The president of the Cartagena Port Authority welcomed the crew of the premium-class Celebrity Edge, which made its maiden call at the Juan Sebastián Elcano dock. The ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse cruise ship also made its first port of call.
The number of cruise passengers arriving at the Port of Cartagena in recent years has increased exponentially, and with it, the number of premium and luxury cruises, a sector with its own protocols and requirements. This year, we have seen an increase of more than 40 percent compared to 2019 in the number of luxury cruises calling at Cartagena, exceeding 91 calls.
Yolanda Muñoz emphasized that “this type of tourist seeks differentiation or exclusivity and finds it in Cartagena. Cruise passengers disembark at street level and find Cartagena a welcoming and safe city, thanks to the work carried out in conjunction with the Cartagena City Council and the Regional Government.”.
Museums and interpretation centers, as well as kayak excursions from El Portús and visits to the caves of Neptune and the Giant; cycling route along the Mar Menor and visit to the salt flats of San Pedro; diving experiences in the Marine Reserve of Islas Hormigas; horse riding or mountain biking route in the Calblanque natural park; and visit to Castillitos and route through various fortresses are some of the activities that this type of tourist demands.
The Celebrity Edge, measuring 306 meters in length and accommodating nearly 3,000 passengers, offers transformative accommodations, from modern two-story villas with plunge pools to staterooms featuring Infinite Verandas—glass galleries that can be transformed into balconies at the touch of a button. In addition, among other options, travelers can choose the Iconic Suites, the most luxurious in the fleet, offering breathtaking panoramic views, among other amenities.
The Scenic Eclipse is the first ocean-going cruise ship from the Australian company Scenic Group, usually known for its luxury cruises and river cruises. It has a maximum capacity of 228 passengers and 176 crew members, distributed among 144 suites.
Muñoz emphasized that the year-on-year growth demonstrates the shipping companies' confidence in the Port of Cartagena. Projections for 2022 anticipate 218 port calls and 250,000 passengers. Of these, 36 will be double calls and 17 triple calls. During the month of May, 27 port calls are expected, carrying 33,500 passengers.
