RCI-Royal Caribbean International has announced modifications to several itineraries due to the continued unavailability of San Juan's Pier 3, which has been out of service since April 2024 following damage caused by an MSC cruise ship. This pier is the only one in San Juan capable of accommodating Royal Caribbean's larger vessels. Repair efforts have been delayed, with a pending lawsuit further postponing the pier's return to operation.
Itinerary adjustments include:
- Icon of the Seas: Select sailings in May, June, and July 2025 will omit the San Juan stop, replacing it with calls at Port Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city, or St. Maarten.
- Symphony of the Seas: April 2025 itineraries will be adjusted to include visits to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) or Labadee (Haiti) in lieu of San Juan.
Despite a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State for Haiti, Royal Caribbean assures passengers that Labadee remains a secure destination. The cruise line emphasizes that the U.S. Embassy recognizes Labadee as a cruise-exclusive area with private security and low crime rates, recommending only standard precautions for visitors.
Passengers with upcoming cruises affected by these changes are advised to review their itineraries and consult Royal Caribbean's official communications for the most current information.