Between January and July 2026, the movement of cruise passengers in the National Port System registered a solid increase of 21.6%, reaching a total of 488,567 passengers between embarkation and disembarkation operations. According to figures from the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), this performance far exceeds the 401,608 travelers counted in the same period of 2025, representing 86,959 additional cruise passengers injecting dynamism into local trade and tourism. Of the total number of cruise passengers, 247,353 corresponded to disembarkations and 241,214 to embarkations, demonstrating the country’s competitiveness in providing auxiliary maritime services and operating as a homeport.
Among transit passengers, it went from 196,591 to 216,805 travelers, representing a rebound of 10.2%. Meanwhile, the arrival of onboard service personnel increased by 20.2%, rising from 87,364 to 105,021 crewmembers. At the level of shipping infrastructure, the country received 143 cruise ship arrivals during the first seven months of 2026, compared to 119 vessels registered in the same period of 2025; a direct increase of 20.1% (+24 ships).
“The statistics highlight the consolidation of the cruise sector as a relevant component of national maritime and port activity. More cruises, more passengers, and greater traffic strengthen our position as a strategic hub for the industry,” explained Ibis Pérez, head of the AMP’s Planning Office.
Everything is Ready for the 2026-2027 Cruise Season
The 2026-2027 season will begin in October, for which the ports under concession by the AMP are already finalizing technical and logistical preparations. Panama has two key platforms capable of serving large cruise ships under the port of call and home port modalities: Colón 2000, on the Atlantic side, is consolidating itself as a traditional connection point with the Caribbean.
Amador Cruise Terminal, on the Pacific, a key infrastructure for Pacific routes and transit through the Panama Canal. The combination of the geographic location, the air connectivity of Tocumen International Airport and the strengthening of auxiliary services ensure that Panamanian ports continue to act as catalysts for the regional economy during the new season.
