Colombia’s Caribbean Cruise Expansion Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

14.11.2023 - 20:57 / travelpulse.com / Royal Caribbean International / Santa Marta / Emerald Cruises / Brian Major / Carmen Caballero

Colombia is expected to achieve “significant growth” in its cruise sector during the 2023-2024 season, according to officials at ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency.

Data from Colombia port authorities report the destination will host 220 ship calls from 30 cruise lines from the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and Monaco in the coming months.

The vessels, including ships operated by Royal Caribbean International, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises, will carry 334,000 passengers to Colombian ports through June of 2024.

The deployments will have an economic impact of “close to $50 million,”  ProColombia officials said in a statement. The itineraries will “be essential for showing international travelers emerging destinations within the Colombian territory.”

Cruise ships will call at the Caribbean coast cities of Cartagena, Santa Marta, and at the Pacific Ocean port city of Buenaventura during the 2023-2024 season, officials said.

Additionally, “efforts are being coordinated with local communities and authorities” in Cabo de la Vela, a Caribbean coast city on the La Guajira peninsula, to “initiate a plan to receive four cruise [ships] from Emerald Cruises, Noble Caledonia and Hurtigruten during the first half of 2024,” ProColombia officials said.

"This achievement is the result of [ProColombia’s] strategy to explore and promote non-traditional destinations that are emerging as hidden gems with immense potential to captivate and enchant cruise passengers,” said Carmen Caballero, the agency’s president.

“This commitment confirms our dedication to diversification and innovation in the cruise industry,” added Caballero, “offering travelers unforgettable experiences in places that have not yet been fully discovered.”

Colombia achieved significant year-over-year cruise passenger growth last year, as cruise vessel arrivals increased by 151 percent, while cruise passenger arrivals grew by 346 percent increase, according to ProColombia data drawn from port records in cities that hosted cruise calls and the General Maritime Directorate agency.

Last year also saw the establishment of new Colombian cruise ship calls in the Caribbean coastal locations of Sapzurro, Capurganá and the Gulf of Morrosquillo, officials said.

Earlier this month, Colombia’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism launched a promotional campaign featuring the slogan “Colombia, the Country of Beauty,” in recognition of the South American nation’s exceptional natural environment.

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