Table Of Content
The city is large, so if you want to see some of the more distinctive sites, it would be best to book an excursion.
Culture & History of the Cartagena Cruise Port
Colombia Unveils New Destinations to Explore in Upcoming Cruise Season - Porthole Cruise and Travel
Colombia Unveils New Destinations to Explore in Upcoming Cruise Season.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:09:01 GMT [source]
Your walk will take between minutes through a suburb of Cartagena and remember that is it hot and humid! We highly recommend transportation like a shore excursion or taxi. This port offers great facilities to the cruise passengers arriving here. You will find a cruise terminal with souvenir shops, tropical garden, taxi stand en tour on offer.
Shore Excursions
Miss Colombia, the beauty queen, is elected on November 11, the high point of the event. The fiesta, which includes street dancing, music, and fancy-dress parades, strikes up several days before the pageant and the city goes wild. The event, also known as the Carnaval de Cartagena or Fiestas del 11 de Noviembre, is the city’s most important annual bash. To enhance your experience in Cartagena, remember to indulge in local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture. Sample delicious seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants or try street food from vendors selling empanadas or arepas. Immerse yourself in the regional specialties and enjoy a memorable culinary experience during your Cartagena Cruise Port Guide visit.
Ritz-Carlton unveils 2024-2025 winter Caribbean cruises for the ships Evrima and Ilma
The Cartagena Cruise Port in Colombia offers beach passes for cruise passengers. These passes provide access to the stunning sandy beaches along the oceanfront. With a beach pass, you can enjoy sunbathing, partake in beach activities, and even try water sports like jet skiing or snorkeling. Sometimes there is also a catamaran tour offered in the port. It costs 30 dollars and it gives you a quick tour of the town. Find the catamaran right next to the flamingo garden at the cruise terminal.
Caribbean
Colombia is currently ranked South America's 3rd-largest market - after Brazil and Argentina. The port of Cartagena de Indias (as it is officially called) is located approximately 3.5km (2 miles) from the old city, in the Manga neighborhood. We were so ready for an iced cold drink that we bought the largest size we possibly could. If you still dare to brave the system, TransCaribe is the city’s public transit network with numerous buses that service the city’s main arteries.
WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL
There was an evening shore excursion with a capacity of 19 people. For $209, a bus transported everyone to the old city for a walking tour after dark. This included a cocktail on a hotel rooftop capped off with a multi-course Colombian dinner at an upscale restaurant called, Carmen. The cruise terminal offers as facilities tax-duty-free shop, cafeteria, a premium coffee shop (named Juan Valdez).
The port is usually included in Southern Caribbean itineraries (leaving roundtrip from Florida USA) and often in Panama Canal transition itineraries. The city has population around 920,000 (metro around 1,3 million). Overall my favorite part of this port terminal was the birds. I am such a bird nerd that I was in awe that there were Scarlet Macaws, Toucans, and other parrots within a couple of inches from me. If you want something a bit more upscale, this restaurant will fit the bill. The contemporary cuisine will have a distinct Colombian flavor.
Regardless of the official taxi rates, do make sure before entering the taxi that the price is absolutely clear. I’m not advocating for women to wander the streets of any foreign city alone. Even though I’m not a fan of group excursions, I will take a shore tour if I don’t feel comfortable or if I want to visit an out of the way point of interest. Cartagena began to flourish as a trading town in the 15th century when Spain used the area for international trade between the “old” and “new” worlds.
Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Cartagena Cruise Port
On the northern side of the square, a fortified wall with a clock tower marks the entrance to Old City. The large square in between these landmarks is known as Paseo Camellon de los Martires and pays homage to those that died for the Independence of Cartagena. Right outside the gangway, the cruise traveler will find a small Tourist Information Kiosk but, be aware, it is only open for the first couple of hours after the ship docks.
So, for things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, I’d recommend all of these for a cruise day in port, whether with Crystal Cruises or Carnival Cruise Line. Cartagena’s food scene is known for its mix of flavors, from seaside fish to locally grown beef. In Colombia, street food is a must-try experience, whether you’re sipping fresh fruit juice or eating a hot, delicious arepa. Another staple of the Colombian culinary scene is the empanada, perfect for a quick snack. Ceviche, a dish made from raw and cooked fish, is a popular street food. Cartagena is known for its beautiful castles and colonial-inspired decor.
If you’re interested in jewelry, diamonds, or luxury watches, check out Cruise Shop Save for expert advice on where to shop for these items in Cartagena. Our extensive guide provides all essential information, from terminal details and transport options to local attractions, ensuring your time ashore is nothing short of adventurous. The Port is around 4km (2,5 miles) from the entrance of the Old Walled Town and the taxi ride shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. Although some crew members choose to walk, it is not advisable to cross the neighborhood of the port on foot.
You can walk five minutes to the visitor center or to take a free shuttle bus. Maps with walking tours are available at the cruise terminal. Yes, the cruise port is within walking distance of popular tourist attractions in Cartagena’s Old Town.
The rooftop of the Art Lifestyle Hotel, across from San Filipe Fortress (Romancing the Stone was partly filmed inside the wall) was a welcome relief from the tropical heat. Up to the 3rd floor rooftop restaurant and terrace for a frothy lemonade and coconut milk drink, a few photos. Soon, we were on our way back to the ship, in time for a late lunch. Charleston, South Carolina and the entire east coast were getting slammed from winter storm Grayson. Our Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity voyage was supposed to originate in Charleston for a Panama Canal cruise.
Stay in the main tourist areas, such as the old town, when exploring Cartagena, Colombia. These areas are well-patrolled and generally safe for visitors. To purchase a beach pass, you can visit the designated area at the cruise port or inquire directly with your cruise line. Check if any restrictions or requirements apply before purchasing your pass, such as age restrictions for certain activities. The Cartagena Cruise Port in Colombia offers a variety of activities and attractions for cruise passengers. One popular attraction is the zoological forest, where exotic species like howler monkeys can be seen.
No comments:
Post a Comment