanwhile -- from Carnival’s ultra-luxury brand, Seabourn Cruise Line -- will also be utilizing the island as a homeport. During fiscal year 2027, the vessel is scheduled for one homeport visit and one transit call, representing an injection of nearly $200,000 into public coffers.