NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has designated Colon and Panama City as new home ports for a series of 6 operations scheduled between December 2024 and 2025. This decision is expected to significantly boost local tourism, according to Max Florez, Director of Ports and Auxiliary Maritime Industries (DGPIMA) of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA).
NCL’s upcoming operations will include:
- 4 sailings by Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, each accommodating between 2400 and 3400 passengers.
- 2 sailings by Oceania Cruises’ Sirena, a luxury vessel with a capacity of 800 passengers.
This strategic move follows RCI-Royal Caribbean International’s recent announcement to reestablish Panama as a homeport for the 2025-2026 Caribbean season.
Home port operations differ greatly from traditional port-of-call visits. While port-of-call stops allow tourists only a few hours to explore a city, home port operations encourage extended stays. This deeper engagement offers tourists more time to explore cultural sites, interact with local businesses, and contribute more substantially to the local economy.
Panama City, with its modern skyline, shopping malls, and attractions like the Panama Canal and UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, offers a vibrant urban experience. In contrast, Colon entices visitors with its historic forts, idyllic beaches, and the bustling Colon Free Zone. Together, these cities present a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, reinforcing Panama’s position as a premier tourist destination.