RCI-Royal Caribbean International is set to enhance its presence in the Latin American market by introducing year-round itineraries from Colombia and Panama, commencing in May 2026.
RCI's Radiance-class vessel Jewel of the Seas will undertake an 11-month deployment, offering 7-night voyages departing from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colon, Panama. These Southern Caribbean voyages visit the Holland's ABC Islands - Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire (Kralendijk), and Curacao (Willemstad).
This initiative follows Royal Caribbean's reintroduction to the Latin American market with Rhapsody of the Seas (2023–2024 season) and the subsequent deployment of Serenade of the Seas (2025–2026 season). The company has indicated that onboard experiences tailored to Latin American guests will be disclosed in due course.
Concurrently, MSC Cruises plans to augment its Caribbean operations by initiating year-round Southern Caribbean cruises starting in April 2027. MSC Opera ship will reposition from Europe to the Caribbean, offering 7-night roundtrips from La Romana (Dominicana) and Fort-de-France (Martinique). MSC's itineraries will encompass destinations in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, and BVI/British Virgin Islands.
To support this expansion, MSC will also increase its deployments for the 2026–2027 season by having MSC Opera join MSC Seaview. Both ships will offer cruises ranging from 7 to 14 nights, departing from Martinique and Guadeloupe, providing tourists with enhanced flexibility and choices.