Cartagena, Columbia

[cruisequeen]

We are scheduled to go to Cartagena in Nov. I'm a little anxious about going there. Anyone been there? Should I plan to stay on the ship?

[MTL]

Hi!
We've been there a few years ago and we made a city tour that was wonderful.The place is so facinating by the architecture melting with the modern style.
We will be there again in next november and very anxious to see everything with an organized tour.
Nice cruise. MTL

[conversationist]

Watch out for the beggers and touts. They attach themselves to you and will not let go until you pay them something. It would be a nice stop other wise.

[richstacy]

Have been there. If you go an an organized tour you'll be fine. there are lots of armed guards everywhere. Obviously, don't wear expensive jewelry ashore.

Do not miss the fortress Castillo, de San Felipe de Barajas. This huge fort is a marvel of Spanish colonial achievement. Roughly the equivalent of building a moon-base today. It is really something to see.

[Rev22:17]

cruisequeen,

Originally Posted by You

We are scheduled to go to Cartagena in Nov. I'm a little anxious about going there. Anyone been there? Should I plan to stay on the ship?

No, Cartagena is a lovely city that's about as safe as most American cities with plenty to see for a day, so there's no reason to stay onboard.

When I was there several years ago, the ship offered four tours. Three of the four were very similar, the only difference being the fort. I chose the variation that actually visited the fort (we got off the bus and went in), which was quite interesting, the trade-off being allocation of the least time of these three tours for shopping. The second variation drove past the fort, so those who took it got to see the fort but did not get to go into it, and allocated the additional time for shopping. The third variation skipped the fort completely to offer the most time of these tours for shopping.

And the fourth "tour" was basically transportation to and from a shopping area.

But do take one of the ship's excursions in Cartagena! It's a lovely city with many worthwhile attractions that you can see quite easily in a day.

Norm.

[Mermaid]

I'm very much a "do-it-your-self" shore excursion person. But, in Cartagena I arranged, along with a small number of other persons from the ship, a city tour. Enjoyed it immensely, and anxious to go back.

DO get OFF the ship and DON'T miss the fortress and the old city. DO SKIP the emerald factory unless you have VERY deep pockets.

[Trip]

I just watched a GlobeTrekker about this port last night...While there is an armed presence quite visible, the host, as well as interviewed travelers said they were not bothered by this, but felt comforted about it...loved the city and the people.

As mentioned, go with tour groups, and I am sure you will have a great time.

[cruisequeen]

Thanks for your comments. I will check into the ship offered tours when we get closer to sail date. You all have been very helpful!

This Fortress - how accessible is it? I use a Scooter but can walk. I have trouble with stairs and uneven ground.

[richstacy]

I think there are quite a few stairs, but I think I recall a very long ramp too. Maybe others will have a better recollection.

[cruisequeen]

Thanks for the info!
If any of you have any other suggestions, I'd like to hear them! Thanks again everyone.

[Parrot Mom]

We are people who just love Cartegena, Colombia.. Spent a week there years ago and if beggars and touts turn yo off go with an escorted tour. You can hire a taxi outside the terminal...make sure you go to the now beautiful old city, the Dungeons..and the fort...the streets are bumpy.. We wer sent to Caretegena, Spain on our last cruise and Ill take Cartegena, colombia any day of the week.. but then again..lol.. most people get scared off..Look for the silk macrame shawls.. gorgeous

[cruisequeen]

The silk macrame shawls sound interesting! Are they expensive? Sounds like something I'd like to see (or buy). Are they sold in shops or street venders?