Puerto Rico Is Becoming the Caribbean Home Port for Explora Journeys

Puerto Rico just scored a major win in the ultra-luxury cruise space.

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón announced today that the Port of San Juan has been selected as the Caribbean base of operations for Explora Journeys, the high-end cruise brand of MSC Group, solidifying the island’s growing role as one of the region’s most important home ports.

The announcement was made at the Puerto Rico Pavilion during the International Tourism Fair 2026 in Madrid.

Explora Journeys is MSC’s ultra-luxury cruise brand, designed for sophisticated travelers seeking a more immersive, personalized experience at sea. The line operates a growing fleet across select global regions, including the Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska, and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on space, design, and curated itineraries.

According to Governor González Colón, the decision to base Explora Journeys in San Juan will generate a direct economic impact of more than $10.5 million over the next two fiscal years.

“Tourism is a fundamental pillar of Puerto Rico’s economic development,” the Governor said. “The selection of the Port of San Juan as the Caribbean base of operations for Explora Journeys over the next two fiscal years will translate into a direct economic impact of more than $10.5 million for our economy.”

She added that the announcement reinforces international confidence in Puerto Rico as a cruise home port and elevates the destination’s global profile, while driving visitor growth and job creation.

Robles Cancel highlighted the scale of the commitment, noting that Explora Journeys has consistently demonstrated confidence in Puerto Rico by assigning brand-new ships to San Juan, even as the destination remains relatively new for the brand.

The fact that two Explora vessels operated simultaneously from Puerto Rico during fiscal years 2025 and 2026 — and that this dual home port operation will now continue through fiscal year 2028 — places San Juan among a very small group of Caribbean destinations serving as a double home port for the same cruise line.

Looking ahead, the numbers tell the story. During fiscal year 2027, 14 of 18 calls by Explora I and Explora II will be home-port visits. In fiscal year 2028, Explora I and Explora IV will make 19 home-port calls across 21 total visits to Puerto Rico. Adding to the momentum, Puerto Rico will serve as the departure point for the inaugural voyage of Explora III on November 1, 2026, a ship currently under construction.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said San Juan will play a central role in the brand’s Caribbean strategy for years to come.

“San Juan is a strategic port for Explora Journeys and will play a central role in our Caribbean season 2026/2027 with EXPLORA I and her sister ship, EXPLORA III,” Nash said. “This commitment will extend into the following season, with EXPLORA IV also sailing from San Juan in 2027/2028, further deepening our connection with the destination.”

Nash pointed to the port’s modern facilities and the strong airlift at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport as key factors, along with San Juan’s geographic position, which allows for itineraries that combine iconic Caribbean destinations with emerging ports.