Scenic view of Nawiliwili Bay on Kauai with turquoise water, green hills, palm trees and a docked cruise ship in the distance.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cruises to Cartagena, Colombia

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Things to do in Cartagena

Cartagena explodes with colonial flair, sweeping sea views and pirate‑era drama. The city’s fortified Old Town, balconies dripping bougainvillea and Caribbean rhythms combine for an experience that’s as rich in history as it is in color. Expect fortress ramparts, boutique‑nick streets and local bites that make you pause mid‑chew just so you can hold onto the moment a little longer.

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  • Outdoor café with wooden chairs and red cushions overlooking the sea in Cartagena, featuring the Colombian flag flying above the terrace.

    Sample local cuisine by diving into fresh seafood, coconut‑based stews and street‑side arepas with a side of salsa.

  • Old stone fortress in Cartagena with rows of cannons mounted on red wooden carriages, set against weathered brick walls and a clear blue sky.

    Explore historical and cultural attractions like the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Las Murallas city walls and the walled Old City labyrinth.

  • Seaside view in Cartagena with palm trees, thatched-roof cabanas, white umbrellas and lounge chairs along a stone wall beside clear blue water.

    Bask in natural beauty with sea breeze, island‑dotted harbor and palm–lined plazas that open to sapphire waters.

  • Colorful market in Cartagena, Colombia with hanging banners, handmade clothing, crafts and shoppers walking through narrow stalls.

    Dive into local arts/culture where emerald‑making classes, folkloric dance shows and artisan markets keep the energy authentic and vibrant.

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Shore excursions to explore in Cartagena

Step off the ship and choose your own adventure: fortress history, craft‑making, rainforest wildlife, rhythm‑filled street heat… or better yet, why not a little bit over everything?

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  • Stone walls of San Felipe Fortress in Cartagena, Colombia with palm trees and manicured gardens under a bright blue sky.

    Best of Cartagena: San Felipe Fortress & Las Bovedas

    This half‑day tour launches at the massive Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, covers Las Bóvedas for shopping in former dungeons, takes you into the walled Old City and ends at the Historical Museum of Cartagena before a local drink break overlooking the harbor.

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  • Display of bright beaded bracelets and necklaces at a street market stall in Cartagena, Colombia.

    Emerald Jewelry Making Class & Diploma

    Unleash your inner artisan at Cartagena’s Caribbean School of Jewelry: you’ll craft a sterling‑silver ring or pendant set with real emeralds, get schooled in mining history, shoot through a video and then shop the results. You’ll leave with your own handiwork — and a grin when you remember you made your favorite souvenir instead of just buying it.

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  • Yellow and white Clock Tower Gate in Cartagena, Colombia, rising above the old stone city wall with colonial buildings behind it.

    Dancing into the Walled City

    You step from the Clock Tower into vibrant Old City streets, warm up with three Afro‑Caribbean dance styles — salsa, champeta and cumbia — and then join a hands‑on lesson where you’ll shimmy like you mean it. The grand finale? A high‑energy performance by your instructors that’ll make you redefine what your next night out could be.

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  • Bright orange and yellow parrot with green wing tips perched on a tree branch in Colombia’s National Aviary.

    National Aviary of Colombia

    Bird‑nerd heaven: hop a 45‑minute coach ride outside Cartagena to a lush 17‑acre eco‑park where hundreds of species roam freely. Walk rainforest trails, peer into mangrove and desert‑station exhibits, sip a cool drink lakeside and collect shots of kingfishers, macaws and migratory flocks. Bring your binoculars—and maybe a louder, “See that one!”

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  • View of Cartagena Cathedral’s dome rising above narrow streets with vibrant colonial balconies and greenery.

    Tour of Getsemaní & the ‘Old City’

    Start in the artsy, vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní, sip coconut lemonade under palm fronds and then head toward Parque Bolívar and the Old City’s narrow colonial streets. You’ll pass Spanish‑era houses, the Gold Museum and street‑vendor stalls selling handcrafted oxcarts. Camera at the ready, because this one’s heavy on moments worth capturing

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  • Colorful wooden fishing boats lined along the muddy shore with mangroves and blue sky in the background at La Boquilla.

    Canoe Tour of Mangrove Tunnels & Old City Walk

    Take a scenic drive to La Boquilla canyon and board a rustic canoe through twisting mangrove tunnels alive with birds and crabs. Then pivot to Cartagena’s Old City for artisan shopping in Las Bóvedas. Expect a mix of natural calm, small‑village authenticity and city buzz (not a bad bit of adventuring, if we do say so ourselves).

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Explore all Cartagena shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to Cartagena

Cartagena cruises drop you at a quay that sits within striking distance of city walls, cafés, artisan shops and taxi lines. You’ll hit narrow colonial lanes, street‑side empanadas and fortress ramps without a long ride. The Old City, strong on architecture and sea‑spray, serves as an immediate adventure base—no waiting required. If you’re planning a cruise along the Panama Canal, Cartagena is a port you won’t want to miss.

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12-Day Caribbean with Costa Rica & Panama Canal

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16-Day Panama Canal - Ocean to Ocean

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23-Day Panama Canal - Ocean to Ocean

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Discover Cartagena on your next cruise

Cartagena cruises thrust you into a city where the Spanish Empire’s gold‑trail echoes in cobblestone streets and coastal breezes. The colonial stronghold is still alive with color, sound and local life — architecture and art blended with sea and stories. Princess Cruises gives you a comfortable floating base, seamless tours and prime port access so you spend less time getting there and more time living it.

Cruises to Cartagena
Narrow street in Getsemaní, Cartagena, lined with brightly painted buildings and decorated with dozens of colorful umbrellas hanging overhead.
Step into Cartagena’s lively Getsemaní, where colorful umbrellas float above vibrant streets full of charm.
Aerial view of Cartagena’s walled city with colorful colonial buildings in the foreground and a modern skyline across the bay.
Aerial view of Cartagena’s walled city with colorful colonial buildings in the foreground and a modern skyline across the bay.
A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.
A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.
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Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

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Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

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Cruises to Cartagena FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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