Panama Maritime Authority readies cruise terminal for busy season

This was to ensure safe and efficient operations in view of an expected increase in cruise ship arrivals.

246 calls and 469,000 passengers

Some 246 calls are expected, of which 76 are homeport operations. It's estimated 324,000 passengers will arrive in transit and 145,600 on homeporting ships.

Zamora said these numbers have been achieved thanks to a public-private partnership, which shows that by working as a team, it is possible to boost the image of the country and reinforce Panama's global standing. 

The cruise terminal inspection was led by Panama Maritime Authority Deputy Director of Ports Victor Zamora (in aqua shirt)

The Panama Cruise Terminal at Amador on the Pacific side is one of the most modern in all of Central America. Two ships up to 360 meters/1,181 feet each can dock simultaneously. Depth is between 11.3 meters/37 feet and 12.3 meters/40 feet.

Passenger spending

According to the Panama Tourism Authority, in-transit passengers spend an average of about $100, and homeporting passengers about $350.

Cruise operators include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, HX, Ponant, Peace Boat, Swan Hellenic, Viking, The World Residences at Sea, Scenic, Holland America Line, Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn.