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In the News from Panama

Expanded Canal Attracting Cruise Ship Traffic

The full impact of the expanded Panama Canal on cruise ship traffic will be evident in the next few months. More than 235 cruises are scheduled to go through the Canal in the 2017-2018 cruise season, which begins in October.

The expanded Canal is an attraction on its own, drawing coverage and interest around the world. The additional lane will also increase the traffic flow, making it easier for cruise ships to take advantage of the Canal route.

“In addition to the existing locks, cruise lines now have the option to include the Expanded Canal as part of their itineraries,” Canal international trade specialist Albano Aguilar told Seatrade Cruise News. “This will open up additional scheduling and repositioning opportunities for the industry and its larger cruise vessels, and provide new and unique experiences for their passengers.”

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While most of the attention on the expanded Canal is its ability to handle a massive new generation of cargo ships, the cruise industry is also building a new generation of giant ships. The Norwegian Bliss, currently under construction, will be able to handle 4,000 guests.

Eleven cruise ships will make the trip through the Canal for the time, including ships Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Cruises and Lindblad, according to media reports.

While the cruise business can be controversial, cruises provide a tremendous amount of exposure to Panama, resulting in more tourists and, eventually, more property buyers and renters. Cruise passengers are often experiencing the beauty and amenities of Panama for the first time, and they identify Panama as a place they want to see again.

Cruise ships are also set to become a more important part of the economy, as Panama City’s infrastructure grows. A new cruise ship terminal is in development on Amador Causeway, which will be big enough to serve as a home port for ships, which should provide a big boost for both tourism and the property market.

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Brian Kelly is an expat living in Panama and father of one.  He is Project Manager of one of the most beautiful projects on Amador, the Naos Harbour Island Residences, and Marina. Click for more information: https://www.puntapacificarealty.com/naos-island/