Major cruiseship owner Royal Caribbean Group has expressed its firm commitment to use Panama as its operational nerve centre for itineraries in Latin America.
In 2008, Royal Caribbean Group became the first cruise line to establish operations using Panama as a homeport on a year-round basis, thereby recognising the Central American country as a key actor in its success. The company has expressed its satisfaction with the operations in the ports of Amador and Colón and with all the services provided to ships, crew and passengers.
“Our partnership with Colón 2000, based on mutual trust and excellence, has prospered over the past two decades,” said Preston Carnahan, Regional Vice President of Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group. “Operational efficiency in ports has
consistently exceeded our expectations, significantly improving the experience of our ships, crew and guests,” he added, paying tribute to the role of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) in facilitating this.
Carnahan referred tp the recent extension of the 2025-2026 cruise season and the increase in the volume of passengers as clear indicators of Royal Caribbean’s operational satisfaction and confidenc in the Caribbean fir the future. “We believe that the economic synergy generated by our activities in Panama offers immense potential for growth and prosperity for both parties,” he said.
“Looking ahead, we are committed to further strengthening our presence in Panama and ensure that it remains the main centre of our operations in the Caribbean,” the Royal Caribbean regional VP concluded.
The General Director of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries of the AMP, Max Florez, stressed how tourism investment generates a positive domino effect that impacts the economy in multiple ways – for example via shore excursions, shopping, restaurants, hotels, local services, transportation, supplies, ship repairs etc. – acting like the machinery of ‘an industry without chimneys’.
