Region:
World
Category:
Tourism

Royal Caribbean announced its return to Latin America for the 2025-2026 season with the Serenade of the Seas cruise

  • Royal Caribbean announced its return to Latin America for the 2025-2026 season with the Serenade of the Seas cruise
    Royal Caribbean announced its return to Latin America for the 2025-2026 season with the Serenade of the Seas cruise
Region:
World
Category:
Tourism
Author/s:
By Karina Giorgenello @losviajesdekarina
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After the excellent experience with Rhapsody of the Seas, Royal Caribbean will offer an unforgettable experience in Latin America for the 2025-2026 season aboard the Serenade of the Seas, departing from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama. From October 2025 to April 2026, travelers can enjoy seven-night vacations through the Southern Caribbean, visiting exotic destinations like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Alberto Muñoz, Associate Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at Royal Caribbean International, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the region: "We are very excited to return to the region with Serenade of the Seas and fulfill our ongoing commitment to the Latin American market. The region has a diversity of destinations to create the best experiences for the whole family and all types of travelers."

"We will offer seven-night vacations through the Southern Caribbean, visiting destinations like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, with a variety of must-see experiences, relaxation spaces, and different dining, drinking, and entertainment options for all ages," he explained.

Alberto Muñoz stated that "on some itineraries, the ship will remain in port overnight, allowing passengers to enjoy what the islands have to offer at night. This will allow us to further customize the experience for passengers, especially adapting to the Latin American market that demands more balcony staterooms, the most popular in this market. Our main market continues to be families, bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as other affinity groups that fit in very well. We are excited to have received early interest from many corporations even before our official announcement. Since the end of the last season, they have been asking us when we would return, and this opportunity allows us to offer these vacations. Last season was a success by adapting the product to Latin American preferences with Argentine cuisine and entertainment on board. We are sure there will be questions or comments about it."

ABC MUNDIAL: How was the experience with Rhapsody this year, and what do you expect for the new season?

Alberto Muñoz: "The experience with Rhapsody was very satisfying, as we had many Latin American families and very happy passengers during their vacations. We attribute this to the effort made to tropicalize the product. For example, we offered culinary options only available on board, including Mexican, Colombian, Central American, and Argentine food, so everyone was happy.

We had a Mexican band, a Colombian band, and an Argentine pianist, offering entertainment for all tastes. I received comments like 'I loved the Mexican band' or 'I loved the Argentine boys' show in the theater.' Also, 40% of the crew spoke Spanish, and those who didn't made an effort to learn. I remember a boy in the café, originally from India, who showed me in his notebook the new Spanish word he had learned every day.

Customers seemed happy at all times, and word of mouth in the region helped a lot, as people talked about their experience when they got off the ship, highlighting how the product was tailored for Latin American families. Those who embarked in Panama enjoyed visiting Cartagena, the jewel of Colombia, and the ABC islands. Personally, I have visited those islands many times and never tire of their beauty, the color of the sea, and everything they offer. It is truly a fantastic destination.

I was fortunate to be on board with a group of journalists when Serenade of the Seas passed through Guatemala, and it is beautiful. I anticipate it will be a resounding success because, while I don't want to say it is a better ship, it certainly is better suited to the Latin American market experience. This will help us have happier passengers in the new season."

Serenade of the Seas offers an experience tailored to the local market, with flavors, music, and activities that highlight Latin identity. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a variety of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, from cocktails at the Schooner Bar and R Bar to culinary delights at Chops Grille, Izumi, Giovanni’s Table, and the exclusive Chef’s Table.

Onboard activities range from climbing a rock wall at sea, playing mini-golf, watching movies on the outdoor deck, to relaxing in one of the pools or at the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center. This offering is complemented by excursions and activities at the visited destinations, available in various languages, ensuring that every traveler enjoys a personalized and unforgettable experience.

Royal Caribbean seeks to repeat the success of the 2023-2024 season with Rhapsody of the Seas, which adapted its services to local tastes and was committed to offering the best vacation experiences. Reservations are open on the Royal Caribbean website.