Serenade of the Seas Launches Southern Caribbean Cruises From Cartagena

Royal Caribbean International has strengthened its commitment to the Latin American market with the debut season of Serenade of the Seas in October 2025. The 2,143-guest, 90,090-gross-ton Radiance-class ship began offering seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries departing from the homeports of Colón, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia. These voyages are scheduled to run through April 2026, connecting passengers to popular destinations in the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Launch of the 2025–2026 Inaugural Season

Serenade of the Seas marked its inaugural season in Latin America with official plaque ceremonies on October 11 in Colón and October 12 in Cartagena. These events highlighted the ship's formal welcome to the region with attendance from key stakeholders, including local port authorities, tourism representatives, and Royal Caribbean executives. Captain Carlos Diaz received commemorative plaques at both events, underscoring the expansion of Royal Caribbean's presence in the Southern Caribbean.

In Cartagena, festivities were elevated with a special performance of the national dance of Colombia, Cumbia, which added a cultural touch to the proceedings. Onboard festivities celebrated the region's vibrant traditions and community partnerships while solidifying the cruise line’s connection to its Latin American audience. Speaking at the ceremonies, Itzel Valdés, Royal Caribbean's Associate Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized the significance of the launch: “It is very exciting to start this season that we have been planning with so much enthusiasm for Latin America. 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.”

Tailored Experiences Aboard Serenade of the Seas

Understanding the importance of cultural connections, Royal Caribbean has curated an onboard experience tailored specifically for Latin American guests. Passengers aboard Serenade of the Seas can enjoy programming that celebrates regional heritage, including authentic Latin American cuisine, live music performances, and activities reflecting local traditions. Additionally, onboard support in multiple local languages ensures an inclusive and accessible experience for all travelers.

Operational Itineraries and Future Deployment

The 2025–2026 season delivers consistent seven-night voyages to the Southern Caribbean, with alternating departures from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama. These symmetrical itineraries bring guests to the stunning ports of Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire, and Curaçao (Willemstad), providing opportunities to explore vibrant local cultures and tropical landscapes. The first cruise of the season began with stops at Willemstad and Oranjestad, concluding on October 18, 2025.

Building upon its experience with Rhapsody of the Seas during the 2023–2024 season, Royal Caribbean’s deployment of Serenade of the Seas demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the region. Following the ship's last sailing in April 2026, it will be repositioned to Vancouver for an Alaska cruise season. Meanwhile, the Vision-class Grandeur of the Seas will take over the Latin America itineraries that same year, commencing operations in May 2026 and offering year-round cruises to the Southern Caribbean through at least April 2027.

Impact of Panama Canal Fee Adjustments

The successful execution of Serenade of the Seas' itineraries in Latin America comes despite the logistical challenges posed by Panama’s government decision to halt Executive Decree No. 35. This directive previously reduced fees for cruise lines operating from Panamanian homeports to encourage regional tourism. With the decree now discontinued, ships transiting through the Panama Canal face standard operational costs. Nevertheless, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that all planned itineraries will proceed without interruption, underscoring its long-term commitment to the region.

Looking Ahead

Royal Caribbean’s Latin America expansion is poised for continued success as it brings unique itineraries to travelers, blending cultural immersion with maritime adventure. The deployment of Grandeur of the Seas in 2026 further solidifies this strategy, introducing consistent Southern Caribbean offerings while creating opportunities for local economic growth and broader market engagement. The launch of Serenade of the Seas represents a milestone in reconnecting vacationers with the vibrant destinations of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Serenade of the Seas operate in Latin America?

Serenade of the Seas operates its Southern Caribbean cruises from October 2025 through April 2026.

Which homeports does Serenade of the Seas use?

The ship operates roundtrip itineraries departing from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama.

What are the ports of call on the itinerary?

Itineraries include stops at Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire, and Curaçao (Willemstad), visited in varying sequences depending on departure.

Have recent fee adjustments in Panama impacted cruising plans?

Following the halt of Executive Decree No. 35, ships transiting through Panama incur standard operational fees. Despite this change, Royal Caribbean’s scheduled deployments remain unaffected.

What happens after Serenade of the Seas completes its season?

After April 2026, Serenade of the Seas will reposition to Vancouver for its Alaska summer season. Royal Caribbean will continue its Latin America operations with Grandeur of the Seas from May 2026 through at least April 2027.