Cartagena will soon reclaim its position as one of Royal Caribbean International’s homeports.
As part of a newly announced winter program in Latin America and the Southern Caribbean, the Serenade of the Seas is set to offer a series of cruises departing from the Colombian homeport during the 2025-26 winter.
The ship’s week-long itineraries feature visits to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, in addition to a second homeport: Colón, in Panama.
According to Alberto Muñoz, vice president of Royal Caribbean International for Latin America and the Caribbean, Cartagena was chosen as one of the embarkation ports due to its strategic geographic location, as well as its growing popularity as an international tourism destination.
In an interview with ProColombia, he also said that a positive experience with the Rhapsody of the Seas during the 2023-24 season was another relevant factor.
Muñoz described Colombia’s “cultural richness” as being aligned with the company’s proposal to offer unique experiences.
“From the vibrant life in Cartagena to the natural wonders and beautiful beaches, it offers a diversity of experiences that complement Royal Caribbean’s itineraries,” he explained.
Strengthening its presence in the market, Royal CAribbean anticipates that the itineraries will see demand from local Latin Americans.
“Cartagena, with its combination of history, culture and accessibility, is an ideal starting point for Caribbean itineraries, highlighting visits to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). We are confident that the city will attract both loyal customers and new passengers,” Muñoz said.
“In the long term, we expect to optimize our operations in the region and increase brand recognition among local and international consumers. This will allow us to offer more diverse and personalized itineraries, elevating the experience for our passengers,” he continued.
For Colombia, the operation serves as a global platform to showcase the country’s wonders, Muñoz noted.
“We are helping to position Colombia as a top-tier destination in cruise tourism, highlighting its culture, history and natural beauty. This will not only attract more international tourists but also contribute to improving the global perception of Colombia as a safe, diverse and attractive destination for all types of travelers,” he added.
Royal Caribbean’s presence in Cartagena is also expected to be an impulse for the local economy, Muñoz noted, generating benefits for the country.
“We hope to contribute significantly to the growth of local tourism, creating jobs and generating income through the hiring of local services, from transportation, hotels, excursions and connectivity in the area.”
