Key Highlights
Planning to visit the Port of Cartagena in Colombia? Here is what you need to know for 2026:
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The port is a big part of global trade for Colombia. It is a busy spot for both cargo and cruise ships in the Caribbean Sea.
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The cruise terminal at Cartagena is new and good for people. It can handle up to five ships at one time and help more than 10,000 people each day.
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Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean use this port. You can set off on southern Caribbean itineraries from here.
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The cruise terminal comes with some good things for you. You will find shops, Wi-Fi, and even a special place called Port Oasis Eco Park.
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The port has a strategic location. It is a bit more than three kilometres away from the old city in Cartagena.
introduction
Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia. This is a lively city on the Caribbean coast. It brings in over 600,000 visitors each year. If you are Canadian and want some time in the sun, the cruise port in Cartagena is waiting for you. This busy place is more than just where trips begin. It is part of your journey, too. Here, you quickly start your trip through the Southern Caribbean. You also get to see the local culture and history right when you arrive.
Overview of the Port of Cartagena in Colombia
The Grupo Puerto de Cartagena is a big player in South America. It helps connect the region to international trade. The port is in a key spot on the Caribbean coast. This location puts Cartagena at the heart of major shipping routes in Latin America and beyond.
The port is known as Puerto de Cartagena. Over the years, it has grown a lot, thanks to nonstop work on modernization. It is now a top-notch facility. The port moves a lot of cargo and handles many cruise ships, too. This has helped it build a strong name in the maritime world. Here, we will look at what the port does and why it matters so much in South America.
Main functions and significance of the port
The main job of the puerto de cartagena is to be a big part of global trade and tourism. This Cartagena port gives logistics services to help move goods. It connects the Colombian market with the rest of the world. Because of this, the port is very important for the country’s economy.
A key factor for the port is where it sits. It is in a great spot on the Caribbean. This strategic location lets the port be a link for important trade routes. Big investments into modernization help it take care of the largest ships and complex supply chains now.
The port matters for more than moving cargo. It is the main door for sea tourism in Colombia. Most cruise passengers who visit the country come through this spot. The role it plays in both business and tourism means the Grupo Puerto de Cartagena is needed for the area’s growth.
Cartagena’s role in global cruise and cargo shipping
Cartagena has a big impact on global shipping. Its location close to the Panama Canal makes it very important for cargo ships that go between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These ships often travel on major trade routes that connect to Asia. The port in Cartagena has advanced logistics, which helps it handle international trade quickly and well.
When it comes to cruises, the city is a top spot. The cruise terminal here is modern and known as a busy homeport. Many Southern Caribbean itineraries stop in Cartagena. Big cruise lines like to come here because the city has a lot of culture, plenty of historical sites, and you can count on the port to work smoothly.
Having both a strong cargo port and a world-class cruise terminal puts Cartagena at the top in the maritime industry. The city manages to meet the needs of both commercial shipping and tourism. This adds a lot to both international trade and the Caribbean’s tourism scene.
Cruise Lines Operating from the Port of Cartagena
Are you thinking about which cruise lines you can sail with from the Puerto de Cartagena? This busy port serves 34 cruise lines, and it’s one of the top picks for people who want to explore the Caribbean. The good facilities and smart, strategic location of Cartagena attract big cruise companies.
Royal Caribbean is one of the big names that sail from here. They even started coming back to this port after not being here for nine years. They use ships like the Rhapsody of the Seas, so you can pick from many exciting trips when you sail from Cartagena. In the next sections, you will find more details about the main cruise companies and when they go.
Major international cruise companies in 2026
In 2026, there will be several large international cruise ship companies that stop at the Puerto de Cartagena. The Grupo Puerto de Cartagena works closely with top brands. This makes Cartagena a trusted and good-looking cruise port.
Royal Caribbean is one of the most important companies here. It will offer many trips that leave from Cartagena. The cruise ships Jewel of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas let cruisers have some great times as they explore the Southern Caribbean. The fact that these companies trust the port shows that the service here is top quality.
Other than Royal Caribbean, the port has also welcomed lines like Pullmantur, Variety Cruises, and Azuka. This shows that it has space for many different cruise operators. With this kind of variety, people get a lot of options when they want to start their cruise vacation from this bright Colombian city.
Scheduled cruise itineraries and seasonal highlights for Canadians
For Canadians who want to get away from the cold, Cartagena is a great place to start your cruise. There are some amazing cruise options, especially from December to April. Royal Caribbean has some fun southern Caribbean itineraries, which make for a good winter break. These cruises often don’t need a U.S. visa, which is a big help for many cruise passengers.
A normal seven-day itinerary leaving from Cartagena might go to beautiful places that are just a few hundred miles or kilometres away. You can expect to visit different ports, and each one has its own special culture.
Here are some popular stops you can find on your trip:
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Willemstad, Curacao
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Oranjestad, Aruba
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Colón, Panama
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The island of Bonaire
These southern Caribbean itineraries give you the chance to enjoy culture, relax, and have some fun, too. They make any cruise from Cartagena a great choice for Canadian travellers.
Facilities and Services at Cartagena Cruise Terminal
The Cartagena de Indias cruise terminal gives you a great experience from the start. The terminal has new and easy-to-use facilities. It can serve up to 10,000 people and five big ships at the same time. At this cruise terminal, you get good logistics and comfort together.
There are many useful things in the port to help with your trip. The terminal also has special features and local things for you to see and do. Everything is made with care. The team uses digital platforms to make things easy and smooth for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at what passengers can use and what is there for business ships at the Cartagena de Indias cruise terminal.
Passenger amenities and travel essentials
Your comfort is very important at the Cartagena cruise terminal. The cruise terminal has many things you might need before or after your Caribbean cruise. If you need to get some things for travel at the last minute, or you want to find a special souvenir, the terminal is ready to help.
When you walk around the cruise terminal, you will see that it is not just a place to wait. The cruise terminal gives you the first look at how nice Colombia is. It is also close to the old city of Cartagena, only 3.2 km away. This makes it simple for you to visit the old city before or after your trip.
Here are some of the main things you will see at the cruise terminal:
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Duty-free shops, jewellers, and stores with Colombian crafts
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A Juan Valdéz coffee shop where you get to try 100% Colombian coffee
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Wi-Fi and a business centre
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Tourist info, mail service, and first aid
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A special Port Oasis with plants from Colombia and rare birds
Services for cargo vessels and commercial operations
The Puerto de Cartagena is a top place for complete logistics services for cargo ships. It helps big commercial operations go smoothly. The port’s layout is made for the needs of international trade. It has deep docks that fit ships up to 350 metres long.
The port gives important logistics services, like drinking water for the ships and good solid waste management. These services help keep ships in good shape and follow all the rules for the environment. They are key for quick and easy turnarounds of cargo vessels.
The Puerto de Cartagena also gets help from trusted third parties who offer more support. At this port, both cruise lines and cargo operators can ask for things like food and supplies, small repairs, crew changes, and fuel supply while at the terminal. This makes it easy and gives everyone all they need for their maritime business in Cartagena.
Arriving at the Port of Cartagena: What to Expect
When you get to the Cartagena cruise port, you will see that things are easy. The staff have made sure it runs well and is safe, so you do not have to worry. This cruise port is in good proximity to the city’s top spots.
At first, the place might look a bit industrial. But you are close to the busy and old part of Cartagena. The workers are nice, and the signs will help guide you. In the next parts, you can read more about what to do when you come in and how to get around from the cruise port.
Arrival process and security procedures for cruise travellers
The arrival process for cruise passengers at the Port of Cartagena is easy to follow. When you get to the terminal, port staff will guide you through the checkpoints. This helps keep you safe and makes sure the port is secure. The logistics here help to move thousands of people without any problems.
Security is very important here. You will need to show your travel papers and cruise tickets as you check in and go through screening. The steps are like what you see at an airport. It’s a good idea to keep your papers with you and ready.
To move through the port without trouble, remember the following:
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All passengers go in and out through the main terminal building.
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Follow what the port staff say and look at the signs so you can check in fast.
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Be ready for regular security checks of you and your bags.
Transportation options to Cartagena city centre and nearby attractions
Getting from the cruise port to Cartagena’s city centre and its famous attractions is quick and easy. The historic Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just over three kilometres away, making it the most popular destination for cruisers. While it’s technically walkable, the route isn’t ideal for pedestrians, so a short ride is recommended.
Taxis are the most common and convenient form of transportation. You can find them readily available at the terminal. It’s a good practice to agree on the fare before starting your journey, though prices are generally affordable. A trip to the Old City typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
For a clear idea of your options, here is a simple breakdown of transportation to popular nearby spots:
|
Destination |
Transportation |
Approx. Travel Time |
Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Old City (Walled City) |
Taxi |
10-15 minutes |
$5-10 USD |
|
Castillo de San Felipe |
Taxi |
10-15 minutes |
$5-10 USD |
|
Getsemaní Neighbourhood |
Taxi |
10-15 minutes |
$5-10 USD |
|
La Boquilla Beach |
Taxi |
25-30 minutes |
$15-20 USD |
conclusion
The Port of Cartagena is a key place for both cruise and cargo ships. It gives people in Canada a great way to get into Colombia. The port has good facilities, and, in 2026, you will see many international cruise lines use it. If you want to go on a fun cruise or need to do business, this port is ready for you. Knowing about what the port offers helps make your visit or work easier. The port has many services to help you figure out how to get around when you arrive. Take the chance to see the lively culture and the beautiful scenes of Cartagena, Colombia. If you need more tips or details about your trip or where to go, just reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check live arrivals and departures at the Cartagena cruise port?
You can see live ship schedules for the Cartagena, Colombia cruise port by going to the official port website. Grupo Puerto de Cartagena uses digital platforms to show up-to-date info on when ships come in and leave. This way, you can track cruise ships in real time at puerto de cartagena cruise port.
What tourist spots are close to the Cartagena cruise terminal?
The biggest attraction close to the Cartagena de Indias cruise terminal is the Old City. People call it the Walled City. It’s a little over 3 km from the cruise terminal. There are other nice places near it too. You can visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress. You can also check out the lively Getsemaní neighbourhood. All these spots are easy to get to with a short taxi ride from the Cartagena de Indias cruise terminal.
Is there a difference between Cartagena, Colombia and Cartagena, Spain?
Yes, there is a big difference. Cartagena in Colombia is a large port city on the Caribbean Sea. Cartagena in Spain is an old port city in the Region of Murcia along the Mediterranean. These are both important ports. But they are in different countries and on different continents.