Passengers onboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas were left wondering why they were unable to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, and instead were rerouted to Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Labadee, Haiti. Information is now coming from the port and the US Coast Guard as to why the port is unable to accommodate the Oasis-class vessel at Pier 3.
The US Coast Guard Captain of Port San Juan, Captain Luis J. Rodriguez, announced on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, that the pier will remain closed to cruise ships until it receives “requested satisfactory assessment studies.” Once received, the Coast Guard will complete its own on-site inspection and determine if the pier can be reopened.
Rodriguez said, “San Juan’s Pier-3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world. Since the loss of the facility’s mooring structure, Coast Guard Prevention personnel have been actively working with the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine if the structure remains sound for cruise ship operations. We understand the inconvenience of this matter, however, it is critical we ensure the safety of the port, the cruise ships and the thousands of people who operate on or visit the island through this port facility. My team stands ready to move ahead immediately once we receive the awaited studies from San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.”
The update does not give a lot of detail but it does state an incident at the facility, which occurred in April 2024, caused the loss of a dolphin mooring just off the main pier. The mooring dolphins were constructed to allow the pier to accommodate some of the world’s largest ships like Symphony of the Seas.
An update from Port San Juan states, “As part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and efficient cruise operations, San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) has been working diligently with regulatory agencies to restore service to Pier 3 West, following a recent incident involving a mooring dolphin.”
The statement continued, “We deeply value and appreciate the unwavering support of these agencies, whose expertise is vital in safeguarding this essential sector of the economy. We also extend our gratitude to the cruise lines for their ongoing understanding and cooperation as we work towards the prompt and safe reopening of the pier.”
Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has had two visits canceled to San Juan which impacts her Eastern Caribbean itineraries. The cruise line has also had to cancel St. Maarten as it is even further east, and replaced the ports with Labadee, Haiti and Falmouth, Jamaica. Royal Caribbean is making itinerary changes as needed knowing the port could reopen at any time.