The high season for cruise tourism begins in the Port of Cartagena, driven by the warm temperatures, as well as the wide range of tourist offerings and immersive experiences promoted by the city and the Region of Murcia.
Between September and November, the Juan Sebastián De Elcano terminal expects to receive a total of 75 calls and more than 90,000 passengers, thus consolidating its position as a winterless port by having ships arrive every month of the year.
For the Port Authority, this autumn season's figures "couldn't be more encouraging, as they surpass those achieved before the pandemic," even though ships are not yet operating at full capacity due to health restrictions. The president of the Port Authority of Cartagena (APC), Yolanda Muñoz, explains that "2019 was the year with the highest number of passengers, and this season we have managed to exceed 89,000 cruise passengers and 62 port calls thanks to the joint work and effort carried out by the Port Authority, the Cartagena City Council, and the Regional Government of Murcia.".
During the visit to the construction site of the first phase of Plaza Mayor, together with the mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo and the deputy mayor, Ana Belén Castejón, the president highlighted that "this autumn we will also have a clear presence of luxury and premium cruise ships.".
So much so that on October 3rd, a five-ship port call will take place with the arrival of four luxury vessels (World Voyager, Spirit of Adventure, Ocean Odyssey , and Corinthian) along with the legendary Queen Victoria. That same month, on October 12th, the busiest day for cruise passengers will occur with the disembarkation of more than 6,000 cruise passengers from the Britannia and Mein Schiff Herz.
Muñoz highlights that “October will be the best month in terms of port calls,” with 36 expected, and, moreover, for ten days, “the Port will offer a continuous scene of double port calls.” On the 25th, it will welcome the triple arrival of the state-of-the-art Island Princess; the three-masted sailing ship Sea Cloud ; and the Solstice-class cruise ship Celebrity Constellation.
But November will hold the record for passengers this season, with 40,000 cruise ship passengers disembarking. Six thousand of them will arrive aboard what is considered the world's largest cruise ship: the Wonder of the Seas. The vessel from the prestigious Royal Caribbean will return to Cartagena's waters on November 2nd.
The penultimate month of the year will culminate with a total of 26 port calls and the coincidence of five cruise ships in port on November 5th, including the luxury ships Star Legend and Vision of the Seas; the British cruise ships Marella Explorer 2 and Spirit of Discovery ; and the ultra-luxury ship Silver Down.
According to forecasts, September will conclude with the arrival of 19,000 passengers and 13 ship calls. The joint arrival of the Queen Victoria, Vision of the Seas, and Aidastella on the 8th is a highlight. The following day (September 9th), the luxury cruise ship Serenissima and the Carnival Pride, belonging to the American cruise line Carnival Cruise Line, will arrive. The latter will be calling at the port city for the first time.
The president of the Cartagena Port Authority (APC) points out that “the city’s proximity to the port and the ability to offer experiences tailored to tourists’ preferences make it very attractive for any cruise line to choose Cartagena as a port of call.” She also highlights Plaza Mayor as “the link between the port and the city, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Cartagena’s essence, gastronomy, history, and culture as soon as they disembark.”.
In this regard, Muñoz took advantage of the visit to highlight the complexity of the Plaza Mayor project, given the significant work required, such as the installation of essential services. The president explained that “this project involves much more than just paving; it includes burying all the electrical wiring, implementing sustainable energy efficiency measures, replacing pipes and water connections, and installing cabling to facilitate internet access, which was previously unavailable.”.
After eight months of work, the president of the APC has already announced that the first phase of Plaza Mayor will be inaugurated in mid-September, so the work has been boosted during the summer months with the participation of a hundred workers.
