Norwegian Cruise Line is strengthening its long-term commitment to Puerto Rico, confirming plans to deploy two Prima-class cruise ships to San Juan during the 2027–28 winter season.
The expanded deployment aligns with Norwegian Cruise Line’s broader growth plans, as the company has confirmed a 14-ship future orderbook, reinforcing its long-term commitment to fleet modernization.
The move marks one of Norwegian’s most ambitious Caribbean deployments to date and positions Puerto Rico as a key homeport for its newest-generation vessels.
A Major Boost for San Juan as a Homeport
According to the cruise line, both Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are scheduled to operate seven-day itineraries from San Juan, offering Eastern and Southern Caribbean routes.
The deployment significantly expands Norwegian’s footprint in Puerto Rico, where the company has traditionally operated a more limited seasonal presence.
Local tourism officials have welcomed the announcement, noting that newer ships typically bring higher passenger spending, longer stays, and increased airlift demand to the island.
Modern Ships, Premium Caribbean Itineraries
Norwegian’s Prima-class ships represent a shift toward more spacious, design-forward cruising. The vessels feature:
- Lower passenger density compared to older ships
- Expanded outdoor spaces and oceanfront promenades
- Enhanced dining concepts and premium accommodations
From San Juan, itineraries are expected to include destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Barbados, and other Southern Caribbean ports that are less frequently served by mega-ships.
This gives Norwegian a competitive edge in offering newer hardware on longer, port-intensive routes, a combination that continues to gain popularity with repeat cruisers.
The Puerto Rico deployment also comes as Norwegian continues to stimulate demand, having recently brought back its popular Free at Sea Plus deal across select sailings.
Why Puerto Rico Matters Strategically
Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory allows American travelers to sail without passports, while still offering easy access to the Southern Caribbean. Combined with growing air connectivity into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan has become increasingly attractive for cruise lines deploying newer tonnage.
Norwegian’s decision to place two Prima-class ships in the market signals confidence in sustained Caribbean demand well beyond the post-pandemic recovery phase.
Looking Ahead
The 2027–28 season will represent one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s strongest Caribbean lineups from Puerto Rico to date, reinforcing San Juan’s role as a premier cruise gateway in the region.
The move follows recent executive changes at Norwegian, including the appointment of Marc Kazlauskas as the company’s new president, as the brand sharpens its operational and commercial focus.
With both Prima-class ships scheduled to operate simultaneously, the deployment is expected to generate a noticeable economic impact for Puerto Rico while giving travelers access to some of Norwegian’s most modern ships on classic Caribbean routes.
