Cartagena
During your luxury Caribbean cruise vacation with MSC Cruises lines you’ll stop off at the ancient Colombian seaport of Cartagena.
Cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with blooming bougainvillea and pastel-coloured buildingsDuring your luxury Caribbean cruise vacation with MSC Cruises lines you’ll stop off at the ancient Colombian seaport of Cartagena. Cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with blooming bougainvillea and pastel-coloured buildings lining the elegant plazas, making Cartagena one of Latin America's most photogenic cities. But Cartagena is not just another pretty holiday seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates but today the city quickly reveals its treasures to modern visitors! Signs of the city's pirating past can be seen on every corner. The best example is Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas – built to fend off pillagers, it is the city's largest fortress and one of the strongest forts ever created by the Spaniards during their period of colonisation. Other forts, dating from the 16th century make a worthwhile visit and we highly recommend the Cartagena City Tour, which will suit history-buffs and shopaholics alike. Other great deals on local attractions and not-to-be-missed sightseeing packages are covered in our Panoramic Bay Tour. For a unique day out, you can choose to spend your day away from the ship taking a holiday back in time as you board a majestic 17th-century Spanish Galleon and relive the sights and views of ancient seafarers. Less swashbuckling activities are available to nature-lovers who will enjoy the Mangroves Ecological Tour, where the natural abundance of the region is available for all to enjoy. |
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Pratical info
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Port average temperatureThe climate tends to be hot and windy. The months of November to February tend to be more windy months, giving an extra cooling to the otherwise high tropical temperatures The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.
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CAR01 - Cartagena City Tour (4 hrs) - 2011-2012
Explore the city of Cartagena, which has a reputation as impenetrable after the construction of its impressive fortress. Departing from the pier, you will pass by the “Republican” architecture of Manga residential area. Continue to a photo stop at the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America. Las Bovedas Artisan Center is next, built as dungeons and as a means of storage, today local artisans display their work there you will enjoy handicraft shopping. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city and walk to the majestic San Pedro Claver´s Sanctuary built to honor the missionary Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves. Plaza de Bolívar is the next stop and features a statue of its namesake. Across the street we find the Inquisition Palace, the Inquisition was established in Cartagena in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. Located in this building you can see samples of jails and torture chambers. The sentencing ceremony used to take place in public, in the middle of the plaza. Continue on to the Gold Museum, enjoy viewing the impressive selection of exquisite gold pieces and pottery, as well as exhibits relating to the history of the Sinú, an ancient native people. Last stop at Pierino Gallo Shopping Center around 45 minutes to shop before returning to the ship.Note: The sightseeing portion in the old town requires extended periods of walking and standing.
Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR03 - Panoramic Tour Around the Bay (2 hrs) - 2011-2012
You will board a beautiful Spanish Galleon (replica of a 17th century sailing ship) which will take you for a two hours tour of the inner bay of Cartagena. As you cruise the harbour, you will experience much of the same panorama that the pirates and seafarers of days gone away. You will see the massive ramparts, originally built to protect the city, the beautiful Clock Tower marking the entrance to the walled city as well as Cartagena 's dramatic skyline dominated by San Pedro Claver Church. Passing the site of the fort of Manzanillo, which guards the eastern entrance to the inner bay, the boats makes a look between the island of Tierrabomba and the peninsula of Castillo Grande. Passengers will enjoy folkloric show and complimentary beer, soft drinks, bottled water and snacks will be offered on board.Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR04 - Cartagena Walking Tour (3 hrs) - 2011-2012 The tour departs from the pier in air conditioned buses, passing by the traditional district of Manga to admire the beautiful houses of the Republican Period. The walking tour starts at SANTIAGO´S BASTION. Visitors will go down the ramp and take San Juan de Dios Street, admiring the charming colonial architecture of the area and finish at the San Pedro Claver´s Plaza. The tour continues down towards Custom Plaza, which was the commercial centre during the colonial time. The walk will proceed to Plaza de la Proclamación to admire the Cathedral and the Governor’s building, which in the colonial days was used as headquarters of the Spanish government. Plaza de Bolivar will be the next stop. The tours strolls down the street admiring the magnitude of the colonial mansions in the area ending at Santiago’s Bastion. On the way back to the pier, guests will make a brief stop at San Felipe de Baraja´s fort for a panoramic view.Note: Not designed for wheel chair bound pax and walking problem at all. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR05 - Ecological Tour & Mangroves Swamp Tunnels (3 hrs) - 2011-2012 
Your tour starts with a panoramic view of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city. This monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the new world. Its construction began in 1536 and lasted for 121 years. After a quick drive through the narrow street of the walled city, you will continue to the Mangroves area.There you will be taken by canoe through mangroves tunnels to the Cienaga de la Virgen. A great diversity of birds such as the Kingsfisher, White heron, Common Laura, Pink Spatula and Pelicans live in this area. Enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna that encompasses this fascinating eco – system.Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR06 - Rosario Island Tour with Lunch (6 hrs) - 2011-2012 
Enjoy a scenic speedboat ride from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands located 24 miles to the south of Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are composed of 27 islands, 3 of them belonging to the state and the other 24 totally private. The area is designated as a National Natural Park which is ideal for the development of coral reefs in its 55 kilometers of protected area with depths up to 90 feet. Your first stop will be at Isla del Sol for a welcome beverage and fresh fruit. Next, you will sightsee around the islands by boat and visit the local aquarium at Isla de San Martin. Enjoy the show with the dolphins and sharks before returning to Isla del Sol for lunch. This area is also the best for snorkeling, with coral reefs, sponges and many different kinds of fish to admire, or you may simply choose to relax and enjoy the beach area. Note: Please wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, At the same time remember to bring your own snorkel gear which is not included.
Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR07 - Panoramic Sightseeing Tour (2.5 hrs) - 2011-2012 This is an opportunity to experience the uniquely magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias from the comfort of your air-conditioned motor coach. Cartagena is a UNESCO World heritage site and a living breathing city that has been remarkably well preserved. Departing from the pier side and accompanied by expert local guides your first stop will be a panoramic view of the imposing military fort of San Felipe de Barajas, which is situated outside the walled city. This immense building is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World with its construction beginning in 1536 and lasting for 121 years. You will then continue to the historic colonial city. The immense walls took 194 years to be completed and enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the numerous attacks of English pirates and other would be invaders. The Spanish colonial architecture is some of the most impressive and best preserved in South America with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. You will continue to Bocagrande, which in complete contrast with the old city, is modern with high rise apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants, and is where many Colombians take their vacations. A brief stop for a shopping at the Pierino Gallo shopping center famous for its wide variety of jewelry shop with the world renowned Colombian Emerald before returning to the pier.Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR08 - Old Cartagena & Folkloric Show & Shopping (4 hrs) - 2011-2012 This fascinating tour of the magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias, includes a tour of the historic colonial city and a beautiful show of Colombian music and dance at the painstakingly restored Heredia Theatre.Your tour starts with a panoramic view of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city. This monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the new world. On entering the walled city you will make 10 minutes stop for photographs at the San Francisco Gun Battery and you will then have the opportunity to encounter the 16th Century first hand with the city’s beautifully preserved colonial Houses, Churches, Plazas and Museums. A visit to San Pedro Claver Cloister and Monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves, serves as reminder of the turbulent past of Cartagena. The ornate and very beautiful Heredia Theater was built in 1911 from the ruins of the old Mercy Church to commemorate the Centenary of the independence of Colombia from Spain and has been restored as a cultural centre for theatrical and musical performances. Here a folk show of music and dance will be presented by local artists in the main auditorium. The show consists of 5 beautiful dances of three important regions of Colombia such as the Atlantic Coast (Cumbia), the Pacific Coast (Currulao and Abosao), and from Los Andes region (the Market place and the Indian Legend).You will then continue your tour to Bocagrande, the modern part of Cartagena, with its Shopping Center, Pierino Gallo, where you will be able to browse & shop for the world famous Colombian Emeralds before returning to the pier. Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
CAR09 - Horse Carriage Ride in the Walled City (2 hrs) - 2011-2012 
Departing from the pier in air-conditioned motor coaches you will begin the tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the new world. Its construction began in 1536 and lasted for 121 years. At the Rafael Nuñez House a horse carriage will take you through the narrow streets of the walled city, with its colonial houses, squares such as La Merced with the Heredia Theater, Santo Domingo with Gertrudis, the famous sculpture donated by Botero, the Custom square with the City Hall, San Peter with magnificent church and the beautiful baroque door of The Inquisition Palace at Bolivar Square. At the end of the tour visit of The Dungeons within the walled city ramparts which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork & woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia.Price per person Starting from (Not available) Adults (Not available) Children
The excursions in the programme above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call ; this programme is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.
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