The short version
- El Vocero reported that San Juan was chosen as the first American home port in the Caribbean for the Orient Express Corinthian megayacht
- The vessel has capacity for 110 passengers and will operate three sailings from the capital between October 2026 and January 2027 according to government information
- Governor Jenniffer González Colón said the selection strengthens Puerto Rico's international positioning and attracts exclusive brands
- Compañía de Turismo executive director Willianette Robles Cancel stated the departures will boost tourism, the economy and position the island as a luxury destination
Arrival and Schedule
San Juan was selected as the Caribbean home port for the luxury sailing yacht Orient Express Corinthian, which arrived in Puerto Rico to begin its inaugural season in the region, El Vocero reported. The vessel belongs to the Orient Express brand and will have three departures from the Puerto Rican capital between October 2026 and January 2027. It is the brand's first American home port in the Caribbean, according to a government statement.
The ship is described as the largest sailing yacht in the world in its category. It has 54 suites and capacity for up to 110 passengers. Its arrival is part of Puerto Rico's strategy to attract high-spending visitors and expand its presence in the luxury travel market, El Vocero reported.
Also on PuertoRico.com: San Juan travel guide
Official Reactions
Governor Jenniffer González Colón highlighted that the selection of San Juan represents an opportunity to reinforce the island's international positioning and attract exclusive brands to the destination, El Vocero reported.
Willianette Robles Cancel, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, said the departures from San Juan will help drive tourism and economic activity while projecting Puerto Rico as a destination for exclusive experiences in the Caribbean. She expressed satisfaction with the brand's choice of Puerto Rico for its inaugural season and highlighted the confidence in the island's tourism potential, El Vocero reported. Sin Comillas also reported the selection of San Juan as home port.
Vessel Features
The Orient Express Corinthian marks the historic brand's entry into the luxury cruise segment. It combines elements of high-end European hospitality with technology designed for quieter voyages with less vibration, according to government information released to El Vocero.
Its propulsion system integrates wind energy, natural gas and electric engines. The vessel includes five restaurants and private dining rooms directed by French chef Yannick Alléno, who has received multiple Michelin recognitions. The suites feature large windows and high ceilings, El Vocero reported and Sin Comillas reported.
Where the sources differ
All three sources agree that San Juan was selected as the first American home port in the Caribbean for the Orient Express Corinthian, that it has 54 suites for up to 110 passengers, and that three departures are scheduled from San Juan between October 2026 and January 2027. They also coincide on the propulsion system using wind, natural gas and electric engines, the five restaurants led by chef Yannick Alléno with his Michelin background, and the vessel's focus on reduced noise and vibration. El Vocero's two articles include direct quotes from Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Tourism Company director Willianette Robles Cancel; Sin Comillas does not quote officials and provides fewer details on economic impact or strategy.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the exact departure dates within the October 2026 to January 2027 window, the specific itineraries or ports of call for the three sailings, ticket prices or how many of the 110 passenger spots have been booked. They also do not detail what economic impact is projected in terms of spending or jobs, nor mention any response or partnership details from Orient Express itself beyond the government's statements.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official San Juan será puerto base en el Caribe del velero de lujo Orient Express Corinthian
- Reporting San Juan será puerto base en el Caribe del velero de lujo Orient Express Corinthian
- Reporting Puerto Rico será puerto base de velero de lujo Orient Express Corinthian
- Reporting Puerto Rico será puerto base del Orient Express Corinthian
How we checked this
El Vocero published two articles on the story, one in its main news section and one in its economy section, providing the majority of details and all official quotes. Sin Comillas carried a shorter version that repeated core facts on capacity, schedule and features. All information rests on the government announcement and the three outlets' reporting of it.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
Nils Huenerfuerst / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0PuertoRico.com is free, and readers like you keep it that way.
The PuertoRico.com newsroom checks every story against its sources and publishes it free. If this one helped, a contribution of any size keeps the next one free too.
Secure checkout by Stripe: card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Link.
One payment, nothing to sign up for.
Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.
Thank you for keeping PuertoRico.com free.
Your contribution went through. It helps pay for the next story.
Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.