Significant activity in January

This January, the Port of Cartagena has seen significant activity. During the first month of 2024, 46 large cruise ships arrived at port, bringing 105,201 visitors  (69,341 passengers and 35,860 crew members) to Cartagena.

Passengers and crew members, who spend an average of US $122 and US $70 while visiting the city, respectively, have injected close to US $11 million into the local economy this past month.

Six cruises in one day

Photo: Héctor Rico S.

On January 30, Cartagena set a new record, receiving six cruise ships in a single day.

These passenger ships—Stad Amsterdam, Star Pride, Celebrity Constellation, Norwegian Bliss, Grandeur of the Seas, and Zaandam—brought a total of 13,142 visitors, made up of 8,842 passengers and 4,300 crew members.

Another noteworthy date was January 11, when four cruise ships docked in Cartagena: Star Pride, MSC Explora I, Artania, and Aidaluna.

Ships with overnight stays

Photo: Héctor Rico S.

More and more cruise lines are placing their trust in Cartagena, which has led to more ships staying in the city overnight. In January, five ships stayed for more than one day on a total of eight different occasions. The first was Sea Could Spirit, whose passengers and crew welcomed in the new year in Cartagena. Additionally, Star Pride stayed overnight three times in January (January 1- 2, 10-11, and 29-30), while Celebrity Constellation stayed twice (January 16-17 and 30-31). The other two ships that spent the night in Cartagena were MSC Explora (January 10-11) and Stad Amsterdam (January 29-February 1).

 

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February forecast

In February, a total of 70,267 visitors—made up of 47,938 passengers and 22,329 crew members—are expected to arrive in Cartagena on cruise ships.

Photo: Héctor Rico S.

In this second month of the year, the Port of Cartagena is expecting 26 arrivals at port of cruise ships on Caribbean routes.

The busiest day will be February 22, with three ships: MSC Explora I, Ruby Princess, and Aidaluna, which transport 8,111 visitors (5,633 passengers and 2,478 crew members) in total. Other busy days include February 2, when Ruby Princess and Marella Explora 2 will arrive with 6,264 visitors (4,324 passengers and 1,940 crew members) in total, and February 9, when Norwegian Gem and Aurora will dock in Cartagena with 5,426 visitors (3,475 passengers and 1,951 crew members) in total.

Overnight stays

In February, the Port of Cartagena is expecting five overnight stays. These include the Stad Amsterdam ship, which arrives on January 29 and sets sail on February 1; Star Pride (February 7-8); Emerald Azzura (February 16-17); Grandeur Of The Seas (February 19-20); and MSC Explora (February 21-22).

 

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Cartagena, fourth best destination in South America: Tripadvisor

 

Photo: Héctor Rico S.

Cartagena de Indias has reached fourth place in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024, positioning itself as one of the best-rated destinations in the area.

This recognition, which places it in the select 1% of winners worldwide, highlights the beauty of its beaches, its historic center, and its colonial architecture. Travelers also praised Cartagena’s safety, making it a popular enclave for cruise ships.

For more information, see the full article at the following links:
1. https://www.eluniversal.com.co/cartagena/cartagena-uno-de-los-5-destinos-mejor-calificados-para-viajar-segun-tripadvisor-FA9772034
2. https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g13#filters-area

 

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Caribbean guacharaca, a native bird that calls Port Oasis EcoPark home

 

 

Photo: Shutterstock

The Caribbean guacharaca (scientific name: Ortalis garrula) lives on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

This species feeds on insects and nuts. The birds live in groups of 6 to 12 individuals and are found in dry forests and scrublands—near rivers or mangroves, in bushes, and sometimes on the ground. Between April and May, the female lays up to 3 eggs that incubate for 26 days.

Would you like to see a Caribbean guacharaca and learn more about this and many more endemic birds? Visit us at Port Oasis EcoPark.

Port Oasis EcoPark is an exclusive space in our Cartagena Cruise Terminal that has more than 700 animals of 70 different species—mainly different types of birds—so that locals and tourists can enjoy birdwatching and see local wildlife.

 

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Colombian handicrafts: Ancestral traditions that also make great gifts

Photo: Héctor Rico S.

Hand-woven products made from plant fibers—including caña flecha, tamo, and fique—come from various regions of Colombia and have helped spread Colombian culture.

The cultural and historical value is not limited to a single person who makes the hat, fan, bag, or accessory, but rather to hundreds of people in Colombia who have been dedicated to the noble task of craftsmanship for decades and even centuries.

Visit the online catalog and learn more about the variety of 100% Colombian artisan products.