Panama Sets Sail for the Future: Establishing Itself as a Cruise Hub

Posted on Aug 09, 2024 at 09:08 PM

Establishing Panama as a Home Port and Port of Call is one of the key goals for the next administration of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).

“Promoting the arrival of cruises to our jurisdictional waters under the Home Port and Port of Call modalities will be one of our priorities. To achieve this, we are on conversations with well-known of international shipping companies,” remarked Max Florez, General Director of Ports and Maritime Ancillary Industries (DGPIMA).

Likewise, Florez stated that the DGPIMA is committed to identifying tactics that would strengthen Panama's standing in the global marine, port, and logistics industries.

Strategic Partnership with International Shippers

In this sense, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) is pleased that Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has decided to use Panama as its home port for its Caribbean operations beginning in 2025–2026.

RCI through Associate Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean Alberto Muñoz made a statement announcing that the cruise ship “Serenade of The Seas” will travel from Colón to Cartagena, Colombia, marking the beginning of the 2025–2026 cruise season.

According to data from the AMP's Statistics Department, the 2023–2024 cruise season saw 189 cruises attended countrywide, with 128 on the Atlantic coast and 61 on the Pacific. Together, the public and commercial sectors have closely coordinated to achieve this.

Together with passengers in transit, foreign trade, and crew members, over 571,342 visitors were welcomed as a result of this effort. Many venues and activities were enjoyed by these guests.

Panama's Cruise Industry's Economic Impact

In Panama, the cruise industry has shown to be a major engine of the country's economy, bringing in new revenue from travel, dining, and business.

Additionally, it opens up new job opportunities in the locations that are visited. Spending on lodging, food, shopping, and sightseeing is a common expense for everyone who uses transportation.

On October 1, 2025, the fourth season of the Panama Cruise Terminal in Amador, a project of significant national and regional significance, will open.

With first-rate facilities and an extensive array of services, the terminal's strategic objective is to establish itself as the hub of cruise tourism in the Pacific region of Central America.

“We aim to attract a larger number of national and international cruisers, which will strengthen the port-city relationship and boost the tourist capitals of the region,” noted Director Florez.

Conclusion:

Panama is poised to become a key player in the global cruise industry by partnering with major shipping companies like Royal Caribbean International. This strategy will enhance Panama's ports as major departure and arrival points, driving economic growth through increased tourism, job creation, and related business activities.

The collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with projects like the Panama Cruise Terminal in Amador, highlights Panama's commitment to becoming a premier cruise destination. This initiative promises substantial economic benefits, reinforcing Panama's position as a central hub for maritime tourism in the Caribbean.

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