Five cruise ships are returning to the Port of Cartagena in a significant operation that once again demonstrates that the Cartagena dock has professionals and infrastructure that position it as one of the main cruise traffic destination ports in the Mediterranean.
The president of the Port Authority, Yolanda Muñoz, highlighted that “this is the second time this scene has been repeated in the Port of Cartagena. It's a source of pride for a job well done, thanks to the staff of the Port Authority and the port community, and the direct involvement of the Cartagena City Council and the Regional Government in promoting a destination chosen by major cruise lines as a stopover on their Mediterranean itineraries, recognizing it as a major tourist capital.” Because, as Muñoz emphasized, “not all ports can accommodate five cruise ships at the same time.”.
On the same day, nearly 5,000 British and American passengers arrived aboard the ships Vision of the Seas, from Royal Caribbean; Spirit of Discovery, from Saga Cruises Company; Silver Dawn, from Silver Sea; Marella Explorer 2, from Marella Cruises; and the Star Legend, from Windstar Cruises.
“Cruise tourism continues to break records in Cartagena in a year where the cruise industry is consolidating its recovery after the coronavirus crisis. A year in which 26 new ships and four new cruise lines are arriving, choosing Cartagena for the first time because they know it is a successful destination.”.
Mayor Noelia Arroyo emphasized that Cartagena is making history once again with this five-ship port call. “Having five cruise ships in a single day is a success for Cartagena, projecting the best image of the city as a regional tourism capital and a major Mediterranean capital, which demonstrates that things are being done right,” Arroyo said.
Cartagena and has had more than 40 personnel from the Port Authority and the collaboration of the City Council, with local police, guides and Port of Cultures, as well as the work of the consignees Agencia Marítima Blázquez, Erhardt Mediterráneo and Bergé Marítima.
The Marella Explorer 2, carrying over 1,700 passengers, and the Vision of the Seas , with 1,300 passengers, have docked at the Cruise Terminal . At the Santa Lucía and San Pedro piers, the Spirit of Discovery , with 950 tourists, and the Silver Dawn , with 620 passengers, have arrived. Both ships were transferred by bus throughout the morning to the city center to begin their tour of the streets, attractions, and museums.
And finally, the Star Legend, with 300 passengers, has arrived at the Curra Dock, who have also been transferred to the city by buses throughout the morning.
The president of the Port Authority praised the outstanding work of the Port Authority staff and the port community, including pilots and mooring crews, who "ensured the operation was a success, adhering to the schedules from early morning to guarantee the docking of the five cruise ships and the transfer of tourists, both upon arrival and departure. We are in a great port, as we have seen once again today, and we are prepared to continue growing as an economic and tourism engine.".
November will be the third best month in terms of port calls and passenger numbers, with 35,000 cruise passengers on 26 ships. Three new ships will arrive in port: the Norwegian Dawnfrom Norwegian Cruise Lines; the Azamara Onwardfrom Azamara Cruises; and the MSC Seaview from MSC Cruises.
