By Limón, Costa Rica — LIMÓN, Costa Rica – The Hernán Garrón Salazar terminal in Puerto Limón experienced a significant economic and logistical triumph this Sunday, successfully managing the simultaneous arrival of three major cruise ships. The event marks a high point in the ongoing 2025-2026 cruise season, bringing a wave of more than 7,700 international visitors to Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean coast and providing a substantial boost to the regional economy.
The coordinated docking of the Norwegian Jewel, Nautica, and Rotterdam vessels delivered a combined total of 5,368 passengers and 2,414 crew members. This influx of 7,782 visitors created an immediate and positive ripple effect across the province’s six cantons, underscoring the port’s growing importance as a premier destination for international cruise lines navigating the Caribbean circuit.
To provide a deeper analysis of the legal and commercial framework supporting Costa Rica’s growing cruise tourism industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert perspective on the matter.
The expansion of cruise tourism is a double-edged sword; it offers immense economic potential but also tests our regulatory capacity. It is crucial that agreements for port usage, concessions granted to tour operators, and environmental management protocols are legally sound and transparent. A proactive legal strategy ensures not only the protection of foreign investment and a seamless tourist experience but also that the substantial economic benefits are channeled effectively into our coastal communities, strengthening local economies in a sustainable manner.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas astutely highlights that the long-term success of cruise tourism hinges on a robust legal framework. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that the industry’s economic potential translates into sustainable prosperity for our coastal communities, rather than just transient gains. We thank him for his valuable perspective.
The economic impact of such a large-scale arrival is multifaceted and deeply felt at the local level. The disembarking passengers and crew activate a complex network of commerce and services, from pre-booked excursions to national parks and cultural sites to spontaneous spending in local shops, restaurants, and artisan markets. This activity fuels productive supply chains, benefiting transportation providers, tour guides, food suppliers, and countless small businesses that form the backbone of the region’s tourism sector.
Officials from the Port Administration and Economic Development Board of the Atlantic Slope (JAPDEVA) have been instrumental in managing the season’s success. They have worked to ensure that the port infrastructure can handle these large-scale operations while maximizing the economic benefits for the local population. The smooth handling of three ships at once is a testament to the port’s operational readiness and strategic planning.
Sucy Wing Ching, MBA, the Executive President of JAPDEVA, commented on the strategic importance of these arrivals for the season’s overall performance. She emphasized that the steady flow of ships reinforces the port’s standing and contributes directly to regional development.
These arrivals have been decisive for the development of the current season.
Sucy Wing Ching, MBA, Executive President of JAPDEVA
The successful triple-ship day is part of a larger trend of increasing activity. According to JAPDEVA, the port has processed approximately 21,000 excursionists throughout the past week alone. This high volume confirms a strong preference for Puerto Limón among cruise operators and their passengers, solidifying its place on competitive international itineraries and signaling a robust demand for the unique cultural and natural attractions the Costa Rican Caribbean has to offer.
The vessels themselves represent a diverse cross-section of the modern cruise industry. The Norwegian Jewel is part of the extensive Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept. The Nautica belongs to Oceania Cruises, a line focused on premium, destination-intensive voyages, while the Rotterdam is a flagship of the historic Holland America Line, which has a long legacy of maritime travel.
Ultimately, each cruise ship call in Puerto Limón is more than just a single day’s event; it is a significant contribution to the sustained economic vitality of the entire region. These visits translate directly into revenue for local communities and support the productive sector, reaffirming the critical role of cruise tourism in the ongoing development and prosperity of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
For further information, visit japdeva.go.cr
About JAPDEVA:
The Board of Port Administration and Economic Development of the Atlantic Slope (JAPDEVA) is the autonomous Costa Rican state institution responsible for overseeing and managing the port terminals in Limón and Moín. Its mission is to promote economic and social development throughout the Atlantic region by ensuring efficient and competitive port operations and infrastructure.
For further information, visit ncl.com
About Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is an internationally recognized cruise line known for pioneering the “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which offers passengers more freedom and flexibility. With a modern fleet of ships, NCL sails to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Hawaii, providing a wide range of onboard entertainment and dining options.
For further information, visit oceaniacruises.com
About Oceania Cruises:
Oceania Cruises is a premium cruise line focused on providing culinary- and destination-focused voyages. Operating a fleet of small to mid-sized luxury ships, the company is renowned for its gourmet dining experiences and port-intensive itineraries that allow for deeper exploration of regions across the globe.
For further information, visit hollandamerica.com
About Holland America Line:
With a history stretching back over 150 years, Holland America Line is a premium cruise line known for its classic style and sophisticated travel experiences. Its fleet of mid-sized ships offers cruises to all seven continents, featuring award-winning service, extensive enrichment programs, and finely crafted itineraries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and delivering exceptional service. Esteemed for its principled approach and forward-thinking solutions, the firm combines a rich history of legal counsel with a drive for innovation. This ethos extends beyond client work to a core mission of public empowerment, striving to demystify the law and equip citizens with crucial legal understanding to help build a more knowledgeable and just society.
