This Royal Caribbean Ship Is Launching New Cruises From Panama and Cartagena
Maybe you’ve started a cruise in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Or perhaps you’ve explored the eastern and southern Caribbean out of a port like Antigua or San Juan.
Now, Royal Caribbean is sending one of its ships further south, with a unique set of offerings in a different corner of the Caribbean Basin.
Beginning in May 2026, Royal will be sailing seven-night cruises out of Cartagena, Colombia and Colon, Panama.
The ships will offer sailings to southern hotspots like Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, according to the company.
The voyages are already bookable on Royal’s website.
The idea is to cater to the Latin American market, according to the company, but it also offers a cool way to experience one of our favorite cities in the region: Cartagena, the dynamic, historic city on the northern coast of Colombia.
Jewel of the Seas will accordingly have some experiences “designed specifically for the Latin market,” the company said.
So what about prices?
You can find 42 different cruises sailing from Cartagena on Jewel, with an average per-person price starting at $887.
That’s along with 40 different dates sailing out of Colon, with rates beginning at $829.
So what else do you need to know about Jewel of the Seas? Here’s a quick rundown.
Jewel of the Seas is a Radiance-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, it entered service in 2004. The ship has a sleek, modern design with an extensive use of glass, offering passengers breathtaking ocean views from nearly every corner of the vessel. Weighing approximately 90,090 gross tons, it stretches about 962 feet in length and 106 feet in width, with a draft of 28 feet. Jewel of the Seas can accommodate around 2,702 passengers at double occupancy, with a crew of approximately 842 to provide exceptional service. It can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and has 12 passenger decks.
Jewel of the Seas features a wide range of dining options, including the main dining room and the popular Windjammer Café for buffet-style meals. Guests can also enjoy specialty restaurants like Chops Grille, which serves high-quality steak, and Izumi, known for its sushi and Asian-inspired dishes. For more casual dining, there’s Café Latté-tudes for coffee and pastries, and Park Café for quick bites.
Entertainment is a major highlight aboard Jewel of the Seas. The ship has Broadway-style shows in the theater, live music, and a variety of bars and lounges where guests can unwind with cocktails. There’s also the Casino Royale. The ship also has an outdoor movie screen for evening entertainment under the stars.
The ship has multiple pools, including the adults-only Solarium, which offers a tranquil escape. The main pool area has whirlpools, sun loungers, and a vibrant social atmosphere. The Vitality Spa and Fitness Center provide a full range of wellness treatments and fitness classes. Active travelers can also enjoy the rock climbing wall, a sports court for basketball and volleyball, and a mini-golf course.
The ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2021, which included refreshed staterooms, new dining venues, and technology upgrades such as enhanced Wi-Fi and interactive displays.
You can book at Jewel of the Seas.
