Category: Caribbean

WORLD CULINARY DISCOVERIES IN CARTAGENA

Discover the beauty of Cartagena while learning (and tasting!) her culinary traditions. Your tour will begin with a panoramic view of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside of the walled city.

This monumental fort is known to be the most outstanding accomplishment of Spanish military engineering in the new world. The tour continues to the old city, where your first stop will include an arepa con huevo, which consists of fried corn with eggs, carimañola and queso accompanied by natural juice or Colombian coffee. Take a walk in the historic colonial city of Cartagena, surrounded by 9 miles of ramparts which took 194 years to build and enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the attacks of marauding English pirates.

During your guided walk, you will see some impressive and preserved colonial Spanish architecture, with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. As you reach your next stop, you will enjoy a delicious Cartagena main dish, consisting of meat, fried coconut rice, avocado salad and temptation plantains made with a sweet soda called “Kola Roman”. Continue on with a visit to “The Dungeons” within the walled city ramparts, built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high-quality handicrafts market. Once here, you can enjoy some typical candies, with an assortment of coconut, pineapple, cinnamon and panela flavors, offered by famous Palenqueras, women in colorful dresses expertly balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads, who became the symbol of Cartagena. Your tour ends as your return to your ship at the pier.

Please note: it is recommended that guests wear sunblock and comfortable shoes as this tour consists of a good amount of walking. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call

OLD TOWN ROADSTERS

Excursion details

Do your sightseeing in style during this outing, which lets you experience Cartagena from the seat of a classic roadster, before lunch at a local restaurant and a short walking tour.

Begin your day with a bus ride of approximately 20 minutes to the starting point of your experience, where you’ll be greeted by a fleet of classic cars. Hop in and enjoy a tour around Cartagena for around 40 minutes. Your driver will also act as your tour guide, offering information as your vehicle snakes around the narrow pathways of the buzzing Getsemani district and Cartagena’s historic old town, with its excellently preserved, multicolored colonial architecture.

It’s then time to refuel with some Colombian cuisine at the Al Alma Restaurant. Tuck in to Delicious samples of local cuisine and a refreshing drink over approximately 30 minutes before heading out again for a walking tour of around half an hour that explores the old town and its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Afterwards, you’ll have a further hour or so of free time to explore the old town on your own, which could include visiting some of the area’s shops and markets for souvenirs or stopping at a cafe for a while. Finally, a drive of about 30 minutes returns to the port

Important Information: The price of this tour is per car and for up to 2 guests to allow for optimum comfort. Guests will ride in Old Timer Style cars. There are 2 additional seats in the vehicle for a 3rd and 4th guest travelling in your party that can be purchased for a surcharge of $32.00 per person.

Please book code CAR24A for the 3rd and 4th guest. This is not a self-drive tour; a driver will be provided. There is a dedicated certified guide from Pier to Pier, but he will not be riding in the car

GETSEMANI AND OLD TOWN

Delve deep into Cartagena’s history during an excursion lasting around three and a half hours. You’ll get to see the vibrant and arty Getsemani neighbourhood and the colourful, walled old town, before striking gold at the Museo del Oro Zenú.

Excursion details

Get to know the stories behind Cartagena’s history on this insightful three-and-a-half-hour excursion. You’ll explore the Colombian city’s multilayered past, both on a bus and by foot.

The first stop heads to the San Felipe fort for a photo stop before continuing to Getsemani, around 15 minutes away by bus. Centred on the Plaza de la Trinidad, this neighbourhood housed enslaved people during slavery, and also housed freed slaves after its abolition. Nowadays it’s become a trendy, bohemian hot spot, full of cafes, restaurants and street art, some of which marks the area’s history. Spend about 15 minutes walking around Getsemani, before taking part in a lesson on how to prepare coconut lemonade, lasting approximately 30 minutes, which includes time to enjoy your freshly made beverage afterwards.

A short transfer then brings you to the historic Walled City, a colourful area that boasts well-preserved colonial architecture. You’ll have about 15 minutes to stroll around Plaza de San Diego, watched over by a church, Iglesia de Santo Toribio.

Next, a short ride takes you to the centre of the Walled City, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes taking in sights such as the Parque de la Marina, Plaza de Santa Teresa and the Iglesia San Pedro Claver.

Then, spend the next 20 minutes or so marvelling at the treasures of the Museo del Oro Zenú (Zenú Gold Museum), including gold objects and pottery created by the indigenous Zenú people. Afterwards you’ll have approximately 40 minutes of free time to explore the area on your own before a transfer of around 25 minutes takes you back to the port.

Important Information: this tour may operate in reverse order. This tour includes a considerable amount of walking. Guests should consider their physical fitness before booking this tour

CARTAGENA DOORS, GABO HISTORY and GASTRONOMY

Your tour begins with a photo stop at San Felipe de Barajas Fort, an impressive example of Spanish colonial military architecture and a great spot for panoramic views of the city. From there, continue to Las Bóvedas, a historic 18th-century structure now home to local shops and artisans Next, visit Claustro La Merced, where the ashes of Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez are kept, and learn about his connection to the city. Then, enjoy a guided walk through Cartagena’s historic center—strolling cobblestone streets, admiring colonial architecture, and discovering the stories behind the city’s iconic doors.

Along the way, take in the street life with Palenqueras, musicians, and vendors adding to the charm. Visit the San Pedro Claver Church and Cloister, a landmark rich in history and cultural significance. To close out the experience, relax over a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the pier. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate

ELECTRIC RIDE, OLD TOWN VIBES & CATAMARAN BEATS

Depart the pier for an approximately 20-minute drive to Cartagena’s Old Town. Upon arrival, begin a guided walk inside the historic city walls, stopping at Plaza Bolívar, Plaza San Pedro, and other notable landmarks. Your guide will provide a brief overview of experiences nearby, such as, venues to grab a typical snack or drink, shopping spots, or museums. Then, hop into a restored electric replica of a 1924 classic car for an approximately 30-minute ride through the streets of the Walled City.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore Cartagena at your own pace. When it’s time to return, board a boat for a one-hour scenic cruise through the Inner Bay. Your guide will point out key sights as you enjoy lively music, local dancers, and an open bar with rum punch, beer, rum and cola, and sodas. The tour concludes with a bus ride back to the cruise port.
Please note: Each car fits 4 guests. If your party is smaller than 4, you may be required to share the car with other guests

DAY PASS AT FENIX BEACH CLUB

Escape to Fénix Beach on Tierra Bomba Island, just a short speedboat ride from Cartagena. Your day begins with a 25-minute boat transfer from the port to the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink as you settle into the relaxed beach atmosphere. Spend your free time soaking up the sun, swimming in the sea, or simply unwinding at the Fénix Beach Club.

Whether you prefer lounging in the shade or taking in the views, this is your time to relax. Later, enjoy a traditional Cartagenean-style lunch featuring local flavors. After lunch, you’ll have more time to enjoy the beach at your own pace. The experience concludes with a return speedboat ride back to the port.

Please note: Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests bring a towel, sunscreen, bathing suit, and cash or credit cards for any additional purchases. Beach chair locations are available on a first come, first served basis

VAN WITH DRIVER AND GUIDE – 4 HOURS

This shore excursion offers an exclusive and privileged way to explore the key landmarks of your destination together with your family and friends. With a private driver, you can customize your itinerary and spend as much time as you like at each stop. The car provides a comfortable way to travel, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to each landmark. The four-hour duration of the tour provides the perfect amount of time to visit a variety of sights and get a taste of the local culture.

If you would like to book a different kind of private service, such as a different duration, group size or type of vehicle, you can contact the shore excursions office directly onboard. The onboard shore excursions team will be happy to help you plan an unforgettable shore excursion that is tailored to your unique requirements.
Please Note: Vehicle, driver, guide and gasoline included. The price does not include any entrance fees or meals and is per vehicle and not per passenger.

If you want to set a customized itinerary and add entrance tickets to any of the tourist attractions, please contact your shorex excursion staff on the ship. Once on board, you can book all kinds of private services, please make a request directly with Shorex Office