Panamá has just started its new cruise season with a high hope for 2014-2015. Alan Lam reports.
In 2013, Central America as a whole experienced an 11.7% growth in passenger numbers, reaching over 400,000, with an immense economic benefit to the region.
The new season runs from October 2014 to May 2015. Pullmantur’s Monarch, Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises’ Infinity will be among the first to call.
Besides the Canal being the main attraction to the cruise tourists, Panamá is promoting its capital city’s rich historic and cultural heritage. The city’s Casco Antiguo (until recently a no-go area) and Portobelo are being spruced up to welcome tourists.
Most major cruise lines operating in the Pacific and the Caribbean will call at Panamá at one time or another during the season. In addition, to celebrate the Canal’s 100th operational anniversary, the cruise ship Discovery, operated by Panamá Marine Tours, will offer an exclusive, personalised seven-day Canal itinerary.
