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On a cruise to Cartagena, you’ll step right into the energy of the city. It’s loud, colorful, and full of life. You can walk through the old Walled City, climb the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, or take pictures on the cobbled streets of Plaza San Domingo. History is all around you, from the Spanish fort to the Palace of the Inquisition. Many Cartagena, Colombia cruises also stop near Rosario Island, where you can go swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. After a long day, grab a seat at Café del Mar, order a drink, and watch the sunset over the water.
A Cartagena cruise has something for every mood. If you love music, head to Bazurto Social Club and dance to salsa, merengue, and cumbia. If you like quiet walks, take a walk-through Plaza de Bolivar or snap photos on Calle Segunda de Badillo. You can visit Proclamation Square and learn how Cartagena declared independence from Spain in 1811. The beaches are close too, Bocagrande and Playa Blanca are great spots for swimming. Many Cartagena, Colombia cruises also include a short trip to Rosario Islands National Park, about 45 minutes away, with white sand and clear blue water.
The Cartagena cruise port is just a short ride from the heart of the city, making it a great spot to start your visit. When your cruise to Cartagena arrives, you’ll find a well-kept terminal with helpful staff, shops, and even a small zoo with tropical birds and animals. It’s easy to grab a taxi or shuttle to the historic center, only a couple of miles away. Many Cartagena, Colombia cruises stop here because it’s close to top sights like Las Murallas and Plaza Santo Domingo. A cruise to Cartagena port also means easy access to street vendors, local guides, and colorful neighborhoods filled with food, music, and friendly locals.
A cruise to Cartagena port brings you close to one of the city’s top sights, Las Murallas. These thick stone walls once protected Cartagena from pirates and storms. Today, you can walk along large parts of them and feel the breeze from the sea. The walls wrap around the old town and give you views you won’t forget. Many Cartagena, Colombia cruises include time to see these historic walls, especially since they’re close to the Cartagena cruise port.
If you’re taking a cruise to Cartagena, visiting Las Murallas is a must. Built over two centuries, these walls show just how much Cartagena had to fight off attacks. Some parts were damaged or removed, but most still stand strong. The Cartagena cruise port is only a few miles away, so it’s easy to get there by taxi or shuttle. A walk along these old walls is a favorite part of many Cartagena, Colombia cruises.
A cruise to Cartagena port gives travelers the chance to walk through charming plazas like Plaza de Santo Domingo. Though the plaza in Mexico City shares the same name, Cartagena’s version is just as full of life and character. Many people on Cartagena, Colombia cruises enjoy visiting spots like this to soak in the local scene. It’s not far from the Cartagena cruise port, so you can reach it quickly and enjoy a peaceful break with history around you.
When you book a cruise to Cartagena, you’ll often hear about the Old Town, but places like Plaza de Santo Domingo also stand out. The plaza has a strong colonial look, and it’s a great place to stop during your walk through the city. Since the Cartagena cruise port is so close, this area fits nicely into short-day trips. Most Cartagena, Colombia cruises give enough time to enjoy the sights without rushing.
A cruise to Cartagena port puts you right near one of South America's most impressive spots, Castillo San Felipe. This huge stone fortress sits on a hill and watches over the city. It was built to guard all the gold and silver the Spanish moved through Cartagena. People taking Cartagena, Colombia cruises often stop here to see the tunnels and walkways. It's one of those places that makes a cruise to Cartagena feel like a trip through time.
When your ship docks at the Cartagena cruise port, you’re just a short ride away from San Felipe Castle. This place was so strong that pirates and enemies couldn’t take it. The fort is made up of smaller forts, each one harder to capture than the last. Walking through its tunnels feels like stepping back 400 years. Most cruise to Cartagena port tours include this as a top stop, and it’s easy to see why once you’re there.
If you're taking a cruise to Cartagena, don't skip the Gold Museum in the old town. It's completely free and worth your time. You’ll see over 500 gold pieces made by the Zenú people, including a golden jaguar that’s hard to forget. Most folks on Cartagena, Colombia cruises stop by here because it's easy to reach and doesn't take long. I spent about an hour there, and I still think about what I saw.
The museum is right near Bolivar Plaza, not far from the Cartagena cruise port. It’s open every day except Monday, and the signs have English translations, which helps a lot. It’s a good way to learn about the history of Cartagena without spending extra money. If your cruise to Cartagena port gives you a few hours in town, this is a great spot to check out. No guide is needed, just walk in and enjoy.
If you're on a cruise to Cartagena, you’ve got the chance to stay somewhere wild, Casa en el Agua. It’s a floating hostel out in the San Bernardo Islands, surrounded by the sea. You’ll need to catch a two-hour boat ride from the Cartagena cruise port, and it costs about $20 each way. Once you're there, you can stay in a hammock, bunk bed, or private room, and the price includes your meals. It’s basic, but it’s worth it.
Many travelers on Cartagena, Colombia cruises head here for a break from city life. There’s no running water, so you’ll shower with a bucket and jump in the ocean when you want. The party goes on all day and night, so bring earplugs if you need sleep. It’s a fun, shared experience and a good story to take home. If your cruise to Cartagena port gives you enough time, this little spot is something different.
If you are planning a cruise to Cartagena, you’ll find some great options that suit all kinds of travelers. This Caribbean city has a warm, tropical feel and is full of color, charm, and history. From the cobbled streets of the old town to the nearby beaches and local food spots, there’s always something to see or try. Many cruise lines include this spot in their routes, and it’s easy to enjoy time at the Cartagena cruise port with so much close by.
MSC Cruises offers a few ships that stop at the Cartagena cruise port, like MSC Poesia, MSC Divina, and MSC Magnifica. These ships are known for their beautiful design and easygoing experience. When you cruise to Cartagena with MSC, you can walk through the old city walls, visit Castillo San Felipe, or take a quick trip to the Rosario Islands. The cruise to Cartagena port from MSC gives a nice mix of history, beach time, and local life.
Royal Caribbean is a solid choice for anyone booking Cartagena Colombia cruises. Ships like Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas stop here. You’ll get great service on board and lots of things to do. Once at the port, you can check out Cartagena’s walled city, visit the Gold Museum, or shop at the local market. Royal Caribbean cruises to Cartagena give you time to enjoy the area without rushing.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the biggest lists of ships sailing to Cartagena. Options include Norwegian Encore, NCL Joy, NCL Jewel, NCL Jade, NCL Bliss, NCL Star, NCL Pearl, NCL Escape, and NCL Sun. Each ship has a fun and casual vibe, with lots to do on board. While at the Cartagena cruise port, you can take a walking tour of the old town or try street food near the main square. A cruise to Cartagena with NCL gives you that easy balance of fun and culture.
Princess Cruises offers a smooth experience when visiting Cartagena. Ships like Caribbean Princess, Ruby Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, and Crown Princess all visit this historic city. With Princess, you get plenty of onboard comforts and the chance to enjoy the charm of Cartagena. From the cruise port, you can reach most of the sights quickly. Walk the historic center, sip coffee in a shaded plaza, or take a short drive to see the Convento de la Popa.
Carnival Cruises brings a fun, easygoing feel to any trip, and that includes a stop at the Cartagena cruise port. Ships like Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Miracle often stop here. A cruise to Cartagena with Carnival gives you time to relax and enjoy the local flavor. Visit a nearby beach, take a Chiva bus tour, or stroll through the city center. Carnival makes the trip feel light and fun from the ship to the shore.
The dry season from December to April is the best time to book a cruise to Cartagena. During these months, you’ll get sunny skies, warm days, and low rainfall, which makes it perfect for walking through the old town and taking photos. Many travelers on Cartagena Colombia cruises enjoy the bright buildings, lively plazas, and historic charm without worrying about sudden rain. The Cartagena cruise port is right near the main sights, so it’s easy to explore once you arrive. If you're taking a cruise to Cartagena port, this time of year gives you the best chance to enjoy the city’s beauty without big crowds or bad weather.
June, July, and August are rainy season months in Cartagena, and the weather stays hot and humid during this time. You can expect average daily temperatures around 84.2°F (29°C), and as summer goes on, the rain increases. In August alone, the city receives about 4.9 inches (125 millimeters) of rain, spread across an average of 13 days. Even with the rain, there is still a good amount of sunshine, with around 6.5 hours of sunlight each day during these summer months.
Cartagena has a rainy season that continues through the fall months. Rain is heaviest in October, with an average of 9.1 inches (230mm). Temperatures stay high during this time, averaging around 83.4°F (28.6°C) in October. By November, the worst of the storms usually pass, and the amount of rain starts to go down. As the winter season nears, more visitors begin to arrive. The humidity stays high, so it is a good idea to take breaks and drink water while exploring the old city, as the heat can be tiring.
There is very little temperature change in Cartagena throughout the year; it is the humidity that shifts. Winter brings more stable and less humid weather. Rainfall drops a lot during this time, and in January and February, there is hardly any rain at all. This is the best time to visit Cartagena, as the weather stays clear and dry. It can be a bit crowded during these months, but the sunshine and blue skies make it worth it.
March, April, and May are still great months to visit Cartagena. March remains the peak season, with almost no rainfall, while April and May are considered shoulder season months. The weather starts to shift in May, which typically experiences 4.5 inches (115mm) of rain.
Planning a cruise to Cartagena? This colorful city is full of sunshine, street life, and history. Packing smart can help you enjoy your time at the Cartagena cruise port without stress. From sun protection to casual clothes, here's a quick list of what you should pack before joining any Cartagena Colombia cruises.
