Norwegian Cruise Line plans to be the first cruise line to homeport in Panama when it launches seasonal roundtrip voyages from the central American destination next spring.

The cruises are possible thanks to a multi-year agreement signed by NCL’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., with the Panama Tourism Authority, which allows the company to seasonally homeport at the Colon Cruise Terminal and the Fuerte Amador Cruise Terminal located on the Pacific Ocean side the country and adjacent to Panama City.

The new contract is part of an agreement that will provide Panama Canal transit benefits to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. from 2022 through 2024, while operating homeport turnarounds.

In 2022 and 2023, the cruise line will offer 12 homeport voyages starting with Norwegian Jewel on March 20, 2022, where the ship will sail a nine-day itinerary traversing the Panama Canal and visit Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Oranjestad Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; and Cartagena, Colombia, before arriving to the Caribbean side of Panama in the city of Colon.

Starting Jan. 14, 2023, Norwegian Gem will feature select Panama Canal voyages including an 11-day journey visiting seven ports of call, including Puerto Limon, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Puerto Plata, and Grand Turk, before ending in New York City.

On Dec. 6, 2023, Norwegian Joy will offer a 10-day voyage sailing from Panama City (Fuerte Amador) and visiting notable destinations including Puerto Limon, George Town, Roatán, Harvest Caye (private resort destination in Belize), Cozumel, and Great Stirrup Cay (private island in the Bahamas), before ending her journey in Miami.

“Part of our Company’s mission is to create unforgettable experiences in some of the most special places around the world,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This new agreement enables nearly 24,000 guests to experience the beauty of Panama each year.”