Beyond Cartagena: Discovering Colombia's Hidden Gems on a Princess Cruises® Adventure

Imagine the Caribbean. What comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the gentle lapping of turquoise water on a white-sand beach, the sway of a palm tree, the familiar rhythm of a steel drum. It’s a beautiful picture, but it’s an incomplete one. Just beyond the horizon of the expected lies a destination that pulses with a different kind of energy—a place of intoxicating color, profound history, and a spirit so vibrant it stains your memory forever. This is Colombia.

For too long, this jewel of South America has been a whispered secret among the most intrepid travelers. But now, the secret is out. And there is no more elegant, effortless, or enriching way to uncover its magic than from the deck of a Princess Cruises ship. This isn't just another cruise; it's a curated journey into the heart of a nation reborn, a story waiting to be told, and an adventure that begins the moment you step aboard.

As you delve into this guide, you’ll discover the seamless blend of onboard luxury and onshore discovery that defines this unique voyage. Feel free to explore potential dates and pricing at any time using the intuitive Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page. Your Colombian odyssey is closer than you think.

Why a Colombian Cruise is the Ultimate Caribbean Upgrade

A cruise to Colombia offers a depth of experience that transcends the typical island-hopping itinerary. It’s a cultural immersion wrapped in the effortless comfort of a floating luxury resort. You unpack once, yet you wake up to a world transformed. One day, you’re wandering the 500-year-old cobblestone streets of a UNESCO World Heritage city; the next, you’re gazing upon the lush foothills of the world's highest coastal mountain range.

Princess Cruises has masterfully curated itineraries that showcase the very best of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. They understand that the modern luxury traveler seeks not just relaxation, but connection and enrichment. With their award-winning shore excursions, onboard cultural programs, and the unparalleled ease of their MedallionClass® experience, Princess bridges the gap between thrilling exploration and serene indulgence. You get the adventure without the anxiety, the culture without the complication.

The Princess Experience: Your Sanctuary at Sea

Your vessel for this journey is more than just transportation; it's an integral part of the destination. Imagine a ship like the magnificent Caribbean Princess or one of the stunning Royal-class ships, designed to be your elegant home away from home. The Princess philosophy is built around personalization and effortless service, allowing you to tailor your vacation to your exact desires.

MedallionClass®: A Seamless Voyage

Forget the old hassles of cruising. The revolutionary Medallion™ wearable device transforms your experience. It unlocks your stateroom as you approach, allows you to order food and drinks to wherever you are on the ship, and provides a truly keyless, contactless journey. It’s the kind of intuitive technology that fades into the background, leaving you with just one job: to relax and enjoy.

A Culinary Journey Before You Even Dock

On a Princess cruise, every meal is an event. The culinary options are as diverse and exciting as the ports you'll visit.

• World-Class Specialty Dining: Indulge in a perfectly aged steak at the Crown Grill℠, a sophisticated chophouse at sea, or savor handmade pasta and authentic Italian flavors at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria℠.
• Flexible Main Dining: With Dine My Way, you choose when and with whom you dine each evening. Enjoy multi-course gourmet meals in elegant dining rooms that feel like exclusive restaurants.
• Casual Delights: From Neapolitan-style pizza at Alfredo's Pizzeria to gourmet burgers and street tacos by the pool, there’s always a delicious, casual option to suit your mood.

Have a quick question about dining packages or stateroom availability? Our team is standing by. Simply click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right corner for an instant response from a cruise expert.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation

The days at sea are a destination in themselves. This is your time to recharge.

• The Sanctuary: This adults-only retreat is the epitome of tranquility. Settle into a plush lounger, enjoy light bites and attentive service, and let the sea breeze carry your worries away.
• Lotus Spa®: Unwind with a hot stone massage or a rejuvenating facial in the award-winning spa, named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365.
• Movies Under the Stars®: There's nothing quite like curling up in a comfortable lounger with a warm blanket, popcorn, and watching a blockbuster film on a giant poolside screen against a backdrop of the starry night sky.

Experiencing this level of elegance and service is what transforms a great vacation into an unforgettable one. Inquire About This Sailing to receive exclusive offers and details from our dedicated travel advisors.

A Tale of Two Cities: Your Colombian Port-of-Call Adventure

The true magic of this itinerary lies in its ability to present two distinct, yet equally captivating, faces of Colombia. You’ll experience the living history of Cartagena and the wild, natural soul of Santa Marta.

Cartagena: A Living Museum of Color and Passion

As your ship sails into the bay of Cartagena, the modern skyline of Bocagrande rises to greet you. But the real treasure lies behind the formidable stone walls that have guarded the city for centuries. Stepping into the Old Town, the *Ciudad Amurallada*, is like stepping back in time. The air grows heavy, thick with the scent of tropical flowers cascading from wooden balconies and the distant rhythm of cumbia music.

This is a city to be savored with all five senses.

Must-Experience Moments in Cartagena:

• Wander the Walled City: Get lost. It’s the best advice anyone can give you. Each narrow street reveals a new vista: a sun-drenched plaza, a magnificent cathedral, or a row of homes painted in impossible shades of ochre, cobalt, and magenta.
• Explore Getsemaní: Just outside the main walls lies the city's most vibrant and authentic neighborhood. Once a humble district, Getsemaní is now a bohemian paradise of stunning street art, lively salsa clubs, and charming open-air cafes. It's where the city's creative heart beats loudest.
• Taste the Culture: Colombian food is a revelation. Seek out a street vendor for a life-changing *arepa de huevo* (a fried corn cake stuffed with an egg), cool down with fresh-squeezed limonada de coco, and indulge in a world-class ceviche at a celebrated restaurant.
• Walk the Walls at Sunset: As the day's heat subsides, take a stroll atop the ancient coral-stone walls. Watch as the sun dips into the Caribbean, painting the sky in fiery hues and casting a golden glow over the city's rooftops. It’s a moment of pure, cinematic magic.

Our team can help you arrange exclusive shore excursions, from private historical tours to culinary classes, ensuring you experience the very best of this incredible city. To explore these options, speak with one of our Colombia cruise specialists at 1 (888) 883‑0460 for personalized guidance.

Santa Marta: Gateway to Colombia's Wild Heart

If Cartagena is Colombia's colonial crown jewel, Santa Marta is its wild, beating heart. As South America's oldest surviving city, it possesses a grittier, more lived-in charm. But its true allure is its staggering natural setting, nestled between the turquoise Caribbean and the soaring, jungle-clad peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

This is your gateway to adventure, a place where history and untamed nature collide.

Adventures from Santa Marta:

• Journey to Tayrona National Park: This is the region's star attraction. Princess offers expertly guided excursions to this protected paradise, where giant, ancient boulders line pristine beaches, and monkeys chatter in the canopy of the dense rainforest. It’s a vision of the Caribbean as it was hundreds of years ago.
• Discover Minca: Escape to the cooler air of the Sierra Nevada foothills in the small coffee town of Minca. Here, you can tour an organic coffee plantation (*finca*), learn about the bean-to-cup process, sample some of the world's best single-origin coffee, and even take a dip in a refreshing waterfall pool.
• Explore the Historic Center: Don't overlook the city itself. Visit the cathedral where revolutionary hero Simón Bolívar was once interred and relax in the shade of the leafy Parque de los Novios, the city's social hub.

This powerful contrast between Cartagena's polished history and Santa Marta's raw natural beauty is what makes a Princess cruise to Colombia so profoundly rewarding. You experience the full spectrum of the country's coastal soul. Ready to see what your perfect Colombian voyage could look like? Get a Custom Quote and let our experts craft an unforgettable itinerary tailored just for you.

Your Colombian Dream Awaits

The scent of strong coffee in the mountain air. The feel of centuries-old stone beneath your feet. The sight of a toucan in the rainforest canopy. The sound of laughter and music spilling from a brightly colored doorway. These are the moments that stay with you. These are the moments that Colombia offers in abundance.

A Princess Cruises voyage is your key to unlocking this extraordinary country with grace, comfort, and style. It’s an invitation to look beyond the familiar and discover a corner of the Caribbean that will challenge your perceptions and capture your heart. Let us handle the details, from finding the perfect stateroom to booking your dream excursions. All that's left for you to do is pack your sense of wonder.

The vibrant shores and hidden gems of Colombia are waiting. Plan Your Colombia Adventure today, and let us help you write the next chapter of your travel story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Colombian Cruise

What is the best time of year to cruise to Colombia?

The dry season, from December to March, is generally considered the best time to visit Colombia's Caribbean coast. You'll experience plenty of sunshine and less humidity, making it ideal for exploring the cities and national parks. However, Colombia is a year-round destination with warm temperatures, so cruises are enjoyable at any time.

What should I pack for a Colombian cruise?

Pack lightweight clothing like shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and swimwear for the warm, tropical climate. Include comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports, as well as a pair of smarter shoes for evenings on the ship. Don't forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen) and a reusable water bottle. For excursions to Minca or Tayrona, light hiking shoes and insect repellent are recommended.

Is it safe to explore the ports in Colombia?

Yes. The tourist areas of Cartagena and Santa Marta are well-policed and accustomed to international visitors. As with any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive jewelry, and stick to well-known areas. Booking shore excursions through Princess Cruises or our agency ensures you are with trusted, vetted local guides.

What currency is used in Colombia?

The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). While major credit cards are accepted in many larger shops and restaurants in the tourist centers, it's always a good idea to have some local currency for smaller purchases, street food, and tips. US dollars are sometimes accepted for larger purchases but expect a less favorable exchange rate.

Does Princess Cruises offer excursions to Tayrona National Park?

Absolutely. Princess Cruises offers a variety of curated shore excursions from the port of Santa Marta, including guided tours to the stunning Tayrona National Park. These tours typically handle all transportation and logistics, allowing you to simply immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the park. Our travel experts can help you select and book the perfect excursion for your activity level and interests.