Cartagena, Colombia is poised to reclaim its status as a key homeport for Royal Caribbean International. The cruise line has announced a new winter cruise program for Latin America and the Southern Caribbean that includes the Serenade of the Seas sailing from Cartagena during the 2025-26 season.
This exciting development marks a significant return for Royal Caribbean to Cartagena. The Serenade of the Seas will offer weekly itineraries exploring the beautiful islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire. Notably, Cartagena will share homeport status with Colon, Panama, providing passengers with added flexibility and travel options.
The decision to return to Cartagena as a homeport stems from several strategic factors, according to Alberto Munoz, Vice President of Royal Caribbean International for Latin America and the Caribbean. Cartagena’s strategic location provides an ideal starting point for Caribbean itineraries, allowing for efficient routing and a diverse range of destinations. Furthermore, Cartagena’s growing reputation as a premier international tourism destination has made it an attractive choice for Royal Caribbean.
The success of the Rhapsody of the Seas during the 2023-24 season played a pivotal role in this decision. The positive passenger feedback and smooth operations demonstrated the viability of Cartagena as a homeport, encouraging Royal Caribbean to expand its presence in the city for future seasons.
Beyond the strategic advantages, Munoz emphasizes Colombia’s cultural richness as a key factor in Royal Caribbean’s decision. The company is committed to providing authentic and culturally immersive experiences for its passengers, and Cartagena, with its vibrant culture, historical significance, and warm hospitality, perfectly aligns with this mission.
The return of Royal Caribbean to Cartagena is expected to significantly boost the local economy. Munoz highlights that the cruise line’s presence will bring substantial economic benefits, driving increased tourism, creating jobs, and stimulating various sectors, from hospitality to retail. The influx of international visitors through Royal Caribbean’s cruises is expected to lead to a surge in spending, further enhancing the economic impact on Cartagena and its surrounding regions.
This strategic move underscores Royal Caribbean’s confidence in Colombia’s potential as a thriving tourism destination. The company anticipates a strong surge in demand for these itineraries among local Latin American travelers, positioning itself to cater to the growing interest in unique travel experiences within the region. Royal Caribbean’s carefully curated itineraries, featuring convenient departures from key Latin American ports and culturally rich destinations, are designed to appeal to this burgeoning demographic. This targeted approach is expected to not only boost bookings but also enhance Royal Caribbean’s brand presence throughout Latin America, solidifying its role as a preferred choice for vacationers in the region.
As Cartagena prepares to welcome the Serenade of the Seas in 2025, the city is poised to strengthen its position on the global cruise map. This development highlights the growing appeal of Cartagena as a top-tier tourist destination and reinforces Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the city’s potential as a long-term partner. With its rich culture, strategic location, and the success of previous seasons, Cartagena is set to become a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean’s operations in the Southern Caribbean.
