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Cruises Frog guide

Cruises from Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is the starting point for river cruises on the Magdalena, and a call on Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean routes.

Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia

  • The walled cityColourful colonial streets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Castillo San Felipe de BarajasThe largest Spanish fortress in the Americas.
  • GetsemaníStreet art and plazas just outside the walls.
  • Rosario IslandsBeaches and snorkelling, an hour by boat.

When to go

  1. Jan: high season
  2. Feb: high season
  3. Mar: high season
  4. Apr: shoulder season
  5. May: shoulder season
  6. Jun: shoulder season
  7. Jul: shoulder season
  8. Aug: shoulder season
  9. Sep: low season
  10. Oct: low season
  11. Nov: low season
  12. Dec: high season

The dry season from December to April is busiest.

Flying in and getting to the ship

Easy transferCartagena's cruise terminal is about 10 km from Rafael Núñez International, 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.

Rental cars: Not recommended; taxis are cheap and the walled city is pedestrian.

The airport for Cartagena, Colombia is Cartagena Rafael Núñez International (CTG), with 3 lounges to wait in before you board.

Cartagena Rafael Núñez International (CTG) on Lounge Frog

Ships sailing from Cartagena, Colombia

All ports
4.2 ★AmaWaterwaysAmaMagdalena2025 · 60 guests · South AmericaAmaMagdalena opened AmaWaterways' Colombia program in 2025 as the first luxury river ship on the Magdalena River. The 68-meter vessel carries 60 guests in 30 staterooms, all with…4.2 ★AmaWaterwaysAmaMelodia2025 · 64 guests · South AmericaAmaMelodia is AmaWaterways' second ship on Colombia's Magdalena River, joining AmaMagdalena when she entered service in October 2025. She carries 64 guests in 32 twin-balcony…

Quick answers

Which cruise ships sail from Cartagena, Colombia?

On Cruises Frog, 2 ships sail from Cartagena, Colombia: AmaMagdalena (AmaWaterways) and AmaMelodia (AmaWaterways).

Which cruise lines sail from Cartagena, Colombia?

AmaWaterways sails from Cartagena, Colombia.

What is the best-rated ship sailing from Cartagena, Colombia?

AmaMagdalena (AmaWaterways), at 4.2 out of 5 in Cruises Frog's editorial ratings.

Which airport do you fly into for a cruise from Cartagena, Colombia?

Cartagena Rafael Núñez International (CTG). Lounge Frog lists 3 open lounges there for the wait before boarding.

Related news about Cartagena, Colombia

All cruise news
  1. Holland America details its 28-day Pan Am anniversary cruise on Zuiderdam from Miami

    The October 30, 2027 voyage calls at 18 ports on Pan Am's old routes, with aviation speakers, jet-age menus and four themed shore tours.

    Itineraries

Cartagena, Colombia cruise port: things to do · Cruises Frog