Key Aspects:
- Serenade of the Seas began its inaugural Latin America season in October 2025, marking Royal Caribbean’s expanded presence in the region.
- The launch was commemorated with official plaque ceremonies in Colón, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia.
- The vessel will sail 7-night Caribbean voyages from Cartagena and Colón to Aruba and Curaçao.
Royal Caribbean is strengthening its presence in Latin America with the arrival of Serenade of the Seas, which will sail weeklong itineraries to Caribbean destinations through April 2026.
The 2,143-passenger, 90,090-gross-ton ship’s deployment will offer 7-night voyages from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama, to popular ports in the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
To commemorate the launch, officials from Colombia and Panama presented welcome plaques to Serenade of the Seas’ Captain Carlos Diaz in ceremonies held at both ports on October 11 and 12, 2025.
“It is very exciting to start this season that we have been planning with so much enthusiasm for Latin America,” said Itzel Valdés, associate vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean at Royal Caribbean.
“Finally, travelers can embark on adventures to the South Caribbean from Colombia and Panama aboard Serenade, enjoying flavors, music, and activities that celebrate the richness of our Latin culture,” he continued.
In Panama, the October 11 plaque ceremony was attended by Royal Caribbean’s AVP of government relations, André Pousada, Captain Diaz, and Valdés, joined by Panama Tourism Authority’s José Tigert and Steve Tarazi, CEO of Port Colón 2000.
The following day, after departing from its new Panama homeport, Serenade of the Seas was welcomed in Cartagena with Cumbia dances, Colombia’s national dance.
Panama welcomes Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
Representatives presenting the plaque to Captain Diaz included Maria Emilia Bonillas of the Cartagena Cruise Terminal and Juan Carlos Acosta Rodriguez from Grupo Puerto de Cartegana.
Liliana Rodriquez Hurtado of Cartagena de Indias Tourism Corporation; Martin Parra for Colombia, Central America, and the Caribbean; Teresa Margarita Londoño Zurek from the Mayor’s Office; and Luis Alejandro Dávila Chávez from Procolombia were also on hand.
New Season in Latin America
Serenade of the Seas is following the success of its sister ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, which sailed from the region during the 2023-24 season. It is scheduled to remain in Latin America through April 2026.
With the inaugural season officially kicked off, the vessel is visiting Willemstad, Curaçao, and Oranjestad, Aruba, on its first sailing that concludes on October 18, 2025.
The Southern Caribbean voyages will sail roundtrip from either Colón or Cartagena, visiting the same ports in various succession until April 25, when the ship repositions to Vancouver for a 2026 season in Alaska.
Cartagena welcomes Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
However, the vessel will have to incur fees to sail through the Panama Canal after the government stopped its Executive Decree No. 35 that was meant to lure cruise lines to homeports in Panama, claiming it wasn’t being utilized enough.
That won’t stop Serenade of the Seas from delivering fun to its passengers, who will enjoy new onboard programming designed specifically for Latin audiences, emphasizing local culture, cuisine, and entertainment.
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Guests can expect regional flavors from across Latin America, along with live music and activities that reflect the spirit of the region.
Following her departure in April, Royal Caribbean will continue its presence in Latin America by bringing the 73,817-gross-ton, 1,992-passenger Grandeur of the Seas to the ports. It will arrive in May 2026 and sail through April 2027.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com
