San Juan, Puerto Rico – The future of Caribbean cruising is being meticulously charted, with industry leaders converging in San Juan to forge a path defined by collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. The 31st Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show, held from October 20-24, 2025, served as a pivotal platform for cruise executives, regional tourism officials, and stakeholders to address emerging trends and opportunities within the vital Caribbean sector.
Puerto Rico’s Vision as a Cruise Hub
Puerto Rico proudly hosted this significant gathering, reinforcing its status as the “cruise capital of the Eastern Caribbean.” Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, announced the island is on track to welcome a record 1.9 million passengers this season, underscoring its central role in the region’s cruise economy. Governor Jenniffer González-Colón reiterated Puerto Rico’s commitment to modernizing its port infrastructure, with plans to expand cruise activity beyond San Juan to ensure that tourism’s economic benefits are distributed across the island. These strategic investments aim to support the growing demand and maintain Puerto Rico’s competitive edge in the global cruise market.
A Collective Strategy for the Future
The conference theme emphasized a “new course” driven by partnership and shared vision. FCCA Chief Executive Officer Michele Paige highlighted the association’s core mission: fostering understanding and cooperation between cruise lines and destinations to maximize the economic potential of cruising. Industry leaders, including executives from Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises, engaged in high-level discussions on crucial topics such as new ship classes, port investment, community integration, and developing destination-rich itineraries. The dialogue also delved into the growing role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in enhancing tourism operations and the importance of crisis management and homeporting strategies.
Optimism and Robust Passenger Demand
The outlook for the Caribbean cruise industry is overwhelmingly positive. Josh Weinstein, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation, presented an optimistic state of the industry address, projecting that 37.7 million cruise passengers would sail globally in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by approximately 27 percent. The Caribbean and Latin America are identified as the dominant growth engines for this surge, driven by the region’s diverse, high-value itineraries that appeal to a broad range of international travelers. This strong demand signals continued economic vitality for the islands that depend on this sector.
Regional Business and Tourism Developments
Beyond the conference, several key developments across the Caribbean highlight a region actively enhancing its appeal and connectivity for travelers and businesses. The Bahamas has officially reopened for business following Hurricane Melissa, with tourism services and airports resuming operations, demonstrating resilience and rapid recovery efforts. In a significant move for regional connectivity, Uber launched its services in Barbados on October 31, 2025, marking its first Eastern Caribbean expansion and offering new mobility options for visitors. Additionally, the opening of the Hyatt Place Cancun Airport on November 12, 2025, further strengthens the tourism infrastructure in Mexico’s popular Riviera Maya region, catering to both leisure and business travelers. These developments reflect a broader trend of investment and expansion within the Caribbean’s tourism and business landscape.
Charting a Sustainable and Resilient Path Forward
The discussions in San Juan, coupled with these regional advancements, underscore a clear direction for the Caribbean cruise industry. The focus is firmly on sustainable practices, resilient infrastructure, authentic visitor experiences, and strengthening local economies. As cruise lines and destinations collaborate, they are poised to navigate evolving traveler preferences and environmental considerations, ensuring the long-term prosperity and appeal of the Caribbean as a premier global cruising destination. The news from this summit points to a proactive and unified industry ready to embrace new opportunities.