SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Explore and discover the magnificent city of Cartagena. Begin with a stop at San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city for a panoramic view of this monumental fort considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World.

Continue to Las Bovedas Artisan Center, built as dungeons and as a means of storage. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Wander through Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Visit the Inquisition Palace, established in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. You’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers.

Next, visit the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves. Continue to the Navy Museum which includes a folk show and beverage. Before returning to your ship you will have a free time to explore by your own into the walled city and enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.

Start your tour of the beautiful city of Cartagena with a photo stop at San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Continue to the Old City and wander through narrow cobblestone streets and squares while you admire the Colonial architecture, balconies and old churches. Your next stop will be the Inquisition Palace.

Enjoy a folkloric show during your visit to the Navy Museum which was established in 1986. Here, you’ll find historic military efforts of Cartagena, see the wealth of historical artifacts, maritime life and naval history of Colombia. A bottle of water or soft drink will be served upon arrival at the museum. Before returning to your ship, enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.

OVERVIEW

Zip over to the Makani Beach Club in a speedboat and spend hours relaxing however you wish at the luxurious resort. The beach club is on the western shore of Tierra Bomba, the closest island to Cartagena, so it won’t take long to reach this idyllic setting. Upon arriving, you will be free to do most anything you please. You might stretch out in a sunbed on the sugar-white private beach, stroll along the shoreline, read under the shade of a towering palm tree and take a refreshing swim in the sea. There is also a large swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas if you prefer to relax there. Enjoy a complete à la carte menu of cocktails, drinks, snacks and a variety of dishes to suit your preferences (not included in the rate).

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample some of the dishes and desserts that best reflect the local gastronomy and discover their histories and traditions. As an introduction to Cartagena, you will first visit San Felipe de Baraja, a fortress that has been a landmark since the Spanish built it in 1639. Your culinary immersion will begin with an arepa de huevo – a fried corn cake stuffed with eggs – and carimañolas, which are yuca fritters stuffed with meat or cheese. After an enlightening walk through the walled Old Town, you will stop to dine on Cartagena’s most emblematical dish, posta Cartagenera. Made with braised beef, red onions and tomatoes, this comfort food originated with the city’s early African and Spanish inhabitants. It is usually served with coconut rice and plantains. Dessert will likely be a coconut confection known as cocada and perhaps a caballito papaya sweet. Free time for shopping follows in Las Bóvedas market.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the history and traditions behind Cartagena’s favorite foods through tastings.
• Sample fried breakfast dishes, comfort food for lunch and a selection of desserts.
• Walk through the atmospheric Old Town and snap photos at a 17th-century fortress.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover Cartagena's iconic sights and Rhythms in an experience like no other. Starting with a scenic drive by the charming landmarks of the Historic District, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site to enjoy views of the city's old and modern sides that will amaze you, on your way to one of the best musical and cultural experiences Cartagena has to offer. Your tour will start with a guided walking tour through the Getsemaní neighborhood, delving into its fascinating landmarks, history and passageways. Let yourself be transported 300 years back, as you discover through its most emblematic monuments the rich history and cultural heritage this part of the city provides. To end your perfect day, continue to a local inspired venue. Here you will soak in the African-inspired Rhythms of Champeta, a local genre, in a fun and immersive class with captivating dancers. You'll have the chance to learn Colombian dance choreography, purchase local delicacies, and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors and music for an authentic Cartagena experience!

OVERVIEW

Shop in a historical marketplace and explore other Cartagena attractions before dining on a characteristic Cartagenero lunch. You will get an initial sense of the city’s past while pausing for photos of the 17th-century Spanish-built fortress San Felipe de Baraja. Similarly, during free time at Las Bóvedas, you will see how these 18th-century dungeons were repurposed into a small shopping mall. The merchandise ranges from colorful casual clothing to miniature versions of the works of Fernando Botero, perhaps Colombia’s most famous sculptor and artist. You will browse a collection of pieces from other Colombian artists at the esteemed Cartagena Museum of Modern Art. Even the museum’s 17th-century stone building is a work of art as it was once the Royal Customs House. You will have much to discuss over a traditional lunch that will likely include shrimp croquettes as an appetizer and a whole fried fish or a beef dish flavored with cinnamon as the entrée.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Shop at Las Bóvedas, a shopping mall that was once a series of dungeons.
• Browse the outstanding collection at the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art.
• Dine on traditional Cartagenero dishes at a restaurant downtown.
• Pause to take photos of the 17th-century fortress San Felipe de Baraja.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Begin your experience with a comfortable 20-minute coach transfer to the Old Town, where your guide will meet you for a walking tour through Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll explore sites such as Plaza de Bolívar, Plaza San Pedro, the city’s Cathedral, and other highlights within the historic Walled City. During your walk, enjoy tastings of Cartagena’s typical street foods and fresh local fruits. After the guided portion, enjoy some free time to take in the atmosphere, shop, or explore at your own pace. Next, head to the embarkation point to board a comfortable boat for a scenic one-hour cruise across Cartagena Bay. Onboard, enjoy a lively open bar featuring rum punch, rum & coke, Colombian beer, lemonade, and sodas. The experience ends with the return cruise to the pier, offering panoramic views of both the colonial skyline and the modern city.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ahoy grummet! Ready to live an authentic pirate day? Enjoy a full-themed pirate experience in Cartagena. Explore the historical districts within Cartagena’s walled Old Town on a leisurely walk past the most revealing landmarks. Founded on a trade route in 1533, Cartagena was often attacked by pirates such as Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, so defensive walls and fortifications were soon built. As you will discover, they still stand and have earned Cartagena a World Heritage site designation. While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you will view a vast array of wonderful colonial architecture, churches, mansions, and lively squares where you can appreciate the daily life of the locals. Other highlights include the iconic clock tower at the entrance to the walled Old Town and the Inquisition Palace, where prisoners were tortured until the Spanish Inquisition ended in 1834. Join Captain Henry Morgan and his crew for a highly entertaining 90-minute walking tour around this pirate’s land. You will explore and learn with our pirates how was life in the city in 1600 and early 1700’s. You’ll learn about the city’s history, customs, traditions and why not? Maybe you’ll find out where the treasures are hidden. During free time, you can explore further or perhaps shop for designer fashions, local artwork, and emerald jewelry. Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, so you can expect to find a wide selection of gems to fall in love with.

Your day of discovery begins when you board you air conditioned transportation. You’ll pass by buildings and homes featuring Colonial, Republican and Moorish styles and your guide explains the many influences that came to be in Cartagena. Your first stop will be 'Punta Icacos', near the fishing village of La Boquilla. Here, you’ll be greeted by local fishermen who earn a living by traditional means of fishing. These fishermen will explain the process of making, repairing and casting the nets, as well as provide a demonstration. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn the art of throwing the net if you wish or you can also sip on fresh coconut milk or coconut water while you watch your companions cast the net. On your way back to Cartagena your guide will provide you with more information regarding Colombian history including the "Vallenato". The Vallenato is a traditional type of music typically using an accordion, flute and drum. Next, stop is at El Muelle where you’ll be greeted and entertained by your own band of Vallenato.

Sample a traditional Colombian snack or "frito" if you wish before making your way to the Emerald Museum. Here, you’ll see craftsmen at work as well as learn the history and cultural importance of the precious stone. Then, visit the famous walled or Old City and Portal de Dulce, an area where local vendors sell the handmade Columbian candies, famous around the world. Take a sweet sample before continuing your walk through the Plaza de la Aduana and Simon Bolivar Square. Along the way your guide will point out areas of interest as well as information on the many churches, building and monuments before you begin your free time in the colonial city. Feel free to stroll along the beautiful streets, browse the many shops and admire the beautiful architecture and flower covered balconies before returning to your ship.

Explore the city of Cartagena with its colonial architecture and impressive fortifications. Pass by the famous Republican architecture of Manga residential area, home to some of the most ornate mansions and homes of the city. Visit the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas built in the 17th century and the largest and most important work of Spanish military engineering in South America. You’ll stop briefly at Las Bovedas Artisan Center, originally built as dungeons and for storage - today local artisans display their work here. On the way to the next stop, you’ll a brief photo stop at Adolfo Mejia theater, built in 1609 with an eclectic style on its façade was made to celebrate the independence of the city. Stop at Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Across the street is the Inquisition Palace, the Inquisition was established in Cartagena in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. During your visit, you’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers. The sentencing ceremony used to take place in public, in the middle of the plaza. On the second floor of the Inquisition Palace there is a small historical museum which includes a few models showing the urban evolution of the city as the centuries passed and the city grew. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Cathedral while you walk to the majestic San Pedro Claver´s Sanctuary built to honor the missionary, who was patron saint of slaves. Visit the Navy Museum for a drink and enjoy a Folkloric show before sit back and take in the views of the modern city during the return drive to your ship.

Begin your tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Continue to the El Cabrero neighborhood for a panoramic view of Rafael Nunez House and Museum. Rafael Nunez was president of Colombia four times and created the constitution of 1886. The house where he lived and died is built in the spectacular Antilles architectural style.

Next, visit the dungeons within the walled city ramparts, which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high-quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Your tour continues to the Palace of Inquisition. The aim of the Inquisition was to judge crimes against the Catholic faith, but it never recognized anyone's innocence. This building whose construction was finished in 1776 is an example of civilian architecture of the 18th century.

Walk to the Plaza Bolivar. Next you will visit the Navy Museum to enjoy a Folkloric show and have a drink before you'll have some spare time for shopping in the old city for the famous Colombian emeralds or an opportunity to take more pictures.