Promoting cruise calls is a priority for Max Florez, who just took over as general director of ports and maritime ancillary industries at Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).

To do this, AMP is talking with cruise operators and intent on identifying strategies that boost the country’s image and reinforce Panama’s position in the maritime, port and logistics sector worldwide, Florez said.

He welcomed Royal Caribbean International’s recent decision to return to homeporting in Panama for the 2025/26 cruise season with Serenade of the Seas from Colón.

2023/24 recap

AMP statistics tallied 189 cruise calls in the 2023/24 season, 128 on the Atlantic and 61 on the Pacific.

Some 571,342 visitors came by ship, counting both crew and passengers.

Panama City homeport

The Panama Cruise Terminal in Amador is scheduled to begin its fourth season on Oct. 1.

‘We aim to attract a larger number of national and international cruisers, which will strengthen the port-city relationship and revitalize the tourist capitals of the region,’ Florez said.