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A legal battle is underway following significant damage to Pier 3 West at the San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico, caused by a collision involving the MSC Meraviglia in April 2024. The vessel struck a Berthing Dolphin structure, resulting in severe structural damage that has required extensive and costly repairs.
Despite the damage, the port remains operational, as it consists of multiple piers capable of accommodating cruise ships. However, Pier 3’s capacity to host larger vessels, including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-Class ships, has led to itinerary changes for several cruise lines, with some bypassing San Juan altogether. While repair efforts have been ongoing, the timeline for reopening the pier remains uncertain due to newly filed litigation.
San Juan Cruise Port Files Lawsuit Over Damages
The San Juan Cruise Port has initiated legal action against MSC and its insurers to recover the cost of repairs and lost business. The lawsuit alleges that MSC was negligent in its operations, citing excessive speed and failure to follow proper docking procedures, including neglecting to use available tug assistance and improperly aligning the ship with the mooring dolphin.
The legal action also names Hartford Underwriting Agency, the port’s insurance broker, along with Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association, MSC’s insurer, and Willis Towers Watson, an additional insurance broker. The claim seeks compensation not only for repair costs but also for financial losses resulting from the pier’s continued inaccessibility, which has led to multiple canceled cruise stops, including planned visits by Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.
Impact on Cruise Itineraries
As the litigation progresses, uncertainty over the pier’s reopening has forced cruise lines to make adjustments. Royal Caribbean has rerouted ships to alternative destinations, replacing planned stops in San Juan and St. Maarten with its private resort in Labadee, Haiti, and a port call in Falmouth, Jamaica.
These last-minute changes have drawn criticism from passengers, particularly those who booked premium holiday sailings expecting specific destinations. San Juan remains a sought-after stop for many travelers, and the ongoing dispute underscores the broader economic impact of maritime incidents and the legal complexities surrounding port infrastructure liabilities.
With the U.S. Coast Guard still assessing the pier’s safety and no confirmed reopening date, the outcome of this legal dispute may determine when—or if—Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines can restore full service to San Juan.
